The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

Inside Mali’s house of horror

Travails of Nigerian women clamped in dingy prison without trial

•Remanded children watch in horror as prison officials brutalise their mothers
•Embassy officials accused of extorting millions from inmates

Many Nigerian ladies are languishing in Central Women Prison in Bamako, the capital of Mali. A good number of them have been in the dingy prison where they are daily dehumanised for years without trial. Some of them alleged that the Nigerian Embassy officials in the French speaking country have been fleecing them and their relations in millions with promise to secure their release. To worsen matters, innocent children co-detained with their mothers are daily traumatised watching prison authorities brutalise their mothers, INNOCENT DURU reports.

Precious, a petty trader, left the shores of Nigeria for Mali in 2020 to seek greener pastures after many years of toiling without meaningful result.

She embarked on the journey after a close friend assured her that her life would be transformed in the French speaking country even if she had to do the same petty business she was doing in Nigeria.

“Wow!” Precious exclaimed as the information tickled and enchanted her. That obviously was the good news she had been yearning for.

Without wasting time, she packed her luggage and gave her parents and siblings emotional hugs as she bade them bye with an assurance that she would soon put smiles on their faces.

Precious’s elation however turned into despondency soon after she arrived in Mali as she was picked up by security operatives and thrown into prison.

“I have been here for more than four years without trial. They didn’t even tell me the number of years I will be staying here, not to talk of telling me when to go. I never did anything wrong,” the embattled lady said in a video sent to our correspondent by her younger sister, Sharon.

Reliving her predicament and those of other inmates in the prison, Precious said: “Some of our sisters have become paralysed. Many others have given birth here while some others came in with their children.

“Imagine one of our sisters gave birth at a police station and she was brought in here with the newborn baby and blood on her body.”

The infant might have had irreparable damage done to her psyche as Precious said: “The baby has spent three years here in the prison. Now if she sees a vehicle, she will run, if she sees a male person, she will run. She runs away from everything she sees.

“Unfortunately, there is no school the child can attend here. What will she become when she grows up?”

The children, as seen in the video, look visibly ruffled and pale as they hold on to the iron bars of the prison struggling fruitlessly to see what was happening outside.

From the narration of the inmates, the prison is the only home the children have seen in their life and the horrible experience the only education they have had. Hunger and deprivation are all they have enjoyed, leaving one to wonder what the future holds for the hapless and harmless young inmates.

Pained by their predicament, Precious blamed the officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Mali for their woes. Complaints about how some Nigerian envoys sell out their compatriots in foreign lands have become a recurring decimal. From Germany to China and from Mali to other parts of the world, our correspondent, who has been relating with the migrants, reports that the complaints have always been the same. They latch onto the problems of the citizens they are supposed to protect in order to curry favour from their hosts and consequently feather their nests.

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Like other distressed migrants that our correspondent had encountered previously, Precious and her colleagues also shared their horrible experience with the Nigerian officials in Mali.

She said: “Our embassy here is our number one problem. They placed us in these people’s hands and they are still the ones coming round to ask us for money to secure our release.

“When you give them that money, they will use it and would not do anything about the problem.

“I have spent more than four years in this prison. They ate my money.

“When anyone among us goes to court, they will still be the ones that would go and stand against the person. They will tell the court not to release us.

“There are mothers among us who have been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

“If I spend 10 years in prison, how many years do I have left to be productive?”

She alleged that some of the officials “collected N9 million from some of our sisters. If I am lying, send this video to them. Let them come and ask me. We have more evidence.

“We have 18 of our brothers and sisters (eight boys and 10 girls) who were selling supplements in Burkina Fasso. They came here to hustle at ages between 19 and 20.

“Their only offence was that they did not have approval to sell the supplements. They were rounded up and brought to the prison.

“Those children don’t know how they can even get food to eat. The embassy that was supposed to stand for them were the ones who went to tell the authorities that those children were into human trafficking whereas they have the ID cards of their companies and the supplements they were selling.

“The authorities arrested them and the supplements and took them to a police station. From the police station, they took them to court and wrote that they were into human trafficking.”

Continuing, she said: “The company went to the embassy in Nigeria to complain and from there, they called the embassy here to release them. But they said the money for bail will not be enough and demanded that the parents of the children should send them N10 million or they will be sent to five years in prison.

“The prison officials beat us every day. We have sent letters to our embassy on many occasions but they have always replied that they should not be involved in our matters. They said we should be left here to rot away. We are calling for help from Nigerians.

Frustrated by her experience in the Malian prison, Precious pleaded to be brought back home to serve her prison terms.

Her words: “If it means going to serve jail term in Nigeria, I am okay with that. We are here at our own risk. It was not a small issue with the prison authorities this morning.”

Seeking the intervention of the Federal Government and kind hearted Nigerians, Precious said: “This video is the only avenue we have to speak out. Please help to make it go viral and reach the top government officials in Abuja.

“We believe that no matter how bad Nigeria is, the President will not just sit and watch us die. I am begging Nigerians in the name of God to help us.”

Contrary to claims in some quarters that the video in which Precious spoke was an old one, our correspondent searched and reached out to Precious’s sister Sharon, who promptly dismissed the claims and went on to share fresh videos and audio messages from her sister with our correspondent.

Precious directly responded to our request in one of the short voice messages.

Seeking help for Precious, Sharon went down memory lane to recall how she embarked on the ill-fated trip.

She said: “My sister travelled to Mali between 2020 and 2021. She was into petty business before someone told her about Mali.

“The person told her that there was money in Mali. They arrested her immediately she got to Mali and seized her phone.

“It was two years after she had been in prison that she told us that she was in detention. She used the mobile number of a prison cleaner.

“The amount of money the people over there are demanding from them is too much. They asked for N1million.

“The Nigerian embassy is not helping matters. My sister and other inmates are asking to be deported but they are not cooperating.

“They are also not taking them to court; they just kept them there.”

As a family, Sharon said, “we don’t know what to do again. Our parents are aware of her condition. We have no money. They are asking for a million naira and we don’t have such.

“My mum is not working. My brother has been sacked in his place of work. We have nowhere to raise such money from.

“It is not easy for us to survive here in our own country. The only thing we can do is to cry out to all Nigerians just as we are doing now.”

‘How Nigerian embassy officials collected N3,8 million without securing my release’

Another inmate told of how officials of the Nigerian embassy in Mali deceitfully collected millions of naira to secure her release but later abandoned her.

She said: “We are more than 100 here. The name of the prison is Bolefam, Bamako.

“The Nigerian Embassy here is the one killing us. They collected N3.8 million from me with assurance that I would come out of prison, but all that is to no avail.

“I have spent three years and three months here without going to court. We have fasted for a month for us to get released. We even did dry fasting but nothing came out of it. At a point, we were asking if God really exists.

“But we will not give up. We will keep praying.”

Inmate’s mother dies of shock

Besides the traumatic effects of imprisonment without trial on the inmates, the effects are also hitting very hard on their people back at home.

Narrating her ordeal, one of the inmates said amid sobs: “I have been in this prison for many years without any help. When I called my mother to inform her that I am in prison, my mother died out of shock.”

Since the mother’s demise, she said, “I don’t have anybody to help me. We really need help. I am begging.

“If we don’t get help, we will die at the hands of these people. The prison conditions are not easy at all.”

Also decrying her predicament, another inmate said her parents had gone broke trying to secure her release.

The fair complexioned lady said: “My parents have spent so much money to secure my release to the point that they have given up hope about my freedom.

“If they give me a 10 years jail term, will it not be over for me? To feed in this place is a big problem.”

Many of the inmates have various degrees of injuries inflicted on them by the prison authorities. They risk tetanus infection as they have been without treatment. “I can’t even get treated for the injury that they inflicted on me. Please help us before they kill us here.

“We don’t want to die here. Please help us. Let them take us to our prisons in Nigeria to serve our sentences.

“My brothers and sisters, please help us. Look at me being in prison at this early stage of my life.

“If they give me a jail term of 10 or five years, what will become of me when I come out?”

Distressed by what she had gone through, an inmate said: “Being in prison is not an easy thing. It is only those who have served prison terms that can understand what it takes to be in prison. Please we are begging for your assistance.”

Confident that the Nigerian authorities have all it takes to secure their release, she said: “If the Nigerian embassy asks them to release us today, they will do so.

“When we met the director of the prison, he said the ball is in the court of our embassy. When we met the judge, he said our hope lies in our embassy.

“The Nigerian embassy is the problem we have today. If they order for our release, we would be set free.”

Also speaking, another injured lady said: “This injury you are seeing was sustained yesterday, September 26, 2024. We had earlier posted a video asking for help.”

According to her, the prison authorities resorted to battering them after a video they did surfaced online.

“The guidance in the prison saw the video and asked for the phone that we used to record. We refused to release the phone because that is what we are using to reach out to people back at home to ask for help.

“When we refused to release the video, they started beating us. Look at the injuries.”

She added: “We are more than 14 that had various degrees of injuries inflicted on us. We are suffering here and we don’t know what will happen tomorrow, because they have vowed to kill us.

“They said even if they kill us, our President cannot do anything. That is the worst part of the whole thing.

“They said we should go back to our country. Ironically, when we asked to be deported, they said no and that even our president cannot do anything about it.

“Please, we are asking for help. We cannot do it alone.

Also decrying the roles of the Nigerian officials in Mali, she said: “The people that call themselves workers at the Nigerian Embassy are not doing their job. They are the ones selling us out to these people.

“The director of this prison went to our embassy today to complain about the beating. But do you know their response? They said that they should kill us because they don’t have anything to do with us.

“Please don’t allow anything to happen to us in this country, because we don’t have a father, mother, brother or sister here. We are here alone.

“Upon all the money that we wasted, they have refused to give us food since morning. We are starving here.

“When we went to where we could get bread to buy, they refused to sell to us.

“Please, before things get out of hand, come to our rescue.”

Experts on dangers of incarcerating mothers with children

Experts and various reports sourced by our correspondent frowned at the practice of detaining children with their mothers, albeit, some gave a few reasons why it may be of advantage.

Writing on the topic ‘Mothers and babies in prison’, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe said: “Prison is not a healthy environment for babies and young children. The mother is inevitably under stress, prisons tend to be noisy and privacy is difficult.

“Stimulation is severely restricted. Many prisons holding babies and young children have few specially trained staff, poor play and exercise facilities, and the development of movement skills is restricted.

“Many mothers in prisons in Europe have little or in some cases no right to go outside the prison walls with their babies, and consequently the babies never see trees, traffic, animals or experience ordinary family life.

“The children have little opportunity to bond or form relationships with other family members, particularly their father and brothers and sisters. Food is often restricted to tins or prepared baby foods.

“A longitudinal psychological study of babies in prisons with their mothers (Catan 1988) found a gradual decline in their development of movement and cognitive skills. It was assumed that this was because the prison environment restricts exercise and exploration.

“Once babies start to sit up, crawl and walk, there are few opportunities for prison babies to explore. Instead, they spend more time confined to baby walkers, bouncers and pushchairs.

“The study found a significant increase in the babies’ general development after the mothers’ release.”

Also examining the effects of keeping children in prison with their mothers, African Human Rights Law Journal said a research conducted on this controversial topic attempts to substantiate the advantages and disadvantages of both sides.

It said: “Despite inaccurate data, it is estimated that as at 2017, approximately 19,000 children were living in prison with their primary caregivers, usually the mother.

“Proponents of co-detention argue that it may afford infants and young children an opportunity to bond and develop a secure attachment with their mother, an ‘inseparable biological and social unit’, with undeniable (short and long-term) consequences for the child’s psychological, social and educational development.

“Being breastfed is beneficial to the child by significantly reducing morbidity and mortality rates in the first two years of life.”

This temporary arrangement, it said, could provide a higher level of mental stability for both mother and child and could prevent child abandonment. However, it noted that the mother’s familiar and nurturing presence may be the only reassuring element in the midst of a hostile environment such as the prison.

“Carefully considering the myriad of difficulties associated with prison life and in order to preserve the best interests of the child, supporters of co-detention rather recommend the creation of special institutions where the impact of co-detention on the holistic development of the child could be mitigated.

“On the other hand, it has been argued that children should never be punished for their parents’ crimes and that, therefore, they should not be deprived of their right to liberty, especially if the conditions of detention are not in favour of such choice.

“Co-detention leads to multifaceted violations of children’s rights and may expose them to various risks, depending on the level of prison development and the duration of the stay.

“Most contemporary African prisons find themselves ‘at odds with human rights standards’, being under-resourced, understaffed and overcrowded, evidently translating into overall precarious conditions of detention. “Therefore, such institutions are ill-equipped or completely unable to provide for the specific needs of children.

“Truth be told, most African prisons do not even provide special accommodation for children in co-detention, with the exception of pioneering South Africa as well as certain prison facilities in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda, where since 2014 mother and baby units have been created.

“The majority of African prisons do not provide for the basic necessities of infants and young children such as formula, bottles, clothing and hygiene products.”

NAPTIP, Malian Embassy decline comment

Our correspondents’ efforts to get the reactions of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Malian Embassy in Nigeria to react to the allegations were unsuccessful.

NAPTIP’s spokesman, Zack, failed to answer calls to his mobile lines and also refused to respond to messages sent to him via regular text and WhatsAPP. The Foreign Affairs spokesman also declined comment.

The Malian Embassy also did not respond to our message sent via email.

Decrying the conditions of the girls and government officials’ attitude to their plight, Osita Osemene, the Executive Director, Patriotic Citizens Initiative and National Secretary and Head of Programmes, Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, NACTAL, said: “I got this report of Nigerian girls in prison through one of the relatives of the girls who are in prison. It was very touching. I started making contacts after watching the videos especially when I realised that the videos are recent. I was pained because one of the fundamental responsibilities of humanity is to protect the rights of citizens.

“I didn’t probe to know what was wrong but after listening to their voice notes, I noticed that most of them are girls that went for greener pastures or those who were trafficked and being used for sexual exploitation.

“I shared the videos to government officials; NAPTIP, NIDCOM, National Commission for Refugees, our regional platform, West Africa Coalition against Trafficking in Persons, and other stakeholders for intervention because this case does require urgent intervention. We started reaching out through our network, NACTAL, to see how interventions can be done. I even went to the international Centre for Migration and Policy Development. The project manager on counter trafficking had to put a call across to Mali with some of their project contacts there to get across to the Malian government.”

After reaching out to government officials in Nigeria, Osita said: “The feedback I got is that I should find out further what the people did that made them to be kept in prison. I found it difficult why I should be finding out what the people actually did. We are supposed to move in and save the situation first. The girl that sent that video to me has been brutalised and taken to another prison. Eyewitnesses said that she was really wounded and they confiscated the phone that she used in doing the recording. They weren’t happy that the video went viral.

“We have an embassy there that should have shown more concern about the plight of the citizens. They are not bothered about the situation of the citizens in Mali and that is very unfair. We in civil society are not happy the way Nigerians are being treated and the way the authorities are handling issues. They are putting the lives of Nigerians in danger.

“ No matter what, they should protect the citizens. It will be unfair if Nigeria does not care about its citizens who are languishing in prison abroad. Incidentally, these are women and children. It will be unfair if we don’t probe into the matter and see how these people can be rescued and brought back.

What did they do that warranted packing such a large number of girls in prison?”

Foreign Affairs Ministry, NIDCOM reacts

Contacted, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Abu-Obe Eche, replying via a text message, said: “I will confirm from our mission in Mali; but I suspect it is bogus. Diplomats don’t take advantage of inmates.”

Amb. Eche was yet to get back to the reporter on his findings from Nigeria’s mission in Mali as at the time of filing this report.

When the reporter also approached the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) for comment, the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, responded by sharing a statement issued by the commission on the ugly development.

The statement titled ‘RE:VIDEOS ON STRANDED NIGERIANS ABROAD ON SOCIAL MEDIA-LET’S BE CAUTIOUS’ reads: “In recent times, there have been series of viral videos both old and new ones circulating on social media on Nigerians stranded in various countries or in detention camps owing to many reasons from irregular migration, violation of consular regulations or outright committing one crime or the other and requesting for urgent help of the Federal government for evacuation and transportation back home.

“Another one is that of mainly girls, in Bamako, Mali prisons, in a very dehumanising conditions and calling for help from the Federal government of Nigeria.Just like the case of Libya and other cases , the Nigerian government has severally evacuated thousands of Nigerians stranded in Mali, with a warning to avoid any temptation to be lured there. But they still return.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) is heading the Multi-Agency Task Force, which includes Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMIDP), Nigeria Immigration Service,(NIS), among others.

“We urge Nigerians to be cautious in circulating such videos (mainly undated ) and note that the multi-agency team headed by the National Security Adviser, has been evacuating stranded Nigerians abroad , including those being sent back for various offences.

“While we note that the Federal Government is working round the clock to see to the welfare of its citizens wherever they may be in line with its citizens’ diplomacy, we reiterate again that irregular migration and criminal activities must be avoided as the penalties are severe and deadly.”

October 5, 2024
My encounter with Nigerian pastors serving jail terms in England – UK Prison Chaplain

Reverend Michael Angley Ogwuche is the National Director for Chaplaincy (England and Wales) for New Testament Church of God. He is also an Ordained minister serving on the Steering Committee of the Free Churches Group, overseeing Free Church Chaplains in Her Majesty’s Prisons across England and Wales. He spoke with INNOCENT DURU about his encounter with Nigerians, including pastors, who are serving jail terms in the UK and his plans to meet former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife.

Could you give a brief introduction of yourself?

My name is Reverend Michael Angley Ogwuche. I was born in Abakpa, Kaduna, Nigeria, although both of my parents come from Benue State. My early education was a challenging journey due to dyslexia, a neurodiverse condition that affects one’s ability to process written information. In some parts of the world, it is classified as a learning disability, and growing up with this condition certainly posed its own set of obstacles.

My upbringing was shaped by both of my parents, who embodied resilience and hard work. My father served in the Nigerian Army, specifically in the Supply and Transport Unit, and also worked as a personal cook for a colonial district officer in the Idoma division following his service in Burma under the British Army. My mother, although not formally educated, was a pillar of strength within our family. She ensured we had the basics, even amid financial challenges, and her memory continues to be a source of inspiration to me.

In terms of higher education, I have been fortunate to study at esteemed theological institutions in the United Kingdom. I hold certificates in Biblical and Evangelistic Studies from Cliff College, affiliated with the University of Sheffield, and a Certificate in Theology from the University of Manchester. I went on to earn a BA (Hons) in Theology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (Global Mission and Culture) from the same institution. Most recently, I completed a Master of Arts in Chaplaincy from the University of Durham.

Were you born with a silver spoon?

Reflecting on my journey, I can say with confidence that I was not born with any privileges. But my path has been one of faith, determination and an unwavering commitment to life-long learning.

What were you doing before you left Nigeria?

Before leaving Nigeria, I was deeply involved in ministry and education. Following my time at the United Pentecostal School of Theology, I served as a Street Evangelist and was later appointed Director of Bible Correspondence for the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, an American mission. In this role, I oversaw the recruitment and administration of the Bible Correspondence Course programme, which played a key part in spreading the gospel and educating individuals across Nigeria.

From 1993 to 1996, I worked as Registrar at the Christian Leadership College in Lagos. My responsibilities included managing academic records, overseeing admissions and ensuring the smooth operation of the college’s programmes. These roles provided invaluable experience in leadership, education and evangelism, equipping me for the missionary work that followed.

At what point did you leave the country and why?

In 1996, I relocated to The Gambia after numerous missionary visits to Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Senegal. Nigeria at the time was relatively stable, and my move was driven not by economic factors but by a call to serve humanity through God’s work. Since then, I have travelled extensively, volunteering for various causes around the globe, often at my own expense.

What was the experience like when you changed environment?

Transitioning to life in the UK came with its challenges, including cultural adjustments and returning to formal education. Studying theology and chaplaincy in British institutions has deepened my understanding and enabled me to serve in various roles, including as a Hospital Chaplain, Maritime Cadet Chaplain, and Prison Chaplain. Additionally, I served as a Presbyter for the Methodist Church of Britain.

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Today, I am the National Director for Chaplaincy (England and Wales) for the New Testament Church of God and an Ordained Minister. I also serve on the Steering Committee of the Free Churches Group, overseeing Free Church Chaplains in Her Majesty’s Prisons across England and Wales.

You are a prison chaplain. What made you to choose that path?

My journey to prison chaplaincy has been anything but straightforward. After two formative years at Bible College, I found myself serving in various areas of ministry. Street evangelism, in particular, ignited my passion for outreach, while leading a Bible correspondence course honed my communication skills. These early experiences, combined with my time as an associate pastor and circuit minister, provided invaluable insights into pastoral care. Thirteen years ago, I felt the call to chaplaincy, first serving in hospitals and as a Maritime Cadet chaplain before finding my place as a prison chaplain.

My strong commitment to prison chaplaincy stems from my deeply held belief in justice and compassion, values central to my Christian faith. I am convinced that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of mercy and renewal. For me, this role is about more than providing spiritual guidance; it is about offering hope to those who are often forgotten by society.

What is your experience working with prisoners?

As a prison chaplain, I have the privilege of living out this belief every day. My role allows me to stand alongside people who are frequently marginalised, offering them encouragement, hope and guidance on their journey.

Working within the challenging environment of a prison is immensely fulfilling. It is here, behind the walls, that I have witnessed the raw struggles of human nature, as well as the immense potential for transformation that exists in every individual.

My faith compels me to see beyond the labels and offences, to the person behind them — someone who needs guidance, understanding and the chance for a new beginning.

My motivation for this work is also deeply personal. I am driven by the stories of redemption and change I have been privileged to witness —those moments when light breaks through the darkness, and lives are truly transformed. With the right support and spiritual nurturing, I have seen people rebuild their lives in ways they never thought possible.

My calling to serve as a prison chaplain is far more than a professional career; it is a mission to extend Christ’s love and compassion to those who are often overlooked. Through my work, I strive to create an environment where hope can flourish, and the possibility of new beginnings can take root.

In terms of professional standards, it is important to note that becoming a Christian chaplain in the UK prison system involves meeting rigorous requirements. Alongside the necessary theological education, Christian chaplains must be either Anglican priests or deacons, Catholic priests or laypersons, or ministers from other denominations recognised under the Free Church Groups. These chaplains are trained and accredited faith practitioners within their own religious communities, and they are held accountable by their respective Christian denominations.

My commitment to providing holistic, faith-based care within the prison system remains steadfast. This role allows me to offer a sense of hope and spiritual renewal to those who need it most, helping them navigate their personal journeys towards transformation. It is a calling that I embrace with both humility and conviction, trusting in the power of faith to inspire real, meaningful change in the lives of those I serve.

Former Nigerian deputy senate president Ike Ekweremadu and his wife are in prison in the UK. Have you by any means met them and how are they doing?

As a Nigerian-British citizen and someone deeply involved in the UK justice system, I am well aware of the case and convictions of Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu and his wife. Their situation has captured the attention of many Nigerians living in the United Kingdom. My vested interest in the welfare of Nigerians in foreign prisons is not just professional but also personal. As the founder of the Nigerian Overseas Prisoners Support Initiative (NOPSI), I am committed to supporting Nigerians who find themselves incarcerated abroad.

While I have not had the opportunity to meet the Ekweremadus personally, my role as His Majesty’s Prison Chaplain has allowed me to inquire about their welfare through colleagues in chaplaincy who serve at their establishment. I am kept informed of their respective locations, but due to confidentiality, I am unable to disclose this information publicly.

At present, NOPSI has formally requested a visit to the Ekweremadus, as part of our commitment to offering support to fellow Nigerians. However, because I work closely with the Ministry of Justice, I must undergo the necessary security clearances to ensure there is no conflict of interest. Our purpose in visiting them is to provide encouragement and to remind them that regardless of the circumstances surrounding their imprisonment, we are here for them as compatriots, offering support and hope in difficult times.

Besides Ekweremadu, are there other high profile Nigerians in the prisons in the UK?

There are indeed other Nigerians, including pastors, currently serving sentences in UK prisons. However, I am not in a position to reveal their names or identities due to their right to privacy.

These individuals have been convicted of a range of offences from fraud and drug-related crimes to sexual offences and even murder. While it may be surprising to hear of religious leaders finding themselves in such circumstances, it is essential to remember that they are human too, capable of making mistakes or poor decisions.

Additionally, some of the offences for which these individuals are imprisoned might have had different outcomes had they occurred in Nigeria, where the legal system operates differently.

The UK is renowned for its strict adherence to law and order, and it does not make exceptions for one’s status or position. As the saying goes, if you do the crime, you must be prepared to do the time, which rings especially true in the British judicial system. It’s a stark reminder that justice here is impartial, and everyone is held accountable regardless of their role in the society.

Aside from the UK, do you also work with prisoners in other countries?

I have recently returned from Hong Kong where I was working to establish NOPSI’s Asia Regional Office. This office will allow us to extend our support to Nigerian prisoners across the region, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and other locations. In November, I will be travelling to The Gambia to set up a similar office in West Africa.

Once we are fully operational, I believe we will be able to expand our efforts to other regions as well. However, this is not a task we can accomplish on our own. The success of our mission will require the support and collaboration of the Nigerian diplomatic missions, particularly through the Diaspora Commission. Their backing is crucial as we strive to provide assistance and advocacy for Nigerians incarcerated abroad.

How are you working it out, I mean serving as prison chaplain in the UK and also extending your ministry to other parts of the world?

As I mentioned earlier, while I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a prison chaplain, it can be a challenging role, particularly when navigating the complexities of the system. One of the main difficulties arises from potential conflicts of interest between my duties as a chaplain within Her Majesty’s Prisons and any external activities I undertake, especially in relation to Nigerian prisoners.

Security concerns mean that I must be cautious and mindful of my responsibilities, ensuring that my work outside the prison does not interfere with or compromise my role within the establishment. As such, I have to approach my support for Nigerian prisoners with great care, balancing my commitment to them with the need to uphold the security protocols and professional standards required in my position.

Any plans to do something similar in Nigeria?

At present, there are no plans to establish a similar initiative in Nigeria, as the country is still evolving in its approach to justice. For example, I am not aware of any statutory prison chaplaincy in Nigeria, unlike the system we have here in the UK and across much of the Western world.

In the UK, the Prison Act of 1952 mandates that “every prison shall have a governor, a chaplain, and a medical officer, and such other officers as may be necessary.” This legislation laid the foundation for chaplaincy to be formally recognised and remunerated by the Ministry of Justice, enabling chaplains to perform statutory duties in addition to their primary roles in providing spiritual, pastoral, and religious care.

This statutory recognition and support for chaplaincy in the UK creates a structured environment in which chaplains can effectively fulfil their roles within the prison system. Until a similar framework is established in Nigeria, implementing such initiatives will remain a challenge.

Which government agencies would you be working with in Nigeria to actualise your dreams?

I believe there are approximately four key agencies in Nigeria that NOPSI is particularly interested in collaborating with. These include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and, where possible, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

Partnering with these organisations would be instrumental in achieving our goals, as they each play a vital role in the administration of justice and the welfare of Nigerians abroad. By working together, we can strengthen support systems for Nigerians incarcerated overseas and ensure they receive the assistance they need throughout their time in prison and beyond.

What is your opinion about prisons in Nigeria and how can the situations be made better?

The Nigerian Prison Service, now rebranded as the Nigerian Correctional Service, has long struggled with negative public perception. A simple change of name does not necessarily reflect a change in character. However, the issue goes beyond the Nigerian Correctional Service itself; it is part of a larger systemic problem that affects both the public and private sectors of Nigerian society. Until Nigerians fully understand the responsibilities of citizenship on a micro level, these problems will persist, as those working in these sectors are, after all, also Nigerians.

This brings to mind Fyodor Dostoevsky’s observation: “The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.” For example, the average cost of housing a prisoner in the United Kingdom is between £44,000 and £54,500 per year, while in Norway it is around £102,000. In stark contrast, Nigeria spends less than $300 per prisoner annually. This stark difference highlights the value placed on those in correctional facilities.

A clinical psychologist and prison governor in Norway once explained to The Guardian why Norwegian prisoners are treated with dignity: “The punishment is that you lose your freedom. If we treat people like animals when they are in prison, they are likely to behave like animals. Here, we pay attention to you as human beings.” The situation in Nigeria’s correctional system can improve, but only if both Nigerians and the Nigerian government begin to place real value on their citizens. Until this shift happens, meaningful reform remains unlikely.

Which experience in your work as a prison chaplain made you emotional, I mean moved you to tears or unforgettable to you till date?

Every time I walk down the wings to visit the men, I am acutely aware that I could have been one of them. This thought resonates deeply with me, but what strikes me even more is the disproportionate number of young Black men within the prison system. I often see my younger self reflected in these individuals. However, as a chaplain, I look beyond their crimes and see them as men in need of compassion and support. This is why I have dedicated the rest of my life to walking alongside those who find themselves imprisoned around the world.

I hope that those of us outside the prison walls will have a change of heart and spare some thought for those on the inside. There are Nigerians in prisons in countries such as Malaysia and Singapore who will never return to Nigerian soil, having been convicted and sentenced to death. It is essential for the Nigerian government to remember that despite their circumstances, these individuals remain Nigerians. Ultimately, we are all imprisoned in some way; it’s just a matter of degree.

October 5, 2024
AfCFTA reignites push for stronger Nigeria-South Africa cooperation

In recent times, the socioeconomic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa has been everything but rosy, especially at the citizens-to-citizens level. The two continental giants have been at each other’s jugular over the rising spate of social media and xenophobic attacks, which hurts economic and business relations between them. This has prompted renewed push by experts in international relations and diplomacy, including government officials and the academia for closer and deeper collaboration and cooperation between the two countries in order to fully harness the bountiful opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. This was the kernel of discussion at a reception organised for MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Fellows at the Thabo Mbeki Foundation Office, Johannesburg, South Africa. LUCAS AJANAKU, who was there, reports.

It’s an idea whose time has come. More than three years after trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement kicked off, creating the largest free trade area in the world, a conversation around strengthening the collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa could not have come at a better time.

Indeed, the consensus of experts in international relations and diplomacy is that the benefits embedded in the AfCFTA, which seeks to connect 1.3 billion people across 54 African countries with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) valued at over $3.5 trillion, may not be fully harnessed if cooperation and collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa, two of the continental giants, is not strengthened.

At present, the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa is everything but rosy. While the state-to-state relationship between the two continental giants remains strong, the same cannot be said of the citizens-to-citizens relationship.

Yet, in the context of the continental trading bloc, whose practical implementation officially commenced on January 1, 2021, committing African countries to removing tariffs on 90 per cent of goods and incrementally applies same to services, the huge and passionate youthful population of Nigeria and South Africa is considered an asset and the envy of others whose population are largely dominated by the ageing.

The Deputy Director-General, Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Clayson Monxela, put the urgent need to foster stronger collaboration and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa in perspective. Without mincing words, he said the African continent will move forward when Nigeria and South Africa collaborate, pointing out that the voices of the two countries are louder on the global stage.

“Those who think we are competing need mental treatment. Africa’s agenda will not make progress if the two countries don’t collaborate,” Monxela stated. He was among government officials and the academia who spoke during an interactive session with MTN MIP Fellows in South Africa, recently.

hosted by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa with SANEF and MIP Fellows at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Pretoria, South Africa, Monxela stressed the need for Nigeria and South Africa to come together and harness the opportunities thrown on their path by their youthful populations.

While noting that the state-to-state relationship between the two continental giants remains strong, the renowned South African diplomat lamented that the relationship between people is not cordial and needs to be mended.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki could not agree less. “The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa need sorting,” he declared during a visit to the Thabo Mbeki Foundation Office in Johannesburg, recalling the rosy relationship between the two countries that gave birth to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), an economic development programme of the African Union (AU), and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), an instrument for AU member states to voluntarily self-monitor their governance performance.

While NEPAD was adopted by the AU at the 37th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in July 2001 in Lusaka, Zambia, APRM was established in 2003 by NEPAD Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC).

However, the impact and influence of these two pan-Africanist development instruments of the AU appear to have waned, partly due to the frosty relationship between the two continental giants and the comatose state of the AU Commission. Mbeki, however, said a stronger cooperation between the two countries has become a compelling proposition if the continent must make meaningful impact on the global stage.

The octogenarian, while pointing out that the dream of NEPAD and APRM remains alive, lamented that the waning spirit of pan-Africanism among the leaders on the continent, saying: “If you talk to people about this, you are talking to people who don’t have pan-Africanism in their blood.” This, according to him, is contrary to the spirit behind the formation of the AU.

Justifying his position that stronger cooperation between the two countries has become inevitable, the 82-year-old elder statesman emphasised the importance of the free movement of goods and services in the spirit of AfCFTA which negotiations and implementation are overseen by a permanent secretariat based in Accra, Ghana.

He noted, for instance, that free movement of people across the continent is a vital element in the successful implementation of the AfCFTA, adding that the trade liberalisation pact, if fully implemented, will enhance the well-being of people on the Continent.

Mbeki sure hit the bull’s eye. Sometime last year, the Acting Director of the Private Sector Development and Finance Division at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Dr Robert Lisinge, said African citizens need to maximise the benefits from their land and its resources by taking advantage of enhanced trade under the AfCFTA to boost sustainable development.

As Lisinge put it “AfCFTA holds the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and boost Africa’s income by $450 billion while connecting 1.3 billion people.”

Interestingly, Nigeria is not averse to deepening her socio-economic relationship with the Rainbow Nation, as South Africa is popularly called. At the Nigeria House in Pretoria, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, recounted what he termed as “The long-standing relationship between both countries, especially during the apartheid era”, stressing that it must be strengthened.

He said Nigeria was the first to establish full-fledged diplomatic relations with South Africa after the collapse of the apartheid regime, a campaign for which Nigeria became a frontline state because of her stance on the emancipation of the continent.

Ambassador Ajayi restated Nigeria’s position that Africa shall remain the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Like Mbeki, he said there is more work to be done to fix the generational disconnect between the youth of both countries, particularly that of South Africa.

According to him, the youth are ignorant of the role Nigeria played in the emancipation of South Africa during the apartheid era. The envoy, however, said the Bi-National Commission (BNC) formed between the two countries would change the dynamics and deepen the socio-economic relationship between the two countries.

According to him, there are lessons to take from the South African economy which is heavy on mining while Nigeria largely relies on oil to propel her economy.

He has an ally in the Deputy Minister in the South African Presidency, His Excellency, Kenneth Morolong, who said South Africa and Nigeria will continue to work together to achieve a peaceful and prosperous continent, adding that the two giants must forge deeper ties. He said both countries are strategic partners in pushing the development of the Continent.

Morolong, who spoke at a roundtable on “Media’s Influence in Shaping Africa’s Indispensable Relationship: Nigeria and South Africa,” said the two countries remain committed to the AU agenda. He also emphasised the need to silence the divisive narrative of the contest between the two countries, stating: “This narrative is divisive and should be silenced. We must forge ahead together to achieve the Africa we want.”

He also highlighted the significance of the BNC, established in 1999, which has led to the signing of 34 agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries. Morolong further stated that without a cordial relationship between South Africa and Nigeria at the social, economic and political level, it will be a huge problem for pan-Africanism.

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“Africa is diverse with different communal living, but a joint Africa is crucial. However, ensuring that South Africa-Nigeria relations thrive is as important to the rest of the continent,” the Deputy Minister in the South African Presidency said.

Caging the monster of social media/xenophobic attacks

One thing that sticks out like a sour thumb in Nigeria-South Africa relations is the embarrassing spate of social media and xenophobic attacks believed to be perpetrated mostly by Generation Z, or Gen Zs, who are unaware of the history of the two countries.

The Gen Z identity has been particularly shaped largely by the digital age, climate anxiety, a shifting financial landscape and COVID-19. These are the generation who are permanently glued to the internet, especially social media where all manner of trolls exist.

Ambassador Ajayi, however, said everything is being done to ensure cohesion and synergy between the two countries, including a social cohesion dialogue. He said, for instance, that the mischievous viral video that was circulated during the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to South Africa for the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa was malicious and calculated to embarrass the two countries.

Dismissing the insinuation that Tinubu was buried in the crowd, he clarified that in South Africa’s new protocol, the front row is usually reserved for traditional chiefs, adding that Ramaphosa sort of breached protocol by going to shake hands with dignitaries while he had not finished the swearing-in formalities and had to be hurriedly invited by the compere to complete the exercise.

“President Ramaphosa came to meet our President in his hotel the following day and the two leaders had fruitful discussions,” Ajayi said. His counterpart, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Thami Mseleku, said the video was doctored by President Tinubu’s detractors, insisting that the relationship between the two countries remained cordial.

On his part, the Chairman of MTN Group Limited, Mr. Mcebisi Jonas, spoke about what he described as ‘demographic anxiety’ that arose from the widening gap between the rich and the poor which has bred inequality in the polity, making the rich richer and the poor poorer. He also spoke about the rise of social media which has given vent to the dissemination of fake news. He said demographic anxiety could find expression in xenophobic attacks.

Jonas said demographic anxiety fuels xenophobia. His words: “Demographic anxiety could find expression in xenophobia. Recall that one of the political parties in the last election used border closure as a campaign, saying the country will be closed to foreigners taking their jobs.” He, therefore, said among other things, that the government must create a centre at the political level and call for a national dialogue, champion inclusiveness, create jobs in the digital economy, and grow the economy in all spheres.

The MTN Group Chairman also called for major structural reform programmes while training the youth and creating new jobs to keep them engaged. He said: “We need to have structural reform programmes. We have to take growth seriously in transformation. We are a grossly unequal society, so the focus should be on how to grow the economy and end inequality.”

While pointed out that the current South African structure thrives on capitalised wealth distribution, he insisted that the continent must satisfy the poor and unemployed as well.

The Head of Programme of African Governance and Diplomacy, South African Institute of International Affairs, (SANIIA), at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Steven Gruzd, could not agree less with the MTN chair. He said the triple evils bedeviling the country are unemployment, poverty and inequality, adding that the country is currently reeling under skills deficit even as it is equally a herculean task getting work permit for foreign skilled workers.

The Programme Director said about 50 per cent of the graduates in the country have no jobs. He said after living in denial, the South African government is finally coming to terms with xenophobia, which is spurred by misinformation and the rise of social media. Gruzd noted, however, that some arrests have been made in the past of criminals and the culprits turned out to be Nigerians. This, he quickly added, is not to say that all Nigerians living in South Africa are criminals.

Gruzd said efforts should be made to get people into paid employment while those who want to do private jobs should be spared of corruption and red tape that have characterised the approval process.

On ethnic stalking in African politics, Jonas said it does not serve any national interest; rather it is divisive and selfish, adding that it’s being used by people and political parties to chase agenda during elections.

He said: “There is a lot of ethnic stalking going on in African politics. It is only selfish and does not serve the national interest. Ethnic stalking must be stopped because it is divisive. There must be a renaissance and a deliberate policy to promote national interest far ahead of regional interest.”

Role of media

Mbeki acknowledged the role of the media in reporting issues in the Continent. He said African media needed to know Africa, both the good and the bad, noting that it is a tool for the continent’s rebirth. “Media is an important tool to raise the consciousness about unity in diversity among countries. Free movement of the people; better cooperation, the media has the strength to put the people on the common peaceful platform,” he said.

Continuing, the former South African helmsman said: “It is not to reinvent the wheel but to reinforce what the African continent needs to do. The media, as the fourth estate of the realm, has a huge responsibility in shaping views and narratives about Africa.”

Morolong also acknowledged the power and role of the media in shaping the narrative of Africa’s indispensable relationship, quoting Malcolm X who said “The media is the most powerful entity on earth… it has the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power.” He, therefore, urged media practitioners to utilise their power effectively to enhance relations between South Africa and Nigeria, promoting collaboration that benefits the entire continent.

Jonas, who was a former South Africa Deputy Finance Minister, recalled that it was pan-Africanism that birthed the support being given to the media by MTN Nigeria to tell the all-important stories and improve the quality and flow of information. “The quality of dissemination of information in the continent has become an important dimension. In a democracy, when there is no flow of information, it doesn’t only affect the economy of the continent but the democracy too,” he said.

For the media, Jonas said business owners must think of how to make the media attractive to investors, just as he charged journalists, including the MIP cohort, not to be bendable and easily influenced by ‘envelopes’ but by ethics. He also posited that the growth of digital media and shrinking operational assets can be averted if the media makes itself bankable and attracts the right kind of investments.

Since social media appeared to be the battle turf for xenophobic attacks, representatives of the two countries agreed on the need to also maintain a formidable social media presence to counter the negative narratives being pushed by elements within the two countries hell bent on causing division.

September 30, 2024
Our harrowing experiences in Dubai – Deportees
- Many children languishing in detention camps
No fewer than 400 Nigerians were recently repatriated back home from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Four hundred which consist of 90 females and 310 males, were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant stakeholders.

No reason was given for their deportation from the oil-rich gulf country, which was gradually becoming another mecca for many Nigerians until the recent spat between both countries leading to visa ban and stoppage of direct flight.

While Nigeria was eager to end the dispute which stretched into about two years, UAE seems not to be in the mood and so it lingered on until recently when UAE announced the resumption of direct flight between both countries and the lifting of the visa ban starting from July 2024.

The announcement was received with great joy by Nigerians both at home and abroad, but unknown to Nigeria, it also marked the beginning of another trouble for many of its citizens in the oil-rich country, as the UAE authorities clamped down on Nigeria citizens and in swoop no less than 400 were deported.

This action is coming at the heel of the UAE government pronouncing amnesty for irregular migrants in the country.

According to one of the deportees, the amnesty which was meant to be for irregular migrants of all nationalities seems to have been targeted at just Nigerians only.

The amnesty came to effect from September 1 2024 but on the same day, UAE police swamped on Nigerians busting their doors and pushing them into detention camps.

According to Bob Osazuwa, it does not matter if your papers are valid or not, once you are a Nigerian you are picked up.

He said lots of people with legitimate papers including a husband and wife running an African shop were part of the victims of the deportation.

He also said that lots of Nigerians, including children are still kept in the detention camp.

He said from what the police were saying the authorities just want Nigerians out of their country.

Narrating his experience, Osazuwa who was based in Sharjah and Al-Nahda said he is still finding it difficult to come to terms with the kind of humiliations and suffering he endured during the 10 days incarceration in the detention camp before his eventual deportation.

The Edo-born graduate of Fine and Applied Art Education, Delta State University said he had stayed in Dubai for seven years before the harrowing experience.

He said: I’ve been there for seven years, I went there in 2017, February 2nd, that’s when I got there.

“So I was actually working, before I left the job I resigned, so I got another job, which I was working and was there. But fast forward to this main event, which happened on the 1st of September, it was a very tragic and very sad one. You know, we were at home, I was in my house, and it was around 2 am because I had just finished watching Channels’ News, which is 10 o’clock in Nigeria time and 1 am UAE time.

“So I just finished watching Channels’ News, which was like a few minutes past 2 am. The next thing I heard was banging on the door, not banging like knocking, like they were breaking down the door three times. So before I knew it, I opened my room door, because it’s a flat, I opened my room door, and I saw this SWAT, black and black, with the mask and everything. Harassing us, slapping us, kicking us.

“Before we knew it, they handcuffed us behind our back, not with the chain handcuffs, the plastic ones. So they took all of us, told us to kneel down, and we knelt down. They only asked one question, Nigerian? They did not ask for your resident ID or anything.”

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While the harassment was ongoing, Osazuwa said he tried as much as possible to find out what the issue was but there were no answers from the police officers.

According to him, the only they asked them was their IDs, “once you are identified as a Nigerian, then they bounce on you.”

According to him: “All they were asking was, are you a Nigerian? Yes. They will slap you, they will kick you. So they took us out, made us sit on the floor, and then finally put us inside the elevator.

“When we got down, we saw a lot of people, they were already down. Everybody was seated on the floor. So they bundled all of us, and put us on the bus.

“They later told some ladies to come down from our bus. I think it was filled up, so I think they put them on another bus. Took us to a detention camp.

“We were there for nine days, which was from the first to the tenth. It was tragic, we could not shower, we could not brush our teeth, we could not change clothes. This is what I had on that day.

“Since the first of September, this is what I am still wearing, because they are yet to send my things for me. So we were there, everybody was there

“So we kept on asking questions, what did we do? They kept on telling us to shut up. They would come, they would call some names, they would take those ones away.

“Later, there was a day they came, they called people to come and sign some forms. Me, I wasn’t called, but the people they called, according to them, they said on the form, part of the form was written, the reason for deportation or so. And they were asked by the CIDs over there to write “Nigerian government”.

“So they were wondering, why would I write to the Nigerian government? But you can’t speak, you don’t have the right to speak. They were forced to write to the Nigerian government. So some of them wrote it and some said they would not write. Why would they write to the Nigerian government? So they took them back inside the cell.

“It wasn’t funny. So on the 10th September we were all asked to come out, they searched us, searched everything. They then handcuffed us again, put us in the bus, drove us on a convoy of 20-something vehicles, took us straight to the front of the aircraft, MAX Air, a Boeing 744 or 715, I can’t remember, but it’s a Boeing, the double-decker aircraft.

“So before we came out from the bus, they had to cut off the handcuffs. From what I noticed and from what I observed, they did not want the Nigerian officials to see us like that. Because of the Nigerian officials, they were standing outside the plane and they were very nice and hospitable.

“So they did not want them to see us, so they had to start cutting the handcuffs off our hands. They told us to come out, put us inside the plane and that was what happened.”

Osazuwa also had kind words for President Bola Tinubu and Nigerian officials, saying Nigerian officials were very professional.

He said: “They told us not to worry that the president sent them to come pick us and they said they have been on ground since Monday, but the UAE government refused to release us to them till Wednesday. That they kept on playing them up and down till Wednesday.”

Isazuwa insisted that there was never any indication or prior notice that such a thing was going to happen.

He explained that “As a matter of fact, amnesty started that day because the UAE government announced that there would be an amnesty from the 1st of September to the 1st of November, two months. So we were all happy that those ones that do not have valid residence could renew their residence or exit the country. So that was why the whole thing was funny because there was amnesty.

” Amnesty, as in they gave amnesty like if you know you are not valid in the country, if you know you do not have valid documents, from the 1st of September to the 1st of November, do well to rectify your documentation or leave the country. That was the option that the UAE government gave from the 1st of September to the 1st of November. But funnily enough, they took us on the 1st of September which was the day the amnesty started.

“More than 80% of us had our papers. It was terrible. A lot of us came back with our emirate ID, like the residence permit.

“A lot of them have theirs. But mine has expired already so I was already contemplating leaving the country. I was already thinking of leaving that week, like that week, maybe Wednesday, Thursday.

“So I was already trying to get some things and all that. But they came on Saturday or let me say early Sunday morning.”

The shell-shocked Osazuwa said he does not have any criminal records.

He also explained that those with criminal records were separated in the detention camp and were not part of the deportees.

” I think those ones had issues, probably criminal issues. So those did not come back with us.

NO fewer than 400 Nigerians were recently repatriated back home from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Four hundred which consist of 90 females and 310 males, were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant stakeholders.

No reason was given for their deportation from the oil-rich gulf country, which was gradually becoming another mecca for many Nigerians until the recent spat between both countries leading to visa ban and stoppage of direct flight.

While Nigeria was eager to end the dispute which stretched into about two years, UAE seems not to be in the mood and so it lingered on until recently when UAE announced the resumption of direct flight between both countries and the lifting of the visa ban starting from July 2024.

The announcement was received with great joy by Nigerians both at home and abroad, but unknown to Nigeria, it also marked the beginning of another trouble for many of its citizens in the oil-rich country, as the UAE authorities clamped down on Nigeria citizens and in swoop no less than 400 were deported.

This action is coming at the heel of the UAE government pronouncing amnesty for irregular migrants in the country.

According to one of the deportees, the amnesty which was meant to be for irregular migrants of all nationalities seems to have been targeted at just Nigerians only.

The amnesty came to effect from September 1 2024 but on the same day, UAE police swamped on Nigerians busting their doors and pushing them into detention camps.

According to Bob Osazuwa, it does not matter if your papers are valid or not, once you are a Nigerian you are picked up.

He said lots of people with legitimate papers including a husband and wife running an African shop were part of the victims of the deportation.

He also said that lots of Nigerians, including children are still kept in the detention camp.

He said from what the police were saying the authorities just want Nigerians out of their country.

Narrating his experience, Osazuwa who was based in Sharjah and Al-Nahda said he is still finding it difficult to come to terms with the kind of humiliations and suffering he endured during the 10 days incarceration in the detention camp before his eventual deportation.

The Edo-born graduate of Fine and Applied Art Education, Delta State University said he had stayed in Dubai for seven years before the harrowing experience.

He said: I’ve been there for seven years, I went there in 2017, February 2nd, that’s when I got there.

“So I was actually working, before I left the job I resigned, so I got another job, which I was working and was there. But fast forward to this main event, which happened on the 1st of September, it was a very tragic and very sad one. You know, we were at home, I was in my house, and it was around 2 am because I had just finished watching Channels’ News, which is 10 o’clock in Nigeria time and 1 am UAE time.

“So I just finished watching Channels’ News, which was like a few minutes past 2 am. The next thing I heard was banging on the door, not banging like knocking, like they were breaking down the door three times. So before I knew it, I opened my room door, because it’s a flat, I opened my room door, and I saw this SWAT, black and black, with the mask and everything. Harassing us, slapping us, kicking us.

“Before we knew it, they handcuffed us behind our back, not with the chain handcuffs, the plastic ones. So they took all of us, told us to kneel down, and we knelt down. They only asked one question, Nigerian? They did not ask for your resident ID or anything.”

While the harassment was ongoing, Osazuwa said he tried as much as possible to find out what the issue was but there were no answers from the police officers.

According to him, the only they asked them was their IDs, “once you are identified as a Nigerian, then they bounce on you.”

According to him: “All they were asking was, are you a Nigerian? Yes. They will slap you, they will kick you. So they took us out, made us sit on the floor, and then finally put us inside the elevator.

“When we got down, we saw a lot of people, they were already down. Everybody was seated on the floor. So they bundled all of us, and put us on the bus.

“They later told some ladies to come down from our bus. I think it was filled up, so I think they put them on another bus. Took us to a detention camp.

“We were there for nine days, which was from the first to the tenth. It was tragic, we could not shower, we could not brush our teeth, we could not change clothes. This is what I had on that day.

“Since the first of September, this is what I am still wearing, because they are yet to send my things for me. So we were there, everybody was there

“So we kept on asking questions, what did we do? They kept on telling us to shut up. They would come, they would call some names, they would take those ones away.

“Later, there was a day they came, they called people to come and sign some forms. Me, I wasn’t called, but the people they called, according to them, they said on the form, part of the form was written, the reason for deportation or so. And they were asked by the CIDs over there to write “Nigerian government”.

“So they were wondering, why would I write to the Nigerian government? But you can’t speak, you don’t have the right to speak. They were forced to write to the Nigerian government. So some of them wrote it and some said they would not write. Why would they write to the Nigerian government? So they took them back inside the cell.

“It wasn’t funny. So on the 10th September we were all asked to come out, they searched us, searched everything. They then handcuffed us again, put us in the bus, drove us on a convoy of 20-something vehicles, took us straight to the front of the aircraft, MAX Air, a Boeing 744 or 715, I can’t remember, but it’s a Boeing, the double-decker aircraft.

“So before we came out from the bus, they had to cut off the handcuffs. From what I noticed and from what I observed, they did not want the Nigerian officials to see us like that. Because of the Nigerian officials, they were standing outside the plane and they were very nice and hospitable.

“So they did not want them to see us, so they had to start cutting the handcuffs off our hands. They told us to come out, put us inside the plane and that was what happened.”

Osazuwa also had kind words for President Bola Tinubu and Nigerian officials, saying Nigerian officials were very professional.

He said: “They told us not to worry that the president sent them to come pick us and they said they have been on ground since Monday, but the UAE government refused to release us to them till Wednesday. That they kept on playing them up and down till Wednesday.”

Isazuwa insisted that there was never any indication or prior notice that such a thing was going to happen.

He explained that “As a matter of fact, amnesty started that day because the UAE government announced that there would be an amnesty from the 1st of September to the 1st of November, two months. So we were all happy that those ones that do not have valid residence could renew their residence or exit the country. So that was why the whole thing was funny because there was amnesty.

” Amnesty, as in they gave amnesty like if you know you are not valid in the country, if you know you do not have valid documents, from the 1st of September to the 1st of November, do well to rectify your documentation or leave the country. That was the option that the UAE government gave from the 1st of September to the 1st of November. But funnily enough, they took us on the 1st of September which was the day the amnesty started.

“More than 80% of us had our papers. It was terrible. A lot of us came back with our emirate ID, like the residence permit.

“A lot of them have theirs. But mine has expired already so I was already contemplating leaving the country. I was already thinking of leaving that week, like that week, maybe Wednesday, Thursday.

“So I was already trying to get some things and all that. But they came on Saturday or let me say early Sunday morning.”

The shell-shocked Osazuwa said he does not have any criminal records.

He also explained that those with criminal records were separated in the detention camp and were not part of the deportees.

” I think those ones had issues, probably criminal issues. So those did not come back with us.

“So we saw those ones, like six guys, they handcuffed them. And those ones did not come back with us. So I think those ones are still there.”

Osazuwa said he is yet to understand why they were deported even after arriving in Nigeria.

He said all efforts to get information about their case met stone walls while at the detention camp.

He said: “So they did biometrics for almost everybody. See, sometimes when they came in the morning because it got to a point, we wanted to protest inside the jail. It’s funny, like why are we here? So their superior had to come.

“So we asked them, sir, we don’t have anybody with criminal issues here. More than half of the people here have valid residence permits and all that. The man said he knew.

“That was what he said. He said he knows. He talked about his working with instructions that Nigerians should leave.

“That was what he told us. He said he’s only working with instructions.”

He said he doesn’t know what they have against Nigeria, adding “Up till now, we still do not know.”

He said the amnesty was for everybody to benefit from but only Nigerians were held up at the detention camp and only Nigerians were raided

Osazuwa also buttressed his point that the UAE has something against Nigeria as other nationalities were spared the harrowing experience.

He cited the case of a Sierra Leonean who was arrested alongside the Nigerians but was released immediately after they confirmed he is not a Nigerian.

He stressed that “It was a very terrible situation because some people are still there at the detention camps and they have kids. Some kids are there. Some Nigerian kids with their mom inside the jail right now, as I’m speaking to you.

“One-year-old, two-year-old. I mean, there were 400 males and 90 females that were on that aircraft.”

He said though there were no kids in his prison but reports from other deportees indicated that there were children and women still held back in other camps.

“ Because people that were in another camp said that there were kids inside there.”

He also hinted at more deportations as there are still more Nigerians there

Osazuwa is still wondering why they were deported. All efforts to get information about their case met stone walls while at the detention camp, even after undergoing biometrics for almost everybody.

He is still at a loss about what the country has against Nigeria.

While amnesty is for everybody to benefit from, he disclosed that only Nigerians were held up at the detention camp and only Nigerians were raided

He cited the case of a Sierra Leonean who was arrested alongside the Nigerians but was released immediately they confirmed he is not a Nigerian.

He stressed that “It was a very terrible situation because some people are still there at the detention camps and they have kids. Some kids are there. Some Nigerian kids with their mom inside the jail right now, as I’m speaking to you.

“One-year-old, two-year-old. I mean, there were 400 males and 90 females that were on that aircraft.”

He said though there were no kids in his own prison, reports from other deportees indicated that there were children and women still held back in other camps.

Osazuwa said those who were able to escape arrest are currently hiding either in hotels or sleeping in their cars.

On his next step of action, Osazuwa said “I’m just, first of all, trying to get myself together and liaise with my family and probably get a place here in Abuja because right now, I don’t have a job.

Osazuwa said he was employed from Nigeria in 2017 by Sharjah taxi and he worked as a driver.

“Then I left to become an accountant in one Al-Hayat Technical Service before my ordeal.

As it is right now, many of the deportees are sure that their belongings would have been looted, as is the normal practice whenever any home is raided by the police. ‘The locals go into such houses to loot their properties.

“As a matter of fact, some of us that came back lost a lot. Because some of them had cash in their house. Some people came back with just boxers and singlets.”

Some days before they came to his building, the Dubai police had earlier raided some buildings. “ I was not even surprised because I know some of those people and I know that those people, they are into some shady deals. “So, I wasn’t bothered because I know normally they come like that, but they will just come for the person they came for. It’s normal. That’s what they do.

“But this one was surprising. Then, coupled with the fact that it was during Amnesty, so that was why we could not understand.

“So, as a matter of fact, when we were going, we were so confident because we thought maybe one day, two days, we will just get everything resolved.”

He said he never saw it coming because some of the people arrested had valid residence permits. “Like one of my friends, we even attend the same church. He said they broke into his house. His wife is seven months pregnant. The wife was even naked, according to him. The wife was crying. They took him and left his wife. The man has his residency permit.

“We came back together. And not just him. Another one said his wife and their baby were crying when they still took him. All of us came back together.”

Osazuwa said he could not explain why they were taking the husband and leaving the wife.

Osazuwa hailed President Bola Tinubu, saying “Kudos to him and kudos to all the team that he sent. I think they were the DSS. They did a very great job. They took very good care of us. Even when we got to Nigeria, they took very good care of us.

“They were very hospitable and gave us everything. For all the days that we were in camp, they took very good care of us.”

On what he thinks that the Nigerian government should do, Osazuwa said the government needs to find out what the issue is and so that they can tackle it for the sake of some Nigerians still in the UAE.

“I think, for me, I would say, I don’t know, the Nigerian government, they should really find out what the problem is. If it’s something they can resolve, I think they should resolve it because I think a lot of people are still going to suffer the same fate. That’s the truth.
September 28, 2024
Our battles with stigma, by people living with HIV

•’I made several attempts to commit suicide’
•’I sought respite in cigarettes, alcohol’

There seems to be no respite for people living with HIV/AIDS in spite of government’s legislation against stigmatising them. GBENGA ADERANTI examines the trauma that many of them experience and the efforts they are making to fight the stigma.

Gloria’s glowing skin was a perfect complement for her plump figure. Her suave looks and confidence belied her past struggle with a health condition that was once regarded as a death certificate.

Yet life was once hell for the robust lady after contracting HIV at age 11. So much so that at some point in her life she wished she was dead.

Contrary to the widely held belief that HIV is transmitted through sex, Gloria said she got infected in the process of blood transfusion. And while she is now bold enough to tell her story of triumph over public ridicule, many others in similar conditions cannot do so for fear of stigmatization.

According to Global HIV & AIDS statistics, about 39.9 million people worldwide were living with HIV in 2023. It was the same year that about 1.3 million people became newly infected while more than 630, 000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

No fewer than 88.4 million people are believed to have been infected with HIV since the outbreak of the epidemic in the early 1980s. In comparison, about 42.3 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since then.

Gloria recalled that at the time she contracted the virus in1999, the popular belief was that whoever tested positive for HIV was as good as dead.

“The victim must not be seen to stay close to anybody. It was not a funny experience,” she told The Nation.

Understandably, Gloria got infected at a time when antiretroviral drugs (ARV) were not easily available in the country. Hence it was big trouble for her family when it was discovered that she had the virus, such that she was rejected even in the church, where many expected her to find succour.

She said: “Whenever I wanted to enter the church, people would start avoiding me, not wanting to stay with me, to the extent that the presiding reverend advised my parents to take me to one of the general hospitals where people in my condition were kept so that I would die there.

“The feeling was that the mistake had been made and my parents should not allow me to infect the other children.

“To make matters worse, there had not been any breakthrough in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It was just a period of experimentation and there was no medication on the ground.

“There was nothing to hold on to and say okay, this is what will make you want to live. Even within me, before anybody stigmatised me, I had stigmatised myself.

“If you talk about stigma, I faced it as a child. It was at the age of 11. When the drug came into Nigeria, I think I was one of the people they placed on an ARV drug.

“Then, it was not as treatment but as a trial; to see whether the drug would work. But at the government price, it was so expensive. It was about N50,000. I had to get it every month, and my dad would try to get a loan.

“The foul language of the people around him was not funny at all. That was how I ran away from home and stayed a long time without taking medication.

“That was what stigma caused me (laughs). It was an ugly experience I don’t like going back to, though I thank God that today, I’m living to tell the story.”

It got so bad that Gloria lost her self-esteem and even started stigmatising herself even in situations where people didn’t know about her HIV status.

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She said: “If I greeted somebody on my way out, I would follow a different route on my way back because I would assume that they already knew about my condition.

“So, even I had condemned myself even if the person wanted to talk to me or associate with me.”

But Gloria was not the only one going through difficult times. Her father’s means of livelihood also suffered for it, ditto her mum’s; an experience she described as “ugly”.

Fortunately, while many of Gloria’s peers were being rejected by employers, Gloria was lucky to get employment with an agency that was sympathetic to her plight.

Admission gone awry

Many People Living With HIV/AIDS complain about not getting employed or being offered menial jobs they never liked, but the simple truth is that many of them do not have the requisite qualifications for such jobs. And Gloria would probably have been one of them but for the fact that she chose not to allow circumstances to determine the cause of her life.

Rather than wallow in self-pity and consign herself to fate, she chose to get an education by applying for admission in one of the faith-based institutions where she thought she could get succor, but how wrong.

She said: “I was offered admission, but later the VC called us together and said there was a particular screening they had not conducted.

“They didn’t tell us that they were doing an HIV test; they only told us that they were doing medical fitness.

“Our blood samples were collected. Later, the VC just announced publicly: ‘Sorry, we will not be able to give you admission’. He said my admission was being withdrawn because it was a missionary school and I was HIV positive.”

The reality hit her like a bullet. It was as if her entire life had been shattered. “I tried to commit suicide, but each time I tried, I would see somebody coming to rescue me,” she said

Since death refused to come, Gloria started looking for organisations where he could express herself that it was not her fault that she got infected but a hospital caused it through a blood transfusion.

Dream fulfilled

Her search for a platform finally came into reality with the Red Card Campaign, through which she visited many tertiary institutions around the country. Many of the students became emotional after listening to her story, and some openly shed tears.

“I told them I did not need pity; what I needed was their support to have an anti-stigma bill passed into law, and for them to sign the petition. They signed it and we took it to the National Assembly.

“We looked for their representative and gave it to them, saying this is what your students said that they need; they want this bill to be passed into law.”

Unraveling the myths about HIV

Contrary to the erroneous belief in certain quarters, Gloria had the opportunity to be married and the relationship produced two lovely children who were HIV-negative.

But the kids were not products of her first relationship. “I didn’t marry the first guy because I didn’t want to get married to an HIV-negative person; I just wanted someone of the same status, because I didn’t want a situation where someone would wake up one morning and use my status to insult me.

“That was why I felt anytime I missed my medication, I would have a partner who would tell me that it was time for my drugs, and when I fell sick, he would understand what he would do at the right time.

“But getting married to a negative person would be funny. That was why I cut that relationship with the guy, and he didn’t take it lightly with me.”

Rejected by neighbours

Her experience with neighbours was also not an easy one. She said their feeling was that she should go and die as they would not allow their children to get close to her. “They would tell their children, ‘Don’t go across the house’, ” she said.

“I remember being locked in the house where they would pass food under the door for me to eat. I was locked up like a prisoner,” she added.

Gloria said that many had thought she was going to die, but like a cat with nine lives, the more they stigmatised her, the more she clutched to life.

She said she probably would have died but for the support she got from groups and individuals like the Catholic Committee on AIDS (CACA), which has a support group where people living with HIV/AIDS meet once a month. There she was kept just for her to get hope.

She said: “One fine Saturday morning, I saw people coming for the support group meeting, and you would see them fighting for rice. I felt like these people had HIV, they are fighting for food and are not even crying that God should heal them.

“You know, there was this negative thought that I was having then. I had already told myself that they should stop deceiving me; that they should just allow me to die, and I just stopped taking my medication at that point.

“There was a supplement they called anti-wisdom. It was out of stock and somebody came to buy it in bulk with a Jeep, and he had a driver. I peeped through the window and I saw the jeep and the driver.

“I later asked someone if the owner of the jeep was also HIV positive, and the person said, ‘Yes. Is it not you who wants to die? Die now. That was when I picked up courage and went back to school.”

The turnaround

I returned home in full force, and my neighbours no longer believed that I was HIV positive. They thought I lied about my status so that the government would pay me big money. Even the T- shirt they were running away from before, they started begging me for it.

“They never believed that I was living with the virus; they thought that I scammed the government. Initially they called me a dead person, but the whole thing was now working in my favour.”

Advice for government, victims

Although the stigmatisation of the people living with HIV persists, Gloria advised that victims should first deal with themselves first, noting that “self-inflicted stigma kills faster than the virus.

She also suggested that every workplace should have a policy that talks about HIV and the law against stigmatisation.

She said: “We have what we call an anti-stigma act in place. The problem is that people don’t report the insults they get around them. People don’t talk, because they don’t want their faces to be known, they don’t want their names to be mentioned.

“Let them come up and report these cases. We have lawyers on ground that can take them up, and we have the anti-stigma bill waiting for somebody to violate it.”

“There are penalties against stigmatisation of people living with HIV /AIDS. We want people to talk. We want people to speak out if their rights are violated or if they are discriminated or stigmatized against because of their HIV status.

“Because of ignorance, many of the people living with HIV see themselves as handicapped. Rather than work, some of them prefer to resort to begging for alms.

“They want the government to do everything for them, forgetting that they are like every other human being out there. They are like every other human being with typhoid or malaria.”

How healthcare workers cause resentment among victims

It was gathered that while the government makes efforts to protect the PLWH, the attitude of the health care providers in most cases is worrisome.

“Our problem is the health care providers. They discriminate against people who come to access treatment. Because of that, we have lost many HIV-positive people.

“They don’t come to the facility anymore to take their medications, and babies are being born with HIV based on the kind of approach being used at the health setting.”

She advised that healthcare providers should be trained and retrained on how to handle PLWHs.

She also pleaded with the government to engage more of them in the hospitals.

Based on the UN projection, by 2030, there will be no more AIDS. But this can only be achieved if only qualified people with this virus are being employed in their various states or in their local governments or at the federal level. They are not just being employed, they are being paid salaries.

Gloria said: “Those of them who did not go to school, the government should empower them and let them have something for themselves.

“There is always the need for awareness on how HIV can be contracted. There is this misinformation that by hugging somebody, you can contract HIV.

“Even in the media, there is wrong information being passed out that HIV can only be contracted through sexual intercourse, forgetting that there are other means people can get infected.

“By the time the right information is passed out, things will be okay. Unfortunately, attention is focused on sex as the only way one could contract HIV/AIDS. What about the clipper? What about sharp objects?”

‘I don’t joke with my drugs’

Like her other colleagues who have not allowed their status to dampen their spirits, Lady B, another woman who is HIV positive, was looking every inch beautiful with nothing to betray her as someone living with the virus. Everything about her looked good and healthy.

“I don’t joke with my drugs. I take my medication regularly, ” she told our reporter.

Lady B had contracted HIV from an unusual place, though many still don’t believe her story. According to her, she got contracted via a broken bottle used on her by a fellow lady during a brawl.

Unknown to her, the lady first cut herself with the broken bottle, before she dealt a blow to Lady B with the same broken bottle. It was not until later that she realised she had been infected, though for à very long time, she lived in self-denial.

Unlike some others, Lady B lives in affluence as she has a lucrative paid job that fetches her good money, although her status is unknown to her employers as she resolved not to disclose it, based on previous experience.

While seeking a paid job, she needed to declare her status, and the job required counseling people living with HIV, where it was mandatory to share personal experiences with the clients.

However, within the job atmosphere, the other workers who were not positive were always treating others who were positive with disdain.

She said: “The stigma, the discrimination was quite obvious. Whenever they wanted to have a gathering of the staff, let me use the general hospital, for example, there is a way they keep people like us on one side.

“There is a particular department in general hospitals that has an ARV centre where people with HIV get their drugs, and it is not only ARV people that are working there.

“There is no way you would work in that vicinity and you would not be known, because we are the people who are supposed to showcase, let our clients have confidence in us. We have to make them come out of their shell, so we have to disclose our status to them. But by doing so, our secrets are not safe.

“So the ones that are not reactive will take that as an opportunity. Many of them do spread it. There is no OP or operation procedure. Had it been there was a law that binds you that within this department, there is a rule, there is guidance, there is nothing of such.

“That stigmatization is there in the public service system. In an NGO it is not like that. We don’t welcome that.”

It was the frustration that led Lady B to look for another job, where she would be free and she could visit a private hospital or a place where she was not known for her treatment.

“It is only the coordinator that knows our status. Even some of the clients that come to us don’t know my status, except when we have a party and we discuss more about ourselves. We are safe there.

“But in the general sector, it is not like that. The stigma is very obvious, and we are praying to the government that there should be a law that will bind them.”

When reminded that the government has legislation that forbids discrimination against people living with HIV, she doubted it, insisting that she never heard of anybody being punished for violating such a law.

According to Lady B, one of her clients whose fiancé was giving problems has a baby for the partner. But immediately he became aware of the woman’s status, he started making life difficult for the woman, and even rejected her.

“The lady’s predicament worsened because that man collected all the money the lady brought from Libya.

“Since she was rejected by the man, she asked him to return her money and it became a problem. Each time she made an attempt to get her money, he would turn it into violence.

“It became a police issue, and at the police station, the man disclosed to them that the lady was HIV positive. She cried and left the scene feeling bullied, stigmatized, and disgraced.”

To make matters worse, none of the police officers could do anything. She reported the case to Lady B, who promised to take it up.

The experiences of her colleagues whose status is known with stigmatization have been traumatic.

As at today, she said, her status is kept secret from her neighbours except her husband whom she described as “very supportive.”

Lady B once married, and the union produced a child who turned out to be negative and outside the country. It was when her ex-husband found out about her status that they separated.

She said: “I went through emotional trauma. I almost died that night. I was almost referred to a psychiatric hospital if not for my family.

“Almost all members of my family wanted to use that against me. One of them stood up and said if you ever show any attitude, for her to have trusted you and disclosed her status to you, so many of them were cautioning themselves.

“I think one of them told her son about it, and those ones are trying to avoid me. But as far as I am concerned, I don’t give a damn.

“I kept my status from my ex-husband until my mother died. There was this particular time when I was seriously ill. I told my ex about it and I nearly died because he was using it against me. He was messing up, carrying women up and down.

“Any time we had an issue, he would start raising his voice.”

She said her ex-husband was very loving, but once she declared her status, all hell was let loose.

As a way of fighting the trauma, she channeled her energy to her vegetable farm, watering the farm and transplanting vegetables. She also got a counselor to whom she paid huge sums of money.

“It was so bad that I got into alcohol and started smoking heavily. Although I’m not a drug abuser, I was taking cigarettes for me to sleep and calm my system.

“I was smoking so heavily I could finish a pack of cigarettes in a day, just for me to control my emotions.”

As if regretting her actions, she said the habit is currently affecting her health.

“There was nothing I could do, there was nobody that could console me until I met my present husband,” she said.

Finding love again

While Lady B had a nasty experience in her first relationship, her consolation is that the current relationship she is in right now is giving her joy.

Narrating how she met her present partner who is not HIV-positive, she said it was providence that brought them together.

Lady B said: “I was on my way to pick up something from abroad. Unfortunately, there was no vehicle. So he dropped from his vehicle and we boarded the same vehicle and the same bike took us to the same destination.

“Fortunately, we both lived in the same vicinity. He was surprised to have met me. It was a few months later that I disclosed my status to him.

“He didn’t believe me. He was shocked and really angry. But as a counselor, I made sure that what I did was something that would not affect him. I was able to protect him and myself.

“I persuaded him to follow me to my facility where I receive treatment. I refused to test him myself. When we got there, behold he was negative.

“He was so happy. He fell in love with me the more. He said I was lying, but I told him I wasn’t lying. I told him that the only thing I did was taking a risk to sleep with him without disclosing my status. I apologised and he forgave me.

“He loved me and saw in me the woman he wanted.”

Although she is not formally married to her current partner, she disclosed that the relationship would be formalised very soon.

She said: “We have gone to the registry. It wasn’t a loud event. We did our traditional wedding. He is also a divorcee.

“He has been supportive. Whenever I’m down, he would encourage me to go to the hospital and take care of myself.”

She said the joy she derived from the relationship had made her to further her studies in mental help in order to take care of not only herself but other people.

She is believing God to have another child for her present husband, not minding their age.

While admitting that PLWHs have the tendency to feel traumatised, strict medication adherence would surely mitigate whatever challenge they may have.

“It is better than malaria. It is better than diabetes. It is better than any other sickness you can think of,” she said.

She advised those who do not know their status to start checking it every three months.

“If you know you have multiple sex partners, ensure you go with condoms. Even condoms are 95 per cent, not 100 percent safe. But you need to live a positive life and ensure that you do the proper thing.

“Do you know that many people still don’t believe that I’m HIV-positive? I’m looking forward to having my home and NGO, so that I can take care of some of the people that are positive and hopeless.”

She advised people living with HIV/AIDS to be positive, insisting that they should not commit suicide. Rather, they should live a good life and do whatever other people do.

September 28, 2024
‘I feel happy, proud, when people call me Tinubu’s look-alike’

•Says if I had chance to meet him, I’d tell him to continue his policies

His looks belie his age. At 83, the Lejua of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, Chief Timothy Olatunde Kolawole, remains still and sound. He does with ease tasks that many people his age labour to perform. The look-alike of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu though retired from the banking industry is currently busy writing books, two of which are being used as definitive texts by secondary school students in Lagos and Osun states. In an interview with GBENGA ADERANTI, he shares his experience about being Tinubu’s look alike, life as a banker and author, thoughts on present government among other issues.

How do you feel when people call you President Tinubu‘s look alike?

Well, I feel happy about it. When people started making that comment, my initial reaction was that of astonishment. But I later got used to it. I consider it a noble thing for people to say I resemble our President. In fact, this had been on even before he became the President. After he left office as (Lagos State) governor, people see me and say this is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s look-alike. I feel happy that people say I resemble him.

Are you related to him in any way?

Not at all! We are not related. I am from Imesi-Ile in Osun State while he is from Lagos. There is no way we are related. I think it is just nature and the work of God.

Are you looking forward to meeting him one day?

I will be very happy to meet him. That, in fact, will be the greatest thing to happen to me. He is the number one citizen of Nigeria. I will be very happy. It will be a unique opportunity for me to shake hands with the President of the nation.

There must be times you hear people make snide remarks about him. How do you feel on such occasions?

Well, it is natural, especially in a political period. Like the Yoruba say, oun to koju senikan, eyin lo ko selo mii. Different people see things in different ways. But talking about the real situation on ground, I feel sorry for Nigeria and Nigerians sometimes because of the way we see things. It is true that the policies he is taking now are harsh, but before you can make an omelet, you have to break an egg. That is the situation we are in now.

The policies he is taking now may be hard, but in the economic parlance, when you make decisions, some results will be immediate, some will be short term, some will be long term. There are gestation periods. The hardship we are facing now will be short term, and if he is able to follow his policies to the logical end, Nigeria will be better for it. That is my belief.

Things have been bad for many years. I don’t want to blame anybody, but it is the reality that things had been bad for many years, and getting them corrected cannot be done overnight. That is my opinion.

So what would you say are the good, the bad and the ugly experiences from being Mr. President’s look-alike?

Like I said, many people have said so. Even when I’m driving, you see bus drivers saying come and see Tinubu driving, and I would wonder who they are talking about.

Let me cite an instance: I went to an office one day. When I got to the gate, the gate man saw me. But instead of opening the gate, he ran back to meet his colleagues, and I didn’t know why. Shortly after, they all rushed out and were looking at me. I asked what the problem was and they said our friend said you look like Tinubu and we are wondering what Tinubu is doing here, driving himself without security. I just laughed. It was really embarrassing to me that day.

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From time to time, people say so. Of recent, I met the twin brothers of Taiwo and Kehinde Oluwafunsho, and the two of them said Baba, you resemble Tinubu so much. I said is that so? And I said I didn’t know. I didn’t tell them that people had been saying so. They said I wish you met him, and I said well, it depends on God. These are the things I have experienced in the past.

For me, it is a good thing to say I resemble Tinubu who by the grace of God is today our President. I would love to meet him if the opportunity arises.

You just narrated the good experience, what have been the uglyy ones?

No, I can’t remember any ugly one. No, no, I don’t.

You said you would like to meet President Tinubu. What would you tell him if you do?

I will first of all congratulate him for achieving his lifetime ambition; for becoming the President of the country. At the same time, I will pity him because of the onerous tasks ahead of him.

Like I said earlier, he has taken over the mantle of leadership at a difficult time in Nigeria’s history. Things had been bad for many years. I will ask him to continue with his policies which he believes are going to benefit Nigerians. He should not listen to detractors because many people are there for their selfish interests. That is the truth.

Even within the party, there may be fifth columnists, not to talk of the opposing parties. But once he knows that this decision he is taking is the correct one as at now, I believe God will help him to succeed. I will pray for him to succeed. Nigeria is a complex country, and with what we are facing today, it needs drastic decisions, which I’m sure he is now taking. I will encourage him to forge ahead. He should not listen to detractors.

One of the talking points before and after the election was about his age. What is your take on people over 70 years managing a country?

As far as I am concerned, being the President of Nigeria is not a function of age. I think it is a function of what you have to offer, your physical abilities and your health. Biden is in his 70s. He has now realised that he does not have the strength to forge ahead. That is why they have replaced him with Kamala. But if he is strong enough, why not? There are presidents all over the world who are 80 years, and they are doing well. As far as I’m concerned, age is not an issue. What is important is the stuff you have in you to rule the country, and then your physical health.

You see Tinubu walking, people run after him. So what are we talking about? As far as I am concerned, age is not a barrier as long as the person is sound enough physically and mentally. That is my take.

Some people have one form of despondency or the other about the government. What would you be telling this category of people?

I said earlier on that things had been bad and we have to be hopeful that things will become good and become better. One thing I would advise him to do if I have the opportunity to meet him is that he should ensure that our refineries are working. The problems we have in Nigeria today are rooted on two factors: the first is energy, that is petrol, and the other one is the foreign exchange. If those two problems are solved, Nigeria will be better.

Dangote is on stream. I want him to sell his products more to Nigerians than abroad. That will definitely reduce the cost of petrol. If Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries are working, things will be okay. If those two problems are solved, Nigeria’s problems will be solved because everything is tied to the foreign exchange and energy. Those will have multiplier effects on everything we are doing in Nigeria. I will want him to focus on these two aspects of our economy. Those who think that Nigeria will not be better are just being funny.

Are you a politician?

Everybody is a politician. But I’m not that type of politician that goes here and there. But as long as I exercise my franchise, I am a politician. I know which party I’m voting for. I’m a politician, and I know which government is taking the right decision. I’m not actively involved in day to day politics.

What was your growing up like?

I’m from Imesi-Ile in Osun State. That is about 30 kilometres or so from Osogbo, the Osun State capital. I was born on the 30th of June in 1941. That is to say I was 83 last June. I started my primary school at the age of seven. That was in 1948 in Imesi-Ile. Fortunately also, my secondary school also was at Imesi-Ile. We were the pioneer students of Methodist High School in Imesi-Ile. We started in 1956.

Basically, my growing up was in Imesi-Ile, and knowing that Imesi-Ile was an agrarian community, the people there were basically farmers. Life was very interesting and regimental, because after school, some of us whose farms were very close to the house would go to the farm and work. But those whose farms were far away would go to the farms on Fridays after school and come back on Saturday. But on long holidays, we would be in the farm from Tuesday to Saturday.

Our life was simple. Basically, our staple food was yam, pounded yam, eko (pap) and so on.

We were eating rice three times in a year, during Easter, during harvest and during Christmas. Those were the only times in a year that we were eating rice. It was funny. We would be looking forward to Easter and Christmas so that we could eat rice, because we were eating only pounded yam. Even today, I can still eat pounded yam three times a day; it doesn’t affect me.

Then, we were born Methodist. We were going to church every Sunday.

My growing up was very interesting, but it wasn’t a flamboyant one because my parents were home based farmers. My mother too was doing some farming. She was an expert in weaving on the local loom. I didn’t leave home until the age of 20 years. That was 1961 when I passed out of secondary school. That was when I moved to Ibadan. My growing up was like that of any other person from a rural community.

It may interest you to note that I saw a telephone box for the first time at the age of 20 (prolonged laughter).

Did you go to tertiary institutions?

I’ve told you that I passed out of secondary school in 1961. I started work in the railways in 1962, February. In 1964, I joined the bank.

With secondary school certificate?

Yes. I didn’t have the money to go to the university at all, even though I knew I was brilliant. I didn’t go to the university. I was working in the bank of West Africa. That was what they called it then. It is now First Bank of Nigeria. During my employment there, I started taking lessons on banking courses, and within four years, I was able to pass their final examination. So I became an associate member of the Institute of Bankers London in 1969.

Within four years, I was able to finish the whole exam which my counterparts would go to England and study before they could make after many years. But right in my room, I was studying, I was using the library, and within four years, I was able to finish the exam.

After that, in 1987, I went to the University of Ibadan for my Master’s degree in Banking and Finance.

Without a first degree?

The AIB is like a first degree. It is a professional course. It is just like the ACCA. We call it executive programme. I have my Master’s in Banking and Finance. I never had the opportunity of going to formal university at the beginning, but I ended up having a Master’s degree.

When I left Bank of West Africa, it was Standard Bank, I joined National Bank. I rose up to the position of a District Manager when I left the bank in February 1989. Since then, I have been in private practice. I thank God for my life.

At 83, you are still sharp and sound. What is the secret?

It is the grace of God as many people would say. I also join them that it is the grace of God, because I don’t have anything that is extraordinary in me, that is different from others. But I thank God that I am as old as I am today. I’m still sound, both physically and mentally. So it is the grace of God. But on top of that, I think I do things in moderation. I do exercise, I walk a lot, I go to the club.

When I’m doing exercise, I can tune to my television, put it on Soundcity or Trace, and dance to the music for 10 to 15 minutes. I do that almost every day. In my bathroom, I do a lot of stretching my hands and my legs. I thank God for that.

I still drive very well, but I have stopped driving out of town. I still attend club. I was there yesterday night; Lagos Country Club.

At 83, what has life taught you?

Like I said, everything is in moderation. Secondly, one has to be focused. Once you are focused and you follow your plans tenaciously, God will assist you. Then I have learnt that I should be content with what I have. If you are a billionaire, I don’t envy you, I just thank God for your life, that is your life. But as far as I’m comfortable, if I want to eat, I can afford it. This is what I want to do, and I can afford it, this is what I want to drink, I can afford it. I’m comfortable.

I thank God for my children; they are all doing fine.

What are your regrets?

I have a philosophy: once I take a decision, I stand by it. I don’t regret anything in life, because at the point I’m taking that decision, I felt that it was the best. So if at the end of the day God says it is not the way, what do I do? Nothing. I don’t regret anything in life. Where I am today, I am satisfied.

What are you doing in your retirement?

Since I retired, I have been trying to do some writings. By the grace of God, I have three publications now. I titled one ‘Yoruba Personal Names: A Cultural Analysis.’ It is a voluminous book on Yoruba names; how we name our children, the circumstances behind our naming system. You know in Yorubaland land, once you hear the name, you know that this is from Ekiti, this is from Ijebu, this is from Ondo, so I grouped them in that sector.

Our religion plays a major role in our naming system. I have the book which I think it is an asset to the Yoruba race. That one is there. It is already published. Again, I have a small book which I titled ‘Labe Odan (under the Byran tree). In those days, our parents would gather us in the evening under the Odan tree telling us folklores. I have ten folk stories in that book in Yoruba, pure Yoruba, and as at today, Lagos State secondary schools are using the book, and also in Osun State.

September 28, 2024
Akeem Oyebanji: Gbenga Adeboye remains my golden boss

Sixty-one-year-old Akeem Oyebanji is a multi-talented comedian, radio and TV presenter, MC, actor and singer, who cut his teeth in the entertainment sphere under the tutelage of the late entertainment wizard, Gbenga Abefe Adeboye. For a total of 19 years, Enudunjuyo, as Oyebanji is widely referred to, learned the rudiments and tricks of the industry until he was able to take charge and stand on his own. In this interview with KAYOWA ADEGBOYEGA, Enudunjuyo opens up on his time with the late Gbenga Adeboye, his career, amongst other things.

So people used to find it difficult to recognize me, because my voice, my stature, everything, I resembled him. So one of the days, one of the fans that I went to their event, anchored the ceremony as MC there, the man came back to the office and told my oga, ah, this boy, Enu e dun o.

How did you get the nickname, Enudunjuyo?

My boss, the late Gbenga Adeboye, was the one who named me Enudunjuyo, because when he got engaged as a MC, and when we had another offer, he would send me there to go and represent him. So people used to find it difficult to recognize me, because my voice, my stature, everything, I resembled him. So one of the days, one of the fans that I went to their event, anchored the ceremony as the MC, the man came back to the office and told my boss, ‘Ah, this boy, Enu e dun o (oga, ha! This boy has sugar-coated mouth) and my boss replied, ‘Enudunjuyo is his name.’ So that is how Enudunjuyo was stamped since that day.

Can you tell us about how you came about radio presenting and broadcasting as a whole?

Gbenga Adeboye trained me. I started in 1984, as an apprentice. So little by little, I developed my interest, and talent through him. So that was how I started. I used to take part in his programme before I went to Radio Nigeria.

He gave me his business card to go and meet somebody, Mr. Bisola Atilo. He’s now on Bond FM, but he was on Radio Nigeria at that time. So, Bisilola Atilo introduced me to Pastor Taiwo Akinsola, that was when they just started a programme, ‘Abule Mayokun.’ It was a 30-minute programme from 10:30 pm to 11 pm. Somebody told me that they were about to start a new program called ‘Faaji Kelele.’ That was where we met with Basiru Adisa. So, we had a joint programme there. They gave us 30 minutes. It was a one-hour programme, but they gave us 15 minutes to make jokes. From there, I had an opportunity to meet a company. They came to NTA Channel 7 for Christmas Carol. So, I went to the person in charge, I introduced myself to him, and I said, okay. I said I could produce radio adverts. The man said it was good. They were even looking for something like that provided I could come to their office.

So, the following week, I went there. The company was Abosede Laboratories. They were doing baby products. That’s what they were producing there. So, that was my first programme. That company sponsored a programme for me on OGBC2 in the year 1996, that’s when I started the programme called ‘Mayokun Hour.’ It was every Friday between 10 and 11. So, along the line, I also got some boys along to come and train under me. Then, my first apprentice is now the AG and Assistant General Manager at the Fresh FM Lagos, followed by Fatai Bantale. So, Bantale is now on Faaji FM. Later, I started a training school. So, by then, some people graduated from my school. That was how I continued my life journey in the entertainment industry. Along the line, I launched albums. The first one, I did ‘Nibo Laanlo,’ ‘Ishankan,’ ‘Idamu Tenanti,’ Yoruba.’

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Then, the latest one is ‘Idamu Landlord.’ At the time I released ‘Idamu Tenanti,’ a lot of people challenged me that why was it only tenants I direct my particular words at because a lot of landlords and landladies also are very wicked. I said okay, I would try to balance it up. So, that was why I launched that one when I came back from Saudi Arabia last year. I launched it on my 60th birthday on August 27 last year.

Some refer to you as a comedian or actor, but you mostly see yourself as a broadcaster. Which one are you?

I’m an actor. My first film was ‘One Naira.’ So, my second film was ‘Paronure,’ released by Boye Ventures. When you are in the entertainment industry, it depends on how you mingle with the people. I’m an actor, I’m a presenter, I’m a stand-up comedian. I used to anchor programmes and events everywhere. So, I can see myself as an actor, comedian, and a broadcaster as well.

Which one do you love the most, Show hosting, acting, and cracking jokes? Everything about it is a blessing from Almighty God. In fact, if someone is selling pure water, if God blesses you, you can build a mansion. In the broadcasting industry, we have people who own their own radio stations today. Somebody like Yemi Sonde, is the owner of Yes FM in Ibadan. Seun Awodele is there also Oriyomi Hamzat, Agidigbo FM, he’s a broadcaster also. So, we request for blessings from Almighty God. In the theatre industry, God has blessed some people there. So, there’s nothing bad in the field. So, it is only by blessing from Almighty Allah.

So, which one do you love the most?

I love every one of them, but I prefer my role as a stand-up comedian and presenter. I think is suitable for me.

You shared a thick bond with the late Gbenga Adeboye while he was alive. Can you tell us about your journey with him and what his death did to you and your career?

It’s so far. The journey was so far, but I give glory to Almighty God. You know, when you’re under the tutelage of somebody, you need to go through a lot of difficulties. Nothing in life comes easy. Anything interesting in life, you need to suffer for what you are going to achieve there. So, that’s just it.

I gained a lot from him. Even when he died, I missed a lot because he was a bundle of talent. May his soul continue to rest in peace, he was my golden boss. The journey was so far when I was with somebody from 1984 to 2003, you know, that was never a small journey. So, I cannot just sit down to say what I went through than to say, thank God in my life for everything. It’s not something I just sit down and say in one year, no matter what, whether you like it or not, you need to face one or two challenges in life. So, that’s just it.

What is your take on FIBAN?

FIBAN is now changed to AMBROAD. What happened was that I was the first PRO in Lagos State. When we started the journey, Alhaji Kazim was our president.

Somebody like Dr. Yinka Ayefele (M.O.N.) was one of our members when FIBAN started. Yemi Sonde, like I said, now owns a radio station, he is the owner of Smailz FM and some people like that. Oriyomi Hamzat was also one of our members. But, you can see those people, they have gone far now. We find it difficult to call them our members because they already established themselves. So, we sat down and asked what can we do. That was last year. We said let us change our name. Yemi Sonde, they were all there. That’s where everybody got their idea of a new name, before we arrived at AMBROAD which is the Association of Nigerian Broadcasters. That is the full meaning of AMBROAD.

Those people I just mentioned are part of us. It’s different from FIBAN. FIBAN is the Freelance Independent Broadcaster Association of Nigeria. But now, since they are on their own, they don’t even see themselves as part of us. We call them together. We changed from FIBAN to AMBROAD.

Tell us about your family, wife and children.

I have a wife. I have children. Boys and girls. Most of them are married. Some are single. So, I give glory to Almighty God for that.

I’m sure that there are several moments in your life and career that remain significant. Which one do you remember with fond memories?

Like I said, I need to give glory to Almighty God. Because when we started, it was rough. It is not easy. In the olden days, before they could recognize us, it was not easy. Not like nowadays. We have 60-something radio stations in Lagos now. In the olden days, there were only two radio stations. Radio Lagos and Radio Nigeria in Ikoyi. Now, we are sharing the same audience, the same population. Now, it is divided into 64 people. So, for you, before people could recognize you, definitely, you have tried. It is not just a joke. So, I thank God for everything.

Did you have a mentor when you started, sir? And who was that?

I don’t have two mentors except Gbenga Adeboye of blessed memory. Even before I met him, there was an old entertainment newspaper released in the early 80s. So, that’s where I used to read Alhaji Pastor Oluwo. That was his nickname. I was surprised at that time. How can somebody combine three religious names? I didn’t understand. So, the day I met him was when I went to meet my brother. He was a mechanic. So, I came to meet my brother that day. So, my boss brought his car for them for servicing. That is how we met. Along the line, we were chatting and he asked if I knew how to drive. I told him I knew how to drive and after he serviced his car, we went out together. So, thank God, my street, where my uncle lived and his street was just a stone’s throw. That is besides Road Safety there. So, that was how we met each other. So, since then, gradually, we continued our life journey according to the will of Almighty God till the last day.

Is your job financially rewarding?

I thank God. I told you that I recorded an album. At the same time, I was a film producer. So, I don’t have any other means of living to take care of my family, and I thank Almighty God for everything.

Not many understand how you make money. Can you share it with us?

How to make money? It is not easy. Firstly, we used our pocket money to buy airtime. There are some presenters who are presenting a station programme. When you have a station programme, they will give you airtime to do the programme. So, it depends on how you get adverts just to sustain the programme. If you see an advert, no problem, if you don’t see it, there is nothing wrong with you. Nobody will pressure you to go and bring money because you are presenting a station programme. But we, as an independent programme, we use our pocket money to buy the airtime. So, after you buy the airtime, you sustain the adverts, and seek sponsors just for the programme to continue because you need money to pay for the airtime. Radio stations won’t allow you to owe them. So, that is the true difference between us presenters. There are some people that own station programmes. We, as an independent programme, use our pocket money to buy the airtime.

September 28, 2024
How Zaria flood displaced the living, unsettled the dead
- I thought my children and I would be swept away -Survivor
Behind the statistics of residents displaced in the recent devastating flood that ravaged Zaria and Sabon Gari local government areas of Kaduna State are tales of survivors who lost their homes and means of livelihood, and even the dead who were rattled in their graves, ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE reports.

Like every other day, residents of Zaria and Sabon Gari had their plans for Monday August 26. But their plans were shattered by what was initially thought to be a regular rainfall, which later turned out into a massive flood that unsettled everywhere.

The terrestrial rainfall had begun around 5 am, lasting more than seven hours and leaving hundreds of houses and businesses premises submerged. The Hanyi-Ojo Cemetery was not spared as the submerged graves collapsed, leaving buried bodies exposed.

Residents expressed fear that the destruction of the cemetery might have resulted in the contamination of surrounding areas, posing further challenges for the community in terms of health and sanitation.

The Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Dr Usman Hayatu-Mazadu, said the flood wreaked havoc in spite of the state government’s measures to mitigate its impact, including de-silting drainage systems and conducting sensitization campaigns.

He stated that despite predictions and warnings, some residents refused to relocate from the flood prone areas, leading to the displacement of more than 200 households in Zaria and Sabon-Gari LGAs.

While the affected residents lamented their losses, they had reasons to thank God, because the effect of the flood would have been fatal if it had happened in the middle of the night.

While they awaited the official rescue teams from the government, youths of Chikaji in Sabon Gari Local Government Area swung into action, going from house to house in search of trapped occupants. With ropes and ladders, many were rescued.

Victims were left in tears as they watched their houses submerged by flood and property worth millions of naira washed away.

One of the victims, whose two-bedroom apartment was destroyed by the flood, Malam Ibrahim Ahmed, said he and his household were grateful to God that the flood occurred in day time.

Narrating his ordeal, Ahmed said: “Kvwas was already awake when the rain started. I took it for the normal rain, though I didn’t go to the mosque to observe the early morning prayers.

“So, after praying at home, I felt like since it was still raining, I should just sleep again. Then, I noticed that water was rushing into my house from only God knows where.

“We were evacuating water from the house when a section of the house collapsed.

“I could not take anything from the House. I was more concerned about protecting my kids from the rubble of the building,” he said

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He however appealed for support and quick intervention from the government and key stakeholders for himself and other victims.

Another victim, Aisha Musa in Tudun Wada, Zaria recalled how the force of the water prevented her and her children from fleeing their submerged house, saying that, they thought they would be swept away like the belongings.

According to her, “I was at home with my children when the waters started rising. We tried to flee, but the currents were too strong. We were trapped, watching as our belongings were being swept away.

“My children were crying, and I thought we would lose everything. Neighbours helped us to escape, but our home is gone.

“We are now living with relatives, struggling to start afresh,” she said.

Abubakar Sani, a trader in Sabon Gari Market, said he lost everything he had worked for in a twinkle of the eye, saying that his greatest fear is how he will continue to feed his family.

“I have lost everything: my business, my savings, my future. I had just restocked my shop when the floods came. All my goods are gone. How will I provide for my family now?

“We’re relying on the kindness of strangers to survive.

‘The market was our livelihood. The flood left us with a sea of mud and debris.

Narrating her own experience, Fatima Mohammed, Anguwan Kaura, Zaria said: “I was separated from my family during the chaos. I thought I was going to lose them forever until I saw my children being carried into safety by neighbours.

“Thereafter, we were relocated to a makeshift camp. It was not easy, but we are grateful to be alive.

“The community has come together to support each other. We will rebuild our homes, but it will take a bit of time,” she said.

A 70-year-old Umar Abdullahi of Ungwan Chicano, Sabon Gari said he had never seen anything like this year’s flood in his entire lifetime.

He said: “The waters rose so fast, sweeping away everything. I lost my home, my farm and my livestock.

“I’m now living with my son, but I worry about the future. How will we recover from this?

“The government needs to help us rebuild and provide support for farmers like me.”

A community leader in Chikaji, Alhaji Auwal Sani-Dambaba said the flood affected more than 200 houses in the area, adding that it washed away parts of the LEA Primary School in the area and substantial part of the Hayin-Ojo Cemetery.

“Many graves were left open, while the victims took shelter in the neighborhood. There was no loss of life during the incident,” the community leader said.
September 28, 2024
Implementation of e-call-up system in Lekki-Epe corridor begins

As the implementation of the much-awaited electronic call-up system begins full on the Lekki-Epe Expressway today, ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE writes on the expectations as the government takes steps to prevent a repeat of the intractable gridlock that, for decades, made the Apapa access roads a nightmare for residents and motorists.

The electronic call up system, the integrated technology app solution to make a seamless logistical throughput possible on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, finally takes off today, September 23, 2024.
Its eventual take-off finally put paid to speculation around the seriousness of the Lagos State Government to deploy this technology to the corridor which, undoubtedly, has started getting unavoidably busy since the Dangote Refinery began commercial production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, about a fortnight ago.
The sales of the petrol are the culmination of the refinery’s exploits which had started with the selling of its Diesel and Jet AI fuels in August, all of which when fully on stream are projected to further compound the traffic pattern in the new commercial axis of the ever bustling Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital.
To take off the sales of petrol alone, no fewer than 300 tanker trailers were brought to the refinery by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to lift fuel for onward distribution across its retail channels.
The increasingly busy nature of the access road is the reason why the state government began to establish the appropriate protocols to enhance the logistical needs of boosting the efficiency of this road which not only leads to Epe, but connects with the Dangote Fertiliser Factory, the Free Trade Zone, the Deep Sea Port and the burgeoning Lagos Airport, all of which are on the Lekki axis.
Last Thursday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, had led top officials of the Ministry which had the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, and other directors on a marathon meeting with leaders of some of the unions operating articulated vehicles on the corridor.
The meeting, which was held in the Ministry’s Conference Room, was another in a series of stakeholders’ fora by the Ministry to drum more awareness for truck and trailer operators, and park representatives among others in alignment with the e-call up system, which it started last year when the State Executive Council, led by the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, decided to deploy e-call up system on that corridor.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Osiyemi had led the top echelon of the Ministry on a last minute check on the deployment even as he inspected some of the holding bays identified along the corridor to be used by the articulated vehicles when the operation begins.
It was agreed at the meeting that the government must create more training around the e-call-up processes to bring every stakeholder abreast of it and to upscale advocacy and promote safety around the Lekki-Epe which primarily was the principal concern of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
The desire not to create another “road monster”, while still taming the Apapa Ports Access corridor is very fierce in government circle and as checks revealed is indeed a reflection of the fears and apprehension of residents that their peaceful neighbourhoods are about to be invaded by mindless truckers with scant desire for laws and decency.
Mr. John Abiri, a top flight consultant, who lives along the corridor was one of the many who feels the government should wield the big stick very early to enable everyone know their boundaries in order to save thousands of people living along the corridor.
“The e-call-up system is a good initiative by the state government if deployed early as it would let all the operators know what they would encounter if they shifted their operation to the Lekki-Epe corridor. Government must not treat offenders of its regulations regarding the policy with kid gloves as this is the only way to drive sanity down the throats of these operators and prevent a repeat of the Apapa experience on this important corridor,” he said.
Abiri’s concern was shared by Friday Oku, another businessman who has been living around Abijo since 2000. He said already, the trailers and trucks are beginning to be a cause of concern to residents. He called attention to the state of some of these trucks and trailers, adding that travelling, especially at night on the road is beginning to be a nightmare as motorists encounter many of these trailers without headlamps/brake lights or trafficator lights as they drive to or away from these facilities to pick fertiliser, fuel or other such commodities.

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The National President of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMARTO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi, one of the critical stakeholders, applauded the state government for coming up with the e-call up system initiative, and expressed assurances that it would, if well implemented, address the many concerns of several residents, whether corporate or individual or visitors to the Lekki-Epe corridor.
Ogungbemi had told this newspaper that AMARTO will continue to support the state government and that the association would continue to enlighten its members wishing to explore business opportunities on the corridor to comply strictly with the e-call up regulations to be released by the government.
He said AMARTO and other unions are already in talks to see how they would continue to support the government to ensure that the same road indiscipline was not visited on this new economic axis.
He, however, implored the government to continue to work on its infrastructure on the corridor and ensure that it continues to provide more alternative access to both residents and motorists on the corridor as this will reduce their burden and the impact of his men and others who are merely on the road to do business.
Earlier in the year, as part of initiatives aimed at adopting this new economic artery as a pilot for its bus reform initiatives, the state government through Giwa had announced the gradual phase out of unregulated transport moulds, either called Vanagons, by locals, or the midi-versions popularly called Korope from the corridor. To replace them, Giwa had said the government is ready to deploy its new First and Last Mile (FLM) buses to the corridor to provide a more robust government-controlled alternative to the people as part of its bus reforms initiatives.
Though the government seemed to have slowed down on the implementation of that initiative due to the stream of negative feedback from operators, there is no doubting the fact that the Lekki-Epe is a corridor the Sanwo-Olu administration will continue to jealously guard and prevent from slipping into the old tales from Apapa.
Prof. Samuel Odewunmi believes the e-call up system would no doubt be a game changer in sanitizing the trucking ecosystem and if deployed early could help substantially in controlling the narratives that may await the new commercial corridor of the state.
Odewunmi, an expert in transport policy and former Dean of the Lagos State University School of Transport and Logistics (LASU-SOTL), said the readiness to deploy the tech-based application would help bring sanity to the corridor and assist the government in controlling traffic in and out of the corridor. He commended the government for signing the agreement during his recent visit to China for the commencement of the Green Line metro line, which would connect this critical economic hub to Marina, thereby providing railcar alternatives, especially for those coming into this new economic centre to transact business thereby reducing the pressure on the roads.
He challenged the government to continue to concrete the road on that corridor which, according to him, would ensure that the infrastructure there could withstand the pressure of pulling trucks/trailers which would swoop on the highway once full activities commence in many of the business initiatives springing up on the axis.
Patrick Adenusi, another safety expert, lauded the e-call-up initiative of the government as one that is going to be the game changer on that corridor. The system would further complement other initiatives already deployed on that corridor among which are the removal of junctions and roundabouts, thereby expanding the roads and its capacity to process more vehicles on either side of the access. He said if this is complemented with continuous maintenance of the road and regulated transit system permissible along the corridor, it would go a long way in forcing sanity on operators.

How it works

Government sources disclosed that the e-call-up system is a fully automated system that is meant to reduce incidents of unwanted trucks and other articulated vehicles on the Lekki-Epe corridor.
An official, who did not want his name to be mentioned because he is not authorised to speak on the initiative, said the system works on data, thereby reducing the chances of human interference at all levels of its interface with operators.
According to him, data concerning all articulated vehicles approaching the corridor to pick any hard or wet cargo or wishing to transact business on the Lekki-Epe corridor and the many business outlets opening either at the Free Trade Zone, or the gantries of the Dangote Fertiliser or the Dangote Refinery, would have to feed their details and details of the business into a database which would be deployed for the operation.
Armed with necessary pre-uploaded documents, truck/trailer operators would be contacted via any of the channels listed for contacts regarding their cargo schedule and this is what would grant them access into any of the holding bays already prepared by the state government, where the trucks could move into, thereby reducing the chances of constituting nuisance on the road.
Once the appropriate entities conclude arrangement to receive the trucks in anticipation of its being loaded, the affected trucks would be called in to proceed to the facility and be laden, and once this is done, the process of exit is activated. Both systems are fully automated.
As the process began today, the government had assured that men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be fully on the ground to ensure compliance with the Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) guiding the e-call up deployment.
Giwa said the government would not negotiate the safety and well-being of those living along the corridor and, therefore, would do everything within its power to see that the Apapa monster is not allowed to surface on the Lekki-Epe corridor. Will this be another gambit or one where the government would walk the talk? Only time will tell.

September 23, 2024
Fresh trouble for Borno flood survivors

• Submerged building crumbles, kills one days after displaced family returned home

• Landlords live in fear of building collapse

It is not yet uhuru for residents of Maiduguri, Borno State capital even though the waters from the massive flood that hit the city recently have receded. Tragedy struck in Bodum area of Maiduguri during the week when one of the buildings weakened by the flood incident that hit the Borno State capital collapsed and killed a young boy. Many other buildings in the area have also been reduced to rubble by the flood incident, leaving numerous landlords homeless. There are fears that more buildings already weakened by the flood may collapse and lead to more fatalities as people begin to return to their homes, INNOCENT DURU reports.

Hamza Kasim, a landlord in Bodum area of Maiduguri, narrowly escaped death when his neighbourhood was submerged by the flood incident that ravaged the state capital last week. He was ecstatic that no life was lost in the catastrophic incident that attracted global attention.

But his excitement was short-lived as his building collapsed and killed a young boy thereafter. Speaking with our correspondent, Hamza said “the young boy was a stranger who went to have a look at the building. It was in the course of looking around that the building collapsed and killed him. We have since buried him.”

Since the building collapsed, Hamza said, “I have been sleeping inside a net outside the building. I don’t have the resources to rebuild it now. My family is not here with me at this time. When they come, they will stay in someone else’s place.

The predicament of Hamza and his other kinsmen who also lost their houses to the flood has no doubt compounded the country’s staggering number of housing deficit. As at last year, Nigeria had a deficit of 28 million houses and, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima, needed a whopping N21 trillion to meet housing needs.

It has also been a harrowing experience for Umaru, a landlord whose building was destroyed by the flood. He had narrowly escaped with 10 members of his family when the calamitous flood showed no signs of abating. He fled to his brother’s house to seek refuge, hoping to return to his house later with his family.

After the flood water receded, Umaru, filled with joy that his family was not consumed by the flood, excitedly led them on a jubilant march back home. But their exhilaration soon fizzled out as all they saw of their beautiful four-bedroom apartment was a heap of wreckage.

“I inherited the building from my mother. Unfortunately, it has been destroyed by the flood incident,” Umaru said with face masked in agony.

“It feels very sad losing a property I inherited from my mother to the flood incident. I leave everything to God. If not, I don’t know what to say.”

Umaru, who looked highly despondent, would not want to dwell on his predicament, saying “for now, I am not talking about the house. I don’t have any plans regarding the house at this moment, sincerely speaking, because I don’t know where to start from.

“As a commercial tricycle operator, it was one of my brothers’ tricycles that I was using to eke out a living for my family.

“I left the tricycle in the house when the flood came. It took us four days after the flood incident to be able to remove it from the house.

“After removing it, we changed the engine oil and other things but it is still not working. So I am just sitting at home doing nothing. This is not the time to talk about the building at all.

“I am at the moment staying with my brother together with my family. Even if I want to go and manage the only room that survived the flood, there is no toilet there and we are about 11 in my house.”

Umaru feared that more buildings would collapse in the city as they have already been weakened by the flood.

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He said: “As the sun continues to shine, buildings are falling down, and that could pose serious danger to people’s lives. This is especially so for people who assume their buildings are still standing and safe for them to live in.”

Another embattled landlord, who gave his name simply as Abba, said his two-bedroom building was destroyed by the flood. He has developed a migraine over how to rebuild the collapsed house he inherited.

His headache stems from the fact that he earns a miserable salary that can barely take care of his basic needs let alone those of his immediate family members.

Abba said: “I work with the local government. I am on grade level 3. My salary is too small. Local government does not pay so well.

“My salary is not up to N20,000. I do extra work to augment what I earn as salary to be able to cater for my family.

“If someone calls me to come and dig soakaway pit, I will go and do it. If someone calls me to come and do farm work, I will go and do it just to get some money.

“I don’t know how I am going to rebuild the house. Honestly, I don’t know. I didn’t build the house by myself. I inherited it from my family. It existed before I was born, but it has been destroyed by flood. “People are saying that the government will come and help us but I honestly don’t know how true this is.”

Should the government fail to help him to rebuild the house, Abba said, “I will probably go and get a tent and manage my life in it together with my family before I get money to rebuild the house.

“I am currently living with my brother, but my wife is still in the IDP camp. If the government comes to help us, we will be grateful. But if they don’t, like I said before, I will get a tent and use it as a house pending when I have money to rebuild.”

More landlords lament ordeal

Findings showed that the number of landlords who have been rendered homeless is massive.

While some of them are still seeking refuge in the IDP camps, some others are squatting with their friends and relations.

Usman Kadai is one of the homeless landlords who is currently in an IDP camp.

Aside from losing his building, Usman also lost his business worth N6 million to the flood.

His words: “My building, a three-bedroom, is down. I am in the IDP camp. I inherited the building from my parents. I don’t know where I am going to get money to reconstruct it.

“Like I told you last week, I lost my business and cash too to the flood incident. The goods and cash I lost were worth N6 million.”

Speaking about life in the IDP camp, he said: “Life has not been easy in the camp. I go out to buy what we would cook, and it costs N600 to go out. How will someone in the camp have the money to pay for transport?

“The government gave us 25kg of rice and a pack of spaghetti but we don’t have money to buy the ingredients to cook them with.

“Even getting charcoal to cook the food is not easy. We are cooking by ourselves.

“The government said it cannot feed anybody again. They told us that anyone whose house is in order can go and anyone whose building is not okay should stay back in the camp and manage whatever they provide.

“My family has not cooked anything today because we don’t have charcoal. I don’t know where I will get money to buy charcoal and, unfortunately, the sellers will not give it to you on credit.

“The camp is in the town, so there is no way for us to go and cut firewood for cooking.”

Also sharing his experience, Mustapha Mohammed said: “My main house was destroyed by the flood. I am now staying behind the graveyard. The place is an IDP.

“I inherited the building from my father. It is a four-bedroom flat. Everything in the house was destroyed.

“I am just seeking assistance from family members to rebuild part of the building because there is no government intervention in this regard for now.

“All that I am trying to do for now is to see how I can raise two rooms for us to have somewhere to stay after we leave the IDP camp.

“I am at the moment fixing the suckaway because we can’t stay in a place without a toilet.”

Continuing, he said: “The house was more than 30 years old. When the flood incident occurred, we never knew it would affect the building.

“It was around 2am that we noticed the flood and the alarm was raised that flood water had come to the main road, so we went there to check.

“We tried to put sand at the police station junction but before we knew it, the water came through the graveyard.

“I have not calculated what it would cost to build a new house. What we are just concerned about at the moment is how we can put up a temporary building.

“My children are in the IDP camp.”

Also speaking on the situation in the IDP camp, he said: “The camp is not very comfortable because there is no assistance for food. We are just managing.

“I go out to hustle after school hours. It is whatever I get from my hustling that I use to support the family in the camp.

“I am a volunteer teacher. I earn about N19,000 a month.”

It was also a tale of woes for Mustapha Atiku, a fish seller in the Baga area of the state.

He told our correspondent that the flood destroyed “my whole building, a two-bedroom flat. I don’t know how I will rebuild the house. I built it in 2007.

“Where will I get money to rebuild the house, going by the present cost of building materials? Building materials’ prices have doubled.

“I am currently in an IDP camp but I don’t know where I will go with my family when we leave here.”

Nigeria needs N21tr to address housing deficit – VP Shettima

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, said late last year that despite efforts by governments at different levels, Nigeria’s housing deficit remains huge as N21 trillion will be required to effectively bridge the gap.

The Vice President stated this in Sokoto at the ground breaking for the construction of a 500-unit Housing Estate by the state government.

Senator Shettima noted that the housing deficit in Nigeria remained a huge challenge.

According to the VP, “Nigeria has a deficit of 28 million houses and we will need N21 trillion to meet our housing needs.

How to reduce housing deficit in Nigeria

Writing on how to reduce housing deficit in Nigeria Bayo Lawal, Co-Founder of Dukiya Limited, said: ”In developed countries in the world, the housing sector is a viable tool for enhancing economic growth.

“In a country like Nigeria, however, the reverse is the case since affordable housing is a mirage for middle and lower class citizens in society.

“Despite the government’s effort to nip this anomaly, and bridge the gaping housing deficit, the growing population especially in urban areas thwarts the government’s efforts as well as that of private-owned companies.”

In 1991, he said, “Nigeria’s housing deficit was at 7 million and rose to 12 million in 2007, 14 million in 2010, and 20 million units in 2018, and in 2023, Nigeria has an estimated 28 million housing deficit.

“Some of the critical factors affecting the supply of housing units in Nigeria include the epileptic financial system, slow administrative procedures, high cost of land registration and land titles, housing policies, high cost of building materials, high cost of land acquisition, and a ton of other factors.

“According to a study conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the formal housing production is at approximately 100,000 units per year and this is highly inadequate because at least 1,000,000 units are needed yearly to bridge the 18 to 22 million housing deficits by government’s target date of 2033 (if the population continues at its annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent).”

Continuing, he said: “Experts posit that the real estate sector will need an investment of over N21 trillion as well as a partnership with the government to build sufficient housing for the entire population, so as to provide affordable housing units for the populace in the wake of escalating rents in megacities like Lagos.

“In order to bridge the housing gap and provide sustainable housing in Nigeria, there are certain areas that the government, stakeholders, financial systems, and building and construction companies need to look into: National housing policy review and implementation.

“The sole purpose that the national housing policy is meant to serve is to solve housing problems and meet the housing needs of low-income earners.

“A good percentage of Nigerian citizens fall into the middle and lower class category, therefore they are not financially capable of owning a home.

“The national housing policy should be reviewed taking into consideration the financial and cultural factors inhibiting the average Nigerian’s ability to afford a home.”

Restructuring the Mortgage system

The mortgage system in Nigeria needs to be restructured to really meet the needs of those who cannot afford a home, that is, low-income earners. Many Nigerians who are low-salary earners, cannot afford the short-term financing provided by mortgage banks, hence the housing deficit in the country.

According to experts, mortgage banks are not to blame for the chronic lapses in their financial system, because virtually every mortgage bank in Nigeria depends on funding from the Federal Mortgage Bank, and the funds they receive cannot go around to everybody, thus mortgage banks need serious funding in the mortgage market to make it more vibrant, serve its purposes adequately, and be able to reduce its high-interest rates.

Property registration process

Land registration in Nigeria is shackled with a myriad of challenges which has impeded the operational flow of several real estate companies. It is also a contributing factor to the housing deficit in Nigeria. The property registration process in Nigeria needs to be simplified and digitalised, thereby reducing human participation to the barest minimum so as to eliminate corrupt practices, enhance the government’s credibility, and make it easier for realtors and property owners to do the right thing without cutting corners.

The review of the property registration process and introduction of simplified means of registration would make the acquisition of land titles, deeds, and approvals less cumbersome, and contribute to the growth of the housing sector in Nigeria.

Establishment of locally manufactured building materials

The percentage of people who are unable to build a home or stop their construction project halfway due to the high cost of building materials is on a constant increase. The production of building materials locally should be encouraged, under the supervision of expert engineers who will ensure that only high-quality materials are used alongside the latest building techniques, to ensure the safety, longevity, and quality of the finished product.

Mass production of locally manufactured building materials under expert guidance would reduce construction costs, and housing costs, and ultimately ease the operation of building and construction companies in building more homes thereby contributing to bridging the housing deficit in Nigeria.

Private sector participation in provision of loans, subsidies to potential builders

If there are multiple credit systems that are more flexible than the traditional banks, offering incentives, loans and subsidies, loans can be accessed easily with a convenient repayment structure. If multinational companies and medium-scale industries, other private enterprises in the country can make provisions for long-term loans for building and construction companies with a flexible structure and interest rate, it would bode well for improving the housing deficit.

September 21, 2024