The Nation Newspaper

Category: People & Politics

  • Olugbenga Ogunmoyela: Being an Omolúwàbí in the midst of cultural anomie

    Olugbenga Ogunmoyela: Being an Omolúwàbí in the midst of cultural anomie

    Celebrating my knowledge and affinity with Professor Olugbenga Akin Ben Ogunmoyela certainly goes beyond the fact that he is my in-law. My invaluable wife, Olufunlola, hailed from the enviable Ogunmoyela family of Ifon, in Ose LGA of Ondo State. It is now more than 38 years ago when I first encountered the Ogunmoyela family, and that encounter had furthered my learning curve, especially with regard to the role of values as a core ingredient in the shaping of national rebirth and progress. I started that bit of my learning experience when I met the patriarch of the family, Papa V. B. T. Ogunmoyela, of blessed memory, who welcomed me to his Ibadan home at that time with a story that demonstrated the way families could serve as the value foundation of a nation. It is this unreserved commitment to family values that occasioned Papa’s immense respect and appreciation to my grandfather, Rev. D. A. Olaopa, the first chairman of the Afijio LGA of Oyo State and Balogun of the ancient Oyo town. As the narrative went, Papa’s career as an administrator went off to a commendable next level with a good dose of mentoring from Rev. Olaopa, when the former came on a posting to Oyo town.

    Prof. Ogunmoyela is now the current olori-ebi (or patriarch) of the Ogunmoyela family. And he just retired from the Bells University of Technology, where he held the chair in Food Technology. He is the very living exemplar of all that is best in the Ogunmoyela’s family tradition; indeed, all that is virtuous in the value orientation that I grew up with in the fast-fading traditional value system that builds character and families. This makes Prof. Ogunmoyela worth celebrating as one of the remnants of a traditional framework that Nigeria requires. For those who have followed my commentaries so far, I place a great stock by value rebirth as a significant piece in achieving national development in Nigeria. Even the most brilliant diagnostic assessment of the postcolonial Nigerian predicaments must factor the high level of cultural and value anomie that we need to transcend to restore Nigeria to greatness. The absence of a value prism—indeed a national integrity system—accounts for why there is no ethical framework guiding political action across all strata. It accounts for why corruption, political, bureaucratic and nominal, has taken the center stage as the most significant value issue Nigeria has to engage. Corruption and the erosion of values in Nigeria raises the fundamental need for a cultural adjustment programme; a need for a moral rebirth as the first order of business for Nigerians.

    And this is what brought my celebratory lens to Prof. Ogunmoyela. He just achieved a double honor. He has entered the septuagenarian hall of fame, at 70; and he just delivered a deep valedictory lecture to signal his exit from Bells University after many years of meritorious service. 70 is an iconic age in biblical and social significations. When a person reaches the zenith of what the scripture and culture signal as the zenith of wisdom and hoary grace, I mean when a person becomes elderly in the deep Yoruba sense of an agbalagba, such a person deserves our attention in terms of what is said and what is communicated. In an age of instant wealth, and instant any other thing, character and values are becoming hard to come by. And so those who embody them require attention. I am talking about a character forged within the context of a good home, deep sense of service, and fundamental respect for others and for humanity. There is no surprise therefore that Prof. Ogunmoyela’s valedictory lecture delivered on the 21st of September, 2022 at Bells University, Ota, has that inherent quest to make the world a much better place for others. It is a didactic narration of a child that had to go through the battles of life without any significant assistance—a cow without a tail! For such a person, principles of success are expected, and he did not disappoint: believe in yourself, dare to trust God, think outside the box, be diligent and disciplined, invest in yourself.

    The one that appeals to me the most is “always remember the son of whom you are.” That imperative resonates with my upbringing and cultural tutelage while growing up in my little hometown, Aawe in Oyo State. That injunction carries the burden of cultural heritage that every family name encodes. I carry this injunction around all through my training at the secondary school and the university education. I doubt if there is any student from a home founded on good Yoruba value that did not carry that burden. I am stretching my imagination with a question as to where we all lost that cultural imperative not to soil the family’s good name, especially when we grew up to become professionals, government functionaries, public servants, and so on. Why have we failed to translate such a cultural imperative into solid principles of service to the Nigerian nation?

    I am aware that this question, no matter how fundamental, has to be balanced by the context of deep anomie that those who want to do right and act with principles have to confront and engage with. In our attempt to make sense of life and progress in Nigeria, we all would have come across the saying: “If you can’t beat them, you join them.” There are so many who have been dragged into abandoning supposedly futile cultural and moral instructions to “join them.” While many who have refused to join them have either left the country or have adopted the siddon-look posture of cynicism, resignation and non-involvement. This leaves only few individuals who keep struggling with the patriot desire to build Nigeria, even at great cost to their lives and existence. And this is no mere worry. Many heroes and heroines have been hounded, in the whole dynamic, to death and then celebrated after they are dead. Those who choose to remain within that national space of demanding tension have to make a choice among forthrightness, capitulation or resignation. I have lived with this tension. And this is especially with regard to my professional course as an institutional reformer in a national context of a Federal civil service that is averse to reform, reform-mindedness and being change agent. I started my professional reform sojourn with the arrogant naivety that reform requires 70% technical expertise and only 30% political acumen. It took many years of institutional frustration to come to the critical sense that the reverse is the case. And even after that shocking realization, I kept struggling to ensure that I do not get too comfortable as to become that someone I would not recognize with time.

    Prof. Ogunmoyela carries the weight of an omolúwàbí so well through all the years when life has bounced him through all the thick and thin without anyone to guide him. In all his years wading through the tough terrains of research, academia and industry, Prof. Ogunmoyela has remained uncompromising in carrying the spirit of his spiritual and cultural principles; of always remembering the son of whom he is, even while being derided for rigidity and eccentricity, or as it’s commonly put, ‘he’s principled to a fault’. That is a tough accomplishment given that he has had to operate within several situations of anomie and even hostility from those who prefer to compromise by joining the crowd.

    An omolúwàbí, within the Yoruba cultural and moral framework, is not a perfect being or a saint, and Prof. Ogunmoyela is not one. He is just a person who has made the conscious decisions to achieve two ends. The first is to consciously adopt and adapt behavior and attitudes that make him a social being who deploy the highest moral comportment as a member of the moral community—forthrightness, civility, integrity, transparency, compassion, humility, and so on. An omolúwàbí is of course beloved, because he or she is a valuable member of the societies; and he or she is valuable in two senses—one, for adopting values that make progress possible, and for being invaluable to the community. The second end has to do with the omolúwàbí’s other-regarding qualities. Indeed, the omolúwàbí is someone whose is valuable to the community because he or she has relational qualities that will not jeopardize communal sense of belonging. An omolúwàbí will not corner the commonwealth for personal use. And would not undermine the communal bond for self-aggrandizement. Of course, the omolúwàbí is not immune to temptation. Its just that he or she would be checked at all point by the counter-suggestion that a good name is better than gold.

    This is the lesson to be learnt from the trajectories of life and career of my dear brother, Prof. Ogunmoyela —even in the absence of godfathers to pave your ways, you can still leave marks through dedication and service. Ogunmoyela ran the gauntlet of life and profession by trusting in his principles and in God. His eyes were always cast back to his cultural formation and the moral lessons inscribed on his conscience by a virtue-conscious family, a sense of purpose and an unrelenting desire to always tread the path of honor, with eternity in focus. From him, we recognize what Aristotle has been saying many centuries ago: a nation becomes the site of continuous moral rebirth if value consciousness can be ingrained upon the national consciousness through millions of individuals who have been habituated to behave well. Starting from the family, the value trajectory of virtuous individuals—like Professor Ogunmoyela and the godly children he has been commissioned to train to be like him, in the order of Abraham—reaches forward into communal and national development.

    Of course, all citizens cannot be virtuous. What Nigeria is lacking is a critical mass of virtuous and patriotic omolúwàbí. At least we have one in septuagenarian Ogunmoyela—and his entire household after him.

    • Olaopa is a retired Federal Permanent Secretary and Professor, National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos .

     

  • TANWA ASHIRU: My fond memories as US Air Force officer

    TANWA ASHIRU: My fond memories as US Air Force officer

    Tanwa Ashiru is a veteran officer of the US Air Force with more than 14 years of experience in Intelligence Analysis, attached to the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) and the US National Security Agency (NSA). She served in Afghanistan for 180 days and was involved in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Southwest Asia, Middle East and Africa. She shared with INNOCENT DURU her experience in the US military and the pains she feels each time she hears about troops in war theaters in Nigeria not getting paid or denied the proper equipment. Excerpts:

    What can you tell us about your background?                   

    I grew up in Lagos and went to secondary school in Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos. My father was a civil servant and he worked in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. My mother is a retired advertising executive. As a child, I always enjoyed going with her to the office. I got to see how commercials were shot and especially enjoyed it when they were food seasoning products, because we got to eat all the food and desserts afterwards. So I was pretty privileged to watch my mother grow through the ranks and navigate a tough male dominated industry successfully, which has really formed my approach to business and outlook in life.

    At what point did you travel out of the country and what informed your decision to join the Air Force in the US and not here in Nigeria?

    After secondary school, I traveled to attend university, but I ended up joining the military because they had great education benefits among others. So I served for six and a half years, and the Air Force paid for my whole education. And I am still enjoying that benefit, even as a veteran.

    What was the reaction of your parents when you told them about joining the Air Force?

    I have two older brothers who were also serving in the US military. So when I mentioned joining as well, my parents took the news calmly. I remember my mother calling me to make sure it was what I wanted to do. She felt the need to let me know that it was not mandatory. But I told her I was happy with the choice.

     Did you face any challenge getting the job and what was your experience serving in Afghanistan?

    Boot camp and technical training school went very well. I got a job in the intelligence field and enjoyed learning and growing in the community. After service, I took a defence contracting job which required me to travel to Afghanistan for six months; which was a unique experience. I worked directly with the U.S Marines Intelligence Unit, focusing on Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) activities. At the time, CIEDs were the primary cause of fatalities of Coalition Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. So there was an agency dedicated to tackling that problem in what was termed “defeat the device”.

    In terms of welfare and wellbeing, troops deployed to these war theaters were well taken care of. They were paid extra for being in a war zone. The meals were hot and delicious. There was water and hot showers. See, these things are very important in boosting the morale in conflict environments. That is why I’m often sad anytime I hear about troops in war theaters not getting paid or not getting the proper equipment. It is quite unfortunate.

     Any near-death experience in the course of doing all this?

    I understand my experience was completely different from those of others who had to go into town (what we referred to as outside the wire) and were involved in direct combat. As an intel (intelligence) analyst, I got to read about several IED attacks and their dreadful impact on the troops. Many left and never came back. Every day that I woke up and was able to take a deep breath, I remembered to be grateful for life and recognise those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

     Tell us your unforgettable experience as a military officer in the US or Afghanistan.

    There are so many unforgettable experiences, and boot camp training was certainly one of them. I remember waking up the morning after arriving and thinking within myself if I had made the right decision. Drill instructors had six weeks to break you down and build you back up. You got shouted at frequently and put through grueling physical training. We were given little time to sleep and were expected to stay alert and awake throughout the day. But I will never forget the physical and mental transformation afterwards; the feeling of being pushed completely outside your comfort zone and surviving. Today, anytime I’m facing a daunting task or situation, I remind myself that I can overcome adversity.

     At what point did you quit and why?

    Once my six-and-a-half-year tenure was over, I had the option to re-enlist for an additional four years until completing a 20-year career or taking an honorable separation from the military. So I chose to separate and start life as a civilian, graduate and veteran.

     What else would you be if you were not in the military?

    Well, after I moved back to Nigeria, I tried to go into advertising like my mother, but I soon learned that my military mindset had been formed. I had issues with the lack of discipline and order that many creatives showcase. So after my NYSC service at the agency, I left and went back into the security and defence industry.

    I am also actively honing skills in the tech industry including cyber security and other roles within the software development lifecycle. I believe we must always stay learning and growing. You cannot go wrong with learning a new skill, especially in booming industries such as cyber, tech and healthcare.

     Since when have you been in Nigeria and what have you been doing?

    I founded a company called Bulwark Intelligence Solutions. Today, our organisation provides enterprise security risk management services to both private and public sector clients. These risk management services range from risk assessments and advisory, intelligence reports, investigations and trainings to defence, intelligence, and security consultation.

    The services we provide give much needed support to many security managers and chief security officers. We equip them with the necessary information, knowledge and tools that they need to effectively perform their duties as the risk managers of their organisations. What is your take on the challenges of insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities in the country?

    It’s a reflection of bad leadership across all strata of the society. Unfortunately, our institutions are not doing what they are supposed to do. The education system is in a shambles and there are many out-of-school children. Gangs, drugs and crime eventually become an option for them to make a living. The legal system is struggling. Crimes and criminals go unpunished time and time again. This causes people to take the law into their own hands.

    The security sector is not effective. The current structure that concentrates security response in the centre is not efficient for the diverse and burgeoning population in the country. All these things are drivers of security that our leaders and lawmakers have refused to tackle. The result of this head-in-the-sand strategy is what is manifesting as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and so on.

    The bottom line is that there is one thing that needs to be done, and that is implementing the many solutions that have already been proffered to resolve these problems. We need leaders who are not afraid to make difficult decisions that will steer this country in the right direction.

    Are there solutions to the challenges of oil theft affecting our economy?

    Like the saying goes, there is nothing new under the sun. There are solutions to every problem that is plaguing our nation. A challenge like oil theft has several drivers that keep it going. Everything from the conditions of the local citizens and the environment where they live to the corruption and poor accountability of those who are supposed to tackle the problems from the government side.

     As a security person, do you socialise?

    I think socialising has more to do with one’s personality than their career. I am both an introvert and extrovert. It means, I prefer staying indoors, but when I do go out, I have a good time, although nowadays, I’m perfectly happy just spending quality time with my loved ones.

     What military assignment gave you the most joy or fear?

    For me, it was always when I had to do something out of my comfort zone. I remember when I got selected to attend Airman Leadership School. I was there with some of the best and brightest. I just took the time to really enjoy the experience, while pushing myself as much as I could with my presentation, fitness, and academics. I didn’t realise others had been taking note of my efforts as well. At the end of the training, I was given an award as a distinguished graduate. My commander was there to witness it and was extremely proud that we brought the award to our unit. Again, when I am facing moments of worry or inadequacy, I always remind myself about the little victories I’ve experienced.

     What security measures should the country put in place as the 2023 elections draw closer?

    I believe the key things to keep in mind as we enter the 2023 elections are first, ensuring we are preparing for any potential uncertainties and disruptions. We must also plan our response to threats, as well as our recovery from election threats.

     Would you like your children to toe your path?

    To be honest, I would. I really believe young adults should serve in the military. It instills discipline from a young age, and could set one up for an adventurous life. However, I’ve agreed to allow them make that choice for themselves.

     Tell us about women in security business: the chal lenges, pains, gains and so on. 

    Nigeria is still very much a patriarchal society which believes that the traditional roles for women are to be in the home, supporting their spouse and caring for their children. But as the security landscape has evolved, adversaries are increasing their use of females in furthering their interests or at the very least, supporting the community where the men perpetrating crimes reside.

    While adversarial elements have increased their use of women, government security forces have also encouraged more female recruits into their ranks. However, many of them still serve in administrative and secretarial positions, in a world where adversaries are using women in direct action operations. The Nigerian government can strengthen its strategy in actively involving women in national security. Women are naturally adept at multi-tasking. It appears nature made it this way to enable effective management of multiple offspring. In addition, the innate instinct to ruthlessly protect their young brings out a level of emotional obsession, passion and dedication that allows women see risks differently and over longer term. Women are happy to channel this level of passion towards national security if it provides results which secure the protection of their children.

    Tanwa Ashiru

    More and more women have begun entering the global security industry in recent years, and many of these women are being promoted to senior-level positions and are emerging as thought leaders, experts and specialists, which is shifting the balance of power. The fact that the security industry is moving from commodity-based sales to a technology-centric business has allowed for increased diversity and increased participation of women in the workforce.

    Even with the many opportunities for women in security, we remain underrepresented compared to our male counterparts. However, several industry groups, such as the ASIS International Women in Security (WIS) Council, have been created to offer community, education, and networking opportunities for women. We have our annual Lagos WIS Conference coming up on the 3rd November 2022. We are bringing together top management and executive level security industry women. We encourage those interested in the field to register and hear more from the amazing group of women on how to succeed in security.

    There are so many facets in the security industry, ranging from national security, defence and military, intelligence, academia, cyber and private sector enterprise security risk management, among others. I encourage women who are interested in the field to learn more about the various options and go with the ones that interest them and align with their values.

    The industry and society as a whole still have a long way to go in showing their willingness to accept the voices, opinions and expertise of women. In the meantime, women in security groups will keep doing their part in showing women the various facets of the security industry that are available to them, training them on those skills, building their confidence and encouraging increased participation.

  • Omotoso: A reputation manager par excellence

    Omotoso: A reputation manager par excellence

    After 13 years as the Editor of The Nation, one of the most authoritative newspapers in the country, Gbenga Omotoso began a new journey in his illustrious career as a journalist and an information merchant when he was sworn in as the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy about three years ago.

    As the commissioner for information and strategy for the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration, the award-winning journalist and columnist has been the one managing the information flow out of Alausa, the Lagos State Government seat of power, since the advent of the administration in 2019. Since then, he has been very active in the various mediums of mass communication, including the micro-blogging social media platform, Twitter and other social media platforms, as well as in radio, television and the print media, bringing to the knowledge of Lagosians, Nigerians and the world at large the giant strides of the administration. The indications are that he has done a good job of it. Given his track record in the media, this does not come as a surprise.

    In addition to his regular work as Editor, Omotoso used to write a weekly column in the newspaper on Thursdays, “Editorial Notebook”, which is very popular for its topicality and style; presenting serious issues in a humorous manner.

    In his last opinion piece in the newspaper, titled “Time for a short break”, he promised to bring the same tenacity and dexterity that had made him an icon in journalism to his new job then. He had also promised as he drew the curtain on his journalism career: “This reporter will be communicating with this audience and others in a different language –frank and fair — on another platform, the public platform. I promise that the patriotism and sincerity that characterised this column will be sustained.”

    Indeed, his emergence as a commissioner in the cabinet of Governor Sanwo-Olu about three years ago is a testimony of his accomplishment as a versatile member of the media fraternity. He had spent all his life as a journalist working in the print media.

    Read Also: ‘I became governor when Lagos needed a good manager’

    The multiple award-winning journalist, columnist, media strategist, social critic, Member of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and Member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was born on November 11, 1961. He attended the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts Degree [B.A] in English and Literature in the year 1984. He also has a 2007 Master’s Degree in Public and International Affairs [MPIA] from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.

    His nearly 35 years of experience in the media began as a Trainee sub-Editor at ‘The Guardian,’ where he rose to become Deputy Chief Editor, Editor of ‘Guardian Express’ and Editor of ‘The Guardian on Saturday.’ He was the pioneer Editor of The Comet in 1999 until it was rested in the year 2006 when he joined The Nation as Editor. Since it first appeared on the newsstand in 2006, the publication has grown into Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper.

    Among the awards he received in the course of his career include the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME) Informed Commentary (2010), Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) Editor of the Year 2013, NMMA Editor of the Year 2015 and NMMA Editor of the Year 2017.

    A media strategist, his professional competencies include Information Management, Policy Formulation and Human/Reputation Management among others.

    Omotoso, an indigene of Osun State earlier attended the Ajuwa Grammar School, Okeagbe-Akoko, Ondo State between 1974 and 1979. He had his primary education at the Local Authority Primary School, Aafin, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State between 1969 and 1974.

    Happily married with children, Omotoso loves reading, sporting and playing music.

  • LSDPC: A trailblazer at the helm

    LSDPC: A trailblazer at the helm

    IN less than one year, Hon. Ayodeji Adebayo Joseph has made a mark as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC). He assumed office on November 15, 2021, following the announcement of his appointment as the new helmsman of the corporation by Lagos State’s Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Since then, numerous successes have been attributed to his headship of the organisation. Some of these successes are the completion and handing over of B.O. Benson Estate, Ibeshe Ikorodu to Governor Sanwo-Olu for commissioning; the completion of Owolewa Vocational Centre; the signing of an agreement for the development of The Crown Tower, Sinari Daranijo, Victoria Island with Golden Forest; the signing of an agreement for the development of Melrose Residence, Adebisi Omotola, Victoria Island with Messers MGE Realty Limited; and the signing of an agreement for the development of a Commercial Mall at Plot C, Oluwole Urban Mall II with Dominant Engineering Limited.

    Other milestones achieved during his tenure in the last 11 months include the signing of an agreement for the development of LSDPC-Toll Heights at Plot B1 LSDPC Ogudu Scheme 2 with The Toll Brothers; the renovation of two office blocks at the LSDPC headquarters; and the completion and handing over of Channel Point Apartments, Victoria Island to Governor Sanwo-Olu for commissioning. At the moment, finishing touches are being added to Love Garden Estate, Surulere while the Iconic Towers, Victoria Island should also be ready for commissioning before the turn of the year by the Lagos State governor.

    Before he assumed office as the MD/CEO of the LSDPC, Joseph who was born on May 25, 1972, had acquired a wealth of experience in both private and public sectors spanning decades. He graduated from the prestigious Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo with a Second Class Upper degree in Geography and Regional Planning.

    After his first degree and mandatory National Youth Service, he proceeded to bag a Master’s Degree from yet another prestigious citadel of learning, the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc) Degree in Geographic Information System (G.I.S).

    Hon. Joseph began his civil service career at the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD) as a Town Planning Officer. After garnering some experience in the public sector, he decided to have a taste of the private sector. Hence, he joined the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), where he rose to the level of the Head of the POS Installation and Support Unit of the financial institution.

    Joseph also served as the Executive Chairman of the Apapa Local Government Area for two consecutive terms (2008 to 2014). As the Chairman of the Apapa Local Government, his tenure impacted positively on the lives of the people living and working in the area. Some of the things he did that helped to better the lives of the people of Apapa include the construction of a standard drainage system to reduce the incessant and perennial flooding of roads; the donation of an oxygen venting machine to Apapa General Hospital; the offering of free dental care to pupils in schools within the area; the provision of 5,000 pieces of school uniforms to over 3,000 pupils; and the provision of pipe borne water in various markets in key parts of the local government.

    Read Also: LSDPC gets executive director

    Joseph’s achievements as the chairman of the Apapa Local Government Area also include the renovation and donation of an ambulance to the Ijora Oloyer Public Health Centre; the provision of compactor trucks to tackle waste management within the council; and the organisation of skill acquisition and empowerment programmes for youths, the aged and windows.

    He also initiated the yearly Educational Advancement for Kids quiz competition where the winner was offered an all-expenses-paid educational tour of the United Kingdom (UK).

    Following his success as the Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Joseph was called upon again by his constituents to represent the Apapa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abuja. He represented the constituency well by excelling at his primary function as a lawmaker and also by taking care of the welfare of the people in the form of self-employment and empowerment programmes.

    As a member of the House of Representatives, he sponsored about three bills that scaled through the First and Second Readings and they include

    the Intimate Image Protection Bill 2018;

    a bill for an act to amend the minimum wage act for periodic review of minimum wage every five years; and the bill for the establishment of the Port Area Development Commission.

    Joseph carried out several humanitarian gestures while serving his people at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly, as the House of Representatives is otherwise known. These include the provision of free school buses for public school students to relieve their parents of the financial implication of transporting them; the

    renovation of numerous community halls and centres; the donation of JAMB and GCE forms to indigent students within the constituency; the provision of borehole water to constituents; the expansion of the Educational Advancement for Kids quiz competition to cover the entire constituency; and

    the facilitation of the de-silting of the canal cutting across different parts of Apapa.

    After his tenure in the House of Representatives, he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Political Matters (Southwest) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The people of Apapa will not forget one of Hon. Ayodeji Joseph’s kind gesture in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic when he trained 213 constituents on Liquid Soap Making, Air Freshener and Paints making amongst other skills. After the training, he gave each participant a start-up grant of N50,000 each to implement what they learnt during the training programme.

  • My dramatic encounter with corrupt local government chairmen — Ex-Auditor-General of Lagos LGs Hassan

    My dramatic encounter with corrupt local government chairmen — Ex-Auditor-General of Lagos LGs Hassan

    THE immediate past General Manager of the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) Limited, the organisation responsible for the management of the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos State, Muhammed Mubashiru Hassan, was a man of many parts during his active years in service. Apart from occupying the office of Auditor-General and Permanent Secretary of Local Government Service Commission In Lagos State, he also functioned as a lecturer of Accounting at the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology. The First Class graduate and fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation, among other professional bodies, spoke with VINCENT AKANMODE about his career in the Lagos State Civil Service, his battles with corruption in local government and his encounters with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu while the latter held sway as the governor of Lagos State, among other issues.

    What was your most memorable experience as permanent secretary and auditor-general for local governments in Lagos State?

    I really enjoyed being the auditor-general for local governments. I tried my best to upgrade the office. Before I came, council chairmen did not know our office, and we were their auditor. So when the auditors were presenting their reports, I would ask if there was any stubborn local government chairman disturbing their peace. Some of them would say yes, and I would write down the names of the chairmen and invite them to listen to the presentations of the auditors and show whether they agreed or disagreed. So they started coming and I built that awareness. Before then, they would say who is auditor-general? But I made that office relevant in local government administration and finance, and I made sure that reports were never late.

    I met about three years arrears of reports not presented. I cleared the arrears and made my own regular. We submitted our reports to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Lagos State House of assembly. So when the committee invites the chairman of a council they must come. But there was a year some council chairmen refused to appear before the committee.  I was so powerful then. I wrote to the house that if they allowed this to go, no council chairman would appear before them again. The council chairmen were summoned to the house and they were all sweating under the air condition. They were screened and warned that if they tried it again, they would be removed. That made them to stop toying with our office.

    Did you have a cause to indict any of them?

    We did, but the indictment was subject to the approval of the House of Assembly. If the PAC clears him it ends there. If not, they would present the report before the entire house and the house would consider whether the chairman should be suspended or removed completely. There was an occasion that the EFCC wrote to our office that they wanted to see the list of all indicted chairmen. My staff was jittery. But I responded that I did not have the power to indict any local government chairman, please contact the House of Assembly and request for the list of those indicted. That was the last I heard about that letter. I was so confident because I didn’t condone corruption.

    There is no way you can divorce the private sector from the corruption in the public sector. In fact, it was the private sector that injected corruption into the public sector because most of the contracts are done by the private sector and they are the ones that would start the negotiation. I will tell you about one incident: Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu then gave us an approval to go and do staff counting in local governments and local government education authorities managing teachers. We started and we were reporting to the governor, which was Tinubu then. We realized that they were preparing two payrolls. One was genuine, which the teacher would come, sign and go. The other one was the one used to collect money. The difference between the genuine one and the fake is something they share every month.

    So when we started, they said let us pacify Hassan to cover up. So they contributed one million naira each, and they were 20 in Lagos State, making it N20 million. But when they brought it I said no, I would not collect my gratuity in advance. If you collect the money and you buy a jeep of N10 or 12 million, what is left? They started carrying the money about, looking for somebody that would beg me to collect it but I said no, just tell me what you want and I will help you if I can. I did not know that the governor, Tinubu, was tracking that money.

    The following day, the governor called me as I went to submit the previous year’s report and asked, “Did you collect the money?” I said which money sir? I did not collect any money. He asked, “Are you sure?” I said “Sir, I don’t want to collect my gratuity in advance.” Then he smiled and said, “I know that you did not collect the money; go and continue with your assignment.” You can imagine that. If I was the corrupt type, I would have said, E gbe wa, emi lokan (laughs).

    Were you the one in charge when the state’s local government funds were withheld by the Obasanjo administration?

    No. It was Akinwunmi Ambode who later became the governor. He was the one I succeeded as Auditor General for local governments.

    So how did your appointment as the General Manager of Lekki Concessions Company come about?

    It was after I retired. I contested election into the House of Representatives for the Ojoo Federal Constituency in 2015 and I lost. I was at home recovering from the loss and former Governor Ambode, a friend in the Local Government Service Commission for several years, appointed me into LCC. It was a multi-billion naira project but the foundation was shaky. So I had to start rebuilding with the cooperation of the traditional rulers in the area. It was in the course of our interactions that one of them told me that a perpetually bad portion of the expressway was the spot where a deity was worshipped before the road was built. The man gave me the list of the items to be bought and the amount involved and we sorted out everything. Now the place is solid whereas there was always an accident at the spot before it was repaired.

    Read Also: ICPC chair, SANs slam judiciary for enabling corruption

    Were you the one in charge of Lekki Toll Gate at the time of the EndSARS protest?

    No, I had left. Although some people were mentioning my name because they did not know that I had left. They were even saying that Tinubu gave me a directive that we should switch off the lights.

    Is it true that Tinubu has big interest in the LCC project?

    That is not true. I also had that impression because of what people were saying. But when I got there, I searched through all the files and even called the secretary to the company, a lawyer, to tell me in confidence if the company was owned by Tinubu but he said there was nothing like that and he brought out the shareholding list of the company. I looked through and asked where is Tinubu on the list? He said that people were just being mischievous. Even my appointment, Tinubu had no hand in it. The question is how would someone invest his money in a project and he would not care to know who would manage it? It is all a lie.

    How is life in retirement?

    I thank God. It is not as bad as people think, because I try to keep myself busy. I am coping with life by trying to live within my pension.

    Even in the face of high inflation?

    It is a matter of what you want. As long as your wife agrees with you, you are good to go.

    Can you take into a brief excursion of your career in the civil service before retirement?

    To begin with, I started primary school in 1969. That was seven years after my birth in 1962. Those were the days they would insist that your right hand must be able to touch your left ear before you would be admitted into Primary 1. I left the primary school in 1975 and attended Awori College, Ojoo (Lagos) between 1975 and 1980.

    While I was still sleeping one morning as I was awaiting my WAEC result, my uncle, Ege, who was then the Commissioner for Employment in Lagos State, came to our house in the same Ojoo neighbourhood and tapped me on my bed, saying ‘You are still sleeping? Get up my friend and get into the car. I quickly wore a dress and I did not know where he was taking me to.

    It was when we got to his office I realized that he wanted to get me a job, and it was that day I started. In fact, he placed three of us on the pay roll the same day and we started work as assistant clerical officers on Grade Level 03 while still awaiting our results. When I passed my school certificate, I was upgraded to Level 4 as a clerical officer.

    After some time, I started looking at the perm secs (permanent secretaries) up there. I particularly admired the way they dressed, so I told myself that I would like to become a perm sec. That was when the late V.O.O. Ogundimu was the perm sec. So I applied for admission at the Yaba College of Technology. But because I was a certified orphan, I started wondering how I would go through the course because I would need money.

    Why didn’t you apply for study leave with pay?

    I wanted to apply for study leave with pay but I was told it was not available so I applied for study leave without pay. So I left the service for Yaba Tech and within two years I finished my OND in Accountancy. On coming back, I was placed on Grade Level 06. But before then I had been promoted to Level 05 in absentia. When I resumed as clerk, my uncle had handed me over to a gentleman named Joseph Olukayode Gbadebo. I never knew that by so doing, my uncle was planning my road to success. I now told Mr Gbadebo that I wanted to go back for HND but I had no money and I didn’t want to become a liability on him or become a beggar while pursuing my education. He said I could apply for study leave with pay but I told him it was not available, based on what I was told earlier. But he said don’t worry, just apply and we will pursue it to a logical conclusion.

    I thought he was joking, but I applied. Then there was one man in our office, that was the Ministry of Employment and Civil Service Matters. His name was Mr. Thomas. I went to him and said I wanted to apply for study leave. He said it was no longer available in government, and even the course I was going to do was no longer needed in service. That made me to become more determined to pursue the application to a logical conclusion. Our Head of Service then was Dr. Lewis. Then my mentor, Mr Olukayode Gbadebo, started carrying my file about and I was following him. You know it is difficult for a civil servant to write nonsense in your file in your presence. So we were following the file until it got to the director of training. We called him Marco, but his real name was Segun Marcos. I started singing his praise. Eventually, the file got to the head of service, Dr Lewis, I did not have the liver to just enter his office. His secretary said there were about 10 of us that had applied for study leave with pay. I started praying and God answered my prayer. Out of the 10 that applied, it was only my own application that Dr. Lewis approved.

    But when I wanted to go for the HND programme, they said I must provide two guarantors that I would not run away after graduation. I told Mr Gbadebo that I know you will stand for me, but what about the second person? He took the form to Yakubu Abiodun Balogun who later became the head of service in Lagos State. He told Balogun that I am a Lagosian so I could not run to anywhere. That was how Balogun signed and I was able to provide the guarantors.

    But you did your OND without pay. How did you manage to do that as an orphan?

    I really struggled during that period. I was going round to the people I believed could support me, including Mr. Gbadebo. There was a day I went to his house in Mushin (Lagos) and got there by 6 am. I told him I had not paid my school fees. He asked how much and I said N10. He went in and gave me the N10. I will never forget that day. Then in the second year, I changed my approach. I went to my secondary school teachers who were Ghanaians because I knew that the Nigerians among them would not help me, and they knew me as a very brilliant student. Two of them contributed N10 for me. That was how I was able to finish OND. Feeding was also very difficult but I pulled through.

    So what happened after your HND?

    I wanted to go back to the service but I was told to go and serve and come back. After the service year, I returned and I was moved to Level  8 because I had been promoted to Level 7 in absentia. So I did not skip any level. Again, I told Mr Gbadebo that I wanted to write the ICAN exam and he told me to go ahead. By God’s grace, I qualified as a chartered accountant around May 1988 and became an associate member of ICAN in 1990.

     

    After passing ICAN, I was upgraded to Level 9. It was from Level 9 that I remained in service, getting my promotions. I was in the Ministry of Employment and Civil Service Matters, which later changed to the Ministry of Establishment, Service Matters and Pension.

    How then did you end up in local government service?

    First, I saw an advert that a senior accountant was needed at the Agricultural Development Project. I looked at the requirement and realised that I qualified for it. I chipped in my application and I was appointed the Senior Accountant. But I was still restless, looking to become a permanent secretary and I knew that one day I would get there. So, when they wanted to recruit a substantive financial controller, they compared my certificate with my experience and said I was not qualified for it. But I was made the Senior Accountant and Acting Financial Controller. They said I should look for somebody that could fit into that role and I could work with. I called a friend, Bode Oyedele who was in the Ministry of Agriculture then as the internal auditor. He was appointed as the financial controller of that project.

    When I now saw another advert that they wanted to recruit accountants into local government service, I applied and I was appointed while still on Level 9. It was while I was in Local Government that I started getting my promotions from Level 9 up to 15 and going into 16, which would be the highest in local government then. But thank God, where I was working as council treasurer, I was not really happy. So I wanted to go back to Alausa (Lagos State Secretariat) as I was already in the directorate category. I applied into service and it was in the course of pushing the application that I got appointed as Auditor-General for Local Governments, and after six months I was upgraded to Permanent Secretary and Auditor-General for Local Governments. Aren’t I lucky? And I did not skip any level from Level 03 to that point in a span of 25 years. I later became a certified forensic accountant.

  • VUMILE MSWELI: Love for culture took me to 60 countries

    VUMILE MSWELI: Love for culture took me to 60 countries

    Vumile Msweli, the Chief Executive Officer of Hesed Consulting a coaching and consulting firm with specialisation in career coaching, women Empowerment and commerce acceleration, among others. The on-air personality and talk show host spoke with YETUNDE OLADEINDE about her life, inspiration, fondness for young people and achievements, among other issues.

    LET’S talk about your experience as a career coach…                                                                       

    I am fortunate as a career coach to works with graduates, executives, corporate employees and entrepreneurs from all over the world. I have the privilege of supporting in their journey from where they currently find themselves to where they want to be in their career. We achieve this through one to one sessions, group coaching, master classes, self-coaching tools such as my Career Acceleration Journal and our flagship Career Acceleration Programme.

    What has been the experience working with global teams and multinational institutions?

    Our service is about attracting, retaining and growing human capital. We fulfill this through recruitment, coaching, training and consulting. It is wonderful to work with globally respected organisations like Google, MTN and Vodafone,  just to mention a few. These opportunities allow me to leverage my experience working in countries like Germany, Singapore, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    It allows us to share global best practice while remaining locally relevant. Our global footprint (Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda, United States of America and Kenya) at Hesed allows us to be able to better support our clients.

    What inspired you to go into commerce acceleration?

    I was fortunate about strategically building my career in an accelerated manner. I was an executive reporting to the CEO by the age of 24. I realised that corporate is a game and a lot of people don’t realise that nor do they know the rules of engagement in order to ensure success. This for me became an opportunity to share these learnings, especially with African women, to help us close the gender gap, increase diversity to ensure we become more globally competitive as a continent.

    What are some of your achievements as an operations, finance and strategy executive?

    I have been blessed to be recognised for my life’s work by a number of international platforms. From being named a woman of excellence by the Women’s Economic Forum; invited to be a member of the Forbes Women Council; Elle Magazine’s Boss of the Year; named 34th Most Influential Young South African by Avance Media; Africa’s 1000 Voices; Santam Women of the Future; Pan African business women by CEO Magazine; and named by Voice of Canada as one of the world’s leading coaches and being honoured in my home country of South Africa to be a Brand South Africa Ambassador.

    What has been your experience working in different parts of the African continent?

    Africa has one of the most diverse cultures in the world with some key values that unite us as a continent. I have learnt to identify as an African first and not allow the nuances in our differences to become a deterrent. I have found West Africa to have a high energy and pace with unapologetic ambition. I have spent some time in West Africa from studying my post graduate in Ghana to building my business in Nigeria. I have a special place in my heart for East Africa the “Hakuna Matata” (no worries) laid back yet still people.

    What are some of the memorable moments in helping to empower women?

    As career coach, I support women in their careers leveraging the pillars of public speaking; corporate politics; career strategy and finance. A special experience was being appointed career coach for the United Nations’ Secretary General Banki Moon’s foundation. I worked with young women across the continent working on climate change from Democratic Republic of Congo; Nigeria; Egypt; Kenya and South Africa.

    Our coaching sessions have aided them to have a shift in perspective and supported their journey to help catapult them in their career and have a global impact in a worldwide problem. This work is something I am very proud of.

    How have you been helping young people who are passionate about growing their business?

    Msweli
    Msweli

    I am from a country that has 64% youth unemployment; the highest on the globe. We founded the Hesed Africa Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports youth and women issues. We have collaborated with organisations like mining giant Anglo to host entrepreneurship workshops in rural areas to help address youth unemployment. This is something we work tirelessly on. We also do youth career workshops to help unemployed graduates in their job search and career growth.

    Tell us about life as an On-air personality.

    I use different platforms to share human capital and business insights in the career field on various platforms. In Nigeria, I am the resident career coach on Arise News and Smooth FM. I have also written for The Guardian, BellaNaija and Business Day on careers. In Botswana, I am on Duma FM. Whilst in South Africa, I am a regular on Kaya FM and SA FM as well as I have my own column in True Love magazine. This requires me to stay on top of global trends whilst having an in-depth knowledge of the relevant country dynamics. This has created opportunities for me to be a public speaker and MC with a number of large organisations.

    What are some of the lessons learnt?

    I have learnt the importance of staying humble and hungry in my pursuit of learning about the nuances in the various countries I operate business in. I have also found the importance of building relationships. I believe in the African philosophy of Ubuntu: we are because of others. This is what I keep at the heart of all that I do.

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

    I spend a lot of time studying as I am busy with my doctorate. I also travel as I am inherently curious about other cultures and the way of living of people across the globe. This is probably why I have been to over 60 countries in the world. I also love spending time with my friends and family and immersing myself in a really good book.

    What are some of the changes that you would like to see on the African continent?

    I would like to see a more united Africa that leverages our collective advantage. In 2030, we will have the largest population in the globe

    and in 2100, 40% of the world will be African. We can use this to our advantage if we are united economically. If we are able to freely move goods, services and people across the continent, we could enjoy the same benefits as the European Union and leverage bulk buying power, giving us a very powerful seat in the global table.

    Did you have mentors at the beginning? What has been their impact?

    I thoroughly believe in mentorship. Having someone who is further down the road than you gives you access to invaluable insights. This information allowed me to avoid obstacles, cultivate sponsorship relationships and be agile in my approach.

    What advice do you have for young people about the current challenges in the global economy?

    It is important to realise that we are part of a global village and as such we need to be globally competitive. How you use your frame of reference to your advantage and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset will help you face any challenges in the economy.

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

    My faith and culture have shaped me a great deal. These are my foundation and compass. They direct me and create a framework from

    which I live my life. My faith is my foundation ensuring that I fulfill my purpose that God has set out for me. My culture is how I move, knowing that I do not represent myself alone but have to honour my surname bestowed on me by my ancestors, knowing that what I do reflects on not only myself but other Africans as well.

    Breaking the bias was the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day. What does this mean to you? As a career coach, it is natural thing that I consider the workplace. I think of biases like female bosses are terrible or that women have

    glass ceilings and at times even glass cliffs. The use of the phrase “she is shattering the glass ceiling” is a popular term used to describe the pioneering of women and minorities into spheres they historically could not engage in. However there is now a new phenomenon which is referred to as glass cliffs. Glass cliffs are when women are brought in to save the day when organizations have been led to dire situations by their predecessors, often men.

    To break these biases is to make it common place to have women in the c-suite, in leadership and executive roles. To break these is for it to be normal to have a board or the presidents of the African or European Union. So that when we see women in positions of power we don’t arch our eyebrows in surprise or clap in celebration, it’s another Tuesday because women belong in those seats as much as their male counterparts.

    You seem to have some strong connections with Nigeria and Nigerians. Tell us about it.

    I have a great affinity for Nigeria. It is my second home. It is the country I have visited the most, with many of my friends and family being Nigerians.  I also have a business here and have my team who grow our business in Nigeria; they are a critical component of our pan-African business’ success. Nigerian fashion, food, music and warm hospitality always leave me feeling reinvigorated. On a personal note Lagos holds a special place in my heart. It is a vibrant city that energises and inspires me.

    Going by past events, how would you describe the Nigeria/South Africa relationship in your country?

    I believe the relationship between these two countries is not where it could be. South Africa and Nigeria are the two largest economies on the continent and have a responsibility to help shape the Africa of tomorrow. I think the inability to cultivate a brotherhood that hope that tomorrow can be better, which fuels their ambition and drives their work ethic. This inspires me to show up as unapologetically ambitious, comfortably confident and proudly African.

  • ‘To my darling Mama, thank you’

    ‘To my darling Mama, thank you’

    An emotion filled King Charles 111 paid tribute to his mother, the late Queen yesterday, thanking her profusely for her love for the royal family and the family of nations.

    He will be formally proclaimed King later today at a historic Accession Council in an ancient ceremony at St James’s Palace, London.

    In his first address to the nation in his new role, King Charles hailed the late Queen for her life of service.

    He said: “I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.

    “Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.

    “Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where The Queen was Head of State, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my Mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations.

    “In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her peoples. That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty.”’Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.

    “In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which make us great as Nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign.

    “And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.

    “I pay tribute to my Mother’s memory and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all.

    “When The Queen came to the throne, Britain and the world were still coping with the privations and aftermath of the Second World War, and still living by the conventions of earlier times. In the course of the last 70 years we have seen our society become one of many cultures and many faiths.

    “The institutions of the State have changed in turn. But, through all changes and challenges, our nation and the wider family of Realms – of whose talents, traditions and achievements I am so inexpressibly proud – have prospered and flourished. Our values have remained, and must remain, constant.

    “The role and the duties of Monarchy also remain, as does the Sovereign’s particular relationship and responsibility towards the Church of England – the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted.

    “In that faith, and the values it inspires, I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others, and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government.

    “As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.

    “And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life. My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities.

    “It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.

    “This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort.

    “I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much. As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me.

    “He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty.

    “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given. I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.

    “In a little over a week’s time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example.

    ‘On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express.

    “And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you.

    “Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.”

     

    To be proclaimed king today

    King Charles 111 will take an oath before privy counsellors at 11am today, with the proceedings televised for the first time ever.

    The privy council, which is the oldest legislative assembly still functioning in the UK and dating from Norman times, traditionally oversees the formal proclamation of a new sovereign.

    The first public proclamation at the Accession Council is scheduled for St James’s Palace.

    A second proclamation at the Royal Exchange in the City of London will follow at noon. Separate proclamations are expected to be read in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at noon tomorrow.

     

    What will change in Britain during his reign

    Notable changes in the day to day affairs of Britons expected on account of the ascension to the throne by King Charles 111 include new image and insignia on banknotes, letterboxes, stamps and even the national anthem.

    The bank notes and coins will come with the face of the King although this will be a gradual process.

    While the Queen’s image faces to the right on coins, the new ones will show the King facing left.

    The London Mail said new stamps will also be issued with the image of the King although the current ones remain valid until the end of January 2023.

    The national anthem will be reworded with ‘the Queen’ giving way to ‘the King’ where necessary.

    Similarly, barristers and solicitors appointed by the monarch are now to be known as  King’s Counsel (KC) as against Queen’s Counsel.

     

    Royal Family members assume new titles

    Former Prince Charles is now King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

    He will be addressed as His Majesty.

    His wife Camilla is now Queen Consort while the King’s heir apparent, Prince William, who was Duke of Cambridge, becomes Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge and also Prince of Wales.

     

    Queen Elizabeth’s death, a great loss to entire world–Abdulsalami

    Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar yesterday described the death of Queen Elizabeth II as a “great loss” for the entire world.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna, the ex-Nigerian leader expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Queen Elizabeth.

    “The death of the queen, who led Britain through turbulent times in the world is a great loss not only for the British people, but also the international community,” he said.

     

    Abubakar lauded the queen’s extremely important role in world peace and stability.

    “My family’s thoughts and prayers are with the new King Charles III, the entire Royal Family and all commonwealth nations at this time of mourning and sadness.

    “The beloved Queen represented the UK and Commonwealth with balance and wisdom.

    “She guaranteed stability in moments of crisis and kept alive the values of tradition in a society in constant and profound evolution.

    “Her spirit of service, her dedication and the deep dignity with which she held office for such a long time has been a constant source of admiration for generations to come.

    “May the Queen rest in eternal peace,’’ Abdulsalami said.

     

    She will be greatly missed, says Anyaoku

    Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said the late Queen was a symbol of dignity and continuity in the diverse Commonwealth.

    Anyaoku, who worked closely with the Queen during his tenure as Commonwealth Scretary General between 1990 and 2000, said in a tribute yesterday that he received news of the passing of the Queen with great sadness.

    The deceased queen, according to him, “will be greatly missed in the United Kingdom where she was a beloved and longest reigning Head of State, and throughout the Commonwealth where she was a greatly respected and much admired Head of the association.”

    He added: “Her Majesty was a most remarkable and wise Head, whose standing and influence enabled the Commonwealth association to survive its existential crises.

    “She was also a symbol of dignity and continuity diverse Commonwealth of now 56 member nations. The memories of the interactions of my wife and myself with Her Majesty during my ten years as Commonwealth Secretary-General will remain with us as long as we live.”

     

    World Bank President commiserates with royal family, Commonwealth

    The World Bank Group President, Mr David Malpass, has issued a statement to sympathise with the royal family and the Commonwealth on the passing on of Queen Elizabeth II.

    Malpass, in a statement on behalf of the World Bank Group expressed “our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and all the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

    “The Queen was admired by people everywhere, and she witnessed enormous changes within the UK and around the globe over the last 70 years.

    “Her Majesty travelled the world more widely than any other Monarch in British history. She also supported over 600 charities, leading by example on issues ranging from wildlife preservation to creating opportunities for young people.

    “We will remember Queen Elizabeth II as a beacon of stability and continuity whose extraordinary life and reign were truly historic.”

     

    Outrage as Nigerian-born Professor wishes Queen Elizabeth II ‘excruciating’ death

    It was all outrage yesterday after Nigeria-born Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics, Critical Sociolinguistics and Critical Discourse at Carnegie Mellon University in the USA, Dr. Uju Anya, wished Queen Elizabeth II an ‘excruciating’ death on social media.

    Twitter quickly deleted her series of vile tweets.

    “If anyone expects me to express anything but disdain for the monarch who supervised a government that sponsored the genocide that massacred and displaced half my family and the consequences of which those alive today are still trying to overcome, you can keep wishing upon a star,” she said in one of the now deleted posts.

    Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, said: “This is someone supposedly working to make the world better? I don’t think so. Wow.”

    Some others condemned her comments while others saw nothing wrong with them.

    Anya’s Carnegie Mellon University said although it believes in “free expression”, it does not condone the views expressed by the professor.

    “We do not condone the offensive and objectionable messages posted by Uju Anya today on her personal social media account,” it said.

    It added: “Free expression is core to the mission of higher education, however, the views she shared absolutely do not represent the values of the institution nor the standards of discourse we seek to foster.”

  • Ex-Army Head of Training, businessman celebrate reunion after losing contact for 55 years

    Ex-Army Head of Training, businessman celebrate reunion after losing contact for 55 years

    On Friday August 19, 2022, Maj-Gen. Hassan Umaru (rtd) boarded an Ibom Air flight from Jos to Lagos only to witness a miracle of some sort.

    As an army General, he had lived a military life for decades, seldom swayed by civilian or social factors.

    At different times, he had functioned as the Army Head of Training and Administration, the Commander of the Special Task Force (Operation Safe Haven) and the Theater Commander of Operation Lafiaya Dole in the North East, among other high octane responsibilities.

    As he sat on that flight between Jos and Lagos, he could not help taking his memories back to his childhood friendship with Tayo Orekoya, a chartered accountant and President of Pearl Awards, with whom he had just reunited about 55 years after they lost contacts as close childhood friends.

    Orekoya, then a six years old son of a police officer, had been neighbours with Umaru at Eleyele area of Ibadan where the latter resided with his parents.

    Recalling how they both played together on the streets of Eleyele as childhood friends, Orekoya said: “We were best of friends, playing together, rolling worn tyres around and about the neighbourhood and playing on the sand.

    “There was no kind of play that we did not indulge in as little children. We ate in each other’s houses and his house was home to me.”

    But in keeping with the adage that says 20 children cannot all play together for 20 years, Orekoya woke up one morning and found that his bosom friend and other family members were gone.

    He said: “We parted ways in Primary 1 when I was six years old and we were in the same school and class.

    “It was a tough one for me. Hassan was gone never to be seen again. There was no trace or mailing address left behind by his family.”

    For 55 years, Orekoya battled in vain to wipe off Umaru’s image from his memory but it just would not vanish.

    “In all those years, I tried to trace him, but no door opened,” he said.

    Then last year, Orekoya made up his mind to do something about it. He resolved to explore the social and combed through the pile of Hassans that popped up on Facebook until he located the one he was sure was Umaru.

    He said: “Immediately I saw his picture, I knew it was him. It was still the same face, though he had added more flesh with age and good life!

    “A new excitement welled up in my whole body. Finally, I had found him.”

    But there was yet another hurdle: Orekoya had

    found Umaru on the social media, but meeting him in flesh and blood was a different kettle of fish. His position in the army did not make him accessible.

    “But, again, I did not give up. I put calls through to different people in government and in the army but there was no success. No one I knew could reach him.

    “After many months, I found one who could, but for his own reasons, he was worried about reaching out to Hassan for me.

    “But like people say, when it is time, then it is time. I found another friend with whom I shared my dream of meeting my lost friend, and behold, within an hour, he got me Hassan’s direct phone number.

    “He, however, warned that Hassan does not pick calls.

    “As luck would have it, I called on that day and Hassan picked the call; not because he wanted to, but because he was expecting a different call from someone whose number he didn’t have and was told to call him.

    “On the phone, I told him who I am and explained how we had been childhood friends at Eleyele in Ibadan, and all the memories flooded back to him.

    “He said he was amazed and that this must be a miracle. I asked after his sister, he said she had passed on. I also asked about other members of his family.

    “Then he said, ‘Orekoya, you must be a magician.’ He said he usually does not pick calls from strange numbers but only picked mine because he was anticipating a call from someone who was refered to him.

    “From that day early this year, we spent hours on the phone almost daily until we planned this weekend get together in Lagos.

    “We knew that for just one day was never going to be enough, so we agreed to have a whole weekend at my home.

    General Umaru (rtd) landed at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja that Friday afternoon into the warm embrace of Orekoya 55 years after parting ways.

    The reporter posed the following questions to  the two friends and got their responses as follows:

    What was the feeling like, meeting again for the first time after 55 years?

    Umaru: “It was a deep feeling of nostalgia. I felt I had seen my twin brother again. Aristotle once said a true friend is a single soul in two bodies. God made us to see that day and we are grateful.

    Orekoya: Same here. It was indeed a nostalgic feeling. I was there at the airport fiddling with my phone when he called and we were in a warm embrace. So emotional. Everyone was watching and wondering that this must be a great moment. A dream come true for me.”

    Did you wonder about the lost years upon meeting your friend?

    Umaru: I would say no. Everything just flowed as arranged by God.

    Orekoya: We tried to catch up with that. But surprisingly, we could only catch up on three years out of the 55. We talked into the nights about eating tin foods, corn beef at their house and going to buy kulikuli and dankwa, and how we used to play at the polo ground at Eleyele and rolled tyres.

    Did you ever think that you could see your friend again?

    Umaru: I never thought of that in my wildest imagination. But then it happened in a big way!

    Orekoya: instinctively, I don’t know where that conviction came from, but I knew one day we would meet again.

    Now that you have met again, do you think you can have the time for each other?

    Umaru: Well, we have already rekindled our relationship. Presently we are mapping out strategies for each other, taking into consideration our major schedules and priorities in order to sustain this record of 55 years of friendship.

    Orekoya: It is interesting to know that the feeling has been mutual. We are trying to see how we can regain all those years.

    How do you feel knowing that both of you managed to get to the heights of your career and are now retired?

    Umaru: Yes, I feel happy. The determination has been inbuilt. In 1967, we went our different ways as a result of parents’ transfer and compelling national issues. We have reunited. This shows that our parents did well for us.

    Orekoya: All glory to God. I’m happy my longing for him has not been disappointing, because even the good heart he had then is still manifesting today. He told me how at 13 he was handed over to a driver to be taken to school all alone in Okene, Kogi State. Nigeria was safe. And then to Kwara, then NDA. How he played football, got scholarship and so on. I told him how I struggled with ICAN and eventually became a chartered accountant, president of Pearl Awards and today a chieftain of All Progressive Congress.

    How about your family?

    Umaru: Our families are doing well. Phone calls were made with members of our families on both sides with resounding comments. As time goes on, we shall establish more contacts as this is just the beginning.

    Orekoya: We have spoken to each other’s family members and now we are one big family. His daughter came around, my son in law came around, we spoke to each other’s wives and bonded with each other’s friends across the country. I’m proud of him.

    What lessons can one learn from your reunion?

    Umaru: There are life lessons here. Tayo has taught me that one can keep quality friends at any age, because the world does not end in one place. Therefore we must learn to live with ourselves. He has taught me that I am not alone in this world; that in fact I have a twin brother. This reunion has taught me to be a better person, to respect everyone regardless of their status. That some secrets are better shared only with a bosom friend. It is making me to trust someone affectionately, and that person is Tayo Orekoya. I’ve also learnt that a quality friend does not change regardless of tribe, religion, culture or race. I hope we can see people who can beat this 55 years record of separation and reunion.

    Orekoya: The lesson here is that of unity of Nigeria. We were young. That is the way Nigeria was: no ethnic bias. We were all free with one another, he a Muslim and I a Christian.

    I invited him to my home. He came and stayed with us for four days. That is how Nigeria should be. I have also learnt that relationships are important. Our meeting has brought large numbers of people together. Indeed old wine tastes better. Young people should build good relationships.

    You spent the weekend together. How did you celebrate the reunion?

    Umaru: I arrived in Lagos at 5:30pm and Tayo was on ground to receive me. We were excited and people at the airport could see it and wondered. Tayo took me to his house and we had dinner and discussion into the night. The next day, we went around the estate where he lives for a lawn tennis practice, where I met a number of his friends. We had breakfast and later attended a wedding ceremony. We went back home, had long hours of discussion. Later in the evening, some of my friends based in Lagos came around before dinner. Sunday was filled with more discussions from breakfast table. He had time for church and that was okay by me. Some of his friends came for lunch after church. We took a walk around the estate and later watched movies into the night. It was a good experience to rekindle our relationship, meeting good and quality friends on both sides. I was at home throughout in Lagos.

    Orekoya: It was a marvelous weekend. We attended Owambe party like Hassan called it. The wedding of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole’s son, the Vice President’s representative was there, the Governor of Lagos was there. We played lawn tennis, had dinner out, took several photographs and talked into the night. We had a great time, indeed, a great weekend.

  • ‘How COVID-19 breakthroughs opened possibilities for HIV vaccines’

    ‘How COVID-19 breakthroughs opened possibilities for HIV vaccines’

    On the sidelines of a recent conference on public oral health, TOBA ADEDEJI spoke with the Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof. Morenike Ukpong, speaks on issues related to public health and awareness.

    WITH the new possibilities that COVID-19 has opened to medicine, especially the design of vaccine to mitigate the spread of the virus, do you think there is also the possibility of developing preventive vaccine for HIV?

    Unlike COVID-19, we have been working on the possibility of an HIV vaccine for ages. I think COVID opened the door for a mechanism that had not been used like it was used in COVID-19 to develop vaccines.  So we have seen a lot of research going on, using that MRNA technology. Sooner than later, we would likely have an HIV vaccine. There are two types of vaccine we are looking at: the preventive one and one which if you get HIV infection you would not progress faster to AIDS.

    How soon do you think this can be achieved?

    Nobody can say how soon it would be delivered. We can only believe it will be soon with the technologies that are now available.

    What is impeding access to grants by scholars in Nigeria?

    It is non-prioritization. In a nation that prioritises security, they put all the money there. If you understand that development happens through research, then you prioritise it. You won’t get the grant if the country doesn’t prioritise research. Look at what is happening in the education sector. So, how would they prioritise reserch with the energy on education you are seeing? You won’t get grants until government prioritises research.

    But I must tell you that I am aware that the National Health Research Committee is working towards that.  We also have TETfund grant and people are advocating for it.

    With the rising phenomenon of sexual harassment in schools, would it be appropriate for female students to underperform to avoid being sexual harassed?

    I think that would be a crime against oneself. Why would you do that when you know that your performance and your transcript is your future? Every institution has systems that can support, but like you know, many people don’t use these systems. You need to get screened in rather than screened out for you to show that you have a potential.

    Is poor nutrition one of the factors responsible for rampant cases of bad dentition these days?

    I will fault our poor attitude to public education, because the system can educate parents to know, identify and prevent it. The system that allows public education on many health issues is poorly coordinated and poorly implemented.

    What do you think that dentists can do about issues related to adulterated toothpastes?

    This issue has to be address by regulators and those that provide oversight on products that go into the market. I look forward to a future where trained dentists and entrepreneurs address this gap in our market.

    Would you advocate entrepreneurship training for undergraduates on production of toothpaste?

    The dental curriculum now includes training undergraduate dentists as entrepreneurs. This is because of the recognised need to build the  competency of dentists to practice beyond the borders of public health institutions. We are seeing the impact of this already as we see a lot more trained dentists having start ups. It has already started and can only grow bigger and better.

    Do you think government should take the issue of dental health as serious as HIV/AIDS, cancer, tuberculosis and other diseases?

    Yes. Oral health problems affect a lot of people globally more than those diseases combined. However, it is less associated with death and there is very poor public discourse on oral diseases as an epidemic of public health concern. We can do more and should do more on this.

    There is a need to address a lot more of indigenous issues including herbal remedies. A conversation about this has started. In addition, we had a conversation in my unit on the need to improve public education. Programmes like this stimulate spiral changes, many of which we may not be able to account for. I however think we are building on successful past and rolling into a bright future through the cumulative work of every one in the oral health industry. What you are doing is one of the most brilliant outcomes of this conference- raising public awareness.

  • No regret returning to Nigeria –Ex-UK varsity teacher Akindayini

    No regret returning to Nigeria –Ex-UK varsity teacher Akindayini

    Dr. Segun Akindayini is a United Kingdom trained teacher. At the age of 20, he left Nigeria for the UK where he spent most part of his life. For 10 years, he was a lecturer at Tames University in the United Kingdom. He was also one of the people that pioneered the marketing of Nigerian films in the UK with the setting up of African Video Centre in the early 90s. A few years ago, he returned to Nigeria to join other Nigerians in setting up a hospitality business, Chicago Bar Grill and Motel in Ogun State. He spoke with GBENGA ADERANTI about his new found faith and hospitality business, the challenges that come with doing business in Nigeria and the face-off between the Federal Government and university teachers, among other issues.

    YOU returned to Nigeria a few years ago after spending close to four decades in the UK. What was the motivation?

    I came back from England in October 2014 to establish a full-fledged hospitality business called Chicago Bar Grill and Motel. The main attraction was to give a taste of modern entertainment and comfort in a conducive atmosphere.

    Why did you return to Nigeria when you could have stayed back and earned a living?

    Prior to my return, I had lived in England for 38 years covering my education, working and living as a family man. I wanted a change of environment and I felt that it was time to come back home.

    How receptive were your hosts in the community?

    The community was excited to experience and have access to a unique hospitality business. We enjoyed good patronage from the community.

    It is intriguing to see that part of your hotel has been turned into a church. What could have informed this?

    I believed that big cities had many of such businesses and it would have been more challenging for us as a new business to compete with them. Also, I already had a suitable landed property in Ogun State. It was rightly located in a community which needs and would appreciate our business.

    How involved are you in the church activities?

    It is not a church but a gathering of interdenominational believers’ fellowshipping together.

    By the grace of God, I am fully involved. It was a calling and a turning point of my life after running a successful hospitality business and realising that I could add a lasting value to the lives of the people in the community. I am a born again Christian and I decided to use the platform to preach the gospel – the word of God.

    Some people would argue that hospitality business and religion do not go together. How would you explain this?

    Although some people might see it as a conflicting idea, it is a golden opportunity to reach a large number of people who are already accustomed to the environment. Even the bible says that we should use every opportunity in our possession to spread the good news

    Do you feel uncomfortable that your faith conflicts with your profession?

    In this case, my faith actually complements my business, because Chicago Bar Grill and Motel has been turned into a retreat centre. We are now a place where people may stay for a period devoted to prayer, study or relaxation. Most of our guests and lodgers join us for morning devotions, special praise and worship service on Fridays tagged: ‘VICTORY HOUR’. We also have Chicago Night of Praise tagged “Party with Jesus”, which is held on the last Sunday of every month.

    How do you feel when you get flak from people about the conflict between your faith and business?

    I feel they need more orientation because this actually demonstrates a form of ignorance on their part.  Hospitality business is a service whereas faith is a mindset. Although they are different, they can complement each other.

    How do you respond to these criticisms?

    Whenever this occurs, I use the opportunity to explain the need to accept Jesus Christ into their lives. And on most occasions, they tend to agree.

    How would you describe the business climate in Nigeria?

    The business climate in Nigeria at the moment is not encouraging. The economy is bad, the government is not helping, and we have bad leadership.

    What were the initial challenges you faced and how did you overcome these challenges?

    One of the challenges was the attitude of workers towards their duties. Most of them were lazy, untrustworthy and required a lot of supervision. The most challenging part was the lack of provision for basic infrastructure that was needed for a startup business: bad roads and unstable electricity supply. We have to provide all the necessities for the business which requires a huge financial capital cost.

    Any regrets returning to Nigeria?

    To the glory of God, I have no regret returning to Nigeria. In actual fact, it has been a blessing in disguise.

    You were a lecturer in the UK. If you were to advise the Federal Government and university teachers union, what would you be telling them?

    Education is an important aspect to the development of a nation. The Federal Government and teachers have a major role and must work hand in hand. They should reach a compromise and quickly resolve the issue at hand for the sake of the students.

    You seem to be Afrocentric considering your wardrobe, the pictures and paintings in your hotel. How involved are you in Africa and its culture?

    African culture and tradition is very profound, rich and must be respected. I love our fashion, music, arts and crafts. There are loads of paintings that portray African heritage in the Chicago Retreat Centre.

    What is your attitude to African religion and culture?

    Personally, I don’t have anything against African religion and culture. It is a matter of individual choice of belief. But I believe in the Supremacy of the Almighty God, and His Son Jesus Christ.

    How would you describe night life right now?

    Nightlife in Nigeria at the moment is insecure. People must be vigilant and also be security conscious. In general most businesses are affected because people are not completely free from the fear of unexpected attack at all levels.