The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Interview

  • But for our village catechist, I would have ended up as tailor, hunter – UNIOSUN Vice Chancellor Adebooye

    But for our village catechist, I would have ended up as tailor, hunter – UNIOSUN Vice Chancellor Adebooye

    Until he became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Osun (UNIOSUN), Osun State, Prof. Odunayo Adebooye, was a researcher at a research centre in Germany. A professor of Plant Physiology/Food Chemistry, he has won 25 international research grants and about 100 travel grants. The first Nigerian to win the prestigious Humboldt Alumni Award of the German Government’s Humboldt Foundation, which included a cash reward of US$30,000 speaks with GBENGA ADERANTI about university politics, the prolonged strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and how an encounter with a catechist changed the course of his life, among other issues.

    Politics appears to have crept into the university system. What could have been responsible for that?

    Politics is part of life. Even in the homes, we play politics. Among the father, mother and their children, politics comes into play. It is the same thing in academia with the politics of research. In research itself, there is politics. In funding, there is politics. When you talk about funding the university itself or research funding, there is politics. As it is in the society, so it is in the university system.

    Perhaps, it is worthwhile to mention that politics in the university system is more toxic than politics in the civil society. So politics is part of life and it plays out everywhere.  Even in the church, in the mosque and in the shrines, there is politics.

    Have been able to address some of the issues raised before your emergence as the vice-chancellor?

     What issues?

    The aggrieved party said the criteria set by the university management appeared to have deliberately sidelined candidates from the arts, the humanities and some other faculties.

    In this business, the business of scholarship and academia, it is universal. Universal in the sense that we are subjected to the same gradient of parameters. By gradient of parameters, I mean what are the indices for measuring academic performance or for measuring scholarship? These indices or the gradient of parameters are universal; nobody disputes them anywhere in the world.

    For example, when you look at the capacity of a scholar to profess as a professor, he is rated on the basis of what are those literacies, the measures of global academic performance. If for example you want to recruit me at the University of Washington DC, United States of America, what they would do is to look at my literacies, what I scored in the different grades of parameter, what I call indices of academic performance. I will mention some of them, they may look at your citations, how much of your published works have been cited, not by yourself, because sometimes we scholars, we cite ourselves. They will look at those people that have cited your work. Is your work gaining prominence in the academic landscape globally?

    Two, they would say has he won grants? If he had won grants, how many of them? Who are the agencies that awarded the grants? And after asking that, they would say how much is the grant? You know grants have father and mother. The father of grants runs into millions of dollars. These are some of the parameters.

    There are parameters that measure how much time each of your work has been cited or read. How many times has your work been downloaded? Has he ever attended international conferences? Has he ever held leadership positions in universities? For example, has he been head of department? Has he been dean? Has he been provost or director? Has he been Deputy Vice-Chancellor? They may go further, they may say scholars are truly universal. If they are truly universal, you must have held some international positions. Holding an international position does not mean you should be a director at the United Nations, No! Has he been an editor of an international journal? For example, have you participated in leadership roles in some international organisations?

    So these are some of the measures that we look at in academics. It is not true that some academic disciplines were sidelined. No, the basis for scholarship is excellence. It is so defined and there is no other way to define it other than what I have told you.

    I want you to cast back your mind back to the December 16, 2021 Osogbo High Court judgment that eventually put paid to agitations in certain quarters and your eventual emergence as the Vice-Chancellor. What was going on in your mind before the court pronouncement?

    I was in faraway Germany. I had a big contract with the German research Centre in Germany. That was where I was before the advertisement for this job was placed. Actually, I did not want to apply for the job because the one I was doing in Germany was something that would give me a very big name in the field of science. I was investigating the location of the brains of plants at a German research centre.

    When the advert came out and I applied, I think I submitted my application on the closing date for submission of applications. But before then, I had read a number of articles in the papers by journalists, by aggrieved people who said the criteria set for the appointment were too tough. I sat down and I asked myself a question: is it worth coming down even if I’m appointed, to lead a university here with all these problems circulating at this moment?

    At one point, I decided that I was going to withdraw my application, and I told a few friends. I phoned from Germany to Nigeria asking my friend to help me withdraw my application. Some important people in this state told me that I should not withdraw my application; that it was part of life. What was going on in my mind was if you apply for a job, it is not compulsory that you get the job.

    That is one thing Nigerians should know. If you apply for a job and if you assume that you have a very good CV, you must not bank on it that you are the one that will clinch the job. I’ve never had such a mindset in my life, that whenever I apply for a job, I will get the job. That is my attitude. I just applied like a normal Nigerian. Those were the issues around that time. I wanted to withdraw my application when the roforofo  fight started. I honestly wanted to.

     Do you regret accepting the appointment?

    No, I don’t. I enjoy it because it allows me to bring my best to bear on the institution.

     The issues that were raised, have you been able to tackle any of them?

    Yes. I was appointed at 8.57 pm on January 3rd with the mandate from the government that I should resume the next morning at 8 am. I had less than 12 hours, 11 hours and three minutes, to prepare. There was nothing to prepare over the night, so I assumed duty the next day. The first thing I did was to meet with the various stakeholders. I met all the professors separately; I met all the collegiate separately. I toured all the six campuses within a week. I met all the unions individually and separately. I met the principal officers separately, made them see that there is a provision both in the Bible and Quran and even in the traditional religion, that there can be two kings at a time, only one person will sit on the leadership seat at a time. And there is always tenure. I made them realise that and whatever I have to do to make sure things run here normally, I would do. And since then, I have been doing that.

     How receptive were they to you?

    I must confess that I enjoy close to 100 per cent cooperation in this school, both from principal officers and the staff of the university.

     Talking about the challenges facing multi-campus institutions, how have you been able to manage it here?

    We have designed methods and strategies to tackle challenges associated with multi-campus institutions. If we say that there are no problems in it, we deceive ourselves and truth is not in us. There are problems, but what leaders should enjoy is confronting problems and bringing up solutions. That is what they call leadership.

    The challenges were the elective courses and part of what we have done is to hire what we call adjunct lecturers. Adjunct lecturers are professors in other universities who want to do part- time jobs and whom we pay on the basis of semester performances.

    Students are agitating and parents are frustrated. What is the way out of this strike being embarked upon by university teachers’ union? Should they always go on strike to press home their demands?

    Strike is a universal right of workers. Workers can go on strike and the law is explicitly clear.  I would refer to the Nigerian Trade Dispute Act as well as International Labour Organisation code. They allow strike actions even without notice. But we should ask ourselves, does it appeal to commons sense that a union should embark on a one-year strike or six-month strike. Well, the answer is known to all of us. We would say well, since the workers have the right to go on strike, they should try to moderate how to do it so that the lives of the young ones would not be put in jeopardy, and that is the way I see all those things.

    ASUU is also right in some respects and government is right in some respects.  Where government is right and where ASUU is right should be the meeting point for the two bodies. I will give you examples. I want to say it without any fear of contradiction from anywhere, the salary of a Nigerian professor is too poor, given the present level of inflation. A situation where a professor has been earning the same salary since 2009 is not acceptable.

    Another area in which the ASUU is correct is their complaint about the level of decay in the university system. If you go to some laboratories in the federal universities, you will cry, “Is this where they are teaching students?” Things are dilapidated. Some of the state universities, including UNIOSUN, are far better than several public universities. If you go to the laboratories in UNIOSUN, you would have the wrong impression that Nigerian universities are of high standards.  But if you go to some government universities, you will cry.

    One side the government is right but they are not completely right is Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). In universities, you have granted them autonomy. Having granted them autonomy, allow them to operate.

    While you have a tacit support for the strike by the varsities teachers’ union, I understand your teachers don’t go on strike. How true is this?

    It is true. Universities are funded on three models. I’m not talking about private universities. Public universities are funded on three models. The first model is 100 per cent funding of varsities. The second model is 100 per cent funding of salaries by the university themselves. The third model is shared funding by the university and the state. In universities where 100 per cent of the salary is generated, one of them is in Kwara State. So where a state university exists and all they get from the government is the capital funding and not the personnel, you cannot expect the university to use the funding of students to pay salaries when workers are on strike.

    The universities that are being run on the basis of self-sustenance, catering 100 per cent for their salaries or those that are on shared contributions payment will not feel comfortable to go on strike.

    Students are facing challenges as a result of  lack of accommodation. Are you not considering hostels for students even if it means going into partnership with the private sectors?

    When this university was established in 2006 and it took off in 2007, the brief that established the university stated clearly that this should be a non-residential university. Having said that, some three years ago, this university realised that the rate at which it was going, there was the need to change over and become a residential university. So this university on her own built 104 bed-space hostels across our six campuses and those hostels are named after the monarchs of those communities.

     Are you not acting outside the mandate?

    We are not acting outside the mandate. They are the rules written down, but they could be changed.  We changed the content of the brief. Look down there, you will see 1,500-bed hostels being constructed now by the BOT. The university is already building another 600 bed hostel for students who are coming in October/November. At our College of Health Sciences, we have secured some agreement to build a 500 capacity hostel for our medical students. At Ajegunle, we have a 240-bed hostel for our current medical students. And by the grace of god across our six campuses, we are going to multiply 104 to become 208 hostels in the next one year. We are changing the narratives of the university. We have become a residential university.

     What were your growing up days like?

    It was rough and devastating. I should have been a palm wine tapper now or a very big hunter.

     Why did you say so?

    Before I completed my primary education, when I was in Primary 4 in 1974, my father, who was the only educated person in our family, died. And the moment he died, there was nobody to encourage anybody to go to school. In 1978 when I completed primary school, my mother called me and said, ‘Look, we don’t have money, so how do we do this? I said the best for me was to learn tailoring, fashion designing from one of the local tailors in our village. I started learning tailoring and combined tailoring with hunting and farming. I was planting a whole lot of maize and cassava and I was hunting and killing all sorts of animals. I would go to the expressway and raise the animals up for sale. I was making money on a daily basis.

    But fortune smiled on me in June 1979 when the catechist of my church, St David’s Anglican Church, Akiriboto, Gbongan came to my mother late in the evening and said application for admission into secondary school form was out and that I should try it maybe the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) would win the election as they promised that there would be free education. My mother asked how much was the form and he said it was free, that I should take one.

    You know catechists at that time were very powerful in the Anglican schools. I filled the form and submitted it. Then sometime in August, 1979, the admission letter came and was signed by Mrs Tejumade Alakija, the then permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education in the old Oyo State. That was how I registered in school the second week and they said we should pay school fees. My mother said how are we going to get the money? I said let me go to my fashion designing and hunting. After all, I was getting money every time.

    The following morning, my mother woke up and said some days before you were born, I met a prophet who told me that the child inside my womb was a boy and that he would be a great man and that he would stand on top of people and he would command respect not only in Nigeria but all over the world. And my mother said her father gave her gold when she was getting married. My mother was one of the daughters of  the Ademiluwa Ajagun, the Ooni of Ife before Oba Aderemi. My mother said she could sell some of the gold to give me money to go to school. She sold the gold left for her by her father and that was how I paid my school fees, which was N10.50k. But as soon as I paid the school fees, Bola Ige won the election and declared free education. That was how I went through secondary school. Today, after worshiping God, I declared my loyalty to anything that has to do with the late Bolarinwa Ajibola Ige and late Chief Jeremiah Awolowo. They gave me the chance.

    I’ve read a lot of things about racism in Germany. How were you able to cope, especially working in their research centre?

    I never had any cause to be discriminated against. If anything, the German system had a lot of love for me as a person. Apart from that, the German government calls me to everything they do if it is within the Ministry of Education and one of the foundations. I never experienced it. Racism in Germany,  when they say it, I tell them it is not real, probably because of where I lived in Germany.

    I first studied Engineering in 1985. But one thing happened: the course I was admitted to in Ife was not in line with what I was studying in the polytechnic. I was studying Mechanical Engineering at the polytechnic but I was admitted to study Plant Science in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ife.

    I went back to my mother when I got the admission letter. I said how would I change from Engineering to Plant Science, and my mother asked me, tell me the meaning. I told her that engineering it has to do with mechanics, electronics and other things while in plant science, I would just be studying plants. She said that is what you should do. She said that the prophet I told you about said this fetus in my womb is a boy. He would be a great person and he would be working with plants and leaves, and that is where he would derive his might in the world. I didn’t think again before I packed my luggage from Iree and I went to University of Ife, which was later changed to Obafemi Awolowo University before I graduated.

    In almost all the universities in Nigeria, you often hear about sexual harassment. How have you been able to manage this in your school, considering the average rate of these girls?

    These girls also harass lecturers. Male lecturers harass female students. Female students harass male lecturers and they equally harass male students. That is the truth of the matter. On this seat of Vice Chancellor, we see a lot of things. But I want to confirm to you with all sense of responsibility that females also harass males.

     Have you had any cause to punish a lecturer here because of that?

    There is what they call sexual harassment code in UNIOSUN. We apply it. We have applied it in several instances that we got to know.

  • ‘Everyone needs mentorship or guidance to succeed in business or career’

    ‘Everyone needs mentorship or guidance to succeed in business or career’

    A highly successful Nigerian business magnate and lawyer, Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, MON, is a household name in local and international business circuits. The founder and Group Executive Vice Chairman of SIFAX Group, a fast-growing multinational conglomerate that deals in oil and gas, maritime, aviation, haulage, hospitality, and financial services, shares some success nuggets for anyone who wants to make it big in business or career.

    I am an indigene of Ogun State and by the grace of God, I am 60 years old. I was born in Ondo on April 29, 1962. As my first name indicates, I am a twin, I have a twin brother. I had my primary school at Ondo and my secondary school education at Baptist Grammar School, Ibadan.  I hold a Law degree from the University of Lagos as well as Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the same university.

    I have been running my business for over 33 years now. I actually launched my company in 1988 as a freight forwarding firm in Lagos, Nigeria, after working with an uncle, under which I learnt the rudiments of the clearing and forwarding business. From the little beginning in 1988, SIFAX Group has grown to become one of the leading indigenous corporations in Nigeria with thousands of jobs created, both direct and indirect. We have also spread our tentacles to other African countries as well as Europe and America.

    Our core business focus is integrated logistics, but over the years, we have diversified to other areas including financial services, oil and gas and hospitality. Aside running my business, another thing I am passionate about is societal impact. As an organization and in my individual capacity, we support causes and individuals who are not privileged in the society. Our key intervention areas are education, health and youth and women empowerment. We have a foundation which is devoted to implementing our beliefs in this regard. I have also been privileged to be a recipient of a national honour in Nigeria (Member of the Order of Niger, MON); while I am also the Honorary Counsul General of Djibouti in Nigeria. I am a family man. I am married to a beautiful and supportive woman, Mrs. Folashade Afolabi, and blessed with children, who are all doing well in their different endeavours.

    Life motivations, career trajectory, and how it feels to be 60 years old

    Let me start by expressing my appreciation to God Almighty who has remained my source and inspiration over the years. He has not only kept me alive, but has also granted me grace, meets all my needs, grants me good health, peace of mind and a great family. I am indeed a grateful man as I turn 60. I am sure some of my peers have died and so many are not as privileged as I am. These and many more give me unending joy because of the grace. I am probably not the smartest, but God’s grace has found me and beautified my life.

    So, as I turn 60, I am grateful to God. I am happy that life has been kind to me. I am grateful for the modest impact God has accomplished through me. I am grateful for a wonderful family and I am grateful for a greater future. Well from a tender age, I have always been entrepreneurial in my thinking. My mother was a trader and through her, I learnt the rudiments of trading and that passion has stayed with me ever since. So starting my business was a natural progression for me after spending some years learning the ropes from my uncle who owned a clearing and forwarding business in Lagos. I rose up to become the Operations Manager in the company. By this time, I was well grounded and ready to take on the next challenge.

    Apart from expressing my passion, I also set up the business to take advantage of emerging opportunities and to provide a platform for others to fulfill their dreams through job and wealth creation. Today, our companies employ about 5,000 staff and you know the implication of such a number of employees, especially the ripple effect on their immediate and extended families as well as the society. If you also throw in the number of businesses, both large and small, that do businesses with our various companies, you will see how far we have come in impacting the society. Those are some of the things that motivated me to start my business then.

    Why Lagos Marriott Hotel was launched and life lessons at 60

    There are many of them. One is that you must be strategic in your thinking and planning in order to become outstanding. Ordinary approach will always deliver ordinary result. If you look at the growth pattern of SIFAX Group, it is a result of well thought-out plan. The integrated approach has helped us. From running a clearing and forwarding firm to starting inland container depots across Lagos, to bidding and winning the concession of a port terminal, to setting up a haulage business that conveys goods from these ports to the container depots, to bidding and winning concession of a ground handling company, to launching the Marriott Hotel and a financial services company. You will see that these businesses are complimentary in nature and this has given us some form of advantage over competitors.

    I also need to emphasise the place of humility. Let me tell you, before God, we are all equal, whether you are rich or people. Everybody deserves respect. Humility will attract people to you and they can go to any length to support you if they know you are not arrogant. I have always believed in living a simple and humble life, which is scriptural because God admonishes us to live humbly and promised to elevate us. I have also studied the lives of many successful Godly people and you would see humility in them. I have many VIPs – ministers, successful businessmen and top government officials as associates, but I always come back to my constituency, which is my old-time friends and schoolmates and I cherish them greatly. I won’t abandon them because I now have new friends.  I’ve gone to several places and people doubt if I were the Dr. Taiwo Afolabi they have heard so much about. I always tell them that simplicity owns the world.

    Life has also taught me the importance of friendship and relationship building. It is a skill that is important to get ahead in life. Value friendship. I have some of my friends that have been with me for over 40 years, some since our secondary school days and we are still together today.

    Building the next generation of entrepreneurs and the need to give back

    Most of the times, God blesses us more than what we need so we could support and care for others. This is a lesson I learnt from a tender age and I haven’t deviated form it till to day. I have been privileged to travel around the world in the course of doing business and pleasure and this has exposed me to international standards in the hospitality industry across the globe. So the major reason for the investment in the hotel is to provide the same level of comfort, class and superior customer experience for Nigerians. Nigerians are reputed for hard work and relaxation, and enjoyment should naturally follow after working so hard. The hotel provides the perfect ambience to relax, refresh, connect and celebrate the achievements that follow their hard work. In the last one year of operation, the hotel has disrupted Lagos hospitality landscape. It has become the favourite venue for major individual and corporate events.

    Aside this, as a corporation, we always look for opportunities to impact our country. I have this vision of creating jobs for as many Nigerians as possible. Hundreds of eligible Nigerians are currently employed in the hotel while the indirect employment and other ancillary benefits can’t be quantified. So, job creation is another key factor in setting up the business.

    The reason many people don’t succeed in business and career is due to lack of mentorship. They go into business without the guidance and support of mentors who have done successfully what they are trying to do. Mentorship is key for young entrepreneurs in Nigeria. By the way, let me say that the future of Africa is entrepreneurship. Young people must be encouraged and supported to pursue their dreams. This is going to help in reducing poverty and high rate of employment in the continent. It is the duty of successful businessmen and women across the continent to mentor and support these budding entrepreneurs.

    These young entrepreneurs need to be mentored and guided so that Africa can witness true prosperity. I have been involved in this both directly and indirectly. My company supports various platforms and initiatives that identify and nurture budding entrepreneurs. I also have people I personally take under my wings that I support their dreams and mentor as well.

    There is so much poverty in Africa and privileged individuals must be deliberate in helping the poor. It is part of the core philosophy of my life and business. We are not in business to make profit alone. We believe in making impact. We help individuals and communities as much as we can. I can say I inherit the trait from my mother who was fond of meeting the needs of needy people around her while I was growing up. I saw the joy and satisfaction on my mother’s face after supporting these people and I believe I unconsciously imbibe the principle of sharing from her. Giving is one key success factor. I wish people realised that giving leads to abundance. It has been a way of life for me and have been seen its impact over the years.

    When people come to me for help and I do it, I am always appreciative of the opportunity God has given me to be a blessing to others. Giving comes with a sense of satisfaction and inner joy. I see giving more as a divine mandate to pull people out of poverty through job creation and philanthropy. Our company is also involved in this philanthropy and its key focus includes education, health and youth and women empowerment. We provide support for public educational and health institutions. We make donations to schools and hospitals. We donated a 1,000 capacity lecture theatre to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. We donated a brand new bus to the medical students association of Obafemi Awolowo University. We have a foundation with offices in Lagos, Zaria and Umuahia that provides support to the widows and the less privileged. Many indigent students in their hundreds enjoy full scholarship from the foundation. Women are trained in various skills and then given grants to start their businesses. The list is too long to recall.

    Advice for young entrepreneurs

    For the young entrepreneurs, I would say first hold on to God, be honest and patient. What is not enough now will eventually become a surplus for you but there are processes you need to take. There are some factors that help in the journey of entrepreneurship. One is vision. You must have an idea of what you want to do and the impact you want to make. Two, hard work is very important. All successful people are hard workers. Laziness hinders greatness.  Three, solve a problem and success will naturally come. Money goes in the direction of value. Four, persistence. You must develop the courage and resilience to keep going in the face of daunting challenges because the journey is full of different ups and downs. Don’t give up easily. If you fall, rise, take a lesson and continue your hustling.

    Business is a very risky venture. Even after doing all the due diligence, things can still go bad. It remains a big challenge but no gain no pain. When you lose, you start all over again. I have done a business in Europe where I lost about €4million within seven months and that hasn’t stopped me from starting again or investing in another one. Business is a risk and for those who want to make it big, you must be able to calculate your risk well and make an informed decision. But the ability and the power to overcome after a loss lies in you.

  • BAYO OSIYEMI: Leaving journalism to work as Jakande’s Chief Press Secretary was difficult

    BAYO OSIYEMI: Leaving journalism to work as Jakande’s Chief Press Secretary was difficult

    Otunba Bayo Osiyemi was the Chief Press Secretary to the former governor of Lagos State, the late Chief Lateef Jakande. He had also at various times functioned as the Editor, Lagos News; Chief Executive, Penby Communications; and Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Lagos.

    At the moment, he is the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. He spoke with GBENGA ADERANTI about his time as Jakande’s CPS, his foray into politics and his relationship with APC national leader,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State among other issues.

    You functioned as the Chief Press Secretary to the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande during his reign as the governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983. How did the two of you meet?

    We met in Lagos in the early 1970s following my appointment as a correspondent for Tribune Newspaper. He, being the managing director and editor in chief, had his primary office at Broad Street, Lagos, which also quartered the Lagos office of the newspaper. That was when we first met.

    What were the ups and downs you experienced while working with the late governor?

    Ups and downs are common in any establishment. But the “ups” I experienced working as chief press secretary to Governor Lateef Jakande outweighed the downside. The experience I gained working as a reporter in the earlier years in a newspaper set-up toughened me to surmount difficulties on the road to breakthrough in any given assignment, that by the time I became his CPS, I had been through the “furnace” like the raw gold that eventually came out as a very fine ornament.

    Was there a time you felt like quitting the job? If yes, what really happened?

    At no time did I feel like quitting my job as press secretary. First, I had a good working relationship with my professional senior, Prince Jide Akinbiyi, now of blessed memory, who as the director of publicity, collaborated with me to manage the information machinery of the government under a professional veteran like LKJ as the state chief executive.

    I had the latitude to exercise freedom in managing the image of the governor while Akinbiyi coordinated the information apparatus of the government. Of course in our time under the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Jakande did not have a commissioner for information. It was Prince Jide Akinbiyi that performed that function, and I must say he discharged himself creditably.

    Would you say that working with Jakande influenced your foray into politics?

    There’s no gainsaying that Alhaji Jakande influenced my going into politics. Before his invitation to me to join his gubernatorial team, I was already working in Daily Times at Kakawa and doing well in the editorial department where I had cut a niche for myself at different times, having traversed the crime beat, the courts, social beat, diplomatic/airport and sports.

    Deciding to leave the certain and fascinating world of journalism for the uncertain terrain of politics, which LKJ was luring me to, was not easy for me, especially given that I was a mere 28 years old frail, young man at the time. I was hesitant while Jakande was eager to have me on board as his press officer to handle his media campaign that he had to issue two months’ salary cheque in lieu of notice to Daily Times for me to join him urgently.

    Although LKJ had earned a reputation as a first rate newspaper man and international figure in world press, he was still to me untested in partisan politics at the time, that the advice I sought from political practitioners like Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu, Hon Ojekunle Perreira and Senator Abraham Adesanya, all now deceased, really encouraged me to take the gamble. More so that an uncle, Biyi Durojaiye, then a well-connected top official of the Central Bank, had also assured me that if my gamble into the political foray failed, he would use his connections to get me a new job. He later became a Senator of the Federal Republic before he passed on last year.

    You were the chairman of Mushin Local Government Council at a time it was bigger than its present size. What was the experience like?

    Yes, I was chairman of Mushin Local Government before it was split into two – Mushin-Ajina and Odiolowo/Ojuwoye.

    It was quite an experience because of what I learnt under Jakande, the governor, that a good journalist, as a critic, can also be a doer and an achiever in government. We successfully proved that in the four years and three months of Jakande administration; and I used the template to administer Mushin LG from 1994 to 19996.

    Describing my tenure as LG chairman is best summed up by a political titan in Mushin, Chief J.O. Solomon who told me at a meeting before he passed on: “Bayo, you know I have been practising politics in Mushin for a very long time and I was myself once an LG chairman here; I can say emphatically that no one had done better and had a good grip in the governance of Mushin than you.”

    People say politics is a dirty game. How did you cope considering the fact that you had a journalism background?

    Many people say politics is a dirty game but I disagree with that school of thought. What is important is individual’s attitude to politics. Given my background as a journalist, I went into politics with an attitude of forthrightness, to play the game as decently as I could, refusing to follow the multitude to do evil that some see in politics and which scare them off politics.

    I also bear in my mind the wise words of Edmund Burke that what good people suffer by abstaining from politics is to allow fools and charlatans to rule them. I have been active in politics since the mid-70s so I do not see the dirt in it to frighten me off it. But more importantly, I involve God in my own politics, and I’m in good stead with Him. Remember, once one truly fears and reveres God in all one’s doings, you will live a fearless life.

    One would have thought that after serving in the local government you would go to the state or national assembly. Why didn’t you further your career in politics?

    My steps in life have always had divine guidance; and where I am, I have no regrets.

    What is that thing you are not likely to forget in a hurry about politics?

    The things I will not forget in a hurry about politics are the positive dynamics and opportunities to make a difference and add value to society, once given the opportunity.

    You came across as a staunch supporter of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu even before your appointment as his Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs. What really was the attraction?

    My attraction to Governor Sanwo-Olu is personal. He exudes good breeding. He is respectful, calm, knowledgeable, focused and proactive.

    How have you been coping considering your experience and age difference? Coping with the governor and in government has nothing to do with age. It is more a function of attitude and the ultimate human mind can reach with focus and determination. Of course, I’m adaptable, tolerant and self-respecting and don’t find anything inhibitable when it comes to human interaction.

    Did you ever get into trouble as a practising journalist?

    Asking if I got into trouble while practising as a journalist is to ask if one gets dirty wrestling with a pig. A good and resourceful journalist will always get in harm’s way once you are industrious, faithful to your professional ethics and truthful to your calling.

    I cut my professional teeth when military rule was the vogue in our country. And because it was a season of anomie, truth and falsehood grappled incessantly during that period between the military government and the press. On one or two occasions, the military authorities felt piqued by some of my reports which were expositional, got detained and brutalised in the course of performing one’s functions.

    Were you discouraged from journalism after the incident?

    Rather than be discouraged by that experience, it toughened me to sustain the quest for truth and good governance.

    What is your greatest fear about life?

    My greatest fear about life is fear itself. Once you conquer fear, you look at anything in life from the point of fearlessness.

    At 70 plus, you still write and do rigorous academic exercises. How do you do this?

    It is the grace of God which I know I specially enjoy that makes me cope well with the rigours of academic and mental exercise. It amazes me that rather than diminish, my retentive memory seems to be increasing at 72.

    What is your relationship with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

    It is as good as that of an appreciative person and the object of his admiration. Asiwaju, since I first got to know him in the 80s, strikes me as a phenomenal person who God deliberately set apart for exploits. He had an innate ability which he has strenuously developed over the years to become the much talked about prodigy on the way to becoming a legend. I admire him intensely and I want to believe he respects me for my unqualified good wishes for him.

    People often say politics is expensive.  What is your take on this?

    On politics being expensive, I agree it is; and the earlier we all resolve to make it less expensive, the better for this country.

    What was your childhood like?

    Growing up was fun. One had the privilege of having parents who committed their entire lives to one’s upbringing; the opportunity of the quality of education one had in the early years; the comradeship of people from various backgrounds one met from our formative years to the present time; and the early realisation of the place of God in shaping one’s life.

    A lot of people describe you as the charming prince of politics and journalism. How are you coping with advances from women?

    Admirably well, but not below the bounds of normalcy and decency.

  • RETIRED POLICE AIG BOLA LONGE: I’ve never taken bribe in my life

    RETIRED POLICE AIG BOLA LONGE: I’ve never taken bribe in my life

    Until his retirement, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Bola Longe, was reputed as one of the radical elements in the Nigeria Police Force. Before his last assignment as AIG Federal at the Force Headquarters, he had served as the Commissioner of Police Nasarawa State. A well-read police officer, he obtained the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) and Master of Science (M.Sc) degrees in Political Science at the University of Lagos. He also holds the LLB and BL degrees in Law as well as a masters degree in Peace and Conflict Studies.

    Longe was also on the United Nations Mission. He is a Senior Pastor of God’s elect Ministries International, Ibadan, Oyo State.   He also has extensive experience in intelligence, operations, administration, investigations and public relations. In this interview with GBENGA ADERANTI, he speaks about life as an officer, his future plans, how he managed to combine radicalism with policing and life in Nasarawa State as Commissioner of Police. Excerpts:

     

    You retired from the police last year. How has life been in retirement?

    Well I give glory to the almighty God, who is my backbone. He has been the one sustaining me since I lost my father about 50 years ago, even when I was stranded after my father’s death. God has been helping me since I retired.

    Life after retirement is interesting. I retired less than  eight months ago. Because of that, I have not seen much. But I have been able to rest, sit down and do a critical appraisal of my country. I have been able to read comprehensively, and I have been able to pray to God on a daily basis as well.

    Would you have continued in service if you had the option to do so?

    No

    Why?

    Police job is a job that is a little bit hazardous. Having spent 33 years and six months, some of my colleagues have died. A lot of them died in the line of duties.

    So, immediately I clocked my retirement age of 60, I was enthusiastic to leave the police because I was physically well and my life has not been captured by death. So I wouldn’t tolerate any extension. I don’t need it.

    Some retired officers would prefer to do one thing or the other for the police. Do you think this category of people should be given roles after their retirement?

    Well if there are roles that the retired officers can play, that is okay. But that should not be done at the expense of serving officers, because those who are retired have done their own bit. They have served their fatherland and should go and rest. But if there is experience lacuna, if there is a gap they can bridge and they are willing to do it, I think their services could be requested.

    You mentioned the hazards of the job. What were the dangers you faced while in service?

    For example, when I joined the police as a young officer, 1989, I was the officer in charge of patrol and beat at the Central Police Station, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State. Whenever criminals were robbing, we would be sent out to effect their arrest,  and in the process of doing that, they would shoot at us. As you were moving out you would be thinking whether bullet would come to you any time. But I thank God I survived all that.

    Several times I went out to pursue criminals. Some of my colleagues were killed during the process of pursuing criminals. Even some of those that were using walking talking alone, monitoring criminals on patrol, they were shot at and killed. The job is extremely hazardous. We are managing disaster, and because of that, anything could happen in the line of duty.

    How true is it that some police officers use juju?

    It could be true. But in my own case, I didn’t have black medicine or  any extraordinary power apart from the power of God. I am a born again Christian. I joined the police as a born again Christian. I gave my life to Jesus Christ 43 years ago. I have not done any medicine since my father died many years ago. When we were young, operating under our parental control, they did some incisions on our bodies. But since I lost my father to the cold hands of death in October 1972, I have not done anything like that. But a lot of people, because of the way I did my job, have been asking me whether I used something, because God has really helped me.

    I believe that whatsoever you believe in will work for you. I believe in the power of the most High God, who has all the leverages, all the aura, all the power; who controls everything and nobody controls Him. I used His power and His power worked for me.

    At the last Command before I was posted as AIG, people there were looking at me like somebody with an invincible power because things were falling in line for me. I based everything on prayer, on interaction with the members of the public, on intelligence, and then making use of your personnel, not to demand anything from them other than to maintain law and order and to protect lives and property, apprehend offenders and enforce all laws. So things worked very well.

     

    Those who are dwelling the realm of juju, some of them have been killed. Once we know how to tackle the criminals, they will not be able to do anything. Once you have the intelligence, once you have the cooperation of the people, no matter how dangerous some criminal elements could be, by the time you go after them and locate where they are operating, you will pick them like chickens. So, it is not a matter of medicine.

    How did you manage to stay away from trouble with your colleagues who did not believe in what you believe in, especially when you had clash of interests?

    I did not really have any conflicting interest with any of my colleagues during the dependency on the service to the Nigerian state, because most of the police officers, I repeat, most of the police officers are driven by passion to carry out their statutory and constitutional duties professionally. The only few ones who have ulterior motives are too few to have conflicting power over the majority police officers that are working very well.  When they know you are forthright, you are straightforward, nobody will want to come near you.

    I’m fanatical about my belief that policing should not be a mechanism for corruption, but should be a mechanism to liberate the people and to provide the enabling environment for the actualization of the lives of the citizenry. Because of that, I was never in conflict with anybody; not even with my bosses. I had good assessments. Out of the 31 annual performance evaluation reports that I had when I was in the police, I had about 28 As, and that was the best anybody could get. My bosses were always giving me As because I did my job with all my life, with all the power and knowledge God has given me. And most of them were not Yoruba, so it was not based on ethnic or primordial interests.

    Most of my bosses were northerners. They saw me from the angle of a young officer who was so committed to performing his duties. I never had conflict with anybody.

    With your assessment, would you have become an IG if you had stayed longer?

    The current Inspector-General of Police, my brother and my friend, IGP Alkali, we joined the police same day and we sat together for 18 months side by side. My chair and desk was next to his own and he is younger than me in age and had been appointed before I retired. So, there was no how I could be an IG when a younger person had been appointed as an IG before I retired. Even if I had stayed longer, the highest I could get was to be the DIG of Southwest. The current DIG was my course mate, and by the virtue of our record, he is younger than me. I could have stayed as AIG till I leave the police except God has created special way to make me an IG.

    I thought your performance could accelerate your promotion…

    Well as AIG, I do not think that there could be accelerated promotion again. At that level, promotion is strictly based on seniority, and DIG is based on political appointment. You have to be the most senior in your geopolitical zone. There was no way I could have been given any accelerated promotion. But whatsoever God has said would come to pass

    At the University of Ibadan, you were the Students’ Union president. I know that police and students are never friends. What then attracted you to the police?

    Yes, I was the students’ union president of the University of Ibadan 38, 39 years ago. I was not attracted to the police. But as a born again Christian, I believe you cannot be what God does not want you to be. I was one of those who were vehement against police operation on campus in UI, but at the same time, there was this Commissioner of Police who retired as a DIG, Archibong Nkanga. He saw me from a long distance and through interaction, he told me that they needed somebody like me in the police. He said he had studied me and that the gap between the police and members of the public was too wide. He said they were looking for a person who would be a bridge between the police and the radical section of the society and he said he would want me to join the police. When the form came out, I obtained the form and I did the interview and I was the best.

    Not only that, one night before the result came out, I slept and I saw myself staying in one office under the office of the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State. Eventually when I joined the police, I was brought into that office. It was the day I joined the police that I remembered the dream.

    Also, one of my best friends that we went to the UI together, Nwazukwu, called me from Lagos. He said, ‘Longe, I saw you, you were on a queue with others, they were distributing police uniform to you and you told them, give me my own and they told you that there were plenty uniforms, we will give you your own.’ My being in police was supernaturally engineered because as a person, I did not like the police while in the university. But now I’m in love with the police because the police are the bedrock of the survival of any state or society. There are many countries in the world without the military, but there is no single country without the police.

    You were on foreign mission, and people say the police do well outside the country. But in Nigeria, this has never been the case…

    I was on the United Nations peace keeping operation in Liberia between 2005 and 2006. I was the legal adviser for the Liberia National Police. I was the adviser on intelligence. I was the sole lecturer for intelligence and information analyst in Liberia.

    One day, the Criminal Justice from the United States came to the Liberia National Police Headquarters. They were referred to my office and they started asking me questions. They said I should lecture them about Liberia’s justice system. I stood up and started lecturing them, and the leader of the delegation asked me, ‘How many years have you spent in Liberia?’ I said 40 days, and he asked 40 days? He now said these Nigerians are brilliant. He said ‘I saw some in Kosovo when I was there, he was talking like you. And now in Liberia here, oh, Nigerians are brilliant.’ Nigerians are brilliant, but our problem at home is that we do not have the tools to work with.

    In Nigeria, we work without most of the logistics needed. But I want to tell you that the Nigeria security personnel, though people are condemning them, they are angels. Not just ordinary angel but super angels because we are working without tools to do what we are doing.

    We are the best. That is why we are being rated best outside but when we come to Nigeria they look down on us. They treat us with disdain. We are still performing well. The problem is that those who are rating us, they have truncated view of the police and they cannot appreciate what we are going through.

    What were your high and low moments as a police officer?

    I had good time when I was in the police because one, God was driving me with His infinite love. Two, I acquired sophisticated education before I joined the police. I was a doctoral student of political science. I was well educated and I had read about policing. I had done exhaustive work on the theory of state. I knew before I joined the police what the police should do, when, why and how, and because of that, I didn’t have much problem.

    The only problem I had in the police was when they were over implementing quota system. When those who were far junior were being made to be our senior; that was when I was having negative feelings. But apart from that I had good time in the police. But there were some of my colleagues that were not above me before I left. I believe that promotion does not come from the east or from the west, but from the throne of God

    You belonged to the radical group in the Nigerian police. Most of the people that belong to this group always get into trouble. The case of Aloysious Ogbogbuaja is still fresh. How did you do it that you did not get into trouble with the authorities?

    My being in the police was driven by God. When God is with you, there is nothing any system can do. I was radical even when I was at the police academy. I was the leader of the cadet. There was a day the cadets rejected their food. I had to lead a team to the residence of the officer in charge and he was annoyed with me. That day, he disbanded our executive and appointed another set of people. But despite that, there was nothing anybody could do, because God wanted me to be in the police.

    I survived because God gave me the wisdom to survive. I was radical in the police. There was a day somebody told me to go and do something. I won’t mention what he told me to go and do. Senior officers came, and I told them that it was not part of my duty. I told them that I wouldn’t mind going to NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku to resign and address a press conference. They said this one is mad with religion. They didn’t do anything to me.

    What are those things you are not likely to forget in a hurry about Nasarawa where you served as Commissioner of Police?

    Before I got to Nasarawa State as a Commissioner of Police, people were telling me lots of things about Nasarawa State. Negative things like Nasarawa State is a place that consumes it people. I didn’t lobby before I was posted there. The IG posted me there without me lobbying for it. Before I got to Nasarawa State, I prayed. I sat down and wrote down seven things that I would do in Nasarawa State. Immediately I got there, I called a meeting of my lieutenants and we reviewed Nasarawa State security wise, and there and then we took certain decisions.

    Where Commissioners of Police were not going before, I went there. I constructed a lot of security templates. I went to the nooks and crannies of the state. I went to the traditional leaders, I met with the farmers, I met with the hunters, I met with the pastoralists, I met the down-trodden and I mobilised all of them and they worked for us.

    And then I met a governor, his Excellency Alhaji Al-Makura. He gave us operational latitude and we were able to work very well. And when he left there, the current governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer A.A. Sule, without any hesitation, I would say that he is one of the best politicians we have in this country. Out of little, he was able to build highly fortified security in Nasarawa State. That is why sometimes before I left the police, Nasarawa was declared as the most peaceful state in northern Nigeria. There was a time we had a lot of kidnappers. We confronted them—the police, the military and other security agencies. We would not have been able to do that if the governor was not supporting us.

    The people of Nasarawa State are good people. They helped us to animate community policing. The traditional rulers of that state are good people. They gave us 100 per cent support.

    Did you sometimes fear for your life while in service? Was there any time hour life was threatened?

    My life was never threatened throughout my stay in the police because I knew the extent of the efficacy of the power of God when it comes to protecting His children. The bible says the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and they are saved. And the Bible says no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper. I believe in prayer. I believe in the power of the Most High God.

    I was always praying and had a wife that was always praying for me day and night; who mobilised people and they were praying for me. I had followers and subordinates who were fanatical about my leadership and we were moving things together. No security lacuna, no operational lacuna and nobody could get me. Get me for what? I was building a formidable security architecture, so I was not thinking about any death because I knew where God was taking me to and I know where He is still taking me to. He is still taking me to the summit of my life, so nothing can happen to me.

    I interacted with people and people told me that I was simple. I would get to the town and people would be hailing me and I would get down from the vehicle and start shaking hands with people. Common people will not be against you unless you are against the common people, and the rich people do not have wherewithal to get me where I was. They know that angels are guiding me.

     

  • ADEBAYO BABALOLA: How envious police colleagues killed my father 50 years ago

    ADEBAYO BABALOLA: How envious police colleagues killed my father 50 years ago

    Fifty years ago, the urbane family of James Babatunde Babalola experienced a moment of grief after the then middle aged mobile police officer fell to the bullet of a colleague of his.

    It was a tragedy the family had not anticipated and one that heaped on the fragile shoulders of his wife, Victoria, the arduous task of raising their young children all by herself.

    But last Sunday at the all-white decorated auditorium of the Flaming Sword Ministries a.k.a. Chapel of Overtakers in Lafiaji area of Lagos Island, memories of the sad incident was replaced with elaborate moment of rejoicing as family and friends of the Babalola family rolled out the drums in a three dimensional thanksgiving celebration of the glory of God over the family in the last 50 years.

    In his sermon at the occasion, the visiting Bishop, Dr. Segun Shallom, spoke of the mercy of God upon which the entire Babalola family turned out successful despite an early setback in life!

    He said it is an experience our nation could profit from by learning to stand on truth. He reckoned that the late Babalola must have been a good man; the reason why all his children are alive and doing very well 50 years after.

    Recounting the tragic incident of Babalola’s death during the thanksgiving service, Bishop Adebayo Babalola, son of the late police officer and General Overseer of Flaming Sword Ministries, said: “I never knew lack or want and never cried for anything until the day I was called up at the school assembly and told that I had not paid my school fees!

    “Before his death, I was a child who didn’t have to worry about school fees. I was always the first to pay.

    “But that early year while I was in secondary school, I was called out to the stage and I cried, because the import of my father’s death suddenly dawned on me.

    “I was 12 years old. I was used to paying school fees promptly and going to school in a car. But after my father’s death, I had to start entering public transportation and the Police Force that had promised to pay our school fees refused to pay!

    “The police didn’t fulfill their promise! If you are killed on duty, it behooves the police to take care of the children that you left behind. But in our case, that didn’t happen. My siblings were forced to leave the country. My mother managed to get us by, and I wonder what would have happened if the woman was not able to do that.

    “What if I was not lucky? I probably would have turned out to be an armed robber or a city urchin. And for someone who had always been very intelligent like I have always been, you can imagine the type of an armed robber I would have been.

    “I would have turned out a sophisticated armed robber. But God rejected that for me.”

    Rather than engage in any criminal activity, the young Adebayo faced his studies and later joined the State Secret Service from when he retired as an Assistant Director General a few years ago.

    He said: “I didn’t want to join the Nigerian Police Force like my father. So instead, I joined the SSS because I was not impressed with the Police.

    “My siblings had fled the country. I was the only one that remained. Since there was hardship, they all decided to go and look for a softer ground.”

    Instead of continued malice, the Babalola family said they have long forgotten about those who killed their father.

    Adebayo said: “It was a conspiracy killing. His colleagues agreed among themselves.

    “My father was a fearless, honest and courageous officer who was straightforward to a fault. It was this fault that made a section of the leadership of the police to gang up and he was killed by a fellow police officer on 26th January, 1971.

    “Ironically, it is around the same area where he was killed by a fellow police officer in the then Maroko area of Lekki that I presently live.

    “Papa was so brave and courageous that hunting was one of his hobbies. He killed many wild animals in his life time thereby earning the title ‘Ode Aperin’ (elephant killer) of Igbara Oke.

    “He loved his home town Igbara Oke where he was one of the prominent people that started the Igbara Oke Progressive Union in Lagos and was the president until his death.

    “It is with deep regret that our father worked effectively and diligently without a stain, promoting the image of the police force locally and internationally. But he was rewarded by getting killed by those who felt threatened by his rising profile.

    “Even a few years after, my mother saw the person who killed my father at a market in Lagos. He was walking about freely. We forgave them.

    “Today, 50 years after, as we remember our parents, we have decided to initiate a foundation to take care of children of policemen who fall by the bullet, in the same instance that we found ourselves then.

    “If your police officer father has been cut short of life and you can’t face life alone, come to us. If you are in need of school fees because your police officer father has just been killed, come to us. Our Foundation will see you through!”

    Asked the reason for the foundation, he said: “Fifty years is a diamond time to remember an incident and take lessons from it.

    “But more importantly, this is when I have enough friends to pump money into the foundation we want to set up, and some of them have started pledging large sums of money,  and we will start sending such children that might need such funds to school.

    “We the children of Pa Babalola have decided to start a foundation in the name of our parents. It will be known as Heroes Foundation to cater for any military or paramilitary officer’s children especially the police that fall within our experience.

    “The benefits from the foundation when there is development in the nation and good things are coming will come from the top, it will come from the ground and from everyone’s little contribution.

    “I will be spending my money which I could use to go to Dubai or London to rest or enjoy myself.”

    For a Bishop who rose to the level of state director in the secret service, and who is also a legal practitioner of many decades, the church was filled to the brim this particular Sunday morning. Friends had arrived early, some of whom were his classmates in secondary school thee day he lost his father.

    One of them, Mr. Jide Akerele, described Adebayo as a nice gentleman.

    He said: “We both work at Western House. I wouldn’t be here if he was not a nice man. He has asked me to come and minister in his church several times, which I have done sometimes.”

    For former banker and immediate past National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Bankole Oluwajana, “Bishop Adebayo Babalola has been a personal friend since childhood. I have known his family for long.

    “One thing that crossed my mind while coming here today is that everything works out for good.

    “I knew what it was like 50 years ago. Looking back now with the success the Bishop has achieved, I could just imagine that if he was not fatherless 50 years ago, the family wouldn’t have had the strength to be where they are today.

    “So we bless the name of the Lord for how He has stood by the family and for what my friend, brother and father in the Lord has turned out to be and, of course, the grand-children God has blessed them with.

    “There is a doctor among them today.”

    On his part, Mr Gbenga Olukiti said: “The Bishop is my cousin. We are related from my mother’s side.

    “Incidentally, we attended the same secondary school in Ado-Ekiti. We have been very close. We were all classmates, along with his wife Yemisi, in school.

    “So I thank God for witnessing today. I came very early all the way from Redemption Camp. It was a journey, but I got here early.”

    One time colleague of Bishop Adebayo, Mrs Mabel Amoniokuono, said: “We have known each other for more than 30 years; a great family.

    “We all have come together to stand by him in the foundation, so that what happened to him 50 years ago would not happen to other children.

    “We must also make sure that all the various services must come together and take care of their own.

    “We have seen situations where the children are neglected when their mothers or fathers are killed, which is not the best. And since they are setting up a foundation to help people in this situation, we all must join to support.

    “I just love this.”

    Bishop Oscar Ossai, the presiding Bishop of City of Refuge Ministries, said: “The bible states clearly that the posterity of the righteous shall have peace.

    “One of the evidence of a righteous life is how the children do well. Imagine, we are celebrating 50 years after the passing of the parents, and with no single death in the family, it’s a great testimony.”

    Politician and business man, Chief Kenny Martins, rounded off the views of Adebayo’s friends, saying: “When you look at the history and circumstances of his departure and the fact that God stood by the family just like he promised the Israelites and promised Abraham, every single child of that man went to school.

    “Every one of the children is doing well. That is the justification of a good man. God transferred his reward and effort to his children.

    “My prayer for us all is may we live that kind of life. Those who are chosen by God go through persecution, but they will always be victorious.”

  • ‘I don’t micromanage people’

    ‘I don’t micromanage people’

    Dr. Emeka Chinaka is the President and CEO at Emfab Inc, a conglomerate with interest in major commanding heights of the economy including solar energy, winery, pharmaceuticals, to mention just a few. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, the US-based Nigerian who bagged a doctorate degree in Pharmacy and has a thriving practice in his base with branch offices in America, France and other parts of Europe shares insights on doing business vis-à-vis challenges and prospects. Excerpts:

    A journey of self-discovery

    With his eyes set on the future, the young Emeka Chinaka earnestly sought for greener pastures abroad traversing different parts of Europe as a student. Fast forward to few years later, after crossing many hurdles he has made good in life. Welcome to the world of the graduate of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus, an executive who knows his onions and ready to mentor young people that come his ways.

    Starting a career in pharmacy

    Scrolling to his background, he readily takes you down memory lane talking about life as a pharmacist, creative entrepreneur and super administrator. Today, he has achieved his dream of being a successful entrepreneur and conquered all his initial fears.

    Life was not a bed of roses at the beginning. He left Nigeria in search of greener pastures as a student. Like most young people in his days, the urge to succeed and change the narrative was a great inspiration. First, he ported in Europe and survived against many odds. Not satisfied with the environment, he found his way to the United States. “I have a doctorate degree in Pharmacy. I am currently practicing Clinical Pharmacy in the United States.  I have a great passion for business and currently operate Chinaka Pharmaceuticals which is incorporated in the United States.”

    Life as CEO

    Happily, he takes you into life as an executive and the other things that occupy his time.” I am also in a partnership with a friend. We have a solar company under Emfab Inc. It is also located in the United States and we are doing very well.”

    Chinaka is also the CEO of Princi wines which he recently introduced to the Nigerian market. This time around, unlike the other businesses which he set up and runs in the United States he decided it was time to come home and invest in Nigeria, empower his people especially the youths who need to be inspired and engaged.

    “Pinal is rich, unique and has a rare quality taste that is unique to the brand. It comes in three different flavors and it is something I have been working on for some time before the unveiling.”

    Love for wine and winery

    Interestingly, Chinaka’s love for wine inspired and took him into the sector where his desire is to make a difference. “I am a wine lover and that is part of the reason why I ventured into it. I came around in 2011 and I wanted to get quality wine but I found out that what they had at that time were mostly substandard. Haven tested a few wines, I was not impressed as a wine lover, and I felt that the country deserves something much better.  It was based on the experience that I love for wines that I decided to search for the best wine makers in the world.  So, I was able to travel to Europe for this and my goal was to bring back to Nigeria, the best product that anyone can get: a product that can stand the test of time, anywhere in the world.  So that if somebody picks it up, they will like the feel, get that uniqueness of wine.”

    He continued: “So, I went to France and I was lucky to find a partner, who is the best wine maker in Bordeaux, France. We are all aware that Bordeaux, France is the wine capital of the world. There is no other place like Bordeaux when it comes to wines.”

    He adds that: “They have the best environment, best climate to grow the grapes for wines. Having established the relationship with Gineste, the company that produces for us, Princi Wines was born. Our products are crafted with the best grapes from very rich vineyards in Bordeaux and our partners known for producing the best wines in France.

    Read ALso: Leaders ought to give best to their people within limits of resources – Buhari

    “Pi nal is the signature flavour ant there are two others known as Princi Merlox and Princi Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are a wine lover, you will know that these are the three flavours that are best in the world.  Our product is different from all the products in the country and with reasonable pricing. The smooth taste is designed to feed into all kinds of occasions and distinguishes us from other products.”

    Chinaka takes you through the journey of determination, persistence and a strong desire to carve a niche for himself and the brand. “I have always believed in the fact that whatever you want to do, if you stay focus, you will definitely get there.”

    One of the strategies he believes will help to make things easier includes his management style. “One of the things I love to do is to give the people around me the opportunity to operate independently. I don’t micromanage anybody.  I love to get ideas from everybody, have their inputs and that allows you to grow.”

    Are there any changes that he would love to see in the sector? He responded in the positive. “Yes! It is important for government to create an enabling business environment to help investors set up factories that would generate employment for our youths. Unfortunately, the tough business environment has discouraged some investors who wanted to set up factories in the country.

    “We import these wines but I think it would be better for us and the government if we set up similar factories here. We are in partnership with Gineset in France and in the nearest future; we will bring the technical know-how home. By so doing, we will be creating jobs and adding to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but like I said, the government must create the atmosphere for businesses to thrive.”

    The pharmacist-cum-entrepreneur also goes on to talk about the research process as well as the sustainability of the brand. “Our expectations are for the product to do very well. Our goal is to make sure Nigerians have the best and there is no compromise in quality.”

    Happily, he goes down memory lane to recall how it all started. “Just like anything else, it has never been easy. I am currently based in the US practicing and I have my business there. Here, I believe in the establishment and resources that has been put in place.”

    Chinaka added that the motive behind his venture into wine production is his passion as well as the desire to put an end the frustrations of Nigerians who are wine lovers like himself. Those who seek quality wine but could not get it even after spending good money.”

    Chinaka also informed that before production, quality research was conducted around the world before he eventually settled for the potentials in France, a country that has the richest wines in terms of finest taste and quality.

    Greatest influence

    He also explained the role played by his wife who he described as a pillar and great source of joy. “My wife is Mrs. Ngozi Chrispinal and we have five wonderful children, four boys and a girl.  I am a very lucky man to be blessed with such a wonderful family.”

    Over the years, he has acquired skills and knowledge in pharmacy, financial management, employee training management as well as inventory management.

    He therefore plans to deploy his wealth of knowledge especially in the pharmaceutical sub sector to have a great impact on the health of Nigerians. “I run a pharmaceutical company in the United States and I plan to replicate same here. This is because the number of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria is insufficient.”

  • How my friend and I celebrated Christmas in kidnappers’ den — Victim

    How my friend and I celebrated Christmas in kidnappers’ den — Victim

    Austin Abide Odion left his residence in Benin, Edo State capital as early as December 23, 2021 for his hometown, Unemeh-Uzanu in Etsako East Local Government Area, in order to beat the traffic snarl associated with the Yuletide period. To quicken his journey, he chose to join his bosom friend, Lawrence Egumamhe, who was also travelling home for Christmas with his family in his Mercedes Benz car. Neither Odion nor his friend had an inkling that they would be celebrating Christmas in the den of kidnappers.

    Odion, a telecoms engineer in his 40s and cousin to the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, and his friend Egumamhe were abducted by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen and kept in captivity for four days before he was released upon payment of ransom by his family members.

    Narrating his ordeal, Odion said for four days, his captors denied him and other victims food and water in their den tucked inside a forest. He said the kidnappers later abducted a soldier, following which the gang was busted.

    Odion, whose family is based in Benin but works in Anambra State, disclosed that the criminals, who collected his bag containing a huge sum of money amid sporadic gunshots, later obtained a ransom in millions of naira from his relatives before he and Egumamhe regained their freedom around Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. Having been brutalised and dehumanised in the forest, they also had to trek a long distance towards Okene in Kogi State.

    He said: “On December 23, 2021, I left Benin City with the intention of celebrating Christmas in my hometown, Unemeh-Uzanu, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State in Edo North Senatorial District, where the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, also hails from. I am a cousin to Prince Clem Agba.

    “I decided to travel on December 23, 2021, in order to beat the usually heavy traffic on Christmas Eve and to be able to attend to some important matters in my hometown.

    “I joined from Benin City at 2 pm the Mercedes Benz 320 car of my bosom friend, Lawrence Egumamhe, an indigene of Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East LGA. I sat in the passenger’s seat while Egumamhe’s three boys, aged 12, 10, and 8, sat at the back of the car.

    “As we were ascending the hill between Fugar and Agenebode, just by vigilance members’ checkpoint, around 7 p.m., we saw some men who pointed the torch at us, and we thought that they were vigilance members since the spot was their (vigilance members’) usual checkpoint. But they suddenly started to shoot directly at us and our car, using AK-47 assault rifles. The sporadic gunshots were deafening, with the nine unmasked herdsmen firing bullets at us from left, right, front and back.

    “When it became obvious that the gunmen were kidnappers, Egumamhe attempted to make a U-turn in order to quickly return to Fugar, but I pleaded with him not to try the suicide mission in order not to endanger the lives of his three children, who could be killed by the kidnappers in anger.

    “When the sporadic gunshots subsided and the kidnappers were coming towards our car, Egumamhe and I quickly hid our mobile phones in the car, with the three kids watching us. But I could not hide the bag containing a huge sum of money that I travelled with in order to avoid the stress of withdrawing money in my hometown, especially through Point of Sale (POS) machine.

    “The kidnappers first removed the bag containing my money and marched Egumamhe and I into the forest, leaving my friend’s three children in his car.

    “The eldest of the children later smartly and courageously picked his father’s mobile phone and called his mother in Benin City to inform her of the kidnap and their location. My friend’s wife contacted some of their relatives in Agenebode, who quickly rushed to the scene with some vigilance members. They rescued the children and moved them and the car to the Divisional Police Headquarters at Agenebode, where the children explained to the police what happened and they were moved to the house of their paternal grandmother at Agenebode and later returned to Benin City.”

    At the gang’s den inside the forest, Odion and other victims were subjected to torture by the unfeeling kidnappers, who made them trek for hours.

    “Egumamhe and I were with the kidnappers in the forest for four days without food or water, while we continued to trek a long distance as we moved towards Okene in Kogi State. We begged the kidnappers to allow us to drink even dirty water in the forest but they refused, as they were only interested in collecting ransom from our people. We celebrated Christmas and Boxing Day with the criminals in the forest.

    “When the nine herdsmen wanted to make calls to negotiate a ransom, my friend and I would be forced to join them to climb high mountains for network. “The kidnappers initially demanded N15 million from my people, but it was negotiated. My people in Benin City and Agenebode eventually paid a ransom to the kidnappers in millions of naira, but I will not disclose the exact amount for security reasons.

    “While Egumamhe and I were with the kidnappers in the forest at night, they caught a hunter and collected his gun. The kidnappers asked my friend and I if we understood Hausa or Fulfude but we said no. So, they continued to freely speak in Fulfude while we were dehumanised, thoroughly beaten, humiliated, tortured, embarrassed, harassed, and threatened to be killed if the ransom was not quickly paid.

    “Egumamhe and I were released at 6 pm on December 26, 2021, around Okpella in Etsako East LGA of Edo State. We must always be security conscious and avoid travelling at night. Edo State is not safe, contrary to the claim by Governor Godwin Obaseki and his allies.

    “But we still have good and God-fearing persons as police officers and men. We should always assist the security agencies with useful and timely information as well as logistics, in order for their personnel to perform optimally and ensure adequate protection of lives and property. You are aware that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Fugar in Etsako Central LGA of Edo State, Ibrahim Aliyu lshaq, was abducted on November 27, 2021, with the kidnappers demanding N50 million ransom before he could regain his freedom. He was seized around Ise River, along the old Auchi-Ekperi-Agenebode Road.

    “The DPO was driving his private car when the marauding kidnappers suddenly blocked his vehicle and started shooting sporadically into the air, picked the victim and hurriedly moved him into the forest.

    “Although Edo Commissioner of Police, Phillip Ogbadu, directed men of the state command’s Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit, Tactical and Strike teams to move into Fugar and its environs in Edo North Senatorial District to rescue the DPO unhurt and unconditionally, ransom in millions of naira was unofficially paid before the senior police officer regained his freedom.

    “The kidnappers are freely operating in Edo North Senatorial District in spite of the presence of army barracks at Agenebode, while the representative of Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Francis Asekhame Alimikhena, a retired Major who also hails from Igiode in Etsako East LGA ought to have used his influence to strengthen/beef up security in Edo North Senatorial District since he regularly passes through the same road.

    “I was later informed that the same nine herdsmen, who kidnapped Egumamhe and I also attempted to kidnap a soldier near Auchi, the headquarters of Etsako West LGA of Edo State, shortly after we were released, but the criminals met their waterloo, as the source disclosed that soldiers arrested one of them while the others were fatally wounded. I saw the video showing the faces of the herdsmen who kidnapped my friend and me.”

    A Benin-based legal luminary, Douglas Ogbankwa, who facilitated the interview with Odion, said the governors of the 36 states of Nigeria should judiciously be applying their security votes to ensure the security of lives and property, rather than giving peanuts to the security agencies without providing them with patrol vehicles, arms, ammunition, the needed equipment and other essential items.

    Ogbankwa, a prominent member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, also suggested that the vigilance system in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State, should be strengthened, while vigilance members should be adequately remunerated in order to have a sense of belonging and to be more dedicated to their duties.

    Contacted for comment, the spokesman of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin, Captain Olayemi Samson Sokoya, only said: “Good afternoon sir. He (Odion) called me. I will call you soon sir.” He, however, had not done so at press time.

    Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bello Kontongs, a Superintendent of Police (SP), was also contacted but he had not responded at press time.

  • I want to be a professor – Faith Ihediwa, Miss Blind Nigeria

    I want to be a professor – Faith Ihediwa, Miss Blind Nigeria

    AS soon as you set your eyes on the slim, tall and beautiful lady, you are attracted by her elegance and charisma. Her sash announces her as Miss blind Nigeria and as she sashayed elegantly around the MUSON center Lagos, you are amazed at her confidence, soft spoken accent, guts, dreams, the infectious laughter, warmth and aura that radiates.

    Welcome to the world of Faith Ihediwa who is currently a final year English Language undergraduate of the University of Lagos.

    How easy was it getting into the University of Lagos?

    At first I never believed that a visually impaired person can enjoy something as good as going into the university. But I thank God for the great home Bethsaida that God used to make this happen. They took away that veil from my face and made me understand that in disability there is ability.

    Is it convenient climbing the stairs or getting to lectures on time?

    Yes, I have a helper in school. In addition, even though there is staircase in the University of Lagos, we have lifts that takes us to the lecture rooms with ease. My target is to get a first class and I know that God can do it

    How has it been?

    To an extent, it has not been easy especially when it comes to the phonetics part. Trying out sounds like p, t, k and b, d, g. For those of us that are visually impaired it is usually difficult for us to write the signs. So, what we do is to tell our friend that this is it and that is what it should be. Sometimes, during the examinations they have to skip that part for us. Instead they give us theories to write.

    What are some of the extra curriculum activities that you engage in on campus?

    Some of the extra curriculum activities are interesting and I participate in them. I go to parties just to have fun. I also attend seminars and things that give me a better view about life.

    What are the other plans that you have?

    I would like to be an advertiser in future because I am very good when it comes to voice over and so many other things related to creativity. I would show you some of my artworks after the interview so that you have an idea of what I am talking about. I do advertisement for people and I enjoy it.

    How did you get to win the Miss Blind Nigeria pageant? 

    I competed with all the visually impaired ladies in Nigeria from the different states in the country. It was a very interesting and memorable experience for me and the ladies. They all came to Lagos for the competition and the experience is something that I treasure so much. And by the grace of God, I emerged as a winner at the end of the day.

    When did the competition take place?

    The Miss blind Nigeria pageant took place in 2019 and I have been carrying out my duties as the queen. So, far, I would say that they journey has been awesome and quite memorable.

    When are they going to have the next competition for a new queen?

    If anybody can withstand my beauty and the level of my intelligence then the person is good to go.

    For most pageants, the beauty queen usually has a pet project. Do you have something that you are working on?

    Yes, I also have a pet project that I am handling. My own project is something that is also very interesting. My aim is to go to the rural areas to bring in the visually impaired one, motivate them and give them a sense of belonging. Most parents believe that the moment your child is blind, the child is useless. The child for them is worth nothing to them and the society. That is not the case and we need to change that mindset. So, I would be going around to educate them, champion the cause of visually impaired people especially the young ones and let them know that the child is a treasure; you can get something very unique and great from the child.

    Read Also: Ini Edo: I look forward to playing super villain

    As an example, I make them know that yes, I am blind but I am into different things, sometimes even doing things that people who can see are not doing. I am a student, I cook and I am involved in so many other activities on my own. This are the things that I make them understand and that had made me a source of inspiration and motivation. In doing this, I have been able to bring more than 20 students to Bethsaida home during this transformation process. Most of them are in the University of Nsukka presently and other universities.

    Tell us about your parents and the role they played in your life?

    My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ihediwa are lovely people. They are the best parents anyone can ask for in the world. Despite my disability, they have supported me so much and it did not cease or reduce the love that they have for me. They still give me that respect and give me attention as well as treat me as I am meant to be treated.

    Were you born blind?

    Not at all! I got blind at the age of 15 years. It actually happened immediately after my senior WAEC examination. I did my WAEC Examinations at Flourish College, Love hall, Ketu Lagos. My performance in school then was awesome, I had B’s and A’s and did very well when the results came out.

    What was the first reaction of the family when it happened?

    At first it was not easy at all. But as time went on, they adjusted gradually and got to understand that a blind person can still be relevant to the society. It was at that point that my parents got to accept the condition and began to work on ways to channel me to places and things where my dreams can be fulfilled.

    What do they do for a living?

    They are into business and they are very dedicated and hardworking people. I admire their energy, courage and perseverance.

    What plans do you have for the future?

    I want to become a professor of English Language. By the grace of God, I also want to be an author, to write books. That is why I am into writing poems. I have numerous poems that I have written and also showed some lecturers in the university and they have been approved by them.

    Tell us about the people that you look up to, your role models and mentors?

    One of the people that I admire is the great writer, Chinua Achebe. The other is Professor Wole Soyinka; he is a great writer and a great activist, a super role model to many people. Those are the kind of people that I look up to. I love their level of writing, creativity and the fact that they stand out in many ways. They pass and communicate their message to their readers in a way that is mind blowing.

    You must be very stylish from a younger age, looking at how you are dressed and the way you catwalk?

    I rehearse every time, each time I walk is an opportunity to assess myself and tell the world the stuff that I am made of. I walk with style, I talk with style, and everything I do is done with a sense of style. So, at every time and every moment. I do my rehearsal and I am proud of who I have become. I know that I have a great future ahead. How have you been enjoying the festive season?

    I must say that it has been very interesting with a number of activities that are memorable.  As you can see we are here at the MUSON centre for the Musical show and it is something that we are all excited about.  This is Mr Blind Nigeria and we are all enthusiastic about what we are experiencing today, we look forward to  the coming year with a lot of expectations.  I strongly believe that it will come with new opportunities to excel.

    What advice do you have for Nigerians?

    We have to show love and care for one another. We are all brothers and sisters no matter where you come from. At this time, my message is that we must care for the next person. We must all work hard to achieve a better future for the next generation.  Our collective effort is needed to make the Nation  better and great. A lot of young people have great potentials and it is important for our leaders to include their views when planning.

  • ‘I don’t micromanage people’

    ‘I don’t micromanage people’

    DR. Emeka Chinaka is the President and CEO at Emfab Inc, a conglomerate with interest in major commanding heights of the economy including solar energy, winery, pharmaceuticals, to mention just a few. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, the US-based Nigerian who bagged a doctorate degree in Pharmacy and has a thriving practice in his base with branch offices in America, France and other parts of Europe shares insights on doing business vis-à-vis challenges and prospects. Excerpts:

    A journey of self-discovery

    With his eyes set on the future, the young Emeka Chinaka earnestly sought for greener pastures abroad traversing different parts of Europe as a student. Fast forward to few years later, after crossing many hurdles he has made good in life. Welcome to the world of the graduate of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus, an executive who knows his onions and ready to mentor young people that come his ways.

    Starting a career in pharmacy

    Scrolling to his background, he readily takes you down memory lane talking about life as a pharmacist, creative entrepreneur and super administrator. Today, he has achieved his dream of being a successful entrepreneur and conquered all his initial fears.

    Life was not a bed of roses at the beginning. He left Nigeria in search of greener pastures as a student. Like most young people in his days, the urge to succeed and change the narrative was a great inspiration. First, he ported in Europe and survived against many odds. Not satisfied with the environment, he found his way to the United States. “I have a doctorate degree in Pharmacy. I am currently practicing Clinical Pharmacy in the United States.  I have a great passion for business and currently operate Chinaka Pharmaceuticals which is incorporated in the United States.”

    Life as CEO

    Happily, he takes you into life as an executive and the other things that occupy his time.” I am also in a partnership with a friend. We have a solar company under Emfab Inc. It is also located in the United States and we are doing very well.”

    Chinaka is also the CEO of Princi wines which he recently introduced to the Nigerian market. This time around, unlike the other businesses which he set up and runs in the United States he decided it was time to come home and invest in Nigeria, empower his people especially the youths who need to be inspired and engaged.

    “Pinal is rich, unique and has a rare quality taste that is unique to the brand. It comes in three different flavors and it is something I have been working on for some time before the unveiling.”

    Love for wine and winery

    Interestingly, Chinaka’s love for wine inspired and took him into the sector where his desire is to make a difference. “I am a wine lover and that is part of the reason why I ventured into it. I came around in 2011 and I wanted to get quality wine but I found out that what they had at that time were mostly substandard. Haven tested a few wines, I was not impressed as a wine lover, and I felt that the country deserves something much better.  It was based on the experience that I love for wines that I decided to search for the best wine makers in the world.  So, I was able to travel to Europe for this and my goal was to bring back to Nigeria, the best product that anyone can get: a product that can stand the test of time, anywhere in the world.  So that if somebody picks it up, they will like the feel, get that uniqueness of wine.”

    He continued: “So, I went to France and I was lucky to find a partner, who is the best wine maker in Bordeaux, France. We are all aware that Bordeaux, France is the wine capital of the world. There is no other place like Bordeaux when it comes to wines.”

    He adds that: “They have the best environment, best climate to grow the grapes for wines. Having established the relationship with Gineste, the company that produces for us, Princi Wines was born. Our products are crafted with the best grapes from very rich vineyards in Bordeaux and our partners known for producing the best wines in France.

    “Pinal is the signature flavour ant there are two others known as Princi Merlox and Princi Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are a wine lover, you will know that these are the three flavours that are best in the world.  Our product is different from all the products in the country and with reasonable pricing. The smooth taste is designed to feed into all kinds of occasions and distinguishes us from other products.”

    Chinaka takes you through the journey of determination, persistence and a strong desire to carve a niche for himself and the brand. “I have always believed in the fact that whatever you want to do, if you stay focus, you will definitely get there.”

    Read Also: Rape: Kaduna shuts Islamic schools

    One of the strategies he believes will help to make things easier includes his management style. “One of the things I love to do is to give the people around me the opportunity to operate independently. I don’t micromanage anybody.  I love to get ideas from everybody, have their inputs and that allows you to grow.”

    Are there any changes that he would love to see in the sector? He responded in the positive. “Yes! It is important for government to create an enabling business environment to help investors set up factories that would generate employment for our youths. Unfortunately, the tough business environment has discouraged some investors who wanted to set up factories in the country.

    “We import these wines but I think it would be better for us and the government if we set up similar factories here. We are in partnership with Gineset in France and in the nearest future; we will bring the technical know-how home. By so doing, we will be creating jobs and adding to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but like I said, the government must create the atmosphere for businesses to thrive.”

    The pharmacist-cum-entrepreneur also goes on to talk about the research process as well as the sustainability of the brand. “Our expectations are for the product to do very well. Our goal is to make sure Nigerians have the best and there is no compromise in quality.”

    Happily, he goes down memory lane to recall how it all started. “Just like anything else, it has never been easy. I am currently based in the US practicing and I have my business there. Here, I believe in the establishment and resources that has been put in place.”

    Chinaka added that the motive behind his venture into wine production is his passion as well as the desire to put an end the frustrations of Nigerians who are wine lovers like himself. Those who seek quality wine but could not get it even after spending good money.”

    Chinaka also informed that before production, quality research was conducted around the world before he eventually settled for the potentials in France, a country that has the richest wines in terms of finest taste and quality.

    Greatest influence

    He also explained the role played by his wife who he described as a pillar and great source of joy. “My wife is Mrs. Ngozi Chrispinal and we have five wonderful children, four boys and a girl.  I am a very lucky man to be blessed with such a wonderful family.”

    Over the years, he has acquired skills and knowledge in pharmacy, financial management, employee training management as well as inventory management.

    He therefore plans to deploy his wealth of knowledge especially in the pharmaceutical sub sector to have a great impact on the health of Nigerians. “I run a pharmaceutical company in the United States and I plan to replicate same here. This is because the number of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria is insufficient.”

  • AUDREY AJOSE: How I dared soldiers who held us captive in newsroom during 1985 coup

    AUDREY AJOSE: How I dared soldiers who held us captive in newsroom during 1985 coup

    Ambassador Audrey Olatokunbo Ajose is a former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden. A writer who worked as a journalist and practiced as a lawyer before returning to school to take a degree course in Theology, she is the daughter of Omoba Oladele Ajose, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of University of Ife, and Beatrice Spencer Roberts. Ajose, who taught theology in the Lutheran church, served as an ambassador from 1987 to 1991. In this interview with Assistant Editor, ‘DARE ODUFOWOKAN, she went down memory lane to recall her life as a Lagos princess, her experience during a military coup and the truth about her ambassadorial nomination.

     

    You started out as a journalist, carving a niche for yourself alongside the likes of Sad Sam and  Peter Pan. Then you went on to become a lawyer and later a diplomat. How were you able to pack so much into one life?

    The answer is very simple. I will say it is the hand of God first of all. Yes you are right. I actually started with journalism. I was Woman Editor with Daily Times and I wrote ‘Lipstick’ as a columnist. But my father had always wanted me to be a lawyer because his senior brother was one of the earliest Isale Eko (Lagos Island) lawyers. Most of the lawyers at that time in Lagos were from Sierra Leone. They were part of those brought back home from abroad and they, of course, came with education. My uncle, having trained as a lawyer, was in that circle. He was one of the earliest. I cannot remember his number now, but I am sure he is among the very earliest.

    So my father wanted me to be a lawyer but I thought a lawyer must be someone who is extra ordinarily clever and brilliant so I felt I wouldn’t be able to make it to become a lawyer. As fate would have it, when I came home for a holiday, I laid my hand on a copy of one newspaper established by Awolowo back then. Awolowo was one man with foresight and he impacted on many of us back then. I always remember his good points and I still cherish them. We all have good points and bad points you know. He really cared for other people and he had the same philosophy they had in Sweden while I was there.

    He is such a man that felt if he had suffered nobody else must suffer like he suffered. And he was a typical Yoruba man from ordinary family. We the Yoruba have a lot of good things. So, when I went to Western News for holiday job, I was sent to one of the courts in Ibadan to cover a case. After listening to one of the lawyers, I told myself that if that man could be a lawyer, I could too. So, I went home and told my dad I was ready to read law as he wanted. He was very happy.

    I had studied Journalism at the Regent Polytechnic. There were no degree courses in Journalism then. He sent me back to school and I did Law. But you see, my heart has always been in journalism right from childhood. I’ve always wanted to write. I was always happy when they say ‘come and sit down and write.’  And after I studied journalism, I had worked with the Daily Mirror group on Fleet street.

    When I came back to Nigeria, Daily Mirror owned the Daily Times in those days. I got a job in Daily Times. When I got there, they put me on the features desk. My editor was Sam Amuka. Then he was ‘Sad Sam’, while we had ‘Peter Pan’ and I was ‘Lipstick’. That was the beginning of journalism for me. In those days, you could be a lawyer and still do other jobs. So, I worked as a journalist even after I had qualified to practice law.

    I also worked as a lawyer in between my journalism. As a lawyer at the time, I worked with Sasegbon of blessed memory as well. I also worked as a junior in the chamber of another notable Lagos lawyer of that era.  In those days, lawyers worked together and shared notes. I don’t know how they do it today, but back then, it was easy for me to walk up to several senior colleagues and seek their assistance on cases I was working on. I worked too with Authur-Worrey, who married Chief Williams. Those were days when you wouldn’t go to court and lie. When you know your client is guilty, what you do is to say things that will mitigate his punishment, not to lie that he is innocent. The law then was about truth and justice. You could plead for leniency, but lawyers of our time would not lie on behalf of their clients.

    As a lawyer, when you are lying, people will know and will not respect you. You journalists have a way of knowing when someone is lying. Isn’t it so? So, I was working as a lawyer and at the same time a journalist. That was until government came with a law that you cannot practice law and do anything else. If you want to be a lawyer, be a lawyer. So, I packed law to one side and faced journalism for good. I continued as a journalist until the coup.

    I have never forgotten that experience. We were in the office quietly doing our work when soldiers came in and pushed us all into one room; me and my girls then. They locked us up. We were under house arrest. And soon my girls wanted to eat and ease themselves and the soldiers refused them to go out. And I said, “Hey, who are you to dictate our lives in such manners? You have no such right.” And their superior allowed the girls to go out. They ate and came back.

    That was a brave thing to do…

    Let me tell you the truth; I just summoned up courage to challenge the armed soldiers on that day. It was not as if I was that brave. But God has always strengthened me to do such things at difficult times. The soldiers eventually set us free after the coup had sailed through.

    I did something similar too on the road to the airport one day. At a military checkpoint, the officers had stopped a car in front of us and started manhandling the people. After waiting for them to stop and they didn’t, I got down from my car and walked up to challenge them. I told them they shouldn’t be doing that and they should let the people go.

    Shocked that I challenged them, they let the people go and we all went our ways. When I got back into my car, the people there were shivering and wondering how I got the courage to do that. It wasn’t about me. It was the spirit of God in me. Guiding me and telling me to stand up for others. I always wonder what it would have been like today. In our time, I will say the officers too were aware of the rights of the people and wouldn’t just shoot indiscriminately. But all the same, it was the spirit and grace of God upon me.

    You became an ambassador. Ambassadorial position then and even now is political. From what we read and what we know of you, you were not involved in politics in those days. You were just doing your work. How did it come about?

    This is another story of Christ in my life. I recall one of my very good friends, see her picture there, Mrs. Balogun, we’ve been friends for many years. We were in chamber together. One day, in her office in Isale Eko, she said, ‘It is one God we are worshiping, and any time we pray to Him, He will answer.’

    I was doing a degree in theology after my careers in journalism and law. I just left for London to go back to school. I was about graduating and many of my colleagues were already getting appointments and letters stating what they will do next. I was almost the only one left without one. But I believed in God and kept praying to Him. About two weeks to the final examination, I found out I wasn’t seeing properly. This meant I had to adjust my reading as I could now read less than an hour at night. I started staying at home to read as it was too cold to stay longer outside.

    Ordinarily, I don’t stay home to read. One day, I was home reading when a knock came and it was a postman with a letter for me. The letter was wrongly addressed and had earlier been taken to the wrong address and rejected. This particular postman just remembered I was the one bearing the name and decided to bring it to me. Note that I was not supposed to be home by then and if not for the fact that it was that particular postman, that letter could have been lost forever as it was wrongly addressed. I opened the letter and it was stated there that I had been appointed an Ambassador to Spain. Confused, I called the Nigerian consulate in London and they confirmed that I was appointed an Ambassador but they said it is to Sweden, not Spain. That was how it happened. And I tell you, till today, I don’t know who nominated me. There was this military officer that I suspect, but I still don’t have any proof it was him and he too never called me to tell me about such appointment before or after I got the letter. I even asked some of the top officers who were my clients as a lawyer but they all didn’t know who it was that put in my name. That is why I say, it is the grace of Christ in my life.

    Talking about your Lagos background, your dad is fondly remembered as a Lagos Prince who once sought to be Oba of Lagos. Let’s talk about your fond memories of Prince Oladele Ajose.

    I don’t know how I will answer this question without offending some people. My father as you know, pioneer Professor of medicine, pioneer Vice Chancellor University of Ife and a fine gentleman. He was proud of his royal lineage and contested the throne and almost got it. But the military did a lot of wrong things and even tried to legalise them in retrospect. And when they handed over to the civilians after many years, those of us who should have taken over and correct these errors stayed back because we felt the soldiers were going to come back and shoot us. It was the people who were ready to die that went in. it is that ‘do or die’ attitude they carried into politics.

    And gone were the days when the Obas and chiefs had so much influence in government. Even under military rule, they were more influential than they are now. There was this Emir in those days who stop the military government from doing something simply by opposing it publicly. The first thing the politicians did was to erode the influence of the traditional rulers. And today, traditional rulers are reduced to becoming friends of the government in order to stay in office. They can no longer fight for the people. Now, politicians use their positions to get people into traditional rulers’ position. The implication is that traditional rulers are no longer as respected as they ought to be.

    In those days, an Oba or a chief didn’t need to wear all these things they wear these days to be respected. The people knew and respected their kings and chiefs. In the days of my grandfather, everybody knew his house and everybody knew the king and they respected all those in traditional authorities unlike today. In the days of my father, the difference was that everybody was educated and you could not bury your skills. But the people knew the princes and the princesses and they respected them. It is impossible for anybody to say we are not from the royal family of Lagos or that we the descendants of Ogunyemi, also known as Ogunye, cannot aspire to be the Oba of Lagos. It is impossible because the records are there.

    An Oba is very constrained such that as an educated person, when you become and Oba, you cannot live like any other person. Just like a judge. Judges cannot go to parties and socialise like any other person. So, many of us got educated and got careers that we were not going to give up, knowing that at the end of the day, you would get a pension for the position of an Oba back then. So it happened that we didn’t vie for the position like others. But my father, in spite of his education and achievements, wanted the throne.

    Being a king is quite demanding. If they are going to court over land dispute, you have to be there. You have to settle disputes too yourself. So, not much of us have been interested. I had a cousin who was doing it but I’ve not heard much from him of recent.  We pray for the current Oba to live long on the throne.

    My father did a lot to show the world that himself and any other person from the Ogunye ruling house can aspire to the throne. We have legal and historical documents to back our claims. We know ourselves in Lagos and the histories of our families are not hidden. Ogunyemi, like other sons of Ologunkutere, is a prince. His children are entitled to the throne like any other Lagos Princes. It is important that the issues are resolved in such a way that the Ogunye arm of the ruling house is given that right to take a shot at the throne next. God will give the current Oba long life. But nothing should be done to deny our family the right to vie for the throne.

    Your family recently remembered your grandfather, Emmanuel Esugbayi Ajose, one of the most talked about Lagos aristocrats of his era. How much of him can you still remember?

    You know in those days, you don’t go and sit on your father’s leg like we do today. You would kneel and greet them. Today, we have been pushing our heritage to one side. Just tell people you slept on the floor and they will be amazed. But while growing up, many of us slept on the floor. So, I recall sleeping on the floor around my grandfather back then. Like you said, he was an educationist. Because he had education courtesy of the white men of Lagos in those days, many parents gave their children to him so he could help educate them. So, he always had a full house. He was not much of a talkative like me. Maybe that was why he sent his first son to do law so as to do the talking. Baba was a very quiet man and was respected because he was a disciplinarian.

    There was nothing happening in Lagos then that he would not be told and involved. He was the one in charge of all the masquerades coming out in Lagos at the time. He was also the Chief of Suenu a time. The Iga (Palace) was his second home. I recall going with him to visit the Oba when I was young. He would go everywhere to greet everybody in spite of his education and position. That was why they respected him. My father too would do same. The teachers, fishermen, Magistrates, Clerks, name them, he would take us along to greet them all. Both my father and grandfather were very humble men.

    My father had a belief. He used to say it was the Queen that said it. He will say, “if you are in a position of authority, it is to serve the people.” He held on to the belief till he died. And I believe he was blessed. My father followed in his footsteps and got educated.

    How will you compare women participation in government now to what it was when you were in government as an ambassador?

    I am a woman activist. Having said that, I must add that we the females, have taken our activism too far. We have powers over the men but we must not misuse such. There is hardly a man whose mother will ask to do something and he will refuse. Hardly will you also see a man who will turn down the request of his wife. This is where our power lies. During the time of our grandmothers, they were traders; even those in the harem, they sell things among themselves. The wife of the prophet was a big and influential woman who knew how to manage her influence and used it to help her husband’s ministry.

    Our mothers and grandmothers exerted influence and control over our fathers and grandfathers. But they knew how to do so gently and respectfully. That way, they had their way while the man remained in charge, unchallenged. And everybody was happy. This is what I will tell the women in the boardroom today. Women being in positions of authority is good, because they will bring a different aspect and approach to the way things are being done. Women are not stupid and they have a lot to offer the society too. We don’t look at things the way men look at things. As mothers and wives, we are most likely to give a deeper consideration to things before taking actions.

     

    But when you are in position of authority as a woman, you must handle things carefully and differently from the men. Because you are a woman, people will treat you differently. I learnt this while visiting the bank in those days. When they see a man, they say ‘good morning sir.’ But when they see me, they say, ‘Mummy, what can I do for you? I used to be angry. Can’t they say sir to me too? But I noticed that after the sir, they leave the man alone to fend for himself. But they come to me and ask me if I want coffee? They get me a good seat and attend to me specially. So I said, if this is what I get for not getting the sir, then I am okay with it.

    So, for the sake of men, women need to be in government. They need to be in the boardrooms. But we should not say because we are there, we are now better than our men. No. We should insist on being respected for the positions we occupy but we should also be gentle and respectful in our approaches. As a woman, I will insist on being served first as the chairman of the board; but that will not stop me from serving members of the board at another time, because as a woman, I am the mother of all of them. So, we need to have women in positions as men will always do better when women are by their sides. Above all, women should always respect the place of men. That is my own perspective to it.

    At 84 years, looking back, will you say you have lived a fulfilled life?

    I’ll take you into the bible again. It has taught me not to regret things I ought to have done that I didn’t do. It has taught me to keep looking forward in all things. All my regrets, I put in front of Jesus and allow Him to comfort me. That is my answer. Yes, sometimes I recall sometimes and I feel oh! If only I did this or didn’t do that. I feel that way in the case of my late son too. But I have learnt to allow that to be.

    At times, I tell myself, maybe I should have gone into politics. But again, I believe God guides our footsteps. He allows you to do the things you have done and prevented you from some. He allows you to influence the people and things you have influenced. I was part of some associations of Lagosians and I played my role well. I joined others to stand up for the good of Lagos even without being in politics. So, at times, I tell myself that ‘you’ve done your best with or without getting involved in politics.’ Maybe that was why I didn’t go further.

    And who were the politicians in those days? We were close to them growing up. Awolowo, Azikwe, others. They knew our house in Lagos then. They were coming in search of the positions they wanted. My grandfather and father were quite influential you know. So, I felt if they wanted anything, let them come and meet me. Of course, that was also arrogant on my part because time changes and people change too. So, as you were growing, your child is also growing. So, bring those children closer and relate with them well. So, it happened that I didn’t do politics and I am contented with all what God made me do.

    Comparing the Lagos of today to what it used to be, what will you say are the differences?

    In my time, we were two hundred and fifty thousand in population, but now, we have about twenty something million. During our time, people who came want to Lagos wanted to absorb Lagos culture. Lagos was the go to place for the elites. Once you are educated in Lagos, you can go to New York, London, Paris and you are a gentle man. The educational sector was better here compared to other countries. But what do we have today in Lagos? All sorts of things have been brought into Lagos. In those days, if you go abroad after taking first year examination in a school here in Lagos, you will be three years ahead of them. When my children relocated to schools in Europe, they were well ahead of their classes over there. That was our own Lagos.

    But rather than imbibe the good things about Lagos today, people who come here are forcing their own things on Lagos. And you can see the result of that today. Lagos and its people are very accommodating people. We Lagosians welcome people to Lagos but it is not pleasing to us when we see things that tend to take away the beauty of our Lagos. I am an artist and I appreciate nature and arts. The beauty of a place lies in its originality. Lagos is known for peace and orderliness, not the chaos and violence we now have everywhere. It is not always pleasing to look back and compare Lagos of that era to what we have now.