The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • AYOKUNLE SOLOMON: I started with making musical videos

    AYOKUNLE SOLOMON: I started with making musical videos

    Adebusoye Ayokunle Solomon is the CEO of Klala, known for his creativity in cinematography and photography. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, he takes you into his experiences with Virgin Nigeria, talents in music and organising social events on campus which eventually impacted on his career and business choice.

    What were you doing before going into this line of business?

    I read Accounting at the university of Ado-Ekiti. I served in Adamawa state as a teacher and three months after my service year, I got my first job from Aviation Logistics at Virgin Atlantic as a customer Liaison officer. We were trained on document fraud; we check passports, fake travel documents, fake visa and some other activities within the international airport. There I worked for two years and three months. Virgin Nigeria came into Nigeria as Nigeria flag carrier. I resigned from Virgin Atlantic, Aviation logistics to join Virgin Nigeria, Ticketing department where I worked for two years and another six months.

    I resigned to study photography in London School of Photography. I returned back to Nigeria to start my business and here we are today.

    Why Photography?

    Then I actually thought about my music career then before I quit. I was thinking of something I could do, that would make me relevant. I then thought of learning how to make musical videos. So, while on night duty we close by 11pm and there was free internet do a number of things. So, I met someone online, registered for them to train me on cinematography and editing. I learnt this for six months online and that was way back before I even thought of photography at all. So, I learnt editing, camera settings and everything about cinematography.

    In 2006, I got my first visa to UK and I had saved so hard and I bought my first camera then. We were just about 7 people that had that kind of camera then, I always like the best. Then I came back to Nigeria, still working, still learning and I started shooting. The first video was for me because nobody believed in me; nobody wanted to put down their money to start up a musical video business. I shot a very lovely musical video and it was great, to show people that I am a cinematographer. Then I got the first deal with a friend who paid about 200,000 naira and I went straight to the market. I needed a laptop badly to edit. So, I used almost 180,000 naira to buy a laptop and that came from my first job. I can edit perfectly and it had a good configuration. There I started editing musical videos and I shot a couple of top musical videos for myself and other artistes too in Nigeria.

    How photography came in was that right from secondary school, my cousin wanted to have a birthday party, I was meant to be the MC and the photographer. There was a guy that I was banking on that he would borrow me his camera but the guy failed me. I had some money with me then and I went to the market and bought Fuji film camera and covered the event and it looked good. I thought that I would be able to get some money back to buy my JAMB form.

    I couldn’t buy that form that year and my late father found out. He said you are a bastard, you have spent the money for your JAMB but I won’t give up on you. My father believed so much in education. If I don’t train you, I know you are going to sell this house, so I would make sure that I train you. You have bought a camera to do what, you want to be a photographer and he was really angry. I was beaten, I apologized. The camera didn’t last for too long, water fell on it and that was it. That year went and I did JAMB and got admitted into the university and I remember that from my 100 level , I was taking picture and by 300 level, I contested for the position of the director of the Student Union Government , even though I do not like politics and I would never like politics. But because I am a socialite and I know I can add value to the social function of the university and the state as a whole. I contested and lost gallantly. In my 400 level, I re contested again and I won unopposed and I was able to add value to the social life of the university, even up till date. My very last show that I organised in school was the Most Beautiful Girl in Ekiti State. The first ever Most Beautiful Girl in Ekiti State and it was sponsored by Nigerian Bottling Company then in 2003.

    At that point, my brother wanted to come back from the US and he asked me what do you want and I said, I wanted a digital camera. He bought me a very small canon camera, which has a memory card, rechargeable batteries and I was able to take pictures of all the event that I had in the university. We had memorable events like JAMBites night, Mr. Campus, Miss Campus, Award night and Most Beautiful Girl in Ekiti State.  That was how the idea, the interest of taking picture all started.

    How has been social impacted on your business?

    My social life has really helped my business because everybody we graduated together from the university then three set ahead and three set after all know me. That is why I retained the name Klala that is my pet name, the name my late dad calls me and what everybody that has known me calls me. Many don’t even know my real names.

    After school, I served, bought my camera and started shooting. At a point, I was working and I had a store where I sold clothes for men. I imported from China, Dubai, UK and different places. I worked with an airline and used the opportunity to travel and bring in things. At a point, it came to my mind that why don’t you open a studio and that was how I started saving my salary to buy equipment and I was saving hard in the Virgin Nigeria Cooperative. I was saving like 70 per cent of my salary and at a point I got a big sum and I was able to set up the studio.

    Was it smooth or there were challenges?

    I already had my equipment before I resigned. It wasn’t smooth but it wasn’t too bad for me because I was working, had gained experience and knew what customer service is, understand how to bring people together, teamwork, team spirit was good. So, it actually started well for me. But the areas that I had problems were coming into the industry and to be accepted was a big problem. There were already people who were known but they don’t know you and I can’t really blame them.

    What was the turning point?

    When I thought of doing it differently. I am a strategist, I have always been and from day one I strategized on meeting up with my immediate customers. I pen down what you do and how to meet them up and it worked for me. I also wrote down the things I wanted, how do I get to the top; I studied the industry, studied people and what they want. I chose my kind of photography which is event, every bride and groom save hard for their wedding, some even get sponsors and they already have a budgeted amount and they are ready to pay to you well. I also listed out what I need to do to do it differently. People realized that everybody who would need a photographer would need a cinematographer. I started as a cinematographer trained in America, went to the London school of Photography. So, I do both and if you want the two, you get a huge discount. I also introduced a wedding video like a movie, documentary and subtle musical video in the background. It started very well and that added so many value and people started calling us and booking us.

    Why did you set up an academy?

    As a businessman, I realized that I need to multitask, I can’t depend on just one company, I should have sister companies that will lean on each other to grow. I am into 360 degree camera, life streaming, frames, mobile studio and the academy came in. Interestingly, it was what I started from the beginning. When I came into the industry, I map out a strategy and I do not know if it was going to work. I told myself that I train so hard on editing, so let me get the guys that would shoot. I started training people and they joined the academy and they shoot while I edit. So, for now I don’t go for events, I don’t shoot but I edit. The division of labour thing comes in and it sounds so professional and within a few days your picture is ready.

    Along, the line I got a lot of calls from people who wanted me to train them. So, I realized that I need to set up an academy to train people, even though I had been doing this informally in the past. For, this current set of people are 28 in number and  I trained them free of charge because I realised that one of the major problems Nigerians are facing is employment problems. There is been a lot of people that want to train with us but they cannot afford the tuition which is 350,000 per annum in the past, the price has gone up now.

  • Lagos pedestrian bridges of death

    Lagos pedestrian bridges of death

    Gboyega Alaka captures the agony of commuters as they struggle to cross expressways due to damaged and vandalised pedestrian bridges.

    PEDESTRIAN bridges or footbridges, as they are more commonly called in Nigerian parlance, are supposed to be infrastructure for safe crossing of fast highways. However, a situation where these bridges are being wilfully vandalised or where they get damaged and are left unrepaired expose commuters to grave danger of being killed or maimed as they attempt to cross the expressways.

    Typical examples of such pedestrian bridges that have become death traps are that of Ijesha Bus Stop and the one at Aswani /Five-Star Bus-stop along the Apapa – Oshodi Expressway.

    At Ijesha Bus Stop, a major Bus stop that serves residents of Surulere environs and some parts of Okota, the pedestrian bridge is mutilated, with a section of it brought down due to an impact from a an articulated vehicle that ran into it some three, four months back. This has left the bridge disjointed and useless, causing commuters to have to dash across the ten-lane expressway, literally competing with speeding vehicles and risking their lives.

    An elderly woman, Ajoke Ojo, who sells herbs at the bus stop, told this reporter that the bridge has been in the damaged state for over four months.

    “The bridge was damaged in March this year, when a loaded trailer ran into it. Since then, commuters have had no option but to dash across the road, which is a very dangerous exercise, if you consider the rate at which vehicles speed on the road.

    As a result, Ojo said many lives have been lost, while an uncountable number have suffered broken bones, while others have become disabled for life.

    Asked how often accidents occur, Ojo said, “I cannot give you a number, but it is a regular occurrence. However if I am to a give a figure of lives lost, I would put it at four. It could be more, but those are the ones I have heard or witnessed directly.  It is not a pleasant sight to behold and I always pray not to witness it.”

    She recalled that before the collapse, commuters used the bridge almost religiously, especially because it is a fast express and it helped them avoid accidents.

    Ojo is therefore appealing to the relevant government authorities to be quick in rectifying the collapsed footbridge because it is even affecting them as traders, as commuters no longer alight at the bus stop, but go as far as the nearest Cele Bus Stop, from where they would commute to their different destinations in tricycles or bikes.

    Muhammed Sagir, who sells and repairs watches just by the damaged bridge, corroborated Ojo’s account.

    On the number of casualties, Sagir said: “As I sit here, I have seen at least four or five people hit by fast moving vehicles. I have not seen any die, but I have seen them suffer broken leg or head, and rushed to the hospital. I cannot say what happened thereafter.”

    Asked if there is any effort to control the traffic to help people cross, both Ojo and Sagir said the Lord’s Chosen Church on the other side of the expressway organise police and other traffic officers to control the traffic to enable their members cross whenever they have programmes.

    After that, they said everybody is on their own.

    A female federal Road safety officer stationed at the foot of the bridge at the time of this reporter’s visit however said the lack of compliance of motorists has made it impossible for them to control the traffic for commuters. Speaking with visible frustration, she said, “These people,” pointing at the speeding vehicles, “they are animals.  They never stop.”

    She however said they still do the little they could to help the people, especially if the vehicles are far away. “On such occasions, we quickly help the elderly and children to cross.”

    She volunteered that they have reported the incident to their boss, whom she believed would have reported it to the appropriate authority.

    Vandals strip bare Aswani bridge

    At Aswani/Five Star Bus-Stop along the same Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, it’s a story of deliberate vandalism by aluminium thieves.

    The result of their wicked activities, as witnessed by this reporter, is a totally bare pedestrian bridge that now poses lethal danger, so much that only the very courageous can summon the heart to use it, for fear of falling off.

    This reporter might as well count on his finger-tips the number of pedestrians who used the bridge in the half hour he spent observing proceedings.

    A vulcaniser, who plied his trade right under the bridge and who preferred anonymity, said the vandals usually operate at night.

    “They usually cut it at night. Of course nobody dares do such in broad daylight. This place is a non-residential area, so it usually becomes deserted as early as 9pm; so the vandals have all the freedom to carry out their evil act. Usually, we come in the morning and see that a section had been cut off. That was how they continued until they finished off all the railing. I’m sure if they had the capacity or market for it, they would have dismantled the concrete and pillars as well.

    “As it is, only the very bold can use it because of fear of falling; and that is why incidences of accidents have increased on this axis.  Accidents happen here on a regular basis.”

    Another young man who runs a lottery stand popularly called ‘Baba Ijebu’ nearby said, “The effect of the action of the metal thieves is that people are now scared of using the bridge, as they complain of dizziness and fear of falling off the bridge. Even as a man, I am afraid of using the bridge. The other day, a woman was crossing and suddenly became dizzy due to the height and the vehicle speeding underneath. She had to be helped through.”

    He said the reason the vandals are able to carry out their criminality is because there is no security in the place once it is dark.

    “Once the traders and workers in the vicinity close, it becomes totally deserted. Sometimes, the bad boys even descend on traders.  One of my staff had been robbed alongside her fiancé. Even I have been robbed. So, no-one even wants to stay here late.”

    He therefore appealed for quick fixing of the vandalised bridge, as well as the stationing of security personnel in the area.

  • Outrage over outbreak of measles in Rivers communities

    Outrage over outbreak of measles in Rivers communities

    Mike Odiegwu, in Port Harcourt writes on the controversy that has trailed the outbreak of measles that has claimed scores of children in Rivers communities of Emago-Kugbo and Akani-Kugbo

    The journey to Akani-Kugbo and Emago-Kugbo was tough, rough and painstaking. The communities located in Abua-Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State are cut off from civilisation. In fact, there is no road to the communities. It has never been constructed. Most of the children don’t know what cars look like. None has been driven into the community since they were born. Only muddy, bushy and waterlogged pathways created in forests and farmlands by constant feet and motorcycles lead to the communities.

    Indeed, one travelling by road from Port Harcourt to Lagos may get to his destination before another moving from the same Port Harcourt at the same time can reach the communities. It was a journey of hours laced with fear of possible attacks by wild animals. First, there is no direct link between the communities and Port Harcourt, their state capital.

    The only way to access the communities is through Otu-Asiga, in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The road stops at Otu-Asiga. Only commercial motorcycles move people from Otu-Asiga to the Rivers communities, and it is expensive. Trips to and from the Ogbia community to Emago-Kugbo on commercial motorcycles cost as much as N30,000 depending on your bargaining power.

    The trip to the communities became expedient following the outcries of residents that measles was killing their children. Some claimed that over 50 children had been killed by the outbreak, while others said the number was not definite. Still some health officials said no child had died of measles.

    Meeting with Joy Stephen, however, dispelled that position of the officials.

    Joy was full of tears, and she said it has not been easy for her, as she was still mourning the death of her two children. “Both of them died of measles. I know it is measles that killed them. One died on Monday and the other gave up on Tuesday, the same week”, she wept.

    Joy was sure her children were victims of the outbreak. They were all below three years. “I saw the symptoms of the measles as they came out of their bodies. Rashes covered them and bruises were evident inside their mouths.” She said all efforts made to save them proved abortive.

    Rose Semene was distraught and confused. She already lost her five-year-old child to the outbreak. Now her newborn is also afflicted by the disease.

    She said: “My child died of measles. Our doctor (the chemist) told me that it is measles that caused the death of my child. I saw rashes and he was scratching his eyes, coughing and had catarrh. He was five years. I brought him to the chemist for treatment. He was immunised when I gave birth to him.  I feel terrible to have another child that has measles”.

    Joy Jackson could not hold her tears while recalling how her child died of measles. She said: “My child fell sick and we discovered it was measles. It first started when she had high fever. At times, she coughed and all over her body was covered with rashes.

    “Later on his mouth became red and she could not eat and whenever she farted, the odour was offensive to the point nobody could stay around and her faeces were dark and smelly. So later they told me that it was measles. Later she could not eat and was placed on drip before she gave up”.

    Another mother, who identified herself as Likeness is battling to save her two children from the disease. Fortunately, she said they were currently receiving treatment but lamented that the condition had lasted two weeks.

    She said: “My two children have been suffering from measles and they’ve been sick for two weeks.  I have been bringing them to this chemist. I knew it was measles by mere looking at their bodies. I have taken them to the health center for immunisation.

    Like Likeness, another mother, Wololu, was battling to keep her child alive. “My baby is sick, so I took her to the hospital (chemist) to treat her. The doctor told me that this sickness is measles. He remained in the hospital (chemist) for more than one week.

    “They gave us some drugs and other things. I suspected that it was measles when I saw rashes all over her body; she was scratching her body and it affected both the tongue and nose and there is no way to clean her nose. She started to have fever with cough for more than two weeks. That is why I went to the hospital (chemist)”.

    Lifeless health centre and overwhelmed drugstore

    In Emago-Kugbo, which has high rate of spread, the health centre is sick. Though it is a modern structure, it is empty. It has no sickbay, no doctor and the health officers assigned to the community are hardly on ground. But on Wednesday, some of them were around and it was obvious that their presence was because of the outcry of the community. Some youths were seen clearing the overgrown vegetation surrounding the structure.

    The drugstore, which they popularly call chemist, is therefore all the community relies on when they have health issues. Some even refer to it as hospital. Joy Stephen, who lost her two children, said she could not afford to take them to a hospital. “There is no hospital here. I couldn’t afford to take them out of the community. I only took them to the chemist before they died”, she said.

    Even Joy Jackson, who also lost her three-year-old child to the disease, said the health centre was not always functional. She said occasionally when health officials came with drugs, a town crier would go round the community to announce and call on pregnant women and sick people to come to the health centre for drugs.

    She said: “I was unable to take the child anywhere because there is no hospital here. Even the health centre is not available; so when we fall sick, we take them to the chemist and he gives us first aid which usually cures us. So we did not take the child to anywhere. She died two weeks ago”.

    The drugstore owner, Marcus Levi, is known in the community as ‘doctor’. He is chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC). Apparently overwhelmed by the outbreak, Levi raised the alarm to call the attention of the state government.

     

    Controversy over death rate

    There is no doubt there is an outbreak of measles in the community. And it is spreading. The dispute is centred on the mortality rate. Levi claimed that over 50 children had been buried. He pointed out the graveyards to this reporter, stating that their culture does not permit strangers to visit graveside. Levi also has multiple pictures of children who were victims.

    He said: “Since July, we have been experiencing measles outbreak. It started from Amaritor and has extended to Emago. So the thing is getting out of hand and I had to make a report so that it will attract the government’s attention to come and help us. We have lost so many children.

    “I have pictures to show. Just two days ago, health workers came here. People from the state arrived here and they confirmed the cases and left, but promised to return two days after for treatment.

    “We have recorded about 50 deaths. And since the data cannot be proven, we have photos of the people buried at the burial ground. We do not have statistics of the number of sufferers of measles but you can count over 200 children.  Our community is very large, the largest community in Abua/Odual LGA”.

    But Eneni Emmanuel Eritebo, the Health officer of Emago, claimed nobody had died of measles. “In terms of the measles outbreak in Emago, as much as I know, there is no death recorded. One single child has not died due to the outbreak in Emago.

    “And if at all there is any doubt anywhere, other persons can still come for investigation; but I am telling the world as the number one health officer representing the community”.

     

    Issues around immunisation

    While the affected women claimed that their deceased children and those suffering the disease were immunised, the health officers said the turnout for immunisation was usually poor.

    Eritibo said: “The cause of this outbreak from my experience as a health officer is the failure of their guardians to bring their children for immunisation.

    “Government has sent vaccines here and immunisation has been going on. I raised an outcry and warned that their failure to bring their children for immunisation would lead to outbreak of measles. We just organised the last immunisation on Friday last week.

    “If the people say they suffered from measles, the question to ask is if their children were vaccinated. That is why I said the cause of the measles is the low turnout for vaccination”.

    Also, the Head, Record Officer in the health centre, Ogberima Okadi, blamed the outbreak on residents’ nonchalance to immunisation.

    He said: “The last immunisation we carried out was on the 26th of July, just two week ago and these parents refused to bring their children. The turn-out was very poor; so, we were left with no option but to immunise the ones we saw. And that has been our system.

    “Imagine a situation where they give us BCG for about 50 and only two or three show up. They should advise their people to come for immunisation so that this outbreak will not occur again. The last outbreak was in 2012 during the flood at the headquarters”.

    Levi confirmed that the last immunisation ended two weeks ago and that the measles vaccine was only given to nine-month-old babies. He observed that during outbreak of such disease, children under nine months were also affected. He lamented that immunised children were also suffering the disease.

     

    Other causative factors

    Levi pointed out that measles appeared to be seasonal in the community. He said each time the dry season approached, measles occurred in the area.

    He said: “Each time we want to enter into the dry season, we usually experience measles. In the whole of July we didn’t get rain, so due to the hotness of the weather the measles appeared”.

    He said the spread of the outbreak was always aided by the clustered nature of the community. The community is rustic, rural and comprises close nit makeshift shanties. Like a typical Ijaw community, the houses are in proximity and linked together. Levi said it made it difficult to isolate infected persons to curtail the spread.

    Besides, Levi said there is no potable water in Emago. The community depended on the Emago creek as its only source of water. Levi said all efforts to sink boreholes in the area failed to yield positive results.

    We need serious interventions

    Levi insisted that the community was in dire need of serious interventions from the government. He said though the health officials from the state government promised to return on Thursday to tackle the outbreak, they were yet to come back. He asked the government to find a way to make the health centre fully functional, while providing other basic amenities in the area.

    Unlike Emago, the Akani community, which was mentioned among areas ravaged by measles, denied the outbreak. Akani is the first community before Emago, but the two on the same stretch of bush path do not enjoy warm physical relationship. They are far from each other and separated by forest.

    Akani’s health centre is an uncompleted building. A health officer in charge of the community, Umor Walter, said there was no measles outbreak in the area.

    Walter said: “Over the past two years, we have not recorded any infant mortality. And the news we heard on the radio is not fact. You can go and ask around the community, there is no single trace of any measles case and we have not recorded any infant death in the past one year.

    “As for immunisation, we are sensitising on daily bases, and this week, on Saturday, we are going to carry out this month’s (August) immunisation session. And mothers and children are attending because the health awareness of our advocacy and orientation make the turn up very nice.

    “There are many challenges here. We do not have an access road to this place. So we who are posted to this place have been suffering because we find it difficult to pass the road. We want the government to come and provide road to this area.

    “The community has tried to provide portable water. There is water in this place. As for our Health Centre, we do not have a permanent structure now but the community has tried its best to provide us with a place we can manage to do our job.

    “The one under construction was started by the previous local government administration but was abandoned so the community has to renovate two rooms for us to manage and carry out our job”.

    Furthermore, the paramount ruler of Akani, Chief Michael Edighotu, said there was no outbreak of measles in the community.

    “In my community, although there are small fevers but to say an outbreak of measles, we have not experienced such. No child has died; the health officers are working.

    “We have no access either by water or by land. So we need the government to come and help us. We are predominantly farmers and there is no way to transport our goods to the market”.

  • Lagos PFN chair makes case for youths

    Lagos PFN chair makes case for youths

    Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Lagos Chapter, Dr. Enyinnaya Okwuonu has urged congregants to pray and interact with one another in order to succeed.

    He spoke at the youth’s conference with its theme: ‘Fit For The Future.’ held at TREM Cathedral, Ijesha, Lagos.

    According to him, the aim of the conference was to reposition  youths’ mindset towards achieving their core purpose, especially at this time when election is very near,  had lined up activities including prayer session, ministration from  Mass Choir across provinces, awards and recognitions of leaders among others.

    “We are to identify with one another. Nobody succeeds alone, when the devil wants to deal with you they isolate you and when you stay alone is a sign of pride. We should have more of a relationship, whatever you are doing you have to relate with one another.

    “I am appealing to the government at all levels to give the youths a chance.  God is at work, do not stay on the way. The coalition and the mass movement of youth is not man orchestrated, God’s hand is in it,” he said.

    Deputy Chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Pastor Oluleke Akinola thanked God for what is happening in PFN, Lagos State saying it’s a new dawn and they are catching up with the vision of the new PFN.

    “They are coming together to charge a future and we believe strongly that if we are going to get the future we must begin now. And we brought all the youths here to let them know where we are now and where we are going in the future.”

    Lagos Chapter, PFN Director of Youths, Apostle Ken Chidubem, said that ‘it is a time of revival,  a time of salvation, a time of  impartation,  a time of recharging where youths are challenged in order to get the best that has ordained for them.”

    Chidubem said the conference was a result of mobilising youths to understand their core purpose,

    “We are here to let the youths know that the future starts today and we have been hearing the youths are the future of tomorrow but if we look around them, especially in the political world, we do not see that happening and we are to teach the youth how to make one fits for the future,” he added.

    Saxophonist, Jeffrey Steven popularly known as Jeffrey Zion said: “I bless God and I have been into it for several years now and so much believe God and it must surely come to past because it is a future and it is a dream and believe the glory of God will continue in my life.”

  • Our strategy for securing lives, property in Lagos — Sanwo-Olu

    Our strategy for securing lives, property in Lagos — Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was a guest of Channels Television programme, Politics Today, where he spoke about a range of issues bordering on security of lives and property, transportation, the menace of Okada riders and why the Amotekun corps is less active in Lagos than other Southwest states.

    You had a meeting with some of the security chiefs in Lagos and assured Lagosians that all is well. What proactive measures are you taking to check the capacity of the elements that want to infiltrate the state?

    Security is seen as the bedrock of any good governance, because what we preach is that we want to ensure that we save people’s lives and property, and this was one of the things that we campaigned on. If you look at my THEMES agenda, the last letter, which is S, is security and governance. So, it is not something that we just woke up to; it was something that we thought of, something that we dreamt, and we knew what to do with it.

    However, to answer the question is to look at the security architecture in Lagos. I was opportune to be the first interim chairman of the Security Trust Fund, and I was part of the board for four years when it was set up that in 2008. Therefore, what you see in Lagos, outside of the regular Lagos State Police Command, is that our government has been able to strengthen the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

    We have about 2,500 men in the RRS. We also have between 500 and 600 men in the task force, apart from the fact that we have access to two or three MOPOL formations in Lagos. Lagos also has over 15 Area Commanders and about 110 Divisional Police Officers (DPOs). Therefore, what it means is that in that small space of 3,650 square kilometers, you have this whole gamut of security architecture.

    Therefore, we have three layers of interventions in Lagos; the regular police in the event of day-to-day issues that everybody wants to relate to. However, when you have tactical interventions, men of the RRS are usually the ones that you see coming out first. When it has to do with a direct intervention from the Governor’s Office, you can also see the men of the Task Force.

    In the last three and a half years. We have also been supporting all the security architecture in the state, not only the police. We’ve given them over 260 vehicles in the last two and a half, three years. We have also extended similar gestures to other security outfits like the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force under OPMESA.

    We also support with equipment because we know that security is not something that is cheap. Hence, it is not something that we are starting today. It is something we have started since day one. We are not waiting for anybody in ensuring that we do what we need to do in Lagos to make sure that they are motivated with the required equipment to work with as well as logistics support, wherewithal and access to me.

    Therefore, that is what has helped us to speak to the issues and deal with it in the aspect of architecture. As I said, what we have done is to come out of the regular police architecture to other security agencies in Lagos, like NDLEA, Civil Defence Corps, correctional facilities, the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Neighborhood Watch that we also have. The entire tripod is now activated to see something and say something. This is to ensure that everybody has a responsibility to ensure that whatever is noticed or you observe in your respective neighbourhood is related to the appropriate authorities.

    Those are some of the things that we agreed to two days ago. We need to share information. It is not about one person presiding on all the information. We are also taking it to the citizens, especially via CDCs and our CDAs, so that we could have access to intelligence.

    The #EndSARS violence gave Lagos out on how porous the city could be. When we talk about security’s intelligence, what other digital means are being deployed to secure the city?

    For obvious reasons, I will not go into details about this. But we are working with the Department of State Security (DSS) which has the primary role for intelligence. They are the ones that comb the nooks and crannies. I get telephone calls, text messages almost on a daily basis that I share with them. We are deploying a smart city intervention in the state.  We are about the only one that is doing it aggressively and to date. We are installing close to 2,000 CCTV cameras all around the city. We are turning some of them into traffic management.

    We are just building a new data centre for this kind of implementation. However, I cannot begin to give the full details for obvious reasons. We are going to be making this available to DSS so that they can also review some of these things and can have access too. It is a walk in the park, and it is something that the citizens need to be reassured about.

    Is the Command and Control Centre at Ikeja still there?

    Yes, it is still there.

    I have had to report security at some point in Lagos, and I have been taken on a tour of that facility. You can almost see the whole of Lagos on one screen. That was years ago.

    I built that facility when I was the chairman of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). Therefore, I know everything that was put in there. We need to retool a few things, which we are currently doing. Some system needs to be changed, which we have done. We have actually changed the orientation and the location of the place. However, beyond even all of that, in our ministry, we are building a new data centre that will specifically be for security. It is coming to the system already. We have shipments of about over 21 containers that arrived about two months ago. All those deployments are happening gradually, and we have spent a lot of money. We are not just waiting for anybody to help us.

    Is this from security votes or the budget?

    It is from the budget. It is a two-layer because we can also deploy the infrastructure for other things. Technology, for example, using it in school. Once a fibre is there, what carries it can be not only for security, it can be used in hospitals, it can be used in schools and it can be used to ensure that government services are running.

    We are building the architecture, we are building the backbone and security will be one of the users of that barcode. That is how it works. That is why it is on a budget.

    You placed a ban on okada (commercial motorcycle), and security is one of the reasons. Are you sticking to that, stretching or extending it further? Do you see any more danger in the use of Okada in Lagos?

    The only land border I have is with Ogun State. The other one that I have is the Atlantic Ocean. We have a joint Commission where we do things around fiscal planning approval, transportation approval, and security issues. However, to speak directly on the okada thing, we have seen tremendous improvement in the areas in which it has been banned. In fact, people have written to me to commend me. Not only are we seeing a drop in issues around security, traffic, robberies and so on, we do not see people being maimed or limbs being cut in hospitals again. These were things that terminated people’s lives unexpectedly. Therefore, we have seen tremendous improvements in that area.

    Do you have the statistics to support that?

    In terms of rate of mortality in the last two months, at the peak of it, we were seeing about 550 Okada related accidents per month in January-February. Now, it has come down to 100 direct accidents that we have seen from our hospitals. It has significantly gone down. One thing we have told the RRS is that we need to have a lot of pin down positions, because it is easy to maneuver and do all sorts with Okada. Therefore, they do a lot of pin down and pedestrian monitoring. They just need to park and walk around.

    You have been criticised as perhaps the only governor in the whole of the Southwest region to downplay the role of Amotekun security network, which some said has worked very well in other parts of the region. The reason, according to speculation, is because of politics. Would you be considering activating the security outfits?

    It is a great initiative. It is a great idea and I was part of it. I gave them, even the template, in terms of the Law. We have the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch. These almost 7,000 men have been trained and energised. They are working on a day-to-day basis in the state. It is not about the color of the uniform. It is about efficiency and effective security thing. We believe that almost 7,000 of them are working closely with the Nigerian Police Force.

    I get important information on a weekly basis in almost all nooks and crannies. You know, they escalate these things to the Nigerian Police. And that’s one of the things that has helped us to be able to directly intervene and meet some of the things that you probably also would not have been aware of, because I get the report on a daily basis.

    Now, it’s interesting that you have clarified that, because a lot of people will say oh, I mean, he’s basically talking politics…

    They are like my brothers and we both conceived it. And as I said, we thought of it as a boundary intervention. That, you know, the issue there was something happens in Ekiti, you run into Ondo. We said okay, let us set up something where you can police the border patrols. We are not throwing away the police. In fact, I am borderless with Ogun. We are closer to Kara and Mowe than Abeokuta. We do the interventions actually. The last time we had a broken-down truck, it was handled by our own LASEMA. Just this morning, at 4:35, in Sango Ota, there was a massive 40-feet truck that slipped off. It was LASEMA that sorted that.

    How do you detect if there is an infiltrator that is coming into Lagos, for example. There was a time that we were alerted that there is a truckload of possible infiltrators?

    One of the things that we did at the last security meeting is that we have actually pushed a physical stop and search into Ogun State because there is no place on the express route where they can do anything.

    How much of registration of residents and citizens of Lagos do you have? How can you digitally identify people?

    Three weeks ago, we launched the LASRRA card. This is like the highest digital citizens card in the country. We launched it three weeks ago.

    How much of that do you have on your database?

    We have about six million Lagosians out of over 20 million registered in the data base.

    How long do you think it can take to capture all of Lagos?

    It is something that the people also need to come up to. That is why communication is key.

    Would it come to a point that you will have to enforce that?

    We will enforce it to the extent that you may not be able to get some government services.

    The reason why I’m asking is because you talked about CCTV. In other climes, the CCTV camera picks your face, they are able to go through a biometrics check and identify where you reside, who you are, your crime, background and all of that. That’s one of the reasons why I’m asking when you’re installing the CCTV cameras, how do you then process it?

    One of the problems that we have in this country is that data resides in so many places. Technology is the same everywhere. So we don’t want to begin to knock on people’s doors and say I want to take your picture and know if you have it even if it is in, you know, passports, you know, registration, as simple as that you in your registration in the bank.

    We can have access to some of these things, and they can reside in a database where security can have access to some of these things. It is, just as you said, these agencies are not speaking to each other deliberately or lack of knowledge. So, it rests well with you and I to ensure that we escalate this and will bring them to sit to each other and say this is what we need to use this for. NIMC are working with us, I must commend them.

    You are spending a lot of money on rail services in Lagos. The question is how secured will those be now as a proactive measure? What happened on the Kaduna Abuja bound train that was attacked in March where over 60 persons were attacked by terrorism and abducted. In your development of rail service in Lagos, the question is: are you considering measures to protect the roads from attacks?

    Coincidentally, today, I have been on the road. I went on a red line inspection. I started the journey from Agege and all the way to Ebute Metta. Six stations for bridges overpasses, and the crew of Channels TV were with us on that journey.

    So what did we see? We have seen that we are on our journey to have a rail infrastructure already in the process by December is on track. This is different from the Kaduna-Abuja rail. Why? This is an intra-city rail network. It is not an intercity is not a 200-300 Kilometer rail. This is a 30-35 in a city rail infrastructure.

    What we need to do is to ensure that inlet of each of your train stations, you have sufficient CCTV cameras and keep records properly. How is your payment system? Is your payment system something that you can track at the back end? As customers, you’re not going to come to pay by cash, on the counter. You must have a prepaid card and the rest of it.

    Therefore, these are some of the things in our view that will deter would-be criminally minded people because they will not be passengers as that will deter them. Secondly, the entire rail tracks are going to be fenced up. We are insulating them from possible attacks. They are going to be walled off.

    Vehicles are not going to be crossing those rail tracks. We have done bridges in Mushin, Ikeja, Yaba and Apapa road and so that’s the kind of thing that’s also going to happen on red rail.     Blue Line from Mile 2 to Orile to National Trade Fair has been walled off completely. We are going to do the same on the red line.

     Are you thinking about response across real life such that should there even be a breakdown, because there are talks about reels and trains breaking down and it takes several hours before there is a rescue…

    We have the best professionals in this on our payroll already. We even have a team of police officers that are dedicated on the blue light rail corridor, even before it gets started to clean up in order to ensure that there are no miscreants. Remember that there are also cameras that are going to be installed along the routes.

    I understand that you got some of the coaches from Wisconsin in the United States

    No, we got the red line from Milwaukee. You know, interestingly, those trains were meant to be from Milwaukee to Chicago. So it’s a short haul. But something happened and we’re able to pick it. But the other sets are actually coming from China on the blue line right now. Both of them are ready.

    When is the red line supposed to be flagged off?

    The blue will be up by December, while the Red Line will be on by first quarter of next year. But the entire infrastructure will be ready for the end of the year. We inherited the Blue Line, but we have actually done a lot more than what we have done in the last five years on the Blue Line as well.

    Where does the Blue Line start and where does it terminate?

    The Phase 1 starts from Mile 2 and terminates at Marina. Marina is iconic station for the Blue Line. The Phase 2 of it will now push you back from Mile 2 and go all the way to Okokomaiko. The beauty of the Phase 2 is that it is at ground level. There are no overhead. Therefore, it is going to be faster and quicker for us to and the corridor is there to lay the tracks and be able to finish it.

    For the red line, it starts from Agbado, which is outside Lagos to Iju – Agege -Oshodi – Mushin- Yaba and Ebute Metta. The Phase 2 of that one will get out to Marina sometime in the future. People talk about Kenya. People talk about Nairobi. So yeah, I’m trying to talk about one in Ethiopia. Go and ask, it is a sovereign that is doing it, not Addis Ababa.  We have been very creative in our financing. A lot of budgetary is there, but we are very, very creative.

    Also with the Loan. Let me tell you about the loan, single digit, eight-year money, you cannot get it anywhere

     Where did you get it from Nigeria?

    From local banks. I am extremely impressed with them. We are all stakeholders and they are with us on the journey.

     Let us talk about the Apapa gridlock. You promised that you were going to fix it. What happened?

    I am looking straight into the camera and I can boldly say that I have fixed Apapa gridlock. NPA has written letters to commend us. All of the major businesses in Apapa have equally written. I get daily video recording of what is happening in Apapa. I have gotten one for today, and I am sure I will get more between seven o’clock and nine o’clock and between one o’clock and three o’clock on a daily basis.

    What used to take two hours, three hours now takes them 15 to 20 minutes. But what is the remainder of the problem? The Federal Government is doing the route from Sunrise in MTN from the Mile 2 end and going towards Apapa. That is the portion that has not been completed. I think it is a stretch less than a kilometer. That stretch needs to be completed for you to have a complete cleanup of it.

  • Neya Kalu: My father’s work ethic is my greatest influence

    Neya Kalu: My father’s work ethic is my greatest influence

    Neya Kalu wears many hats. She is the CEO Basecoat, a chain of nail Studios, Lawyer, publisher of the Sun and daughter of seasoned politician, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she takes you into her world, inspiration from her father and the things that motivates her.

    Tell us about your experience in the banking sector as a Human Resources Manager?

    I really enjoyed working in the banking sector. Because of my extensive background in the field, my role as a Human Resources Manager was easy for me.

    What have been the experience implementing business initiatives across different sectors?

    As an entrepreneur who runs multiple businesses, implementing business initiatives across diverse sectors comes naturally to me, almost second nature, because I’ve always been hands-on and likes to see things through.

    Why did you study Law and how has this influenced your personality?

    I majored in law because it was what my father desired at the time. I’m glad I found my groove and enjoyed law school because it shaped my personality by making me disciplined and someone who never backs down from a challenge.

    What inspired you to set up BaseCoat, a chain of nail studios in Lagos?

    Following the birth of my son, I desired something more relaxed, enjoyable, and capable of assisting others in relaxing. That’s how the idea for BaseCoat was born, and the rest, as they say, is history.

    What has been the experience stepping into your father’s shoes as Publisher of the Sun newspaper?

    It’s been quite seamless, though there have been the usual challenges that come with settling into a new role, it’s been great because the structure is extremely solid and the team has been fantastic.

    Your father is very visible on the political scene. Are there plans to go into politics in future?

    You know what they say about never saying never, right? But, despite coming from a political family, I’m not interested in politics right now.

    What are some of the things you share in common with your dad? How did he inspire you?

    We have a lot in common; in fact, I’d say we’re almost alike. My father has an exceptional work ethic, which I believe has had the greatest influence on me and is perhaps what I admire most about him.

    What are your memories of growing up?

    Growing up, I was always around older people. So, I was a little isolated from my friends, but it shaped who I am today.

    What lessons has life taught you?

    There are so many. However, if it will cost you your peace, it may be too costly.

    What are some of the memorable experiences in your life and career?

    I’d share some highlights from my career because they are what motivate me as a leader. I enjoy it when my team and I overcome obstacles together because, as I always say, a win for one is always a win for all.

    What are the challenges you encountered as a business owner?

    Nigeria, is a tough place for business. Inflation? Diesel? Electricity? Security? I could go on and on but as entrepreneurs, we build ourselves to see challenges as opportunities as well as brace for impact if things don’t go as planned.

    How would you describe the gender Bill’s that were thrown out by the National Assembly this year?

    My only thought is that whoever is threatened by the female species and all that she can achieve needs to understand that we are not the enemy and that the gender bill will benefit all species in the long run.

    What would you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

    My most recent career milestone was being appointed chairman and publisher of The Sun Nigeria. Unexpected, but definitely the game changer I needed to demonstrate my capabilities!

    Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

    Without a doubt, my son. I never want to give up because of him, and he is everything I need to keep pushing for my dreams and goals. For if I am, he is.

    If you have to advise young people in Nigeria, what would you tell them?

    I only have three words. PLEASE VOTE WISELY.

    What are some of the changes that you will like to see in the country?

    I’d like to see significant changes in our educational system, which is the most important component of any society’s recipe. I believe that our leaders must prioritize education at all levels because we cannot afford to have a failing educational system if we are to progress as a nation.

    What message do you have for Nigerian Women today?

    Continue to fight for your seat at any table you believe you are entitled to. Being female is your superpower. The odds are stacked against you, but you must continue to prove the doubters wrong.

    How do you relax?

    I read a lot of books and listen to a lot of music, and I don’t categorize myself. I enjoy reading, especially Nigerian literature; our country is rich in talent. ‘Daughters Who Walk This Path,’ by Yejide Kilanko, is my most recent read.

    What type of books do you like to read?

    Literature from Nigeria. I admire Nigerian authors and their work.

    What are the things that you treasure most in life?

    My son. My Peace.

  • 2023: Nigerian masses undergoing ‘heart reformation’, says cleric

    2023: Nigerian masses undergoing ‘heart reformation’, says cleric

    AHEAD of the 2023 elections, politicians have been warned not to underrate the ongoing “reformation of heart” among many Nigerian masses, who are ready to downplay money and act in accordance with their conscience.

    The words of caution came yesterday from a Lagos cleric, Prophet Lai Bamidele, in a chat with our correspondent.

    Bamidele, who is General Overseer of Christ Glorious End-Time Evangelical Church with headquarters in Lagos, said several years of failed promises and dashed hopes from elected politicians had made the people learn their lessons in a hard way and were now ready to make amends.

    “We have never had it so bad in the life of this country, as many of our elected representatives and governors cutting across all political parties have let down the people who voted for them.

    “The level of corruption in high places also stinks badly, despite anti-graft agencies like the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission) in place.

    “Most of our elected leaders, either as president, governor and lawmaker have failed to redeem their promises and dashed the hope of the masses who look up to them for direction, thus bringing more hardship on the poor masses in need of help,” he lamented.

    The cleric who pointed at a recent comment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that over 70 percent of recently registered, prospective voters were youths, said it was symptomatic of a people determined to make their votes count with no regard for pecuniary gains.

    “The masses, especially the youths are now going through what I will call reformation of heart, and these are the people who are ready to downplay money and act in accordance with their conscience.

    “It also shows God in action, in the affairs of this country, as I foresee a Nigeria where voters will ask contestants what they intend to do if elected and not how much they have to spend to get there,” he stressed.

  • ARA: I want the world to fall in love with my culture

    ARA: I want the world to fall in love with my culture

    Aralola Olumuyiwa known with the stage name Ara is Africa’s leading female drummer, singer and entertainer. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she goes down memory lane to recall how it all started, passion for promoting culture, memorable moments, the journey so far and her new single which was released recently.

    Tell us about your new single. What inspired the song?

    My new single titled Omo Yoruba was written a few years ago and released on digital platforms in 2019.

    I wrote it because I am proudly Yoruba. I saw the need to celebrate my culture, cultural heritage and race in everything I do. I want people all over the world to listen and fall in love with my culture. I want our children to listen to my songs and ask questions about their history. I want it to be a reference point for people who want to know more about the Yoruba people.

    How would you describe your experience in the sector so far?

    My experience in the sector has being all of beautiful, rewarding and challenging at the same time.

    What were the initial challenges?

    The initial challenges were normal because I was about to step into unknown territory. So, the challenge of having a mentor from  my gender was nonexistent and the male folks around me were skeptical and so I had to do things my own way.  In addition,  there were also  the different myths surrounding the drum and what they projected about  being a female.However, all this didn’t deter me, I was focused on what I wanted to do and how to do it effectively.

    Let’s talk about your memorable experiences and the turning point in your career?

    I have loads of memorable moments. They include my performance before the Queen of England, performance with Wyclef Jean, Wesley Snipes, All for one, King Sunny Ade and the late Brenda Fassie. But the turning point in my career was my meeting and dancing with the legendary Stevie Wonder. This led to my eventually performing with him on stage and featuring in his a tome to love album.

    What are some of the other things that occupy your time?

    Some of the other things that occupy my time is consulting for people, mentoring, charity work, cooking, editing videos (latest addition) reading, creating content and a little more.

    What lessons has life taught you?

    Life has taught me to be patient, forgiving, never procrastinate, take things or people as they are, never give up and sow seeds that I would want my children to reap from. In other words, do good, be kind or soft with your words and never ever look down on anybody.

    What are the things that drive and inspire you?

    The things that drive and inspire me is first and foremost Love, God is Love and I see Him in everything. The awesomeness of God in everything…gets me emotional.

    ARA Drumming

    What are some of the changes that you will like to see in the sector?

    Some of the changes I would like to see in the sector if for us to promote our Culture more.  It is our essence, our DNA.

    Tell us about early life, what dreams did you have. How did your parents   influence you?

    For me, looking back now, I would say that my early life was beautiful, my dad was my greatest influence. He had a huge collection of music and he played them all the time. My passion for music and dancing, and then drumming started from there.

    Let’s talk about your role models and mentors?

    My role models are my dad, Micheal Jackson, Diana Ross, Oprah Winfrey and Professor Wole Soyinka. I am sure I will acquire more over time.

    If you had to change something in the industry, what would it be?

    One of the changes that I would like to see in sector include better pay and more respect for drummers, we are the heartbeat of music. Drummers deserve way better than what they are getting now.

    If you had to advice young people who want to come into the sector, what would you tell them?

    Be sure it’s your calling, don’t let money be your motivation, be focused, disciplined, determined, develop your talent and also invest in yourself.

    How do you relax?

    I relax by staying in bed and eating well, swimming, watch a good movie in bed, massage and generally pamper myself.

    What is your favorite travel destination?

    I love anywhere there is nature, good food and music.

    What type of books do you like to read?

    My interest varies…The list include The John Grishams, books on Spirituality, books that improve and increase me.

    What is your definition of style? What are some of the things that you cherish in your wardrobe?

    My definition of style is elegant with class and decently appealing.

    I love my beads.

    What won’t you do in the name of fashion?

    Disrespect myself…

    ARA

    Tell us about the principles that you hold onto in life?

    Do good always….it’s never in vain. Be compassionate.

    What advice do you have for female politicians as we prepare for the 2023 general elections? My advice to female politicians is to get it right from the onset. Politics in Nigeria as it is getting more attention from Nigerians and people are ready to deal with any politician who isn’t representing them well. It is important to understand the assignment that you have chosen to serve the people.  To whom much is given, much is expected. 2023 is going to be different; Nigerians are more informed and wiser.

    What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the country?

    I would like to see people who are intentional about their service to humanity, who understand that they have been nominated or elected to serve. That the office they occupy is not about them but Nigerians. I would like to see changes in the greedy attitude of public office holders and their lack of professionalism.

    A lot will change if people understand their assignment.

    Tell us about the things that you treasure most in life?

    What I treasure most in life is that I am here despite everything I have been through; it has made me a better and not bitter person. I have had near death experiences, so I see beauty in everything because I have a deeper understanding of life and death. It is a privilege to be here. I treasure everything. There is good in bad, there is always a lesson to be learnt. In a nutshell, life is beautiful, live every day like it’s your last, never compare your life to others, work towards your goal. Be guided and guarded.

    Let’s talk about your beauty routine. What are the things you do to look good?

    I keep my heart free and happy always, beauty is from within. Once in a while, I do my facials, massage, try to eat right, try to use good affordable products. Finally, I relax my mind and sleep well.

  • Salome Oguche foundation launches care for widows

    Salome Oguche foundation launches care for widows

    OVER 100 widows were lifted as Salome Oguche Foundation in collaboration with Friends of Widows and Orphans Care Initiative donated cash, rice, packets of Maggi cubes, cartons of Indomie noodles, bags of salt , and toiletries.

    The event was held at the Life Gate International Bible Ministry, Lagos. The event featured the 65th birthday and 37th wedding ceremony of Founder of Friends of Widows and Orphans Care Initiative, Rev Levi Adegbe and the launching of Salome Oguche Foundation.

    Speaking at the event, Rev Adegbe, who was grateful to God for sparing him in the last 65th years, said that life has taught him to give hope to people.

    He said the mandate of the Friends of Widows and Orphans Care Initiative is to go and feed the widows, adding that most of the widows who came in tears but having heard the word of encouragement and ceaseless prayers, God wiped away their tears. “Today, they are behind our ministry.”

    Adegbe, who is also the Pastor of Life Gate International Bible Ministry, noted that aside from providing food items, the group also empowers widows by teaching them how to make soap,  disinfectants, among others.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Salome Oguche Foundation, Uneku Oguche said that the launching of the foundation was to awaken the memory of his mother, the late Obuche Salome, who was caring, loving, and whose door was opened to everyone irrespective of their tribe and language.

    He disclosed that the foundation would embark on several projects including community engagement and support for widows and orphans and provision of basic amenities like clean and drinkable water. “Also, we will be donating school materials to orphans, construction of classrooms for rural schools, and payments of school fees for children of widows and orphans.”

    In his words, the convener of the programme, Divine Oguche said that the foundation was borne out of the passion to create an enabling channel where the needy, widow, orphans, and less privileged in society can be reached out through various avenues which include: society welfare packages like health, care support, education of the scholarships programmes, business set up, among others.
    Oguche added that the main focus of the foundation is to rescue widows and orphans from basic reproaches and to provide help in our own little way.

  • Global Crusade with Kumuyi becomes worldwide brand for liberation

    Global Crusade with Kumuyi becomes worldwide brand for liberation

    WITH the arrival of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019, the world was on lockdown with human movement and flight restrictions. These made many preachers and evangelists to adopt and adapt technology in promoting the gospel to diverse audiences across the social media space.

    Adapting the gospel to the new media age no doubt came with its own challenges. But, for, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, William F. Kumuyi it was time to move the Church from terrestrial into a full digital space.

    For the 81 years old evangelist, it was time to key into the social media space with the gospel of Jesus Christ. As the convener of the ‘Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK)’, the church gave the youths some leeway to play in their space by trending #Kumuyi Says to connect with their peers on Twitter and other platforms – therefore delivering the message to the youth in a way they could easily relate with.

    To deepen this trend further, the church on Sunday 31 July, launched the GCK global brand at the Lagos State University of Science & Technology (LASUSTECH) formerly LASPOTECH. This is in commitment to reaching more nations with the gospel. This also shows that the church is looking ahead into the future to build a digital footprint on the social media space beyond constructing cathedrals.

    According to Kumuyi, the media as the fourth estate of the realm can be the publishers of grace. This he said was based on the fact that media professionals are held in high esteem as ambassadors of goodwill on God’s behalf and for mankind.

    “As the convener of the GCK, I invite you to partner with us in this admittedly demanding voyage of reaching the whole world with the saving gospel of Christ at double quick time. I sincerely urge you, great men and women of the press and everyone who has joined us today to work with us in this endeavor so that together we can leave a mark that will endure for generations,” Kumuyi said.

    Similarly, two books’ The Minister Shown Approved and Voyage to Liberation’ written by Kumuyi on the crusade was also launched to deepen knowledge on the crusade and the convener.

    According to the book reviewer, Nancy Mastroeni, the book is an “easy read book”. Also, the GCK Daily, a 15 minutes content produced by Iyke Okafor, will run on all social media platforms, starting in September.

    GCK brand analyst, Daniel Afolayan, explained that Kumuyi has built a brand that is digitally relevant and can stand the test of time globally. According to him, the GCK convener is currently the face of the global evangelical movement, known for his expository teachings.

    “He has built the GCK brand, which is the global crusade with Kumuyi. This brand’s slogan is the gospel to every creature because the global crusade was birthed out of the need to further share the good news of Christ, and the purpose of this brand is changing lives through Christ,” Afolayan said.