The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday Interview

  • ‘How to vaccinate every Nigerian against COVID-19 in 100 days’

    ‘How to vaccinate every Nigerian against COVID-19 in 100 days’

    Mr. Ted Chaiban, an Inter-agency Global Lead Coordinator for COVID-19 Vaccine Country Readiness and Delivery, appointed by the UN Secretary at the level of Assistant Secretary-General, is in Nigeria to monitor and ensure accelerated delivery of vaccines, its safe storage and use. Working in partnership with UNICEF, WHO, GAVI, World Bank, many bilateral governments and civil society organisations (CSOs), he said his mission is to help Nigeria to succeed in the fight against COVID-19 in the shortest possible time that would look like a miracle, Senior Correspondent FANEN IHYONGO reports.

    His port of call at the weekend was Kano State, where he paid courtesy call on Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the Government House. The governor quickly requested that Kano should be made vaccines hub for the northern region; a request the visitor agreed to.

    From Government House, Chaiban proceeded straight to the COVID-19 vaccination site at Gwagwarwa PHC, Nasarawa Local Government Area to see with his eyes the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines at service. He interacted with service providers and clients there to know the areas needing support.

    The North-west Zonal Cold Store at Naibawa, Zaria Road, Kano, also played host to Mr. Chaiban, who assessed its existing capacity and space available for expansion.

    He also visited the Emergency Operations Centre, Abdullahi Wase Hospital, Nassarawa, where he met with the Commissioner of Health, Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, and was given updates on COVID-19 vaccination performance, gaps and the need to scale vaccination at state level.

    After the on-site visits and supervision, it was time to interface with media practitioners, and in a brief interview, Chaiban disclosed that the four types of vaccines: Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson, Johnson’s Janssen and Moderna, which are available in the country, are safe and in good stock for mass vaccination. He hinted that the issues of short supply and short life span of the vaccines experienced in Nigeria last year have been addressed and Nigeria is now getting more supplies.

    On February 23, the NCDC reported that 42 new confirmed cases were recorded in Nigeria.

    “Till date, 254,352 cases have been confirmed, 230,861 cases have been discharged and 3,142 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The 42 new cases are reported from five states – Lagos (25), FCT (13), Kaduna (2), Kano (1), and Oyo (1),” the disease control centre said.

    Nigeria has a population of 214.9 million persons as at today, according to Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data. And the country is currently at 6.7 per cent of vaccine coverage.

    For several reasons, many believe it is practically impossible to vaccinate the entire population. But Chaiban said every Nigerian can be vaccinated within 100 days or latest six months.

    How could this be done?

    He said all Nigeria needs to do is to “accelerate vaccines delivery” by multiplying efforts, by tripling amount of vaccine teams in states. For example, Kano which has 477 vaccine teams should have 1,431 vaccine teams.

    He suggested that Nigeria should not narrow vaccination in healthcare centres but should decentralise vaccination points to include shopping malls and markets, to motor parks where people catch the bus, to churches, mosques and to naming ceremonies, etc, where health workers can catch the population and vaccinate people.

    He also emphasised that people who got their first dose must be actively called back to come and get their second dose (full vaccination).

    practitioners to strengthen the UN’s, UNICEF’s efforts, by mobilising Nigerian people, educating them on the importance of the vaccine and encouraging them to be vaccinated.

    Nigeria currently at 6.7% of vaccine coverage

    Chaiban said: “In 2021, the supply of COVID-19 vaccine was limited. But the situation is improving and the concern is moving towards issues of delivery and getting vaccines into the hands of the people.

    “Our mission, as COVID-19 delivery partners in Nigeria, is to support Nigeria for the acceleration. Nigeria is currently at 6.7 per cent of vaccine coverage when it comes to COVID-19, but is taking steps to accelerate that delivery.

    “We had excellent discussions at the federal level and in Kano State, in terms of specific steps to be taken to accelerate the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.

    “Among the steps agreed upon to be taken include doing state by state plan, one plan, one budget at the state level, increasing the number of vaccination teams so we have more vaccination teams in each of the wards across the country, using community volunteers to mobilise the population and accelerate delivery and continuing to invest in the cold chain so that vaccines, not just COVID-19, can be safely stored.

    “We want to do the COVID-19 vaccination as quickly as possible because COVID-19 is a serious and deadly disease. It has profound health consequences on people around the world.

    “It has had the worst economic consequences on development since the 19th Century and needs to be defeated, and Nigeria is poised to set example in the next 100 days in terms of acceleration.

    “In Kano, we met with Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and he has shown the leadership in his vaccination efforts by being one of the first to be vaccinated in March of 2021.

    “We met with state officials including the health commissioner, the team from NPHCDA, and it is clear that there is very strong commitment to move forward with 2019 vaccination.

    The Kano situation

    “In the last 60 days or the last two months, Kano State had gone from 1 per cent to 21 per cent. People vaccinated with one dose, through a very strong mobilisation. If we can get the second dose into the hands of the people who had received the first dose, Kano will jump even further up the scale of national execution.

    “We, as partners, are committed to mobilise the resources; help multiply the number of vaccination teams; actively follow up on people so that they come back for their second dose; to work with religious and traditional leaders in order to convince and encourage the population to get vaccinated and to invest in the cold chain so that the vaccines can be stored safely.

    “Kano is the hub for the whole of the north and it can be an example of how quickly we can move to address this terrible disease. The partners involved include UNICEF, WHO, GAVI, the World Bank, many bilateral governments and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), all working together to support Nigeria to succeed.

    Improvement on vaccines’ life span and supply

    “There were issues with the supply of vaccines and short life of the vaccines in 2021. But these issues have largely been addressed and Nigeria now has a good stock of supply and is getting more supplies.

    “The vaccines’ short life and short supply have improved significantly, with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson, Johnson’s Janssen (J&J) and Moderna, all available now in the country.

    “And we have predictability of what is coming. So, the big difference between 2022 and 2021 is that countries can now plan for

    their vaccinations in the next six months and the plans are now country focused.

    “The country itself can make its projections and ask for the vaccines it needs to be able to move forward, which is why we are now putting the emphasis on addressing the delivery bottlenecks.

    “This is because the supply issues have significantly improved and largely been addressed and now we need to use the vaccines that are available.

    Kano as vaccine hub for North

    “I represent several agencies that we are working together -UNICEF, WHO and GAVI. We are working closely with the World Bank and other partners.

    “On the issue of the vaccine hub in Kano, I am pleased to say that this is something that UNICEF and GAVI, as key partners in COVID 19 vaccine delivery partnership, have agreed to do.

    “So this is something that has been committed to and the plans are under implementation. It is part of the strengthening of the cold chain accompanying this COVID-19 delivery acceleration and is also part of what will be done to strengthen routine immunisation because we want to do COVID-19 immunisation in a matter that it also strengthens routine immunisations. It is something that it is committed to and it will happen.

    How safe are the vaccines available in Nigeria?

    “Billions of vaccines of all different types of COVID-19 have been administered throughout the world to date and proven in a wide variety of context to be safe.

    “What you need, in the case of any disease, is to weigh the risk of the disease against the risk of not being vaccinated.

    “What is absolutely clear is that COVID-19 vaccination is a proven public health strategy that will protect you from serious disease and it is highly recommended by World Health Organisation and all the health centres including the health centres in Nigeria to get the vaccines.

    “So, there is no vaccine that is administered in the Nigerian territory that has not gone to the global regulatory authority and the national regulatory authority. And when they approve these vaccines for use, they make sure the vaccines are safe.

    “So, it is only essential that you are vaccinated, because it is one of your best protections against the disease, in addition to wearing face masks, washing hands and keeping reasonable social distance in public places.

    “So, these are the measures with which we can fight this disease that has claimed so many lives.

    Can one contract the virus after complete vaccination?

    “No vaccine is 100 per cent effective. It is possible to still get COVID-19 even if you had done the full schedule vaccination.

    “But what is important is that your risk of both getting and transmitting the disease is low, and especially effective is the role that the vaccine can play in making sure that you do not get a severe form of the disease.

    “So, even if you do not get the disease, be fully vaccinated so that the chances or the risk that you get a severe form of the disease are very low. And at the end of the day, that is what you want.

    “What you want is that you do not end up being hospitalised or do not end up with severe consequences as a result of the disease. Which is why anyone who gets the chance to be vaccinated, starting with front line workers, apart from the elderly people with underlined conditions, anyone who is eligible to get the vaccination should be urged to do so.

    “And we really rely on the press to give accurate information about immunisation to the public domain. And actually, it is something you should have yourselves to say that you have been vaccinated, you have been boosted. Because that is the best protection that we have against severe disease and it also has positive effect in reducing transmission.

    Improvement:

    “I am very impressed with  the commitments shown by the Governor Ganduje, the health commissioner, the team from NDHCDA, the frontline health workers and the vaccinators at the health centres that we visited today.

    “Also, the staff at the facilities storing the vaccines, the volunteer community mobilisers that are working on other issues including polio and HIV, and traditional birth attendants who are also part of the mobilisation towards COVID-19 vaccination.

    “We are impressed that they are all working together to get the message out there. It is an opportunity we cannot miss.

    “The next 100 days are critical in moving forward. We can see a miracle in Nigeria, by turning around the fight against this disease and increasing vaccination.

    How to accelerate vaccination:

    “We can accelerate vaccination delivery by multiplying our efforts. Right now, we have 477 vaccine teams in the state. We need to triple that amount of vaccine teams; decentralise vaccination to more points without narrowing it in healthcare centres, to shopping malls and markets, to places where people catch the bus and to naming ceremonies, etc, where you can catch the population and give people the vaccine to get vaccinated.

    “We shall also actively call back the people who got their first dose to come and get their second dose.

    “Another way to accelerate vaccination is to work with religious and traditional rulers and social and traditional media to strengthen our efforts, mobilise and say yes we can vaccinate the population of Nigeria, using all the important tools in our arsenal to fight against COVID-19, in addition to public health measures.”

  • DIDI EDET: Happier people are more productive

    DIDI EDET: Happier people are more productive

    Didi Edet started life designing outfits and running a fashion show. Today, she is a data analyst, debt recovery expert, author and relationship coach. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she takes you into her world, the things that inspire her, challenges and more.

    As an economist, you believe that happy people are more productive and efficient. Tell us more about this.

    I absolutely believe that happier people are more productive and there have been some studies that support this claim. This is similar to how most economies use the GDP (gross domestic product) as a measurement indicator for value and productivity, the GDH (gross domestic happiness) is also a Measurement indicator of happiness and welfare which goes beyond income and includes having meaningful relationships. Bhutan is one country that uses the GNH—or Gross National Happiness to effectively measure the Happiness of his people. The citizens are surveyed based on criteria like health, psychological wellbeing, living standards, life balance, and cultural diversity. The fact the GDH takes the quality of life as an indicating factor is intriguing to me. Psychological wellbeing is an indicating factor to GDH. Being in a social or any sort of relationship that has a positive impact on your Psychological wellbeing, I believe will translate to some level of happiness which by GDH standards translates to a productive and more efficient economy.

    What are some of the memorable moments in the sector?

    There has been some memorable moments depending on the angle that question is focused on. In the aspect of the platform and it’s growth, I can think of 3 major memorable moments which made me feel like the platform was making a positive impact. One of which was being contacted by Phillipa Thomas to be interviewed on BBC World news as our dating in quarantine series had gone a little viral considering the situation we found ourselves in. I was still getting messages months later from Hungary, Ukraine and other countries as it was viewed at different times around the world. I also have 2 major memorable moments but it’s still in the works so I’ll probably discuss it at a later time.

    Did you have mentors at the beginning of your career? What has been their impact?

    Matchmaking is a new and growing industry in Nigeria so there was no template or experienced professional to look up to. We had to create our own path so I did not have a mentor in that aspect. But I did have a lot of support when it comes to entrepreneurship. Over time I tried out various businesses, like most people, and I’ve been lucky to always have support. Chief Edet Amana has been a huge support, from the very first thing I tried my hands into till today, he always tried to support in everyway. My first memory of entrepreneurship was designing the outfits for the Cheerleading Squad in my secondary school which also allowed me channel my interest in fashion and clothing and I eventually decided to do a fashion show in Calabar. Chief Edet Amana came all the way to my little show as a way to show his support. I didn’t know a lot about organising a show, so the turnout was low. Yet, I felt so supported by the sacrifice he made to be there. No matter how silly your idea is, he would never discourage you. I would say the impact I have received from his support is learning to try my hands in different things and not being afraid of failing.

    Tell us about your books and the things that influence your writing?

    I am yet to write my first book on dating! However I am an author of books centered on aspects of Nigeria’s economics. The first was on the banking consolidation that happened in 2004, and the second titled, Rollercoaster, essentially talked about the external debt in Nigeria and it’s rollercoaster-like movement. I am yet to write a book about dating but with the dating scene changing so often that it’s hard to keep up with. I will one day.

    What dreams did you have while growing up?

    As a Nigerian child, I’m not sure we were allowed to have dreams as in those days. Our parents had dreams for us that we were expected to live out. I remember in secondary school, you were put in the class of your best abilities which was Economics for me, but my parents like most Nigerian parents would have probably done, requested that I be moved to the Science class even though I had and still have no interest whatsoever in Science. My only interest was in the social science of Economics and I eventually found my way back to that – eventually pursuing it to Bachelors and Masters Levels. My sister is a forensic scientist by choice so at least they got the science part in one of us.

    What are the challenges of the business?

    I think we face pretty much the same challenges most businesses do. A major challenge I would say would be staffing. The duties expected of a staff of the platform are not as regular as roles in other work places. So, getting staff to understand the roles, training them in the roles and have them perform well in it can be very challenging. We are also very privacy focused so we should be able to trust our staff with confidential information which is very important so we limit the access to such information to a small group of people but that ultimately increases their work load as well.

    You also worked in the debt management office, tell us about that.

    At the point when I was pursuing a PhD, my topic centered on debt management, to be precise, external debt management in Nigeria. As a youth corper, I had worked briefly in Nigerian Import and Export bank (NEXIM). Combing through their extensive office library, I was able to find an aspect of Economics that was intriguing to me so I focused on it – External Debt Management in Nigeria. I eventually wrote a book on it as well.

    What are some of the lessons learnt matchmaking people?

    I think being single myself, I am learning everyday. I learn a lot from the platform on how dating has evolved over years – women are definitely more proactive these days without pursuing, what people want and what’s truly important in the grand scheme of things . There are aspects of a person that can be changed and this should not be the basis of excluding a person. However the platform focuses on dating alone and does not delve into the relationship part of life which is a whole different ball game on its own.

    Have you heard of the term ‘coaches don’t play’?

    Nobody bothers Arsene Wenger for not being a football player first and that’s because playing and coaching needs different skillset. A player needs to be good at running, dribbling etc while a coach needs to be good at seeing the big picture, strategizing etc.

    I think that scenario applies to me as a dating coach or a matchmaker. Although I am single, I can see the big picture and can run the platform that brings people together. We all have blind spots, myself included. If I were to date seriously, I would also consider working with a matchmaker or a coach as that person would see my own blindspots.

    The platform is focused on dating and not on my own experiences and status. In order to do my job effectively, I need to look at what is happening on the single scene, and match people up based on their wants. In the international matchmaking sceen,  there is the founder of Bumble, Whitney Wolfe, who started the platform in 2014 while single and she got married in 2017. One of the most prominent matchmakers, Patti Stanger has been running her platform since 2000 and in 2022 she is still single but has made so many matches over the years. I also recall my professor of entrepreneurship at the University of St Andrews, who has never been an entrepreneur but has always been  a professor on entrepreneurship. We, the students and the school board never once doubted his ability to provide the information needed to learn how to be a good entrepreneur.

    I feel the focus should be on if the platform has been successful in connecting individuals and less focused on the personal life of the lead matchmaker and other staff members.

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

    My parents have been wonderful influences. My mother has always been the entrepreneur parent and my father has always been the educational parent. So, they have equally influenced me in giving me a great blend that I feel everyone needs. It’s not enough to be in love with being an entrepreneur, the quest for knowledge and wanting to constantly get better in what you do is very necessary too. I think they both bring in the perfect blend. My father doesn’t shy away from challenges I would consider huge. So, that has also encouraged me, to be able to say yes to things I typically feared and thought were beyond my reach. My mother believes in my abilities more than I believe in myself. My sister Edak and my mum are really similar in that way. They are optimistic about everything and it’s very refreshing.

  • Our adventure finding love for the loveless – Chiddie and Ben Anyasodo

    Our adventure finding love for the loveless – Chiddie and Ben Anyasodo

    Theirs is a unique story of teaching from the dept of experience. Having travelled rough parts as youths before finally finding love, both Chiddie and Ben Anyasodo took the bold step to venture into matchmaking to help others going through same rough paths find love. They share their stories with Yetunde Oladeinde.

    If you have travelled emotional corridor of broken hearts, then you must know that rejection really hurts. It is worse when it is a tale of multiple rejections. That, interestingly, captures the world of Chiddie and Ben Anyasodo. Just when they both thought it was time for the emotional goalkeeper to blow his final whistle, cupid’s arrow landed in their direction and ever since it has been a never ending story of love.

    Apart from healing their personal wounds and scars, both have acquired love skills in doses, which they now dole out to abandoned and rejected hearts through a matchmaking platform known as Chotayah.

    Tracing her journey into matchmaking as a vocation, Chiddie said, “I saw my mom find wives for my uncles and I found it fascinating. I also set up friends and family for fun”.

    Growing up in Owerri as the first child and only daughter in the family was awesome.  “I have three younger brothers. I have always been very independent, ambitious and strong-willed since I was a child. I was also a voracious reader. I was called a tomboy. I grew up shielded by my parents”.

    And then she went off to university to studied Electrical Engineering.

    “What really prepared me for this was when I was in my early 20’s when I started dating. I had so many bad experiences and I had no one to really guide me. Such topics were a taboo in my house. My mom was very prim and proper and you couldn’t discuss boys and love. If a man admired you, he was expected to come and meet my parents and ask for my hand in marriage. The times I tried to tell her I was in a relationship, she got very upset, told me it was disgraceful and sinful”.

    The irony, she recalls, was that the same mom who didn’t think she should be in the same room with a man, was the one who went to church and prayer houses, sowing seeds and praying for her to get married.

    Rejection, she says, was a phase she passed through with lessons learnt.  But she was not alone! The heart that was going to melt into hers had also been battered a number of times.

    “Both hubby and I had challenges finding the right person. There were so many myths about love and relationships which we practised then separately but which were all wrong. On my side, my dating experience was quite sad and filled with heartbreaks after heartbreaks. My genotype was an issue. And for some people, the fact that my mom died of cancer scared them away. I got rejected many times with excuses like – you earn too much – a woman shouldn’t earn more than a man. You are too boyish, too ambitious. Your job exposes you and makes you travel too much and you won’t make a good wife. A successful woman will never respect a man”.

     

    Finding love

    At a point, Chiddie recalled being told by some pastors and relatives that she had a spiritual problem. “You can imagine. After praying so much and the cycle kept

    repeating, I decided to try alternative methods. First I tried to use some Western dating sites like E-harmony and Match.com; but they always rejected my application as I was Nigerian. I also tried to hire a matchmaker in the USA but she didn’t work with people outside the USA. So I decided to go on my own. That experience made me start reading and exploring what makes relationships work. I also got a

    relationship coach, started studying serial men and women who always seemed to have lots of attention from their love interests. I took everything I learnt and crafted my own strategy to find my man. It took me about 8 to 9 months to find my man and no more heart breaks.”

    It was a wonderful turning point and all her emotional dreams and desires fell in the right paths. “My friends who knew about all my negative experiences started using the same formula and it worked for them. And every day, I see so many people like me going through the same challenges that I went through. Successful, high flying people who have succeeded everywhere else but seem unable to succeed in the love department”.

    Chiddie was therefore inspired to perfect her skills in the art of matchmaking. She went to study Matchmaking in UK and later Relationship Coaching in New York.

    “My husband is a Behavioural Change Expert and Therapist. We decided to join our passion and expertise to give birth to Chotayah”.

    Though an Engineer, Entrepreneurship runs in her family. She links her entrepreneurial skills to her grandfather, who was a successful businessman. “He sold palm oil to the Portuguese and imported canons, tea sets and textiles. My grand ma was a textile wholesaler in Onitsha. She also came from a family of business men and women.  My dad is a doctor who owns his own hospital. I grew up seeing all these and hearing their stories; I guess that influenced me. I started my first business in SS1 (at 14yr) selling earrings to my classmates in the boarding house. I just did it for fun to see my money multiply”.

    The journey into the art of matchmaking, she informed, has been very interesting.  “It’s been a roller-coaster. Some days are so exciting and beautiful; some days are very challenging. Just like any new business, getting the right process in place can be quite daunting, as we are dealing with people’s lives. It’s not like a dating site where you just turn on your software and let people do their thing. There is a strong element of personal responsibility and involvement that we put into it. This is very consuming. But then, this is why I love matchmaking. I enjoy challenges and Chotayah is giving it to me in full doses”.

    Next, she talks about her matchmaking process.

    “We use a scientific process: psychology and tech. We always put into consideration traditional African cultures, which is unique to everyone that comes to us. As you know, African culture is rich and diverse. Finally, we use our intuition”.

    So when a client contacts them, searching for a partner or spouse; the first step, according to Chiddie, is to have a 1- 2-hour session with him to know his relationship history and background, and come up with the best strategy that will give him result. “It’s also in this session that we figure out if he is a good fit for us. We’re not able to help everyone unfortunately. We do a bit of background checks and if everything comes out fine, we then take him on as a client”.

    Their matchmaking, she explained always goes with Relationship Coaching and Behavioural Therapy.

    “We first work on him/her as a person, to find out what is stopping them from finding love. Is it just that he is too busy? Not positioned properly? Or is it something from the inside? We remove those blockers and help him develop the unique personal plan for him/her. …And then we go searching. As we search, we do a lot of data analysis, using proven scientific methods combined with emotional intelligence to see if they are a match. We then go through every match with our client till we both agree on ‘The ONE’. We coach them, guide and provide emotional support while dating and sometimes till they get married”.

    Some still come back after marriage, and Chiddie says they keep helping them navigate early married life.

    “The most important part is the transformative process, which we do in the beginning – the healing, coaching strategies that we deploy to make them the best version of themselves. Usually, after this process, many of our clients start getting proposals without our influence. For some clients, we only offer the Transformative Coaching, Healing Experience, as this is very effective; and for some, it’s just the Holistic Image maker. It all depends on the client’s budget, how busy he or she is and how deeply he wants us to be involved.”

     

    Who needs a matchmaker?

    “Matchmaking is not for everyone. The most common being that they are very busy; they are highly selective and have certain criteria they are not able to find ordinarily around them. And then they love their privacy. Many of our clients do not even have a social media account. Some are highly placed people in the society or very busy highflying professionals who want to protect their confidentiality. They come to us because they need an expert to handle their dating life. They are the sort of people who will hire a personal trainer, personal stylist and personal chef. They always want bespoke and personalised services with someone they can trust to deliver excellence while being extremely discrete. Some have tried so many times to find love, gotten disappointed several times and then decided to use us”.

    One thing that thrills and amazes Chiddie is the diversity of her clients. “We have people from 28 to 70+ years old.

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    Love and Infatuation

    A major challenge encountered on the job, she says, is trying to find out if a person is being honest and truthful about whom they claim to be.

    “My biggest passion, apart from matchmaking, is helping people. I am big on pushing people into opportunities that will improve their lives – as a way of giving back to society. My greatest joy has been helping people who felt their case was hopeless find happiness. I love seeing people transform and become better versions of themselves.

    “Do people really understand the meaning of true love? I think many people confuse infatuation with love. Infatuation usually happens earlier on in the relationship, and is driven by strong emotions. That period when you have all those hormones running through your head and colouring everything you see about the other person. You have those intense feelings, the butterflies, you only want to be with them 24/7, neglecting every other thing in your life, and they can do no wrong… The good thing is that infatuation doesn’t last and if you are patient, the hormones will stabilise, and you can then see if you truly love this person and they love you back, which is True Love”.

    Chiddie is of the opinion that emotions are not enough to keep a relationship for the long term.

    “On the other hand, True Love is more stable, more like deep friendship -where you have seen each other’s negative and positive sides and truly decide to stay together in mutual respect and deep admiration of each other. True love always has good intentions, is trusting, honest, accessible, responsive, loyal, consistent, and always growing.

     

    We have a passion for helping others –Ben

    Ben takes over at this point. Like Chiddie, his childhood also prepared him for the choices he made in life.

    “As a child, I always wondered what it is that drives people to behave the way they did. My main curiosity was with adults – because many times, I simply saw a child in a big body and it confused me, and intrigued me at the same time.”

    Luckily, his mother had education psychology books in the shelf,  which he kept flipping through from time to time .

    “Later on in my life, I started martial arts, which further reinforced the idea of observing others. This also heightened my interest even more because winning an opponent depended on how much you can read them and how quickly. Growing up was full of adventure – I had interest in many things and my dad would always encourage me with anything I was interested in. I found myself dabbling into all sorts – languages, classical music, arts, martial arts, cooking/baking…. Each school holiday, I always had one new thing I was interested in learning”.

    Today, he is  a behavioural change life coach and hypno-psychotherapist.

    “First, the results I saw in myself when I went through my own change process made me realise how much more of a beautiful world we would have when it is filled with more wholesome people. I have a passion for helping people become better versions of themselves; so this was a no-brainer for me”.

    Running the matchmaking platform with his wife  gives him great fulfilment and he talks about the inspiration.

    “Both my wife and I have a passion for helping people. We also got fed up with some of the myths and wrong ideas people have about relationships. We both believe that relationship is more intentional than incidental. We realise that people haven’t really been taught how to be their authentic selves in a relationship. We have a beautiful marriage and we know that’s not because we are special but because we put the effort first in working on our individual mindsets. We therefore came up with a way of helping people do the same, because we believe everyone deserves the relationship they desire. What magic it is when two wholesome people get together.”

    Next you want to know if childhood trauma and emotional imbalance mitigate against a person’s chance of finding true love.

    Ben responds: “Definitely! Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. In order for someone to be traumatised, they have to fear for their life or the life of someone else. ‘Child trauma’ events often happen between 0-18 years of age. These trauma events can be big events or lots of smaller events. So from witnessing the brutal murder of a loved one, to living in a home where there is constant yelling. In adulthood, it impacts experiences and relationships – usually experienced as feelings of shame, guilt, feeling disconnected, being unable to relate to other people etc. In emotionally healthy, non-stressful situations, our bodies stay in a social engagement state, or a happy, normal, non-freak-out state. In this state, we are capable of a connected interaction with another person. But when stress occurs, there is an initial freeze as the brain prepares to fight or flee. However, when the threatening situation takes over and there is no fighting or fleeing from it, our parasympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive and we shut down”.

    This happens because our only goal as a species is to stay alive. “Therefore, your brain/your nervous system is designed and wired to keep you alive, even if it means shutting you down from feeling anything, because our social engagement system has to be sure that it is safe enough for us to engage in any situation, otherwise it stops that engagement.  Emotionally, it feels like dissociation, numbness, dizziness, hopelessness, shame, a sense of feeling trapped, out of body, disconnected from the world”.

    Many times, people spend time looking for who would fill the void created by trauma. Ben explains some of the side effects  for this.

    “This is why people end up focusing on how they want to change each other in a relationship, rather than what needs to change in them first. We teach our clients to ask themselves the question, ‘who do I need to become to have the experience I desire in this relationship?’ because change starts inside first.

    “Unfortunately, many people haven’t been taught how to manage their own emotions, and so they go into a relationship expecting the other person to change themselves to fit into their own emotional mess. This means, many people self-sabotage in finding true love. Many just settle or go with someone just to impress their parents or friends”.

    As a psychotherapist, he goes on to make some recommendations for persons who just got out of a bad relationship or finding it hard to heal and move on: “I would recommend therapy work for them. If they are finding it hard to heal, it means there’s a part of them that is holding onto some beliefs about the entire thing. I would ask them to consider the following question: “what must I be believing about myself for me to feel the way I’m currently feeling?”  That’s a starting point that would take them inwards to see what they really are thinking about themselves.

     

    Our marriage, built on authenticity and commitment

    Happily, Ben talks about life being married to a super amazing woman like Chiddie, and the secret of their  healthy marriage.

    ” Well I’d say authenticity, commitment and the willingness to look inwards. Prioritise your own inner healing and you’d show up better in your relationship. Also, marriage is about commitment! It is a contract, which means there are terms and conditions i.e. terms of engagement, which both of you must create and commit to. Marriage is also about vulnerability – it should be that place where you can show your vulnerability without the fear of being judged, rejected or criticised. Which means you must be willing to provide the same level of acceptance and safety for your spouse. One shouldn’t have to wear a mask or pretend to be a particular persona in marriage – no! in a healthy marriage, you have no need to be who you are not”.

  • OGE KIMONO : My father inspired me in many ways

    OGE KIMONO : My father inspired me in many ways

    Oge Kimono is a singer, and daughter of Late Ràs Kimono.In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she opens up on lessons life has taught her, achievements, memorable moments, motherhood, working across Europe , preserving her father’s legacy and her style of Reggae music.

    What are some of the experiences in music?

    I have had a lot of learning experiences in music starting from working with my dad as a backup singer and moving to Europe where I had the opportunity to work with international acts and performing in major festivals and concert across Europe.

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

    Some of the changes I’ll like to see in the industry is a working structure where government plays a significant role not leaving the task alone to stakeholders and the artistes (musicians, actors, painters, poets, sculptors, etc). I will also like to see a regulatory body that lays emphasis on the quality of product in terms of lyrical content, production quality and professionalism across board in the sector.

    Your father was very talented.  How did he inspire you?

    My father inspired me in so many ways. His dedication to perfection was second to none. He was definitely of the school of thought that says practice makes perfect. He never stopped developing himself and learning new things and ways to better his craft as a musician. His genuineness and originality are also qualities I greatly admired in him.

    What are some of the things you share in common with him?

    One of the things I share in common with my dad will definitely be the doggedness and dedication to staying true to ourselves no matter the pressure.

    Tell us about the people that inspire you?

    Asides from my Dad, the likes of Uwe Banton, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Queen Ifrica, Ngozi Okonjo-iweala, Chimamanda Adiche in recent times have been of great inspiration to me.

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

    Some of the memorable times in my life and career will definitely be working with my dad and touring with him. Also getting the opportunity to perform on world class stages across Europe was definitely a blessing and a very memorable experience.

    How can government help to make things better in the sector?

    The entertainment sector has proven to be an underdog having been neglected for too long by the government. Yet it keeps bringing significant growth to the nations GDP and as such should be given the much needed attention just like every other sector that the government has invested resources in. Government can improve this sector by making available access to funding for major projects in the sector and also regulating bodies of unions and association, making sure every stakeholder is represented duly.

    What are some of the achievements over the years?

    Asides working as a backup vocalist with international acts such as Uwe Banton, Luciano, Rocky Dawuni, Ade Bantu, Tuklan. Releasing my 10 track debut album “Good Ole Days” in 2019 was a landmark achievement for me as that will be my first body of work. It was a project I started out in 2018 before my father’s demise and I was able to complete it despite the fact that I had gone through a major loss.

    What would you describe as the turning point in your life and career?

    The turning point in my life and career will definitely be losing my father and coming to the realization that I have a strong and rich heritage to preserve.

    Tell us about your mum. Is she also into music?

    My mum was not into music. She was in the hair and beauty industry back in her days. In fact she was working at a popular salon then when she met my father.

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

    Asides being a musician I am also a mother to an adorable princess. I came into motherhood during the lockdown in 2020 and so far the journey has been amazing. I am enjoying every moment of it and soaking up the experience in before she grows up. They grow up too fast these days.

    What advice do you have for young people who want to come into the entertainment sector?

    The advice I have for the younger ones is that there is no shortcut to success. It is a process! Just as a farmer goes to plant,  he prepares the soil first by tilling, then he plants, waters, waits, nourishes and waits some more before harvesting, it’s a process. So while you are at it. Stay true to yourself and be original.

    What are some of the principles that guide what you do?

    One of the principles I live by will be treat people the way you like to be treated. Be kind and do good!

    What are some of the things that you would like to do in future?

    There are a lot of things I have on my bucket list to do. However, the top on that list will be to go on an African tour with the Massive Dread Band which is my father’s band of over 25yrs. Preserving the Legacy and introducing my own style of reggae music.

    If you had to advise Nigerian youths today, what would you tell them?

    If I were to advise the Nigerian youth today I will say go and get your voters card! Shun criminality and thuggery. Do not allow any politician to use you as a mercenary to wreak havoc. You deserve better and your vote counts!

    How do you relax?

    For relaxation I like to swim, play snooker, read and hang out with close family and friends.

    What lessons has life taught you?

    My life lesson will be that life is not a race of who comes first but how many people you impact while you are still alive!

    What type of books do you like to read?

    I read from biographies to inspirational books to Christian books, to fictional books etc. Anything interesting and educative I will read.

  • ‘How my Instagram prank sent wrong signal about my marital status’

    ‘How my Instagram prank sent wrong signal about my marital status’

    Nollywood actress, Shalewa Ashafa, in this interview with Gboyega Alaka, speaks of her foray into acting, her admiration for Nse Ikpe-Etim and how her COVID-19 marriage prank on Instagram is creating a wrong impression about her marital status.

    Can you recall your first film? What the experience like?

    I acted my first stage play when I was 9 years old. After that, I did a bunch of voice acting and cameos in stage plays. This lasted only a year, as my mum and siblings considered it distracting to my school work, but I stuck to the craft by joining the drama club in my church and school. I was not getting paid or compensated in any way or form but I honestly did not mind, considering that I was doing something I enjoyed.

    What are the films you have featured in or produced?

    I have been in quite a number of films, but some of my prominent works are Ajoche, where I played the lead role ‘Elakeche.’ I had my first cinema debut last  year in the movie, ‘The Razz Guy,’ which featured the likes of Broda Shaggi, Lasisi Elenu and Nancy Isime. I have also featured in a couple of YouTube series such as Ndani TV’s ‘Phases’ Season 2 and ‘Life as it is’ which got an Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award nod.

    Who are your role models in the industry?

    I will not say I have specific role models in the industry but there are people whose work ethics I respect and learn from. I am fascinated by how flawless they execute every role given to them. Do I have people that I really want to work with someday? Yes. One person that stands out for me always is Nse Ikpe-Etim. I’m in awe every single time I watch her in any movie. I look forward to working with her someday.

    Have you won awards or nominations yet?

    Not yet. Hopefully, very soon. So far, I have been nominated once for the category, ‘Best Actress in a television series’ for my role as ‘Elakeche’ in Ajoche.

    As an actress, what is your selling point?

    Should there be anything else except my talent? (laughs) I’m a fantastic actress, even if I do say so myself. I pride myself on being dedicated to perfecting my craft for every new role I take; and that is what has gotten me recognised in the industry.

    Many actresses flaunt their endowments on social media. Where should one draw the lines when flaunting the body?

    I’m a strong believer in being as free as you want to be, as long as it does not hurt the next person. To each, their own.

    What does being sexy mean to you?

    Being sexy to me is being confident in who you are and your craft. Being able to stand out in any gathering you find yourself. Humility and willingness to always learn regardless of how good you are at whatever you do is another thing I find attractive.

    Read Also: OMONIKE FOWOWE : Oprah Winfrey is my number one role model

    Your relationship status on Google states that you’re married, how true is this?

    This thing has taunted me and I am so glad I finally get to address it. I pulled a silly marriage prank during the COVID lockdown out of boredom on my Instagram. I did a wedding photoshoot for a magazine with my colleague Udoka Oyeka and I decided to prank people that we got married when posting the pictures. Before I knew it, all the blogs had put up the story. So, I am setting the records straight now, NO! I AM NOT MARRIED to any one at the moment.

    What sacrifices have you made in pursuing acting?

    My education. My education suffered a lot. I spent more time on set than I did in school. Some people are good at joggling multiple things at a time; sadly, I am not one of them. So my career, in a way, affected my education. But at the end of the day, it was worth it. So, I have no regrets.

    Does acting pay your bills or something else does?

    To be honest, in this economy, no profession or job can solely take care of all your bills. I have other things that I do to supplement acting. I run a small business called The Next Door Bakery. I plan opening more businesses soon.

    Tell us a bit more about yourself

    My name is Omoshalewa Ashafa. My friends mostly call me by my social media name ‘ShalewaStar’ or ‘ShallyStar.’ I was born on the 12th of July, 1995 in Lagos. I’m Yoruba and I’m from Ogun State, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area. I attended Christ the Cornerstone International Primary school, Lagos. I attended four different secondary schools in Benin, Lagos and Osun states, as I had to move around a lot due to the nature of my mother’s business. I however, finished my secondary school education at Iloko Model College in Osun State. I did my undergraduate programme at the University of Lagos, where I studied Advertising.

  • ‘Why we fought for release of unsentenced prisoners’

    ‘Why we fought for release of unsentenced prisoners’

    Human rights ambassador and founder, Peace Professionals aka PeacePro, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, speaks with Gboyega Alaka on the organisation’s peacebuilding activities across the country, efforts towards securing release of unsentenced prisoners and his running battle with the National Open University, NOUN.

    WHAT is Peace Professionals or PeacePro about?

    PeacePro is the short form of Peace Professionals. In full, the organisation is called Foundation for Peace Professionals, a Non-Governmental Organisation, focused on human-centered peacebuilding and communication, through fundamental indicators and data-driven advocacy. It is an organisation working to place human-centered peacebuilding at the heart of governance consideration. It produces peace and conflict Indexes, craft effective peace narratives, develop tools for Crisis Communication and Development, conducts Research and Advocacy and train aspiring peace professionals. We also facilitate commercial mediation and dispute resolution processes.

    Our mission is to transform conflict into opportunity for growth and development within organisations, communities and nations.

    PeacePro recently announced plans to train one million people across Africa in peace building; how do you hope to achieve that and where is the fund coming from?

    PeacePro has been training people before now. However, the new proposal is different. It is well thought out, carefully planned, the materials well developed and it is to become a permanent part of our normal activities. What this training means is that, we are simplifying comprehensive academic jargons usually associated with academic training, and instead focusing on imparting simple but practical knowledge of peacebuilding in various aspects based on experience.

    As regards funding, we intend to partner with all relevant government, companies, corporate organisations, associations and individuals. PeacePro has been a self-funded organisation since establishment, except for the support we received from a corporate organisation, Bresson Energy in 2018, during the production of our research project, tagged Nigeria Peace Index. However, we believe the time is ripe for individuals, government and all stakeholders in Africa to take peacebuilding training seriously, as a counter measure to the army of insurgents springing up across our continent.

    As founder of a peace organisation, how would you explain your clash with the management of your alma mater National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN); expulsion and pending court case?

    My natural approach is to explore the possibility of peace, but I am still hoping that one day, the management of NOUN will reciprocate that gesture. Let me say that I do not have any clash with the management of my alma mater. I do not have the capacity to clash with them. Actually, they have all the power and authority, which they unfortunately used in a manner that is not so befitting of that great institution.

    As students, the questions we were asking were critical to our lives, but instead of providing response, they chose a different path, which was not so good for us all.

    As a patriotic student, between 2008 and 2015, I had introduced over 5000 people to the NOUN through my regular advocacy and sensitisation online. So it was impossible for me to look away when the same students were going through situations that are unnecessary. And when we wrote the management to try to make meaning from the situation, they responded with threats.

    It was those unanswered questions and the many challenges we faced over the years that led to the formation of Congress of NOUN Students (CONS), as a unified body of NOUN Students to articulate our challenges and pursue a joint solution, which provoked the management and led to my expulsion.

    Of course, I had already finished my first degree in NOUN and written my final paper in the master’s degree, so I do not have any personal problem with the management and nobody in the management had ever accused me of anything wrong.

    Personally, I did not want to go to court. I just wanted a conversation, but the management didn’t leave any room for that. Even the court case, which we expected to be fast-tracked, dragged, and eventually we were told the case was filed in a wrong way. According to the judge, the case was supposed to be filed as writ of summon, not fundamental human rights. So, he dismissed the case for us to re-file under writ of summon.

    What would be your major achievement since inception in 2016?

    That would be the averting of possible genocide against people of eastern part of Nigeria in the North in 2018. PeacePro uncovered a trending hate song calling for genocide against people from eastern part of the country in the North. Having properly analysed the content of that song and its destructive tendencies, we decided to make it a point of national advocacy, which attracted the largest possible attention, both within and outside Nigeria. PeacePro set the agenda of how to address the issue and government took appropriate steps that helped in addressing it. Regional and global body, such as African Union and United Nations also added their voices.

    Next would be how we shaped the crisis that erupted in Ife town in Osun State in 2017. A crisis was brewing between the Hausa and the indigenes of Ife, with different media reporting different death figure, leading to possibilities of reprisal. PeacePro’s quick intervention to ascertain the truth and contextualise it helped to douse tension and reshape the conversation.

    Your organisation recently went into a research project tagged Nigeria Peace Index (NPI), tell us about it.

    The research to produce Nigeria Peace Index started in 2016. The project was designed as a national replica of the renowned Global Peace Index by Institute of Economic Peace. The maiden edition of Nigeria Peace Index was publicly presented in 2018 in Abuja. We also presented it at the Caux Forum in Switzerland in 2019, towards inclusive peace programme of Initiative of Change. Caux Forum is an ancient peace organisation, which predates even the United Nations.

    A proper study of Nigeria Peace Index will show you why North West states like Zamfara, Katsina are in crisis in recent time. In the Nigeria Peace Index, Osun State emerged most peaceful state in Nigeria, followed by Kogi, Ekiti and Kwara. The report was done based on five broad fundamental indicators of peace, which include poverty level, rate of human rights violation, level of education, level of incarceration and crime rates.

    Another edition of the report is in the progress.

    In 2020, PeacePro also led advocacy for the release of unsentenced prisoners across Nigeria.

    Unsentenced prisoners account for more than 70% prisoners in Nigeria. Lagos State took the giant number by far, which explains why young people in Lagos were the most vocal against police brutality during the EndSARS protests. Some of the unsentenced prisoners committed minor offenses that if subjected to proper legal process, they may probably spend less time than they had spent. But due to the poor judicial system, they had been kept in prison permanently, thereby doing more damage to their psychology than reforming them.

    We also have people currently languishing in prison just for being in a wrong place at the wrong time and the spirit of our law prefers a possible offender to go scot-free than for an innocent to be punished. So, PeacePro encouraged the government to free all unsentenced prisoners who have spent certain period of time in detention. Although, federal government set up a committee to draw up criteria to release certain categories of prisoners, we still think more needs to be done. We are also encouraging state governments to do similar thing to decongest our prisons.

    The Northeast of Nigeria, going by its volatility and the activities of Boko Haram, is one area that may have need for your services, have you forayed thus far? 

    PeacePro paid special attention to the North East for a number of years. We focused specifically on countering Boko Haram’s propaganda and sensitising people against suicide bombing. We had in past years engaged in massive sensitisation across mosques and other places in several states in north east. You must have also came across a number of our quarterly report on north east years back.

    However, it is observed that many foreign organisations and their local counterparts have turned the North East tragedy into business. And when that happens, it becomes difficult to quench the burning fire because those who profit from the conflict will try as much as possible to extend its lifespan.

    This is why we have taken a backseat to observe the situation from distance for more objective point of direction.

     PeacePro partnered with Guild of Dance and Larinka Playhouse to train players in the creative industry. What did you set out to achieve?

    We understand the strategic importance of creative industry in shaping public perception and we set out to train players in the industry about peacebuilding and how they can play major part in building peace through their creative content.

    Tell us a bit about yourself; why did you choose to go this route?

    I am a creator by nature and I enjoy the creative process, especially the tension and pressure usually associated with it. I take my creative instinct into anything I do – whether it is human rights, business development, good governance advocacy or peacebuilding.

    This creative instinct is what led my establishment of the Congress of NOUN Students, while at the National Open University of Nigeria, and the formation of Kwara Must Change, the leading Pro Democracy group in Kwara State, which inspired the popular Otoge political revolution. I chose this path to commence the process of developing the peace product, so that sooner or later, the product will eventually become a regular part of our culture and enjoyed by all.

  • BAMI GREGS: I started writing at nine

    BAMI GREGS: I started writing at nine

    Maureen Airebamen Irene known with the stage name Bami Gregs is a producer and script writer for movies and series on African Magic, Iroko TV and others. She is also a designer and actress on series like Tinsel. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she opens up on her passion, relationship, memorable moments and producing her first series titled Third Avenue series.

    WHAT were you doing before acting and production?

    I studied philosophy in UNIBEN and also have a Masters in Public and International Affairs. Right from when I was a kid, I was always used like performing arts. Then when we come back from Nursery school, I would perform drama for my mum in the parlour, as well as recite poems. That spurred me to start looking into that creative path in me. Even before I became a teenager, my father got me a desktop computer and I used it to write scripts. I was just 9 years old then.  Even though the script was there, I never finished any then. But it was just a happy place for me. Anytime, my siblings were playing in their spare time, I preferred to write scripts then. I have very strong imaginative prowess at that time and I just used to dream a lot, dream of stories and cook them up. After studying in UNIBEN, I came to Lagos and got a job in a bank. After a while, I got bored with marketing and decided to delve into film making. I started writing scripts for African Magic and other Independent Producers like Iroko TV.

    Tell us about your first script?

    It is called Control Freak. It was written in 2015 and it was good. It did very well on African Magic. After that I wrote another for a producer that was in their Top Ten in 2015. The script is called Nwayioma. It is on Iroko App, a beautiful story. I also did scripts for other producers but I didn’t really like the way the scripts turned out. Some of them did very well. Nwayioma did very well and the director was fantastic. He did a very good job and I was happy, same with Control Freak. But for some producers, it doesn’t come out the way you want as a writer and you feel bad. So, I told myself why you don’t start producing your own work. So, I wrote a script which I produced in Cinema in 2019 called Jumbled. I had a beautiful story line and it did very well in the cinema. Jumbled had actors like Lilian Esoro, Kenneth Okolie, Femi Adebayo, Eucharia Anunobi and Wale Ojo.

    That was my first major and I discovered that there was room for improvement. At that point, I decided that this was what I wanted to do. The feedback was also very good, I started getting a lot of calls and I told myself, why you don’t focus on producing. I used to act and write at the time. I was on Tinsel for a long while. I played the role of one of the staff in the office.  I was there for about three to four years. We used to shoot on a monthly basis.

    What are you currently working on?

    I was asked to produce a series called Third Avenue mid last year. It is my story but with my experience working with African Magic, I realised that it’s richer when you get inputs from someone else. So, I got a lady called Elo who is new to script writing but very good.  We worked on it together and she wrote three episodes very well.She did more and I produced it last year. I got actors like Jidekene  Achufusu, who acted in Living in Bondage, Lillian Afegbai who was in Big  Brother, David Jones David  and Tope Olowoniyan with the stage name Pamela.

    We produced this last year and it is presently showing on Accelerate TV. The traffic is beautiful. I got into Accelerate TV and had to do a pilot episode because it is my first TV series. I did the pilot with a couple of friends like Blossom Chukwujekwu, Esther also of Big brother. Then my friend Esse Akwawa saw it and liked it. So, she said she was going to share the idea with her boss, Colette Otusheso, CEO of Accelerate TV. She saw it and liked it and commissioned me to do the series for them. I was the producer and I had a Director, Tope Alake who did very well. We had a great crew and things moved smoothly. I specially want to thank Esse, for introducing me to the team and trusting me to produce the series.  She was working on another project at the time and really couldn’t have time to come on set. Of course, they had their quality controls and she trusted that I was going to deliver. Its showing on YouTube and the traffic is amazing. Hopefully we will do a Season 2.

    How did you get into the Tinsel team?

    Audition! I went for audition.  I was also on Hush another African Magic production, two sides of a coin, The Arrangement and Survival’s Guilt. I actually got Hush as a writer but I decided to audition for a role and I got both.

    What made you stand out?

    I did a monologue. Shakespeare’s monologue for one of his plays as a male character, Brutus. The guy was moved because I spoke like a man and delivered it like a man which was different. The crowd was crazy, they told me wow  and called me up the next day. That was how I got that role.

    What are the other things that occupy your time?

    I am a fashion designer as well. I design and have tailors that I work with because of time. I learnt how to sew but I don’t have the time because of my schedule writing, producing and acting. I like to work with Ankara and chiffon fabrics. Some of the styles I wore in the series are actually my designs.

    What is the message in Third Avenue series?

    It’s about the daily experiences of two flat mates; two guys and a squatter. They are single guys in Lagos playing pranks. David who played the character T. Boy has two girlfriends and makes sure that they do not meet. There is also Jidekene who has a girlfriend but he is a Casanova. He would collect money from his girlfriend, lie that he isn’t available and spend the money with a younger girl. It actually depicts the fake lifestyle that is typical in Lagos.

    Have you ever fallen victim personally?

    Of course! As a girl you get guys lie to you that they love you. Meanwhile, you are probably a side chic, not even an immediate side chic. Just someone that they just want to have fun with. Also, I have had guys that claim to like me but always looking at my phone to see my bank account.  I have had those kinds of experiences and then they want to come to your house to eat your food and form that they love you.

    Meanwhile, they are just after your money or just to sleep with you. It’s that bad in Lagos and this are things people can relate with both male and female.

    Would you say that the society encourages all this?

    O yes! It does. Even on the social media, the people that we are clapping for are living fake life. For example, this might be someone borrowing clothes, sleeping with 10 men to keep up and so on.

  • 2023: Nigeria playing with fire if zoning is discarded – Obiozor

    2023: Nigeria playing with fire if zoning is discarded – Obiozor

    THE President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor, is not amused by talks in some quarters about power remaining in the north after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure next year. The former Nigerian Ambassador to the USA insists, in this interview with Correspondent Chris Njoku, that power rotation, especially to the Southeast, is crucial to the nation’s continued existence as one. He speaks as the main political parties prepare to pick their flag bearers in the 2023 presidential election. Excerpts:

    Are the political parties  adhering to the idea of rotational president between North and South?

    The idea of rotation is older than almost every Nigerian today, all Nigerians alive. It is indeed an arrangement of 1914 during the Amalgamation. The Amalgamation was between  the North and the South. Our founding fathers in 1960 till now have maintained the rotation between the North and the South.Indeed it began before independence for sharing everything or anything including power.

    The first and foremost thing the negotiators of modern Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe (East), Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa (North), Chief Obafemi Awolowo (West), among others, did was to bequeath  the historic principle that held Nigeria together. Everything they did, they made sure that the division was North and South. The arrangement was instituted in the 1999 Constitution through the Federal Character and other acts of legislation in Nigeria’s political history. It was meant to seal and actually consolidate unity. You cannot joke with it without joking with the destiny of Nigeria.

    The present generation must be careful about what they are trying to change.You don’t throw away with shovel what your founding fathers put together with rake to keep the country going. So for anyone to say, may be out of bravado, out of arrogance of power and ignorance, he does not care about the rotation of North and South.That person is playing with fire. In fact you are inviting disaster for Nigeria. You are not a friend of this country and a friend of this current administration because there’s no surest way for any government to be declared failed in Nigeria than to tamper with this sensitive, precarious balance between North and South which is indeed the inheritance bequeathed by our founding fathers which is part of national expectation in politics. There is no way you can change the rules of the game in the middle of the game. Nobody should try it. I hope those of us who are 80 or nearing 80 across the country should tell the young men not to play with fire, and not to play with the destiny of Nigeria.

    There are certain sensitive institutions you don’t touch. They are sanctum sanctorum of a nation.In fact, it is indeed political sacrilege for anybody to boldly tell Nigerians that you are doing away with rotation of North and South for political convenience because of the same reason which led to tragedy before. Are we children? Power ought to be shared in Nigeria between North and South and rotation is part of power sharing. Let the parties do what they want, but the correct thing was done by the parties in 1999.

    Nigeria’s political wisdom had prevailed in the past. I sincerely believe that we have developed a Doctrine of creative use of crisis which has helped the country to survive where other countries perished. During the last legislative session they called it the Doctrine of Necessity but it is the same thing.  The country has managed in spite of all the crises to stay together because when people want to touch the sanctum sanctorum of the country well-wishers of the country would do everything to say don’t try that, like I am doing today. Don’t try God with the idea of tampering with the rotation of North and South. North and South is the rotation, it is natural, it is our history and our heritage. Do they want to embarrass the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari because they are political parties? Because they want to manure the system. Are they not part of the history of Nigeria, that each time we tried to manure the truth and the right thing  we ran into trouble that led to other national disaster?

    Then some people are talking of numbers. Democracy must first think of stability and development, it is not just number. It encloses justice, equity and fairness. Nigeria is a federation and has always been, in fact without the agreement on federation there would have been no Nigeria. So, some people should not, out of whatever feelings they have, go beyond the bar in trying to threaten the unity of Nigeria.

    What is giving you this impression or fear?

    The whole endless negotiations of the parties about zoning is a problem.Don’t you see it as a problem? They will negotiate inconclusively.Don’t you see the horse trading and manipulation going on? Unless the politicians are suffering from amnesia or forgetfulness then they can continue to deceive themselves that somebody can ignore a particular section of Nigeria and govern it peacefully.You cannot ignore any particular section of Nigeria and govern peacefully.

    Has protracted injustice and marginalisation against any section of a nation been perfect solution to political development of any nation?

    It has not. The worst thing you can do in a Federation is to marginalise any section of your country. You don’t make them good citizens by marginalising them; you don’t make them good citizens by not giving them a sense of belonging; you don’t make them good citizens by denying them of their rights. Believe me, the attitude of a leader or leadership towards citizens matters just as a policy. A leader must be one who actually is constant with truth and at peace with all the citizens regardless of their tribe and religion. So, the politicians have to be sensitive because Nigeria became a country that was negotiated. A nation with history is negotiated.

    There’s a limit you can push and you will have a problem. That’s what I called precarious balance. With all due modesty, I wrote a book ‘Politics of Precarious Balance’ in 1986. The truth of the matter is that you have to be careful about governing Nigeria because you need coalitions.

    No one section of Nigeria can govern Nigeria comfortably. That is how the country was created. So, we have to maintain a precarious balance continually in order to govern a country like Nigeria with all its sensitivities.

    What is the position of the President on all these issues?

    The President is a manager. As a matter of fact, he is doing the overall job as a supervisor. In fact, he, with all due respect and honestly speaking, is the father of the Nation. It is the politicians below that are jostling for everything, but there is a limit they can go. You don’t push the goal post, don’t change the goal post. There are certain sanctuaries when you reach there, you go round them, worship and go away. Unless you want to commit political sacrilege, the consequences will be on your head. There is a price for every political crime of that nature.

    Do you agree with the thinking that a Nigerian President of South East extraction will pave the way for a new Nigeria?

    Believe me, a Nigeria President from South East is the only thing that can keep Nigeria together today. It is where you have more patriotism emerging to restore Nigeria nationalism. It is where a leader will stand up and defend the interest of everybody. It is  a leader from South East of Nigeria, an Igbo man who can share power equitably in this country today and ready to take last after sharing simply because he will share it with a sense of sincerity and equity and fairness to all. He would have the courage to do it. No any other would have the courage to take last. After it has gone North, South West, and South South, it is coming to us by the grace of God to take last. That’s natural.

    Some people are saying constant crises in South East are contributing to the problem. Is that true?  

    What crisis? The crisis was there in the North when President Buhari was there. Which part of Nigeria is free today? What of the crisis that was there in 1999  when former President Olusegun Obasanjo was there? I ran away from Lagos, I ran away from NADECO, was it not crisis? Thank God that those who tried to bring crisis in South East didn’t succeed. I have always believed that it was politically orchestrated but unfortunately for them it didn’t work. Now South East is safe or unsafe as any other part of Nigeria.

    So, to talk about security or insecurity as a reason for denying Ndigbo and South East presidency is a premeditated argument. There is no fact in it. How many people are going from Abuja to Kaduna any more in railway without police escort?

    Does the South East have credible and competent presidential aspirants that can unify Nigeria for ethical reintegration, economic development and political stability?

    Tell me which part of Nigeria has sophisticated and more trained people than South East. Is it in number of university graduates; is it in number of superstars in any field of life you can find in South East? Somebody said competence is the name of South East and the world knows it. If you refuse to use the Igbo competence here it is your loss. Look at the international community, mention any organisation including the international police contingent, an Igbo is a star there. The point I am trying to make is that from the beginning there has never been a lack of talent or leadership in Igboland. We have qualified, more qualified than almost all others who have ruled before. What qualification are you looking for? Take any of them; some have worked in international organizations, some of the aspirants have been governors. We have leadership in Igboland ready to change events in Nigeria. If we get in by the grace of God, the leadership will change Nigeria; in fact the Nigeria’s narrative will be different. You will see a patriot, a nationalist in power, unquestionable intelligent leadership, pan Nigeria, people will be at ease wherever they are in Nigeria, investors will come, Nigeria will start looking forward to its own Eldorado. Why are we lagging behind in many things? Honestly it takes a strong leadership of those who have suffered to liberate the minds of citizens.

    What about aspirants coming from other zones particularly from the North?

    People coming from other zones are spoilers. They are politically knowledgeable about what the zoning system means in Nigeria. They are just trying to play the spoiler; they are trying to test the will of the country to survive. If you have taken and you want to take again when somebody else has not taken even once, are you not a troublemaker?

    So why are they afraid to zone the presidency?

    It is difficult for others, but it will not change the destiny of the people. You will keep maneuvering until you will run into a wall and hit your head there because you are not God.

    Do you agree that power is not given?

    Who told you that power is not given? Power is not given but the truth is: it is arranged in order to have peace. Which one is more important in a country? Power or peace? Countries arrange their own system in a way to have maximum peace and maximum cooperation among its citizens. That’s what power is.

    What is your effort in these negotiations and arrangements?

    What I am doing now is part of my efforts: to speak out and tell the world what is going on and tell the leaders don’t take risk with the nation’s destiny. I keep repeating it, do the right thing for the right reason.

    You cannot sit in the comfort of your home and want somebody to give you power. Is it not true?

    Don’t we have people in all those parties where they are negotiating? People try to find stupid fault. We have membership in all the parties, so why are you thinking our people are sitting down not campaigning for the presidency? Who told you? They are there with them. Have you gone to any party meetings and didn’t see any Igbo man? You see, if you want to find fault in somebody sometimes you go from sublime to the ridiculous. These people are going from the sublime to the ridiculous trying to look for faults of the Igbo man so you can deny him of his right. You are looking for faults to deny us the presidency? You won’t find one. I have heard people talking of numbers, we have told you number is wonderful for every country but we all know that these numbers existed when we negotiated to be a federation where the principle is fair power sharing. So, what do you do when you agreed to be a federation? You have a situation of give and take no matter your own number.

    What is your opinion on the sit-at-home order of IPOB in the South East?

    Sit-at-home is an anomaly.Even those who instituted it are really aware of the difficulties it has created. Sit-at-home is not what Igbo need now but it is been worked on.

     Is there any way to negotiate Nnamdi Kanu out of his present predicament rather than allow him face court trial?

    Last time I spoke on the issue, I directly requested, in fact appealed to the President to grant him prerogative of mercy. Honestly speaking that is the best way out for him. The President’s response was also understandable when we also made a demand on him to release Kanu, when he said that there is a court case. My appeal is something beyond court case, this is only a privilege which a president has and overrides everything, that’s his best chance. I would believe that we should pursue political solution to the problem. But honestly we will need strong support or signal from Nnamdi Kanu himself and his group that they want the issue resolved.

    Is there signal?

    There has been but negotiation is a serious matter because the case is a serious matter. It is a matter of give and take until you get the modicum of agreements. It is a very important case for Igbo to make sure that Nnamdi Kanu comes out of detention. It is a big issue for us as elders and is also responsibility.

    Has the Federal Government presented anything on that?

    No comment but we keep pushing.

    Do you see an end to it soon?

    I am not a fortune teller, I can’t talk about future.

    Releasing Kanu would it bring peace back to South East?

    What is it that his people are demanding? Is it not that he will be released from detention? That means if they are satisfied, they will not stop us on Mondays. The issue is that nobody is abandoning the case.

     What is your admonition to the present generation of politicians?

    Honestly speaking, a lot of them are very highly educated, but a lot of them also need to learn the history of the country. Anybody that wants to lead Nigeria must learn the history of the country because that is where the greatest mistake is made. Those who don’t know the history of the country make serious mistakes. If you know the history of the country, you would not do certain things as a politician, or if you know as I believe, some of them know but deliberately want to do it in defiance of the system; assuming you can do it because you have power to do it with impunity and impudence, with air of authority. That means you are beyond the law and beyond the convention and in fact beyond the Constitution. Everything about rotation is reflected in the Constitution itself.When you see Federal character is it not about power sharing? The law says in the Federal Character that the President must have a minister from every state.Whether the state has10 or three people, a minister must come from there otherwise you are violating the Constitution. The history of the Federal Character, according to K.O Mbadiwe, they believe somebody can come to power and doesn’t like a particular group of people, he won’t give them anything. To ensure that there is a sense of belonging, equity, fairness and justice that was why the Federal Character was discussed and there are many laws in the Constitution.

    The military appears to be coming back in some African countries,  particularly in West Africa. What is your reaction?

    First and foremost, there is a strong economic crisis across the Sahel. Initially people were trying to rush to Europe.Now there has been a serious control of entry into Europe and going from there to other places. Now what is happening, there is  serious restiveness among citizens particularly the young in many of these countries, the same problem they are suffering generally across the continent-un employment or under employment which many governments cannot handle easily. And when it causes such restiveness, of course every country is shaken by its own problem. The countries that are talking in West Africa are shaken  for so long. Honestly, many countries in Africa need help but first and foremost they need material reforms.

    It has been one year you have assumed office as President-General. What are the challenges?

    The challenges are very clear but what makes me happy is that I understand the Igbo. These are people you cannot push and they are people you must explain things to and not take everything for granted because they don’t take anything for granted. So, that has helped me to avoid many of the problems other people used to have. In terms of what I have done, I have decided not to be too loud. I have taken the caution that when a leader speaks it is for something serious like the  issue of the presidency. We successfully discussed and agreed with the  Middle Belt, South South and South West leaders, even though some of them have come out from those areas saying that they want to run, the truth is that we have an agreement of a kind that it will be from the South. Then we know what South is. South South has gone and South West has gone, infact South West is still there. In politics you can do what you like to do as long as you can defend it but of course certain things are morally unacceptable.

    I have learned a lot, I have learned how not to aggravate situations because my role include actually encouraging peaceful co-existence and of course controlling and diffusing conflict very quietly. That is why you have not seen me engage in quarrel with some people. My determination to do this job was based on my volition. So I know why I took the job and thank God I took it at a time it was required so that we will not have more troubles. We need diplomatic approach and I came at the time it was needed to calm things down. We are all concerned about the level of violence but it will come down too and everybody will realise the futility of violence because all the violence you have seen was self- inflicted and everybody suffered.

  • Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Living heroes lament neglect, non-payment of Security Debarment Allowance

    Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Living heroes lament neglect, non-payment of Security Debarment Allowance

    This year’s annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day may have come and gone, but interactions with the some ex-military personnel show that all is not well with the living heroes. They say even widows of the fallen heroes being celebrated are wallowing in penury and neglect. GBOYEGA ALAKA reports.

    When she opted to retire from the Nigerian Army at age 53 in 2016, many, including her contemporaries, queried her decision, arguing that she was still young. However, Master Warrant Officer, Esom Chinyere Juliet, insisted that the decision had already been taken. Her argument was that she joined the army quite early and it was time to go pick her pieces. She actually looked towards the future with hope, age being on her side; little did she know that she was walking into penury, and that with all her glowing Military training and experience garnered serving, winning laurels for the Nigerian Army and traveling across Nigeria and Africa, she was only going to end up peeling and selling groundnuts by the roadside.

    “I enlisted in the Nigerian Army at a very young age, I was 18. I was a regular intake; General Dominic Oneya of blessed memory took me into the army corps. I was a talented athlete; I started by running for the Nigerian Army; from there, I ran for the Nigerian Armed Forces. Bauchi ’85, while running for the Nigerian Army, I was the Queen of Tracks; I won eight gold medals. The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, was a sprinter at that championship. Then a captain, he was doing Triple Jump and Long Jump for the Army.

    “I came in 1981 and retired in 2016 as a Master Warrant Officer after 35 years. The army was all I knew. All my life, I have never had cause to write a job application letter. I was in Liberia, I was in Sierra Leone, I was in Bakassi, I was in Sudan, I was in Cote d’Ivoire, I was in Mali. If you see me, you will know that God has been merciful to me, even with lots of injury and health hazards. My body is no longer complete. If you add 18 to 35, you’ll know how old I was when I retired. Some people said I was too young, but I told them I was not too young, I joined early. I said let me retire and go and see if I can still pick my pieces, but it has not been easy picking that pieces. And that is because the money the Federal Government was supposed to pay us to pick up out pieces called Security Debarment allowance has not been paid, almost five years after I retired. That money was supposed to enable us get out of the military and reintegrate well into civilian life socially, physically and psychologically, but as I speak to you, not a dime of it has been paid.”

    Now getting agitated and emotional, MWO Esom (Rtrd) continued, “Even the minimum wage arrears that the Federal Government approved for all Nigerians in service, none has been paid to retired military personnel, 24 months after. If you add this January, it will be 25 months. Then the war veterans who are our seniors, who fought to keep Nigeria together, some of them, as I am talking to you now are on the streets, roaming and begging. They are not receiving a kobo as their pension. All they get are promises upon promises. The health insurance that we’re supposed to be benefiting, if you go to the hospital, once the drug is costlier than paracetamol; once it is N1000 or N2000, they would tell you they don’t have it, go and buy. Like you well know, most of us in the elderly category are suffering from High BP, diabetes; some have partial stroke, some are partially blind. Now imagine that you cannot walk into any hospital and get drugs worth N5,000. So what is the essence of the health insurance? What is our offence? Is it that we missed it by serving our country? During our time, there were no moneybags; we were doing our work diligently and were happy to go on foreign mission and come back alive.”

    Remembrance Day a farce

    More disheartening for Esom is the farce that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day has become. To her, the whole annual celebration rarely has any impact on the families of those the nation is purportedly remembering; same for the living veterans.

    “If you see the families of the so-called fallen heroes and what they’re going through, you will feel sorry for them. Even the living heroes are being ignored. Every year, they celebrate Armed Forces Remembrance Day, please ask them who and who are beneficiaries of all the money they are donating? If you are able to meet widows of those fallen heroes, you will know that the grassroots widows are not seeing a dime of the money they are donating. Every 15th of January, the faces you see at the Remembrance Arcade are the same faces you see there every year. Go to the barracks and check out families of these fallen heroes, they don’t have a place to hide their heads; you’ll see them roaming around gutters, with their children. Nobody cares about them. As I am talking to you, if they hear that I’m dead, they will immediately close my account; nothing for my family. So why not give me my entitlement when I’m still alive? We are using this opportunity to beg you journalists to come to our aid and help us to be heard. After 35 years, I don’t have a shelter over my head. I don’t have a house of my own. I can’t even retire to my village in Enugu State because I was not able to build a house there before retiring. As I speak, I am a squatter. Anywhere I see space; I sit down, peel my groundnut and sell. Yes, say it loud, I, a retired Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, hawk and sell roasted groundnuts by the roadside to survive.”

    Security Debarment Allowance, my homelessness and Gen. Olonisakin

    As far as MWO Esom (rtrd) is concerned, one main reason she is homeless and has had to squat and stoop to the level of hawking groundnuts by the roadside is the refusal of the powers that be to pay her Security Debarment Allowance. For some reasons, they have also kept them in the dark as to the exact amount due to her. A case of ‘what you don’t know does not hurt you perhaps.’

    Through investigations, however, she has been able to discover that it is a handsome sum, something in the region of N17million. That money, if paid, would help her erect a two-bedroom flat in her Enugu hometown.

    What makes her situation more hurtful, she claimed, is the fact that the batch that retired a year after her – 2017, have been paid, courtesy, the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin.

    “How do you pay my junior and not pay me? If they pay me that money, it would have been enough for me to build a 2-bedroom flat for myself. I have a land in my village. If anyone wishes to build a house for me, let them come, I have a free land; I will retire happily to my village to be planting green and ugwu in my compound and be selling. I only got N3.8million as gratuity, whereas those who left after me got over N21million in total.”

    It was the Chief of Defence Staff, General  Gabriel Olonisakin (rtrd), who opened our eyes to that money, because he paid it to those who retired in 2017 during his own time. Since then, we have been writing letters, clamouring for them to pay our own but they have kept ignoring or telling us stories. As I am talking to you, they said the last letter we wrote is with the Chief of Defence Staff and he is about to take it to the presidency. Over four, five years after, that letter has not gotten to the presidency.

    “That is why we recently held a warning protest in some states – Lagos, Oyo, and Kaduna. We also had one in Abuja on the 6th; we were at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defence.

    “The Ministry of Finance said our minimum wage arrears have been captured in 2022 budget and will be hastened so that we could be paid as soon as possible. But we are also hearing that the budget will not be effective till around March. As for the Security Debarment Allowance, the Ministry of Defence is just tossing us around. Nobody knows if the letter has really gotten to The Presidency or not.”

    Esom, however, has a lot of good words for General Olonisakin. “God bless that man, General Olonisakin, man of integrity. It was he, in his magnanimity, when he was appointed as Chief of Defence Staff, who brought out the document where this money had been approved and said, ‘No, this money is these people’s entitlement, I cannot sit on it.’ He said, Enough was Enough! And once he brought out the file, there was no going back. Nice man, good man. He will make heaven!” she said, thumping her fist.

    Miserly pension

    Esom admits that her pension has been regular more recently, but was quick to say it is peanuts.

    “Imagine a veteran collecting N35,000 as monthly pension in these days of inflation. He will pay house rent, he will pay school fees and he will take care of his health. I was talking to a veteran and he told me that the N35,000 he was paid for December didn’t last him two weeks because he was sick and his child was also sick. They were not even able to buy Christmas rice. And every day, you hear politicians stealing billions. If rat does not carry the money, snake will carry. And the people who fought for the unity of this country are wallowing in pain. Most of us wake up every day, thinking. As I speak to you, I’m on BP drugs, I’m on diabetes drugs.”

    Family life

    Esom is married to a civil servant and together they have four kids – three undergraduate and one waiting to go in for his master’s. But she says that success is largely because she is always drinking garri ijebu.

    “My husband is a civil servant and I know what they are also going through.”

    Would she advise any of her children to join the military?

    Her answer was sharp. “My children are witnesses to what I have gone through and still going through, so if they decide that they want to walk into hell fire, it is not my duty to tell them. They were with me in the barracks and saw what we went through. No child is as stupid as we were in those days. They now know that they have a better choice outside the military.”

    She has however not seen any such sign in any of them. Besides, she doesn’t even discuss it with them. Hers, she claimed, is to give them full support in whatever they come up with.

    Once a soldier

    Asked what the Armed Forces Remembrance Day means to her, the retired Master Warrant Officer said it means a lot to her as somebody who went into the force with all her heart and love for country. Her only regret, she said, “is how my country is treating me, how I am being denied my benefits and entitlement by powers that be. Are they waiting to celebrate me when I’m dead? All my life, I have never owned an okada (motorcycle); how then can I own a car?”

    In spite of all her lamentations, MWO Esom is quite convinced she would still opt to be a soldier, if there was a possibility of coming back to this world a second time. Her reason? “I still have deep love for the Army. My prayer is that things get better.”

    Talk of the saying, ‘Once a soldier…’

    Remembrance Day means nothing to me because they only remember the dead

    For 83-year-old retired Warrant Officer Shuaibu Ahmed, the story isn’t much different. Like her younger compatriot, MWO Esom, Shuaibu also says he and his surviving set are equally agitating for the Security Debarment Allowance. His argument is that if they could pay some, why not the others – at least those still alive and help them live some good life before going to meet their maker.

    “We are equally agitating for the Security Debarment Allowance, those of my set who are still alive. If I have that kind of money, I know how well it will help in solving my health challenges,” Shuaibu, who joined the Nigerian Army on July 14, 1969 and retired on June 30, 1993 as Master Warrant Officer, reflected.

    To make matters worse for Shuaibu, his house in his hometown of Agbede in Edo State, which he laboured to build before retiring, was marked for demolition when the Federal Government was carrying out expansion of the Abuja to Benin Expressway. As a result, he had to vacate the building, rendering him homeless; but up till this moment, he said no compensation has been paid to him.

    “In 2011, when the Federal Government was doing the expansion of the road from Abuja to Benin, they said my house fell on the right of way and was marked for demolition. As a result, I had to vacate the building in 2014, but since then, I have not been compensated. What makes it more painful is the fact they have compensated some other people. Not even my appeal to speed up my case because I am a retired military man has swayed them. So I had to come back to Lagos to get myself settled, because I don’t know anybody anymore in the village, having left for the Army and served away from home for long years. I now live in a rented house in Ejigbo, Lagos.”

    Aside the house debacle, MWO Shuaibu (retrd) says life since retirement has not been easy.

    First, it took six months for his gratuity to be paid. Of course he tried his hand in business when the money was eventually paid, buying and selling chemicals, but the experience was not so good. “Like you well know in business, sometimes you make profit, sometimes, loses. When that was not sustaining me, I took a security job. But even that, I have had to stop due to my age. At 83, what job can I do?”

    And now that all he has to fall back on is his monthly pension, Pa Shuaibu says even that does not have an exact date. “Yes, they do not owe; but they pay anytime they like. There was even a time back in 2003 or thereabout, when we were owed for a whole seven months.”

    Besides, he now battles with sundry health issues. He is hypertensive, has ulcer and has a large heart, yet the Health Insurance he is supposed to be entitled to has proved to be a joke.

    “They gave us Health Insurance, but when you go to the hospital, you still have to pay some money. The treatment only covers headache and the likes. It does not cover any major illness. When I had eyesight challenges and went to the Military Hospital in Bonny Camp, I paid for my surgery. Even the drugs, I bought. I am hypertensive, I have ulcer and I have a large heart; but I pay for all my treatments. The hospital that was given to me is too far from where I stay, so I just patronise a nearby private hospital because there is nobody to take me there in my sight condition.”

    Going down memory lane, Pa Shuaibu said he never served outside the country, but he literally traversed the country. “I served in Kaduna, Minna, Lagos and Ibadan; in Lagos, I was posted to so many places. I retired in Lagos. I served with the likes of Lt. Gen. Fred Chijuka (rtrd) of the Military Public Relations; also Major-General Jako, with whom I served at the UCA, the final account of the Nigerian Army – I’m not sure if he has retired now. ”

    Asked why these people rose to such high ranks and he ended up as MWO; could it be education, Pa Shuaibu who speaks fluent English, said: “No, it was because of my age. I joined the army at an old age, 30 and served for 35 years, so I could not rise so much.”

    On Armed Forces Remembrance Day, MWO Shuaibu, now a widower said, “It is supposed to be the remembrance of the fallen heroes and the living. But the way it is done in Nigeria, it is only the dead they choose to remember. So it means nothing to me. You have to remember the living heroes as well.

    “Even the money they say they donate on the Remembrance Day and give to the Legion, nobody knows where it goes. For all I know, it does not get to us the living. And I have not seen any widow who says anything was given to her family. In truth, I don’t get to see or hear from most of the widows because we are all scattered, but we have Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and we hold meeting every month. Although I don’t attend the meeting anymore because of my age, I get regular briefing as adviser, and I base my position on that. I’m yet to hear of anyone who has received anything. In our little ways, when we hear of any of our member or widow in dire need of help, we will go there and offer whatever help we can.”

    Would he advise any of his children to serve in the Nigerian Army? WMO Shuaibu (rtrd) said, yes, but none of them is thinking in that line, except one, who currently serves in the US Air-Force.

    Does he feel appreciated by the government?

    His answer: “In the first place, if the government appreciates me, the fact that I am a retired soldier should have spurred them to speed up and pay compensation for my house. But what did I get? At least if they pay me, I would be able to build another house and have somewhere to hide my head until the Lord calls me back.

  • QUEEN SOPHY YAH: I draw inspiration from black actors

    QUEEN SOPHY YAH: I draw inspiration from black actors

    Sophia known by the sobriquet Queen Sophy Yah is a singer, actress, TV presenter and current UK National Director of Miss Commonwealth Beauty Pageant. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she opens up on using her talents from a very early age, memorable moments, challenges and life as a youth influencer creating awareness about drug abuse.

    Tell us about your role as UK National Director of Miss Commonwealth beauty pageant?

    Miss Commonwealth International beauty Pageant was founded in 2000.

    It is an innovative and unique pageant that produces Queen of the Commonwealth as inner beauty role models, ambassadors and vehicles for the effective and charitable promotion of the ideals of the commonwealth. It is a pageant that celebrates cultural diversity, promotion and engages people from all cultural backgrounds in the pursuit of the common goals of Quality-of-life improvement. As the UK National Director, I oversee all the Commonwealth activities, from planning the pageant to execution. I liaise with different people; I deal with all enquiries and official matters.

    What was the experience using your talent from a young age?

    Growing up I had parents that prepared me for the challenges of life, guided me and kept me on the right path. The experience was quite challenging trying to balance my school life with public engagement. However the joy I felt seeing people enjoy my song and performance is unexplainable.

    What are your memories as member of the choir that recorded the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) theme song for the 2012 Olympics?

    The experience was awesome, we had a fantastic dedicated and discipline person who prepared us for such a great event. The memory is unforgettable singing in a large choir and being appreciated by people all over the globe. It’s a memory I will cherish all my life and we also made the centre spread newspapers. The pictures from that performance are my most treasured possessions.

    Let’s talk about life as a singer and some of the people you have worked with over the years?

    I started singing when I was 10 years old and professionally when I was 16 years. I released my first album in 2014 titled “God Can”, and on the album, I did a song with someone called King Arthur, and he was a pleasure to work with. He is one of the biggest Caribbean gospel artists.

    I have also released lots of singles after then including music videos which are on YouTube, and my music is on all digital downloads. Aside King Arthur, I have shared platforms with other artists like, Chevelle Franklin, Noel Robinson, Bob Fit, Nicole C. Mullen, Damita Haddon, Sonnie Badu, Kym Mazelle, Lurine Cato, Tim Godfrey, Raymond & Co. as well as a host of other UK, African and American gospel artistes.

    What does being a youth influencer for the Truth about Drugs mean to you?

    It’s really fulfilling, being in a position where I can talk to young people about the use of drugs and the disadvantages of drug use. We are on a massive campaign at the moment to lecture young people and even adult on the dangers of taking drugs and avoidance of negative peer group pressures.

    What were the challenges you encountered with the COVID-19 pandemic? things that can affect you negatively are the things that you allow to persist in your life. My faith and hope is restored when I read God’s word.

    What inspired your career as an actress? What are some of the things you have done acting?

    I have lots of great influence when it comes to acting, especially from the black actors , people like Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington, Vanessa Williams, Whoopi Goldberg to mention a few. I draw lots of inspiration from them. I have featured in different films like Angels in Hell, One Life, Maid in Dockland, The Pastor, My friends and I amongst others.  I have also participated in TV Series like Secret Untold, Diva Diva, Apostle Do Good. etc.

    Tell us about your experience as a film maker and TV presenter?

    I am a Digital Film Student at the moment in SAE institute London. It’s the biggest creative Media University in the world with over 50 campuses in 20 countries. I have shot 5 Short Movies which are all on YouTube. At the moment, I am getting ready to shoot another one this January. I love being behind the camera, I am fascinated by it and I have learnt a lot about filmmaking.  I really enjoy editing films. I am in my 2nd year in the University and I am so loving it. I was a TV presenter with a cable TV in Nigeria called Time Television, I hosted 2 shows Reel Entertainment and Real People, I was running the TV shows until I relocated to the UK. I am also looking to start my own TV Show here in the UK, that’s still in the pipeline.

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

    The greatest influence in my life are my parents who toiled day and night to bring me up and God almighty who has been my sustenance all this years. I have equally been blessed with good friends and good people around me.

    What advice do you have for young people who want to go into the entertainment sector?

    It’s not an easy road, there are lots of challenges. They have to learn to be patient, diligent and hard working. They should also believe in themselves and above all trust in God to help align their ways and the sky will be your starting point.

    How would you assess beauty pageants in Nigeria today?

    Beauty pageant in Nigeria is really thriving. When I was growing up, I only know of 2 Pageants namely: Miss Nigeria and The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. But today, there are tons of beauty pageants in Nigeria and I must say they are doing their best and I really commend them.

    What message do you have for Nigerian youths today?

    When life throws lemon at you, make lemonade out of it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, follow your dream. Don’t give up and above all trust God.

    COVID- 19 came with lots of challenges, we all had to do online service, lots of events were cancelled including my UK4CHRIST gospel concert that was slated for June 13th 2020. All the acts for the concerts were already confirmed, but unfortunately we had to cancel. All my other singing engagements in UK and outside UK were all canceled as well. The advent of COVID 19 was really a trying time, but above all I am still alive and that’s what matters, when there is life there is hope.

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

    I have had lots of memorable moments in my life, but one of the moments I will cherish the most is when I was picked to join the choir that did the BBC theme song for the Olympics, it was a big honour. I will also cherish when I was named as the UK National Director for Miss Commonwealth International.

    What were the initial challenges? Did you feel like quitting at any point?

    I have come to know and realise that in life there will always be challenges and that keeps me prepared. I wouldn’t say I have felt like quitting, but just a little discouraged sometimes. But I am able to rebound from such mood because life has taught me that the things that can affect you negatively are the things that you allow to persist in your life. My faith and hope is restored when I read God’s word.

    What inspired your career as an actress? What are some of the things you have done acting?

    I have lots of great influence when it comes to acting, especially from the black actors , people like Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington, Vanessa Williams, Whoopi Goldberg to mention a few. I draw lots of inspiration from them. I have featured in different films like Angels in Hell, One Life, Maid in Dockland, The Pastor, My friends and I amongst others.  I have also participated in TV Series like Secret Untold, Diva Diva, Apostle Do Good. etc.

    Tell us about your experience as a film maker and TV presenter?

    I am a Digital Film Student at the moment in SAE institute London. It’s the biggest creative Media University in the world with over 50 campuses in 20 countries. I have shot 5 Short Movies which are all on YouTube. At the moment, I am getting ready to shoot another one this January. I love being behind the camera, I am fascinated by it and I have learnt a lot about filmmaking.  I really enjoy editing films. I am in my 2nd year in the University and I am so loving it. I was a TV presenter with a cable TV in Nigeria called Time Television, I hosted 2 shows Reel Entertainment and Real People, I was running the TV shows until I relocated to the UK. I am also looking to start my own TV Show here in the UK, that’s still in the pipeline.

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

    The greatest influence in my life are my parents who toiled day and night to bring me up and God almighty who has been my sustenance all this years. I have equally been blessed with good friends and good people around me.

    What advice do you have for young people who want to go into the entertainment sector?

    It’s not an easy road, there are lots of challenges. They have to learn to be patient, diligent and hard working. They should also believe in themselves and above all trust in God to help align their ways and the sky will be your starting point.

    How would you assess beauty pageants in Nigeria today?

    Beauty pageant in Nigeria is really thriving. When I was growing up, I only know of 2 Pageants namely: Miss Nigeria and The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. But today, there are tons of beauty pageants in Nigeria and I must say they are doing their best and I really commend them.

    What message do you have for Nigerian youths today?

    When life throws lemon at you, make lemonade out of it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, follow your dream. Don’t give up and above all trust God.