The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • MTU graduate Chukwuma Hillary breaks new ground in AI-Driven worm research

    MTU graduate Chukwuma Hillary breaks new ground in AI-Driven worm research

    By Ayoyinka Jegede

    A graduate of Mountain Top University (MTU), Nigerian scientist, Chukwuma Hilary  (Junior), has put the country on the global research map with his groundbreaking study on worm mating behaviour, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise biological research.

    Hilary’s work, recently published in an internationally recognised scientific journal, showcases how AI can be leveraged to advance the study of animal behaviour, unlocking insights that could have a far-reaching impact across multiple scientific fields.

    His team went a step further by enhancing DeepSORT, a widely recognised state-of-the-art object-tracking algorithm. Outperforming such advanced models is a daunting challenge in AI research, yet Hilary’s modifications led to an astounding 77% improvement in tracking accuracy. This level of enhancement is almost unheard of, marking a major leap forward in automated animal behaviour analysis and cementing his work as a significant contribution to the field.

    Surprisingly, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineer, Chuwkuma Hillary, a Nigerian, who had his First degree in Computer Science from the Prestigious Mountain Top University, Prayer City Ogun State, Nigeria, has developed a state-of-the-art AI-powered system to automate tracking of Microscopic creatures, saving researchers valuable time and significantly improving accuracy.

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    This will also provide efficiency in Biological Research: The automated analysis tool developed in this research aims to replace the time-consuming manual worm analysis methods, significantly increasing the scope and efficiency of studies in various biological disciplines that use C. elegans as a model organism, including neurobiology, developmental biology, and genetics.

    Hilary further revealed that the broader impact of this research lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of biological processes and environmental interactions through more efficient and accurate analysis of C. elegans behaviour.

    He added that in environmental monitoring, the study of C. elegans mating behaviour aids scientists in understanding the impact of environmental toxins on soil conditions.

    Hilary said the automated analysis tool developed in this research can aid in a more efficient and comprehensive study of C. elegans mating behaviours, which in turn can provide insights into soil pollution.

    On advancements in Computer Vision, the research, according to the Nigerian Scientist, Hilary, will contribute to the advancement of computer vision technologies by adapting and modifying world-class deep learning algorithms like YOLOv8 and DeepSORT. Also, the development of a modified DeepSORT which improves its tracking accuracy, raises the bar for further research in computer vision as well as explores the use of the Segment Anything Model (SAM) to improve the DeepSORT’s tracking accuracy.

    Speaking on the breakthrough of his student, the Vice Chancellor, Mountain Top University (MTU), where Hillary obtained his First degree in Computer Science, Professor Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi said MTU, a faith-based institution deeply committed to research and innovation, tutor their students to be solution providers through groundbreaking research projects that address contemporary issues.

    He added that the institution remains steadfast in providing a comprehensive education that develops the intellectual, spiritual and entrepreneurial competencies of its students.

    The VC said that at MTU, students are trained to rise up with boldness and the grace of God with a view to solving myriads of challenges bedevilling the country and world at large.

    Ayolabi said  MTU has constantly been producing morally sound and academically excellent hardworking graduates, who are well equipped with the vocational skills to be self-independent and be employers of labour since its inception.

    His words, “Our graduates have been shining examples of the vision of MTU, wherever they find themselves across the world.  They are focused on life with integrity and determined to make society better than they met it. Likewise, MTU has achieved recognition as the top-ranked institution in Nigeria and gained global recognition for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4—Quality Education, as assessed by the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking. The university also excelled in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), achieving high rankings in Nigeria, adding that accolades underscore MTU’s commitment to setting new benchmarks in educational excellence. We stand proud of our achievements and the impact we have made in the academic and social spheres in Nigeria, Africa and globally.”

  • Christian Benefits magazine celebrates Silver Jubilee

    Christian Benefits magazine celebrates Silver Jubilee

    Christian Benefits magazine will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Sunday March 30th, 2025 in Lagos.

    The Christian news magazine was launched January 29, 2000 with the mandate of spreading the gospel of Christ and the benefits in the acceptance of Christ for the salvation of mankind.

    The Publisher/ Editor-In-Chief, Dr. Wole Olarinde, described the 25th anniversary as a celebration of faith and grace.

    The former reporter with The Guardian newspaper and Media Review magazine recalled how he stepped out by faith 25 years ago to transit from a promising secular journalism practice to Christian journalism practice in response to God’s call upon his life to spread the benefits in the acceptance of Christ for the salvation of mankind.

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    Pastor Wole Oladiyun, Senior Pastor, Christ Livingspring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM) and a trustee of the publication will minister on the theme of the anniversary “Breaking Boundaries” at the event.

    The event will also feature the presentation of the 2025 Benefits Awards for Missionary Excellence (BAME Award) to some distinguished individuals that include Dr. Taiwo Afolabi (CON), Executive Chairman, SIFAX Group.

    Campaign Against Pedophilia Africa (CAPA) will also be presented to the public by the Christian media ministry at the event

  • Chandler Moore lights up Lagos with Night of Worship, Wonder

    Chandler Moore lights up Lagos with Night of Worship, Wonder

    It was music, movement, and a moment that lingered beyond the night.

    Last Sunday, the Rock Cathedral in Lekki was filled to capacity as thousands gathered for a worship experience headlined by Grammy-winning artist Chandler Moore. Organised by House On The Rock and hosted by its Metropolitan, Paul Adefarasin, the concert was a fusion of sound and spirit that resonated deeply with attendees.

    Joining Chandler on stage were some of Nigeria’s leading gospel voices—Sinach, Moses Bliss, Preye Odede, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Eno Michael, and Precious Emmanuel—each bringing their unique sound and anointing to an already electric atmosphere. From praise to prophetic declarations, the night was a seamless blend of music and ministry.

    One standout moment came when Chandler Moore and Moses Bliss performed a live, unrehearsed duet of a brand-new song titled Your Love. The collaboration—raw, tender, and full of heart—stirred the crowd and became an instant favourite.

    Paul Adefarasin also delivered a brief but compelling message on the importance of recognising God’s signs. “When God gives you a sign, don’t hesitate,” he said. “Move. Because your obedience is the key to unlocking what comes next.” His words grounded the night in divine purpose and gave listeners something deeper to carry home.

    With state-of-the-art production, rich musicality, and spiritual depth, the concert reaffirmed House On The Rock’s reputation as a hub for worship excellence. As the final chords rang out and the crowd began to disperse, one thing was clear—this was more than just an event. It was a reminder that worship, when done right, changes everything.

  • The power of praise (2)

    The power of praise (2)

    Text: “…By the grace of God, I am what I am…” – 1 Corinthians 15:10

    Henry O. Adelegan

    As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we are reminded of the immeasurable power of God’s grace in our lives. The grace of God is what qualifies the unqualified, lifts the downtrodden to places of honor, and turns ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies. When grace steps in, limitations are removed, and destinies are rewritten. Moses, despite his troubled past (Exodus 2:11-15), became a great leader when grace found him (Isaiah 60:15). Esther, a simple Jewish girl, was chosen to be queen in a foreign land because of divine grace. Joseph, though betrayed by his own brothers and imprisoned unjustly, rose to become Egypt’s Prime Minister without any formal qualification in governance (Genesis 41:40-44).

    Grace is the divine advantage that changes lives. It breaks the cycle of suffering, strengthens the weak, restores broken relationships, and provides hope in times of despair. 1 Peter 5:10 reminds us, “The God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, shall make you perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

    Without grace, human efforts amount to nothing. It is grace that makes the difference between struggle and success. Solomon, the wisest king, understood this when he declared in Ecclesiastes 9:11 that, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill, but time and chance happen to them all.” This “time and chance” is the grace of God in action.

    When God’s grace is upon you, no obstacle can hinder your progress. His grace enables you to achieve what seems impossible and elevates you beyond human limitations. Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain; unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” This underscores the futility of human efforts without divine grace. It is grace that turns the rejected into the celebrated, transforms failures into testimonies, and brings restoration where there was loss. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”When you prioritize God, His grace will manifest in your life, turning struggles into triumphs.

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    No matter what you are facing today—whether personal challenges, financial struggles, or national uncertainties—be encouraged. The grace of God will rewrite your story. It will lift you from obscurity to prominence and restore all that has been lost. Saul was a man with a dark past. He persecuted the early church with zeal until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. That divine encounter changed his identity from Saul the persecutor to Paul the Apostle (Acts 9:1-19). Paul later declared in 1 Corinthians 15:10 that his success was not by his own merit but by the grace of God.

    In the same way, God’s grace can locate you, transform your life, and position you for greatness. I declare that the grace of God will speak for you in every area of your life. Nigeria will rise again. Our leaders will receive divine wisdom to govern rightly, and the nation’s past glory will be restored in the name of Jesus Christ.

    During this season of Lent, let us surrender ourselves fully to God’s grace. Seek His forgiveness, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and commit to walking in His ways. Forget past failures, remain steadfast in your faith, and press forward toward God’s purpose for your life. As you do, His grace will change the course of your life, elevate you to new heights, and make you a living testimony of His goodness in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

    Prayer: Oh Lord, let Your grace change the game of my life for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

  • The Potency of the Word of God

    The Potency of the Word of God

    Text: “Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?” – Ecclesiastes 8:4

    By Henry O. Adelegan

    As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we are reminded of the incredible power that words hold. Words shape destinies, transform lives, and influence the course of families and nations. The Bible teaches us that words, whether spoken in faith or in fear, have the ability to create spiritual altars that shape our reality (James 3:5-6).

    However, no word is more powerful than the Word of God. When declared in faith, God’s Word has the ability to override every negative pronouncement, break limitations, and bring about divine restoration. A striking example is found in the story of the Shunammite woman. Though she faced the devastating loss of her son, she refused to accept defeat. Instead, she clung to God’s promise that “it shall be well”—and indeed, her son was restored to life (2 Kings 4:18-31). Today, I declare by the power of God’s Word that whatever has been lost or broken in your life will be fully restored in the name of Jesus Christ . What you need to do is to put your trust in His promises, for His Word is unshakable and His power is limitless.

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges around you? Are you discouraged by the state of the nation—whether in the economy, security, or opportunities? Perhaps you are even considering leaving the country in search of a better future. Let me encourage you: the words you speak can shape your world. Instead of despair, choose to declare God’s promises over your life and over our nation. Speak life, not defeat. Confess faith, not fear. Believe that Nigeria will rise again, that our economy will be restored, and that peace will return. As children of God, we must resist joining the voices of hopelessness and instead stand on the power of His Word.

    King Solomon, a man of great wisdom and authority, understood the power of words. As a ruler, his decrees were final—no one could question them. He declared in Ecclesiastes 8:4, “Where the word of a king is, there is power.” If earthly kings have such authority, how much more the King of Kings? The Almighty God has the power to overturn human decrees, change impossible situations, and establish His will. Lamentations 3:37 reminds us, “Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, when the Lord has not commanded it?”

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    Our God is the ultimate authority. He lifts up and brings down. He makes the poor rich and raises the humble to honor (1 Samuel 2:6-8). When He speaks, mountains move, valleys rise, and rough places are made smooth. His Word is final, and it never fails. God has given us the key to living in His power: In Joshua 1:8, Scripture says that,  “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” – Joshua 1:8

    A believer without the Word of God is like a soldier without a weapon—defenseless against the battles of life. To experience divine restoration and breakthrough, we must make God’s Word our daily confession. Speak what God has said, not just what you see. Walk by faith, not by sight.

    During this season of Lent, I invite you to draw closer to Jesus. If you have not yet accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, this is the time to surrender. Trust in His power to transform your life, restore what has been lost, and lead you into His perfect plan. As you do, I declare that you will rise above every negative word spoken over you. No power of darkness will prevail against you, and you will testify to God’s faithfulness in Jesus’ name.

    •Prayer: Lord, let the power of Your Word work in my life. Restore all that has been lost and lead me in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Forum lauds Pastor for apologising over Facebook video

    Forum lauds Pastor for apologising over Facebook video

    The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has lauded Apostle Festus Alilu for apologising to Pastor Korede Komaiya and the Master’s International Church Warri Delta State over a Facebook post.

    In a statement on Monday in Abuja, Convener of the forum, James Adama, confirmed the development, describing it as a positive step towards reconciliation.

    Apostle Alilu, in his letter of apology, expressed regret over a viral video he had posted on Facebook on 8 March 2025, in which he criticised Pastor Komaiya’s teachings.

    “I write to express my sincere and unreserved apologies for a viral video I posted on my Facebook page on the 8th day of March 2025 where I criticised your style of preaching.

    “I regret the offensive contents of the video and the negative effect on your reputation, congratulation and the entire body of Christ.

    “I have removed the video from the Facebook page and i have also posted an apology video on the same platform.

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    “I humbly request for your forgiveness and understanding so we can put it behind us and focus on our values of commitments in spreading the Gospel,” he wrote.

    The forum applauded the clergyman for the reconciliatory move and urge others to follow suit.

    “We believe that the Christian faith and its leaders should be respected and protected against defamation and cyberbullying.

    “Do not defame or tarnish the reputation of anyone while criticising their actions. Remember, you are only sharing your perception or opinion and this must be done within the confines of the law.

    “Criminal offence isn’t just against the victim but against the entire State. So do not come up with lame excuses that the victim is a Christian or Pastor and ought to have forgiven.

    “Let this apology serve as a reminder that differences of opinion do not justify hateful speech or malicious behavior,” the statement added.

  • Accolades for Suleman’s youth empowerment programme

    Accolades for Suleman’s youth empowerment programme

    Social media users have hailed the youth empowerment programme of Apostle Johnson Suleman’s Youth Empowerment. 

    The programme, aimed at equipping young people with skills, opportunities and resources for personal and professional development, has been widely praised for its transformative impact on countless youths across the nation.

    The latest event, in collaboration with various community leaders and organisations, benefitted hundreds of participants who engaged in workshops, mentorship sessions and career-building activities. 

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    Many expressed gratitude for the programme on social media, sharing testimonials and success stories from past beneficiaries.

    Suleman, the founder of Omega Fire Ministries, has been an advocate of youth empowerment, emphasizing the importance of investing in young people as a means to build a stronger and more prosperous society. 

    With the programme’s growing online presence, it is clear that the initiative continues to inspire and uplift young individuals, providing them with the tools needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

  • The power of praise (1)

    The power of praise (1)

    Text: Acts 16:25-26 ……Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God ……….. doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose..

    By Henry Adelegan

    As we journey through Lent—a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates at sundown on Holy Thursday  , we are invited to reflect deeply on our spiritual lives and our relationship with God. This period calls for introspection, repentance, and a renewed commitment to our faith.

    The story of Paul and Silas, as recounted in Acts 16:25-26, offers profound insights into the power of praise during trying times. Despite being unjustly imprisoned, they chose to pray and sing hymns to God. Their unwavering faith amidst adversity led to a miraculous earthquake that shook the prison’s foundations, opened all doors, and loosened everyone’s chains. This narrative underscores a pivotal truth: praise is a powerful spiritual practice that can lead to liberation and transformation. It serves as a gateway to restoration, enabling believers to rise above their circumstances and experience divine intervention.

    In our contemporary lives, this principle remains relevant. When faced with challenges—be it personal struggles, societal injustices, or global crises—shifting our focus from the problem to the Provider through praise can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Such an attitude not only uplifts our spirits but also aligns us with a higher perspective, enabling us to navigate difficulties with grace and hope.

    Moreover, the act of praising amidst adversity serves as a testament to others. In the case of Paul and Silas, their fellow prisoners listened to their hymns, witnessing firsthand the power of unwavering faith. Our expressions of praise can similarly inspire and influence those around us, fostering a ripple effect of faith and resilience. 

    During Lent, while certain expressions of joy, such as the word “Alleluia,” are traditionally set aside to foster a spirit of penitence  , the essence of praise remains integral to our spiritual discipline. Praise, in this context, is not merely about outward expressions but about cultivating a heart posture that acknowledges God’s sovereignty and goodness, even in challenging times.

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    Beloved in Christ,  Praise is a command by God to every living being (Psalm 150:6). Praise is not focussing on happenings, praise is spotlighting God’s faithfulness and relying on the efficacy of the Scriptures. Praise is concentrating on the integrity of God and the insight received about His integrity. The Psalmist in Psalm 22:3 says that “God inhabits the praises of His people”. When God sees genuine praises, He brings heaven down and when heaven comes down, all natural powers, laws and restrictions are suspended. 

    St. Francis of Assisi exemplified this attitude by seeking to identify completely with God, offering the most complete praise possible through both actions and a deep, mystical connection with the Divine.  Incorporating praise into our Lenten journey aligns us with this tradition, preparing us for the promise of reclamation, restoration, and redemption that Easter heralds. It transforms our focus from our struggles to God’s enduring mercy and love. 

    As we continue through this sacred season, let us embrace praise as a pathway to spiritual renewal. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace, leading us toward full restoration and a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. Please note that whatever you are going through at such a time cannot withstand the praise. When you praise God, mindless of whatever you are passing through, there shall be divine intervention and your challenges will turn into testimonies in the name of Jesus Christ.

    Prayer: Lord, accept my sacrifice of praise and guide me toward spiritual renewal and awesome testimonies during this Lenten season in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

  • Lions Club unveils N32million remodeled dental clinic

    Lions Club unveils N32million remodeled dental clinic

    It was a carnival of sorts last weekend, as Ikeja Crystal Lions Club & Tola Olukilede Foundation unveiled the N32million newly remodeled dental Clinic at Orile-Agege General Hospital.

    The unveiling, which commenced with an elaborate ceremony at the hospital’s beautiful conference room and ended with an unveiling of the state-of-the-art facility, had Dr. Mobolaji Olukoya, Commissioner II, Lagos state Health Service Commission and the MD/CEO of the hospital, Mr. Sola Pitan alongside other hospital top staff members playing host. Guests included the president of Ikeja Crystal Lions Club, who also doubles as founder Tola Olukilede Foudation, Lion Dr. Tola Olukilede; his wife, Pastor Wunmi Olukilede; MD/CEO, Toyota Nigeria Limited and a strong supporter of the Tola Olukilede Foundation, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo; District Governor Lions Club International 404B2, Lion Tolulope Senbanjo, and a host of others.

    Dr. Pitan, using a slide illustration, traced the history of the hospital, highlighting the transformation that had taken place since he assumed office about four years ago. With a target to transform the hospital into a welcoming facility, he said he set out to transform the different departments, one after the other, until he got stuck when it was the turn of the Dental Clinic. He thus described the intervention of Ikeja Crystal Lions Club & Tola Olukilede Foundation as a timely one.

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    He said discussion towards the remodeling of the clinic was only broached in November 2024, when Dr. Olukilede came in his capacity as founder of the Tola Olukilede Foundation to launch the hospital’s children’s ward which the foundation had equipped with bedding and other necessary equipment.

    He wrapped up his impressive rendition by making a passionate appeal for five new dental chairs alongside other equipment, for each of the five dental rooms. Each of the chairs, he said cost N4.5million, stating that part of the reasons they had not commenced operations in the remodeled clinic was because they didn’t want to move in with the dilapidated chairs. In all, he announced that the remodeling cost a whopping N32 million while also informing the august audience that equipping the new center will cost something in the region of N72million.

    Dr. Olukilede said the project was his legacy project as serving president of Ikeja Crystal Lions Club and that it was inspired by the marketing power of the MD of the hospital: “He’s a serious marketer to the core. He will sell his product as if to carry you and put you into it. This project was never in our agenda.”

    He gave kudos to his wife, who is vice president of Tola Olukilede Foundation, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, who donated N10million, his son, Kunle Ade-Ojo, who sits as MD/CEO of Toyota Nigeria for their support in making the project a reality.

    District Governor, Tolulope Senbanjo thanked Lion Olukilede, wife and the entire members of the Ikeja Crystal Lions Club, and especially the special guest of honour, Kunle Ade-Ojo, for their support to the project.

    He assured the hospital MD/CEO that the herculean request for a further N72milioin project is not impossible to meet, adding that he himself would personally make a contribution to the project going forward.

    Making a short speech, Kunle Ade-Ojo commended the philanthropic and can-do spirit of Dr. Olukilede, particularly his ability to deliver projects within short time.

    Notably, he also commended the marketing ability of the hospital CEO and his transformational efforts, stressing that “this hospital can compete with any modern hospital in Nigeria.”

    Commissioner Olukoya said it was a very happy day for him. He made a special appeal for the Dental center to be adopted by the MD, Toyota Nigeria as a CSR project in collaboration with Ikeja Crystal Lions Club.

  • ‘Why I wrote two books on Tinubu’

    ‘Why I wrote two books on Tinubu’

    In keeping with the tradition of “emi lokan”, a Yoruba saying made popular by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while he was campaigning for presidency, it is time for the public presentations of two new books written on him, The Pathfinder: The Life and Politics of an African Politician and The Blueprint: How Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Transformed Lagos State.

    In the line of following the practice of the popular saying which roughly translates to “it’s my turn”, the books, published by the Topseal Communications Limited, are being planned to be unfolded to the public to coincide with the commemoration of President Tinubu’s birthday this March.

    Both books are written by Taiwo Ogundipe, an author and veteran journalist.

    The Pathfinder details the accounts of Tinubu’s life and politics from the early years, his education, his brillant professional career as an accountant, his engaging political activities, his ground-breaking two-term tenure as helmsman of Lagos State, his active post gubernatorial period, his unique leadership in the political landscape of the country that led to the formation of All Progressive Congress (APC) and his midwifing the election of Ex-President Muhammed Buhari.

    The Pathfinder is written to highlight the essential Tinubu; documents his struggles and accomplishments, and show the value of his political dexterity in the context of nation building. The book also provides a useful insight into the background that shaped a political figure that has come to represent progressive politics in Nigeria.

    The book is lucid and engaging, enriched by Ogundipe’s journalistic background. It is unprecedented as a penetrating deeply enlightening portrait of a personality whose history has so far been largely presented superficially. Ogundipe brings a unique perspective to the project, which anyone interested in Nigeria’s democratic evolution will find invaluable.

    On the other hand, The Blueprint is an engaging documentation of the financial strategy and the foundation that Tinubu laid for the enduring economic development of Lagos State. The compelling Lagos economic story, especially during the tenure of Asiwaju Tinubu as governor, is one that has to be told.

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    The two books have garnered the endorsement of President Tinubu who was personally involved in their evolution. He got his trusted associates to scrutinise the manuscripts. He also contributed to financing the production and printing of especially The Pathfinder, which was done in the United States. The printed copies have since been stored up in his custody awaiting eventual public presentation. In the course of developing the books, Tinubu coined a pet name for the author, “akowe kowura”, which loosely translates to “the man with the golden pen”.

    The book projects are important historical documents in this era when the Federal Government is reintroducing History back into the school curriculum. It is therefore inevitable for President Tinubu to support and push the projects just as he stood up for Femi Adeshina’s book on Buhari’s tenure, Working for Buhari.

    Rave reviews

    The Pathfinder has garnered some rave reviews. Sam Omatseye, writer, columnist and Chairman of Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers wrote of the book: “Once in a generation, a leader erupts to inspire and define his times. A book inevitably emerges to tell the story. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is that man for this era and The Pathfinder is that book.”

    Segun Ayobolu, a columnist and former Chief Press Secretary to Ex-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu wrote of the book: “The book, The Pathfinder, is a rigorous attempt to dissect the essence of the man Bola Tinubu – his life and politics – since his emergence on the political scene of the country. The book traces his root, growing up years, adulthood, professional life and his foray into politics, which has turned him into an icon ….

    “Mr Taiwo Ogundipe, veteran journalist and author, documents for history in this enthralling book, The Pathfinder, (such details of the momentous events and achievements of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State).  Those who have read Ogundipe’s bestselling book on the mercurial General Murtala Mohammed titled The Hurricane, will not be surprised at the muscularity and vitality of his prose, his perceptual acuity and the vividness of his imagination. There is no doubt that scores, even hundreds of books, will yet be written on Tinubu’s epochal role in Nigeria’s development but Taiwo Ogundipe’s offering is sure to occupy a unique place in the growing corpus.”

    Professor Segun Gbadegesin, retired Professor of Philosophy and former interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University, USA also wrote: “Taiwo Ogundipe, the author of this masterpiece on the life and politics of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has done a wonderful job of placing the subject of his research in the center of the democratic struggles with its fits and turns, failures and achievements since the beginning of the ill-fated Third Republic. From being a consummate professional in the finance industry, where he was already a force to reckon with, and where he made his fortune, Tinubu saw the need for thoughtful and visionary citizens to intervene in the rough and tumble of politics.”

    The making of The Pathfinder

    Taiwo Ogundipe started work on The Pathfinder since Tinubu’s first year as governor of Lagos State, researching and interviewing numerous people for the project. Ogundipe was so committed to seeing the project to fruition that he had to forego his opportunity for post graduate studies in the United States of America, and come back to Nigeria for the then proposed launch of the book a few years back.

    About the author

    Taiwo Ogundipe has had a distinguished career in journalism, working with various media houses. He started as a reporter with the then The Democrat newspapers based in Kaduna, after which he joined ThisWeek magazine as a senior reporter. He thereafter moved to the Daily Times as a senior writer and ran a very popular column in the then widest circulating Sunday Times. He later joined The Concord press as an assistant editor and edited the weekly Midweek Concord. He eventually became a member of the editorial board of ThisDay newspapers and pioneered a very popular column on Sunday. He was until recently an Associate Editor at The Nation newspapers.

    Ogundipe is also a talented television and film writer/producer. He has created, written and produced a number of highly rated programmes on the network service of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the African Independent Television (AIT), notably SPACS, a detective series and MAGNATE, a soap opera.

    He is also the author of the widely acclaimed The Hurricane, a biography of the late General Murtala Muhammed. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote the foreword to that book.

    He also wrote Henry Kissinger, the African Mission and Henry Kissinger, the Metamorphosis of an American Diplomat, both of which are available on the Amazon publishing outlet.

    He is currently working on releasing The Angel of Love, the biography of the late tele-evangelist, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya of The Fountain of Life Church.