The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

‘With AI, future of education is exciting’

Sylvester Juwe, founder, EdaTech, an AI-powered educational platform that bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and impactful learning experience for children across sub-Saharan Africa, speaks with Oyeyemi Ajayi on the ongoing revolution in the education sector, the relevance of Artificial Intelligence in education in coming years and the changing attitudes of young people towards Maths.

You are founder of EdaTech, purported to be an AI-powered educational platform. Tell us about it.

I’ve witnessed the magic of learning firsthand, but also the frustration when that magic isn’t accessible to all. EdaTech is our response to that frustration. Imagine a platform that tailors itself to each student’s uniqueness, a tireless tutor that celebrates strengths while gently highlighting weaknesses and next steps to success. That’s the essence of EdaTech.

We leverage the power of data to create a personalised learning journey, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Think solutions that adapt to a child’s context, age and learning profile, appropriate chatbots that answer questions in a way that resonates, and progress reports that go beyond grades, revealing a student’s learning profile. EdaTech empowers educators too, with insightful data to personalise instruction and ensure no child gets left behind. It’s about igniting a love of learning, one student, one unique journey at a time.

How relevant do you think AI is going to be to education, going forward?

Think back to the struggle of memorising multiplication tables. But today, an AI tutor uses games and interactive exercises that are tailored to children’s learning style, turning that struggle into a fun and engaging experience. This is just one example of how AI can personalise education and make learning enjoyable for every student. Education, at its core, has a timeless goal: to ignite a love of learning and empower each child to reach their full potential – a future where AI tutors tailor learning to a child’s unique curiosity, anticipate roadblocks and celebrate breakthroughs. AI can become a tireless guide, fostering a deeper understanding and a passion for knowledge that transcends rote memorisation. This isn’t about replacing educators – far from it. AI can become a powerful tool, freeing teachers to focus on the irreplaceable human touch: inspiration, mentorship, and the joy of discovery. The future of education isn’t a teacherless classroom, but a symphony of human passion and artificial intelligence, working in harmony to unleash the potential within every child. It is indeed an exciting future.

To many, AI still looks like some kind of mirage. Some even feel it will go away like some fancy fashion. What have you to say to these people?

As Plutarch eloquently posits, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”. That fire is not as a flickering ember, but a vibrant blaze, fuelled not by chance but by the focused spark of innovation. Artificial intelligence (AI) in education isn’t a fad; it’s the kindling that can ignite a personalised learning revolution.

The internet, once a novelty, is now the lifeblood of communication. AI is poised to follow a similar trajectory, not replacing educators, but empowering them to become architects of personalised learning journeys.

AI presents a world where every student is challenged at their optimal level, where knowledge gaps are identified and addressed before they become chasms. AI can illuminate hidden strengths and learning styles, customising the educational experience to each unique mind. These goals are central to the provisions of education. Their impact is only magnified using these technologies. As such, AI isn’t about replacing the human touch; it’s about amplifying it, allowing educators to become inspirational guides on a path fuelled by data-driven insights.

Aside from your master’s degree in Mathematics, you also pursued an MBA and a PhD in Business and management with a focus on Education; would that imply that you have a bias or passion for education? If so, what drives it?

Numbers were my first love, but they unlock a world of potential, especially in young minds. While the MBA equipped me to navigate the complexities of bringing an idea to life, my doctoral studies focused on leading innovation for wellbeing, particularly in the context of education. It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about nurturing the whole child. A world where every child thrives, not just survives in school; a generation of innovators brimming with not just knowledge, but also the confidence and resilience to tackle the world’s challenges, is the vision. That’s the future EdaTech is building, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.

Your experience in the 80s at Eyabugbe Primary School Ugborikoko, Warri, is said to play a major role in your passion for education. Tell us about it.

From scorching classrooms in 1980s at Eyabugbe Primary School Ugborikoko, Warri to the hallowed halls of Cambridge, my education journey ignited a fire within. Witnessing over a hundred children crammed in a classroom, a single teacher straining to be heard, made a searing imprint. This wasn’t unique; it mirrored Sub-Saharan Africa’s education crisis. Here, millions grapple with limited resources, their potential stifled. Data paints a stark picture: two-thirds leave education lacking the skills required for success. This is not just an educational crisis, it’s an economic one. Sub-Saharan Africa, brimming with young minds, deserves better. Let us for a moment imagine a future where education truly unlocks their potential, where problem-solving skills propel the region to global leadership.

How would you assess today’s students in terms of willingness to learn and learning capacity?

Globally, not limited to Sub-Saharan Africa, I see today’s students brimming with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, unlike any generation before them. Information is at their fingertips, and their desire to explore new concepts is undeniable. However, the current education system often struggles to keep pace with this boundless potential. Traditional methods, reliant on rote memorisation and standardized tests, can stifle creativity and fail to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. Children become bored because teaching methods are yet to evolve like methods elsewhere. In fields like gaming and entertainment, engagement is paramount, and content adapts to the user’s pace and interests. Shouldn’t education be just as engaging?

The challenge lies not in the students themselves, but in bridging the gap between their inherent willingness and the way knowledge is presented. EduTech offers a solution. By personalising learning journeys, catering to diverse learning styles, and fostering a love for discovery, we can unlock the true potential within every student. Imagine classrooms where curiosity is the driving force, and every child feels empowered to explore and excel. That’s the future of education, and a future I’m incredibly excited to be a part of.

Would you say the attitude to Mathematics is improving? In those days, over 70 percent of students used to run away from mathematics.

Absolutely, the tide may be turning on math phobia! A 2021 Business Survey found a surprising over 40% of students actually report liking or loving math, a stark contrast to the 70% who ran away from it. But why the historic aversion? Across the globe, math is often seen as a cold, rigid subject devoid of real-world application. Thankfully, technology is changing the game. Interactive platforms and AI-powered tutors are making math engaging, relevant, and even fun; sparking a newfound appreciation for this foundational subject. The future of math education looks bright, and perhaps one day, students will sprint towards it, not away!

June 2, 2024
Tinubu on path of progress; Aiyedatiwa will win — Oludare

Socio-political activist, Dr. Marindoti Oludare, in this interview with Kayode Fasua, assesses the performance of President Bola Tinubu in one year, against the backdrop of the campaigns he championed for the President while in the race last year. Thirty-five- year- old Oludare, a US-based medic, apart from being the Convener of Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG), also recently got appointed as the Director of Contacts and Engagements for Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council (LACO-FSIC). He speaks on the way forward for Nigeria. Excerpts:

You were around for the presidential campaigns of President Bola Tinubu, with vigorous inputs in the media. Would you say you feel fulfilled for the efforts?

On a large scale, I’ll say I’m fulfilled by my efforts. My assessment and consequent strategies were on point. I had assessed that President BAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) was surely not going to win a majority of the youth vote, but I was sure the President could not win the election without the youth vote. The majority of the APC supporters were being bullied and had their voices muzzled on social media and across most discourses at the time. So I decided to be an effigy of the ire of the President’s detractors, thereby creating a rallying point for his youth supporters. I knew I was smart enough to argue the point beyond dispute, so I engaged and gave a formidable opposition to the social media noise, from rebuking Dino Melaye when he made fun of the president on several occasions, to helping articulate some of his policies, to pulverizing David Udenyin live on TV when he tried to feed the country fibs during the post-election court cases. I also got involved in the Lagos election when I sank GRV’s (Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s) chances of getting to the Lagos Government House after I discovered and released his now infamous “I don’t think in Yoruba. ” I spotted that gaffe on 09Mar2023 when GRV made the comment but I strategically delayed my attack until 16Mar2023 to deprive him of any attempt at damage control. I never got a -Thank you- from anyone for my efforts, but I’m glad because I did it for Nigeria. I believe Nigeria is worth those sleepless nights: living in two time zones and every stress and sweat that I had put in it.

Read Also: ‘Tinubu steering Nigeria to sustainable development’

How would you rate the president’s performance in the last one year?

I will say the President has honestly done what is needed for the country. It took great courage and effort but a great deal of work lies ahead still. Nigeria was a house with gaping structural problems at the core of its foundation. President Tinubu had to get down and dirty in attacking those foundational problems, hence nobody should ask why we aren’t seeing the skyscrapers yet. That is because until the foundational problems have been fixed, there’s no skyscraper that will stand on that broken structure.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has already jumped to criticise President Bola Tinubu for doing things he failed to do. Since the former President is talking, let’s put things into perspective. When it comes to IGR growth, creditworthiness, or infrastructural development in Lagos; Bola Tinubu’s detractors often say because Fashola, Ambode, and Sanwo-Olu all performed better than Bola Tinubu on these indices, that means Bola Tinubu did nothing special in Lagos as its progress was bound to happen on its own. What those detractors failed to see was the solid foundation built by Bola Tinubu that ensured subsequent building blocks could be added to the Lagos architecture. This foundation is what made the geometric growth under subsequent administrations possible.

On the other hand, the majority of Nigerians will look at various economic indices and say former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure was the most prosperous in the history of our 4th republic; what they fail to recognise is the weak foundation left by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo that ensured subsequent administrations could not match, let alone surpass his performance in office. Posterity will judge both leaders and when both men are gone, we will speak of their profile in courage. Historians will give an account of how an accountant had more courage and bigger cojones than a soldier.

The Nigerian economy seems in the doldrums with the free fall of the Naira and low purchasing power. What is the way out of the quagmire?

Thanks for your choice of words; you just said quagmire, meaning mud. The only way out of the mud is through that mud. Nigeria was in the mud that Bola Tinubu did not create of which he is now responsible, hence we all have to follow his lead and walk through it with him until we reach solid ground. Regarding the two critical albeit controversial decisions to end subsidy and unify the exchange rate, those were life-saving decisions. Nigeria was in a hole, we needed to stop digging. That’s the first rule of the hole. The second rule is when you stop digging, you’re still in a hole so climb out. Nigeria is currently in the second phase of that rule, where we’re trying to climb out of the hole we’ve dug for ourselves for six decades.

Tinubu’s policies did not cause the trouble, Tinubu is saving us Nigerians from the trouble. Perspective is key. Dangote got about 9 billion dollars at the official rate towards the completion of his refinery. That is a rate the common man does not have access to. Had Dangote gone to the parallel market like every common man, his naira would have only gotten him about 5.45 billion dollars, which means the Nigerian government gave Dangote 3.55 billion dollars that the common man wouldn’t have access to. Just to emphasise the significance of this, 3.55 billion dollars is enough to pay 150,000 naira monthly to 1.5 million Nigerians for a whole year. That is the amount the Nigerian government gave to just one man for one of his ventures. Now imagine how much all the Nigerian elite are benefitting. I agree that the people will feel the impact more because if a man with 9000 naira gives you 3500 out of it, the impact on his bottom line is greater than when a man with 9 million dollars gives you 3.5 million out of it. Though both gave out the same percentages, one has a 5.5 million dollar buffer while the other is left to scramble with just 5500 naira. What matters is what the government does with the extra money they are getting. I must say though that the communication of the Bola Tinubu’s administration leaves much to be desired and I still vehemently disagree with the administration on how they’re handling the food crisis.

We can recall that you also stood for the governor of your home state, Ondo, in the testy days of attempts to impeach him as deputy governor. What is your relationship with Aiyedatiwa who has eventually become the governor, following the death of his boss, former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu?

I will say my relationship with Governor Aiyedatiwa is distant but cordial. I became the Director, Contact and Engagement of his campaign organisation during the primary but I’m yet to have the opportunity to interact in any direct way with him. Gov Aiyedatiwa is a man I would love to learn from. His poise and resolve is admirable. He was roundly underestimated but he over-performed and out-maneuvered his detractors. His reign was written in the stars, and his opponents failed to see the “Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin”(handwriting on the wall). Even in the primaries, the people came out en masse to support him. Aiyedatiwa transformed from a little-known deputy governor to a governor with a cult following in Ondo State. The people love him and he is delivering.

Aiyedatiwa is now on the ballot as the governorship candidate of the ruling APC in the November 16 election. What are his chances?

Governor Aiyedatiwa will be elected Governor of Ondo State come November 16 2023. I am confident of that. Like I said, he is ordained by God to be governor, going against him at this moment is like swimming against the tide, you will get swept away. Anyone with half a brain will know to go with the Aiyedatiwa flow at this moment in time. But on the substance of things, Governor Aiyedatiwa is delivering on the promises of good governance. His God-given poise and calm demeanour is quite endearing so he is loved by all and sundry. All who met him marvel at how down to earth he is. Humility is a rare but attractive trait in politics. His ability to remain even-keeled during this period goes to show the manner of man he is. When it comes to Governor Aiyedatiwa, I have zero concerns. Not to be blasphemous but if Jesus Christ of Nazareth and the great prophet (SAW) got on the ballot paper for the opposition come November, Governor Aiyedatiwa will still win.

How best can the Aiyedatiwa administration transform lives in Ondo State in the face of daunting economic challenges facing Nigeria?

Ondo State is a land blessed with milk and honey, gas, and crude oil too, should we include bitumen, never fail to mention cocoa, and never forget rubber, etc. However, all these natural resources are not enough to turn Ondo State into an economic powerhouse in Nigeria and the world at large. If you tapped all the proven crude oil reserves in Nigeria within a day, sold them for $100 per barrel, and shared that money amongst 200 million Nigerians, each of us would only get about $10,000 and that’s it. No more oil for us to share. The state of Texas produces more than four times the total crude production of Nigeria, oil extracting and mining is not among the top six sectors contributing to the Texas Gross State Product. This is because nations and states are not rich in proportion to their natural resources but a highly trained, educated, and productive citizen will make their nation/state wealthy.

Governor Aiyedatiwa understands this and this is why he has started making the moves he is making. Employing teachers, ensures that the future Ondo State citizens are equipped with what it takes to compete in tomorrow’s economy. He is working strongly on human capital development and ensuring they have the infrastructural backing that enables their potential. He is working on ensuring quality educational and qualitative healthcare delivery in the state. He is already doing all the right things, he just has to be given the mandate to continue what he already started and Ondo State will compete with Lagos for the strongest economy within the next 10 years.

Your constituency, the youth, has been complaining of being marginalised in Nigeria’s leadership structure. How do you think young Nigerians can up their game and get fully involved?

I know the ruling elite will want to point to a few officers and say those are youths, in an attempt to dispute this sentiment but that sentiment exists and it is real. There is a degree of Ephebiphobia in our society and that has gravely affected the progress of the youth. A majority of Nigerian youth is disenchanted with the status quo; we have a majority of people in their 40s and 50s who are middle-aged men but still feel like youths because of their life experiences. They’ve never had a connection with any career, they’ve been condemned to a lifetime of unemployment and their only self-honed skill is panhandling for survival. Nobody wants to depend on another man for their basic needs.

This was the reason why Peter Obi was able to cash in on the despair of the youth during the last election and he ran away with their support. Anybody in the ruling class who is alive to their responsibilities and hopes to prevent the youth from making the same mistake needs to engage them and show them the way. The president and his team need to carry the youth along. Check our population distribution, people aged 18-40 account for approximately 67% of the voting population. They need to bring in more young people into the administration. I don’t approve of creating a ministry of youth, I feel it is condescending to us in my own opinion. If 70% of our population is below the age of 30, then youth should be at the core of every aspect of government.

Can you mention three living Nigerians whom you can classify as your political role models?

If you never mentioned “living” I would have picked exclusively from my state. Number 1 is Pa Reuben Fasoranti: the man is a sage; he is the conscience of Ondo State, with utmost integrity and unparalleled service to his people both in his public and private life.

Second is, HRM Oba Olu Falae: he is a consummate intellectual, as an 85-year-old, he is still as young and spry as he ever was when I saw him last year. He tried to rescue Nigeria in ’86 (when he gained the moniker Mr SAP) but never had the political backing from the then-military regime. I believe Nigeria would have been a better place by now had the outcome of the 1999 election been different.

The last would have to be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I see him as someone with the intellectual ability of Obafemi Awolowo albeit with a better vision and ability to bring his vision to life. Awolowo was influenced by his British experience so he was a democratic socialist, Bola Tinubu was influenced by his American experience so he is a liberal capitalist.

I have met my first two role models and they know me personally, I adore them. The last I am yet to meet and look forward to the opportunity to meet with him.

June 2, 2024
MFM holds PMCH Saturday at prayer city

All is set for the monthly Power Must Change Hands (PMCH) programme of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) tomorrow at MFM Prayer City, Kilometre 12, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibafo, Ogun State.

The programme, which in the past months has held at the church’s International headquarters, Onike-Iwaya, Lagos due to construction works on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has returned to the Prayer City.

MFM General Overseer Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, announced this on Wednesday during the weekly Manna Water programme.

The inter-denominational programme with the theme: ‘Deep deliverance,’ according to Olukoya, will include sessions devoted to salvation, complete deliverance, total healing, emotional, spiritual and physical, breakthroughs, and restoration to mention a few.

Read Also: Soldier killed in home state Abia after surviving five years fight against terrorists

The General Overseer, who personally inspected the level of preparedness at Prayer City yesterday, said the June 2024 PMCH programme will witness uncommon unprecedented miracles.

Olukoya further assured the power of God will solve myriads of problems bedevilling individuals and the world during a series of deliverance prayers which will take place during the programme.

He informed free bus transportation has been put in place at different locations across Lagos State to ensure movement of people from their different locations to and fro Prayer City with ease.

He added that adequate that crowd control measures have been put in place as well as security measures to ensure safety.

May 31, 2024
Odesola: Personal growth essential for pastors

With over 40 years serving as a pastor, and missionary with six PhDs to his credits, The Assistant General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, for Continent 3 (South West, Nigeria & Middle East), Pastor Johnson Funso Odesola was recently inducted into The Nigerian Books Of Record (Who’s Who In Nigeria). Odesola shares his experience with Adeola Ogunlade on the new feat, how young people can get their bearings in life, and the place of personal growth for pastors.

What does it mean to be inducted into the Nigerian Book Society?

Well, I need to tell you the background of the story. When originally they communicated with me that they wanted to honour me, I said no. I said I was a pastor; I just wanted to be myself. But when they approached me the third time, I said okay, I will consider it.

When I visited the internet, and I saw what they have done, I decided to accept the award.

I am grateful to God for being appreciated in my little corner. So I feel honored that in my small corner, some people can identify me. I don’t want my brain to be dormant. I don’t speak like an American or British. But I have content in my brain. Just like when I was talking to my father in the Lord, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, he said you are an idealist. You know people are created to just generate ideas and people work on it. You know Henry Ford, he wasn’t an engineer. He just had an idea. And that idea was what brought him to the limelight. So I feel honored and elated. I feel that in my little corner, I could be recognized. In a few weeks time, on the 5th of June, I’ll be 65. So I don’t look it, but once you are getting older, you are actually old. A day older is old. It doesn’t matter how young you are.

It is sad that a lot of youths grow up without vision and are not focused, how can young people get their bearings in life early?

Well, it’s a very critical question. But if you have a vision of what you want to become in life, and you see someone who is already on that path or at that level, there is no crime in finding your way to that fellow and asking questions. So, if you aspire to be like someone, get closer or find a means of getting to that fellow. My advice is that in the era of social media, anything you want to know about people, there are levels of it, rather than painting your picture and doing all manner of unhealthy practices, go search for your mentor and learn from them.

But if you aspire to be like someone, get to know something about the person. Pastor Enoch Adeboye is an envy of this generation, but he also has not hidden any of his stories; how he started, how he got to where he got to, and some of the habits he put forward to be able to navigate through.

Read Also: First Lady raises the alarm over waning values among youths

My advice to young ones, who are disadvantaged, is to find someone they want to be like. Read about them. If you have an opportunity, get close to them and know how they got to where they got to.

What is the place of personal growth for church leaders and how have you balanced academics, family life, and ministerial assignment?

Let me answer spiritually, and then I’ll break it down. Grace. When people say you have done this, I ask myself, am I the one doing it? No. Because, for me, first, study is a passion. Reading is a passion. They say I have written 70 books. I have done more than 150 books and I have done more than 150 titles. So, when people say, I am writing a book for one year, three years, I say, are you writing another Bible? Because I can stay up the night and write an entire book. But when you stop me, it fails. So, when I finish a book, if I re-read it again, it will change. So, once I write, I just ask somebody to edit. Because I can’t, when I re-read it again, it will change. So, it’s a passion. It’s like a passion that gives me fulfillment. I am not selling books. Of course, now that it’s on Amazon, a few coins are coming in from there. But that’s one.

Of course, when it comes to family, family is life. If your family is not good, everywhere in the city is a wilderness. Somebody asked me the other day; how do you enjoy your home? How do you have everything you have in the home? I said three things. He said, what is number one? Whatever your wife wants, give her. What is number two? Whatever she desires, give her. What is number three? Anything she wants, give her the three.

He said, have you been able to navigate a marriage? In June, you’ll be 35 or 36. So, am I perfect? No, I’m still learning to be a good husband. I still want to love her more. I still want to be a good father and a good grandparent. That one is a duty that I need to perform. Now, when it comes to personal growth, I know if you don’t grow, you don’t have anything to offer. So I need to create time. Whether it is convenient or not convenient, to work on my personal development. I don’t want to be a pastor who is talking lower than the people they are pastoring. And I don’t want to be in the congregation where people are bringing ideas, and I don’t have any. So, when it comes to training, I know that a success without a successor is a successful failure. So, I need to see people who are hanging around me. Once you are 40, 40-something, I put you in a place where you have to mentor other people.

May 26, 2024
Cleric commends Tinubu over suspension of cybersecurity levy

The General Overseer of Christ Redemption Church, Prophet John Oluwadare has commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold decision to suspend the implementation of the cybersecurity levy imposed on Nigerian by the apex bank, which would have increased the burden on the citizenry if it had been allowed to take effect.

He said the president had demonstrated a leadership trait that exemplifies him as a leader who is sensitive to the yearning of the people.

Responding to questions from the newsmen at the church headquarters recently while rounding off a programme, ‘Seven Nights of God of Elijah,’ with the theme: ‘My Giant Shall Fall!’

Oluwadare, however, called on Nigerians to cooperate with Bola Tinubu in his plan to fight corruption, and restructure the economy and the infrastructural developmental agenda for the nation.

He stressed the need for the citizenry to support the president to achieve his dream for the country.

He said, “Nigerians need Mr. President at this critical time and President Tinubu needs the people also.”

He blamed the unabated fuel situations in the country on some self-centered individuals who would stop at nothing to frustrate the efforts of the president to give Nigerians a new lease of life. “There are some cabals feeding fat on the resources of this nation, but with the removal of fuel subsidy on petrol, it became very difficult to enjoy the collective wealth of the country, which is concentrated in the hands of few, hence determined to undermine his administration.”

Read Also: Tinubu embarks on projects commissioning spree for one-year anniversary

The Prophet underscored the economic challenges due to inflation, which are evidently in the life of the people; the high cost of food items, especially the staple food which is becoming increasingly unaffordable, he said, “the high cost of rice, garri, beans, and other consumables are costly in the market. Some families cannot afford two square meals a day.”

He, however, called on the federal government to speed up on the various agricultural intervention programmes including putting an end to insecurity, kidnapping of farmers, supplying fertilizers to farmers, and provision of farm tractors and loan subsidies, that would enhance improvement in our agricultural programmes, saying this would “encourage farmers to go back to farming.

“Our farmers are willing to go back to the farm but should be empowered to have access to various facilities that will encourage food production and adequate food supply to the country.”

He further encouraged President Tinubu not to be distracted by individuals and/or groups of persons who are out there to undermine his administration, but rather focus on his campaign promises to Nigerians.

He said, “I know there are disgruntled individuals who do not have the interest of this nation at heart and do not see any good things that this administration has been doing. The president should ignore them and their schemes, but concentrate on his plans for the country”, end of quote.

May 26, 2024
Primate sues for peace in Africa Church
- Asks members to withdraw suits against church
Primate of the African Church, His Eminence, Julius Osayade Olayinka Abe has appealed to members who have taken the matter of the church to court to withdraw the litigations from court, in the interest of peace and for the sake of Christ.

Abe said this at the Post Conference Address at the 5th Biennial & 118th Conference of The African Church tagged ‘Who shall ascend unto the hill of the Lord’ (Psalm 24:3),’ held recently at Lagos Mainland Diocese, Freeman Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos State.

Abe, who unreservedly thanked God for the successful outcome of the conference and the support of members, noted that the conference had undoubtedly taken the congregants to the heel of the Lord for a clearer view, better vision, downhill image size, reduced perspective and clear-cut willingness to pursue a better future for our Church.

“I hereby appeal to all in the Church of God, particularly the hurt and the aggrieved ones, who have even gone the extra mile in taking the matters of the Church to court, to withdraw the litigations from the court, in the interest of peace and for the sake of Christ,” he said.

Read Also: First Lady raises the alarm over waning values among youths

According to the Primate, the church still has quite a lot to do together for the progressive thrust of the Church, and “so we cannot afford this little storm in a teacup to tear us apart or build a strong wall of partition between us”, he said.

He added that the issue of election into the national offices of a church was of utmost importance. “Whatever happens to the church in the coming era of administration is unequivocally traceable to this historic moment of choice. Hence, we should also see this platform as a veritable but privileged pedestal of service unto God and His people.

“We should yield ourselves in the interest of peace and collective harmony as instruments of righteousness in the hands of God. The fear of God, the spirit of humility, and unity of purpose should drive our desires and individual aspirations over the heritage of God, that is, His Church,” he remarked.
May 26, 2024
The New Seraph unveils ‘Night Of Divine Experience’

History was written as The New Seraph unveils Night of Divine Experience (NODE 6.0) at the opening ceremony of the Annual General Conference held recently at The New Seraph Prayer City, Sapade, Ogun State.

Dignitaries from all walks of life, representatives from government parastatals, and royal fathers with their wives, alongside ministers of God were in attendance at the opening ceremony.

Speaking during his speech on the theme ‘Approaching C&S Centenary: Shaping the Future,’ Pastor Thomas Adekunle Fakile reiterated the need to rebuild the church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Fakile opined that the state of the church was overdue for a great change, and that change is now.

Read Also: Tinubu embarks on projects commissioning spree for one-year anniversary

“The New Seraph has set about the change, and I am proud to see The New Seraph driving the church forward through the undiluted words of God, mode of dressing, conduct, and improving the standard of living of her members.”

Fakile implored all seraphs to live in unity, oneness, and love and fight together against disunity of the body of Christ, the Seraph fold, now and in the future. “Let’s allow God’s Master plan for the growth of the church work and allow the master potter to do His work as intended.

“Let all Seraph(s) have a sense of being, a role model unto others, grow in leadership and discipleship, while also remembering that we need to move along with the technological improvements of the day, he further emphasized.”

The Unveiling ceremony of ‘Night of Divine Experience,” was the first of its kind to be done in any Annual General Conference in The New Seraph.

May 26, 2024
Oldest living Nigerian?
- At 111, papa neither suffers high BP, diabetes nor any kind of disease – Great-grandson
At 111, the story of Pa John Dada Obafemi, former president of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and only surviving member its Board of Trustees, remains an inspiring one and one worth telling over and over. Last Monday, May 20, the former clergyman, who also lays claim to being the only surviving enlisted Nigerian soldier clocked 111. Gboyega Alaka who witnessed his little party, reports.

IT’S amazing how much debilitation five years can have on a man that a century of years never had. That is the story of Pa John Dada Obafemi, renowned Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Evangelist, pastor, former President of the Church, and only surviving member of its Board of Trustees.

In May 2020, The Nation celebrated Pa John Dada Obafemi, then on the brink of clocking 107 years. Not because of any other thing but because at that age, he was among the oldest people, not just in Nigeria, but the world in its entirety, and for the fact that e retained his sharp memory, with all his senses quite active – far more than those of younger humans.

Our crew of Gboyega Alaka and photographer, Olusegun Rapheal, were awed by the way he answered question accurately, narrating stories as far back as his childhood about a hundred years back, with full details and dates, sometimes, exact time. His energy was also unrivalled, as Papa spoke for well over three hours, only getting a bit incoherent towards the end of the interview. That, of course, would be blamed on fatigue.

That interview, titled: “My life as teacher, soldier and preacher by 106-year-old Nigerian,” which ran in two parts in our Sunday edition, generated lots of reaction, including one from the CAC authorities.

In that same interview, he told this newspaper that he was arguably the oldest surviving enlisted Nigerian soldier, going by the fact that he enlisted two years earlier than the acclaimed oldest soldier, Pa Adama Aduku, who had passed two years earlier.

“I joined the army on January 13, 1943 and left on July 31, 1946. Today, in the four corners of the world, I am among the oldest enlisted soldiers alive,” he had declared.

He told this reporter that: “I was an idol worshiper at birth. I worshipped the Osun deity. My grandmother was the head of Osun deity religion. However, when she died, I said I would no longer worship the deity. My mother feared that they would kill me, but I retorted that there was no one born of man that could kill me. To cut the long story short, the deity’s shrine collapsed, when there was no one else to worship it. It was before my very eyes that Christianity entered core Yoruba land, and Islam also came in through Ilorin around 1917 or so. I am not sure of that date because I do not have the records.”

He also told stories of the first crusade of Apostle Ayo Babalola (1930) and the invasion of a swarm of locust (1931).

“The invasion of locust was the type that had never been seen before – at least not in living memory. People said they came from the Gold Coast – the present day Ghana, and ate up all crops. It came around May, when all farm produce had ripened and created a kind of famine never seen before. We called it ‘foworemi’ (use money to buy life) because it was only those who had money who were able to survive it. They would land on a tree and strip it naked, leaving only the stump. I remember how we resorted to hiding yam tubers in (palm-wine) kegs, block the mouths with rags and place them in water to keep them safe from the locusts. Then when it’s time to eat, we’d bring them out, add salt and roast.”

He also shared the interesting story of the cassava revolt, which captured how garri became a staple food in Nigeria: “Initially garri or eba was not part of our meal, because it was novel to us. As a matter of fact, our initial response to it was that it was food for swine. The first time it was introduced to us, they brought five sticks to my father. He took two and gave the other three to his chiefs. It germinated and we harvested it but the pigs (swine)promptly ate them up. So our initial instinct was that it was food for swine, until God woke us up to the fact that it could be used to produce edibles like elubo and garri. So when they introduced it to our school meal roster, we revolted. I spearheaded that revolt and we chanted songs like, “We are not eating garri o; it is food for swine.” I was promptly suspended for fomenting trouble. Eventually, the school won and it became part of our meal.”

Notably, he stated that God had made a covenant with him that he would not call him to the great beyond until the breakaway factions of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) were reunited. “For over eight years after my wife’s demise, I cried to God to call me home, but He said unless the church is united He would not.”

Fast forward to 2024, May 20, and papa at 111, still retained his breathe, even talking, speaking in tongues, praying, though voice now coarser, yet audible, even inquiring about cases he had in court. Call it a confirmation of the covenant he spoke about, and you may not be far from the truth.

Not long ago, he reportedly had a domestic accident and had to go through surgery, yet Papa pulled through. Most astonishing, even to his team of doctors, was how he immediately called for his phone the very moment he regained consciousness.

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Unlike four years ago when he walked slowly into his Ajuwon, Ogun State living room for the interview, he had to be literally carried into the sitting room at Millenium Estate, Agbado-Ijaiye, Lagos, where he now resides, to meet guests who had come to celebrate with him on this auspicious occasion.

What manner of man?

So what kind of man is Pa John Dada Obafemi? How does he spend his day or what’s his day like?

According to his great-grandson, 41-year-old, Christopher Yomi Obafemi, who said he has been literally saddled with baba’s upkeep for some time now, Pa Obafemi “remains sharp mentally. It’s just that his voice has gone coarser and you really have to be attentive and go closer to him, to hear him. Also, he cannot much or for long anymore. But aside these, baba is fine for his age.”

Asked how easy it is to manage baba, Christopher said: “It’s not so easy taking care of baba these days, you know old age is not easy to manage, especially his own age of 111. Besides, being a man, we can’t just entrust him to just any female nurse, because they will have to be touching his private parts which he may not be comfortable with. So it’s only men like him, or us, his grandsons, who can take care of him effectively. I was staying close by before, but I decided to move in with him so that if there were any issues, I would be available to respond.

“Usually I take care of administering his drugs. Whenever he shows any signs of needing medical attention, I call in the doctor and he prescribes and I administer. The way it is, I am the only one that gives him his drugs, nobody else. With the help of my little ones, we take care of him.”

His normal day

“Usually he wakes up around 9am, but after like 30 minutes or one hour, he sleeps off again; then around 11am, we bath him and thereafter, he drifts into sleeps again. Around 3pm, he wakes up, eats and takes his drugs. Before now, he used to eat twice a day – in the morning, after which he takes his medication; and in the afternoon at 3pm. But now, his body cannot put up with such volume of food anymore, so he eats just once.

What kind of food?

“Every day, he eats apples and other fruits. In fact, anything fruit. Once in a while he eats poundo and semo, and very light wheat. But vegetable is everyday; 365 days with stew. Nothing else. Maybe with catfish. Anything fish. But he doesn’t eat meat again.”

Does he does it take ill?

“Not at all. Just malaria. For the past ten years, he has only had malaria. Nothing else. His blood pressure, sugar level, everything has been normal for upward of ten years. I can testify to that because I’ve been staying with him for nine years now. He neither suffers diabetes nor High Blood Pressure. If you test him now, the same result you get is what you will get tomorrow.”

What may be responsible for this?

“I think it boils to what he eats. Baba eats only vegetable and fruits. It also sends a message to us that most illnesses we suffer are as a result of what we eat. Baba does not eat any kind of fast or refined food, just fruits, vegetable and very little swallow. Also, eating once a day helps him, because the food does not get stored in any part of his body where they would later trouble or cause him problems. Don’t forget he rarely goes anywhere, so if he eats much food and he’s not able to burn them, they would end up causing him problems. So like I said, once he eats at 3pm, it is till 3pm the following day.”

Does he have any problem defecating?

“That, I’d say ‘yes’, sometimes. Don’t forget he can no longer force himself to push in the toilet. So most of the time, he uses medications that ensure his faeces are soft. He also has difficulties sleeping at night, but that’s because he sleeps a lot during the day. You know he doesn’t do much, except sleep, sleep again, eat and sleep again. So that makes sleep go away in the night. At intervals, he reads the bible, but even that he now does less because of sight problem. yes. But of course he has the bible in his head. However, he sees and still recognises people. If anyone enters, he recognises them immediately.”

Exercise?

“Once in a while, he comes out to take a walk with his walker to get fresh air. That is the much exercise that he does.”

And the nurse?

“They don’t have to do much, safe when he has problem with stooling or has malaria and they come in to attend to him. Sometimes, if he has malaria, they come in to give him drip to flush out the malaria out.”
May 26, 2024
Ede Town agog as Adeleke joins league of Asiwajus

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke was recently installed as the Asiwaju of Ede Land; the ceremony attracted dignitaries from all walks of life. Toba Adedeji reports.

It was a sunny morning in the ancient town of Ede, Osun State; residents of the town stood in front of their houses in anticipation of the beautiful and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sight dignitaries who would be coming to pay obeisance to the tradition and indeed the town.

Ede town is located in the heart of the Yoruba-speaking community in the South-west of Nigeria. The town has a distinctive military, religious and political history.

The town, which was formerly an outpost of the string Oyo Empire, is still a major hub for political action in Southwest Nigeria. Ede also has a traditional administration headed by a ruler with the title, Agbale Olofa Ina or Timi who is assisted by a council of twelve traditional chiefs.

The incumbent Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, is from the Adeleke Dynasty of Oluronbi Compound in the town. Adeleke, it would be recalled, had been exhibiting tenacity but it came to the fore after the death of his elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who gained popularity in the political landscape of Osun State with his philanthropy, which earned him the nickname, “Serubawon”, meaning “a dread onto them.

The elder brother was the first democratically elected governor of the state. He served the state for one year and 318 days before he was edged out. He was a two time senator who represented the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State from 2007 to 2011 and was elected again under the banner of the All Progressives Congress in 2015.

Meanwhile, until his death in April 2017, Isiaka Adeleke was the Asiwaju of Ede land because of his landmark contribution to the community, state and the country at large.

Right after the death of his elder brother and his breakaway from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ademola Adeleke’s political and leadership energy reignited the resurgence of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to take back the state.

He thrust the hurdles of ruling APC during the Osun West bye-election by winning nine local government areas against one. Subsequently, he lost the 2018 Osun State Governorship election to APC narrowly.

Destiny called again in 2022 when he won the guber seat. Adeleke with extra-ordinary strength, sought to shape the destiny of his immediate constituency, Ede and the good people of Osun State.

For over one year and six months since he has been governor of Osun State, the large-heartedness associated with the Adeleke Family has been evident for all to see. This caused the heart of the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Laminisa 1 to overflow with ovation, hence, nudging him to the realisation that since the death of Isiaka Adeleke, nobody has stepped into his shoe as Asiwaju of Ede land.

Governor Ademola was, therefore, a perfect match to fit into the shoes of Asiwaju of Ede land because of the unprecedented development that he had brought to Osun State and Ede, his home town.

Speaking about the choice of Govenor Adeleke as the new Asiwaju of Ede Land at the Timi of Ede’s palace, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for Installation of Adeleke as the Asiwaju of Ede land, Senator Olalere Oyewumi (Osun West District), speaking at the Timi of Ede’s Palace, said, “What informed this decision to confer on Governor Adeleke, the Asiwaju of Ede title, is in the acknowledgement and recognition of his contribution to the growth and development of Ede land and Osun at large.

“The Timi, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, also took into cognisance the enormity of the entire Adeleke dynasty’s contribution to the growth and development of Ede, Osun State and Nigeria at large. It is just to show appreciation, not only to the governor, but to the entire Adeleke dynasty.”

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He added that Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, business magnates: Aliko Dangote and Folorunso Alakija among others will attend the traditional chieftaincy installation of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the Asiwaju of Ede Land.

Other dignitaries to attend the ceremony are Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Chief Executive Officer of Bovas Petroleum, Mrs. Victoria Samson, Business conglomerate, Dr Deji Adeleke, among others.

Aside the Oyo State governor, two other governors who graced the occasion at the Timi of Ede’s palace, are Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State).

Speaking during the installation, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi lauded Adeleke for contributing to the development of Ede, adding that “The governor has been exhibiting the quality of Asiwaju since he came to political space.”

The Ooni prayed for Adeleke and urged him to continue contributing to the development of Ede and the state as a whole.

Governor Makinde who spoke on behalf of the Governor’s Forum, eulogised Adeleke in Yoruba, saying, “This is Asiwaju Serubawon.”

“Adeleke challenged me that he would compete with me with infrastructure. When I came today, I saw that work is ongoing in the state.”

The Timi of Ede, Oba Lawal, while addressing the gathering, said he was not worthy to adorned the chieftaincy leaf on the new Asiwaju of Ede Land in the presence of the Ooni. He thus invited Oba Adeyeye to perform the chieftaincy rite.

However, Oba Ogunwusi explaining the importance of chieftaincy leaf called Ewe Akoko, further invited the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Asiru Olaniyan; Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Olanipekun Oyetunji; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin and the Timi of Ede himself to jointly adorn Adeleke as the new Asiwaju of Ede Land, while other monarchs present blessed the governor.

Also present were the Orangun Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Ogunwole, Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Oyelude among others.

Reacting after his due conferment, Adeleke called for a minute’s silence in honour and remembrance of his late brother, Isiaka Adeleke, after which he lauded the Timi of Ede for the gesture.

He also applauded his elder brother, business magnate, Adedeji Adeleke and sister, Chief Dupe Adeleke for their support.

He described his installation as ‘a further call to service’ and vowed that “Very soon, all big towns in Osun State will become cities. That is how we called it in America. Ife will become a city, Ilesa will become a city, Iwo will become a city, Ikirun will become a city, Ila will become a city. I will carry the light of positive transformation from towns to villages and from cities to rural areas across our dear state.”

Other dignitaries at the ceremony are former Oyo State governor, Rasheed Ladoja, former National Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, PDP Deputy Chairman South, Taofeek Arapaja, Speaker of Oyo State, Debo Ogundoyin, Acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum, Ex-governor of Ondo, Segun Mimiko, Osun ex-SSG, Fatai Akinbade, Senator Olu Alabi, Senator Fadahunshi, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Ondo State PDP guber candidate, Agboola Ajayi, wife of Mike Adenuga amongst other politicians.

May 26, 2024
Tension as conflict over traditional festival day in Osun turns bloody

The Olua festival is a sacred festival peculiar to Otan-Ayegbaju community, headquarters of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State; the yearly event however, turned bloody recently, following conflicts over chosen dates. TOBA ADEDEJI reports.

Otan-Ayegbaju is wildly known for its yearly festival called Olua or Oroke. It is a festival where the priest called Aworo Olua will lead the procession of the people of the community, including the chiefs and the king to different spots where rites will be made to the gods and the forebears of the three ruling houses.

According to tradition, the Olua festival came to existence after the first king of the town turned transited into a god in the community. But before his transmogrification, he assigned duties on how sacrifices to him such as libation of palm wine, how meat would be provided and how divination kolanut would be administered during the yearly sacrifice.

During the festival, participants, indigenes and members of the three ruling houses would wear intricately coloured dresses while others wear white. Traditional rhythmic drum and music are also available to spice up the joyful atmosphere of the town which terrain consists of hills, mountains, dense forest, vegetation and gullies.

This year’s festival however witnessed a conflict which made the celebration go awry in some sections of the community.

The Nation learnt that the crisis started when the head of Elemu ruling house, whose duty was to pick date for the said festival informed Aworo-Olua who later informed the king. However, the king, Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Fadipe, had reservations for the said date because he claimed that it will clash with the activities of other religions.

It was gathered that the Head of Elemu proposed May 23rd and 24th 2024 but the king made adjustment of the date to 22nd and 23rd, which the priest of Aworo-Olau agreed to.

The festival was thereafter carried out on 22nd and 23rd, led by the king and Aworo-Olua, Chief James Egunfemi. This was, however, kicked against by other ruling houses who were supposed to be part of the festival.

The Elemu and other ruling houses therefore held another Olua Festival on Thursday on the ground that according to the tradition, it must be held on the market day of the community, which the king failed to consider while making the date adjustment.

The Nation learnt that while the other sections of the community were holding the Olua Festival in accordance with the edict of the tradition, they were attacked by thugs, which led to scores being injured.

A source in the community named Shina said, “There were gunshots during the attack on Thursday during the Olua Festival. Many people were ed by the thugs. I learnt that those thugs were brought into the town by one of the chiefs who was not pleased with the ruling houses conducting another Olua festival after the one Kabiyesi and the Aworo-Olua had championed a day before. They felt it was sacrilegious to hold two Olua Festivals in within one year.”

One of the injured adherents, Tosin Akintunde, narrating his ordeal explained how he and his friends numbering about seven were attacked and injured severely.

According to him, “We were at the Olua’s forest on Thursday when I was hacked by thugs. I was equally stabbed on my chest to the extent that I almost bled to death. About seven of us were taken to the hospital for treatment while others were detained at the police station. They claimed that what we were doing was a taboo. They were wrong, we were right.”

Spokesperson of Elemu and Onigbo Ruling Houses, Prince Tunde Adeleke explained that it is the duty of the head of Elemu ruling house to pick the date for Olua festival and he would communicate it to Aworo for the king to prepare.

His word: “However, the king and Aworo connived with each other to adjust the date to an earlier date which is a taboo. The festival must be held on the market day of our community.”

He added that, “It is an abomination for us to join the festival on the day they fixed, so we observed that festival on the date fixed by the Elemu, which turned out to be a day after theirs.”

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Adeleke alleged that Aworo-Olua led thugs to the forest where they were holding the festival to attack worshippers and adherents. “One of our people was shot and nearly got killed while others were severely injured. The Police also arrived at the scene to make arrest. They arrested Chief Elemu, Jerome Omotoso, Chief Onigbo, George Adeyemi and Rodiat Kazeem at the Olua Forest. These people arrested were above 80-year-old.”

He alleged that policemen took side against them, which made them to detain the chiefs for about two days before they were released.

“The Osun State Government must quickly intervene before this matter snowballs into a major crisis. The actions of the king and the priest were sacrilegious, and have grave consequences on the town if the needful was not done in time.”

However, Aworo-Olua, Chief Egunfemi, denied involvement in the mobilising thugs to the other Olua Festival conducted by Elemu ruling house.

He said, “I stand for peace and want peace to reign in our community. The law is above everybody, there shouldn’t be crisis. The history of Otan-Ayegbaju is not complete without the Olua festival because it has to do with the origin of the community.”

He explained that, “Any reigning Oba in any community in Yoruba land is the chief custodian of the tradition and culture and has total prerogative which can’t be challenged. The Kabiyesi has the right on whatsoever that goes on in his domain, he made appeal that he want Friday and Sunday which for other religion to be respected to avoid inter-religious crisis. I believe any reasonable person should agree with him. So we all agreed 22nd and 23rd May 2024 but the other section felt it is not pleasing to them, then they went to organised theirs.”

Similarly, when contacted, Oba Fadipe alleged that the Elemu and Onigbo houses were the ones fanning the embers of discord in the town by holding a separate festival, which is a taboo to their culture.

According to him, “I am in charge of the custom and tradition in this community. Aworo is the priest who should lead the festival joined by me. It is unfortunate that those people gathered themselves to cause conflict in the town. I adjusted the day because I don’t want it to clash with other religious activities. One of the two days they shifted it to fell on Friday.

“Those involved are miscreants. Their action is sacrilegious because they entered the forest through a route tradition says that we should exit. This has grave consequences on the town. I am in charge of the community and any other person who wants to object to my command and the verdict will be dealt with by law of the land.

“We only reported them to the police who arrested them, we do not do take laws into our hands, security operatives are involved in our own festival. Any other festival without my permission is illegality and a taboo to the tradition of the land.”

The Spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, promised to get back to The Nation when asked about the incident.

May 26, 2024