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Category: People & Politics

  • Litigation part of election process – Abioye, OSSIEC chair

    Litigation part of election process – Abioye, OSSIEC chair

    Hashim Akintunde Abioye is a lawyer, and the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), in this interview with Gbenga Aderanti, he talks about the forthcoming local government election in the state, why the State Electoral Commissions (SIECs) rather than Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed to continue to conduct the local government elections, OSSIEC’s preparation for the local government election in 2025, and others. Excerpts

    THE local government election will be held in February 2025, how prepared is the commission for the exercise?

    We gave notice of the election in February 2024, in compliance with the electoral act and OSSIEC law, both laws provide for 360 days, at least 360 days before you can hold an election. We rolled out the timetable, published it, circulated it to all the political parties, and you will see that according to the timetable we have been carrying out our activities in line with the schedule of activities.

    We have passed the state of primary elections by the political parties; we are now at the stage of verification. For the first time, in the history of this commission, we set up a verification committee to look at the credentials of candidates of the political parties, as a result of that and some other things, regarding their eligibility to contest the election.

    The members of the Verification Committee are people of integrity, people who have served the country in the past and some of them are still serving up till today. Nobody can point a finger at any of the verification committee members. They are people of high repute in society. We are awaiting their report. The time for publication of the name is close by, it is after the Verification Committee must have submitted its report, and after the commission must have considered the report, we will now publish the names of candidates of political parties, who have been cleared to contest the election.

    Following that, other activities as lined up in the timetable that have to do with campaigns and rallies, will follow, and then the training of ad-hoc staff we have commenced. We have started the retreat for commission members, training of electoral officers, and assistant electoral officers.

    We will start recruiting our ad-hoc staff any moment from now. Their training and all that will be part of what we will be doing in the next few days. That is how it has been and that is how it will be throughout the period of election as outlined in the timetable.

    I read a piece where a retired INEC member, Dr. Agboola said that for the first time, OSSIEC would be conducting free, fair, and credible elections. Does that mean the past elections were not free, fair, and credible?

    Yes, I would want to say one way or the other that on two occasions to the best of my knowledge, this commission had fallen under the hammer of the court. This commission had come under the red pen of the judiciary in 2010 and 2022. In 2010, the Supreme Court invalidated the local government election, conducted by this commission in 2007 on account of illegal notice that the notice given was not in compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act. The same happened in 2022 when the court nullified the election conducted by this commission. Incidentally, I was the one that prosecuted that of 2022 in court when I challenged this commission then in good conscience. I never knew I would be here. I never knew I would be appointed. I challenged the election conducted by OSSIEC in 2022 in court, and it was based on the precedent set by the Supreme Court in 2022, OSSIEC vs  Action Congress we contested that in court, and the court agreed with us,  the court nullified the election.

    If Dr. Agboola, you know his pedigree, he was with INEC for some years, a retired INEC commissioner for that matter, could come up with that opinion that this commission is doing wonderfully well, I think I would want to agree with that because I witnessed on two occasions the election conducted by this commission had been nullified by the court, so we are doing everything possible to ensure that this commission does not fall under the hammer of the court again. We are doing everything that we can do not to falter under the side of the rule of law and on the side of due process. So far so good, we have been having it so good.

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    Up until 1979 the state’s electoral umpires were regarded as the State Electoral Commission, it was the 1979 Constitution that established the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). How independent are the SIECs?

    Well, I would like to tell you that the problem with SIECs generally is not particular to any state-independent electoral body. It is general, and it is in terms of administrative operational and financial autonomy, that is just the main issue. What do I mean by this? If you are talking about financial autonomy, it is the state government that will finance the state Independent Electoral Commission. SIEC is in the constitution, it is one of the executive bodies established for the state by the 1979 Constitution that is why we are saying that if there is going to be a replacement for the state electoral bodies at all, it has to be through the constitution, no other law, no other legislation can come up today and supplant what is contained in the constitution unless what is contained in the constitution itself, so that is it about that.

    What we are saying is that independence of the state electoral bodies in terms of finance, all state electoral bodies are dependent on states for finance. If we are talking about that it is that if you prepare a budget, it is the state executive that will look at the budget. The budget has to go through the House of Assembly before it becomes law before it will become implementable.

    It is not that the independent state electoral bodies have any financial autonomy, to the extent of having all the resources they would need for an election in an election year ahead of the election year as it operates at the national level. That is in the area of financial autonomy.

    Going to the area which you specifically questioned, that is the area of the insinuation that it is always the ruling party that dictates the tune for the state independent electoral body, let me say these political parties are not doing good for the masses, they are not doing so well for the parties. Sentiments, emotions, suspicion, and unreasonableness, are some of those ills that affect the operations of the State Independent Electoral Commissions. For example, if a state Independent Electoral Commission rolls out its activities, this is what we want to do, you will see the major opposition party launching severe attacks that “No you cannot be independent, you cannot be this, you cannot be that.” Attacks here and there, the next thing you will hear is pulling out of the process. If you pull out of the process, that is like a walkover. Pulling out of the process, and not participating in the process is the bane of the conduct of the local government elections. You know it is happening in some states now.

    For the first time in the history of this commission, all the registered political parties that have a presence in this state, 18 in all, are participating in this process. They have seen our sincerity, our fairness, and our transparency.

    It is always difficult for parties or candidates to accept the outcome of the electoral process when they lose. Why is this so?

    Well, litigation is part of the election process; you will see that there is nowhere throughout the entire world where you will have an election process that will not have provisions for litigation. It is part of our law; it must be part of our law; and indeed it must be part of our law, In fact, without provisions for litigation, and for the court intervention in the process, definitely the law is not complete.

    Before, during, and after the election, there are processes and if anyone feels aggrieved, or is not comfortable with any of the processes, the best way to address that issue is to approach the court. You cannot remove litigation and everyone has the right to go to court and it now depends on what you make of your evidence or your facts before the court. So litigation is part of the election process.

    What is your take on the call for the Independent National Electoral Commission to take over the conduct of state elections?

    Well, I said it in the past and I will still say it that we will all come back to regret it, not because I’m the chairman of the commission today, not because I’m in the saddle as the chairman of OSSIEC, but we have been agitating for true federalism and we are already saying the exclusive legislative list in the constitution is already overloaded, is already overburdened. There was a time in the past when the national electoral body was responsible for conducting local government elections, it is the same thing. Where you see the ruling party taking the show all over and it was a time when the national electoral body was responsible for the conduct of local government elections. Even as we have it today, don’t we have some states where you say it is a go area for any other political party than this party? What are people saying regarding that, are you telling me that the INEC is infallible?

    What I’m saying is that instead of calling for the scrapping of the state-independent electoral bodies, call for their strengthening. We can tie their operational and financial autonomy to that of the Independent National Electoral Commission. It is like what we have in the issue of voter registers, no state electoral body has the competence to compile voters register. We make use of voters’ registers compiled by the INEC. Our responsibility as stipulated in the constitution is to assist and advise the INEC regarding the voters’ registration and all that but we make use of the voters’ register compiled by the INEC and if you are making use of the voters register compiled by INEC, that is an operational issue. It is an administrative issue, if that could be tied to that of INEC, you can tie the finances of the states’ independent electoral commissions to INEC as well by having their finances and all that to be charged on the consolidated revenue as we have for INEC, it could be done at the national level. They can amend the law to the extent of giving true financial autonomy to state Independent Electoral Commissions, by tying their financial autonomy, and operational and administrative strategies to that of INEC for example for OSSIEC, so so, the amount is projected, this amount is hereby charged on the consolidated revenue fund and when it is time for us to make use fund, we asses it from where it was deposited, so, instead of calling for an outright scrapping of states independent electoral commissions, I will call for their strengthening and their overhaul.

     You once contested on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)…

     I’m not any longer.

    You may have your biases…

    No, no, no. The thing is that I have effectively removed that toga of partisanship. I have put the clothes somewhere else; ever before my appointment since I got the wind of the appointment, I effectively resigned my membership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party.

    I think what people should be looking into is the integrity of the process, the transparency, and the reform that we have brought into the commission since we came on board. If you were here before we came on board, you would not have any place to sit.  It was when we came that we renovated this place. Before we came on board, there was no single computer, there was no single ICT facility when we came on board and this was a commission to which close to N2bn was devoted between August and October 2022 we did not meet, not even a single system, but today we can boast of ICT facilities, at least some infrastructural facilities that is the area we should be looking at.

    The toga of partisanship, that was in the past, this is a new Hashim Abioye, a ‘partyless’ and no -partisan Hashim Abioye.

  • Sowing seeds of love among races, religions 

    Sowing seeds of love among races, religions 

    As countries across the world grapple with inflation and its attendant reduction in the purchasing power of the middle and lower class people, PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports that faith based organisations (FBOs) in New York City founded by Nigerians are taking the lead in providing food, shelter, skills and other basic things to the needy. 

     Passing through Teller Avenue in the Southern part of Bronx County, New York, United States every Saturday morning, the first thing that catches one’s attention is a long queue of people of different races and religions.

     Between the hours of 6am and 12pm, hundreds of people in need of food items both fresh produce, processed ones take turns to be served already arranged portions by  officials of the Vineyard International Christian Ministries.

     This gesture, which residents said had gone on for several decades, is one of the many community outreach programmes embarked upon by the ministry founded by Nigerian-American Professor of Mathematics, Bishop Joe Omokwe and his wife, Uche. 

    The couple who have been US citizens for over 40 years, were moved by the sufferings of people in underserved communities in New York such that they sold their home in a high-end neighbourhood and relocated to poor neighbourhoods where they started sheltering the homeless, feeding the hungry and taking young people away from criminal paths. 

    Speaking with our Correspondent at a picnic organized by the church last Saturday at Palham Bay Park, Prof. Omeokwe said the desire to give back to the society propelled him and his wife to not only preach the gospel to the people but to also meet them at their points of needs. 

    The former chairman, Mathematics Department at the City University of New York (CUNY), said they started the shelter especially for fresh African immigrants because he knew how difficult it was for new persons to settle in and find their feet. 

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    “I came from Nigeria, we have known suffering from the scratch. We were six and I am the last born. In a family of six, none of them were able to finish high school. I was the only one who went through high school and went to college and to university and after my Youth Corps service , I worked a little bit in Nigeria before I came to do my masters and PhD in America. 

    “This country opened the door for me. So, I felt obliged and with the support of my wife, whose background was fortunately stronger than mine because she’s from a well-to-do family; we put our hands together to say we have to give back. 

     “Not just getting from the community, getting from the nation of USA but we need to pay back and our hearts were touched by the poverty we saw in the Bronx, New York. 

     “In the late 1980s, I went to do a tutorial work in an area as chairman of Victoria College and the extension centre where we opened in the Bronx at that time.

     By 1995, we saw the need was so much, people were very desperate. I mean, these blacks are uneducated, no skills, some are just going round into and out of prisons.

     “These girls have five, six children for different men and when we look at the whole thing, it’s just a pitiable situation. We felt that we got to do something and that’s what made us start from our living room. So many people were coming and getting the needed help but we felt the need to buy a property since we couldn’t continue to receive all the people in our living room.

     “We tied our income to that. The building we bought was from the scratch. We didn’t call anybody, we financed it from our bank and paid off for years from our earnings.

     “My wife worked for the city at that time so both of us were well paid. I was the chairman of my department like I said and we gave up our home then like mortgage to make the down payment for this big building. 

    “So, at first, the building was to help our Nigerian brethren who have nowhere to put their heads, no jobs, nobody to take care of them like other people do to their own people. So far, we have helped more than 15 of our people to get their green cards and become citizens of the USA. Presently, there are about six on the file that we are supporting. 

    “But with time, we expanded to accommodate other nationals and even teenagers and young adults from going in and out of prison. 

    “This community in South Bronx which is crime-ridden is where God led us to buy the building and began this ministry. Here, we feed over 300 Americans born and bred here weekly. We also have a lot of school programmes where we take care of kids from school. When they get out of class, instead of walking the streets, they come to our building, we give them tutorials, help them with their homework, help them with their reading in Maths and Computer Sciences- that’s my area of specialty- “When we started, we were using our resources but with time, we started getting grants and so we expanded the scope. 

    “So, in the summer, we have a big programme, we are funded by the State of New York to keep the kids off the streets. We make sure they don’t roam the streets because schools are closed. We get them breakfast, we get them lunch and we send them home. So, we do all that community work plus also helping young people, especially black young men avoid recidivism. 

    “We have a barbing center across from the church, where they learn how to barb and how to do all kinds of things. So that’s what we are doing and more things are coming. We will get more with children and single mothers if we can get more help in that area.” 

    Prof. Omeokwe said his plans to replicate similar programmes in Nigeria failed due to poor management, adding that all the resources provided could not be accounted for. Guests who attended the picnic were full of praises for the Bishop and his wife with beneficiaries of their humanitarian deeds, urging faith based organisations in Nigeria to follow his example. 

    One of the guests, Mr. Emmanuel Ejianya described the couple as great parents to uncountable number of people. 

    “They have a large heart and with great love for fellow human beings. They helped me when I came into the United States six years ago and they are still helping me till date.

     “I will never forget Vineyard and the Umokwe family and I have told my children, in the years to come, thank God for this family and for this ministry and be committed to it.

     “What we are having today is a fellowship of love, relaxing and eating together.

     “The perception that Africans are criminals or bad  people is a wrong perception. Though they may be very few Africans giving the continent a bad name in this country through their criminal behaviours, so also there are bad Asians and Europeans. There are bad people everywhere.

     “The truth is that majority of African people are very down to earth and hard working. You cannot see an African begging, you cannot see an African walking in the streets idling. We work and we try to do our best and also we know we have a responsibility back home including families that are depending on us. So, the Africans are the most reasonable citizens that are around. 

     “Although some may have challenges of settling down, of immigration and that may make them falter; the African men and women are reliable and good citizens so if there are one or two that are exceptions, they should be treated as that and not generalized. 

     “The churches in Africa and their leaders copy the example of Jesus. Jesus did not only minister to the soul and spirit of the people. He ministered to the body. He multiplied bread and fed the hungry, he cared for them. So while churches and pastors are building cathedrals, building universities while taking tithes and offerings; they should also remember to minister to the needy. “Vineyard Christian Ministries has a food pantry. My family eats from that food pantry and many other people including non Christians. That’s the responsibility of the church to the community. 

     “How much more to our members? So instead of the leaders building big houses, big bank accounts, we should care for people in need; food and medical care so that we can challenge them to do likewise and if that’s done, many people may not be interested in coming to America or leaving Africa. “Africa is the best place to be if we have good leadership and good examples. Some of us are looking forward to when things will be set right, there’s no place like Africa.” 

    Similarly, an Anglican priest, Venerable Elijah Edeh, who was at the picnic, said he has been attending the Vineyard picnic for many years which usually held at a beach.

     “Vineyard is known for caring for and loving people. I am a beneficiary of the ministry and one of its products. I am so proud of Vineyard and I cannot thank the Bishop and his wife enough. 

    “Aside from the weekly food pantry where raw and cooked items are given out, Vineyard does community sharing, community services of helping the needy, housing the less privileged, ensuring that people’s rents are paid and even while coming to this place, we had to pay for some people’s fare because some found it difficult paying their fare to get to this place. So, you cannot divorce Vineyard from community services. ” 

     That’s a different thing entirely because I think cultural differences and environmental determinants play a role. Look around here. See the bishop and how simple he is. You cannot even differentiate because everywhere is simple. 

    “So, we have to first address the issue of bogus life so that people can cut their ego. You have to humble yourself, you talk about humility here but in Nigeria, it is ego and because of the ego, they tend to move towards acquisition and affluence. 

    “The Bible says that he who loves money will never be satisfied with his income. I see dissatisfaction over there but you see satisfaction and contentment here. In Nigeria, religious leaders hoard things. So, until that is addressed, the pastor has to talk to himself and then be sure, I have a mission to do something, let me work myself first and then influence the society… 

    “They should think of what they will do to make the society better: give back to the society, let the society feel your impact. Let society benefit from you, that’s what’s happening here… Once there’s compassion, people have to go to the account, take from whatever they have and then make sure that the next are taken care of and if we should do that, I don’t see Nigeria too many needy people to be attended to. 

     “What are you stocking billions for? That’s enough to give people half a bag of rice. One billion naira is enough…that will go a long way to cushion the effect of poverty and hunger.” 

    Also,  the Rector, Ruth Sisters Fellowship International (RSFI), Prof. Ada Okika said that Nigerian Faith based groups in the diaspora have maintained the spiritual upliftment of Nigerians through various support services and fellowship of love. Vineyard International Ministry being one of the oldest Nigeria Faith organizations in the United States had become house of Nigerian immigrants where they are provided with living and adjustment mentorship into the United States.

     “As a university professor, the General Overseer of the Ministry, Prof. Joe Omeokwe help to get them into colleges for advancement of their education into careers that will enable them to fix themselves into the world of economic existence in the United States. 

    “His outreach ministry and immigrant support, provision of shelters and encoutragement to settle remains a strong strength of his Ministry.” Making reference to the fifth annual EMPTISTORY Women International Fire Conference organized by the Ruth Sisters Fellowship International in Philadelphia, the Rector, Prof. Ada Okika said its concept was rooted in Acts 9:19, adding that the group has not relented in committing to the import of Acts 9:15 with the purpose of building character generation for the kingdom. She said the conference series in the past four years highlighted the need for prioritizing spiritual journey through: Women in a perilous world; the power of I am: Women the harbinger of peace in a perilous world; women in ministry and canon of stewardship, as well as kingdom stewards and the ultimate sacrifice.

     “God had a purpose for the creation of women including the overall purpose for humanity. As the world is changing, these purposes and responsibilities tend to change direction that hinder the role of women in the kingdom as well as human growth and development. 

     “A recall to Act 9:15 hearken  to God’s clarion call to today’s women reminding us that in spite of the present global warming, climate change, worldly desire, broken homes and marriages, domestic violence and all forms of violence against women, the strive for gender equality and presence of women in decision making, the growing vices among women themselves; the role and responsibilities of women in ministry and work of God, and the terrifying situation of today’s world has called for attention towards rethinking the purpose of God for women. 

    She said it was time for women’s return to the purpose of God for them to overcome their physical and spiritual emptiness for future generation. This year’s conference themed: “Anchored and Empowered for the Kingdom” which held between August 9 and 11, addressed the commitment to overcoming emptiness in terms of equipping, collaborating and transformation. 

     It committed a bond-tie to the kingdom race where participants explored ways in which women can better understand themselves through sharing the gospel in challenging times, as well as reflected on the need to embrace the spiritual foundation rooted in Christ Jesus and the importance of building faithfully with the presence of God.

  • Onabanjo-Iyiola: My sister’s wedding spurred me to begin business at 24

    Onabanjo-Iyiola: My sister’s wedding spurred me to begin business at 24

    • How Makinde, Ojora, others became my clients

    Kehinde Onabanjo-Iyiola, popularly known as KOI, is a trained lawyer and entrepreneur. At the age of 40, she has made a mark building a conglomerate from founding an event planning and management company, Finesse Events. Her success has birthed Whitestone Event Place, one of the popular event centres in Lagos, as well as Coral Lodge and Amber Restaurant.

    In 16 years of founding her maiden company, Finesse Events, her rising clientele base has included business magnates, state governors and other political heavyweights. Not one cut out for media presence, KOI opened up to Assistant Editor GBENGA BADA on how she founded Finesse Events, her clientele and how she has grown to become a leader in events planning and management industry.

    OW did Finesse Events begin?

    I used to work in an event company. And, of course, after school, I decided to settle for having to plan events, because I love to organise stuff, to coordinate and to plan. That was how I started off. The event company I worked with initially used to do events and decorations, so I started off with both.

    At what point did you start your own company?

    I started off with Finesse Events in 2008. I started the year I graduated. The first event we had was my sister’s wedding. Of course, it was not like she gave me so much money but because of the passion that was burning inside of me. She actually even paid me for it, funny enough.

    Did you offer to plan it for her?

    Of course she knew that I had event knowledge. I was around one event or the other almost every weekend. So I said I was going to start off my own stuff and I had registered the company. She was getting married around that period so I told her that let me plan your wedding. I got started with the wedding and, of course, for my own wedding. Her wedding gave me about five events as all her friends were getting hooked. And from there, we started off.

    I know you studied Law. Why did you opt for events planning and management?

    When I was in school, a lot of my friends would say ah, I can’t do this or that. But I always told them that once you start something off with passion, it could even pay you better than what you went to school to study. So, when I was in school, I used to do ushering jobs. A lot of my friends knew that and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed just having to just ensure that people are fine and the event goes on smoothly. That was where the passion started off from.

    So my friends in school knew that if they were having any event, I was the person to call.

    I was a member of Junior Chamber International. So, whenever they had events, I would go, try to ask what we would be wearing tried to organise those things. So, the passion has always been there from school. After that, I said rather than just having to wear a robe and all of that, why not just settle into something that I have passion and drive for? That is what has brought us to where we are today.

    I know that you’ve had to run events for some high and mighty in Nigeria, from government to corporate organisations. What is the difference between working with say governors and regular individuals who just needs your service?

    There are different expectations from different clients. But where government officials are involved, it is not about them; it is about the committee or whatever group they would have created to work with you. So, everybody has their opinions and an input. Everybody wants to contribute, and of course, because all eyes are on that particular event, you just want to outdo yourself.

    Now, there are some clients that the event is not even about who they are but the calibre of people that would be attending the event.

    I recall when we did Dr. T’s wedding; the female Dr. T that went everywhere. So, for Dr. T’s wedding to have gone viral, it’s because she’s also extra. When I say extra, I mean extra in a good way. She pays attention to details. She’s very particular about what am I serving my guests? What kind of cutleries are they using? Now, working with someone like that, who knows what she wants, you don’t want to drop the ball. You want to ensure that everything she has dreamt of is happening. You have to bring it into reality.

    Now, Dr. T, I can say, is more than one governor, because something she would go all out for, some governors would not go out for it. So I’ve done both ways.

    There are some social events that are personal events but you would think it is government. Of course, there are some other simple individuals that won’t break a sweat. They’re just very smooth. But then there are also some personal individuals who just want the extra, extra, extra in terms of their events. So it all depends on the personality of the person you are dealing with.

    You spoke about doing ushering work back in school. Is entrepreneurial spirit something you inherited from your parents?

    I would say it is from my parents. While growing up, my mom was always hands on. As a matter of fact, my mom went to the university after she had given birth to the five of us. She attended the university in Abraka, Delta State. As a woman, she would drive from Badagry (Lagos State) to Delta State.

    Badagry? Is that where you grew up?

    Yes. So, my mom used to work in ASCON while my dad is a pharmacist. So, my dad has a store and, of course, he was doing a lot of supplies. Nestle and all those manufacturing companies in Agbara, my father supplied all their medical needs. Of course, he had a pharmacy in Badagry. My mom is a teacher. Even while she was a teacher in the University College of Nigeria, she was doing the little events. My mom also bakes. So she is very hands-on: she baked, practiced teaching and ran a supermarket. She is everywhere.

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    So, after she had done her university and five of us were away, my mom did her master’s. After her master’s, she started her PhD. So, she is very hands on. She doesn’t like to be idle. And, back in those days, when we were on holiday, my mom would carry you to her store. She had this supermarket that she was running. So, you have to manage. So, everybody sold in that shop and, of course, I think it counted for something for all of us, because everybody in their own little way are doing what they enjoy.

    How long have you been into event management?

    About 16 years now.

    What would you say has been the lessons you have learned, either from challenges or from opportunities?

    Money is not just what you have in your bank account; your actual wealth is the people you have. If you are able to maintain good relationships, the sky is your limit. Don’t promise what you know you cannot deliver. There’s nothing called pressure or rush. Whatever that has been delayed is what eventually becomes a pressure situation. So, don’t procrastinate. Whatever you need to do, get on it. If you don’t procrastinate, you’ll find out that you’re able to do more.

    The only person you can actually trust is yourself. People will definitely come and people will go. Of course, the people that would stay with you would have shown you from day one that they’re actually loyal to you, and they will stay. So, don’t have too much of emotions or attachment to people or even to things, because what you have today may not be there again tomorrow. The only thing that will be there are the loyal people that you actually have. Life is seasonal. Life is in phases, and so are people, humans.

    So, as you are living every day, there are seasons that you have in abundance and seasons you can call your low times. If you are too excited about the aura of the moment, you’ll definitely lose the essence of that moment.

    I know you would have met challenges one way or the other in your 16 years in business. I am however particular about individuals or people you met in the course of event planning who didn’t give you a chance but got wowed after seeing your abilities…

    Of course, I have had situations where people say we don’t know her. I recall when Oba of Ojora was going to be crowned the king, and the new LSDPC chairman, now MD, Hon. Ayodele Joseph, recommended us for the job. Mr. Balogun said, no, who is Finesse? I don’t know Finesse; we have some people. And Hon. Joseph said, ‘Uncle, don’t worry, trust me, Kehinde will deliver the job.’ Of course, there were a lot of planners. They had invited a lot of people. People did their presentations. They were caught in between who they should give the job to, but Hon Joseph said, you know what? I would stand in line for Kehinde, If Kehinde does not deliver, hold me responsible and accountable. So they gave us the job.

    On the day of that event, Mr. Balogun said where is Kehinde? He said, Kehinde, I underestimated you. This is beyond what I could have ever imagined. Of course, we built a relationship from there. We have done massive events. In terms of crowd management, God has graced us. I think it is just like when God just opens a sheet in front of you and says you know what? Go this route.

    So we’ve done a couple of high-profile events that are in large numbers: 15,000, 20,000. And we’ve done it effortlessly and smoothly.

    I recall when we did Governor Makinde’s dad’s burial. Governor Makinde is a client who was not a governor when we started working for him. The first event we had for him was his dad’s 75th birthday at Civic Centre in Ibadan. After that event, he was like, Kehinde, I would use you over and over again. And after his dad’s birthday, like three months after his dad died, they called us for the burial. And the burial then was I think for about 4,000 people. We had about three different big tents, and he said he could not get over the fact that he walked into every one of those tents and everybody was like, ah, you people want to use food to finish us?

    It was amazing. He said he was quite pleased. Of course, I never thought that he would become governor. So when his mother passed on, of course he was already the governor. We were invited to do the event. The event was for 15,000 people and everybody was wondering, 15,000, how are you going to manage that? I know we got on it. I recall someone saying I don’t know who would have done this better. So God just has a way of, you know, give direction. What we just basically do is put everything on the table and say okay, what are the possible things that could happen? What are the things that people would require? What do we need here? What do we need there? We need to sit here. We’ll do a map and put people on it. And, of course, God graces us on every event.

    So it is not like we have not had low times. But I would say that for me, nothing moves me. I don’t get too emotional about things. I think I’m always prepared for every situation. So I like to plan ahead. This is why I said that there’s no event that is called that is all pressure. This is because I’ve had situations where I’ve had a miscarriage. I’ve had accidents, jobs that you would jump on at the last minute. Of course, the client knew that they had this event. What were they doing since? But once money changes hands, all the pressure is put on you. Now, can that money that you’re collecting pay for whatever damages that will probably come from whatever pressure that you undergo? So it’s not worth it, really.

    So I’ve learned on the job to say no to those last-minute jobs, because you people knew that you had an event. Even if it is people that are doing Islamic burials, they don’t do the big stuff. They just do the basics. So why would you wait till the last minute before you engage the services of someone that you want to do all the magic? I no longer jump on those kinds of events.

    How come you have been low on blowing your own trumpet despite your achievements?

    It is deliberate. You’ll never find me wearing makeup or being extra. So when people hear Finesse, they’re like, ah, Finesse? I tell them I’m Finesse and they’re like are you serious? They expect to see one big woman. I’m not madam. I’m not a big old woman. Me having to be in my own space, that’s why you say, who is Kehinde? You will not find me anyway. And that’s why being in my own space has helped me through the years.

    Would you say anything from your law background helps you to run your business better?

    Okay, maybe my lawyer is not my classmate. Other than that, what has helped me in terms of business? I think, one, I would say my background in terms of my mother. So my mother helped us to understand how to manage resources and not to be wasteful.

    And, of course, the seasonal times of life and the secret of the fact that whatever you cover is what is sustainable, and whatever you open up to the world is what won’t last with you. So I’ve been able to mind my business, cover what needs to be covered, and of course, in due time, when it needs to be unfolded, it would.

    So how did Whitestone event centre come in? When did it come in? When did you conceive the idea?

    I didn’t just set up an event centre. It’s something I’d always wanted to do for years. So I do events for the Elegushi family. So they had this land space that we always use for the event space. And I said to them that we should use the space for events. I know Olori was a bit skeptical. But they gave in to it and we did the Monarch project. So of course, having to set up Monarch, I’m like, okay, you’ve been able to do this for so long, why don’t you start your own project? I started looking for space.

    One thing is that you have a massive structure. I’ve been to your event centre, so I know what is inside. Tell me how you did it…

    I think I also have a problem. I don’t know how to do something small. I could recall that when we were doing Monarch, Olori would say Kehinde, no, but I would say Olori, let’s do something that in 50 years time, it will still be relevant. Anything worth doing at all is worth doing well. So, why don’t you just go out and give it all your shots, because before you drop the last nail, someone else is already conceiving something. So let it be something that will stand the test of time.

    When I wanted to set up this place, I wanted something that every angle, every space would be well maximised. Not just well maximised, of course, it will give you a beautiful experience; something that you would not easily forget about. That is why on this stretch, you have to have God. As a matter of fact, for you to be able to live…

    When I was doing this, I was going to get a loan. I said no and I worked my ass out. I was doing all the necessary jobs I could get. I was pregnant at that time. I recall that I didn’t travel until about, I think the end of two weeks. The day I landed, as I was dropping from the plane, they took me straight to the hospital. Yes, because I was working so much. As a matter of fact, a client called me, saying this is the last venue I want to see you. But I said I’m travelling now, I’m on my way to the airport. So, I worked so much.

    I thank God for gracing me. As a matter of fact, when I was almost done with this project, we didn’t even have a name. And I prayed, I said God, see this white stone thing there, this site, this site, this site, it is you, it is your pitch, it’s not me, God, please, just give your project a name. And I just slept, and I just heard Whitestone. Thank God, this is you. This name is so beautiful. I just devoured it, and everything made sense at the end of the day. So it’s not me. The only thing that drives me is God.

    So, would you call yourself a prayer warrior?

    It is not like, ah, Kehinde is holier than thou. But then, I love everything about God. So I like to stand with God. I pray about everything. I pray to God, please quickly help me select what to wear. I pray about everything, and I also come to realise that when I don’t pray about situations, I don’t really like whatever I get from it. And God has proven to me that He’s right here, He’s available. So why can’t I use Him? Why can’t I call on Him?

    I can understand that an event planner would also want to own an event centre, but why restaurant and lodge?

    Like I said, I wanted to maximise the area of the space in the end. And I know that when you come for an event, your food is out. You need the quick stuff, where can we quickly get, what can we get, so before the event starts, the food is not flowing, they can just step in there and eat, and everybody is still happy. And of course rooms, whether a planner needs to sleep or clients probably need to change, they have family members that are coming in to see, and of course everything works in line, so that’s why everything is fine. So you just have to maximise the space as well.

    But are the restaurant and the lodge open to the public?

    Yes. The place is always busy 24-7. I even saw on their chat that they have a reservation for 15 people, so people just come in and do their stuff here.

  • House of Reps member Nazifi: Looters who attacked my house took everything, including toiletries

    House of Reps member Nazifi: Looters who attacked my house took everything, including toiletries

    • Says I’ve done everything I can to please my constituents

    Not even toiletries were spared when the house of the member representing Gumel/ Maigatari/Sule Tankarkar/Gagarawa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives, Hon Nazifi Sani, was attacked during the 10-day protest against high cost of living in the country. The lawmaker, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), spoke with correspondent NICHOLAS KALU.

    Your home in Jigawa State was attacked during the protesters against high cost of living in the country. What actually was the problem?

    First of all, let me say I feel deeply touched. This is not a usual occurrence in my constituency. The last time something like this happened in my constituency was around 2011 when some people burned our former deputy governor’s house. I can remember. So this is the second incident in our constituency. We didn’t expect it in Jigawa at all, because as you all know, Jigawa is a peaceful state.

    Just like I said, I feel deeply touched, because I didn’t expect it from my constituency. As a member of the House of Representatives, I do everything I can do to satisfy my constituents, as you all know. I don’t want to praise myself, but I have been trying all my life to do whatever I can do to help my constituency and Jigawa in general. So I don’t know what happened. Just like that.

    Can you quantify how much was destroyed in this attack?

    Well, you know, when something happens like this, you can’t say exactly. My house is a functional house, because I used to go to my constituency, I spent one week, two weeks in my house. So it’s a functional house. My people used to come and sit and talk and discuss. You understand? Apart from my house, there is another plot of land that I have my store inside, and all my political vehicles are kept there. All the property was vandalised.

     Initially, they said that I kept rice in my store. So when they came, they first attacked my store. Whenever I have a programme or I get something from the government for my constituency, I used to keep them there before I would come and distribute them to my people. So the people, I think they were spreading rumours that I had rice in my store. But when they vandalised the store, they didn’t see any rice.

    But I had a lot of motor vehicles there that I was planning to do my empowerment programme with. So, they vandalised all the vehicles. Almost 10 of them. They also burnt one. They looted the whole house. They took everything. Even the toiletries. Even the electric wiring that was put in my house, they removed it. So it was not a protest. It was just looting.

    You expressed surprise about such behaviour from your constituents. Do you think this attack on your house could have been politically motivated?

    Well, you know, you know, something happens like this, there’s mostly politics. Yes, there’s no way you can avoid politics. There’s mostly politics. I cannot say that it may be politically motivated. But I am sure there is politics, because our opposition, you know, we are far ahead of them. We are making good representation. We are doing good.

    Even in the whole Jigawa State, our own party is making very good representation for the state, even from the Federal Government. There is no way you can say we can change this country in just one year. I think the damage has already been done for long.

    We saw Russian flags waved in some states during the protests. What do you think of this development?

    Everybody knows that this is unacceptable to our country. It’s unacceptable. I don’t know how it came about. Maybe there’s something behind it. How can somebody just bring another country’s flag and display it in our own country? You know, this one is unacceptable. I’m sure the relevant authorities will do something about it as soon as possible.

    What is your message to Nigerians on taking to the streets to drive home their demands?

    Well, to me, protest will not solve the problem. There is no government that can put their citizens in this hardship like people are thinking. So my call is to just come to the negotiating table of the government so that we understand each other. I think this is the best way. Because this protest, as you can see, has not helped.

    Read Also: Pillars snap up Nazifi Yahya

    If it is a peaceful protest, everybody is going to support it, at least. But it was no more protest at all; it was just looting and vandalising government property.

    In my own constituency, I participated in an ICT project from NITDA, one big ICT centre. They vandalised that one. They are the people that are utilising the place. So what is the benefit of this? They vandalised the government property. They vandalised our local government secretariat, they vandalised one of our stakeholders’ houses, one of our senatorial campaign offices, they vandalised all.

    They vandalised our agricultural store, fertiliser and other food items. They vandalised all those. So is that a peaceful protest we are calling? To me, there is

    no way this is going to help us. The security agencies are doing good, because they are the ones that are keeping this tension down, especially in my area.


  • More associates sing Onyeka Onwenu’s praises

    More associates sing Onyeka Onwenu’s praises

    After passing on at the age of 72, fans, family, colleagues and the entire Nigerian entertainment industry have continued to mourn the late singer and elegant stallion, Onyeka Onwenu.

    Some of her colleagues from the music to film sector have taken turns to eulogise the late singer, actress, author, broadcaster and mother of two.

    From Fidelis Duker to Charly Boy, Daddy Showket, Femi Kuti and Adewale Ayuba, the celebs have given their tributes about the singer by sharing how they met.

    Onyeka exuded sense of dignity and poise – Fidelis Duker

    Onyeka Onwenu, known as the Elegant Stallion, was a true icon in the Nigerian entertainment industry. I had the privilege of meeting her back in 1993 during my time as a floor manager for the NTA-produced show “WHO’S ON.” Onyeka’s presence exuded majesty and grace, leaving a lasting impression on all those around her.

    I vividly remember the excitement that filled the studio whenever Onyeka arrived for the live show. As the host, she brought an unparalleled level of professionalism and attention to detail, setting high standards for the entire crew. Her dedication to her craft was evident in every aspect of the production, reflecting her background as a trained television producer and reporter.

    During the show’s run, Onyeka’s influence extended beyond her on-screen presence. She fostered an atmosphere of discipline and sophistication, earning the respect of all those who worked with her. Despite her demanding nature, it was clear that Onyeka’s commitment to excellence stemmed from a deep respect for her craft and herself.

    One particular memory that stands out is the meticulous care taken by the crew to ensure everything was in perfect order before Onyeka’s appearance. From the makeup to wardrobe, every detail was meticulously attended to, mirroring Onyeka’s own standards of perfection.

    Beyond her professional abilities, Onyeka also carried herself with a sense of dignity and poise that left a lasting impression. Despite her fame and influence, she remained humble and approachable, earning the endearing nickname “Aunty Onyeka” from the crew.

    I cherish the memories of the few encounters I had with Onyeka Onwenu on that set. I recall a particular evening when she shared wise words with me about the importance of focus in whatever endeavor one undertakes.

    Our paths didn’t cross again until 2012, when we found ourselves serving on the same presidential committee for the creative industry established by President Goodluck Jonathan. I had the privilege of being part of the sub-committee that Onyeka chaired, giving me a unique opportunity to witness a different side of her. Her mature and administrative leadership style was truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on me.

    Read Also: Stop protest, Tinubu is working to fix Nigeria, Minister appeals to youths

    After our committee work, our paths diverged once more until the release of her book, “My Father’s Daughter.” I made sure to get a copy and immerse myself in her remarkable story and wisdom.

    Onyeka Onwenu’s excellence extended beyond her work on set and in committees. Her portrayal of various characters in movies showcased her as an epitome of glamour, grace, and beauty on screen. Her acting prowess was unparalleled, earning her numerous accolades, including the prestigious continental Best Actress award at the AMAA awards.

    Onyeka’s impact on the entertainment industry went far beyond her role as a show host, . Her legacy as the Elegant Stallion continues to inspire generations of artists and professionals in Nigeria and beyond. It was an honor to witness her talent and presence firsthand, and her influence will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who had the privilege of working with her.

    Waking up at 4 am today to the heartbreaking news of her passing after a performance at an event the night before shook me to the core. It was a shock to learn that the Elegant Stallion had taken her last bow, possibly doing what she loved most – singing and dancing. It seemed fitting that her final moments were filled with joy and passion, as evidenced by the videos of her energetic performance.

    To her children, Tijanni and Abraham, I offer my deepest condolences. Your mother was a true legend who lived a life of purpose and impact. She came, she saw, and she conquered hearts with her talent and grace. May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come. Amen.

    She left the world in glory – Adewale Ayuba

    In a recent interview, Fuji singer Adewale Ayuba said Onwenu’s immense contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry would always be revered.

    “I celebrate the life of our beloved Onyeka Onwenu. Though she may have been taken from us too soon, her spirit, good works will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we shared.

    “Many would have ample and lofty things to write about her efforts on Nigeria entertainment industry growth. Onyeka has left this world in glory. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.

    Igbo Nation lost an iconic figure in Onyeka – Charly Boy

    In his tribute to his friend of many years, Nigerian singer and activist, Charly Boy, said the iconic singer cum actress’ death is a great loss to the Igbo nation.

    In his words: “The Igbo nation mourns the loss of this iconic figure, whose impact transcended the entertainment industry.

    “Onwenu’s death follows the recent passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, marking a period of profound loss for the Southeast region of Nigeria.

    “Onwenu’s legacy as a cherished talent and tireless advocate will continue to inspire future generations. Oh! My sister, Rest In Peace.”

    Her beautiful voice will live forever – Femi Kuti

    Afrobeat star Femi Kuti has expressed shock at the death of Onyeka Onwenu.

    The 62-year-old ‘Sorry Sorry’ star said, “Shocked, waking up to very sad news of the passing of Mrs Onyeka Onwenu. Rest in peace Ma, your beautiful voice will live forever. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”

    ‘No lavish burial for me’

    In 2021, Onyeka Onwenu revealed her wishes for how she would like to be remembered and buried.

    The iconic artiste, known for her powerful voice and activism, said this in an opinion piece published on Premium Times.

    She said, in clear terms, “Do it quickly, quietly and privately.”

    She went further to urge her loved ones to mourn but not excessively nor waste funds on a superlative burial.

    “Mourn, yes but not excessively. Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh. “Make merriment and then go about your business. If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me, Onyeka Onwenu,” she said.

    Continuing, she said, “I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship and lack for most others,” she remarked, calling for more modest and meaningful ways to honour the deceased.

    Onyeka was brave, brilliant, beautiful – Azuka Jebose

    It’s been three days since your last dance at sunset. I am trying not to be sad, but to understand that everybody has a day when the sun stays away.

    I woke up to a brand new day, hoping that what we were told about your sudden death, the previous night, was just a journey on a wild side of today’s social media mundane imaginations. But truly, you are, eternally dancing in the sun(set) of your remarkable life.

    I woke up at midnight and sleep refused my eyes. I stayed awake, remembering our so called “tumultuous relationships” throughout our careers in the 1980s. I was a young bohemian entertainment reporter with THE PUNCH. You were a charming songstress that blew our minds with your beauty, your rave and talents as an electrifying singer, an engaging story teller- broadcaster and a great actress.

    Both of us were stubborn, single young career focused people. We came to impact our world. You wanted me to write what you liked about you. I wanted to be just as objective as journalism ethics dictated.

    Between our stubbornness, we felt deep admiration and appreciation for our creative minds. Thence we fought at every opportunity our presence privileged us. I remember your vexed stirs at me. I also remember my goofs, silliness and young arrogance. Your anger, tickled me.

    I was mischievous, unyielding, excited by the privilege to report, write and document  the happenings in Nigeria’s complexed entertainment business. We engaged each other whenever our paths crossed: you were famous and legendary. We both happened to our generation, simultaneously.

    Onyeka, you were  a decade and plus three years older. We had similar disposition because we had pride from our foundations. We were brave, brilliant, beautiful and fearless.

    Then came the years. As  time began to tick fastest, we learned from each other that through those years, we truly adored each other’s creative brilliance and stubbornness. We felt at peace, as distanced friends, realizing that we were just responses to our moments in life.

    Go well, my *elegant* *stallion* . We left our feet prints on the sands and soils of our time! Thank you for the privilege to brand you so!

  • Why IBB halted bid to become civilian president – Osun monarch

    Why IBB halted bid to become civilian president – Osun monarch

    •Explains why he built palace in evil forest

    •Says his community heavily indebted to ex-Chief of Army Staff Buratai

    First class traditional ruler and Olowu of Owu Kuta, Osun State, Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, is the permanent chairman of the Supreme Royal Council of all Owu Obas and chiefs in Yorubaland. The member of Osun State Council of Obas, whose tastefully built palace is one of the few that boast a helipad that facilitates the landing of his visitors’ helicopters, is reputed for his closeness to many military henchmen including former military president Ibrahim Babangida, and former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd). He spoke with GBENGA ADERANTI about his relationship with the military, real reason Babangida shelved his ambition to become the civilian president of Nigeria and how Buratai’s intervention changed the course of history in his community, among other issues.

    How would you to reflect on your life in the last 60 years?

    It is a Herculean task reflecting backwards for 60 years. But I think life has been very good to me and God has been faithful. I was born in this ancient (Owu Kuta) community. My parents were descendants of the founder of the community. My grandfather was a king. He passed on in 1962 while I was born on July 14, 1964. My father was in the medical corps of the Nigerian Army. I grew up partially with him and later with relatives and family friends. I traversed the north and finally found myself back in Lagos about twenty-something years ago. But since 13 years ago when providence thrust the throne upon us, I have been domiciled here in Kuta.

    Life has been good, without missing the ups and downs, some moments I could call challenging. But overall analysis of this is that God has been faithful. But if I should scratch my head and say what are the challenging periods during my growing up, maybe losing my father in 1984. I was staying with my grandmother then. That is the one I could call challenging. But generally, I would say it has been good all along, and I give God the glory for the steady rise and for ageing gracefully.

    Did you say your father was in the Nigerian Army?

    Yes, my father was an order rank in the Nigerian Army medical corps then.

    Could that be the reason why you have military officers as friends?

    (Prolonged laughter) I don’t know. Maybe it contributed to it. But my mentor, former (military) president of the country, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, contributed more to my love for the Nigerian Army and, above all, the love and relationship that existed between me and the legend of all time, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, snowballed everything.

     You said you had a good relationship with former President Babangida…

    Yes, I call him Baba Oba, because I see him as a mentor. If you remember then in 2003 and 2007, I had a group that we formed to canvass for his return as the president of Nigeria by contesting the election. We called the group IBB Vision 2003 and IBB Vision 2007. I was the National Chairman of that group. The group was very powerful, even more than some political parties. We launched the group in Lagos three days after the bomb blast at Ikeja Cantonment and used it to canvass support for him. Many of our members found their ways into the National Assembly. Others found their ways into government houses. I criss-crossed the 774 local government areas during the formation of the group, and up until today, I still keep friends who were part of the group.

    Up till today, I still see Gen. Babangida as my father. I still see him as a mentor and a friend. He calls me his friend, I call him my father. He is a wonderful human being.

    What is the unique thing you admire about him?

    He is highly detribalised, he is neither a parochial nor a sectional leader that you would find only the people of his ethnic stock around him; not at all. You find core Nigerians from various backgrounds surrounding him till date. I remember someone was joking one day. He said Your Majesty, it pays to see the General than to see a sitting president. This is just to let you know the type of human being he is.

    Read Also: Navigating Nigeria’s future: call for dialogue and collaboration

    Also, his retentive memory is second to none. Whatever you discuss with his this year, if you go to him in the next 20 years, he will say ah, this was so and so we discussed. At that age, he still has retentive memory.

    Talking about IBB 2003 and IBB 2007, what went wrong? Why did the General discontinue his quest for the presidency?

    I think as that time, maybe you know that former President Obasanjo was in the saddle at that time. I think maybe General Babangida saw reasons or General Obasanjo did not want him to contest. He only called us and said we should stop every activity. Don’t forget that he was at Eagles Square where he made Dokpesi the DG of his campaign to declare his intention to run. All of a sudden, he called all of us, both the main campaign council and support groups, and said we should deactivate every activity.

    He even refused to allow us attack Gen. Obasanjo. He said “he is my boss. Stop everything. I will support whoever the party chooses’. That was what he told us, including Professor Omoruyi, the think tank group, everybody. He said that he had a talk with his boss. He normally calls Gen. Obasanjo his boss. That was how (Umaru) Ya’rdua emerged. 

    You have spent 60 years on the surface of the earth. With the benefit of hindsight, would you have done some things differently?

    Maybe as at the time I was active in politics, and with my closeness to General Babangida, I should have insisted that I wanted a political appointment earlier than destiny thrust the throne on me. If I had insisted, I would have got it then. Maybe that was the only thing I would have done.

    Considering the situation in the Kano Emirate, do you think traditional rulers are being treated fairly?

    The answer is no.

    Do you think they should be given a constitutional role?

    Traditional rulers should be given a constitutional role where there is a very clear job description. Our role as traditional rulers and what the chieftaincy law stipulates and assigns us is maintenance of law and tradition. That is all. Respective state governments would add maintenance of peace.

    During the First Republic in the Southwest, you would see someone like the late Ooni was Governor-General, the late Ataoja of Osogbo was a commissioner without a portfolio, and others like that. But now, the exercise has been basterdised. A traditional ruler is placed under native decree under General Buhari. A traditional ruler is placed under the whims and caprices of the local government chairman or secretary. At a time, they were even told that before they moved out of their domain to the next location, they should write and seek the approval of the local government chairman. A lot of things have gone wrong, but a constitutional role will clearly change the cause of events for us.

    Given the fact that you have travelled far and wide, many would expect you to stay in the city and preside over your people from there. What is the attraction to the village?

    The attraction is that for my kind of person, what is worth doing is worth doing well. I look at it from the perspective that I don’t want to leave this earth without making an impact. As at the time I was enthroned, I was the youngest that had been enthroned as the Olowu of Kuta, so I wanted to leave a lot of impact so that tomorrow, history will not record it against me that there was a time that we had a young man in the saddle, he was based in Lagos and only appointed an adele (representative).

    But I remain here. I do what will make me comfortable here. Look at this ultra-modern palace; I bequeathed this singlehandedly to the community. Every day, I receive an array of visitors from all walks of life and from various parts of the country. My schedule is always full, so I’m not bored. The throne might be boring to some people. It depends on who is sitting on the throne — your exposure, how sociable you are. I am not bored; I am busy.

    At times I would even want to find time to go somewhere and rest but I would have a schedule to catch up with back home. I make my environment very attractive. The comfort I will find in my palace here, I may not find at Sheraton or elsewhere. I travel frequently to attend some very important but relevant events that would have mutual benefit for my community and my subjects.

    Talking about things that would bring benefits to your community, I would like to know what you have done for the community since you were installed as the Olowu of Owu Kuta.

    My social investment is unquantifiable. I’m a patron to several groups and associations both home and abroad. Inasmuch as I would have loved to tell you all that I have done, I would just mention some of them. This ultra modern multi-million naira palace was bequeathed to the community by my humble self.  The contribution of my community is less than one million naira. This location is where we call Igbo Igbale (evil forest). Fourteen years back, if you were a pope, you could find it difficult to enter here. If you were a Grand Khadi, you might not be able to enter here. The oros (spirits), this was their igbale, the egungun (masquerades), this was their igbale, and everything you would think of. They called this place evil forest, but I erected this here. Choppers could land at the back there. As you can see, it cost millions, but I bequeathed the place to the community.

    Two, there were some age-long agitations by my people that dated back over 100 years, even before the colonial masters came. There is a road in front of the palace that linked us to Ede. But there is Osun River there, and there had been several attempts to build a bridge over the river but to no avail. During General Obasanjo’s first stint as the military head of state, he promised that he would build the bridge but he was unable to do it. During his second term as the civilian president, he personally felt like because we are the second Owu formation after our ancestral headquarters, Orile Owu, and Chief Obasanjo being the Balogun of Owu, he directed Oyinlola as the governor then that they should put the bridge component in the federal budget, and I think at that time, the bridge was N1 billion plus. But there was no cash to back up the pronouncement.

    When my friend, Rauf Aregbesola, was there as the governor, they repeated it in the budget for eight years. The component alone was about three point something billion naira; we were unable to achieve it. When my friend, Oyetola was there, it was included in the budget, but no cash backing. During the SDP era, Kingibe was the national chairman of the party, Chief August Babalola was the deputy national chairman. He was from Kuta here. What he promised the committee was the same. He was unable to do it.

    In the first Republic, we produced a senator. Then we were in old Oyo. We had Senator Akin Oro from Kuta here. He promised us to do it. He was unable to do it until. My friend Buratai, God sent Buratai to be the jinx breaker. When he saw my campaign of support for the military, one day he called me. He said Kabiyesi, anytime you are in Abuja, please let’s meet. I was in Abuja, I met him and he said what can we do for you sir? I said it is only one thing I want, if you can do it. He said what. I said I have a bridge that my forefathers have been looking forward to do. And I said if you give me that bridge, you have given me retirement and pension.

    He said what is the length of the river? I said I did not know. He said we meet in the evening at the Chief of Army Guest House. He told me to write on the bridge. That was the day the curse on bridge changed. It was on a Thursday that he said I should write him. That night I drafted a letter titled army-civil relations project and that they should come to my aid on this.

    The following afternoon, after submitting the letter, at about quarter to one, my cousin, he was the chairman of the ACN in the local government then. As at that time, he was the Ajiroba. He just called me that soldiers had taken over the palace. I asked who led them. He said they could not go near them. I said he should find out who the leader of the soldier was. It did not cross my mind that they could have come from the army headquarters.

    When he went there, he met a Brigadier-Gneral who he identified as Agboola. He gave the phone to him, I said General Agboola, he said yes sir, that they came on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, and they needed somebody to take them to the river to do the measurement and that the army headquarters wanted to know what it would cost. I now directed Prince Desipe to call others and take them to the Osun River. Since the day they went there, they left some people there after doing the measurements, and they didn’t leave there until the bridge was completed.

    Agboola said they had an approval to construct. I shed tears of joy that my ancestors would be at peace with me wherever they were.

    If it were to be done by any political party, my kingdom and the community and unborn generations will continue to worship that party.

    The day I was enthroned, you know after you have been enthroned, they will say Aboyun ile abi were (the pregnant women will have safe delivery), Agan a towo ala b’osun (those who have not yet conceived will have their own children too), but my kingdom forgot that one. They rather said nigba tiyin, Odo Ede a lo (Ede River will flow during your reign). That was the first thing they said.

    That was how Buratai changed the cause of history without us contributing a dime. We can’t forget him. It is part of what I bequeathed to the community.

    I also built a police station for the community singlehandedly. I gave them patrol vehicles. I used my contact through friends at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to bring about rural road with more than N300 million, again through my influence without waiting for anyone. I brought a lot of solar light to the community and I have placed Kuta indigenes and Osun and Nigerians into the Nigerian Army, Immigration, Civil Defence, Police and DSS. I have done a lot and I have empowered many people.

    After the bridge was commissioned, I told them the only assignment you gave me to do I have completed it. Kuta did not ask for two things from me, Odod Ede de ti lo. We still hope to do more for the community.

    This ultra modern palace is second to none in the Southwest. Baba Oni was here during the birthday. He saw it and said this is great.

    Is not a taboo for a person to live in Igbo Igbale, more so build a palace there?

    Thank you. While I was being enthroned, when I was in the traditional ipebi (seclusion), I spent 99 days there. That period was for tutorials and spiritual. Every day, there must be one thing or the other; one sacrifice or rite. Islamic scholars would come and do their own, the Christians would come and do their own. Then in the night, those who are connected with the ancestors would come.

    I had a covenant with my ancestors. It could not have been easy if it were to be a usurper; he would not have done what I did and go scot free. He would have paid dearly for it. I had a covenant with my ancestors. I went to where I was supposed to converge with them and I asked them that I wanted to imprint their name in gold and they granted me the request. When you speak to the ancestors, in Yorubaland, there are ways you ask: se awon alale gbo nkan ta wi (did the ancestors grant our requests)?

    For us, the ancestors granted our requests. They told me to do it. I got their permission and I never looked back. Since the day we started 13 years ago, nobody has ever died. Everything we have been doing here has been prospering. Even everybody we made a chief, they have experienced prosperity.

    What are the things your throne has denied you?

    My present role as Olowu of Kuta has denied me the freedom to say it the way I feel. Secondly, it has denied me the freedom to socialise the way I used to do. Thirdly, it has denied me a lot of freedom, though I’m not regretting it. It has paid off for my community.

  • Miss South Africa contestant under fire for Nigerian roots

    Miss South Africa contestant under fire for Nigerian roots

    • It’s Black-on-Black hate, says Chidinma Vanessa Adetshina

    The heritage of an entrant for Miss South Africa 2024 contest has sparked a huge row within the South African public. Detractors are questioning the South African identity of Chidinma Vanessa Adetshina whose father is a Nigerian while her mother has a mix of South African and Mozambican parentage.

    They are questioning the eligibility of Chidimma for the contest in which she has advanced to the top 30 despite being born at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and raised in South Africa. Her detractors insist that she cannot be suitable as the country’s ambassador under any guise because her parents are not full blooded South Africans.

    The foregoing is in spite of Chidimma’s declaration that her mother was born and raised in South Africa. ”My dad is a proud Nigerian and my mother was born and raised in South Africa but has roots in Mozambique. My mum’s family still lives in Soweto and I visit them from time to time,” she told a South African magazine, Sowetan SMag.

    The organizers of the competition had required that all entrants must hold South African citizenship and exemplary standards of behavior.

    ”Miss South Africa entrants must be South African citizens and in possession of a valid South African ID document or passport. If an applicant holds dual citizenship, they must provide details of both on the entry form.

    ”By entering to compete for the title of Miss South Africa 2024, you will be required to consent to, and authorise the Miss South Africa Organisation, doing a psychological wellbeing assessment, including resilience testing, background checks to verify information provided in your entry form  and confirmation you are an upstanding citizen worthy of representing the country,” the organisers stated.

    Expressing how much her spirit was dampened by the new developments, Chidimma said she was very excited when she entered the contest and did not anticipate the wave of skepticism regarding her heritage.

    She said: I was so excited to enter Miss South Africa and did not think that far as to what the public would think.

    “Once I got to the top 16, that was when I felt it. People on X were asking why I’m competing because I’m not South African. They questioned my nationality along with my parents.

    “At first I ignored it. But as I progressed in the competition, the criticism started growing until I thought to myself: ‘I’m representing a country but I don’t feel the love from the people I’m representing.

    “I even asked myself is it worth it? I feel all this is black-on-black hate, as I’m not the only one in this competition who has a surname that’s not South African.

    “I feel the attention is on me because of my skin colour, which I think is a disadvantage. It’s also been something I had to overcome growing up.”

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    Further expressing her frustration, she said: “You try so hard to represent your country and wear it with so much pride but all these people are not in support of you. I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t know what to say or what not to say because this is such a sensitive topic.

    “I don’t want to say something and then offend people. I’m at a point where I don’t know whether I should keep quiet or set the records straight, because there is a lot that is being misconstrued.

    “To me, I see this as an opportunity where I can educate people. I just need to see how I go about it.

    Chidimma, a Law student, model and netball player, would not be the first whose entry into the Miss South Africa contest would provoke such interest from the South African public. The entry of a model, Sherry Wang, earlier in the year had also sparked a wave of controversy.

    She would also not be the first to make it into the competition in spite of her parents’ origin. Carreira Coutroulis took the Miss South Africa crown in 2001. She won the crown despite being born to Portuguese-Angolan parents and also placed second runner-up at the Miss Universe competition.

    Concerned members of the public are of the view that Chidimma’s rejection by some members of the public smacks of xenophobia; a malaise that South Africa has battled with for years. Yet she is determined to win the crown at the grand finale in a few days, having failed to make it to the final stage of the competition last year.

    “I’ve always envisioned a dream to be on Miss South Africa since 2017, and here I am achieving that goal,” she said.

    “To me, being a finalist is as if I’m rewriting my mother’s dream of becoming a model. Her father didn’t allow her to do anything related to modeling, so I feel like I’m living her life, which feels like a beautiful dream come true.

    ”My journey so far has been wonderful but it’s been a lot of hard work. I wanted to come back because I wanted a different story.

    “Shooting our reality series, Crown Chasers, has helped me as well as other finalists to see what  a Miss SA job is and what it requires.”

    The recently divorced mother of one-year-old baby boy also said her life in the last one year has been a reflection of who he is as a person.

    She said: “I got divorced in February. We were not compatible because he had this ideology what an African married woman is. I didn’t want to be in a position where I can’t go out but had to clean and cook… that was not just for me because as a society, we are way past that phase.

    “My parents have been very supportive and although my marriage robbed me from enjoying the beauty of pregnancy and being a wife, overall it brings me joy that I get to take new steps with my son.

    “I didn’t think I’d be a mom at my age as he was conceived out of wedlock, but I’m glad to have him.

    “At the beginning of the year, I was so depressed and worried about how life was going to turn out for me, but getting this far in the competition made me believe there was more in store for me.”

    Reprieve appeared to have come the way of Chidimma with the Miss South Africa organization coming stoutly to her defence, declaring her a bona fide South African in spite of her Nigerian roots.

    “Chidimma is a South African,” the organization told The South African.

    “She has met all the requirements to be a part of the Miss South Africa competition.

    “Her mother is South African (Zulu) and her father is Nigerian.”

    The organization said one of their qualifying criteria was that hopefuls had to be a South African citizen. They also have to be in possession of valid South African ID or passport, and if an applicant had dual citizenship, they had to provide both documents.

    “All documentation provided by the entrants is screened and vetted by the Miss South Africa Organisation,” it added.

  • Court orders 14-Day remand of alleged drug baron Temo

    Court orders 14-Day remand of alleged drug baron Temo

    The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos yesterday granted the request of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to remand alleged drug baron, Sulaimon Jimoh alias ‘Olowo Idi Ogede’ a.k.a. Temo, for 14 days.

    Jimoh was arrested on Monday by the operatives of the agency at his enclave after an initial resistance from him and his horde of hoodlums.

    The court also ordered an interim attachment to the Federal Government of Nigeria of a grey coloured Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 156, 2022 Model with Registration number 01G-300G, OGUN and Chassis No. 4JGFB4JB9NA622055, belonging to the alleged drug baron, being a proceed of illicit drug dealing in Cannabis Sativa, pending the determination of the case.

    The court also made a deeming order that the grey coloured Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 156 2022 Model with Registration number: 01G-300G, OGUN and Chassis number: 4JGFB4JBINA622055 belonging to the suspect, being a proceed of illicit drug dealing in Cannabis Sativa and already in its custody, as having been so properly held.

    Justice Akintayo Aluko, who presided over the court, permitted the NDLEA to remand alleged drug baron, who is also known as Temo, and interim attachment of the vehicle, while granting an ex parte motion filed and argued by Barrister Lambert Nor, a Deputy Commander in charge of prosecution and legal services of the agency in Lagos State.

    In urging the court to grant the agency’s remand request of the alleged drug baron, Barrister Nor told the court that the application was pursuant to Sections 6 and 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended); Section 293 of the Administration Of Criminal Justice Act, 2015; Sections 3(c), 31(a) 31, 32, 33, 34, 36 and 46 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap. N30 LFN 2004; Order 26 Rules 8 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2009 and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

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    Mr. Nor also told the court that the ex parte motion for the orders was supported with a 23-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Kayode A. Ojo, a litigation officer with the agency, and a written address.

    The NDLEA listed the followings grounds for the orders sought for: “that the suspect, Sulaimon Jimoh alias ‘Olowoidiogede’ a.k.a. “Temo” is a wanted high profile drug baron who is in control of the Cannabis Drug trade in the whole of the West Africa region.

    “That several tons of the drugs of the suspect had been seized over the years and the Suspect had always managed to escape arrest.

    “That there is need to pursue other diverse aspects of the case by way of extensive investigation.

    “That it is necessary to have legal custody of the suspect and the items seized from him in order not to violate his rights

    “That it is a statutory and procedural requirement and that there is need to vest proper custody of the vehicles in the Agency pending conclusion of investigation/trial.

    “That this honourable court has unfettered discretion to grant the orders sought.”

    Justice Aluko, after listening to the submission of the NDLEA lawyer and perusing all the processes filed before the court and cited a plethora of authorities, granted the orders sought.

  • How we can tackle maritime security, by expert

    How we can tackle maritime security, by expert

    Maritime security remains a concern for global trade and transportation and must be tackled critically, says Uche Mba, a maritime professional.

    Mba, who has close to two decades of experience, opined that the integration of electronic navigation aids has significantly advanced the safety and security of maritime operations.

    These technological tools, according to her, provide real-time data, improve situational awareness, and enhance decision-making capabilities.

    “In today’s maritime landscape, electronic navigation aids play a vital role in averting security issues,” Mba said.

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    Mbah has over a decade of experience as a maritime professional, and has managed maritime security vessels; safety training has led to the use of electronic navigation aids in maritime operations.

    She went further to share critical ways electronic navigation aids can help avert maritime security issues.

    She said, “The Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracks vessels in real-time, detecting suspicious behavior and enhancing search and rescue operations.

    “Radar systems identify small craft and low-profile threats, while Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) ensure safe route planning and hazard detection.”

    Shedding light on the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT), she noted,

    “This provides global vessel tracking, supporting anti-piracy efforts and maritime domain awareness.

    Surveillance and reconnaissance drones offer extended surveillance capabilities, monitoring remote areas and supporting interdiction operations

  • How Adesoye College shaped my life

    How Adesoye College shaped my life

    Olabode Makanjuola, CEO Caverton Offshore Support Group

    After exiting the citadel of learning 30 years ago in flying colours, it was a homecoming for Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Olabode Makanjuola, as he visited his alma mater, Adesoye College, an elitist private school located in Offa, Kwara State, last Saturday to deliver the Valedictory Speech for the 2024 Graduating class. Makanjuola, who has become a quint enssential role model, admonished the students to be good ambassadors as education received has equipped him with the skills, knowledge, and character to make a difference, therefore becoming independent, resilient and enterprising.

    Gratitude, nostalgia and emotions ran through the mind of the occupier of the chopper as it hovered over the expansive landscape of the first elitist private school in Nigeria, Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State which has produced the best of the best since its establishment in 1987. The early morning breeze was soothing, as if determined to welcome back one of its own into the domain.  The August Visitor left the school 30 years ago and has remained one of its shining lights. The Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group was a guest of honour at the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2024 and on ground to welcome him was his former teacher who is now the Acting Head of the School, Mr. Lawal Raheem Bola; Head of Student Life, Dr. (Mrs.) Bolaji Adesoye, amongst others.

    Adesoye happens to be the first elitist  private school  in Nigeria. Founded by the late proprietor, Chief Emanuel Olatunji Adesoye, whose vision and dream was to produce visionary leaders with an all-round education, emphasis is not just on academics but morals along with students embodying upright characters.

    Over the last 37 years, the school has surpassed the founder’s expectations and to put it modestly, has over-achieved on its mission statement. Today, products of the school are high flyers occupying various positions in the corporate world, in governance and many others.  Some are special advisers to presidents while some head large corporations and government agencies. Of course, the like of Makanjuola run successful companies and are calling the shots in the corporate world.

    Studious, diligent, brilliant, Makanjuola left the citadel of learning 30 years ago and today, sits atop a prominent aviation and marine logistics company based in Nigeria which has been a story of tremendous successes and opening new vistas. The accomplished entrepreneur and business leader, who served as a prefect in Red House during his time, was one of the citadel’s third set of students between 1989 and 1994. In his valedictory speech, Makanjuola spoke glowingly about the school’s core values of hard work, excellence, character, which have been the guiding lights in his endeavours. According to him, he was overwhelmed with nostalgia and a profound sense of duty returning to give a speech 30 years after passing out with distinctions, especially seeing the famous red bricks, yellow gates and the arch following the 4-journey through Lagos and Offa.

    “As a former student of Adesoye College, having been part of the third set admitted in 1989, and graduating in 1994, I stand before you today not only as a witness to your journey but also as a bearer of a crucial message. Nigeria, our beloved nation, is a tapestry of challenges, dreams, and untapped potential. It is within this very complexity that we, as Adesoye College alumni, must find our calling. We must rediscover our national pride and redouble our efforts in contributing to the development of Nigeria for the future.

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    “In our lives, we often come across the phrase ‘I tried.’ However, let me tell you, as someone who has experienced both success and failure, that ‘I tried’ is never enough. It has become synonymous with giving up, with accepting mediocrity. We must unlearn this notion and become result-oriented individuals, where the end goal is the only goal. The education we received at Adesoye College has equipped us with the skills, knowledge, and character to make a difference. We were taught to be resilient, to embrace challenges, and to never be complacent. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to use these tools to solve the challenges that confront our communities, our nation,” he stated in his rousing speech.

    Makanjuola paid homage to  Fred Allison, a fellow alumnus of the 1989 set and his friend of 30 years who travelled with him to the event and teachers like Mr. Lawal, his agricultural science teacher; Mr Olanipekun, Mr and Mrs Ajaere, Mr Whitebread, Mr Bullock and the pioneer headmistress, Mrs REB Howard as well as the now late founder, Chief Adesoye.

    Speaking further, Makanjuola said “Entrepreneurship lies at the heart of progress. As we navigate our journey beyond these walls, I encourage each and every one of you to see challenges as opportunities. Create innovative solutions, start impactful businesses, and change the landscape of Nigeria. The challenges that our nation faces should not intimidate us; instead, we should see them as stepping stones to success. But let us not forget the importance of collective responsibility. Bringing about meaningful change requires collaboration, empathy, and compassion for our fellow Nigerians. Together, we can build a society that thrives on inclusivity, where no one is left behind. For those of us who are fortunate enough to carve successful careers, I implore you to remember the responsibility you have to give back to society. Solving community challenges should be ingrained in our ethos, a constant reminder of where we came from and the impact we can have,”  said the man who founded Caverton Helicopters along his siblings in 2004 and co-founded Le Global Gas  added.

    In a brief chat with journalists, the successful entrepreneur recalled his first day at school which he said was a mixed bag of emotions.  “I was a 12-year-old starting a new phase far from home in a completely new environment. As any 12-year-old at the time and even today, excitement at the thought of being “independent” was apparent but at the same time “fear and anxiety” of being away from home for the first time for a long period of time occupied my being. Obviously, I  was homesick but bonded with fellow students and  that’s how our friendships were formed.”

    Speaking glowingly about the school, he said “It has shaped me a great deal. Time in boarding school are your formative years and some of  my closest and genuine friends today are from Adesoye. Not to sound cliche but Adesoye taught us to be independent, resilient and enterprising.”

    Waving aside the notion of being the choice of rich kids, Makanjuola said Adesoye College was not just the preserve or choice of the rich but rather, it was the college of choice at the time for anyone looking for quality education and discipline “in my time”. “We had families from all walks of life and from all over the country. I learnt financial management from Adesoye as provisions were not allowed and the school developed a cashless policy where you could only buy provisions from the school using a specially designed cheque book. The list is endless in terms of my experience and how the college shaped my life.”

    On his plans to give back to the great citadel of learning, Makanjuola said in their days, students travelled to different places to acquire secondary education but today, the nation is less secure so parents are wary of their children travelling a long distance. Also, there is the option of similar or better schools in closer proximity.  However, there are children and families close to Adesoye that equally desire and deserve a quality education and he believes as an alumnus, he will work together with the school management to preserve the school and the legacy of the founder.

    Praising the late visioner, Chief Emmanuel Adesoye, the acting Head of School, Mr. Lawal Raheem Bola, who has been with school since inception in 1987, said he is delighted to welcome Makanjuola back into their midst.

    “We are glad to have him here.  We have been calling on people from outside to come and talk. We now looked around and said  ‘look, we have our own people, proudly Adesoye. We have them all over the place in positions of authority. So, let’s get them to the school.’ Let them come and talk and inspire these younger ones by coming to speak. It would be a kind of inspiration. Obviously, seeing him coming out of his chopper is already an inspiration to ignite the ‘I can do spirit, I can conquer the world.’”

    Describing the astute business man, he added,” I am an agriculturalist. I was ‘Bode’s teacher. I  taught him agricultural science. Bode is cool-headed, humble, committed, very gentle, easy-going and almost a Saint. He was even a prefect in Olabande, Red House. Bode was outstanding and for him to be selected and elected to be in the position of a prefect in Adesoye those days, because the population used to be very large. So, all of them were equally good. But he was very good. When you look at his character; diligent, studious and his disposition while he was here, I know he would go places. Honestly, he is one of the torch bearers of the institution which has produced outstanding students who have made giant strides in their endeavors.

    “We are really, really proud of him. Very, very, very proud of him. And that is why we want to showcase him so that parents can see, and say look, this is a product from this same school where you are from, so you have not made a mistake. You have come to the right place.”

    On the spirit of giving back to the institution, Mr. Lawal said it is a welcome development. “We have been clamouring for this for a long time. Because the problem has been that each year/group, they are in their enclaves. After this valedictory service, Bode and Fred have promised to spearhead the move of bringing the various year groups together and then form the parent body. We are even considering a candidate from them, maybe two or three to be part of the governing council. Now they are carrying the toga of the alma mater, wherever they go now, they carry that toga of Adesoye college. There is no way we can discard that. It will always be with them. So, for them until now, to carry that, they have to be carrying it proudly too. And that means they must see and put an eye on whatever is going on there so that they will be able to maintain and sustain the quality which they enjoy when they were there,” he stated.