The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • Flirting and skirting around

    Flirting and skirting around

    SKIRTS! Can women really do without a skirt? Certainly not! A lot of the outfits that make us girlish come with a skirt design. It is a woman’s outer garment fastened around the waist and it hangs down in a lovely way.

    From the smartness of the mini skirt to the pencil skirt, you move on to the maxis that are dramatic. Sophistication and glamour are achieved when you know how to carry a sweeping skirt around. It would certainly make you the cynosure of all eyes.

    The events and your mood would determine the type of skirt that you settle for. Apart from this, you also need to make use of a skirt that would complement your top in a unique way.

    Skirts also allow you to play around with colours and you can decide to blend two different shades, wear the same colours or settle for colours that are contrasting.

  • Irresistible charm of leather

    Irresistible charm of leather

    TALK about leather and you find a number of must-have designer handbags, clutch bags, purses and totes. Here you would also find a number of designs that a lot of fashion buffs cannot resist.

    Its uniqueness comes with high quality material that brings panache to a woman’s total outlook.

    Leather is a durable and flexible material created by the tanning of animal rawhide and skin – often cattle hide. There is indeed a wide variety available and they are made with fish skin, tiger, deerskin, kangaroo, crocodile, snake, ostrich and other animals.

  • Time to show off your shoulders

    Time to show off your shoulders

    IF you have clean and clear shoulders, then you have to flaunt it. This clearly is the message from ladies with class, those who wear dresses or blouses that do not cover the shoulders. This is not new on the fashion scene but what makes it dynamic is the transformation that the design has gone through over the years.

    The creativity and dexterity of our designers make the off-the-shoulder continue to find its way back in different ways. You can try this design with sleeve crop tops, jersey dresses, lace shift dresses or a wedding dress.

  • I started by selling kerosene to Lagos market women

    I started by selling kerosene to Lagos market women

    42-yr-old oil and gas magnate Osobase

    Debonair Managing Director of Wosina Global Services Ltd, a downstream oil firm, Prince Lewis Osobase, in this interview with KUNLE AKINRINADE  recounts his grass-to-grace story. 

    Many will, no doubt, find motivation in his riveting story. The success story of Prince Lewis Osobase is that of courage amidst hopelessness and outstanding strides buoyed by diligence. Indeed, those who are familiar with his trajectory of experience in business will readily attest to his business acumen against the advice of some of his friends, who felt that he was ‘immature’ to plunge into business shortly after leaving university.

    He said: “I did not want to work for anyone in my life and that was what encouraged me to start business as soon as I finished from the university. Although, I had to contend with the discouragement by a few friends and family members who felt that I was too young and lacked the experience to succeed in business, I thank God that I am a success story as a business man.”

    Yet, as hugely successful as he is, he has no airs around him. “I do not have to attract importance to myself because I realise that such an attitude easily distracts one from consolidating on achievements as a business man”, he said.

    At 42, Osobase, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wosina Global Resources Limited, a downstream oil firm, has built a company he founded barely a few weeks after he finished his compulsory National Youth Service into a multimillion naira concern with branches in major cities of Nigeria.

    Sharing his grass-to-grace story with our correspondent at his Festac, Lagos office, he recalled how he started his journey as a business man. “Against the advice of friends and siblings, I set my foot in business and dared the hard tackles of frustration to succeed”, he started.

    He continued: “I started in 2001 with the distribution of black oil after my Youth Service at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) because I didn’t want to work for anybody. Indeed, it would surprise you to know that I turned down an offer of automatic employment at the NNPC because the management, among all other youth corps members, gave me employment at the end of my service year based on my diligence and outstanding service.”

    However, his strides in business did not come on a platter of gold and in one instance. Osobase recalled how he escaped death by whiskers while conveying his products to a market in Lagos.

    “I used to accompany my hired trucks while sourcing for products at depots. And I later switched to distributing kerosene to market women at the popular Mile 12 Market, Lagos, and many other markets in Lagos State and I sometimes slept inside the truck while on trips. I would return from markets wearing the smell of kerosene. I was following my driver on the trips because I could not afford to lose the little money invested in the business which was proceeds of my personal savings as a youth corper and loans from a family member.

    “And on a particular day, I had an auto accident that has left me with scars on my hands (he raised up his hands as proof) and the products were lost in the incident thereby setting the business back. The truck had barely left the depot in Benin for Lagos State when we had an accident at a spot in Ore, Ondo State, but I thank God because the scar on my wrist has made me a better person by becoming undaunted in my vision to succeed as a business man.”

    Not a few would have made a u-turn from the business following the relative reversal of fortune and probably venture into a new business line, but Osobase stuck to his guns.

    “I took cognizance of my ability and acumen as a businessman despite my young age because I was barely 30 and the difficulty which the auto accident posed to my fortune in business. My assurance was hinged on my belief that “God would make a way where there seemed to be no way; I did not for once doubt His ability to turn things around for me because I know that I am not a lazy man.”

    Truly, every set back is a tonic for a good comeback. A reprieve, he said, came his way when a new generation bank got wind of his challenges and offered to help him out.

    “It was a ‘miracle’ how officials of the bank managed to know me because I was then operating from my one room apartment .I would supply diesel to companies and come back to my room looking tired all the time but I was hopeful that things would one day look up for me. I was in my residence on a particular afternoon when I learnt that some bank officials were looking for me and when I saw them, they explained their mission to me. They said they had come to ask me to access their facility so that I can purchase a truck of my own to convey my products; and that was the turning point for me in business because the bank actually provided the fund with which I purchased my first truck.

    “At the moment, I have over 50 trucks for distribution of products to our teeming clients and tank farms for the storage of the product. I also have about 3,000 employees on my payroll in various operation offices in different parts of the federation such as Lagos, Enugu, Benin and Umuahia, while plans are on hand to set up offices in other major cities of Nigeria. My company’s annual turnover is worth several billions of naira. I thank God for making me a success story today. Just last year, we moved into an ultra-modern corporate head office in the heart of Festac, Lagos State, and this is a landmark achievement for me. The holding company records annual turn over running into billions of naira.”

    A hail of ideas is hitting him at the moment; apart from unbundling the company into subsidiaries such as engineering, logistics and security services, he explained that there are plans to diversify into footwear manufacturing as well as hospitality sector with a world class hotel forming part of his vision.

    “The engineering subsidiary of the holding company handles sales, installation and maintenance of generators for top telecom companies at their various cell sites as well as manufacturing concerns. Besides, we have also established a logistic company and a security outfit as part of our diversification agenda, while plans are on to float a world class hotel and a footwear company.”

    Born on August 1, 1971 in Kaduna State, to Prince Williams Osobase, a trained military pharmacist, and Madam Lucy Osobase, a business woman, he hails from Ewohimi in Esan South Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended Eguare Primary School, Ewohimi. He later proceeded to Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School, Ewohimi, for his secondary education.

    He proceeded to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and MBA from the University of Benin.

    A widely traveled man, he has attended various leadership and management training workshops in Britain, Italy, United States of America and Germany. He is also a member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    Happily married with a son, Osobase revealed his philosophy: “I always want to be the best in whatever I do and leave a laudable landmark for others to emulate. And life has taught me to be a blessing to others and that is why I have established the Osobase Lewis Foundation, to help the needy and indigent students not just in my community but across the states of the federation.”

  • I relax by reading & watching movies

    ‘I’m also taking lessons in golf’ Fashion icon Sighetu

    Fashion Icon, Sighetu Edubane Edeku, knew what he wanted from life right from childhood. Though his father, a very successful book merchant, wanted his son to go the university and study medicine or law, the little boy had his eyes fixated on fashion.

    To get his father off his back, he would later attend the University of Lagos where he studied Geography and Town Planning. Satisfied that he had done half his father’s wish, Sighetu threw himself into his childhood passion-Fashion.

    “Fashion is a very big business all over the world. My mum and a few other members of my family were into it. And when I was in the university, I discovered that I was selling clothes to my colleagues on campus. I would go home to collect stuffs and sell to my colleagues in school. After I left school, it was only natural that I would go into fashion business.

    “I almost dropped out of the university. But I knew it would to be unfair to my parents to do that. So I had to honour them and complete the course. After that, I went on to do what I had always wanted to do. But I first had to study at the Institute of Textiles.”

    But the young blood in him would not allow him to finish the textile course before starting a fashion business. With the benefit of hindsight, Sighetu, in a deep throaty laughter, said he quit because he was too much in a hurry to make money.

    Almost three decades on, Sighetu has, to a large extent, established himself as a name to be reckoned with in the burgeoning fashion business in the country. But he is not done just yet, his dream, he confessed to The Nation, in an exclusive interview, is to ensure that his brand is worn in every home in Nigeria.

    “My dream is to have my brand in every home in Nigeria. I know it is possible, and I am working toward it.”

    Fascinated by the Italian fashion market success story, Sighetu has vowed to maintain the Nigerian identity in his own brand. To start with, he has remained faithful to the meaning of his name, Sighetu, which, according to him, means ‘pathfinder’ in his native language.

    As a pathfinder in the fashion business, Sighetu has ensured that, ‘by choice’, everything about him remains African.

    He explains: “I am a Nigerian by deliberate choice. So whatever I do comes from the African perspective. The food I eat, the way I dress and the way I live are all from the African perspective.”

    While many may look at fashion from the passion perspective, Sighetu confessed that he views it more from the business angle. And he is not surprised that men are gradually taking over a business that was previously dominated by the female folk.

    “Men had always been dominant in whatever business. For instance, many people would believe that chefs are predominantly women. But most chefs in big hotels are men. It is the same in the fashion business. Fashion business is a serious one. And it is no surprise that most serious businesses are dominated by men.”

    Sighetu is not unaware of the ‘danger’ of working with female models most times. And like a wise man, he said he has successfully drawn the line between pleasure and business. “It is like an entertainer, you need to draw the line. For me, I know the challenges of working with models, I mean female models. Therefore, I need to put my head down and know where to draw the line.”

    Interestingly, the last four years have been particularly traumatic for Sighetu. He lost his wife and business partner two years ago. Prior to that, she was sick for about two years, necessitating that he took a break from fashion for about four years.

    When his wife was alive, she formed the backbone of the business, especially those that had to do with the models.

    “I worked with my partner, that is my wife. We were always together doing videos and photo shoot. In our kind of business, you must have somebody to help you keep your head. My wife did that for me.”

    In a painful tone, Sighetu explained his experience of the past four years; “I lost my wife about two years ago. She was ill for about two years, and I had to leave the business because it was no easy to manage. And I had to take a leave to take care of her. But unfortunately, she passed on and I lost my drive.

    “For me, it was a double loss. She was my wife and business partner. In the office, we were always brainstorming. And at home, I could wake her up and discuss any idea. When you lose such a person, it reduces your confidence. And more painful was that she the face of the business. After her death, I didn’t feel like going on with the business anymore.”

    For him, making a comeback into a business that gave him fame was as difficult as making a primary school pupil write a university examination. But after several pieces of advice and therapy from family members, friends and experts, he is gradually beginning to find his rhythm once again.

    While fashion is taking the front burner in his list of priorities once again, Sighetu has also found a new passion in golf. For him, relaxation has no other meaning than reading a book or watching a movie.

    “These days, I relax by reading or watching movies. That is what I understand by relaxation. It is my own way of relaxing”, he said.

    But he has also added a new passion to his ‘dictionary’ of relaxation. And today, whenever he is not behind his table, penning down a design, reading a book or watching a favourite movie, Sighetu would be at the prestigious Ikoyi Club, Lagos, where is presently taking vigorous lessons in the artful and elitist game of golf.

  • 15 fastest growing small business opportunities in Nigeria for 2013

    TRANSPORTATION SECTOR

    4. Inland water way transport

    Inland water way transport is one of the fastest growing business opportunities in Nigeria.

    In fact, I believe the niche is still untapped because I am yet to see a modern commercial boat or ferry service system in Nigeria. Though there are a few operators in this industry; I am yet to see the modern facilities being used by the developed countries.

    Another reason inland water way transport business proves viable is because population in states such as Lagos, Ogun and Rivers states is rapidly on the rise, resulting in the congestion of roads. Since the roads are becoming heavily congested, the next means of transportation the inhabitants of these heavily populated states will resort to is water transport. With proper planning, a good management team and adequate funding, you can break into this untapped industry and carve a niche for your business.

    5. Haulage and logistics

    Haulage and logistics is another fastest growing business opportunity in Nigeria. Though it’s considered a risky business, you can breakthrough if you have a strategic business management team on ground. Good management is the key to surviving in the business of haulage and logistics.

    6. Outsourced bus service

    This is similar to haulage and logistics but the cargo in this case is humans. I am not talking about the regular road transport bus service. In fact, I don’t think I have seen the idea for this business being utilised by anyone.

    In this case, you are providing transportation services to firms and corporate entities. Some corporate organisations can’t afford an in-house transport system for its executives and staff, so this is where you come in. You provide the cars or buses, provide the drivers and you are paid on a monthly or contract basis for the use of your transport services.

    Another area of target is schools. Most schools would like to provide transport facility for their students but they can’t afford it and this is where you come in. You provide a bus service system and send out a proposal to schools to use your bus services. Just imagine 20 or more young schools jointly using your student bus service system and you will catch the vision of this idea.

     

    INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

    When it comes to ICT, I will say Nigeria is lagging behind when compared to the western world. It may sound like bad news to you but to entrepreneurs and investors, it is good news. ICT is still an emerging trend that hasn’t reached its peak, so a lot of opportunities exist for both local and foreign investors. I won’t go into the capital intensive business opportunities that exist in the ICT sector; rather, I will stick to small and medium scale business opportunities.

    7. Cyber Café

    The demand to stay connected to the rest of the world is rapidly on the increase and the cost of internet connection is still on the high side when compared to what is obtainable in the western world, thereby making cyber café an alternative for internet users; and an investment opportunity for entrepreneurs. This business can be started either on a small, medium or large scale but I will prefer a large scale because size can be a competitive edge for you in this business as customers won’t like to be kept waiting.

    Customers of this industry want speed and efficient service and most importantly; they want to be sure to find a vacant computer system anytime they want to surf the web without having to wait in line. If you can get a good location; provide speedy internet access and provide complementary services; you are in for a breakthrough.

    8. E-Services

    Just as the world is going e-crazy; so also is Nigeria catching up with the trend. E-services provision is still a virgin business opportunity that hasn’t fully been tapped. Under the umbrella of providing e-services; you can find the following fast growing business opportunities: E-payment, bulk Sms services, web design and hosting, database management services, e-portal management, etc.

    EDUCATION

    The need for education is on the increase and the burden to provide quality education is getting heavier for the government to bear thereby, leaving room for private and institutional investors. The following are ways you can tap into the potential opportunity.

    9. Schools

    A lot of institutional and private investors have gone into building quality schools and providing quality education but the potential has not been reached. With a population of over 150 million Nigerians, where 65% are below 40; there’s still untapped potential in this niche.

    You can access this business opportunity from different entry levels. You can tap into this niche by providing either crèche, primary, secondary or tertiary education but all entry levels holds strong potential. Please carry out your own analysis before investing in any level of this business opportunity.

    10. Seminars

    Not everyone loves being educated within four walls of school. Some prefer street smart education or high speed learning and that’s where you come in. You can set up a seminar company that organizes coaching services according to the current needs and trends of the society.

    11. Training centers

    Specialized training or educational centers is another fast growing yet untapped business opportunity in Nigeria. Examples of specialized learning centers are Leadership training schools, entrepreneurial centers, training centre for the gifted and physically challenged, training centre for hobbies and crafts, etc.

    12. Tutorial centers

    With the proliferation of academic and professional exams, tutorial centers have joined the list of fastest growing business opportunities in Nigeria. You can access this business opportunity by choosing or specializing on a training need. You can focus your proposed tutorial centre on any of the following: ICAN, GMAT, WAEC, JAMB, GSCE, CIS, job interview training, etc.

    GREEN ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY

    With a global increase in the awareness of environmental degradation and its hazard, the world has resorted to finding an alternative “green energy.” Nigeria is not left out in this global awareness that has created massive opportunities for smart entrepreneurs and investors. If you feel green is the next business trend on board, then below are the fastest growing business opportunities in the green energy and technology sector of Nigeria.

    13. Waste management

    With an increased awareness in the need for environmental conservation; opportunity has popped up in Nigeria in the area of waste management. When analyzing the waste management business opportunity, I observed that two factors are responsible for the potential in the business and you must make sure these two factors are in place before deciding on an area of service.

    One is a bursting population and the second is a strong environmental policy and its enforcement. So far, two states in Nigeria that has taken the lead with respect to these two factors and these states are Lagos and Imo state. But I believe great potential still lie in other states of Nigeria. Do your own personal research before venturing into this industry.

    14. Waste recycling

    The next fastest growing business, yet untapped business opportunity in Nigeria is waste recycling. I don’t need to expatiate on this as the details are clear. You can venture into either bottle and can recycling or nylon recycling. You can even embark on a waste to green (manure) project as Nigeria has a huge demand for organic and inorganic fertilizer.

    15. Alternative power

    The last but not the least of the fastest growing business opportunities in Nigeria is alternative power supply. In recent times; Nigeria has seen an explosive increase in the demand of power supply thus creating an avenue for smart entrepreneurs to capitalize on. Solar energy, Wind energy and bio energy are some of the alternative power supply system that are currently making waves in the country but the present alternative power supply service providers cannot meet up the demand thereby leaving room for other creative investors. With a good plan, adequate capital and a strong business team; you can break into this niche.

  • Management of Stress

    We know that we all pass through stress occasionally,frequently, continually, etc, depending on who we are and on our environments. Since stress is a universally experienced phenomenon, we need to know how to manage stress so that we emerge from any stressful experience sane, healthy, and fit and the stress bears some fruit in our lives.

    Prevention is always better than cure. One reason why we get stressed up is because we do not think enough about our choices. We don’t have to accept every invitation, take every opportunity, experience everything good at once, achieve recklessly, etc. Being careful, orderly, and timely are easy ways to handle excess work, hard work, and deadlines. However, these are not easy qualities to have. Often, the “spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” and we end up with bad habits such as procrastination, sloth, desperation, frustration, cluttering, confusion, anxiety, etc.

    To dominate ourselves (weaknesses), it is useful to do some meditation. Either religious or therapeutic meditation can help us pull our brakes and take a better direction. Meditation should be a regular aspect of life. We all need to reflect and rediscover our purpose, our direction, our goals in life, etc.

    Then it is necessary to break the chain of stressors and the power of stressors. If we do not identify the stressors, this is difficult. If we know the stressors, then we need to make changes. In our work, we may need to change methods, means, environments, etc., to make things less stressful. Change may be temporary, as a way to break stress. People and relationships can become “toxic.” Sometimes you even need to get away from your friends for a while. If you live in a place like Lagos and have to drive through 1-2 hours of traffic jams every day, you will notice a great difference in yourself when you leave Lagos for a few days. In a different place, perhaps you feel fresher and more energetic when you get home in the evenings. You may find your day is not over the minute you step into your door because you did not bring exhaustion in with you. People change residence, jobs, alliances, property, etc., for more conducive ones. Sometimes, we do not need to change or exchange anything but we need to face them, use them, or experience them differently. Whatever the case, do not allow a stressor to dominate your mind, body, or spirit, or your entire life.

    Then it is necessary to give yourself recovery. One of my favorite poems is “Leisure” by the Welsh poet, W.H. Davies: “What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare…” Stress deprives our life of beauty and richness. We miss a lot that is good in life. We need to force ourselves to stop and return to life and enjoy life. When I was working in California nearly ten years ago, my boss once told me angrily: “have a life!” – obviously realizing I was missing out on socials and non-work matters. Everybody needs to “have a life”: time spent with family and friends, relaxation and fun, hobbies and interests.

    Mental recovery from stress can be gained through watching television, listening to music, reading interesting material, playing table games such ludo, snakes and ladders, cards, scrabble, monopoly, chess, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, or other activities such as gardening, billiards, and sports which engage our minds, passions, and emotions differently from our commitments, work, or profession.

    Physical relaxation is important: resting, sitting, or lying in a relaxed position to release muscle strains, sleeping enough, spending some time in a more comfortable environment such as an air-conditioned room or breezy or sunshine outdoors are examples of ways to gain physical relaxation. Sometimes a few minutes of change are enough to break the power of stress.

    Sex is important in marital relationships. To love and be loved is a source of much peace, pleasure, joy, and fulfillment. Unfortunately, too many couples mess up in this matter.

    Laughter has been described as the best medicine. It is indeed one of the best medicines. Finding good ways to laugh every now and then takes our focus off the hardships of life momentarily and breaks the cycle of stress.

    Stress is always related to an excess – an avoidable or an unavoidable excess. Often things get beyond our own power, capability, knowledge, intelligence, virtue, time, or resources. Spiritual connectivity with our source of strength, wisdom, and virtue is important for recovery. Retreating from our cares a few minutes a day or for longer periods is both a prophylactic (preventive) measure and a therapeutic measure (cure) for stress.

    Dr. ’Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please Email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910

  • Rising from the ruins

    Rising from the ruins

    The heart-rending story of a Lagos slum community emerging from a fire disaster

    The plank house does not look like a place of learning. Situated in the Otto-Ilogbo extension in the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State, nothing distinguishes this building from the others in the environment as all were built with planks on stilts in perhaps one of the most deprived areas in Lagos State. The only thing that differentiates this house from others is a banner saying: “Slum Dweller Liberation Forum: Education Assistance Scheme.”

    On entering the house, about 30 children chorused: “Good day sir; how are you sir? You are welcome to our school. God bless you.”

    An elderly man stood by the door. He beamed with pride as the children, all aged less than six years, concluded their greetings.

    He is Mr. Williams Taiwo Ogbara, a former proprietor and missionary. He is the headmaster. A large poster was before the children who took turns to show their numerical skills.

    The school consists of two rooms. Students sit on the plank floor which has gaps in many places. At a corner is the computer section. This is where older students have a feel of the computer world. A writing on the blackboard welcomes you to the computer room. On this day, there were about four of them, each taking turns to play a computer game.

    Welcome to Slum Dweller Academy. It is a place where the poor and the downtrodden can have a hope of education and a chance for life. Founded in July 2012 in response to the massive poverty and illiteracy in the slum, it currently caters for 50 students who are all slum dwellers.

    The Otto-Ilogbo extension slum is a community of about 15,000 residents in the middle of Oyingbo, a cosmopolitan area in Lagos Mainland. The slum, shielded by civilisation, is Oyingbo’s best-kept secret. All around, one can see landmarks of civilisation like the National Theatre, Mainland Hotel, Eko Bridge and Ijora NEpa office. Surrounding this expanse of land are huge refuse dumps which sometimes threaten to swallow up the community.

    In 2010, a fire razed the community and the residents had to start a slow and painful process of rebuilding. Three years later, they are yet to recoup their losses. That was when the idea of the slum school first hit Mr. Isola Agbodemu who has been living in the slum since 1996.

    “Since the fire incident of February 27, 2010, things have been difficult for many people. Children dropped out of school because their parents could not afford the fees. Even to get N500 is a problem to some parents. So I said we must help ourselves instead of waiting for the government. We created this place out of nothing,” Agbodemu said.

    Agbodemu donated his land and skills. The school was built in 2012 and he was the first teacher. He got help from Adeolu Oluwasodo who owns a hospital on the fringe of the slum. Slum Dwellers Academy became a reality and 120 children showed up for the free education. The school ran for a few months until the financial realities dawned on Agbodemu. In consultation with others, they introduced a N200 per week tuition. The result was instant. The attendance plummeted from 120 students to 50, and still sliding.

    “We call it ‘commitment money’. Unfortunately, most parents in the slum do not know the value of education, it is this token fee that has been keeping the school going. We need to expand it, I still have land here to do the expansion. We need materials for the children. We need carpet on the floor and chairs for our students. We need money to pay teachers. I need help so that this place won’t die,” Agbodemu said.

    Oluwasodo, whose children attend public schools in Ebute Metta, Lagos, said he supported the token fee. Currently, he pays N7,000 per month towards the development of the school. He also provides free health care for the students and subsidise treatment for adults. This has proved to be the game changer. Three months ago, in a hut next to Agbodemu’s house, a woman was delivered of triplets. But before congratulatory messages started coming in, the babies died. Many believe they died of diseases picked up in the unhygienic environment.

    Agbodemu said: “We are asking the government for development. Let them provide a mini-health centre, water and toilets. We don’t want to lag behind. We want development, but the government must come in.”

    Agbodemu is the secretary of the Lagos State Marginalised Communities Forum (LAMCOFOR) which consists of all the registered slums in Lagos State. He oversees the security and welfare of the people. For now, his priority is the school.

    “We teach English, Arithmetic and General Knowledge, but we want to teach more subjects. The idea is to train the children until they can be sent to public schools outside the community. I don’t want our children to feel inferior to the children of the rich and those who go to expensive schools. That is why I sacrifice to bring this computer here,” Agbodemu further said.

    Zainab Bello, a 12-year-old girl, took the mouse and manouvred it with amazing dexterity. “I am playing a game that teaches you to hold the mouse and click properly,” she said with pride. Oluwasodo promised to get them internet connections soon so “they can travel round the world and be part of the global village.”

    Challenges are many in this slum. Life is hard; most residents live from hand to mouth. The crime rate, however, is low, thanks to the “Peace Of Mind Is Possible: Operation Less than N10,” initiated by Agbodemu. Every room contributes N10 per week towards the payment of security guards.

    “Some crimes have to do with neglect, if we neglect the poor, it will come back to haunt us. If these children grow up without education, they will become criminals and will terrorise all of us. If we help the poor, we help ourselves,” he said.

    Then, he turned and barked out orders to the children who had now abandoned their reading to listen to the visitor. They began to read and their innocent voices rang deep into the slum.

  • Royal 60th birthday for Yetunde Akinruntan

    Royal 60th birthday for Yetunde Akinruntan

    Call it the mother of all parties and you would not be too far from the truth. Last Sunday, Oloori Yetunde, the wife of Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom in Ondo State, celebrated her 6oth birthday at Fun Factory in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State. Many who attended the royal shindig are still talking about it.

    The beautiful mother of Prince Femi Akinruntan, the Managing Director of Obat Oil and Gas, was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as her family members and friends rallied round her to make the occasion an unforgettable experience.

    Oloori Yetunde is regarded by many as a woman easily put off by complacent display of wealth. But on Sunday, she had no choice but to acquiesce as her family, especially her son, Prince Femi Akinrutan, treated her to a memorable birthday celebration. The 60th birthday, as would be expected, attracted the creme de la crème of the high society and revealed the extent of the Akinruntans’ influence and social acceptance.

    At the event, every guest was treated to lavish meals, drinks and good music. It was indeed a memorable event that showcased the goodwill and love enjoyed by Oloori Yetunde Akinruntan from family members, friends and business associates.

  • ‘I planned to run to Benin Republic when I got hints that I would be named monarch’

    ‘I planned to run to Benin Republic when I got hints that I would be named monarch’

    The Traditional ruler of Epe community in Lagos, Oba Kamarudeen Ishola Animashaun, has reigned for 13 years. Within this period, he has overseen the transformation of Epe from a sleepy community into an urban settlement. In this interview with OKORIE UGURU, the monarch speaks about his experience as a royal father. He also recalls how he almost ran away to avoid becoming king when he was initially chosen. Excerpts:

     

    For 13 years, you have been the Oba of Epe. Could you share your experience so far?

    Yes, this is my 13th year on the throne and we have crossed so many hurdles. But at the same time, I have enjoyed the interaction with my people. This is in the sense that Epe is the fishing basket of Lagos State.

    There has been a lot of improvement since I came to the throne. The Free Trade Zone (FTZ), the Lagos airport project and many others. The FTZ has opened up our community more in the area of industrialisation. It has also helped in enlightening our people in terms of how the project is being done and what it means. It has been a very big experience for me.

    Then, there is the modernisation of Lagos State, which has brought a lot of things for the Epe people. There has been more enlightenment, industrialisation and development in terms of roads and provision of basic infrastructure for the people. We also know that the government listens to our requests to make life easier than before.

    One thing I can say in all is that I am really enjoying my people. They are happy with me and I am happy with them.

    Did you envisage some of the challenges you have had since you became the king?

    The challenges are more than I had envisaged. To be a traditional ruler is not an easy task because you have to deal with different kinds of people. You have to oversee a community with different tribes and ethnic groups. You know, we have many tribes in Epe. We have the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw and many other tribes. You have to look after these people. You are not supposed to treat them as outsiders.

    You would like to develop your area. You would like to see that your people are not cheated both in the government and the parastatals. And when a matter is brought before you, you have to think very well before you know the judgment to pass. The role of the royal father in the community is very important because he is a kind of bridge between the government and the people.

    Has being a traditional ruler inhibited your ability to do certain things or given you the freedom to do a lot of things?

    As a royal father, there are so many things you can do now that you could not do before, just as there are so many things you could do before that you cannot do now. I can do more, but this is in certain areas. In some areas, I cannot, because the way you used to move with people, play with people here and there, play outside, you may not be able to do that. You have to put yourself in the position of a royal father. You also have to admonish yourself that there were some things you saw as fun in the past which you cannot do any more. You have to look after many things and many people. You would want to take care of the people and control them.

    How was growing up like?

    I was born in Epe and I did my primary and secondary schools here. I proceeded to YABATECH, Lagos. Even after I left, there was no year I wouldn’t be in my home town.

    Any special reason for that?

    My parents were here and there is nothing like home. If I was so far away from home, I would not be in this position. It is because I move and interact with my people. Even this position, I never thought that I was going to be there. I was thinking of another person.

    Another person?

    Yes. Because I did not know how they were going to do it. I was thinking that the late Prof. Agbalajobi would become the next royal father and I would give him all the support. I did not know that all the while, the elders were just laughing. They knew what to do. They had to consult the Ifa oracle. They said they sent about 38 names and I was the one picked.

    Were you surprised?

    I was surprised because I never wanted it.

    Why?

    I was a business man. I had my workshop; a big machine shop. I was selling machine parts to companies like the Nigerian Breweries, Guinness, Flour Mills and so on. I have equipment and they are still intact. I believe in business because I did not work for anyone, I was on my own.

    You never worked for anybody?

    Nobody would say he paid me salary. I have always been on my own. I have many children I have to look after. So, my whole mind was centred on my business. When I spoke to one of the elders who is about 97 years old, Baba Daudu, although somebody from my family had hinted me, and he said I had been picked, I just laughed. I wanted to run away.

    Run away?

    Yes, I am telling you. If not for Baba, I would be in Cotonou (Benin Republic). I am telling you the truth. You may not believe it. All my family members were aware of this. I started making arrangement on how I would run away. That was before I saw the elderly man.

    So, what did he say that convinced you to stay?

    He told me, ‘Kabiyesi, please I know you want to run away.’ How the man knew I wanted to run away is what is still baffling me up till today, because I had not discussed it with anybody except two of my wives. I knew they were not also interested in the position then. The old man referred me to my mother. He said I should go and ask her and let her confirm or otherwise whether at my younger age, the thing had not been mentioned to her.

    That was many years before when I had an accident on the Epe water. I was then about eight or nine years old. It was a ghastly accident and I spent over a year at the Ijebu Ode General Hospital. The day Dr. Adefowope came back from London to work at the hospital was the day I was discharged. It was then that they had already known this and nobody told me.

    Did your mum confirm this?

    I went back to my mum and told her I saw Baba Daudu and he mentioned so, so and so to me. My mum said yes. That was why when they gave me chieftaincy titles, I did not reject them. This is because they were always giving me chieftaincy titles, and when I asked her whether I should accept or reject them, she would tell me to accept.

    She told me Baba Daudu was an Ifa priest. He was among the people who had seen and mentioned this thing in the past. She told me to accept it. She then gave me the Ifa oracle’s name and asked me to go and ask anybody.

    I consulted the churches and they set up prayer groups for me. They told me I had to accept it; that I should not run away. I consulted a Muslim cleric and it was the same thing. I went to Ososa, Hubert Ogunde’s town, and it was confirmed. It was then I surrendered myself.

    Let me be frank, before all these, I never wanted to be the king. I surrendered to lead my people and I must say that I don’t regret it.

    You talked glowingly about your mum, what was her influence on your life?

    Why I talk about my mum is that my father died before some of these things came up. So, it was my mother that I was relating with. I was very close to my mum. A woman who gave birth to 12 children and had only three left, you know how it would be. I was the first born. On what I told you earlier about my accident on the water, she slept under my bed for one year in the hospital, looking after me and not sure whether I would survive or not. My mother and I were close.

    Could you recall one advice your father gave that you would always remember?

    He said: ‘You must be straightforward in whatever you do. Don’t tell lies. Whatever you are doing, be honest with people. No matter what the situation is, don’t deceive people; don’t tell lies’. I took it. If I tell you the truth now and you don’t believe it, I don’t care. I will tell you I have said my own. I know that my mind is clear.