Tina Ndidi Ugo a certified fashion entrepreneur, interior designer, travel consultant, business coach, life coach, photographer and a Blogger. She tells Omolara Akintoyeher favourites
Lecturer: Hey ! you girl tell me, what is your name?
Student: My name is Bimbo.. Bimbo Owoyemi.
Lecturer: You failed my test, you failed my exam.But if you want to
pass you know what to do.
Student: Excuse me sir, I don’t know what to do…
Lecturer: I will tell your mummy and I will tell your daddy, you
no wan give me pomo, I be Mr. Lecturer, I will fail your papers.
REMEMBER the above song by sensational Nigerian Hip-hop singer, Eedris Abdulkareem? It was a song that hit the music waves, and if you ask me, it really sold well. The song was, in a nutshell, trying to conceptualise the goings-on on our campuses. In that particular track Eedris tried to portray that when it comes to sexual harassment on campuses, the lecturers are culpable. I don’t know the actual reactions to this song, but in a bid to balance the equation, I believe Eedris quickly did a follow-up to this song.This time he portrayed the student as the sexual harasser.
In my time in school it was the lecturers that were doing the chasing. They harassed the living daylight out of some of us. I recall vividly the experience of one of my very close friends, way back then. This particular lecturer that took us in photography vowed that he must sleep with my friend, otherwise he would fail not only his target but even her close friends, yours truly included. Our endless pleas to him fell on his deaf ear. He insisted on having his way even if it meant the last thing he would do.
To make good his threat he started scoring my friend below her normal merits. And as if that was not bad enough his fellow lecturers joined him in this personal vendetta,dealing terribly with my friend. For every test of 20 marks, my friend would score two. Even the ones we spent endless nights preparing for, it was the same outcome.
We had resigned to fate only to notice a dramatic change in Mr. Lecturer.He became friendly with us. He smiled more and joked more with us even when we could not fathom what the change was all about. My friend was quick to put us out of our misery. She invited us all to lunch and opened up on what we all had dreaded over the years
“You remember the weekend I told you, ladies,that I was going to Benin to see my parents?” she began,asking no one in particular.
“Well, I lied. I spent the weekend with Mr. A.”
For the first time in my adult life, I felt speechless.
Before any of us could pick up our dropped jaws, she continued as if she wanted to get it all out of her.
Summary of it all is that my friend decided to be the fall guy, or is it fall-lady now, for us all. She felt that since all he wanted was to sleep with her then he could have her. We felt terrible, we felt violated.
Till date, the scar of that incident has refused to leave us.We feel like crying whenever we recall the harassment. My friend has since moved on with her life.She has a good husband and a child, and I believe they are living happily.
Anyway, that was then, and this is now. Things have changed drastically. It is the students that are now sexually harassing their lecturers. Indecent dressing, for now can be considered stale news. Female students are getting more daring .
I heard of a recent occurrence in a popular campus in Lagos where a female student locked up her lecturer in his own office; pulled down her undies after neatly tucking the key into her brassiere! I will spare you the details of how that particular incident ended ,but sadly that is what we have today.
Some students simply refuse to study. They are pre-occupied with looking for shortcuts to success and that is why graduates today cannot even begin to defend their certificates. How can they? When they either bought their way out or slept their way through. There are cases of ambitious students who aspire to have the best grades, but also want to have a good time while on campus. Such students then begin to run after lecturers.The desperate ones decide to sleep their way through it that is what will get them second class upper or even first class.
There have also been cases of pretty ladies harassing lecturers with their flirtatious and lecherous glances. I heard that some even offer to give it to them right there on their office tables! How sad, condemnable and cheap. Why one earth would anybody want to get a certificate they don’t deserve?
Do not, for any reason, be intimidated by this set of people. Just challenge them to a debate or discussion especially on happenings around us, and watch how they expose their lack of education.
My thesis is that there should be an anti-sexual harassment policy in place in all schools of higher learning. Offenders should be brought to book to deter others or would-be offenders; I feel also that this could restore sanity in our tertiry institutions.
For the relentless predators, please be careful not to victimize the aging male lecturers who may be enticed by your escapades since you obviously want to have it both ways – good grades, little effort.
Kiibati Bankole, a software developer-turned-entertainer, speaks to DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI on why she left her strict pastor parents to purrsue her dreams, and why she created the platform Merrybet Celebrity Fans Challenge, among other interesting issues. Enjoy
HAT was it like being a software developer at age 17?
It was incredible. So much fun. It gave me exposure and helped me establish connections globally. I felt alive for the first time in my young restricted life. The world of Information Technology opened my eyes in incredible ways. You can say I grew up.
When did the passion for the brand you have become start?
It started when I got my first taste of football punditry at the age of 20 after a chance encounter with prominent sports broadcaster and journalist Godwin Dudu-Orumen at a popular football viewing centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
He overheard me debating football with my friends, and was blown away. He gave me his card and asked me to come to his studio in Surulere the following week to give sports TV presentation a try.
I did and was stunned by the ease and comfort with which I executed my scripts and how good and comfortable I looked and sounded on screen.
I haven’t looked back since then. Sports entertainment has been my passion and in Merrybet Celebrity Fans Challenge, I have built a platform that has cleverly merged the worlds of football and music in exciting fashion.
What were the challenges faced being in a male dominated field?
Not many. My doggedness and ambitious nature have helped me conquer most obstacles.
Sports is assumed to be a man’s game, how do you react, when people tell you this?
Haha! I believe the world is slowly but surely moving on from these gender stereotypes. Moreover, sporting legends and fighters like Serena Willians, Megan Rapinoe and others are fast changing people’s perspectives on gender in sports.
The day I decided to start freelancing and establish my production company. Being my own boss was tough initially, but it’s been the best decision I have ever made.
How did you come about the Merrybet Celebrity Fans Challenge?
It started off as a football gameshow between football fans on TV and radio. I then realized that over 70% of Nigerian celebrities are football fans too. This inspired me to create a platform for them to express their passion in front of their fans.
Putting together celebrities can be a hard job, how do you make this a success running for over five years now?
Yes, it is tough. But I am extremely passionate about what I do. Passion drives me. But right now, my focus is on Merrybet Celebrity Fans Challenge that will hold on December 7. The event will be headlined by Naira Marley and Burna Boy. It will be the biggest edition of the event yet and I am excited.
Dealing with celebrities they say can be frustrating. What’s your own experience?
Haha! It depends on the celebrity in question. I have very pleasant and highly productive relationships with several stars. You can’t however, be friends with everyone.
Share you childhood experience with us?
My childhood was stressful; I’ve got to be honest. Growing up in a Christian home with very strict parents, both of whom are pastors, was no fun. My siblings and I weren’t allowed to watch TV, wear jewelry, make up or fix our hair artificially, we were barely allowed to keep friends or visit them. It was depressing. I used to hate my dad, but we’re best buddies now.
How did you convince your parents to allow you pursue those dream coming from a strict Christian home?
I didn’t really do much convincing. I just left home and pursued my dreams.
My parents want what’s best for me. They understand the trend and are proud of what I have achieved. I appreciate their love and prayers.
Tell us, is your career, one of the reasons you are still single?
Haha! Relationships are tough to keep without nurture, and nurturing relationships is hard with my workload. But I do my best.
Being in a world of men, you must have seen all sorts. Any plans to walk down the aisle soon?
No.
Why entertainment?
Honestly, I had no plans to go into entertainment earlier in life. I wanted to be a lawyer but I became a software developer in my teens. I would say I ventured into show business by accident after an encounter with a prominent television personality who put me on air as a result of my love for sports.
I, thereafter, discovered my talent for public speaking and production. So, the full venture became a reality when I took it up professionally and the experience has been awesome and I am proud to be one of the popular entertainers in the industry.
After establishing himself as one of the pioneers of Nigeria’s hip hop music industry, Zaaki Azzay is now into giving back to the society by honouring Nigerians with the True Nigerians Award. In this interview with MORENIKEJI ALALADE and CAROLINE OCHEKWU, Zaaki shares his early beginning, what he is up to and why he wants to reward outstanding Nigerians. Excerpts
WHAT has Zaaki Azzay been up to?
Well I actually started a TV programme called ‘True Nigerians: Heroes of Our Time’ and I guess I was carried away and I didn’t know that it’s tasking to have a TV programme like that. l have no intention at all to retire or quit from the music industry. I still had performances within Nigeria and outside the country. But at the same time I was very busy with my T.V programme and my events every year. So that kind of diverted my attention and took a lot of my time, but now that the T.V programme is well-known, the event is well known, is accepted, I am stable now. The last song I did was three years ago. So, from now on there would be every song, every year, just like I have a new song I am about to release now, it’s already out on the social media but very soon it will be on T.V, because I will have a video for it.
What informed the programme, True Nigeria?
Well, I just thought that everybody should contribute to Nigeria as a country. For some of us like me, l love Nigeria passionately. I love Nigeria even more when I travel outside Nigeria. You know, I see the opportunities we have, I see our potentials, I see our diversity, I see our unity, I see our togetherness. You know it’s not like in other countries where everybody is ‘mind your business.’ In as much as we have our differences, in Nigeria, if you are driving on the road now and God forbid anything happens to you, you will see how everybody will give you attention immediately. So, I love Nigeria with a passion. Everybody would have expected that I should start a music programme or something, since I am an entertainer but I just think that I should do something for Nigeria. I have been successful in the entertainment industry and without Nigeria I won’t have a platform to even be successful in the first place. So, I decided that we should always try and celebrate Nigerians who have done well if we want to correct the ills in our society. That way, we will be able to encourage the young ones to also do the right thing. And honestly from my T.V programme, I have learnt a lot. It has made me a better person just by talking to these great men and women who have achieved.
The True Nigerian programme is very encouraging but what are some things that you’ve encountered that make you think we have more work to do?
Well, there are two major things for me now that’s a major concern. You know, I have had cases to also visit the IDP camps and there, the issue of rape becomes a major concern for me. I really think that the way and manner, of which we handle cases of rape in Nigeria is really not nice. Honestly, I think people who commit that crime should be severely dealt with openly. When you catch a yahoo fraudster, you know, you should display him. Same way if you catch a rapist. Even if you are just a suspect, they should celebrate you negatively. Everybody should know that you attempted rape or you have raped somebody. It should be a stain. It’s not fair that a 10-year old girl is giving birth to a baby, out of rape. It has become something that I think we should look into seriously. I hear of cases how people report to the police station and the police laugh about it and say, ‘wetin carry you go him house.’ I mean, that’s not fair.
The second thing that bothers me right now is the fact that the fraudsters and Yahoo boys are trying to spoil the music industry. They are now using music to cover up for their yahoo deals.
Refresh us on how you started in the entertainment industry
My first song came out around November 1993. I used to mime to songs a lot in Kaduna as a very young guy. I mimed to Michael Jackson, KC and the Sunshine band and all that. So one day in Kaduna, I watched Sunny Ade performing somewhere abroad. I was very happy but I was very angry. I felt bad. I felt I was a local champion. So, why can’t I be like Sunny Ade? Why can’t I even come to Lagos? So, I started trying to come to Lagos but I was too young. I should be around 15 at that time. My parents, everybody were against it. Well, eventually I ran away from home. I came to live with my brother who was a Major in the Army in Dodan Barracks in those days. He died in a plane crash that killed those officers. He immediately called my parents to tell them that I was with him, they should just allow me do what I wanted. My major obstacle then was that they would not accept hip hop music in Nigeria at that time because all the big top notch musicians were doing reggae, dance hall – people like Blackie, Daniel Wilson, Majek Fashek, Mandators. I think it was a lady called Tolu Gaye at E.M.I Records that eventually had mercy on me after all the frustration and said, ‘OK let’s see what you have.’ That’s after she heard a rap version that I did of Onyeka Onwenu’s ‘One Love.’ When they now gave me the opportunity to record the songs, I now did my Hausa hip hop thing, gave her the Onyeka song that she wanted and eventually I won, because when the songs came out, the ‘One Love’ that they were thinking will be their hit wasn’t the hit. It was the Hausa hip hop and the rap.
Apart from being an entertainer, what other thing do you?
Well, I like to do charity, but it’s not the kind of charity that you announce, most people will take camera, go and give things, show the world that they are giving. But I really like to give. Giving is good. I like to make things happen for people. I am passionate about connecting people to people.
What actually brought the idea of your black and white cap and the torch?
In those days when I started, if you check, I had my torch from the beginning, but there was no cap in the first video. After that first hip hop song, hip hop started gaining grounds in Nigeria and I think the next year or the next two years or so, saw musicians that were very hot in America then called Naughty by Nature come to Nigeria. So, we became friends. They were in my car. I was taking them round and we had a lot of discussion. They were telling me that, you know they feel very embarrassed when they hear Africans trying to sound like them. That they don’t like it when we rap like them or try to sing like them. You know, they call themselves African American. They are proud of Africa, they like to hear us rap with an accent, sing in our own way. You know, with all that, I said okay, that means going back to the roots is the right thing. Since I am from Benue State, let me also do something traditional – no matter how Western I dress at least, my traditional cap should be on my head. That’s how the black and white cap started.
When you catch a yahoo fraudster, you know, you should display him. Same way if you catch a rapist
So for the torch?
Like I said when I was starting, there was no hip hop in Nigeria. That what happening, even when the E.M.I people sponsored me and gave money, they warned me that make sure this thing comes out a hit ooo. If it doesn’t come out a hit, you have to pay back blah! blah! blah!. So while I was recording in Kingsley Ogoro studio in those days, I was praying to God that please help me and all that. And the security man kept an old torch light in the studio. In my mind, I was saying, ‘God make me famous, make me rich, you know do not let me fail.’ So I went to the torch light, grabbed the torch light and said ‘this is a covenant that I am making with you, that if you make me rich and famous, I promise never to derail, to constantly and permanently acknowledged you and light and darkness can never meet. So, I will be light in everything, I will be positive.’ So, holding the torchlight reminds me never to derail, to keep my own part of the covenant.
The Tivs and the Idomas who are meant to be together in Benue seem to be at loggerheads. Does it bother you?
It’s also something I have been trying to tackle over the years. The truth is that the problem is from our politicians, they started it and instead of keeping it to theirselves, they kind of extended it to the young ones. But I am saying that, whatever situation we find ourselves in Benue state, wherever we are today, the people who have been leading us, as our political leaders in Benue state, are the ones responsible for any situation we find ourselves in terms of our dilapidated roads, in terms of security in Benue state and every other thing, if you ask me.
LAST week, we beamed the searchlight on celebrities who have major side hustles. This week, we shall be focusing on the second part of what big-time coolest and dandiest celebs do in their spare time.
These superstars belong to the rare class of celebs who have mastered the art of operating in two or three worlds and doing so successfully. They are jacks of all trades and masters of all.
Simply Saka (Lecturer)
Nigerian comic superstarz Afeez Oyetoro, popularly known as Saka, is also a well regarded academic in his field of theatre arts. Although he has been acting for years, his first big endorsement deal was with telecoms giant MTN. He has since notched other deals. He is currently a lecturer in the department of Theatre Art at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Lagos.
Kate Henshaw (Politician & fitness expert)
Kate Henshaw is a Nollywood success story on many fronts. She shot to fame as a model,and then grew her brand with major television and film roles. She later ventured into fitness training and had a big launch for her fitness DVD, Kate Fit For Life. The DVD proved a hit and it earned her a distribution deal with a US-based Media Company.
Mercy Aigbe (Mag Divas)
Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, is a popular and accomplished brand within the industry. But Mercy is also a successful businesswoman. She owns ‘Mag Divas” boutique.
Nollywood actor, Osita Iheme, widely known as Pawpaw, has his name in the credits of several of Nollywood’s greatest comedies. Iheme is also in the hospitality business. He owns a magnificent hotel in Owerri, Imo State.
Odunlade Adekola (Business)
Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola, is a jack of all trades and master of all. Adekola is unarguably Nollywood’s Yoruba movie’s rave of the moment. He’s appeared in nearly all the biggest movies in that sector of the industry. Adekola has also made inroads into the English sub-genre and is doing well. Besides these, he is a businessman who is involved in media production, brand management and he also owns a unisex salon and boutique in Abeokuta.
Chika Ike (Boutique)
Nollywood actress, television personality, producer, philanthropist and former model, besides being an actress, Chika Ike, has her hands in several pies — real estate, beauty store and boutiques.
Iyabo Ojo (Spa, salon, restaurant & lounge)
Nollywood actress, director, and producer, Iyabo Ojo, runs a well-known chain of businesses under the name, FESPRIS World.
Nwankwo Kanu (Water, hospitality, real estate, photography, oil & gas)
Ex-Super Eagles player and one of Nigeria’s greatest footballers, Nwankwo Kanu, is reputed to own a water bottling company (Kanu Water) and a popular luxurious apartment complex in Victoria Island. Kanu also has interests in an an oil & gas company, and a photo and video editing studio.
Nollywood actress, Empress Njamah, owns a shoe line and operates a boutique (House of Empress).
Bisi Ibidapo-Obe (Lingerie and sex toys shop)
Actress Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, pupolarly known as Bisi ‘Omo Logba Logba’, owns a lingerie and sex toys shop located in Magodo.
Toke Makinwa (Handbag & skin care line)
Nigerian radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur and author, Toke Makinwa, in 2017, launched a handbag line under her eponymous label, Toke Makinwa Luxury. She also launched a skincare product called Glow by TM in 2018.
Toolz (Lingerie line)
On-Air Personality, Tolu Oniru-Demuren, popularly known as Toolz, launched her lingerie and shapewear line in 2018.
Sexy Steel (Clothing label)
Abbey Chile Abuede, professionally known as Sexy Steel, is a Nigerian designer, stylist, actor, musician, and entrepreneur. He runs a fashion label, Needles and Stitches.
Immaculate (Diesel)
We learnt MTN Project Fame alumnus, stunning vocal sensation, Immaculate Patience Edache, fondly called Immaculate Dache, runs a diesel supply business.
Sound Sultan (Clothing line)
Nigerian rapper, singer-songwriter, actor, comedian and recording artist, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, owns a fashion label, Naija Ninjas.
Lizzy Anjorin (Clothing line & real estate)
Star actress and movie producer, Liz Anjorin, run a real estate business, designs and sell clothes.
Toyin Abraham (Herbal store)
Nollywood actress, filmmaker, director and producer, Toyin Abraham, said her rough journey towards conception was what opened her eyes to the wonders in local herbs and foods. She launched Toyin’s Herbal after the recent birth of her son, Ire.
RABIU Abdullahi Umar, Dangote Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, moved up during the week. The certified ISO auditor and graduate of the Harvard Business School, and certified financial analyst, joined the prestigious board of Pearl Awards Nigeria.
From the look of things, it is expected that Rabiu will make a big impression in Pearl Awards Board, which has remained known for its rewarding operational excellence and outstanding performance on the nation’s Capital Market.
Rabiu Umar’s induction into PEARL Awards Board of Governors took place at Lead Capital Group office in Lagos and in attendance were the Chairman of the Board, Dr Faruk Umar; Mr Tayo Orekoya, President/CEO, PEARL Awards Nigeria; Chief Mrs. Nike Akande, Past President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Femi Awoyemi, Founder/CEO, Proshare Nigeria Limited; Prince Abimbola Olashore, President, Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers and Lekan Adekoya, Board Secretary Pearl Awards Nigeria.
In his speech at the event, the Board Chairman, Dr. Faruk Umar, expressed delight that Rabiu Umar was joining the board at a most auspicious time being the threshold of the Awards Project’s landmark 25th year edition, introduction of reforms into its criteria and at a time Pearl Awards is projecting the Awards to go continental.
Mr. Tayo Orekoya, President/CEO Pearl Awards, welcomed Rabiu on board and extolled his virtues as a first class professional whom he believes will positively complement the current board with enhanced dynamism.
He restated that “the Awards Project is committed to, and will continue to reinvigorate its processes, systems and leadership at all levels thereby complementing the efforts of other stakeholders towards the restoration of investors’ confidence and the deepening of the market that will ensure recovery, stability and sustainable growth of our capital market”.
HISTORY will be made tomorrow, as Lion Ololade Adewunmi is officially presented as the 15th President of Lagos Central Lions Club.Adwunmi just like her husband, started out in Lions Club early as a young Leo and grew through the club ranks to get to her present status.
According to our source, the occasion which will take place at Sapphire Hall, Our Place Complex, Ikeja, Lagos, will have in attendance, the who is who in Lions Club this side of the globe.
STYLISH lawyer and ageless former beauty queen, Helen Prest-Ajayi, is stepping out to town next month to do what she knows best how to do. Helen whose outing is usually characterised by grace and charm, will be the guest speaker at this year’s Miss Hotlegs Nigeria 2019 Grand Finale on December 8 in Lekki after having taken the pageant’s Masterclass Session on December 5..
We understand that she will be speaking and teaching on pageant etiquette and general pageant tips, which by implication, means that this year’s Miss Hotlegs will be a Coronation Ball.
According to British-born Nigerian organiser of the beauty pageant, Mosy O’Ginni, the choice of Helen Prest-Ajayi as the Masterclass guest speaker, is as a result of her antecedents in time past.
“Miss Hotlegs Nigeria has always attracted the movers and shakers of the entertainment industry. This year’s event is the fairytale edition, which promises to be a fun-filled evening packed with good music, comedy and lots of side attractions. And we know that the best way to kick-start such an high brow pageant is a Masterclass adorned with the personality of a well acclaimed former beauty queen which Helen Prest-Ajayi perfectly fits into,” said Mosy O’Ginny.
Helen was born in Lagos in 1959. She is a graduate of the Universities of Ife (OAU), Ile-Ife and Kings College (London) where she obtained the degrees of L.L.B and L.L.M respectively, thereafter she practised law for over 15 years with the law firm of Kalejaiye, Prest Ogbogbo and H.P Davies & Co, after which she left practice to pursue other passions.
For over three decades, Helen has lent her name, time, energy and presence to a large number of charitable causes among, which is the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria and Partners for Excellence in Education (PEEL), in which she serves as a trustee. And in recent years, he has thrown her weight behind Miss Hotlegs Nigeria, which originated from the United Kingdom some years ago.
Since Saturday, November 2, the Enogie of Ogan community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State, HRH George Igbinovia, has been living like a fugitive in Benin City, the state capital. He fled his domain following protests by his subjects over the killing of one Aghahowa Pulley by some soldiers allegedly invited by him and some of his children. His palace was also razed by the irate youths.
Besides the palace, other buildings and vehicles belonging to the traditional ruler’s children were also burnt. Some residents, who fled the community for fear of arrest by security agents, are yet to return home.
The crisis in Ogan community was said to have been caused by the proceeds from the burrow pit owned by the community but operated by some of the sons of the embattled traditional ruler under the name of Patuyi Global Service Limited.
Checks showed that Patuyi Global Services was given the right to prospect and excavate sand at the pit, while a sharing formula was worked out in November, 2010. The sharing formula was for the managers to collect 66 per cent, while the Enogie would get 20 per cent, his children five per cent and sons and daughters of Ogan community 13 per cent. The money was to be received from the fee each lorry paid to the community for a load of sand.
In 2018, crisis had ensued in the community when some youths, backed by some of the Enogie’s children, demanded explanation regarding the operation of the pit and the sharing formula of the proceeds. It was gathered that the youths were peeved when the 13 per cent that was supposed to be paid to the community’s coffers was not found. The money was calculated to have amounted to over N141 million. What further fuelled the youths’ anger was that the operators of the pit, who are children of the Enogie, allegedly told them that the pit was still being test run and their operation had suffered a setback over the kidnapping of the director.
At another meeting held on December 23, 2018, the community’s elders requested the burrow pit operators to pay the community the sum of N70 million, while they (Patuyi) continued with the sand excavation.
He said I should die for him to take over the rulership of the community. He brought all the youths and I told him to wait for his time. He never allowed me to rest. My house has now been burnt… I have spent 34 years on the throne. Daniel said I am now using his time. I told him I cannot kill myself until God says so. Daniel and Matthew would not allow me to rest.
Trouble reared its head again when in October 2019, the Ogan elders and youths resolved to sack Patuyi Global Services for reneging on the agreement on the backlog of money accruing to the community. They picked two youths each from all the quarters in the community to operate the pit to ascertain whether the place was yielding money or not.
Speaking with newsmen in Benin City, HRH Igbinovia, who said he is over 90 years old, blamed his heir apparent, Daniel, as the person responsible for the revolt against him in his domain.
He claimed that his eldest son has been asking why he is still alive.
He said: “He said I should die for him to take over the rulership of the community. He brought all the youths and I told him to wait for his time. He never allowed me to rest. My house has now been burnt.
“Since my wife died four years ago, it was my children that were taking care of me and their houses have been destroyed. My two cars and my son’s car were burnt.
“On Saturday, a few minutes to six, I saw soldiers in the community. They drove to my compound. They said they heard there was trouble in the community and that was what they came to confirm. I sent my son, Wilson, to go with them. Later, l heard gunshots by the Ogan youths.
“I have spent 34 years on the throne. Daniel said I am now using his time. I told him I cannot kill myself until God says so. Daniel and Matthew would not allow me to rest.”
“It was not Wilson that brought the soldiers. They came on their own to confirm whether there was trouble in the community. They came to check if there was riot in the community. They have destroyed many things in the riot. It was my son who instigated the youths to trouble me.
“Government is aware of this problem. I don’t have any house again. Daniel cannot say I relegated him for his younger brothers. He attends community meetings. Since 30th of September, he has stopped some meetings. He has not become Enogie and he has been lying.
“There was one N15million brought by a gas company. He collected the money and paid it into his account. The community said it was wrong of him since I was still alive.”
Peter Ugiagbe, one of Ogan sons, said the allegations levelled by the Enogie were not true. He listed the Enogie’s sons operating the pit to include Patrick, Efe and Uyi.
He said: “We follow due process in whatever we do. When the issue of this burrow pit came up, we wrote a letter to the Enogie over the sharing formula, which was written by the Enogie and Ogan community. There was a percentage which ought to be given to Ogan sons and daughters in the ratio of 13 percent to all. Five percent to the children of the Enogie.
“For 10 years, the Enogie children, under Pat-Uyi Global Services, have been excavating sand from the pit. They reneged on their part in the payment of 13 per cent accruing to us. He bluntly refused to give us the money. We wrote to the community.
“In the resolution, it was agreed that the pit belonged to Ogan community and not any individual. Enogie is not the owner. He is only the custodian of whatever is in the community.
HRH George Igbinovia
“We petitioned the AIG Zone 5 to enable us recover the sum of N171,360,000. That is the money due to us. The case is still with the AIG. The community met and attempted to broker peace. In the peace arrangement, it was agreed that the Enogie’s children should refund N70 million. They are yet to pay the money.
“We later held a meeting at the Ogan Town Hall and it was resolved that the community takes ownership of the pit. Agreement was reached and signed by all the elders of the community. It was based on this that the seven quarters that make up Ogan community would produce two persons each to work in the sand pit in a routine manner.
“We took possession of the pit. As we were there working, we heard that the Enogie and his sons were bringing soldiers to the community. The Crown Prince went to the 4 Brigade to ask why soldiers were deployed in the community. It was there we heard that the soldiers had started operation.
“Wilson pointed out Agharuwa Pulley who was shot dead by the soldiers who later fled. The community got provoked and they paraded the community with the corpse.
Another youth, Mr. Julius Agbonze, son of Odionwere of Alohonba quarters, said since 2010, they had not received a dime from Patuyi.
He said: “Last year, we agitated and they calmed us down. Since December last year, we have not received one kobo. We wrote to the palace to know where the money was paid into and they told us they have been test running the burrow pit for the past 10 years. We went and shut the place down.
“The Enobore of Ogan invited us for a meeting; we asked them for our money and nothing was said about it. The Enobore said the community would take over the operation of the pit to know if it is true that nothing was coming in from the pit. The Enogie agreed to the settlement.
“Two days later, they brought soldiers and they started shooting. Someone came out of the soldiers’ Hilux vehicle and pointed at Aghahowa, who was shot four times. Prince Daniel never said he would overthrow his father. Each time he goes into the palace, the other sons will beat him up.
On his part, Prince Daniel Igbinovia denied plotting his father’s death so that he could ascend the throne.
He said: “There was never a time I tried to kill my father. My father never wanted me around him. He was married to three wives. I am the eldest son. Ever since he married the second wife who gave birth to Wilson, Efe and Patrick, my mother never had peace in the house. She was always beaten up by my father.
“My mother later ran away because of the domestic violence. My father took another wife who later raised me. I never knew my mother until I was in form five. I was in the classroom when the principal sent for me. It was in his office the principal asked if I had ever seen my mother. My mother came in and started crying.
“I have been tortured by my father for more than 44 years. I spent 20 years in the United States and came back. Each time I go to the village, my half-brothers will start harassing me. I don’t care because I know they are my younger ones.
“A company once came and my half-brother signed in my place. It was when the youths rebelled that he came to me. It was when they brought the MOU that I saw that he signed in my column. The things they were supposed to leave for the community were monetised and the money was never seen.
“My father does not want to see any one of us. Those tears you see on his face are not real.
“It is a lie that I collected money on behalf of the community. It is not possible for me to tell my father to die. If he lives long, that is a precedent that I will live longer than him. The community’s youths respect me because I believe in equity. His other children never allowed my father to do the right thing.
“It is not my making that I am the crown prince. It is divine. I always tell my father to talk about morals. If he were not an Enogie, am I not still his first son? The Wilson he is projecting is the fifth son and ninth child. I never liked violence.
“This incident is unfortunate. I didn’t have control over it. I know the truth must prevail. The community owns the property; let them have a share, they said no, and that is greed.
“How could I be happy that burnt the palace? What about the things burnt that could not be recovered? My half-brothers have been boasting that I should see if I would become the Enogie. Their intention is for the Enogieship to end with our father since they cannot get it.”
Dear Ma, My boyfriend and I have been dating in the last six months and it’s been going well as he has even showed interest in marrying me but he wants sex now and I’m determined to keep my virginity till my wedding night. I love him so much and I don’t want to lose him. Please advise me ma.
Fatima, 18
Darling Fatima,
From our previous chat, I realised you are not even in the higher institution and in fact still looking for admission! How then can you allow your heart to be consumed by thoughts of your boyfriend leaving you if you don’t engage in sexual intercourse with him? Honestly, I’m shaking my head but can’t quite blame you because of the world’s depravity and lack of enough minding and mentoring on prioritising your life and issues of sex by those who have an influence on you! I’d like to ask a few questions-
What makes you think you’d still be together in the next three months even if you begin giving him all the sex in the world?
Who tells you he’s the right person to spend the rest of your life with?
Who says you’d ever want to be seen with him by this time next year or by the time you gain admission into the higher institution, get exposed to more people from different backgrounds and orientation and have a change of thought about people?
What convinces you he would ever marry you even if he tells you every now and then that he can’t live without you?
There are too many questions begging for answers but you see, whether you know what’s good for you or not- RUN, RUN, RUN AWAY FROM THIS GUY! It’s obvious he might even deflower you at your next meeting because you’re very much in love with him! Once he does, TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT, YOUR LIFE CAN NEVER REMAIN THE SAME AGAIN! You may please Google the first part of this article to find out why!
I’d like to share a most touching poem by Tanimonure Richards Adewale
THE VIRTUE
A girl is a map of a heaven
journeyed from two tender gates,
down and over two tender hills,
deeper down a luscious forest
where fires lie asleep deep
behind a powerless sheet.
God once lived in that cave
where satan hungry in boxers
wandered to and fro with moans
useless as a goliath ‘NO!’
Of girls gleaming with bright pride,
a virtue as a priceless grand prize.
But God has left the forest;
God again, is not under the thighs.
God is now a criminal padlock;
a big lie; archaic slavery of pleasures.
God is a stupidity pride that must be killed;
Yes! God in this age no longer exist!
But i hear the cries of broken hearts;
I hear the loud laments of destroyed trust;
I see rivers run the pain of stolen emotions,
battered in mockery of teeth,
spat flat out, a wretched chewed gum!
I ask God why, why, and why;
God said with a painful sigh,
“the garden of eden lost its glory
when girls tossed me out, a useless history.
Boys are now holier than God;
boys are the truth; God is not.
So let them wail the cries of broken heart;
let them writhe the pain of destroyed trust;
let them run a dark sea of stolen emotions;
my forgiveness heals when I am called.
But tell yourself and the rest,
a seed does not die; a seed arise!
The cracking teeth of a silent future
Wailing, the cries of a broken daughter,
lamenting loud, a destroyed sister,
running the sea of a virtue gone wild
as an inferno of lust, reckless sex toy.”
Hmm…girls…girls…girls, ISN’T THE ABOVE SO TRUE? What hurts the most is you are usually at the receiving end especially in a patriarchal society as this and to worsen matters; you all are going to be responsible for the sanity and sanctity of the future society! Is the world not going to be in trouble if you don’t change your ways, receive some sense and talk to your bodies? What type of children would you birth if your wombs are still intact and what would you teach them? Indeed, these are the end times. Believe me, even if you have slept with all the men in the world, it’s in your best interest to retrace your steps, retrace your steps, retrace your steps and enjoy heaven on earth and eternity in paradise not in hell fire!!!
I invite you to follow me on Facebook –TEMILOLU OKEOWO Instagram @ Okeowo Temilolu.
For our sisters in captivity
The voice of God that shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh and discovereth the forests, roar at the enemies of Nigeria and release Chibok and Dapchi girls in Jesus name. Amen.
FINAL WORD
Chastity does not belong to the past. It saves you a lot of trouble, preserves your beautiful destiny and stands you out from the crowd. You are better off not engaging in pre-marital and extra-marital sex. Stay chaste!
Evangelist Temilolu O. Okeowo is the founder and Head girl of The Girls Apostolic Ministry of All Nations, an apostolic ministry for girls in their teens and twenties, and Girls Club of Nigeria, an NGO for Nigerian girls aimed at influencing a positive change. She published her debut-book for girls – THE BEAUTY OF LIFE – as an undergraduate and has other books and publications. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003 and is a Certified Forensics Examiner.
weren’t allowed to watch TV, wear jewelry, make up or fix our hair artificially, we were barely allowed to keep friends or visit them. It was depressing. I used to hate my dad, but we’re best buddies now.
