The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Inside the world of Lagos cane ‘architects’

    Inside the world of Lagos cane ‘architects’

    It is an ancient art threatened by civilization and luxury, but traditional cane weavers in Lagos insist that their products have become luxury items. Seun Akioye, who spent time with some of them, reports

    It was an unlikely place to look for luxury, yet for 14 years, men and women dedicated to their art have turned  it into a goldmine. Here, men of high fashion and taste, those who desire quality and a bit of the unusual would flock for a piece of an art which though threatened through generations and civilization, has refused to die.

    Every morning under the Maryland Bridge, which links Ikorodu Road to Ojota, Mark Ewhleberene resumed in his office- a tiny enclosure made of plank and built closely with several others- and began his work. He is a master cane worker, a trade he learnt in 1985 when he first came to Lagos from Delta State.  In recent years, he has combined his job of making household utensils out of cane wood with that of being the chairman of Cane Weavers Association of Nigeria (CWAN), Lagos State branch.

    When The Nation met Ewhleberene, he was half way into the weaving of what he called a “walkway” pot, about two feet tall with a hollow inside which can be used to hold flowers in a hall or large office.  Watching the master weaver at work is a delight as well as a curious undertaking.  He held a water cane in his hands and with the dexterity of a’ master’ long accustomed to such delicate  and intricate exercise, he weaved the cane around a round frame he had made. At first, it did not look anywhere near the “walkway pot” he intended but after one hour, it began to take shape, a resemblance of a flower pot.

    As Ewhleberene worked, cars sped past overhead. Sometimes the heaviness of the sound of the vehicle on the bridge indicated the type of vehicle passing. There are more than 40 cane weavers working under the bridge, each one weaving similar design yet in some intricate way the works are very distinct from each other.

    The bridge where the cane weavers work is accessed through the Mende end of Maryland just by the bend where the road curves into an arch which then leads one back to Maryland. Unless one is pre-informed, it will be difficult to think that such magnificent products are being built under the bridge. The cane weaver’s shops are built side by side on each side of the open space, facing each other.

    In front of every shop is a display of exquisite artworks ranging from all household items made from cane. There are pots, baskets, hand fans, chairs, beds etc.

    The cane weavers could be found sitting in front of their shops while the cane works are in various stages of completion.  Denis Omadide was making a table; he had finished with the frame using wood and was carefully using a water cane to weave intricate designs on it.  Not far away, two boys were busy peeling the skin off a willow cane which would be used as a frame for a flower vase.

    “We used to stay around Mende before but in 2001, we moved under this bridge because we were asked to leave our former place.   Now, the bulk of our people stay under this bridge to work and the government has been kind to allow us use this place,” Ewhleberene said.

    In the beginning

    Cane architecture has always been a popular art in Nigeria but it did not get the international reputation as an exquisite work of arts until the 1980s, according to Ewhleberene.

    “It was a time Nigerians began to travel to the United Kingdom and they see how those people were using the cane and how much they appreciated it, then the value also increased here in Nigeria,” he said.

    The cane business in Lagos is generally dominated by people from the Niger Delta; this is unsurprising because the cane itself is mostly grown in the rainforests of Edo and Delta states. Though, a sizeable portion could also be found in Epe in Lagos.

    In Lagos, the earlier practitioners are those who came from the Delta and settled around Maryland after the Nigerian Civil war. They brought with them the cane architecture and began to produce simple household items and instruments for their trade like the fishing cage.

    Soon, Lagosians began to take more than a passing interest and seeing the economic potentials, the Niger Deltans began to make it in commercial quantity. “When I came to Lagos in 1985, the people I was staying with were all cane weavers and I had no choice but to join them in that business,” Ewhleberene confessed.

    Omadide who began the business about 12 years ago had a similar experience when he arrived in Lagos. He had no choice but to follow the precedence laid down by those he met in the city. Today, he has risen to become the vice chairman of the Cane Weavers Association.

    There are two basic types of cane used in weaving. The first is the water cane which is the primary cane needed for weaving, while the other is the willow cane which is stronger and bigger and can be used to form the frame of whatever product to be weaved.

    “The water cane is the most important, you can see that we first peel it, then we tear it out into tiny strands suitable for weaving and knitting and tying,” Omadide said.

    Cane is the future

    Many of the weavers believe that cane is the future of furniture. It is difficult to convince them that people may consider their art as primordial thereby unappreciated. Omadide believes that cane is perhaps the stylish fashion statement anyone can make in Nigeria today. Ewhleberene agreed with him.

    “Cane chairs are for the rich people, they use it in their offices, hotels, swimming pools and even the beach, it is a show of class. When you really want to see those who are of higher taste look at their furniture and you will find cane there,” he said.

    These cane weavers may not be boasting for nothing. For on the shelves of most of them, every conceivable item was made of cane. There was a complete set of upholstery made from cane, tables, single chairs, baby cots, kitchen equipments, baskets, dustbins and even a bed.

    “Anything you can draw, we can weave,” Omadide said.

    This was not an idle boast, a few meters from his store; Francis Djikounou was putting finishing touches to a most unusual product. A coffin! Two weeks earlier, one of his clients had requested that he made a coffin for the burial of his mother using cane. It was not the first time such a request would be made, but for Francis it was his first cane coffin.

    Francis’ coffin was not different from the wood coffins in design; however it was made from cane and grass and tightly knitted together to prevent water seeping into the body. When lifted it was not as heavy as a wood coffin. But as ingenious as this coffin was, Francis was not proud of his work.

    “I am not looking for any more customers, I don’t want to do coffin again, anything that has to do with death and coffins, I don’t want to be part of it, I don’t like the sound of death,” he said.

    “I am not a poor man”

    One may be tempted to believe that the weavers are poor and desolate men and women looking to make a meager living. Far from it, Ewhleberene said. He said that people who practice cane weaving have been able to educate their children, build houses and live comfortable lives.

    “I am not a poor man,” he insisted.

    Omadide said on the average, a weaver can make N30,000 profit in a month, now that is the worst scenario. On a good day, one makes an average of N100,000 and during festival times like Christmas when there are demands for baskets, one can  make a sale of up to N2million.

    The products too do not come cheap. An average cane pot costs between N4,000 to N5,000 while a complete set of upholstery could cost between N150,000 and N250,000.

    Cane weaving has also been beneficial to many young people too. There are some University graduates who are still involved in weaving. Many of them paid their way through school weaving cane. Odafe Otomi-Joseph is one of them. A graduate of Purchasing and Supply from The Polytechnic Ibadan, Odafe had his late father to thank for teaching him how to make a living through cane weaving.

    “I am an orphan and it was this cane weaving that saw me through school. I would make a lot of cane for people to help me to sell; as soon as that is done I will come back from school and make another set. It was a living hell living without any support for me and my siblings,” he said.

    Odafe went though “hell” to acquire education and did his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service in Taraba state in 2010.

    Government can help us

    All the cane weavers want the Lagos State government to help them in many different ways. , Ewhleberene wants the government to give them formal recognition as that would enable them access loans that would help them expand the business.

    Omadide believes that working under the bridge is undesirable. “The job is good, but working under the bridge is not a good position, the government allowed us here because we are artisans now we are pleading that the governor should find a more permanent place for us. If we find a better place, this business will grow, he said.

    Weaving cane and looking forward

    Surprisingly, despite the promising future in cane business, many of the current practitioners still crave some other businesses.   For many of them, cane weaving is not what one can do forever and after acquiring some capital it is time to move on to other things.

    Ewhleberene is still in the business because he is a cautious man. “You have to look before you leap,” he said. But in the not too distant future, he would like to go into business, buying and selling probably, this time it will not be cane.

    Omadide shared the same sentiment. “I can leave not because this job is not good but because I want to do something else,” he admitted.

    Fortune is yet to smile on Odafe, now married with two daughters. He is also dreaming of getting a paid job while he would open a showroom far from Mende where he can display his cane chairs. “Things are still tough, I want to get a university degree, but with the situation now, it is impossible. I have plans, once you get to my showroom you must buy something, I will make sure of that,” he said.

    So why would these people want to try other businesses? According to them, making money is a little slow in cane business but once you make a sale, you are guaranteed a good profit. Also, the business is seasonal with most of the sales coming towards the end of the year. “That is why I want to have a paid job so that I can survive when cane is not selling,” Odafe said.

    Ewhleberene wants Nigerians to change their perception about cane products.  “Cane chair for instance is a modern furniture, everyone is changing, Nigerians should change to cane. It is durable, strong and better that the other chairs. It can change your home for the better.”

    While Ewhleberene was doing his best selling cane to the reporter, traffic was building up overhead on the bridge. Every day, thousands of Lagosians would drive over Ewhleberene and his weavers never realizing, they probably just passed over a goldmine.

     

  • Make Nigeria a secular state, says Anglican Cleric

    Apparently disturbed by the spate of insurgency in the country and the religious connotation attached to it, the Bishop of Owo Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev James Oladunjoye has called on the federal government to declare Nigeria as a Secular State.

    Oladunjoye noted that the development would check incessant religious sentiments.

    The Bishop who gave the charge at the Second Session of the Eleventh Synod held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral Church in Owo, Ondo State stressed that late Bola Ige’s group were right in the last Constitutional Review Committee’s when they moved that Nigeria should be recognized as a Secular State.

    The Anglican Cleric noted that implementing the committee’s report, would make Nigerians to accept that the President or the State Governor could be an adherent of any religion and nobody can impose his/she religion on other people.

    He noted that the current insecurity challenge facing the country was the plan of some people to impose their religion on every Nigerian.

    Oladunjoye also said the country may only be fighting a lost battle against Boko Haram, if President Goodluck Jonathan decided not to mention names of their sponsors.

    He said some politicians were linked with the Boko Haram after 2011 general elections but are yet to be prosecuted by security agencies.

    He lamented the continuous stay of the over 200 Chibok’s girl in the hands of  the terrorist group Boko Haram wondering why the international community that had offered to help Nigeria in rescuing the girls appears helpless.

    Oladunjoye noted that if any of those in the corridors of power had their children among the

    abducted girls, they would have been moved to action.

    The Bishop observed that some of the girls would have died by now or been impregnated.

    The Anglican Bishop cautioned politicians, particularly incumbent governors and President against wasting public funds on elections in order to remain in power.

    He noted that if a political office holder has done creditably well for the masses, he did not need to spend heavily to secure another term.

  • ‘Aregbesola will win 70 per cent of the votes’

    ‘Aregbesola will win 70 per cent of the votes’

    Three days to the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, an activist and Director-General of De Raufs Volunteer Group, which is championing the ideals and reelection bid of Governor Rauf Aregbesola is confident that the governor will get another four-year term. He spoke with ADEKUNLE YUSUF.

    Long before Governor Rauf Aregbesola declared interest in running for a second term in office, De Raufs has been busy campaigning for his reelection. Why is your group so passionate about having the governor win reelection?

    What I want to say on that is very simple. It took us months to study Governor Rauf Aregbesola. During our investigation, we unraveled some information that many people may not be familiar with. I am not saying that he is the best in the world, but among the few that do not attach importance to what we call ephemeral of office, he stands out.

    What do you mean by that?

    He is not somebody who allows the mentality of the so called public office holders who carry  everything on their heads thinking that without them, the generality of the people that they are destined to rule cannot survive. He is one of the few that believe truly in the emancipation of the people by using the instrumentality of office to change their lives for the beter. He is among afew politicians that will not betray the trust of the people – and it is very rare to see politicians that will not tell lies. I am teling you, sincerely speaking, that Aregbesola does not tell lies. And once a leader fails to tell lies, he allows the fear of God to run in his veins.

    Once you have God, you have everything.  I have tested Rauf Aregbesola. In a week, I spend close to seventy-eight to seventy-nine hours with him. It affords me the opportunity to know him critically and from inside his character and life. Whatever you discussed with him, he will not tell anybody; he maintains what we call secret. Once you discuss anything with him in confidence, he will not discuss it with anybody immediately you leave, including his wife. I am saying this authoritatively. I was with him one night. Somebody was talking to an elderly person trying to cover the governor on some issues. I just heard the governor’s voice saying, “I did not say that. That is not what I told you. Tell people the exact thing I told you. I don’t tell lies and I hate people lying using my name.”  But if you ask the governor why he is doing that to the man, he will just tell you that the issue is between the two of them.

    Apart from the fact that he is not a liar, he belives so much in God. He has reduced the attraction that people have given to the office of the governor. That means if you have the likes of him as president of this country, things will change. In his character, he has shown to the public that he is just a representative of the people and that it is the people that have power over him; that he is not the lord over the people. He behaves in a way that shows that without the people he canot be there. He brings everyone on board because he does not like division or segregation. Sometimes I don’t feel comfortable about some people around him, people I think are not honest. But he will say he can manage everybody. But immediately Aregbesola discovers you are not honest, he will still manage and tolerate you till you expose yourself. I don’t have temperament for such but he has. There are uncountable qualities this man has that I have never seen in our conventional politicians in my entire life. When Aregbesola is committed to an idea, he puts his life there. That makes him to stand out among our politicians. Even sometimes when he describes himself as a politician, I do tell him that he is not a politician. He will ask me why and I will tell him that a conventional politician will not behave the he behaves.

    Aregbesola is also a leader that is ready and in a hurry to fix everything. That is why he wants to give his best in the area of education, thinking for the children of the people. He says he too is a product of public schools, and asks if he is a product of public schools, why should he not use the instrumentality of office to rehabilitate the battered and the destroyed public school system. He says that during his time in school, there was everything in the public school because the public school was competitive. He will say the very best attended the public schools while those that could not cope attended private schools. Today, the reverse is the case. He is also very passionate about reviving the health sector. He says he cannot imagine that many people in the rural areas cannot have access to decent health facilities. While people in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kaduna, and other cities are living comfortably, they don’t bother to care about the rural dwellers who produce the foods they eat in the cities. When he realised that accidents have become incessant on our roads, he introduced the ambulance system. This is really saving lives – it takes care of the sick and the pregnant women.

    And it is in all the senatorial districts, each senatorial distric having nine. Just call them on their number and the ambulance is already there. I know we have ambulances in our hospitals in Nigeria, but what we have here runs twenty-four hours all over the state. Apart from Lagos, where do you have that kind of thing? Since he inaugurated the ambulance system, the rate of mortality through accidents has reduced drastically – I have the hospital statistics. When some journalists had an accident recently the ambulance team gave them first aid and took them to the hospital promptly. We could have lost more than five of them but for the intervention of this great man. Those who are alive today among the victims will give gratitude to God and credit to the government of Aregbesola. Many members of the public who have benefitted from this initiative cannot also forget Rauf Aregbesola. In the past, when an acident happened, many of the victims died in the pool of their blood unattended to.

    You can also see that the people are happy with his agricultural revolution. His initiative in the area of agriculture can also be linked with Fidel Castro’s ideology in the area of agriculture in Cuba. Agriculture runs in Cuba. I know what I am talking about, in the forseeable future, this state will be the largest food basket in the whole of the former Western region. With the foundation, the output we are recording in all our farms in the areas of fishery, livestock, etc has increased. Very soon, cocoa will be processed here. There will be no need for any cocoa farmer to travel elsewhere because all the cocoa products will be processed in Ede.

    The thinking of Aregbesola is to make Osun the hub of agricultural production for the whole of the West, that we can do it since the climate favours us. He has also made a landmark in the area of social security. He realised that the insecurity problems Nigeria is going through today is as a result of lack of social security. What he is doing in the area of O’Yes is a way of giving social security to Nigerians. With that, the rate of criminality in Osun has reduced drastically – anyone can find out from the police. He has engaged the youth of this generation in socio-economic development of this state. In the area of road construction in the thirty local government areas, he has touched so many areas. Look at the working tools he has given to the police. How will the people not be happy? Where there is security, investors will come. Awolowo immortalised himself in the hearts of the people through his policies. Aregbesola is doing the same thing here. That is why he walks freely on all the streets and towns in Osun. How many state governors can walk freely on the streets of their states?

    Going by what you have seen in the course of campaigns, are you confident that the people so appreciate his works that they will vote for him again?

    Yes, I am sure of that. Every Friday and Sunday, he makes beggars happy by identifying with them and giving them money. How many governors do that? How many times has President Goodluck Jonathan done that? How many times has the president visited an orphanage? How many times has the president dined and wined with destitutes or the downtrodden masses? How many times has the president invited the poor masses to the government house to share the dinning table with him? Aregbesola has done that on many occassions where people with special needs were invited to government house, organising dinner for them and giving them sense of belonging that they are part of us. His style of governance gives the impression that he does not fancy vanity or luxury at all.

    Beyond what you ascribed to the governor, to what extent are you also counting on members of your organization in all the 30 local government areas in the state to win next Saturday poll?

    Anytime we hold meetings or rallies, I am always amazed at the way they work. They are very committed. Recently, I tested them to know whether their loyalty and devotion is real or not. I asked each chapter to produce within 24 hours at least five hundred members of our organisation that have voter’s card (he opens his laptop to show the figures). Later, I extended it to 72 hours.

    Before 72 hours, they produced more than that. I also did my own – I produced my entire family’s voter’s cards, my mother’s voter’s card, my wife’s voter’s card, my son’s voter’s card. I asked every member of De Raufs in all the 3011 polling units in Osun to do same. They produced all this in less than 72 hours. I was shocked. They gave me more than the figure requested for. To the glory of God, in each polling unit, we can conveniently tell you that we have over 150 members today that have voter’s cards. And we have their records stored permanently in our archive.

    That is just our own organisation. Look at other countless organisations that also believe in the ideology of Aregbesola – look at the Oranmiyan, Aregbesola Victory Group, Vanguards, etc who also have their members too. Now let us talk about his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). All these are bloc votes. I can tell you authoritatively that Aregbesola cannot get less than 70 per cent of the votes. Anything less than 70 per cent is fraud. He will get 70 per cent from this exercise while other political parties will share the remaining 30 per cent. I can boldly tell you that the candidate of the Labour Party will have more votes than the PDP’s.

    In other words, you are not afraid that violence or militarisation of the poll may suddenly change the game?

    That is why I disagree with people who want to take over the state by force. I want to say that doing that will not help democracy in Nigeria. I therefore want to use this medium to advise and warn President Jonathan not to be deceived by the aggressive and over-ambitious politicians; otherwise they will throw Osun into chaos. If they come to Osun and rig election, the people of Osun will react. I know they will roll out their armoured tanks, but they should be ready to kill thousands. Rigging election here will bring sudden death to this democracy. I have been into detention 10 times because of the struggle for democracy.

    And if democracy collapses on the head of Jonathan, posterity will never forgive him because anarchy is looming. Why? If you rig election in Osun, there will be crisis. This will trigger more crises elsewhere. It will raise the consciousness of people of Ekiti that have been robbed and kept quiet. Crisis will engulf that state and they may start killing people. In Adamawa where the governor was forcefully removed, it will raise the consciousnes of the people there and they may start challenging the impunity. Similar things may happen in Oyo and Ogun, where Governor Amosun is now feeling that he is unsafe. Same thing in Edo and Imo states. And when the crises engulf the whole nation, it will crumble democracy.

    That is why I want Jonathan to look and think critically by not undemining the electoral sovereignty of Osun because it can bring quick death to our democracy. I know politicians don’t think about the welfare and security of the country; they only care for their pocket. That is why I am talking about the implications of rigging Osun election. If they do, what I said will happen. They should also know that nobody has the monopoly of violence; it will consume Mr. President and destroy everything because crisis knows no bounds. I want to appeal to him passionately that taking over Osun should be between life and death. It is a do-or-die affair. But he cannot toy with the life of the people and expect them to fold their arms. The people of Osun know what they have passed through in the last four years; they can sleep with their eyes closed because the state is very peaceful. Anyone who wants to return hooliganism to Osun should be expecting anarchy. His party is telling us that Jonathan wants to revenge for not voting for him in 2011, it will consume him if he dares it. It will consume every consumable democratic structure in Nigeria, and posterity will not forgive any of them.

  • Celebrating the virgins of our time

    Celebrating the virgins of our time

    Recently, young men and women gathered to celebrate chastity and purity. They are young people who have kept themselves away from the moral decadence in Nigeria by remaining virgins. ADEJO  DAVID who witnessed the event reports

    It was not the kind of crowd one would expect at such an otherwise solemn event. Earlier that morning, the heavens had opened up and poured torrential rain which had threatened to disrupt the event. But as the intensity of the rain increase so was the number of “virgins” drawn from schools, churches, mosques who had come for the second anniversary celebration of Virgin and Purity, organized by Virgin Pride Network (VPN) in Ikeja Lagos.

    The virgins were immaculately dressed in pink and white while the hall was also symbolically decorated in pink and white.  The concept, Virgin and Purity was the brainchild of Nkechi Odebiyi who is also the President of Virgin Pride Network. According to her, it was an initiative that seeks to celebrate young people who imbibe purity and chastity in a world that is fast losing its meaning.

    In Nigeria, it is no longer in fashion for young people to keep their virginity until the day of marriage. According to socio-behavioral scientists, media influence is a major factor in moral decadence in the country.

    Available statistics also revealed that the number of women getting married as virgins have decreased in the last 20 years in Nigeria, while religious organizations in the country no longer make it mandatory for brides to remain virgins until marriage.

    “There is no doubt there is a low level of moral uprightness in the country at this time, the infusion of foreign culture into the country, the influence of the media and Hollywood movies are the major factors that contributed to moral decadence in the country, people no longer see sex as sacred or holy and something to wait for, they see it  now as a social thing to be enjoyed anytime,” a clergy, Adegboyega Adeyemi said.

    Adeyemi also blamed corruption for the moral decadence in the country saying leaders who exhibited corrupt behavior have lost the moral rights to lead the country and this has impacted negatively on the youths.

    However, another clergy, Dare Adeolu of Christ the Redeemers’ Mission, Abule Egba on the outskirts of Lagos said the level of moral depravity in the country is attributed to the work of the devil. “If you see the level of moral decadence and how the youth no longer see the things of God as sacred, you will know this is more than the work of Hollywood, it is the devil. That is why we can only counter this through praying and spiritual warfare.”

    Odebiyi agreed that the level of moral depravity in the country has to be reined in and therefore set up the VPN to rewards youths who have kept the sacred vows. “This organisation was set up to know the mind of God for us regarding sexuality. We need to know what God expected from us, His desire for us is for a woman to remain a virgin and undefiled until she is married. Our idea is going back to the creation of human beings the way God made it to be,” Odebiyi said.

    That was the essence of the celebration of virgins in Lagos. To show to the world there are still those who will chose to remain pure even with the moral decadence in the country and to educate the virgins on the ways to remain so in the face of temptations.

    Tunde Odebiyi, who was the father of the day admonished the girls to remain pure in the face of the strongest temptation.  But one of the facilitators Ihuoma Onyearuga gave the youths an expert plan. She said the girls should maintain their status by using common sense. This include being careful of the places they go, the kind of friends they keep, the kind of movies they watch and the kind of fun they have. If they do this, Onyearuga assured they would maintain their status as virgins till marriage.

    The virgins also had their say. Oluwafunmilayo Demehin, a 21-year old undergraduate of the University of Lagos said being a virgin has helped her to be confident about contracting diseases or getting unwanted pregnancy. She said her parents have been helpful but ultimately it was the fear of God that has kept her.

    A medical doctor, Theresa Ekwere counseled parents not to allow their children stay indoors with male friends, families and strangers while saying children should be given sex education early in life.

    The virgins also carpeted the law against rapists and pedophiles. Odebiyi said the law is not strong enough and that her organisation may in the future sponsor a stronger legislation against sexual offences. The highlight of the event however was when Odebiyi promised the virgins a special gift if they remained a virgin till their wedding day. And the gift will be given to them on their wedding day if she was invited.

  • Celebrating the geniuses in our midst

    Celebrating the geniuses in our midst

    It was time to celebrate excellence among Yoruba of south west Nigeria recently as the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission honoured two exceptional young talents in Ibadan. BISI OLADELE was there.

    Are you a genius? If yes, a red carpet honour is awaiting you at the Development Agenda for Western Nigerian Commission (DAWN).

    DAWN, which is the coordinating body for regional integration of Southwestern Nigeria, has commenced a programme of honour and support for genius graduates of Yoruba extraction.

    The programme was flagged off by according recognition and honoring two geniuses of Yoruba origin who just graduated from the University of Lagos at unbelievable ages.

    Tagged “Talent Repository,” the project, which typifies hall of fame, would see the Yoruba man and woman who distinguish themselves in their career well celebrated and encouraged with necessary support to enhance human capital development of the region.

    Dr. Mariam Raji, 21, and Dr. Hallowed Olaoluwa, 24, were the first to be inducted into the commission’s Talent Repository at its 10th Floor, Cocoa House, Ibadan office recently.

    While Dr. Mariam Raji emerged the youngest graduating medical student at age 21 for the 2012/13 academic session at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Hallowed Oluwadara Olaoluwa emerged the youngest PhD holder in Africa having graduated with the highest degree at the age of 23 years.

    Olaoluwa started his PhD at the age of 21 in March 2011 and completed his thesis at the age of 23 in 2013 but he graduated in January, 2014 at the age of 24. His PhD thesis was adjudged the best in Engineering and Science having made a cumulative grade point average of 5.0. By the feat, Dr. Olaoluwa became the youngest PhD holder in Africa.

    Dr. Raji, daughter of a civil servant, was eight years old when she lost her father. She finished her primary education aged seven before she proceeded to Vanguard Secondary School, Epe, Lagos State, where she graduated at the age of 14. She immediately gained admission to study Medicine at the UNILAG, graduated at 20, but did her convocation at age 21.

    The Director General (DG) of the commission, Mr Dipo Famakinwa explained that the project was aimed at ensuring that individuals with rare and development-prone competencies and capabilities are celebrated, positively mentored and aided to effectively maximize their endowments to the development of the region, the country and the world at large.

    “The Southwest Region has always been a reservoir of high fliers and DAWN Commission deems it critical to develop an organized growth mechanism for the region’s exceptional human capital. He said.

    Famakinwa further explained that the project was part of a deliberate measure towards achieving this goal, adding that it would help tackle the challenge of ‘brain drain’ in the country.

    He said: “ DAWN Commission has instituted actions targeted at harnessing individuals with highest indices of excellence in academics, sports, creativity, arts, design, social work etc. with the objective of celebrating them, setting standards and benchmarks which will eventually cascade into the socio-economic enhancement of the region.”

    The DG expressed dissatisfaction at the rate of brain drain, and the celebration of mediocrity, which he said, has affected the human capital base of the nation. He said the project would help identify, encourage and monitor emerging talents and “rare brains” in the region.

    Famakinwa further stated that the project would help state governments in the region maximize the rare giftedness of some of the indigene, pointing out that phenomena such as those exhibited by the two scholars should not go unnoticed because what they have done is truly remarkable. He stressed that celebrating them helps sustain values in the Southwest region as a place where merit and competence are the yardsticks for success.

    Prof Rotimi Tayo, who applauded this remarkable initiative launched by DAWN, specifically praised the commission’s strategy at guaranteeing that maximum gains are made from the brains God has given the Southwest region.

    Another academic who attended the programme, Prof. Ademola Ariyo, noted that the best brains are most likely to leave the country except institutions create conducive and supportive environment for them. He therefore, charged DAWN commission to ensure that sense of responsibility and ownership be built into the emerging rare talents by instituting a structure that celebrates, rewards, manages and develops talented individuals in the region.

    At the programme were the Group Managing Director (GMD), Odu’a Investments Limited, Mr Adewale Raji; Dr. Bayonile Ademodi; Dr. Tunde Adegbola and members of the DAWN Commission team.

    The commission also recently celebrated the award-winning author of ‘Sahara Testaments,’ Mr Tade Ipadeola and also concluded the DAWN Games 2014, hosted by Lagos State.

    Budding sporting talents from secondary schools around the region were identified. According to its Communication Specialist, Mr. Adetayo Adeleke-Adedoyin,  the commission was already working to organize appropriate management processes “to ensure that these talents are developed into world standards by celebrating them, exposing them, monitoring them both in their social and academic endeavors. Education is so crucial as it plays a key role in development of both cognitive and physical abilities, as does mentoring, among other things. The framework will offer an opportunity for a diverse group of individuals to develop their natural God-given potentials into development commodities that would benefit the region and by extension, the global community.”

    The commission had earlier held a strategy retreat sponsored by the Lagos State Government. The retreat, according to a statement by Adeleke-Adedoyin, was aimed at defining “a sustainable economic competitiveness value agenda for the Southwest region” during which the need to build a huge human capital base for the region was highlighted

  • Giving a helping hand to the elderly

    Giving a helping hand to the elderly

    A non-governmental organisation, Ewenla Socio-Cultural Foundation recently extended a helping hand to the elderly in Ode Remo, Ogun State through its ‘care for the elderly project’,  ERNEST NWOKOLO was there.

    Succour came the way of the elderly – men and women, of the seedy Ode Remo community in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State recently as no fewer than 1000 of them benefited from the ‘care for the elderly project’ of the Ewenla Socio – Cultural Foundation (ESCF), a non – governmental organisation.

    For over six hours, they were the centre of affection and care at the Ode Remo Town Hall where they were hosted. Scores of the elderly men had their hairs neatly barbed free of charge by tested barbers in the community while their women counterparts also had theirs plaited or weaved by stylists and hairdressers that made a good number of them wore younger looks than the true age.

    Food items, detergents, toiletries among others were also packaged and given to each as take – home.

    Many of the elderly women and men also received free medical tests and treatment.

    Among the medical tests conducted by the medical teams from University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) include test for HIV, visual acuity, screening for cataracts and glaucoma – and no fewer than 40 of them were found to be suffering from cataracts.

    And while they savoured light food in wait for the real thing, health workers from UCH and OOUTH, using local language sensitized them on how to care or manage old age, save their eyes from going blind with age and on cancer awareness.

    Dr. Adedayo Afolabi of the Department of Public Health, OOUTH, who spoke on cancer,  advised the women to check their breasts for early detection of cancer of the breast at the early stage.

    Afolabi explained that if cancer is detected early, it would be easy to get rid of it quickly and warned that if allowed to linger in the body, it could result in a terminal health challenge.

    He said: “Let all women stand before the mirror and examine their breasts frequently at least once a month. Run your left hand on the right breast and vice versa to check if there is any lump. If you detect any strange thing, report to the doctor in the hospital.”

    He also pointed out that men too could detect on their own if prostate cancer is developing in their male organ, saying should they begin to experience strain in the urinary tract or finding it difficult to urinate, they should quickly see a surgeon for medical check-up.

    The Chairperson of ESCF, Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Filani, a philanthropist, who facilitated the programme in conjunction with the Ode Remo Development Council (ODC), presented awards to eight aged people for excellent and meritorious performance in their various trades and professions within the community.

    Those conferred with awards are the octogenarian, Alhaja Sauli Sonuyi, a traditional midwife, Pa Olagade Oluyide (Bricklayer of old times) and Alhaji Adebisi Bello (Posthumous award, Butcher of old times).

    Chief Filani said she set – up the Foundation to empower the indigent members of Ode Remo community irrespective of their ages, including giving of scholarship to students, and advised the wealthy and corporate bodies to lend helping hands.

    Citing the case of 40 people having cataracts, she said it cost an average of N15,000 to carry out a surgery for the removal of the problem from a sufferer, adding that if more persons support the cause, the operation could be performed to restore the sight of the affected people.

    The town’s traditional head, Oba Adetunji Osho (Owadaniyan11), who chaired the event, urged his subjects home and in the Diaspora, to use their God – given wealth to bless the less fortunate members of the community.

    Osho lauded Mrs Filani for “bringing succour to the elderly,” making them to once again feel loved and have a sense of “belonging to the rest of the active members of the community.”

    Oba Osho said: “whatever blessing or wealth God gave you, use it to empower others. You are only a custodian of God’s gift of wealth in your hand. When you use it to develop others, you gain more blessings.”

    In the reckoning of the monarch, the woman philanthropist should not only be “emulated,” but also supported by individuals and the government to impact more on the indigents.

    Also, billionaire hotelier, Prince Buruji Kashamu, who was a special guest, enjoined those who aspire longevity, to cultivate the habit of caring for the aged members of the society.

    Kashamu who was represented by Mrs Ibilola Osilaja, said the aged are mothers and fathers of the younger ones, whose prayers are potent force that could attract more blessings and long life for those who care for them.

    The chieftain of the Peoples democratic Party (PDP) who supported the project with food items, said there was the need for the young ones to attend to the needs of the aged, especially those who can’t help themselves.

  • Why Osun poll’ll not go the way of Ekiti, by APC chieftain

    With 10 days to the August 9 gubernatorial election in Osun State, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Dr. Kunle Oyeyemi, has expressed confidence that the poll would not end up like the June 21 poll in Ekiti. He spoke with ADESOJI ADENIYI.

    How would you describe the decision of Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State to concede victory to his opponent in the just concluded governorship poll whereas his party is challenging the election in court?

    I think that immediately Fayemi came out to concede to Fayose, the first thing that occurred to me was that his announcement was too quick and too soon. And that time I was wondering whether he had consulted with the party, both at the state and national levels before he conceded victory. I would have thought that somebody like him would have widely consulted before he took a position that look like a terminal decision. So, I think it was too soon and I am not surprised by the position of the party at this point in time which suggests that there was no consultation between Fayemi and the party, otherwise the party would not have backed out or withdraw any support they gave him to go ahead and concede. It was too soon and I don’t think the election was as free as people say it was.

    What is your thinking on the cry in some quarters that the election was militarized and over policed?

    I think I can understand where they are coming from, from peace-keeping perspective, attempting to keep peace during the election. But there is a clear difference between keeping peace and intimidating voters. I think it has gone beyond the level of keeping the peace. It seemed to me that they have used the soldiers to intimidate people. I may even assume that this would have affected the number of people that would have voted on that day, whether on the side of Fayose or Fayemi.

    Could it be said that preventing some All Progressives Congress governors and national leaders from participating in a mega rally of the party two days to the election had a negative impact on the poll as some would want the people to believe?

    That actually support the point I made early on. If the ordinary citizens see the treatment the military and the police gave dignitaries like governors and others on that day you can imagine what they would think the police and the military would do to them. So, that might be the reason for some people not to come out to vote. This might have affected the election in some ways, though some people said the turnout was large and encouraging but regardless of what the turnout was we cannot say it has not reduced the number that ought to participate in the poll.

    It is generally accepted that Fayemi performed well yet he lost the election, does it mean performance could no longer guarantee re-election of political office holders?

    I think this is pointing to a serious problem in our polity. And this is the more reason why the APC in particular needs to study critically this case. The reason why I said so is that if this had happened in another state and not Ekiti I would probably have looked at it differently. Ekiti State is known to be populated by educated people. People that are expected to have the capacity to separate sentiments from substance. I don’t see Ekiti throwing away somebody who has delivered all his electoral promises, that has been adjudged and acknowledged to be a performer, for somebody else simply because some are saying that other was popular. But remember that this same person was once in office and was thrown out because people were not satisfied with him. And if he was popular as we are being made to believe how come he lost the senatorial election in 2011? And this was even a small election. Why was the popularity they now claim he has not there in 2011? And if it is true that he was more popular than Fayemi, does the margin truly reflect the popularity? I still strongly believe that the result of the election did not reflect Fayose’s acclaimed popularity. I think it was something else beyond what the ordinary eyes could see. And this is the area in which I think this election need to be studied because one cannot just take it on the face value and conclude that the election was free, fair and transparent.

    Still on the result of the Ekiti election, would you say an average eligible voter is informed enough to know what to look for in candidates before casting his vote?

    In terms of percentage of literacy in the country I think Ekiti tops the list. So if you want people to make informed decisions you expect this more from Ekiti State. If you expect voters to vote objectively, put sentiments aside, you should expect more of that in Ekiti State. But unfortunately, this election did not reflect that. And this is one of the reasons why I think the votes do not reflect the wish of the people. I think the election had a lot to do with scientific rigging that I may not be able to substantiate readily. And this is giving us the concern that we cannot afford to go to sleep and assume that the INEC has achieved the standard to expect in future elections. And with this I am a bit worried because I don’t want this to affect the Osun State governorship election. I don’t want the APC to go to sleep and believe that the INEC has reached a satisfactory standard, to believe that things will go well during the election. I know Osun is different from Ekiti but I still don’t want the APC in Osun to go to sleep. The people of Osun should not allow what happen in Ekiti to happen in their state.

    All the same, do you see the bandwagon effect of what happened in Ekiti repeating itself in Osun governorship poll on August 9?

    I think it is too simplistic for people to say there are a whole lot of similarities between Osun and Ekiti States. I think the area where people see similarity is because the two states are under the APC. Also, the people consider the two governors to be performing governors. But beyond these similarities, I think the two states have distinct characteristics. A good example is to look at their voting patterns in 2011 election, where Osun was the only state in the South West that voted for Nuhu Ribadu while other states voted for Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential poll. More than this, Ekiti State is more or else homogeneous in nature, but Osun State is a little diverse in the sense that it looks more like Ondo than Ekiti. There are so many ethnic groups in Osun like Oyo, Ijesa, Igbomina, Ife and so on, just as there are Ilaje, Ikale, Ijaw, Akoko and so on in Ondo. But Ekiti is homogenous; every part of the state is Ekiti. In Osun State theses different ethnic groups do not go the same direction. So it is not easy to compare Ekiti and Osun in this regard. And more over, the last Ekiti election has energised some people in Osun. It has made a lot of people to be more determined, vigilant and ready to return to their base to do a thorough home work. I know there are some who are also demoralised as result of the last Ekiti election because it was taken for granted that the APC would win the poll. But a lot more people are more determined to ensure that the Osun election does not go the Ekiti way.

    What is your opinion on Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s allegation that the Federal Government was plotting to cripple Osun state financially ahead of the August 9 poll in order to pitch the people against his government? 

    I think the Federal Government already has a pattern of doing that. The reason why it is critical to Osun State alone is because the state has an election coming up which is very close by. And any attempt to displease the citizens of the state, especially workers can make them turn their anger towards the state government and this is what the Federal Government thinks will be an advantage for the PDP. I will recall the reason for Chief Bisi Akande losing the 2003 election which bordered on issue of the civil servants. The workers turned the anger on Akande and he was made to lose his re-election bid. I think it is the same card that the Federal Government wants to play now, pitch the workers and people against Aregbesola when he is no longer able to meet some of his obligations to them. They know if they can make people and the workers to be angry with Aregbesola they can definitely take their anger to the polling boots during the election.

    And knowing that Aregbesola runs a people oriented programmes, the Federal Government deliberately is delaying the payment of the statutory allocation to the state to make it tough for him to make people smile.

    Don’t you see the Aregbesola being in dilemma because some keeps saying he does not make the politicians happy by not sharing the fund as it used to be but rather he embarks on massive developmental projects? 

    This is a very serious issue. So, assuming the government decided to be sharing whatever little money it has among the party supporters as against continuing with revitalising the decayed or nonexistent infrastructure that has now ushered in new development to the benefit of the people, I think it would be a mistake for government to do that. There can never be any amount of money to be shared among the political elite that would be enough. The more, the government share for them the more they demand. So I think the most reasonable thing is what Aregbesola has done by improving the lot of the majority which shows that he is working in the best interest of the people and this should not be a sin but a source of strength to count in a positive way for him.

    As the August 9 poll approaches, it seems the Aregbesola administration is constrained to enforce some of the traffic, environmental and other laws in order not to incur the wrath of the people. What is the implication of this? 

    No, this is not true. This government will not shy away from enforcing any of its laws under any guise. Anyone that may want to challenge the government by committing crimes and think it will get way should have a re-think. Whoever commits crimes deliberately and think government would not enforce the relevant laws will have himself to blame.

  • When Ilupeju celebrated Jakande at 85

    When Ilupeju celebrated Jakande at 85

    Thirty-one years after his tenure as first elected governor of Lagos State was abruptly ended by a military coup, the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande remains a reference point for subsequent administrations in the state. This was reiterated again last week at a lecture to mark his 85th birthday. OZIEGBE OKOEKI was there.

    When the first executive governor of Lagos State Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande turned 85 last week, not a few were there to celebrate and rejoice with the man better known as Baba Kekere or Action Governor of Lagos in the second republic.

    Though various activities were held to commemorate the birthday of the Octogenarian politician by family, friends, associates and colleagues in the journalism profession, one of the standout events of the near week-long celebration was a lecture put together by the Ilupeju community where he resides, to celebrate a man that has brought honour, fame and glory to them.

    Under the auspices of the Greater Ilupeju Association, the  special birthday lecture which took place at the Ilupeju Recreation Hall had in attendance prominent stakeholders and other residents of the community, including the Onipeju of Ilupeju, Chief Korede Bisade-Phillips, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson,  (vice chairman of the association) other Ilupeju residents  and well-wishers from outside Ilupeju.

    Two papers titled ‘Leadership, good governance and development: the Jakande legacies’ by Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, a former lecturer in Lagos state University and now of the Department of History, Osun State University,and  ‘Progressive governance in Lagos state, LKJ in retrospect’, by Prince Oluyole Olusi, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos Central Senatorial District Leader were delivered at the occasion.

    Both lecturers agreed in their presentations that the records and achievements of  Alhaji  Jakande as governor of the state remain a reference point in the history of governance in Nigeria and Africa. They specifically mentioned his landmark achievements in education, housing, transportation, infrastructure and style of governance.

    According to Oyeweso, “Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande’s administration in Lagos state is a reference point for purposeful leadership, good governance and effective service delivery. It was an administration that recognised the needs and aspirations of the people, especially the poor. It was also an administration guided by such values as financial discipline, prudent management and knack for excellence”.

    And Olusi who was represented by Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, chairman of Apapa Local Government said, “as manifested in the progressive developmental achievements recorded in Lagos state, within a record time of four years only, LKJ set a standard for all progressives in Africa to emulate. The records and achievements of LKJ have become a reference point in the history of governance in Nigeria. The landmark achievements in housing, education and road construction are still topical. They dominate discussions, debates and articles in the press, radio and television even after over 30 years that the great LKJ ceased to be governor”, Olusi said.

    He described Jakande’s style of governance as all inclusive, “allowing all vital sectors in governance (to) have effective say by holding regular consultative meetings with civil servants. All programmes of the government and proposed government legislations were tabled and discussed as well. It was the supreme people parliament of the period”, Olusi said.

    Oyeweso said that in spite of the problem of leadership and governance that is plaguing the country, Jakande remains one of the few leaders Nigeria has produced “whose sterling qualities and records of achievement can serve as compass for the promotion of purposeful leadership, good governance and development in the nation. He was in charge of the administration of Lagos state between 1979 and 1983, and throughout this period he implemented several landmark programmes that ensured that the state would continue to be the centre of excellence, laying examples for others to follow”, the Professor said, adding that, “at a time when the country needs a leader to reposition it for national greatness, a person in the mode of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande should be considered. More than ever before, there is need to regain the legacies of purposeful leadership and good governance as epitomised by Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande”.

    While extolling the virtues of the elder statesman, Chairman of the occasion, businessman Sir Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu who was represented by Dr. Yemi Ajayi said, “Your Excellency Sir, at 85, you still look strong and willing to continue to serve. It is therefore my greatest joy to stand here today and join others in wishing you many happy returns of the day and more useful contributions to the development of Nigeria in the years ahead. This country definitely needs more strong-willed heroes of your type who are genuinely concerned with the future of Nigeria. You are indeed a true leader whose life of exemplary service is worthy of emulation by all who desire progress for our country,” he said.

    According to Adebutu, Jakande is a man of uncommon pedigree. “He has a Midas touch and has worked hard over the years to consistently leave a mark behind anywhere he found himself. This is one unique quality possessed by Champions all over the world.

    “As executive governor, he impacted on the lives of Lagos residents and for this effort he was acknowledged by all as a great achiever. He was regarded then and still seen till today as a man of the people who is adored and respected by people of different shades and persuasion because of his commitment to the common good.

    Adebutu who gave Jakande a N5million cheque as birthday gift added that, “any country without men like Alhaji Jakande who possesses the necessary zeal and commitment to make things work for the good of all, is a country without a future. The man we are celebrating here today is a highly focused administrator who probably came before his time

    Also speaking the Onipeju of Ilupeju, Chief Korede Bisade-Phillips said Ilupeju is blessed to have “the most important governor of the state of excellence residing here. He was the first executive governor of the state and made a mark that has not been surpassed by any other, he is the chairman of Greater Ilupeju Association”.

    The lecture, Bisade-Phillips said was to promote Jakande’s ideals “which have not been surpassed by any government in Lagos. Ideals so much important and effective that there is need to keep having them in  day to day living and pass them on to yet unborn children for the betterment of Lagos and Nigeria. It (lecture) is an history making event and will remain a yearly event henceforth,” he said.

    Responding Jakande thanked the Association and everybody present for celebrating him, he prayed for continuous progress for the state and Nigeria. He expressed joy, happiness and excitement that such a celebration would be held in his honour, “I never envisaged the turnout, I never believed I would sit down in 2014 to listen to people saying they attended Jakande school. When we started it people said it could not be done but thank God today we are seeing a success story”, he said.

    The occasion was also used to inaugurate the Organising Committee of the Jakande lecture series which Bisade-Phillips said will henceforth be a yearly event meant to protect the ideals of Jakande. The members of the committee are: Chief Korede Bisade-Phillips -Co-ordinator, Chief J.O. Shobayo -Chairman, Evangelist Bunmi O. Kupoluyi -Secretary, other members are Deaconess E.F. Agboola, Hon. Babs Larinde, Mrs. Omolara Vaughan and Chief Silva Aderotimi.

  • Preaching the gospel through water for humanity

    Preaching the gospel through water for humanity

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 25 has taken  the gospel to the communities providing the much needed social infrastructure for the less privileged. SEUN AKIOYE reports

    It was a short ceremony but it was enough to change a whole community. Scores of residents of Surulere community in Ahmadiya, Ijaiye Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) danced and sang as the members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Throne of Grace parish arrived to commission the newly built water project for the community, donated by the church.

    Access to potable water has been a major concern for the members of Surulere community; to get water to drink and for other domestic use, children and adults would have to cross the busy Lagos-Abeokuta expressway to the community on the other side. This is no mean feat as the venture is both dangerous and strenuous; and it has not been without causalities as many of the residents have suffered horrible vehicle accidents with some losing their lives.

    That was when the RCCG came in and dug a borehole for the whole community. The Assistant Pastor in-charge of Lagos Province 25, Pastor Shola Obadofin who commissioned the project said the reason behind the gift was to fulfill the commission of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to continue to carry out the policy of the RCCG. He said one of the cardinal teachings of Christianity is to change lives and in every way the RCCG is determined to change lives starting with the communities around the church.

    He also promised that more of such projects will be sited in different locations before the end of the year. Also the Pastor in-charge of Area 1, Dotun Adelowokan said the church is just following the policy of the RCCG to impact communities around it.

    He said: “Jesus commanded us to let our light shine before men. It has therefore become imperative to show love, that is why RCCG as a whole adopted the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Jesus Fare, street light etc and it is being supervised in the province by the Pastor In-charge, Pastor Debo Akande and Pastor Shola Obadofin, the Assistant pastor In-charge. This is to enable us touch the communities around us. ”

    Adelowokan said the church also organizes “Jesus Fare” where church members donate goods and foodstuff and members of the public can buy for cheap.  “For instance, a pan of rice which is normally sold for N150 will be sold for N20 or N10, chicken that is worth of N1,500 will be sold for N200 or less.  This is done two times in a year and we have been doing it for the last five years now,” he said.

    Members of the community showered encomium on the church for the provision of the borehole saying such gesture would save the community the trouble it has been confronted with over water.”We can only thank God for this water.  We never thought that such could come our way, because getting water has been a major problem of our community. Last week, one of our children was hit by a driver driving against traffic, but we thank God that he didn’t die. So this is good and it will be mentioned anywhere, any day,” one of the community leaders said.

  • Crisp naira notes? Visit Ibadan markets

    Crisp naira notes? Visit Ibadan markets

    Business is booming for traders in Mint fresh Naira notes in Ibadan, as they openly carry out their transactions by the road side in the Oyo State capital. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU
    reports.

    Is selling crisp naira notes a crime?

    This question seems difficult as the law is rather loose on it.

    But many still believe that a lot is wrong with hawking the Nigerian currency outside commercial banks, in markets as it is the vogue in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    On approaching the ever-busy Iwo Road interchange and the Bola Ige International Market, Gbagi on Ibadan-Ife Expressway, it is not uncommon to see a group of youths clutching a small bag or hanging one on their neck, converge on cars passing, brandishing wads of new Naira notes and asking the occupants whether they want to buy. Se E sewo? They ask in Yoruba, using their right middle finger to scratch their left palm as if counting money, for the benefit of anyone who does not understand the language.

    A would-be buyer will park his car, beckon on one of them and begin haggling over the price as if in a pepper or any other foodstuff market. And once an agreement is reached, money would exchange hands. A few metres away a team of policemen on stop- and-search duty look away.

    Welcome to the new Naira notes market in Ibadan where all denominations of the currency, fresh from the mint, are available for sale at a premium. But these are not the only places where these notes could be obtained in the Oyo State capital, without having to visit a commercial bank.

    From the new Gbagi Market, old Ife Road, to Iwo Road interchange, Aleshinloye , Sabo, Sango and Ogunpa markets in the city, it is business-as-usual for both buyers and sellers of new naira notes. And in case you can’t get enough at these places, the traders could also be found at places where there are elaborate events, such as weddings, burials, and house warming with popular musicians on the band stand.

    Packs of naira notes in different denominations of N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, N500, and N1000 can be obtained with ease as long as you are prepared to pay the commission charged on them.

    Lower denominations such as N5, N10 and N20 notes, sell like hot cakes as they are often preferred to the higher denominations by buyers who needed the notes to ‘spray’ musicians and celebrants at parties as it is the norm among Yoruba during social events.

    Investigation revealed that the traders do charge a commission of between N200 and N250 on every N1000 note they sell to their customers who besiege the markets in search of crisps naira notes, while they pay between N80 to N110 for every N1000 they buy from their supplier.

    According to the traders who spoke with The Nation on the booming trade, sourcing the new notes was not easy “because of some factors attached to the business, but again, it all depends on good bargaining power”. While none was ready to disclose the source of their supply which many believe to be top bankers, they however agree that the business is good, lucrativeand attractive to many, the risks notwithstanding

    Alhaji Musa Abolagade, a trader in crisps naira notes at Bola Ige International market (new Gbagi) said “ it is a good business, many love to learn the trade . They come as apprentices just like every other trade, it is important to learn the rudiment of the trade if you want to succeed. Some apprentices spend between two to three years so that they will be able to know how to run the business because it is a delicate one. The act of handling large sums of money is a delicate business.

    “Through this business, like every other good business,  you can start your own family, train your children, build houses, buy car(s)and also transfer or teach same business to many who come to gain the knowledge . It is a good business and we thank God for His blessing. So far we don’t any problem other than security which is not only peculiar to our business but is a common challenge to everybody. Aside from that, the market is okay”.

    A trader, it was learnt can made as much as N5000 profit a day depending of the patronage. But it was said that much profit are made on weekends when ceremonies are usually held.

    “The peak period is Thursdays to Sundays when people often attend social events. So, sales are usually high on these days and on other days the business is usually dull because nothing much is happening in town. But, we thank God we are still coping”, Mrs Olaitan Olasiyan, a trader at Iwo road interchange said.

    Many customers who buy from the open market said it is the only place where they could obtain the fresh currencies, noting that such new naira notes would never be available in commercial banks where they ought to be for depositors.

    While the open market for crisps naira notes enjoy good patronage from its customers even though the chances of buying fake notes are not ruled out, many of their customers still find it difficult to comprehend the reasons why commercial banks are not paying depositors/customers with new notes.

    “Rather than be paid in crisps naira notes, the commercial banks dispense dirty, torn, and in most cases un-presentable naira notes that you will not want to accept. It is very disturbing and unacceptable. It is also very shameful that a country like Nigeria will allow such dirty, smelling and overused naira notes in circulation. Most of these old notes are even worse that the common paper you find in our waste dumps. And the disturbing aspect is that these bad notes are injurious to health. So, why must the commercial banks feel comfortable paying them to depositors”, a civil servant, Mr Sola Akioye said.

    One of the customers of the new naira notes market,  Alhaji Ibrahim Sogan, a self employed worker claimed that the business was not new in the city, adding it was as old as most of the markets in the Ibadan.

    He said many people would love to spend new naira notes especially on special occasions like wedding, graduation, house warming and naming ceremonies “but unfortunately you cannot get these new notes in banks except by road side markets.”

    Alhaji Sogan blamed banks staff for the unfortunate trend, accusing them of supplying the Naira hawkers with new notes just to make extra money.

    Some of the customers who spoke on the development also heaved blame on both the Central Bank and commercial bank officials for allowing corruption to destroy the confidence the people have in them to put good currency in circulation.

    They argued that most of the bank officials make hundreds of thousands of naira through racketeering and illegal sales of crisps naira notes to traders at the expense of the depositors, and called on the regulatory authorities to wade into the matter by discouraging commercials banks from dispensing torn ,dirty and bad naira notes across the counter and through Automated Teller Machines (ATM).

    A lawyer, Mr Taye Adeleke said “It is unfortunate that corruption has gradually overwhelmed everything we do in this country. It was not like this in the early 80s. You go to the banks and get crisps naira notes not on the streets or pepper and tomatoes market. From the top to the bottom, corruption has eaten deep everywhere. The CBN Governor will not say he does know about this as the head of the regulatory bank, even what we learn is that these new naira notes were sold directly by CBN officials to the black market. So, what will you expect the commercial bank officials to do? At times you feel ashamed to bring out some  torn, very dirty and in bad shape naira notes in public to spend and these notes pass through the CBN and our commercial banks. We are indeed in a mess in this country. And honestly, we need a messiah to clean the system”.

    Efforts to get officials of some top commercial banks in Ibadan to speak on the trend were turned down as they claimed that they are not in position to speak on the matter.  But a source in one of the banks shifted the blame on the CBN for dispensing old and bad naira notes.

    “We are not to blame because every money given to us came from the apex bank.  In fact that is the warehouse. So, the commercial banks only pay out what they received from the CBN”, a source from one of the commercial banks said.

    At the CBN Zonal Office, Dugbe, Ibadan Central Business District, a few of the officials who declined comment on the matter claimed that it would be out of civil service rules to speak with a journalist, while others claimed ignorance over the matter.

    Spokesman for the Oyo state Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor when contacted on the matter refused to comment on the police enforcement of Section 20 and 21 of the CBN Act 2006 which prohibits spraying of naira notes at public functions.

    When her attention was drawn to attitude of some people who rush to buy new naira notes by the roadsides with the intent to spray same at parties, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) told The Nation that she would not want to speak on that too, but said the law banning spraying of naira notes at public functions attracts six months imprisonment or an option of N50,000 fine or both .