The Nation Newspaper

Category: Tribute

  • Ahaejiagamba, we will miss you

    Ahaejiagamba, we will miss you

    By Ikedi Ohakim

    It is said that there is never a better time to die but the passing unto eternal glory of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, AhaejiagambaNdigbo, a few days ago is an appropriate illustration of a brilliant actor quitting the stage while the spectators are still standing in loud ovation.  Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu had for over forty decades been in national and international lime light, bestriding politics, business, sports etc  but the last few years of his life were apparently the most significant. The reason is simple.  Chief Iwuanyanwu lived the last stage of his life serving his own people–Ndigbo – after playing a dominant role in national politics and as an entrepreneur of international repute.  It is a rare thing, something everybody hankers for: to return home at the twilight of life to be and serve ones people.

    Many in his caliber get stuck while seeking for more recognition and relevance outside.  Although a national icon, Chief Iwuanyanwu got wisdom and harkened to the call by his kinsmen to lead them at a most auspicious time both in their collective existence as a people and in their relationship with fellow compatriots across the country.

    As it is, what Ndigbo lost in Chief Iwuanyanwu’s unsuccessful bid to become the president of Nigeria they seem to have gained in the brief period he headed the Igbo nation’s apex socio-cultural body – the OhenezeNdigbo.  His road map as President-General of the body was headed for an unprecedented transformation of Igboland. Under his leadership of the body,  Ndigbo saw, for the first time, a pan-Igbo Blue Print that would have brought together every facet of the Igbo race – from Owerri to Anioma, from Ikwere land to Ikot Abasi,from Ohaozara to Orokam, all over Igbo land. He mapped out a strategy for a deliberate pursuit of a development programme in all the sectors – agriculture, education, health, power, road infrastructure, security etc.  For each sector, he set up committees headed by individuals with cognate experience in the area.

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    The period was marked by a frenzy of activities that bellied his huge frame and put to rest earlier insinuations in some quarters that he was either too old for the job or did not possess the necessary physical fitness for it.  And he carried this alacrity to the very last days before his death.He traversed all over Nigeria calming frayed nerves whenever hostilities arose between Ndigbo and their hosts.  But more importantly, he set up a programme for the Igbo living outside Igbo land to look back home while admonishing them to live peacefully with hosts meanwhile.

    To be sure, past President-Generals of OhanezeNdigbo did quite creditably well but it would appear that providence was waiting for a time like this to throw up a fellow like Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to lead Ndigbo.  Yes, he made very robust attempts to become  the president of Nigeria but with the benefits of hind sight, it would appear that the same providence thought it would be better to preserve his energy till such a critical period like now when Ndigbo needed a leader that would at once guide them towards self-actualization as a people and at the same time ensure that they remain good citizens of their country, Nigeria.

    A practical opportunity for such a patriotic role came sometime last year when, following the heightening economic hardship in the country, some people decided to call out Nigerians to go to the streets in protest.  Chief Iwuanyanwu demonstrated the patriot in him when he called on Ndigbo not to take part in the protest and they listened.  It is on record that not a single protest took place in any of the core Igbo speaking states of Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra and Imo, to the benefit of the entire nation.

    Even though his aspiration to provide leadership for the whole of Nigeria did not materialize, the  experience he garnered in pursuit of that ambition became handy at a time when Nigeria is undergoing what could easily pass as its worst existential challenges minus the civil war.  Only a fellow with a pan-Nigerian stature, and whose influence and acceptability cut across the entire nation of Nigeria, can give Ndigbo a sense of direction needed at a time like this. Agreed, there are some younger Igbo elements who have shown tremendous flair for national leadership but it will take quite some time for any of them to step into the shoes left behind by Chief Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu CFR, CON, OFR, MFR, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.

    As a national player, Chief Iwuanyanwu showed tremendous capacity in business. He went into areas that were thought not to be meant for Ndigbo.  After Zik, Iwuanyanwu was the first Igbo who went into newspaper publishing on a scale that put him in direct competition with the traditionalist in the industry.  His Champion newspapers took the latter by surprise and before it suffered the inevitable vicissitudes that characterise the industry, it made a tremendous impact in providing career opportunities for young journalists from across the country.

    To the surprise of many and perhaps to the chagrin of some of his kinsmen, the first chief executive officer of the publishing outfit was a Yourba, Prince Henry Odukomaiya.  The choice of a Yoruba for that top position at once made a good business sense and immediately marked the newspaper out as a national asset, acting as a bridge between the Igbo and other ethnic groups in Nigeria especially the Yourba.  As a matter of fact, Odukamaiya, a brilliant journalist, nationalist and now an elder statesmen,  was once reported as saying that the reason he accepted the offer to serve as the pioneer Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief of the newspaper was because it offered him an opportunity to have a close relationship with the Igbo.  He was further reported as saying that he had craved for that because the perennial rivalry between the Igbo and the Yoruba had created a wrong notion of whom the Igbo really are among his Yoruba kinsmen; and limited the potentials of a mutually beneficial relationship between the two.

    Such were the type of things Iwuanyanwu did for the unity of his dear country but he didn’t stop there.  He was also a pillar sports in Nigeria and Africa.  His football club, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, which he devoted his air planes for their travels, not only ruled the soccer waves in Nigeria but also became a big name in continental tournaments.  Iwuanyanwu also established a youths feeder academy known as the Iwuanyanwu Comets, which produced people like the legendry Kanu Nwankwo. Kanu came directly from the academy to become the captain of Nigeria’s Under-17 team and later starred as the captain of the senior national team–the Supper Eagles – which won the Olympic Gold medal in football in 1996.  Along with Abiola Babes and Leventis United, Iwuanyanwu Nationale provided the starting point for most of the international soccer stars Nigeria gifted the rest of the world.

    In politics, Chief Iwuanyanwu was an epitome of the “politics without bitterness” mantra.  He pursued his presidential ambition with a pan-Nigerian zeal and never betrayed any clannish or parochial proclivities

    Because of his uncommon calmness, comportment and forthrightness, Chief Iwuanyanwu was courted by every federal administration, including military, for support and for which he was branded “Any Government In Power (AGIP) by some critics.  But what they failed to realise was that Chief Iwuanyanwu, having grown to become a statesman quite early in life, could no longer confined himself within partisan boundaries as far as national issues are concerned.  Perhaps one of the most eloquent testimonies  to that was the way he handled the situation in his then party, the All Peoples Party (APP), during the transition that led to the current Fourth Republic.

    Chief Iwuanyanwu had lost the party’s presidential ticket at its national convention in Kaduna under controversial circumstances even though he was believed to be the most promising to emerge as its flag bearer.    Inspite of that,he left all that behind to play a major role in stabilizing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government that emerged after the transition.  In a sense, therefore, Chief Iwuanyanwu can be credited as one of the heroes of the Fourth Republic. Had he grandstanded and used his enormous political and economic weight to resist that development, there could have arisen a crisis within the APP and which might have snowballed into a national scale and perhaps the transition, from the military to civilian government, might not have been as effortless as was witnessed.

    Back home in Imo state,he helped in stabilizing every administration since the beginning of the current dispensation.  He did it for the administration of Chief Achike Udanwa who, at a point, faced a very fierce opposition from some prominent politicians in the state leading to the dichotomy of ‘Onogono’ and ‘Abuja’ political battle. Unfortunately, Udenwa himself was to lead the biggest opposition against my own administration.  But again, Chief Iwuanyanwu was handy in playing a stabilizing role despite the fact that he was a mentor to Senator Ifeanyi Araraume who was in cahoots with Udenwa in that fight against me.  He continued with that role in the current administration in the state.   He openly identified with the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma as soon as it came into being despite the controversies that surrounded its emergence and regardless of the fact that he was a chieftain of the PDP from which Uzodimma wrestled power.

    The Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo worked till the very end.  His last official outing was just a few weeks before his hospitalization and during which he inaugurated  the Ohanaeze Committee for the restructuring of Nigeria with me as a member and headed by former governor of Enugu state ,Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo. A few days later, I had a private meeting with him in his house in Abuja and he showed no sign of any thing that could have led to the type of thing we witnessed on Thursday, July 25 2024.  Death, where is thy sting? Nigeria and Africa has lost a colossus.  My entire family commiserates with his family, the government and people of Imo State, Ndigbo and millions of fellow compatriots across the country. Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, gaa ijegi nke oma.

  • ‘I honour my beautiful, quintessential wife’

    ‘I honour my beautiful, quintessential wife’

    • By Felix Ugbechie

    This rare woman in that beautiful casket is my beautiful Gloria Chukwunonyelum Ugbechie that we are gathered here today for her funeral service needs  no introduction. Her tribute writes itself and no matter how I begin it, others will take forever to complete it. And of her records in life all of that is written in the memory of those who knew her and has, had encounter or encounters with her.

    My light went out on May 9th when the Doctors confirmed my beautiful wife passed onto glory at the Isolo General Hospital, Lagos. It was a terrible shock because I believed she was making favourable progress towards recovery. God in His infinite wisdom had other plans. We were blessed with a wonderful family and I was looking to spend the rest of my life with her. I thought I would grow old age with her and find the utmost happiness with the spouse of my youth. But she is gone too soon at the prime of her life and the pinnacle of her happiness.

    When she passed and at her Tribute Evening, the multitudes of family, friends, relatives church members, neighbors who called me and attended the solemn event described her to me:  The person she was, her attributes, her character, her passion, her wisdom and kindness; and these attributes were merely a repetitions of who she is. In other words they all described my own wife to me in different words.

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    Glo was the happiest woman I have ever met on earth that I know. She made her own heaven here on earth and lived in it. She never complained, but she disagreed on varied principles and ideologies that are diabolical to humanity. She was a core idealist.  Glo never competed for attention. She never hurts people but she fights for what she believes in and hates the appearance of cheating. Peace and empathy was her hallmark. And she shrouded her world in it where she went.

    For me her husband, she tolerated my excesses and misbehaviour with uncanny calm and she controlled me by not controlling me.  She extolled me as the best and super husband in the world despite my faults.

    Unlike most women that support their husband when they misbehave, she will always rebuke me in her words “God is watching you. I won’t support evil against anybody for any again my husband.” She was my conscience watch.

  • Mourning ‘Grandma’ who lived and loved

    Mourning ‘Grandma’ who lived and loved

    At the dawn of Monday morning, February 19, the world lost a stalwart in journalism, Mrs. Yetunde Oladeinde, nee Francis, aka Grandma, whose vibrant presence transcended the newsrooms into the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing moments with her. Joke Kujenya captures her transformation from an industrious journalist to a cherished friend, who endeared herself to many.

    Since Monday, February 19, when the news of Yetunde Oladeinde’s death broke, it has been lamentations of a great loss and an outpouring of love and fond stories and memories. Whether it was amongst her old colleagues at the now rested Concord Newspapers where she cut her teeth as a cub journalist and made a name for herself, to the extent that an industry juggernaut like Dr. Doyin Abiola would later stick out her neck and recommend her for the top job at Nigeria’s top lifestyle magazine of the early 2000s, Genevieve Magazine; or at The Sun Newspapers or even at National Life Newspaper, where she worked briefly before crossing over  to The Nation, where she worked until her painful demise, it has been tears uncontrolled, and eulogies.

    Oladeinde never moved over to Genevieve Magazine, but it was more out of personal considerations, rather than rejection or failure to make the cut, as she later told her colleague Gboyega Alaka, who used to work there.

    For many, the shock is yet to release their numbed senses, as they struggle to come to terms with the fact that they’d never be able to interact with her physically, ever again.

    A former colleague of hers, Moriam Musa, could only weep, as she called another colleague, Olusegun Rapheal, from her base in the United Kingdom, to confirm the news.

    Like her immediate boss and editor, Festus Eriye, told her family and the grieving audience at her Akute, Ogun State residence when he led her colleagues on a condolence visit to the family, “Grandma’s death is a very shocking one to us all. She was the livewire of The Nation Weekend newsroom, and it will take some time for us to adjust to life without her.”

    Yes, you read right. Grandma. That’s a sobriquet she earned in her Concord Newspapers days, when she wrote a column titled ‘Grandma’s Diary’. The column became so popular that it literally became her identity and pushed back her name, Yetunde Francis or as she later became, Yetunde Oladeinde.

    Her colleagues in the Weekend Newsroom of The Nation will particularly remember her for her cheerfulness and never-a-dull-moment personality, which always got the room buzzing.

    That perhaps was why many in that newsroom have described her as ‘very personable and lovable,’ pledging to hold onto those beautiful memories of her.

    Although she had her battles, including health and marital, one clear thing is that the late Oladeinde hid and managed them so well in public, never letting them show or affect her work or her relationship with her various professional groups.

    Though a journalist through and through, Oladeinde blended so well even with business professionals, gaining their trust, so much so, that one of them, Business and Professional Women (BPW) Nigeria, voted her president – a position she held until her last breath.

    She was also a staunch member of the Association of Nigeria Women Business Network, Echoes of Women in Africa (ECOWA); not to talk of her involvement with the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and of course the overall body, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    Strong but human

    Her first daughter, Dr. Olubusola Oladeinde recalled how she went out more frequently and got involved with groups such as the Business and Professional Women (BPW), diverse church activities and especially journalism groups, where she showcased her dedication, dependability and hardworking spirit. But never forgetting the home-front, especially her children.

    “She made sure we all did well in our studies and education. And in the last few weeks, it was almost as if she knew she wouldn’t live long. During the last conversation we had on Thursday, February 15, she was talking and using a phone charger to illustrate the essence of life and the importance of living a life of forgiving those who hurt us because we all would soon cross to eternity, which is what matters most to God.

    “She told me that I must learn to be kind to people I come across.’Help the ones you can and make sure you forgive easily because people will definitely hurt you at one time or the other’. Those were her exact words, and sadly, they’ll now remain her parting motherly counsel to me.

    “She was always there for us and even took us to her office at different times to keep an eye on us during periods she was out on journalism tasks because, according to her, our security mattered to her. She was a woman on top of her game in motherhood; but if any issue was more than she could handle, then, she asked for some help.”

    Oladeinde left behind nine children– her four biological children- Olubusola Margaret, 26; Oyinkansola Joy, 18; Olaoluwa Michael, 16 and Gbemisola Tamilore, 13; and adopted five children of her two sisters.

    Her life was not only marked by her journalistic feats, but also by her unwavering commitment to her family.

    Perhaps what her first daughter regrets so much was the irony of her journalistic sobriquet, Grandma, which she didn’t wait to attain in real life. Hear her: “She gained huge popularity through one of her columns, “Grandma’s Diary”, which earned her the nickname, ‘Grandma’, in which she created imaginary grandchildren and how she would relate with them when they eventually arrive. Sadly, she didn’t even wait to see me get married.”

    Reflecting further on her mother’s life and times, Olubusola said it was one laced with consistent health struggles, as “she was often in one sort of pain or the other.”

    She recalled how her mom was diagnosed with low blood glucose (Hypoglycemia) level about four years ago (amidst tears). She said it was a battle the late journalist bore bravely while also caring for their ill grandma until she died a few years ago at age 77.

    Since then, she remained on treatment using soda drinks to stabilise, while also monitoring with the glucagon kit, which unfortunately failed on Thursday, February 15, when it just wouldn’t work. 

    “However, she remained strong for us her children and others through it all. But that poignant last conversation that Thursday now holds a profound meaning,” Olubusola said. 

    Devastating Last Moments

    Yetunde’s life suddenly came to an abrupt end in a tragic turn of events as she lost the long battle to Hypoglycemia.

    Her son, Michael Oladeinde, recounts the harrowing moments leading up to her untimely demise.

    “I returned home from school only to discover my mom was not there. Concerned, I inquired about her whereabouts from my cousin living with us, who revealed that despite being unwell, mom had been going to work. Disturbed by this, I confronted her when she returned, questioning her going to work, knowing she was unwell. But she simply reassured me that rest would restore her health.

    “Later that evening, I accompanied her to her room, where, instead of resting, she began vomiting. Worried for her well-being, I suggested going to the hospital but she insisted we wait until the next morning. But the following morning, I found her in distress as she was struggling to breathe, blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. I rushed swiftly to call for help, and neighbours around quickly responded by making frantic efforts to save her life.

    “Without delaying, we rushed her to the nearest hospital, where she received initial treatment before being referred to Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital. I also quickly informed my dad and coordinated efforts to save her life.

    “However, the medical staff there delivered a rather devastating news, when he said that her vital signs had deteriorated rapidly as her eyes had dilated, rendering her clinically dead. Yet, they put in other best efforts, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which they told us was 50-50; yet, she couldn’t be revived.

    “Overwhelmed with grief, I had to deliver the heart-wrenching news to my dad and elder sister, Busola.”

    Professional Cliques

    More than a year ago, she assumed the role of president at Business and Professional Women (BPW); she had been an active member for approximately 22 years, initially joining as ‘Young BPW.’

    Oladeinde, known for her sweet nature, unwavering commitment, reliability, diligence and gentle demeanour, continued to work tirelessly till her last moments.

    Last Saturday morning, two days before her demise, she participated in a BPW virtual board meeting for over four hours before heading to her office, where she dedicated herself to producing her weekly pages until around 8.00pm.

    A Life Beyond Headlines

    Born October 7, 1967, her journey on earth, from adolescence, was marked with the tapestry of triumphs and tragedies, yet, she approached each day with an unwavering spirit, navigating her tribulations like a candle in the wind, living a life that not only chronicled the news, but one that showed that behind every headlines, lies a complex and multifaceted journey. 

    Yetunde Oladeinde was the daughter of late Cyprian Akinnola and Folashade Esther Francis from Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Her father was the first African Director of Elder Dempters, a Lagos-based shipping company and her mother worked with UTC Departmental Stores, Lagos, where she emerged Miss UTC for three consecutive years in a beauty pageant organised by the company.

    Oladeinde attended ADRAO International School, Victoria Island Lagos (1969-1977), Holy Child College Obalende, Lagos (1978-1980), Girls Secondary Grammar School, Obalende, South West Ikoyi (1980-1983).

    She thereafter attended Methodist Girls High School, Yaba (1983-1985) for her Higher School Certificate (HSC), before proceeding to the University of Lagos (1985-1989), where she obtained a B.Ed in English and Literature. She later obtained a post-graduate diploma in Journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos (2001-2002).

    She started her working career at the Staff Development Centre, Abeokuta, where she served in her compulsory NYSC year. She later worked with Concord Newspapers (Weekend Concord) as Staff Writer II (Feb 1992-June 1994), Classique Magazine as Assistant Woman Editor (June 1995-Sept 1995), doubling as Personal Assistant to Mrs Mee Mofe Damijo, and later at Weekend Concord between January 1996 and 2000.

    She later birthed at The Sun Newspapers, where she was in charge of the Life and Style pages between November 2002 and July 2008; National Life Newspapers as Assistant Editor (July 2008-June 2012) and The Nation Newspapers as Assistant Editor (2012 – February 2024).

  • Deaconess Adedowole goes home

    Deaconess Adedowole goes home

    Deaconess Esther Adewolu Adedowole (Mama Oni koko (Cocoa)who died on May 21, 2023 at the age of 100 will be buried this  week Saturday .

    Burial activities starts  on Wednesday  with   Ajabue  traditional dance round   the town on  August 9,2023  which will  take -off at her residence  No. 6, Owadogbon  Lane , Off Adegbaye street, Aralepo Quarters , Owo, Ondo State   at 10 am. On Friday August 11, there will be a Christian Wake -keep at the same address  at 4pm.

    This  will be  followed by  the  burial service  at 8 a.m on Saturday , August 12,at same address. Interment follows immediately  at Opposite Mydas Event  Centre , White House (Ibidapo Bassey), Ikare  Road , Owo at 9am.  While Church Outing  and Thanksgiving Service  will take place at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Irorun, Okedogbon, Owo at 10. 00am same day.

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    Reception follows at AUD Primary School, Owatowose Street, Owo, immediately  after church service.

    The late Adedowole was a  Deaconess in Christ  Apostolic Church, and the Iya Ijo  of Christ Apostolic  Church, Oke- Irorun, Okedogbon, Owo.

    She was  survived by her children, among them  are : Mr. Johnson Ayodele  Adedowole, Engr Adetunji Michael Adedowole , Joseph Ademola Adedowole , Mrs Rachael Olanireti Ibrahim(Nee Adedowole), Mrs. Susan Anike Ogunleye (Nee Adedowole), grand children and great grand children.

  • Timipre Sylva: The people’s admiral at 59

    Timipre Sylva: The people’s admiral at 59

    By Nengi Owei Ilagha

    Timipre Sylva grew up with an abiding dream of becoming a world class writer. He made up his mind to be one when he read the works of Wole Soyinka. Everything about Soyinka fascinated Sylva – the activism, the versatility, the sheer literary prowess.

    This ambition to become a writer soon manifested when Sylva published his first short story on the pages of the Sunday Tide in Port Harcourt. That first story gave birth to a few others, and he resolved to read English as a course of study at the university.

    In 1982, when he won a place in the Faculty of Humanities, University of Port Harcourt, and met Professor Kay Williamson of blessed memory, Sylva decided to specialize in Linguistics, and he proved to be one of her favourite students. Even so, his love for creative literature took a significant leap when he became the pioneer Assistant Editor of the English departmental journal, “Ofirima.”

    His early poems are still to be found in the maiden editon of that journal. Till date, Sylva still writes poetry in his quiet moments, and one of his most pleasurable past time is reading his poems to his beloved wife, Alanyingi and their children, in the private comfort of their home. One of his most favourite poems summarizes the year, from January to December, weaving from month to month in delectable lines that speak of promise and love.

    Sylva’s choice of career interest took a different turn, however, when he met Yemi Ogunbiyi. The famous journalist, critic and personal friend of Soyinka had visited the University of Port Harcourt, and given a short talk. Sylva, then a second year student, listened keenly as Ogunbiyi made a frank and honest declaration about his paltry earnings as a writer.

    Don’t expect to be rich in terms of cash, if you want to be a writer, said Ogunbiyi. Sylva took that pronouncement at a personal level. At that point in his life, he stood in need of a career that would bring in cash on a regular basis. He knew what it meant to be in want, to be poor, and he wanted to know the other side of poverty as well. He wanted his portion of wealth.

    “The first thing that gave me food for thought,” Sylva recalls, “was when Yemi Ogunbiyi, the MD of Daily Times, came to give a speech while I was at the university. He spoke about his writing career and how it was really tough, how in one year he got eleven naira in royalties from one of his books. I started to ask myself if this was really the right career for me. I wondered if I could make a living from it. That got me thinking really.”

    Before he went to bed that night, Sylva decided that he would have to do something better with his time. If writing couldn’t bring him good cash, then there was no point being a professional writer. He would write in his spare time, if the bug bit him. Something else was bound to bring in cash in grand quantity, and he would go in search of that engagement.

    The years 1983 and 1984 were particularly crucial for Sylva’s development as a politician. Student union politics at the University of Port Harcourt was growing into maturity, and a wave of political consciousness engendered by the radical lecturers of the day was already washing over the student body. Marxist rhetoric was in the air, and the ideals of Walter Rodney were being spelt out from the pages of his famous book, how Europe Underdeveloped Africa.

    Sylva did not present himself for service in the student union government, but he learnt enough that would be of service to him in the years to come. For one thing, he was a primary witness to the political intrigues surrounding the eventual emergence of a loud and popular student politician of that time, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, who was one class behind Sylva.

    Sylva remembers what he was told about his own early beginnings. Born on Tuesday July 7, 1964, at Okpoama in Brass local government area, he is glad to tell how his narrative began. As he puts it: “I was not born in the hospital because at that time, there was no hospital in my community. I was born at home. I will call myself a true home boy, born at home and bred at home.”

    He grew up to know everything a young, adventurous boy needed to know about growing up in Okpoama. He took his bath at the waterside and swam along with his playmates. He knew what it meant to go fishing because he used to drop hooks at the waterfront, an earthworm dangling at the end of his line. He climbed coconut and mango trees for the sport of it.

    But he was soon to proceed to Lagos where his father worked at the bank. Enrolled at Ajeromi Central Primary School, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, Timipre enjoyed his first spell of city life from 1970, at the end of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war. Six years later, the young precocious boy was despatched back home to his birth place for his secondary education. He won a place at Government Secondary School, Twon-Brass, and showed himself to be a good student from 1976 to 1981.

    The intervening year saw him cultivating his interest in writing, until he secured admission into the University of Port Harcourt, where he majored in English Studies with a stress on Linguistics. As fate would have it, Timipre Sylva had a one-year stint with Shell Petroleum Development Corporation in Warri, Delta State, in the course of his mandatory national youth service.

    At the end of the programme in 1987, he set up his own oil company, Joint Oil Services with offices at Elakahia, Port Harcourt, and began to express his understanding of the oil and gas industry in concrete terms. He also opened a small printing press as a mark of his commitment to propagating literature.

    Within that time bracket, Sylva also worked for the National Minority Business Council, Port Harcourt, as Executive Secretary. He served his term with distinction to the admiration of his people. In 1991, in apparent recognition of his dedication to duty and his evident passion for public service, he was warmly and unanimously elected to represent his constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention, NRC.

    At twenty-seven, he was the youngest member of the House. The experience, however, was short-lived. The military, under the charge of late General Sani Abacha, struck too soon and political parties were summarily disbanded. Sylva went into business briefly, virtually to explore what he had learnt at the Council. But he was quick to return to politics when the ban was lifted.

    As one of the founding members of the United Nigeria Congress Party, UNCP, Sylva soon emerged as the party’s state financial secretary. Again, it was not meant to last. The five political parties of the day were shoved aside by military fiat. In 1999, at the critical turn of the century and with the full-fledged return of civil democracy, Sylva joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and was subsequently appointed as Political Adviser to the first civilian Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

    He resigned his appointment in 2002 to become the Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Edmund Daukoru. At about that time, Sylva was appointed as a member of the Governing Council, Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, holding his place until 2004. Two years later, he resigned his place as Special Assistant to the Minister, and went into politics decisively. Without batting an eyelid, he ran for the office of governor with confident strides.

    In the keenly contested gubernatorial primaries of 2007, Chief Timipre Sylva came second only to Dr Goodluck Jonathan. Before long, however, Jonathan was called up to become the running mate to Alhaji Umar Yar’Adua, presidential aspirant of the PDP. The vacancy inside Government House, Yenagoa, was obvious for one and all to see. On May 29, 2007, reason prevailed and the vacuum inside Creek Haven was filled when Sylva was promptly sworn in as Governor of Bayelsa State.

    However, Sylva’s opponent in the 2007 election, Ebitimi Amgbare of the Action Congress, AC, was still aggrieved over the outcome of the elections. He took legal action to challenge Sylva’s victory. The Bayelsa State election petitions tribunal upheld Sylva’s election, but Amgbare took the matter further.

    The Appeal Court in Port Harcourt duly overturned the tribunal’s decision, and nullified Sylva’s election on April 15, 2008. The five justices of the Appeal Court, in fact, were unanimous in their verdict and ordered that Werinipre Seibarugu, Speaker of the House, be sworn in to replace Sylva as Acting Governor, with a new election to be held within three months.

    On May 24, 2008, that election saw Sylva running as the authentic PDP candidate, and winning with an overwhelming landslide vote that left Amgbare panting for breath. Accordingly, Sylva was sworn into office as Governor for the second time on May 27, 2008. It would appear that the anxious one-month stay away from his duty post as Governor gave Sylva sufficient room to cogitate on the kind of government he would run if he got back his mandate. And when his prayers were answered, he heaved a huge sigh of relief, and pledged to form a broadly inclusive unity government.

    On the eve of his birthday that year, he made a poignant speech that spelt out the plight of his state. As he put it, “I wanted to be Governor because I felt that it was time for me to contribute to the change and development of Bayelsa State. I believe that our generation has a mission to fulfil in this country. We have abundant resources, so much so that Bayelsa State has no business being poor. Bayelsa is at the base of the map of Nigeria. It is carrying the rest of Nigeria on its shoulders, literally.”

    Sylva’s understanding of politics is as straight-forward as it is instructive. “Politics is about endorsements,” he says. “You go to the key players, seek endorsement from the appropriate quarters. Things begin to run on auto, and that is what happened to me. For me, I was duly accepted, and that’s how my bandwagon was formed.”

    Sylva’s political bandwagon began to run full steam when he left the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and pitched camp with the All Progressives Congress, APC. How did it happen? On Friday January 27, 2012, Chief Timipre Sylva was relieved of his appointment as Governor of Bayelsa State, following a Supreme Court ruling which effectively terminated Sylva’s tenure alongside his counterparts in Kogi, Adamawa, Cross River and Sokoto States.

    The historic ouster brought to a close many months of political intrigues arising from litigations over the validity of the Governor’s tenure in office, as well as speculations as to whether or not he would triumph over the party machinery that had brought him to power.

    Sylva had been locked in a battle of wits with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), since the party dropped him from the gubernatorial elections scheduled for February 11, 2012.

    He was hounded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had been waiting in the wings to arrest him over sundry allegations of financial mismanagement in the course of his five-year stay in office. He was replaced by Right Hon. Nestor Binabo, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who was promptly sworn in as Acting Governor.

    Sylva has had his share of tribulations and persecutions in the past. On April 22, 2010, for example, he was pelted with pure water sachets by a few intolerant Bayelsans in the presence of the President, apparently over lingering disenchantment with government policies and neglect of outstanding projects, to say nothing of delay in keeping promises made to the citizenry in the thick of exigency. For many months after he left office, his public image was associated with the excesses of Famou-Tangbei, the fearsome security apparatus for which his government was known.

    Sylva’s most enduring contribution towards the peace process in the Niger Delta may well have begun with the ceasefire accord he brokered with the raging militants of the day. On August 22, 2008, he summoned all agitating warriors to leave their various camps and gather at Peace Park, Yenagoa, for what turned out to be a far-reaching reconciliation summit.

    A dizzying quantum of arms and ammunitions fit to start a war were surrendered that day in preference for a more beneficial process that led eventually to the much commended amnesty programme of the Umar Yar’Adua presidency.

    A few years later, when Sylva bounced back to reckoning, he was flying a new identity as the founding father of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Bayelsa. Before long, the party began to flex visible muscles, and its followership grew in large numbers with a gale of swift defections that came as an obvious threat to the ruling PDP. This threat was fully demonstrated in the December 2015 gubernatorial elections that saw Seriake Dickson winning a second term.

    For many analysts, that election could have been won by the new party, if Sylva had been satisfied with playing the role of a godfather, and given full-scale endorsement to Timi Alaibe as flag-bearer of the APC. It so happened that Sylva still had his eyes on the gubernatorial seat.

    He is quoted as saying that Bayelsa still owed him four years in Creek Haven. His determination to occupy that office was renewed in the months leading up to the campaigns for the 2019 primaries. It was clear that he would still run for governor on the APC platform a second time, unless something untoward happened.

    On August 31, 2019, Sylva was appointed as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources by President Muhammadu Buhari. That appointment changed the game for real. Seventeen years before that, he was serving as Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. Now he would be holding the plum job in a substantive capacity.

    Sylva looked at a line-up of possible choices for his replacement in the race to Creek Haven. In the end, he settled for David Lyon, a popular pipeline surveillance contractor with a record of open-handedness. After a long-running campaign, and a favourable wind of defection that saw some of Dickson’s staunch supporters fleeing the last days of the Restoration Government, the APC coasted home to victory in the landmark election of November 16, 2019.

    David Lyon of the APC polled a total of 352, 552 votes to defeat Senator Douye Diri, candidate of the PDP who polled 143, 172 votes. It was a truly historic outcome that brought relief to many sons and daughters of Bayelsa who rejected the prospect of enduring a continuation of the Dickson legacy as embodied by Diri.

    In his capacity as an administrator, Sylva was busy long before the elections came to pass. In 2018, he was appointed as Chairman of the Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone, and subsequently as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State. Students of the university were understandably excited when Sylva was appointed as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They were full of goodwill for their foremost navigator, a man they came to recognise as the people’s admiral.

    He resigned as Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, in the last days of the Buhari government, and expressed his intention to run for the office of governor of Bayelsa State again. He emerged as the flag-bearer of the APC in the recent party primaries, and has since picked Joshua Maciver as his running mate ahead of the gubernatorial election slated for November 11, 2023.

    Sylva turned 59 on July 7, 2023.

    · Ilagha, a poet and public affairs analyst, wrote from Yenagoa

  • Tribute to Pa Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi (1927-2023)

    Tribute to Pa Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi (1927-2023)

    A well-deserved tribute is befitting to an icon who is  a quintessential paragon of human virtues; Late Pa Alhaji Jimoh Adisa Gbadamosi, who arrived this world on Friday, March 18, 1927,  and after a meritorious life worth emulating, he left the world  for the ‘great beyond’ on Monday 15th Day of May 2023. Alhaji Gbadamosi was 96 years old. Ustaz Babatunde Jose pays tribute to the late educationist, devout Muslim who as a leader and teacher led an indelible influence on those who passed through his tutelage

    During a lecture on the occasion of his 90th birthday, Alhaji Gbadamosi  was showcased as a case study in leadership. We opined that every human endeavor requires a unifying and driving force for success and that driving force is ultimately traced to good leadership. 

     A leader is required to meet his obligations to Allah, the Supreme Power, as well as to discharge his duties towards His people (Makhluq) or his followers to the best of his ability. Alhaji Gbadamosi did not shirk his duties as a leader and to all intents and purposes, he lived up to the billing.  

     In our working life and in society, an effective leader is one who leads by example, which Alhaji Gbadamosi did throughout his life. Perhaps we could ask ourselves how we carried out our leadership roles, whether at home, or at our workplaces, among friends or society? Do we hold on firmly and strongly to principles and pursue Allah’s pleasure and blessings, or do we place ourselves and our self-interests/desires above everything else when we make decisions? Do we only criticize others, yet do not offer alternatives? Do we only order and command, but we do not give a helping hand to those under our charge? Have we strived to become a good example for others? In other words, do we lead through example?

    It is, however, sad to note that we cannot boast of a handful of leaders who meet the requirements of good leadership. The sorry state of our clime today is a pointer to the sad chapter of the leadership deficit in our country. 

    However, in the exemplary life of Alhaji Gbadamosi, there is a semblance of hope for this nation. Papa was a revered father, grandfather, principal, mentor, guide, education guru, leader, maharishi, and a leading light in a nation in spiritual darkness; Alhaji Jimoh ‘Omoladisa’ Gbadamosi; was a Principal Emeritus.

     Some are born leaders; some achieve leadership, and some have leadership entrusted to them. Alhaji Gbadamosi was a leader in all these respects. He earned a Diploma in Geography from the famous Trinity College, University of Dublin, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the same university in 1953; followed by a Master of Arts degree from the same university in 1967. 

    Among other qualifications which are too numerous to list, Alhaji was an honored Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

     Let it be known that Alhaji Gbadamosi’s working life had revolved around the Islamic association known as Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria (formally Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam). This assertion is predicated on his resume of occupational pursuit.   At various times, in his long life, Papa had been a pupil teacher, at Ahmadiyya Primary School, Elegbata; Teacher, STM Ahmadiyya High School, Olushi, Lagos.  An Ahmadiyya scholar, Alhaji Gbadamosi returned from his sojourn abroad to give back to the organization that added value to his life. 

    A grateful scholar, it was therefore not a surprise that he was chosen to head Ahmadiyya Grammar School, Eleyele, Ibadan, when that institution was founded in 1955. It is that school that produced the late Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Jelili Omotola and late Professor Adekola, the longest serving Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Lagos. 

     He served briefly as principal of Ahmadiyya Girls High School, Surulere Lagos. And in January 1960, he was appointed the principal of the great Ahmadiyya College, Agege, and now Anwar-Ul-Islam Model College. It was here that Alhaji Gbadamosi performed wonders and perfected his leadership qualities as a manager of men and materials.  Before he moved on from the school, he completed the construction and commissioning of Jibril Martin Memorial Hall in the school, with furnishing and also erected two blocks of twelve classrooms each, without grant from the Lagos State Government. We cannot say the same for our thieving leaders of today: Principals, who embezzle students’ fees and allocations; milking the school for their own personal gains and aggrandizement.

    His exemplary character and contributions to the progress of the school and the Movement did not go unrecognized by the leaders of the Movement. 

    In a memo of 27, August 1968, late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, then President of the Ahmadiyya Movement and Proprietor of Ahmadiyya Schools, described Alhaji Gbadamosi in these superlatives: ”He has played a very important role in the educational progress of the Movement and his contribution to development of Ahmadiyya secondary schools has been second to none.” Alhaji Jose went on to say, “He is a man of very high religious and social discipline. His character is highly exemplary. His leadership and organizational ability are most satisfactory. He has initiative and exercises good judgment in all matters. He has an almost inexhaustible capacity for work and at the same time is always willing to learn new ideas. He is frank without being brash; he is tolerant without being weak; he is an efficient and able school administrator and a very dependable person”.

     What more tributes can be paid to a man! Yet, we cannot say the same thing for many of the people we call our leaders today.

    The origin of our national problem today can best be summed up as a grand failure of leadership. All our problems are evidentiary of a leadership that is bereft of vision and mission; a leadership that has lost its bearing and is tottering without direction or a clue to solving the problems.

    Throughout his career trajectory as a teacher, religious leader  at State and National levels, Papa was a man of integrity. And today, we are happy that our revered late Principal, Oga, as we fondly called him stands tall amongst his peers as a man of integrity.

    During his lifetime, he secured several accolades and testimonials to his honesty, forthrightness, and dedicated leadership from several quarters. Late Alhaji H. A. B. Fasinro, then Vice President of Anwar-Ul-Islam Movement, in a letter of commendation, of 11th June 1982, expressed the ‘gratitude and sincere thanks of the National Executive Council for his unique achievement. At that time, Gbadamosi was the National General Secretary of Anwar-ul-Islam. 

    Late Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, then Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, paid glowing tributes to Alhaji Gbadamosi, in his letter of 20th May 1977, in which he said: ”Alhaji Gbadamosi is a person quiet in disposition and devoted to his profession. In this regard, he remained a teacher throughout, in spite of the prospect of more gainful employment elsewhere. As Principal of one of our secondary schools, he was exemplary in his administration. His personal nature made him an ideal leader of men in the midst of teachers and students alike. He is a devout Muslim, and that attribute is transparent in his desire at all times to be fair to all men”.

    Among other achievements and contribution to the progress of Anwar-ul Islam Movement and the educational sector in particular, it is to the credit of late Gbadamosi that through his initiative, Ahmadiyya Boys High School was established in 1961; and was later merged with Ahmadiyya Girls High School to form Jibril Martin Memorial Grammar School, Iponri, where he later served as the principal from 1976 to 1977. 

     Through his initiative too, in conjunction with his late wife, Ahmadiyya Girls High School, Ojokoro was established in 1973. It is also pertinent to note that those schools performed creditably well during his principalship. 

    Ahmadiyya College was approved for higher school certificate in 1965 and in 1971, the college produced the best overall student throughout the federation in the HSC exam.

    Under his stewardship, Ahmadiyya College was noted for its feat in the field of soccer. It is on record that it was the first school to win the Principals Cup in 1960. Most importantly, it was under him that the school was upgraded to a Grade 1 school by the Lagos State Government in 1973.

     At various time, late Alhaji Gbadamosi was Honorary Secretary of the Lagos State Principals Cup Football Committee and later served as its chairman; Member, Lagos Amateur Football Association; Member, Lagos State Scholarship Board; Chairman Lagos State Students Advisory Board; Chairman, Lagos State Social Welfare Advisory Committee; Member Governing Council, Nigeria Amateur Judo Association; Chairman, Lagos State Football Association; Member, Lagos State Advisory Board on Education; Founding member, Egbe Omo ‘Eko’ and most importantly, a Merit Awardee of Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria. In 2002, The Federal Government of Nigeria conferred on him the  National Honour of Order Of the Niger (OON

     Alhaji Gbadamosi was richly blessed by Allah and society had given him much honor; it is therefore expected that he should give back to society out of that which he had been given. We find in the Book of Luke in the Bible, the famous saying: …… For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:48 New King James Version (NKJV)

     Alhaji had paid back through the only way he knew; and that was by helping the educationally needy. Through his Alhaji Gbadamosi Educational Endowment Fund, hundreds of thousands have been spent in the form of scholarships, bursaries, stipends, and other forms of allowances. The beneficiaries can be found in various tertiary institutions such as University of Lagos, University of Calabar, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, LASU, Yaba College of Technology and even Daru Wawa Islamic College of Theology. 

     There is no doubt, Papa has laid a solid foundation for his abode in the hereafter. 

    Alhaji Jimoh Gbadamosi lived a fulfilled life, an eventful and exemplary life. A life and standard worth emulating. Today, he stands as an icon of hope for us the generation after him; that is if we follow in his footsteps and imbibe all his teachings, we pay him tribute today for his forthrightness and steadfastness. 

     When principals were principals, Alhaji Gbadamosi would have been described by the late K.O. Mbadiwe as ‘the Principal of Principals’, a great epitaph to a great man.

    May Allah admit him to Al Jannatul Firdous, obliterate his earthly shortcomings and keep watch over all those he left behind: And he left many behind as attested to by the multitude that witnessed his burial at Abari Cemetery, Epetedo on Tuesday 16th May 2023.  

    • Ustaz Babatunde Jose writes from Lagos

  • Tributes as former Justice Minister Bola Ajibola is buried

    Tributes as former Justice Minister Bola Ajibola is buried

    By Emmanuel Oladesu; Robert Egbe; Oyebola Owolabi, Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta; Bolaji Ogundele, Sanni Onogu, Tony Akowe and Jide Orintunsin, Abuja

    Tributes poured in for the late former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola, who died yesterday. He was 89. Ajibola was buried according to Islamic rites. The late prince was the Oluomo of Egbaland and Olori Omo Oba of Owu Kingdom until his demise.

    Janazah (prayers) were led by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheik Sa’dallah Bamgbola, after which the deceased’s remains were interred within the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) premises, on Abiola Way, Abeokuta. He established the centre decades ago.

    Buhari mourns

    President Muhammadu Buhari, in his condolence message to the Ajibola family, the government and people of Ogun State, commiserated with the legal community in Nigeria and worldwide He noted that the outstanding lawyer and eminent jurist used his God-given knowledge, intellect and talent to advocate for justice, fairness and equity in all his undertakings within and outside Nigeria.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, reads: “His contributions to the development of our legal system cannot be overstated, serving as the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice at a critical period in the nation’s history. His patriotic inclinations, integrity and passion for service and advancement of humanity will continue to resonate after him.”

    Osinbajo: He was highly knowledgable

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who arrived at the funeral venue about 4.57pm, said the Ajibola mentored him, adding the jurist’s legacy will endure for a long time. He stressed that the deceased’s love for knowledge and education informed his sacrificing all his life savings and properties to establish Crescent University, Abeokuta.

    “I am sad he is no more. As Segun, his first born, has said that I am actually his first born. It’s a great honor that I know him and he mentored me,” Osinbajo added.

    The High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola, described Ajibola’s death as a loss to the entire world.

    The envoy, in a condolence letter, described him as ‘a noble prince, a godly humanist, an adherent Muslim, an outstanding legal luminary, an erudite judge, a quintessential diplomat and a committed educationist’.

    ‘Ajibola was concerned about education and law’

    Former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba described the deceased as ‘a passionate personality whose interest in education and law cannot be rivaled’.

    “Ajibola was a thorough prince of Egbaland who believed in the legacies of our forefathers. He invested everything he had into education and law in Egbaland, Nigeria and the World as judge of the world court. We will miss him,” he added.

    My father was passionate about Nigeria, says son

    The deceased eldest son, Segun Ajibola, described his father as a passionate personality whose interest is the unity of the country.

    Segun stated that his father will be solely missed for his sense of humor, generosity and religious beliefs.

    “My dad was a very passionate person, very deep and highly religious. He meant so many things to us – he was very loving, caring but a strict disciplinarian, very firm and tough, a thorough personality as he never allowed us to get out of hand in any way he could help, and we remember him for his high level of humor. “We will miss him dearly without a doubt.

    “We thank those who have called us from far and wide, from the world courts, from across the country, friends, family and those who our father worked with over the years, sending their best wishes. What we ask for is that you keep us in your prayers,” he added.

    A man of patriotism, says Tinubu

    President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, said: “The former Minister of Justice and leader of the Bar was an eminent statesman and legal icon whose contributions to national progress and development will be written in gold. Prince Ajibola didn’t just serve his country with his gift of extraordinary brilliance as a lawyer, he served the world as a Judge of International Court of Justice in Hague and Member of its Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

    “In his later years, he devoted himself to the promotion of Islam and expansion of the frontier of knowledge through training and development of cutting-edge manpower for national growth with the establishment of Crescent University in Abeokuta, his hometown. Prince Ajibola will be remembered for his patriotism and love for Nigeria and his countrymen and women regardless of their ethnic origin or religious persuasions.”

    ‘Fine, authoritative voice’

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan, in a statement by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, described the late elder statesman as ‘an erudite lawyer and international jurist who left bold imprints on the study and practice of Law, both in and outside the shores of Nigeria’.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila said Nigerian legal profession has lost one of its finest and most authoritative voices.

    Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his media aide, Lanre Lasisi, recalled that the late legal luminary was instrumental to the entrenchment of law and order for decades in Nigeria and across the globe. He said it is on record that many Nigerian lawyers went through the deceased’s tutelage.

    Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun mourn ‘renowned

    jurist, seasoned administrator’

    •Ajibola a law legend, says Akeredolu

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, described the late Prince Ajibola, as ‘a renowned jurist, seasoned administrator and philanthropist who served his country and the world meritoriously at different levels’. He also praised the deceased for his legacies, sacrifice and dedication to nation-building and service to mankind.

    “My condolences to the family, friends and associates of Prince Bola Ajibola who lived a fulfilled life, having made positive impacts during his lifetime. His elderly and wise counsels will be missed, not only by his family, but the entire people of Owu Kingdom and Ogun State.”

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, described Ajibola’s death as a big loss to the judiciary, saying his legacies in the judiciary, philanthropy and the educational development would never be forgotten.

    “Words cannot adequately convey my heartfelt sorrow over Papa’s death, for he was a kind and beautiful soul who spread love to all who encountered him. May Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Abiodun said.

    Akeredolu: He was law legend

    Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said the late Ajibola was a law legend.

    A statement by him reads: “The sage, at the time of his passing, had already passed out of history into legend, such was his contribution to law at home in Nigeria, but also significant to the development of jurisprudence on the international scene as an innovative judge of ICJ.

    “His jurisprudence, as well as general disposition, could be gleaned in his compassionate interpretation of Islam, and Crescent University will continue to be a tribute to a remarkable man. Prince Bola Ajibola did our country proud, and we should glow in the rare fortune of having such an icon and avatar as one of our own. May Almighty Allah overlook his earthly transgressions and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.”

    NBA prays for Ajibola’s repose

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has prayed for the repose of Ajibola’s soul.

    A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, on behalf of the president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), prayed God to forgive him and grant his family and friends the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

    FEC. mourns

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC), in a statement authorised by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, recalled Prince Ajibola’s journey in the service of justice, describing him as a respectable judge.

    The statement, by the Director of Information in the Office of the SGF, Willie Bassey, also acknowledged the deceased’s contribution to Nigeria’s education.

    “…Prince Ajibola served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation from 1985-1991, under the administration of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). FEC condoles with the government and people of Ogun State, family and friends of the deceased, and pray God grants him Aljanah Firdaus.”

  • National Assembly clerkship and footprints of an architect

    National Assembly clerkship and footprints of an architect

    By Adesoro Tolu Austen

    On July 17, 2020, history was made when a man shattered the glass ceiling at the National Assembly. On that day, Ojo Amos became the first professional architect to be appointed Clerk to National Assembly.

    The point that must be made here is that in becoming No. 1 bureaucrat of the nation’s highest legislative body, Amos crossed a formidable hurdle because his detractors did everything to block him.

    In trying to stop him from becoming Clerk, his rivals dug up flimsy and indefensible allegations, including ‘saying’ he could not pilot affairs of the National Assembly being a ‘professional architect ‘.

    But, about three years later on November 14, 2023, when Ojo was to proceed on statutory three months leave, as a prelude to his disengagement, he had repositioned the National Assembly to greater heights.

    As Ojo bowed out of office on his birthday on February 14, it was nothing but a true confirmation that he is a diamond man.

    The diamond used to be associated with the age of 75; it was when Queen Victoria celebrated her 60th birthday and decided to call it ‘diamond jubilee’ that the word got stuck.

    A true diamond person is made of high-level credibility; a man who displays good spirit and heart; a man eager to do right, even when those around him choose to do otherwise.

    As Ojo took a bow out of National Assembly, he will be remembered as a tireless administrator for positive development.

    His adherence to principles of good leadership cannot be faulted; as Clerk to National Assembly in 2020, he set a record by paying the ‘first 28-day’ allowance for legislative aides, but this practice was neglected by his predecessors.

    Confronted by stagnated budget allocations, he looked inwards and initiated the policy of cutting the huge overhead of running the National Assembly. What that meant was his ability to move on doggedly by managing the lean resources at his disposal.

    Ojo broke another record by digitalising plenary sessions of both chambers.

    He established a sense of responsibility and maturity towards staff when welfare and entitlement became an issue by causing to come to reality the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which brought sanity with Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).

    A radiant character, he created the capacity for projecting interests and aspirations of workers of National Assembly, which generated a positive condition of service for them.

    As Clerk, he showcased the capacity to initiate progress and the acquisition of wisdom which made him to forge ahead despite challenges to his administrative masterplan; training and re-training of staff was a constant policy on his administrative dashboard.

    Ojo undertook and conceived consultations which necessitated peace and tranquillity during his clerkship.He struggled to better the lot of workers than what he met; he is a positive hero today as far as affairs of National Assembly are concerned.

    Born on February 14, 1963 to Ilobu-Asake family in Osun State, the young Ojo Amos was very studious. He completed his primary and secondary education with distinction, and ended up with a Masters in Architecture from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. He joined National Assembly as an in-house architect in 2004.

    Because he exhibited not only robust persuasive instincts and absolute sense of responsibility and maturity among superiors and subordinates, Amos made his mark, where his predecessors failed; that was why he bowed out with his head high and his credibility intact.

    As this worthy diamond has bowed out of office glowingly, l wish him a super diamond celebration on the occasion of his 60th birthday. It is my wish that his latter years on earth will be more glorious from what we have seen.

    • Adesoro writes from the National Assembly, Abuja

  • Sheikh Alli Balogun: The titan, his philanthropy, his mosque

    Sheikh Alli Balogun: The titan, his philanthropy, his mosque

    Reputed to be one of the wealthiest in his era, religious and affluence, his opulence, business acumen and humanitarian gesture touched all and sundry. Sheikh Alli Balogun, a renowned businessman born in 1830, was a Nupe Prince of Tapa ancestry and an Awori woman of Isale Eko extraction. He died in 1931 and 90th years after he remains unforgettable. Gbolahan Alli-Balogun writes.

    HIS name is synonymous with Lagos. So popular was his name that nearly a century after his exit from the planet of earth, he remained iconic. Alli Balogun was a wealthy business man, religious leader and politician in Lagos in the late 18th century. Alli Balogun  in his early life was a deeply  spiritual kids who is well grounded in  reading and learning Qur’an. Not long after, his father passed and his uncle took charge of his upbringing., shortly after, his uncle also passed.

    A man of destiny who wouldn’t allow his circumstances to hamper his vision, barely into his twenties, he had known that the inherited business game his father established had to change and be built upon. From being harboured, tutored and guided, he now had to break out on his own and fully take control of his life.

    His first effort at fully fending for himself was in trading in bits and ends, especially iron bands (oja agba). He started off brightly but things moved rather slowly. Very soon, he analysed his competition and his opportunities and came up with the idea that, all alone, he could not reach all of his intended targets without some form of assistance from deploying more human resources to his business. So, he employed a band of people to assist him trade extensively while he conducted the business from the top. Fortune soon smiled on him because by trading outside religious, ethnic and other sectional lines with his itinerant small timers, he was able to garner a critical mass of customers to satisfy on a daily basis. But, much more than his trading instincts, was his ability to keep his accounting books.

    He was so adept at keeping his accounts, it was said that he knew by rote all his transactions and those carried out by his subordinates. With time, he opened his own shops and he was no longer itinerant, even though his employees still were. Sensing his business acumen and his visible success, he was approached by a retinue of European companies to be their representative in Lagos and in the hinterland, trading in merchandise.

    This was the beginning of the stupendous wealth of Alli Balogun. Having to trade with those in the hinterland, he figured out pretty quickly that he had to invest more in a transport system. He chose to massively invest in merchandise bearing canoes along the rivers, lagoons and creeks by which he could easily reach out to the hinterland. This was to markedly improve his fortune and earned him the sobriquet Alli Oloko (essentially because of his merchandise bearing trading canoes). 

     Like all forward looking shrewd business people, he decided to diversify into another line of business that will challenge more his sharp intellect. Meanwhile, he had become so successful from merchandising and he was living large. He had imported a Rolls Royce car from the United Kingdom and after a few years, bought yet another Rolls Royce, making two, the second of which he rode during Muslim holidays and festivities.

    Then came the idea of supporting entrepreneurs to engage in any line of business and be successful at it, especially those who lacked the financial muscles to attain a decent start or those who had run into financial rough weather in the process. Combining his book keeping skills and his money liquidity, he set up shop to be a financial potentate in what was then a loose financial regulatory environment. In a short while, he became adept at it, made so much money that he became a first point of call, an alternative and subsequently a competitor, to the risk management functions of the only bank in Nigeria at the time- the British Bank of West Africa (the precursor of today’s First Bank of Nigeria).

    Clearly, the most financially successful man of his time, Alli Balogun was the largest depositor in the British Bank of West Africa in that era. Having conquered the business world he expanded his  empire.  Alli Balogun decided to venture into real estate. While he invested in properties with his own proceeds, he also benefited from properties as a result of asset foreclosures and forfeitures from his risk management business.

    He built a lavish property of his own on Victoria Street(now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street) and called it “Makanjuola House’, a name which also became one of his many aliases. At Muslim festivities, he had the habit of returning the title deeds of foreclosed properties to their former owners. This gesture was always anticipated and was met with joy and celebrations, every year. Still, by the time Alli Balogun died in July 13th , 1933, he had a total of 44 properties; all on Lagos Island, except for the one in Iddo; opposite the Railway Terminus.

    One other noticeable interesting attitude of Alli Balogun was his non-belief in courtship between young people before marriage. He would simply give out his daughters in marriage to his friends and acolytes. Indeed, his first daughter was given out in marriage to the Chief Imam of Lagos, Imam Ibrahim. Subsequently, his other marriage- age daughters were betrothed to other  noble Lagos families.

    Given his reach, wealth and influence in Lagos, it was a question of time before Alli Balogun played the politics of his time. The seed for his full involvement in Lagos politics was sown by the British Colonial Government in 1899 when the Colonial Governor, Sir William MacGregor appointed Alli Balogun a member of the General Sanitation Board.  Mixing business with religion and politics, the business magnate succeeded.

    And many years saw him calling the shot in Lagos politics. While he was dip in the politics of Lagos there were some policies in terms of levels and constitutional matters such as appointments that were resisted. The intrigues that led to the suspension of the then Oba Eshugbayi. But sense of reason prevailed, Oba Eshugbayi was reinstated after he agreed to cancel his controversial appointments.

    That Alli Balogun was a deeply religious man was an understatement. There was a fraca in the religious setting at that time where different factions emerged.  It was in the midst of all these that Alli Balogun decided to build his own mosque, a stone throw from the Central Mosque, on Victoria Street, now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street. An architectural masterpiece, it had cost him £10,000 at its completion, in 1925. His mosque would later  serve as a Central Mosque where Jumat prayers will be held. It was such a prophetic riposte. Six decades down the line in the 1980s when the old Central Mosque was pulled down for the building of a new one, the Alli Balogun mosque assumed the position of the Lagos Central Mosque, for the number of years it took for the new Central Mosque to be built.

    Of tall, imposing and stately stature, Alli Balogun was highly reputed for his philanthropy, particularly in his avowed and unflinching support to the cause of Islam. Indeed, it was asserted that Alli Balogun was formally introduced to Lagos Royalty by the King of Saudi Arabia in the 1800s because of his philanthropic activities. Not only did he build his own mosque, he also channeled his immense resources towards supporting the Jumat Central Mosque; accented and initiated by his name being the first of the eight signatories to the address read at the commissioning of the new Lagos Central Mosque in July 1913, at which Oba Eshugbayi Eleko was in attendance. Aside, he supported morally and financially in building several mosques in Lagos and Ejinrin. He equally provided resources for native institutions and funded many, such as the Glover Memorial Hall, the Industrial and Commercial Bank, the Nigerian Mercantile Bank, the Young Ansar- Ud- Deen Society School and so many others.

    Alli Balogun also took a firm stand in the direction of western education. Even though an ardent Muslim, He insisted that his children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grandnieces should benefit from western education; and provided resources to do so. But, more importantly, even the children of his relatives, those of his servants and their children who lived in the neighbourhood were all encouraged to go to school. To make their admission to school easier and to demonstrate who was in charge of footing the bill, quite a number of the non-family beneficiaries even registered their wards with the Alli Balogun surname.

    Still, nothing supports Alli Balogun’s philanthropic disposition better than his last will and testament. The will had Alli Balogun’s friend, Henry Carr, O.B.E as Executor and Trustee. After bequeathing some of his huge possessions to the Central Mosque, his children and grand children, he directed that any of his children or grandchildren who showed an aptitude to study Medicine, Law or Civil Engineering should be sent to England for the programmes and the fees and upkeep should be funded from his Alli Balogun Residuary Trust Fund. After this, he applied his mind to his neighbourhood and gave out properties and monetary gifts to all and sundry. Alli Balogun, would bequeath his will to benefit even those living in his neighbourhood’

    Variously nicknamed as Alli Oloko, essentially because of his fleet of trading canoes, some of which he had inherited from his illustrious father; and built upon, he was also  referred to as Baba L’oke, Kinihun Onibudo, Alli Dodondawa and Makanjuola but it was his chieftaincy title that stuck to his name, hence he became most popular as Alli Balogun.

    Neatly carved on the white marble tombstone, underneath where he was buried on Victoria Street(now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street)Lagos were the words ALLI BALOGUN 1830-1933(103 Years); and in the Yoruba language A LO MA NI

     GBAGBE(UNFORGETTABLE). Alli Balogun died on Thursday, July 13, 1933. The Daily Times of Nigeria of July 14 1933, on its front page announced his passing as that of a Prince Merchant and a Philanthropist. On the lower right portion of the same Daily Times newspaper was the content of a telegram sent by the British Bank of West Africa to its Overseas Head Office, expressing concern about the death of the Bank’s largest

     depositor. The telegram read *Alli Balogun is dead. What shall we do?

    Such was the massive impact the life of service Alli Balogun had on Lagos, its people and its politics. May his soul find eternal rest.

    •Dr.  Alli-Balogun writes from Lagos.

  • Najeem Jimoh: Super editor at 70

    Najeem Jimoh: Super editor at 70

    In this tribute, Lawal Ogienagbon eulogises ex-Punch editor Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, who marks his 70th birthday today

    We call him Alhaji. This is how many of us have been addressing Alhaji Najeem Jimoh since we first met him. It was either you called him editor, as he then was, or Alhaji. We preferred Alhaji. And till today, we call him that. But why the appellation, Alhaji? The simple answer is that those before us at Punch then called him that and we followed suit.

    It looks like yesterday that I stood before him in his office in Punch at Onipetesi off the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. He looked up from his desk to behold my presence. I greeted him; he responded. “Sir, I have come to seek a place here to do my internship”, I said as I explained my mission to him. “I know”, he said, “I have seen your papers”. He went on: “we like to encourage young people at The Punch. These are your papers, thrusting them at me. Go and see the news editor. Good luck”.

    That was how I became part of the Punch family in 1988. Somehow, Alhaji, who turns 70 today, was interested in me. He was a hands-on editor, always coming in and out of the newsroom, where Chris Mammah (news editor) and Dapo Aderinola alias Baba Africa held sway. Mammah was in charge of the newsroom, with the elderly Africa assisting him in cleaning up copies to facilitate production.

    As editor, Alhaji provided leadership. Though he gave his editors a free hand, there was no doubt that he was in charge. He presided at the daily editorial meeting where decision is taking on the story that will lead the paper, how it should be treated and who should handle it. Alhaji was mobile; he was everywhere because he was not an armchair editor. He was an editor with the eyes and nose for news and details.

    Alhaji was editor in an era when editors were gods. Those were the days when others did not pass through the corridor taken by editors. Many of them wore their editorship as a band. You just must know that they are editors and when you see them coming, you must give way. Alhaji was not like that. He laughed and joked with everybody, including reporters. Whenever he came to the newsroom and saw us eating groundnuts, he joined the party. He knew that it was always at a price – dropping of something for the boys.

    Alhaji was approachable. Reporters walked in and out of his office for one thing or the other. He knew that his relationship with his subordinates did not detract from his position. The reporters too knew that it was not a licence not to do their job. Eating maize, roast plantain (boli) with our bosses was a common thing, but it was not allowed to affect our job. Alhaji was a leader of people who placed premium on hardwork, industry and enterprise.                                                 He, his deputy, Mr Demola Osinubi, who retired some months ago as Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Punch, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, night editor, Aderinola, Mammah, Dipo Onabanjo, Godwin Nzeakah, Tunji Adegboyega, Bola Bolawole and the late Jide Kutelu, among others, saw to it that only the best was good for the Punch. Though the paper was going through hard times then, they never settled for second best when recruiting for the paper.                                                             For Alhaji, it was nothing but the best. His joy knew no bounds whenever he got a good story. He would scream in delight, leaving those around looking askance. In the heat of production, he would rush into the newsroom, calling out to the news editor, “Chris, Chris, wetin dey, what’s the story…?” He would ask as he sought to know what the paper would lead with the next day. If told that we already have a good lead, he would shout in joy: “Ayo ni yen, iyen lama fi  t’ayo” (that is game; it is what we will use to sell the paper).                 Like all great editors, he is excited by good stories. You will see the best in him if you give him a good story, and the other side of him, if the reverse is the case. He was an editor like a reporter. You are sure to find him where a good story is. The late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola and the Air Force men fracas of 1988 comes into mind here.               Abiola’s son Deji was involved in a road crash with an Air Force officer. The officer and his colleagues were said to have assaulted Deji whose dad fumed on being told about the incident. Abiola referred to the air force men as “mad dogs”, wondering why those paid with tax payers money would descend that low. The matter did not end there. Unknown to Abiola, the air force was waiting to exact their pound of flesh. They caught up with him at the airport when he wanted to travel. They stopped him and Abiola returned home furious.                                           Reporters besieged his Ikeja residence to know what he would do next. Abiola vowed to fight it out, saying he could not be barred from travelling in his own country by some “mad dogs”. Alhaji was on the scene. As soon as he heard about the airport incident, he left where he was for the house of Abiola, who is well known to him. As soon as Abiola sighted him, the business mogul said “Najeem, won ma dami duro ni airport, won ni mio le travel, afi ti awon oga won ba ni ki jade” (Najeem, they stopped me from travelling. They said I can only travel on the order of their bosses). Alhaji said “chief, efi pele pele se sir” (chief, please handle it with care). On seeing me among the reporters, Alhaji called me and introduced me to Abiola. “Reporter mi ni yen, mo jeri e, oma ko story na daada” (this is my reporter; he will handle the story well).

    Turning to me, he said: “ma ba e ni bise. Story yen lama fi ta yo lola. So fun Chris. Mo nbo” (I will meet you in the office. We are leading with the story tomorrow. Tell the news editor. I am coming). Alhaji  is a crusader and he brought his crusading spirit into journalism. Punch is what it is today because of the tone he and the editors before him set for the paper. As an activist, he drew like minds to the paper, shaping it to become the people’s voice. In his university days, he, with others, was going from campus to campus, fighting students’ cause.                     So,   as an editor, activism came to him naturally. In his work, he was down-to-earth, pleasant and warm to deal with. He was so simple, but he brooked no nonsense. Alhaji is still like that today. His simplicity is his trademark, but beneath it, is a hardcore professional and humanist. Alhaji holds a degree in Mass Communication (1978) and a master’s in Political Science (1982) from the University of Lagos. In 1983, he was at The Radio Netherlands Training School, Hilversum. He edited Punch between 1986 and 1988. He was the publisher of Hammer (1990-1992). Happy birthday, our great editor. 70 hearty cheers to you.