Category: Saturday Interview

By Yemi Odusote

Good men, they say, hardly live for themselves. Their stories are never told with hisses in disillusionment, but rather intense interest, for the many positive morals they present to the larger society. So are the testimonies of Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, CON, the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, an archetype of divine favour, founder of the FCMB Group and an apostle of humanitarianism who has constantly demonstrated in different ways and at all times, his total surrender to serving God and humanity.

“I am a child of God, and the good Lord has been kind to me. Whatever you see in me now is a divine gift. So why do I have to hold back in good deeds,” Otunba Balogun, in a reflection stated this while giving insight into why he uplifts individuals, institutions and communities. He is that rare breed Nigerian synonymous with good works, excellence, panache, humanitarianism, and philanthropy, who graciously deploys personally earned fortune to assist others in need, be they individuals or institutions. This season is another opportunity to commemorate his birthday, a very instructive occasion, far beyond the merriments that usually flow across the land, in different shapes and forms, to appreciate and thank the Almighty for all He has done in the life of a man, who holds his creator in utmost adoration.

It avails the opportunity not only to felicitate with him but also to use the intriguing phases of his successful life, to wit his ever-flowing rivers of humanitarianism, to impact lives, teach principles, shape generations, and indeed inspire others. A man who founded, nurtured, and sustained hugely successful organisations in our kind of clime qualifies for a study, for as it is commonly said, in every success, there is a story, and in every story, a moral. The Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF) recently wrote, “We are pleased to inform you that Otunba Olasubomi Balogun has emerged as Winner of the HLF Role Model Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance. His selection is in recognition of his leadership and outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and corporate governance which set him apart as a Great Nigerian Role Model”. The HLF award memorialised some of his values – hard work, determination, perseverance, integrity, courage, and kindness.

Without a doubt, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun would have lost count of the honours and awards from within and outside Nigeria celebrating this legend. As far back as 1994, he had become the holder of the title of Cavaliere dell’Ordine Al merito della Repubblica Italiana (Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy), conferred on him by the Italian President. He holds several revered traditional and cultural titles in recognition and appreciation of the number of lives touched and transformed, not minding religious and ethnic divisions. They include Otunba Tunwase, the Olori Omo-Oba of Ijebu, Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, the Baba Oba of Ijebu-Ife and the Asalu-Oba of Ijebu Mushin and many others from other parts of Nigeria. The Federal Government also decorated him with the high honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Baba, as he is fondly called, is a national treasure whose influence and good deeds extend beyond the shores of Nigeria. And there is no better moment to celebrate the life of an African visionary, entrepreneurial model, and astute banker (The Grand Master of Nigeria’s financial services sector), than the occasion of his 89th birthday.  Born on 9th March 1934 at Ijebu ode, Ogun State, Otunba (Dr) Michael Olasubomi Balogun attended several schools, including Igbobi College, Yaba Lagos, before heading to England, to study Law at the London School of Economics. Armed with the requisite qualifications, he returned to Nigeria and joined the Ministry of Justice, Western Region, as a Crown Counsel and Parliamentary Counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice. He later moved to the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), where he advocated the establishment of a merchant bank. He joined that same subsidiary of NIDB, ICON securities, in 1973.

Other major moves of his illustrious banking career include ICON Ltd and City Securities before he later applied for a merchant banking license that birthed First City Merchant Bank.  Of the institutions and businesses that require the most and the best in setting up, a bank naturally comes first, requiring a concert of ideas from persons of diverse professional callings. Hence they are usually set up by groups of investors, not so in the case of FCMB, which is solely the idea of Otunba Balogun. Not just that he set it up, but he imbued it with a culture of excellence that has endured over time.  To his credit, he was the first to create a special dining room for bank employees and insisted they wear dark and conservative suits. And he also introduced the elegant, memorable, likeable, and relatable bank architectural model synonymous with the average FCMB branch, now widely adopted in different iterations by banks in the country.

Having attained the pinnacle of banking success, Otunba Balogun shifted his focus to philanthropy and now lives a life of giving more than anything else. He is using his success to give back and make a positive impact on others. People are often amazed at his level of generosity and how it has become a way of life. When something has become a way of life, it defies scheduling – it just happens. To institutionalise this way of life, he set up the ‘Otunba Tunwase Foundation that has become a source of blessing to many.  One of his favourite quotes from the scriptures is, “Children are a heritage of the Lord…” because he loves and values children, which motivated him prioritise their well-being by building the Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Centre – a massive multi-billion-naira health care centre now fully donated as a total gift to the University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan. You will find that quote from the scripture etched on the massive infrastructure.

He also uplifts individuals and communities through scholarships, empowering the disadvantaged to pursue their dreams, achieve their goals, and make a positive impact beyond their communities. To his credit are over 300 education scholarships offered to Nigerians from different walks of life. So, it is unsurprising that many accomplished people always warm-up to him, saying he is their benefactor and role model. He is a man of the people who has it all and owes God a river of thanks.  The average man desires to attain long years before departure from this terrestrial plane, but many rarely make it to their 80th birthday anniversaries. For this reason, Otunba Balogun appreciates the grace of seeing multiple tens and still counting. Much more so, celebrating all these in the soundness of mind at almost 90.

His birthday anniversaries are occasions for giving thanks because it takes Godly grace to celebrate 89 and do so in good health, a sound soul in a sound body. Fervently, Otunba Balogun prays thus: “I want my God to use me. I want to spend the rest of my life serving God and humanity. I want my God to allow me always to show my appreciation. I am not asking for anything again in life. All the beautiful things of this life God has given to me”.

He was 13 when he found peace with God and gave his life to Christ, despite coming from a family of staunch Muslims. Otunba shared his journey in the following words: “Incidentally, my late mother was educated. I confided in her that I was going to convert to Christianity. The late Bishop Segun, a priest at Porogun Church in Ijebu Ode, converted me at 13. Having accepted Jesus, I just found myself loving Him”.

As he lives his life of selfless service, so do recognitions and awards flood his way. He also has the American Biographical Institute Inc’s Distinguished Leadership Award for outstanding contributions to the development of Investment Banking.  Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun is also a recipient of the University of Ibadan’s Degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his outstanding achievements, both in the field of Law and his contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.  For a man of his status with chains of business concerns to think about, a sound mind is a priority asset, yet it is an asset that has not eluded him in any way. For this and the gift of four accomplished sons and a peaceful, loving, and caring wife as their mother, he has God to thank. “God gave her to me”, he says philosophically, “I believe there was a manifestation of God’s influence on my choice”, with each passing day acting as confirmation of this.

As the Olori Ebi (and head of all the princes) at the Arojojoye Ruling House in Ijebu Ode, Otunba Balogun rolls out the drums to appreciate, celebrate and thank the Almighty God for keeping him alive, strong and sound-minded with cerebral memories even at the age of almost 90, let us join his family, friends, staff and the good people of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State to celebrate the gift -Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu, to humanity. Let all men of goodwill doff their hats today for this rare gift of a man and chorus for him, the prayer of many more days in the land of the living, in good health of body, mind and soul.

Laja Adedoyin, founder of Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she takes you into her world, how she made a vow to take care of children with deformities , challenges encountered during COVID -19, getting support , having a succession plan and more.

I look after 68 children with different levels of disabilities. Some of them also you would see and think everything is okay. It is not so and some disabilities can be seen, especially when people have a physical disability. Then you also see the other group that we call congenital, children that were born with severe deformities and one of the things that we do here is to give them what we call palliative care, pain management, making life easy for them to live even though we know we cannot do it all.

For some of these conditions, you can also do surgery for, and some you cannot do anything. An example of some of those children, you are going to see today. But you would see from afar because of COVID, because of their vulnerability we have to be extremely careful. So, we don’t really allow people to go upstairs. We did up till about two weeks ago and then we had to stop again. What I am going to allow you to do today is to get to their open space which is their play area, and then you can see them from the dormitories, the male and female dormitories.

What has been the experience of having to run this place?

It’s been very tough. 19 years ago, on 2nd October 2003, we opened our doors. And over the years, I want to say that Nigerians do give without any iota of doubt. Nigerians are very supportive, but then we also have the nationals, that are non-Nigerians but also contribute a lot to the growth of this place. First of all, I want to talk about the Indian community in Lagos. They have been with us for about 15 years and whether you are talking about the Indian Christian community, the Muslim communities, and the Punjabis. This is where they come to and we are very grateful to them today. I also want to talk about the Igbo Community because there is no point shying away from things that are real, they support us massively here. Then our Yoruba community, our Muslim community. So, this house is what I call a melting pot of all sorts of individuals, companies, and churches. Then we are registered with the Lagos State Government, registered with the Federal government and we are accountable to the Lagos state government. 

What inspired you at the very beginning?

Usually, when people come here, and see my children, they ask me why these kinds of children. And my answer is, ‘why not’. They never asked to be born this way. But because I made a vow. I had an accident in the year 2000 with this leg. My film was showing at the National Theater and I was going from the main office to the box office. In those days, they used to have the box office around that area and as I crossed, I slipped and this leg got twisted back. It got to a point where they were going to amputate the leg. I made a vow, God if you heal me, heal my leg, this is what I am going to do. So, it wasn’t like I had a vision or sleeping and God called me. If HE had called me that time, I probably would not even have answered because then I was more into parties, enjoying life. But, I am happy where I am today. In fulfillment of that vow, that is why I am here today. A completely new person.

Was it easy at the beginning?

Nothing comes easy. Nigeria is like, one minute it is okay, then the next minute it is medium size, then next minute it is a complete downturn. In terms of the way people relate, the way people give at that time, it is quite different from what it is today. Nigeria has taken another dimension, things are pretty bad right now and I don’t think that there is any household that would not feel it. But that does not mean my children would not exist. When they see my children, people ask me, you keep saying your children. Yes, they are my children. I am the mother, I am the father. The communities have been very good to us. It is not just money, when people come here the first thing I ask is have you seen my children before. So, if you want to give us anything, go upstairs, see them. If you make up your mind that it is okay then you can give. But then, some people would say don’t do anything; you cannot hold anything against them. They would go; it could be another five or ten years. Someone came here not too long ago; saw me on TV, Funmi Iyanda’s show in 2002. Also, here we hardly solicit for help, we don’t write letters, but help will come.

How would you describe SNF Foods support to the Hospice today?

They have  supported us overtime and what can we say but to say thank you. We pray for their company to continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Then they can extend the hand of giving, not just with Heart of Gold, there are other homes who also recommend Heart of Gold to their own giver.

If there is anything like reincarnation, would you still do this?

Yes, I would do this again.  When I started, I went to Alausa to register a children’s Hospice. At that time, there were none in the country. There are homes for people with disabilities but this is what you call end of term. They are most likely to go; they are not likely to live into adulthood because of the various forms of disabilities. Some of these disabilities are the types that people would see and not take their eyes away. We are all disabled. It is just that some are not showing, we all have our streaks of mental breakdown. We are also disabled, even in our thoughts to other people.

Where do you get the children from?

In Lagos State for example, if you find a child, you go to a police station, the police would write a cam diary report, they would in turn take the child and if possible  the person who found the child report to JWC, Juvenile Welfare Center. There is one at Alakara, another at Adeniji Adele on the Island. They will call Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development, they would then determine where the child would go.

If the child is not okay, the child would definitely come here. Someone called me last week and said someone is pregnant and the child would come to us. I said how can you determine that a pregnant person would give birth to a disabled child. I said the best thing is to wait but even after delivery you cannot come to me. You have to go to the Ministry at Alausa. It is a clear cut division of labour; the end product is what we get.

Let’s talk about one or two memorable moments?

You can hardly get what you call a hundred per cent. You can get what you can manage that we can all manage. For example, my daughter was very small when she came. You can see that she is growing but things are not okay.For my son over there , it is the vocal chord.  But , whether they are okay or not, that does not mean that we will not keep managing them. For my dear here , the situation would remain the same , just to manage to adulthood. I pray that she will be able to live up to that age.

Where do you see Heart of Gold in the next 5 or 10 years?

If I am alive. I am here now, tomorrow is not guaranteed. But whether tomorrow is guaranteed or not , there are things that are in place already. You cannot be successful without succession. What happens to my children, when I am no longer here . All of them would be safe . For instance , the four corners of this building do not belong to me or to my blood children. It belongs to my children here. Now, who is going to look after them. Of course, there are plans already. A year before Gov Fashola left office , I sent a message that I wanted to see him . The day we got this house , I said to him :’ would you allow my house and the children to go to the Catholic church’.

So, a year to his exit , I went to see him and said that it is not when I die . It is about working alongside the Reverend sisters , so that the transition would be smooth. It also gives a kind of assurance that nobody would come here to claim from my family. There is no inheritance as far as this building is concerned because people would want to take the building but they don’t want my children. We are already talking with the sisters. We had a meeting which gave me 100 per cent assurance that my children are safe and the legacy would continue. It is only in Nigeria that you are the chairman, MD , CEO and then its family business. I take my exit and I go.

Are there skills like music that is developed ?

Yes, they sing and dance. We danced outside . Every January, Gbajabiamila comes here . This year we danced Buga and Gbaja danced so well.

In all this, what lessons have you learnt?

That there is nothing to life. Instead of waste , if you are able to impact positively things would be better . But , if you look at the whole thing , from my 60s ,you lie down and discover that there is nothing there. So, do as much as you can, don’t be frivolous. Don’t be too extravagant , just eat and dream. You can dream in the afternoon. You don’t have to be sleeping to dream, dream of where you are going. 

He is a self-effacing man, not wanting to be noticed in any gathering. But his powerful presentations on occasions he has to speak exposes the passion in him, especially with regards to his job and his country. For instance, as Nigeria’s immediate past Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Samson Itegboje relishes the victory Nigeria recorded as the 74th President of the UN General Assembly. Itegboje, in this no holds barred interview with ASSISTANT EDITOR, MUYIWA LUCAS, says keeping Nigeria united is not negotiable because anything to the contrary will spell doom not only for Africa but for the black race. He also talks about how he met his wife, Tina, among other issues. Excerpts:

How would you describe yourself?

Ambassador Samson Itegboje is a Nigerian diplomat who God has uplifted from a very humble background to the height he finds himself today. I am a native of Erhurun-Uneme in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State. But I was born in a beautiful town called Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, where I attended primary and secondary schools before proceeding to University of Ibadan to study History. Later, I went to Times Journalism Institute (TJI) for my postgraduate Diploma in Journalism programme. It was after the programme that I joined Foreign Service.

How has it been for you in the Foreign Service?

It’s been very fulfilling. When I joined the Foreign Service in 1992, I was sent to the Foreign Service Academy to horn my skills. Thereafter, as part of the training, I was deployed to Asia and Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From there, I was posted to Caracas, Venezuela, on an attachment programme, which formed the last lap of my training. On my return from Venezuela, I was deployed to Postings and Discipline Division under Administration Department. Thereafter, I was posted to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York as a Consul. From New York I was cross-posted to Manila, Philippines.

On my return to Nigeria, I was deployed to the office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From there, I was moved to the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thereafter, I was posted to our Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and when I finished my tour of duty in Addis Ababa, I returned to Nigeria where I was deployed to the Minister’s Office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From Minister’s office, I was deployed to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I was a Deputy Director at this time.  And from there, I was posted to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, New York. I became the African Group Coordinator for the First Committee on Disarmament. It was while I was there, that I was nominated for Ambassadorial appointment. And that appointment led to my being deployed again to New York as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations.

So if you look at my trajectory, I have worked on a political desk, in administration; in the office of the Permanent Secretary; Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Office of the Vice President and then Office of the President. Interestingly too, I have served in all the three categories of our missions outside the country, namely bilateral missions, multilateral missions and the consulates general. With regard to multilateral missions, I have served In Addis Ababa (the seat of African Union Commission) and New York (the seat of the United Nations). I have gone through the entire gamut of the Foreign Service. Currently, I am the Director, International Organisations Department (IOD) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You seem to have had a smooth sail in your career…

That’s how it seems, but it has to do with hard work. I tell people that I wasn’t even born with any spoon. People say they were born with diamond spoon, some with golden spoon; some with silver spoon, and some with bronze spoon. But I was not born with any spoon. So I knew from the blast that I would need to work very hard; that I would need to prove myself in whatever assignment I was given, so that I could be dependable. And I think that has really helped me. That is why I have been able to work in all our most important missions in the world, in all the most important offices in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the most important offices in Nigeria i.e. Offices of the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

What has the experience been like for you?

Tremendous! There is no other job that is as satisfying as the job of a Diplomat.

In the course of your job, you have come across so many foreigners. What is usually their impression of Nigeria?

Nigeria is respected worldwide. When it comes to international diplomacy, especially multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria is a force to reckon with. Take the United Nations for instance, when there are burning issues, Nigeria is usually consulted by both countries of the global North and countries of the global South. They would want to know what Nigeria’s position is on such matters. If you are not important, nobody will consult you as a country. Nigeria champions the interests of the Black Race; and that is why we should not toy with our unity. Nigeria remains the hope of the black race. That is why we must all join hands together to ensure our unity.

I’m sure that many Nigerians on the street will not agree with you on this. Nigeria is being battered left right and centre. Our citizens get shabby treatments in countries they go to; the most recent being in the United Arab Emirates. So, if Nigeria is so important like you have said, why such treatments from the international community?

It is a global phenomenon that is not peculiar to Nigerians.  Shabby treatments are usually suffered mostly by economic migrants. It was as a result of that, at the United Nations, we negotiated the Global Compact on Migration, seeking to make countries respect the dignity of the migrant irrespective of his status, whether regular or irregular.

Having said that, if you took the statistics of Nigerian travellers, you will discover that there are millions who travel unencumbered. We tend to generalise it when some Nigerians get shabby treatments. And most times when these are reported, our diplomats and embassies outside the country usually respond appropriately.

Let me tell you a short story. When I was serving in Venezuela on attachment programme, I was on the Consular Desk, so I travelled to Colombia, our country of concurrent accreditation, to visit Nigerians in prison there. Whilst visiting the prisons, I discovered that some of the Nigerians in prison were convicted on drug charges. However, there were many who were there because they overstayed their visas.

As a young officer then, I summoned the courage to go meet with the prison authorities. I told them that I was disappointed that Nigerians were being held in prison simply because they overstayed. I told them that there were several Colombians with same offence in Nigeria who were working free without harassment because Nigeria believed in South-South cooperation. I was pleasantly surprised when, a week later, 14 Nigerians were released from the prison. We don’t make noise about what we do because we work in the shadows.

Let me take you back to your last posting to the United Nations. It was a very critical and difficult time for the world given that it was predominantly overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. What was your experience during that turbulent period?

You know, it was during that time that we took the initiative to run for the residency of the UN General Assembly. We were powerfully supported by our dear President Muhammadu Buhari, and we won that election by a landslide, with the full support of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly. And a Nigerian, Professor Tijani Muhammad-Bande, became the President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. That was a high point for me as an Ambassador and as a Nigerian diplomat.

However, never did we bargain that during our tenure a pandemic of that proportion was going to strike. Prof. Bande appeared to have been created for that period as the COVID-19 brought the best out of him. He quickly moved the UN General Assembly into a different gear. And you need to Google the comments made by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, at the end of the tenure of Prof. Bande. He noted that the UN General Assembly would have shut down but for the sagacity of Prof. Bande.

So, I will say that my experience at the UN was really a great one. What you experience there is not something you can experience from without. You have to be involved. You have to know that every country fights for its interest. So you have to be on top of your game to ensure that you also fight for your country’s interest. You have to fight to ensure that the UN remains a rules-based multilateral body where both the big and small countries have a sense of belonging.

What do you think are the high points of your tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations? What are the things you can point to as being very significant to you?

I had many highpoints apart from initiating, championing and coordinating our campaigns in New York for the Presidency of the UN General Assembly which we won. I was also chairman of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (otherwise known as C34), I was Interim Coordinator, Alliance for Poverty Eradication of member states of the UN. I was also Interim President of the 31st Special Session of the UN General Assembly on COVID-19.

You seem to like championing causes; what is the motivation for this?

Yeah, I was president of the Students Union of Times Journalism Institute. But again, God has always been on my side because whatever I try to do, I am honest about it. I try to carry everybody who works with me along. I try to ensure that when I am in charge of any situation, all the stakeholders are carried along, and that is why God has seen me through up to the stage where I became Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations. We were fully supported by Mr. President. I want to say something and hope you will permit me to say it, that when it comes to foreign policy exertions, no one can beat President Muhammadu Buhari’s record.

Why did you say so?

I will reel out some of the records so you can make an informed judgment yourself. Under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari and, of course, with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs Barrister Geoffrey Onyeama as the arrow head, a Nigerian woman, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala became the first female to win the seat of the Director General of the World Trade Organisation. Also, my very dear Senior Sister, Ms Amina Mohammed, who I call the god-mother of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and who is driving those goals with all her might, is the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.

We also had Prof. Tijani Muhammad-Bande as President of the United Nations General Assembly. The UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, is a Nigerian. The Deputy Director General of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Ms. Ugochi Daniels, is a Nigerian. We also have the UN Secretary General Special Envoy for Sustainable Energy, Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi. The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, is a Nigerian. The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the the African Union Commission, the most powerful Commissioner at that, Amb. Bankole Adeoye, is a full blown Nigerian. Please check history, we have never had it so good!

How has all that translated to benefits for the citizens?

Not only have these positions given Nigeria a lot of visibility, they have put Nigeria in a vintage position to be able to influence decisions that will not only be beneficial to Nigeria but the whole of Africa, using the instrumentality of these international bodies.

How did you handle cases involving Nigerians during the COVID era?

Let me first of all say that the permanent mission’s sole business is with the United Nations. We don’t really deal with Nigerians. However, we didn’t say because that was not our responsibility, we shouldn’t assist. So we were interfacing the Consulate General to evacuate Nigerians. So we all go to the airport to assist the Consulate General to ensure seamless operations during evacuation of Nigerians.

I would really give the Nigerian government a lot of credit for what it did during that period in the face of the hiccups created by various governments shutting down airports and banning movement of people amongst other restrictions.

We now have the “Japa” syndrome where every Nigerian wants to go out of the country for greener pastures. What is your take on it?

Sometimes we behave like it is only Nigerians that want to go for greener pastures. Many foreigners travel for greener pastures. There are foreigners in Nigeria who are here in search of greener pastures. So, it is not Nigerians alone. If you go to US-Mexico borders, you will see hordes of citizens of South American countries wanting to cross to the US’ side.

My take on the “japa” syndrome; people say oh, it leads to brain drain. Of course, there can be brain drain, but Nigeria stands to benefit later. How do I mean?  You will discover that ultimately Nigerians who are going out there will return with special skills that will be of benefit to the economic development of our country. I’ll give you an example. It is the Indians in Diaspora that are driving India’s technological development, especially in the area of information technology. And I think Nigeria will also benefit as well. Nigerians in Diaspora are already returning home to invest. Our medical doctors abroad are returning to set up hospitals in Nigeria. All we need to do is to be patient with ourselves. In terms of development, I don’t agree with those who think we have not done well as a country. If you look at the world today you will find that many countries, including world powers, are struggling; the US and the UK are battling economic woes.

Many Nigerians often refer to Ghana as an economic pacesetter vis-à-vis Nigeria. But Ghana today is on the brink economically. These problems are as a result of the advent of COVID-19 which the world did not prepare for.  You will recall that in the life of this government, Nigeria went into recession twice. This is the only country that I know, that will go into economic recession and exit almost immediately. Despite these problems, and in the face of the economic woes the world is grappling with, Nigeria is still growing at about 3.1 per cent. Haba! You have to give it to President Muhammadu Buhari. So, coming back to the “japa” syndrome, permit to say that it is the fundamental right of any Nigerian who wants to go out of the country in search of greener pasture or for whatever reason, to do so legitimately. It is also within their right to return whenever they see the need to return.

But I want to stress that home is where you find love. You can’t find a country that is as loving as Nigeria. You can’t find a country that has the kind of beautiful people like Nigeria; you can’t find a country like Nigeria where you have citizens who are their brothers’ keepers. That is why you see a lot of foreigners come to Nigeria. When they come they don’t want to leave. We exude love, we give love and we truly love, and that is why Nigeria ticks.

What we need is patience. Our democracy is really improving. INEC has gotten to a point now where people are beginning to believe in it. We are beginning to build our institutions gradually. So we all need to be patient with our country. Let’s keep working at it. At the end of the day, we’ll all have cause to smile. It’s not going to be too long from now.

That’s quite reassuring. I just hope it is not going to be long from now before Nigerians can eat and feed themselves with relative ease…

Nigerians are eating and the economic downturn we are facing in Nigeria is not peculiar to Nigeria; it is worldwide. I was in New York and I saw Americans who are homeless sleeping by the side of the road. So let’s not think that this is just peculiar to the Nigerian environment. No, it is not. But in spite of our challenges, we are moving on. So we all need to join hands together to push this country in the right direction. Many countries are looking up to Nigeria. From time to time foreigners who visit Nigeria and are amazed at what they find in Nigeria ask me why Nigerians are the worst critics of their country. I often tell them that Nigerians always set a high bar for the government. This is good in some ways as it keeps government on its toes. Conversely, it creates situation whereby foreigners are scared to visit, thus limiting the flow of direct investment in the country.

How did you meet your wife?

We met when I was doing my postgraduate programme in journalism in TJI. That was in 1992. She was doing a diploma programme, so we became friends. And sometimes we sat together to discuss issues. I started noticing that we were sharing the same ideas and ideals. I noticed also that she was someone who was ambitious and found out that she was going to be a good wife.

When I told her that I had something to discuss with her, she started running away from me. But somehow, we met one day at school and I pleaded for her to hear me out; so we set a date for it and then we discussed elaborately. The rest is history. The union is blessed with wonderful kids who are doing very well, and I thank God for what He has done in our lives thus far.

My wife’s name is Tina, and from the name I coined the phrase ‘There Is No Alternative’ (TINA) after due consideration of the impact she had made in my life. She has been a very strong support system and a wonderful wife, and my very significant order. She has been what the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo called “a jewel of inestimable value.”

What’s your favourite meal?

I have two favourite meals. I have always told you that I am an “ajepako”. So I love to drink sour garri with some groundnuts in it. But my wife does not allow me to have it as much as I want. So she regulates it for me. I also love pounded yam and egusi soup. Again, my wife regulates it but anytime I have it, you will know that something special is happening to me.

How do you relax?

I play the keyboard and the conga drums. If my son was around now, we would have “jammed” for your entertainment. I also watch football. I am a Chelsea fan. I watch both local and international news. I love lawn tennis. I like to watch the grand slams. I love athletics. And then I love boxing and Ultimate Fight Championship (UFC). Then I love dancing and singing, especially reggae music.

What are your views on Nigerian politics?

The Nigerian political environment has become very vibrant. I have been to many countries where general elections have taken place and it will look like nothing is happening. This is because opposition parties have been muzzled. But look at Nigeria; the elections are in February next year and the political temperature is already rising. Our political debates are becoming more robust. Nigerians are now particular about how the politicians want to execute their programmes. So I am very excited about what is happening now.

And Mr. President has given his word that the elections will be transparent, free and credible. So I’m really proud to be a Nigerian and I hope that the politicians will play to the rules and play in accordance with the peace accord they’ve signed and also ensure that our electoral choices take precedence over their parochial political interests.

Looking at your walls, I see several awards of recognition. What do these awards mean to you?

Whenever I am given any award, it serves as a catalyst for me to continue to give my best in the service of humanity. Every award that I get spurs me on to give my best; to continue to show passion in whatever I am doing; to continue to uplift people. I want to inform you that I am a He-for-She Diplomatist. What does that mean? I feel that women should be elevated and given the space to thrive. If you observe every country that is thriving, you will see that women are given opportunities to excel. In our little way, we have some girls under our scholarship scheme. When you train a girl, you train the whole community. That’s why I want to enjoin our distinguished presidential candidates to ensure that in the next dispensation they

should improve on what Mr. President has entrenched by giving more political positions to women. In our country, women are more passionate than men in what they do. So let’s give them the opportunity to excel. When they excel, the country itself will excel.

If you were not in the Foreign Service, what else would you have done?

I would have been a journalist. That was why I went to do my postgraduate studies in journalism. I had two ambitions in life. The first was to be a diplomat and the second was to be a journalist. So it was while I was at the tail end of my journalism studies that the vacancies were declared by the Federal Civil Service Commission for positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was fortunate to have been selected. And also,  you know, by virtue of my performance at the journalism school, being the best postgraduate student of that year, I was given automatic employment by the then Daily Times of Nigeria. So I got employed into the two professions I wanted same time. So, I had to choose Diplomacy in line with my first preference.

The diplomat and journalist speak for the interest of the people. Can we therefore infer that it is the passion you have for your people and your country that influenced your choice of profession?

Absolutely! Passion for the country was an underlying factor. As a Nigerian diplomat, I am a Nigerian “soldier” in my own right. My method is to jaw-jaw and discuss issues that are in consonance with the interest and territorial integrity of my country. I think the same goes with the journalist. A journalist’s weapon is the pen, and as they say, the pen is mightier than the sword. But what does he do with the pen? He uses the pen to better the lot of his country and the lot of his citizens. So, both professions are similar.

After your service to your fatherland, what do you hope to do?

First, I want to serve God more because He has been very kind to me. I still want to continue to impact society. Like I said earlier, I already have a pet project where we have a few girls under our scholarship scheme. But when I retire, I want to expand it because I am very passionate about girl child education. So I am going to expand that project to ensure that I get as many girls into our scheme. Hopefully God will provide the capital to fund the project. But I am determined and I know that wherever determination and God’s prayer exist, failure can never dismantle success. Finally, I want to read a lot of books that I have bought that I have not found time to read.

What is your philosophy of life?

Live, love and laugh.

Can you share a word for the “japa” people?

For the ‘japa’ people, I want to tell them that it is not greener on the other side. What normally happens is that you see Nigerians who are outside the country visit the country and give the impression of living in opulence whereas they struggle to make ends meet in their foreign abode. Some of them will come with fake accent. That is not to say that we don’t have Nigerians that are doing well outside. But I’ve come across so many Nigerians who are not doing well. And some of them will want to return home but they cannot return because of the shame that is involved.

So, I want to tell people who want to ‘japa’ that it is not green out there. Even the resources that have been put together for you to ‘japa’ can be used to set up little business. Nigeria is still a virgin economy with a lot of opportunities, so before you decide to leave, check out your skills and see how you can apply them in this country. If you go to America without valid documents, you will spend about 10 years of your life trying to validate your stay before you can start finding your footing. During this period you cannot get a decent job, but will only find menial jobs that you won’t do in Nigeria.

What will be your passing shot?

Well, I want to use this opportunity to thank God for what he has done in my life. Also to thank Nigeria. I am very proud to be a Nigerian and I know in my heart of heart that Nigeria is a great country. I have travelled round the world, I have not seen a country like Nigeria and the beautiful people that make up Nigeria. So I want to thank them.

I want to thank the government of President Muhammadu Buhari for deeming it fit to appoint me as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United Nations. That was a very huge responsibility. It goes with a lot of assurance that the person being appointed will be able to deliver for the country. So, I want to thank Mr. President very profusely for giving me the opportunity. And I’m happy that we contributed our quota to the successes that we achieved at the United Nations. I must also not forget my Ministers and my dear wife for giving the much-needed support.