The Nation Newspaper

Tag: daughter

  • Court remands father for ‘raping’ daughter

    An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has remanded an auto mechanic, Sunday Obamuwagun, 56, in Kirikiri Prison for allegedly raping his 15-year- old daughter.

    The defendant, who lives on Aina Ajayi Street in Alakuko, Lagos is facing trial for causing a breach of peace by allegedly raping his daughter.

    Prosecuting Inspector Benedict Aigbokhan said the offence was committed sometimes in 2012 at the defendant’s residence.

    Aigbokhan told the court that Obamuwagun raped his daughter when she was 12, following which she ran away from him and joined her mother.

    “When the mother travelled, the victim went back to her father’s house and there, a fight ensued between them and she told the neighbours what had happened.

    “The victim told her half-brother and they went to the police station and the accused was apprehended,” Aigbokhan said.

    The offence contravenes Section 166 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, the prosecutor said.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias adjourned the matter to Wednesday.

  • How Fajuyi should be immortalised, by daughter

    How Fajuyi should be immortalised, by daughter

    Desola Olajuyigbe, daughter of the first military governor of the defunct Western State, reflects on the life and times of his father. She also speaks about her interest in the families of gallant soldiers who are left to suffer after the death of their breadwinners, the motivation behind the Adekunle Fajuyi Education Trust and the scholarship scheme for indigent army officers’ kids. JANE KOLADE met her in Lagos.

    Fifty years after your father’s demise, how has it been?

    My situation is peculiar because my mother remarried. So, I didn’t really feel much of the impact of his death. Fortunately, my stepdad filled the gap very well, and I am very grateful to him for that. My mum had two children by my dad. However, even though our father died when we were young, our stepfather saw to our education, and for that, I will ever be grateful to him. He has passed on, but sometimes, I wonder what it would have been like having one’s natural father to raise one, and what would have happened.

    What year was that?

    That was in 1968, about 48 years ago.

    You did not miss a breadwinner, as you were fortunate to have had a father -figure to raise you. What about you other siblings?

    Growing up, my first conscious contact with them was in secondary school. My elder brothers were working in Ibadan at the time. So, I would go and look for them. From the stories I was told, it was kind of rough, and they had to look out for themselves. There were challenges, but we are all past that now. God has been good to us.

    What is your take on the state of affairs in Nigeria? Do you think much has changed, especially with regards to the issue of corruption?

    The society as a whole, not just individuals have a part to play. Back then, individuals were more conscious of toeing the line. Today, many have gone out of line. The fear of God is lacking in so many, but back then, we saw many of the investments, facilities, and policies put in place by past governments; even the military government. There was accountability, and the consciousness that Nigeria had to be developed. Sadly, that development is stunted. We have not gone beyond what it was back then, or at least not much. I think it is simply because people are not accountable for their actions and nobody is bringing them to book. So they get away with a lot of things.

    In your opinion, do you think that there are still officers of your father’s ilk who share your late father’s philosophy in the Nigerian army today?

    It is rare to find, and I am not sure if we can find somebody who would say, “You are not going with my guest alone, take me along.” But, I must say that, it was what he signed up for. He must have believed that as a soldier, gallantry was part of what he signed up for. Fortunately, such a situation that required people to do that has not come up. Having said that, we do have quite a number of gallant soldiers sacrificing their lives to see that Nigeria can remain one. They are fighting insurgency; the likes of Boko Haram. If they were not gallant, and if they did not believe in Nigeria, they would not be taking the risk. So, I believe that we still have such traits in our soldiers.

    Some soldiers were recently court-martialled, although the men in question complained that they were not well kitted, or trained for operations….

    I do not know the structure of the army. So, I would not want to go into all that, but I do know that the army takes care of its own. I don’t really know what happened, but they are very protective of their own.

    Your dad passed when you were three years old, does that mean that you have no memories of him?

    Not at all.  He died along with Aguiyi Ironsi, and it took a while for their bodies to be released. So, the funeral didn’t take place for quite a while. What I do remember is that the funeral scene, with a lot of music, and loud sounds. It made an impression on me. My younger sister was a year old at the time, and somebody held her, but I was standing by, and I kept picking up her bottle, and giving it back to her each time it fell. But, I didn’t understand what was going on, but I knew that something was going on, and that there were military men there, and they were well dressed. But, I did not know what was going on as nobody told me anything. Most of the things I got to know, I read about, until I reached out to my brothers, and got answers to many questions. They probably thought that they were protecting me, but I wasn’t told much, until I became an adult.

    Did any of your siblings join the army, or show any interest in the army?

    No, not at all, but I had a fascination with the navy at some point. My mother was not favourably disposed to that. So, I never go to do anything about it.

    In the past, the army would take over governance claiming that politicians were not doing a good job. Do you think that Nigeria could ever witness another coup?

    No. The world has gone beyond all that.

    So, you believe that the army has returned to the barracks for good?

    Well, they are fulfilling their purpose by serving the nation, and defending the territorial integrity of the nation. That is why they signed, and with the Boko Haram scourge, they have a lot on their hands. I don’t think they would have the time to consider coming back to government.

    Has there been any form of assistance given to your family, since your father’s death?

    What I know is that the gratuity was made available, but I can’t say much about our situation. But, as I earlier mentioned, my stepdad saw to our education up till university level. I don’t know what would have happened if my mum had not remarried. And as I said, my elder siblings went as far as they could by themselves. The army did not interfere.

    But, is there something on ground for the widows and orphans left behind by soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country?

    It depends on how they die as I have had the opportunity to speak to military widows up North. There is some amount given to them to sustain the family, get another accommodation, and see to the education of their children. Some of them said that they were promised that their children would be educated to university level, and they are still waiting on that promise. They need a voice; somebody to help/ speak to the government on their behalf. They lost a breadwinner, and not everyone will be as fortunate as I was.

    I also heard stories of children dropping out of school, going into prostitution, drugs, with many going into the streets. And if we don’t do that now, no one knows what will happen, especially as we are talking about change. The change should also affect the people that fight, and put themselves at risk for the nation. Something should be done to lessen the suffering of the family, especially as it’s a sudden thing. The soldiers die on the field. What happens to their children? How are we sure that they are well taken care of. Are there people that can speak on their behalf?

    From your experience, it means that there is a system for welfare of military orphans and widows as at now?

    There probably is a system, but it is not effective. Remember I said that the army looks after its own.  There probably is, and as many of the widows claim, there are many forms, to fill, and processes and procedures to follow. Sometimes they are told that forms are not available, so some might just get discouraged and give up, if they are unwilling or unable to through all the stress. Some go through it to get money to start a business to get by, some also claim that it involves a lot of travel, and money; which they might not have. A woman might have to travel from Lagos to Bornu State for her claim. Why does she need to go that far? There should be somewhere around their location to source their requirements. With the trauma of losing a loved one, and then still have to travel that distance. The system has to be made much more user friendly than it presently is.

    A man puts his life on the line for his country, and he discovers that should he die there is nothing on ground for his children and loved ones, do you think it could be a reason people get involved in corruption, to provide for the unexpected?

    There really is no justification for that. And it is not only about soldiers here. You are in service, and at the end of the day you will be paid your pension, or your gratuity. You have also had the opportunity to raise a family while in service, I don’t think there is any justification for dipping your hand into the till to take what does not belong to you. What is there is for the common good.

    How old was your mother when your father died?

    She was twenty nine years old at the time.

    In recognition of the 50th anniversary of your father’s demise, are there plans to celebrate him?

    Yes. We are planning a memorial for his anniversary. It happened on the 29th of July. So, we are marking it that day. We will be launching the Adekunle Fajuyi Trust that day. The main thrust of the trust is to create an enabling environment to help the loved ones of our fallen heroes. Things like giving scholarships to help with their children’s education. Also, my father had a passion for agriculture, and also education. One of the things he did while in office was the establishment of the University of Ife in its present location.

    From the stories I heard, any time he was on leave, he would return to his farm in Ado Ekiti. He served in Kaduna, Enugu, and the Congo during the Congo uprising. But he had a farm he returned during his leave. It had crops like Oil Palm, Cocoa, Yams and so on. So he had a passion for agriculture. And that is one of the key areas the trust will be looking at; establishing an agricultural venture for these army orphans. We have all been asked to go back to the farm, and with the crash in Crude Oil prices, we might have no choice. Nigeria cannot live on Oil. If you look at the old Western region, many of the investments and facilities provided by the government were not done with Crude Oil money, it was Cocoa money. We have to go back to our roots, as the things are all still there. We just need to up our game, and do things right. And God helping us, we will be able to achieve our purpose.

    The Trust will be launched at Abuja on the anniversary of his death. It will be a national event, celebrated in Ibadan, Ado Ekiti, Abuja, not just the Southwest. In the past it was celebrated in Ibadan, and Ado Ekiti, although an event will hold in his home town

    Over the years, some people have consistently marked the 29th of July. There are also people who have been very supportive of the family. A couple of years ago, he was posthumously awarded the Omoluabi award. The trust is not only for military orphans, but for young people who aspire to succeed, but are hampered by lack of funds, probably because they have lost a breadwinner. This will enable them contribute their own quota to the society, not just be at the mercy of uncles and aunties.

    Any other qualities?

    Yes, he was very fluent in Hausa, Ibo, yet a Yoruba man. He was also very pan Nigerian. And I know that he was admired not just by Yorubas, but by Nigerians from different parts of the country.

    Another thing is that many of our children don’t know much about our history. I believe that Nigerian history should be revived in our schools. It is sad. If you don’t know about the past, how do you  work towards the future? What do these young ones build on? Not on social media, parties, and all that. They need a more solid foundation, and it is our schools that can offer it to them. We talk about the labour of our heroes past, do our children know about this?

  • Pasuma gives daughter car for birthday

    Fuji music star, Wasiu Alabi  Odetola, popularly known as Pasuma recently gave his eldest daughter, Wosilat Ayinuola a Toyota Matrix for her 25th birthday. The proud father took to Instagram on January 22, 2016, his daughter’s birthday to send her anniversary wishes, “Having you as my daughter is my greatest accomplishment, and I didn’t even do a thing. You did it all, just by being you.”

    Oganla as he is also called said further: “ I don’t know what I did in a previous life to deserve you as my daughter in this lifetime. Whatever it was, it must have been incredible. It had to be to end up with an incredible daughter like you. I am not just grateful that you are my daughter. I am grateful for your love, kindness, hope, smarts, friendship, support, and more than anything else, the privilege to give it all back to you.”

    The Orobokibo crooner has come a long way from his humble beginning as a singer on the streets of Olorunshogo, Mushin to become a household name in Nigeria and beyond, going  on to collaborate on albums with the likes of King Sunny Ade, Bola Abimbola, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Oritsefemi, Patoranking and others.

  • Genevieve Nnaji’s daughter opens makeup school

    Genevieve Nnaji’s daughter opens makeup school

    Theodora Nnaji, daughter of Nollywood diva, Genevieve Nnaji recently set up her own makeup school called NAJ Makeup Artistry, located on Herbert Macaulay way, Yaba, Lagos.

    The Mass Communications graduate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka recently completed her National Youth Service with stints at Cool FM, Wazobia Info, and WAZOBIA FM.

    Dora, as she is fondly called is the only child of the actress, and chip off the old block, as she is as beautiful as her charming mother. Her business has enjoyed patronage from quite a number of Nigerian entertainers, apparently due to having a star actress as mother.

    Although it is no longer news that sultry Genny is the mother of a daughter, what is surprising is that the youthful looking Nnaji could be the mother of a grown up lady and a graduate.

  • Mother, daughter remanded for alleged assault

    A 40-year-old woman, Grace Ighodalo, and her daughter, Nancy, have been remanded in prison custody by an Evbuoriaria Magistrate’s Court for allegedly assaulting Maria Agbonmwanleten.

    The accused were said to have used a knife and wood to inflict injuries on Agbonmwanleten, giving her a red eye.

    Police prosecutor Aigbedion Obakpolor, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), told the court that the accused committed the offence at 6.30 pm on December 26, at 66, Upper Sokponba Road, in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.

    Obakpolor said the accused tore the victim’s black blouse, valued at N3,000.

    Mother and daughter pleaded not guilty to the four charges of conspiracy and assault.

    The Chief Magistrate, F. O. Idiake, remanded the accused in prison custody.

    Idaike said their bail would be considered in due course and adjourned the matter till January 21 for hearing.

  • Father docked over alleged defilement of daughter

    Father docked over alleged defilement of daughter

    A 35-year-old father of three, was on Tuesday arraigned in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly defiling his six-year-old daughter.

    The accused, Harrison Agu, who resides at No.23, Rotimi Omotosho St., Isheri Osun, Lagos, is facing a charge of indecent treatment of a minor.

    Although the accused entered a not guilty plea, the prosecutor, Insp. Simon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused had regularly defiled his 6-year-old daughter within the last 36 months.

    “The accused began the assault in 2013 when the child’s mother was away for the compulsory one year NYSC.

    “It was during this period that the child fell ill with a serious infection in her genitals for the first time.

    “Thereafter, the mother of the child observed that the child’s genitals regularly produced a foul smell with discharges,” the prosecutor said.

    Imhonwa said that the mother took the child to the hospital where it was confirmed that the child had been defiled.

    According to the prosecutor, the six-year-old told her mother that her father always asked her to remove her pants and then deep his fingers into her private part.

    “The mother said her child told her that Agu always asked her to remove her jeans and pants and then he will put his hand in her ‘bum bum’ (virgina) and if she refuses, he beats her,” Imhonwa said.

    The prosecutor said investigation revealed that the child had been physically and emotionally abused since she was aged 3.

    He said that the offence contravened Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

    The magistrate ordered that the file be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the offense carries seven-year imprisonment as penalty if found guilty.

  • Ikoyi hosts Agbakoba daughter’s Samantha’s Bistro

    Ikoyi hosts Agbakoba daughter’s Samantha’s Bistro

    Samantha’s Bistro’ has berthed in Ikoyi, Lagos. Owned by Dumebi Agbakoba, daughter of former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba.

    The outlet comprises a bistro, a café and outdoor and indoor grills. The outdoor – Village Grill – offers a different menu of well prepared hearty meals weekly. The restaurant offers three services – breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    At its launch, Dumebi, the editor-in-chief of Side View magazine, spoke on what led to her opening the outlet.

    She said:“Food has always been part of me. Every time I try to switch career, food always comes in. I started cooking when I was nine years old and I have always been creative with my hands. The reason for my floating this unique, exquisite restaurant is to ensure that there is an offering for everybody, hence, the touch of Italian, British and French influences in my style of cooking.”

    As an experienced chef, she fuses her knowledge of Italian, French and Nigerian food to create an ever-changing seasonal menu such as Jacqueline, Bon Sergeant breakfast Burger and a classic cheese burger.

    “Samantha’s is like the end-product of my talent in one place. This place is for everybody who loves good food and I will expand soon to meet the need of making good food available to people all the time.”

    On how the restaurant will stand out, Dumebi said: “We will retain our quality services, our meals will be consistent in taste. We are here to do business, leave a legacy and create reputations like that of international brand. We are not going to drop out.”

  • Charles Okah’s daughter gets wedding blessing in prison

    Charles Okah’s daughter gets wedding blessing in prison

    After a seemingly endless wait for her father, Charles Okah’s release, black and beautiful Tarila recently braved the odds to bring her fiancée, Domeno Morrone all the way from Canada to seek her father’s blessing in Kuje prison, as they prepare to tie the nuptial knot. In what may be described as a mixed grill of emotions, Tarila and her fiancée review the happy reunion with her father, who is on trial for terrorism and his harrowing prison experience with Managing Editor Northern Operation, Yusuf Alli.

    How was the meeting with your father?

    I saw him today. I feel so happy. It’s been five long years. Honestly, I can’t believe how we made it this far. I remember when it all started, it’s like yesterday. It remains one of the hardest times of my life. I can’t believe we are still facing the ordeal. It was very difficult to go through because as a family, we have always relied on him; he has been the head of the home and source of strength for all of us. So not having him at home has been very difficult, especially for my younger ones. We are hoping and praying that this will be over soon.

    How was your re-union?

    Oh… my goodness (laugh). It was overwhelming, especially for my sister. She is younger, she just turned 18. When we saw him, we just started crying because we saw our father in a totally different light. That is not the man, let me rephrase, that is not the circumstance or the situation anyone wants to see his or her father. That was the first time my fiancé was meeting him as well. That is not the way you want to take your future husband to meet your father. That is not how you want to get your father’s blessing for your marriage. I am seeing him in a completely different light. Deep down inside, I know the man that he is. I know these are trumped up charges. That gives me peace.

    Are you for real?

    Obviously, a lot of people have judged him, condemned him even without knowing anything but he is my father and we know him. We know the kind of man that he is. He is jovial. He is a very lovely man. He puts people above him. We are talking about a man who made emergency rescue in the country like it is his mission. A man who will stop people in the middle of the street and tell them you don’t need to have your child in the front seat, move him to the back. A man who was supplying dialysis machine, putting health and concerns of Nigerians above all; a man who took it on himself to save lives in Nigeria, covering a lot of accidents. You now come and accuse such a man of being responsible for a terrorist attack. When we got to the prison and they told us to write his offence as terrorism, I couldn’t.

    Why?

    No. Someone else had to write it because it’s not true. But of course we had to fill out that part to see him.

    Has he changed in any way?

    As my dad will always say, the rough is only mentored. If you think victory, you will achieve victory. I think his positive state of mind has actually been his source of strength through this period and it is very interesting because we who are in our freedom actually draw strength from him. When we are sad and depressed, my dad will say don’t be sad, it’s going to be over soon. I am not going to be here forever. So we actually draw strength from him. That is the irony.

    It was reported at a time that he attempted suicide. Were you not scared?

    Yes. I was in Canada (then) when a friend sent me a message about it. So I Google it and read the story. That was very hard for me as a child to read. I was in panic. These things can get to you too. When you have such charges levelled against you; you are waiting for justice and for things to move but there is no progress. So I think in that moment, when he thought about how much he had lost, his business, family everything, it  became so overwhelming for him. So I think in that speedy seconds, he just couldn’t take it anymore but I am happy that he did not fall asleep because we need him. I know that he is going to be out soon.

    You seem quite convinced your father is not a terrorist, how then did he get involved in this?

    The thing is that Nigerian politics is very dirty. So I feel it is just more than meets the eye. I really don’t know what happened. I am also waiting like the rest of the world to hear his story. Anyone who knows me knows I condemn evil. If I know that he did it, I don’t care if he is my father. Anyone who does something that outrageous has to be brought to justice. He doesn’t matter what your relationship is with the person. What is good is good and what is bad is bad. Whatever issues government had with my uncle (Henry Okah), my dad is not a terrorist. And I don’t know if they roped him in like a sort of bargaining chip but the truth is, when people want something, they will go any length to get it.

    Are you suspecting some kind of conspiracy?

    It has to be. Why they picked him up, I don’t know. I feel like I don’t know the full story. They picked him up from our old house; we don’t have a house anymore. Obviously we lost everything. I am with my fiancé visiting Nigeria but we are always staying in a hotel.

    Was his house confiscated?

    No, but we had to sell it and the cars including everything. They froze his account. They impounded his legitimate goods. He just got a contract from the British High Commission at the time because he is a distributor for a company and he had his goods coming. It was impounded for about five years. They searched it but there was nothing incriminating in it but they never released it. So they took all that and froze his account. The first two years were actually the toughest. All of a sudden, the person we all relied on was no longer there. So we had to find a way around it.

    How did you feel when you heard that some of his colleague died in prison?

    I was very sad because it could have been him. This is somebody’s father, son, husband and somebody’s friend and the saddest part of it is that he did not have the chance to defend himself.

    Was your father a member of MEND?

    Absolutely no. Not to my knowledge.

    Why did you decide to bring your fiancée to prison to see your father?

    I have a very supportive man, I am very lucky in that sense. I remember the first time I told him about it. This is the first time he has been to Nigeria and Africa for that matter.

    Where is he from?

    He is a Canadian. I remembered when I had to tell him for the first time that my father is in prison, I was shaking. I was like how do I explain to him what is going on because obviously, he comes from a country where things work differently. Where do I even start from? As soon as I told him, he was like I don’t love you any less, I don’t love you differently. I already accepted your family. He had spoken to my dad before then. He is just connected to my dad. They’re already getting along. It is great to have someone so supportive. And of course one of my concerns is when you meet my father; I don’t want you to meet him in Kuje Prison. I don’t want you to meet him in prison. So I was always hoping and praying before we came. In fact, I was trying to delay our coming to Nigeria hoping that all these would be over by the time we came.

    When is he taking you to the altar?

    We are hopeful that it will be next year. I keep saying I have never imagined anyone else except my father walking me down the aisle. So I believe that God is going to give his way.

    The justice system is a little bit slow. What’s your take on that?

    It is very unfortunate because you are keeping peoples live on hold. You are playing with lives of innocent people. It’s somebody’s life when you just do as you wish.  It puts a lot of strain on their family and it’s just totally unfair. If someone committed a crime, speed up the system, bring him to book and let him serve his sentence. If they don’t commit the crime, let him move on. You can’t just put someone behind bars. It doesn’t make any sense when you just leave them there. I have heard cases of people who have been imprisoned for 20 years and have never faced any trial. That is unfair. It is only in country like Nigeria that you can get away with something like that.

    Were you granted access to your father’s cell or room?

    There were bars separating us and him at first. After that, there was interaction. He came out to an area, I gave him a hug, and that was it. The process of seeing him in the first place takes a lot of time. We waited for almost three hours just trying to see him and we were allowed to see him for a maximum of 10 minutes. It was like 10 beautiful minutes. We just made it and took advantage of it.

    What were his parting words?

    He said don’t worry; I’m going to be out soon, because I was crying; my sister was crying too; and that was hard for him to see. He (my fiancée) was crying too.

    Did your dad cry?

    No, my dad is really strong. He was emotional and sad but he had to be really strong for us. We can’t all be crying. He said don’t worry, it will soon be over.

    Should you meet former President Goodluck Jonathan, what will you tell him for having put your dad through all this?

    I don’t know. I have never thought of meeting him. If I do, I will just ask him why? There has to be a reason. Whether he was selfish, evil or wicked I will just ask him why. I will also let him know what he put me and my family through. Everything happens for a reason, we have a new government now.  I have faith in his government now. I have faith in the justice system.

    What is your appeal to President Buhari?

    If he could give some sorts of pardon, anything he can do to bring my dad back to us. This is a man that has literarily given a lot for this country and I know the current President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and what he stands for. He is the change that a lot of people voted for because we had faith in him, we know that he has the interest of this country at heart. To be honest, a lot of politicians these days just take what they can, make investments in other countries and leave their country in ruins. But my father is not like that, he cares for this country; so if there is anything the government can do to intervene and bring him back home, I know it would be in the best interest of his country.

    Was your father a Niger Delta militant?

    No…(laughs).

    What is his means of livelihood?

    My dad is a businessman in the literary sense of the word and if they even looked at his account, it’s not hard to trace his sources of fund. Like I said, one of his containers of import that was impounded had to do with a contract given to him by the British High Commission. So they froze his account. They can go back and trace where his money comes from. They will see his contracts. My dad has done contracts for National Hospital and Consulates. So, it’s all there. So, if there is any fishy source of funds, they can easily track it. The thing is my dad doesn’t really like competition in his business. He is always thinking about fresh ideas. When he started this floating docks business, he was one of the first if not the first to bring that idea. But as soon as my dad starts, he was getting more and more competitions, and then he started thinking of something else. Before then, he did invest in dialysis machine, emergency rescue, and reflective signs put on the road. So, his account is there.

    Have you met your uncle (Henry Okah) in South Africa?

    No, I have not. Unfortunately, the last time I went to South Africa, he wasn’t there. We had plans we were going to have a family re-union. Everyone was supposed to meet up in South Africa but that did not work out yet. So we are very hopeful it will.

    What of your mother? Has she visited your father in prison?

    She is fine. My parents are divorced. She doesn’t come often. She comes once in a while. They have been divorced for a very long time. My dad remarried and his wife like I mentioned moved to the states because it was just really hard. She has three children. It was really hard for them to cope here.

    How many are you on your line?

    We are three. My dad has six kids. So it was hard for them to cope. The US trip presented better opportunity for them. It was just a logical thing to do.

    In one word, how will you describe your father?

    I’m thinking of multiple words.

    Did you study in Canada or in the States?

    I studied in Canada. I went to the university there and did my Masters there as well. I have my permanent residency there, so I’m getting my citizenship with or without marriage shortly.

    Were you not scared of coming to Nigeria to meet your father-in-law for the first time in prison?

    I wasn’t scared. I knew the story and we have known for almost a year. I had an expectation of what I will be coming to see.  I don’t know what the environment will be like but that wasn’t a concern to me. I was just more anxious and excited to meet him. We are here for a friend’s wedding but we knew that we are going to see him and I knew that it was in the plan. Whether we saw him in prison or not, I was anxious to see him, receive his blessings and meet my father-in-law to be.

    Did you blend with her father at first sight?

    Yes. We have spoken several times over the phone. So I had the opportunity to speak with him and get to know him a little bit more and he used and still runs a similar business my uncle does. So, we were able to connect. I did ask him for his blessing over the phone initially. That was in June, this year. I knew him before; so without or with the situation, at that point we are going to be family. I knew we will connect very well.

    You are associating with someone who has been labelled a terrorist; doesn’t that count for anything in your country?

    I don’t see anything about it because I know her a lot. It wasn’t a concern. I did not ask her what your parent situation is. Where is your father? Where is your mother? Has your brother ever been in any trouble? She is a person I love and a person I was going to commit my life to, and I am lucky we are going to share it together and go through the experiences together.

    What is the secret of your love?

    I don’t know how to put that in words. We actually met online. For a lot of people in our generation and age, that is becoming more popular. It’s a lot easier to meet somebody that way. I was working at a time with a small group of people. There was nobody to meet, aside from her, I was busy with work and family so I did not have time to go out to look for somebody. So online was a good option. We have the same connection. Before we even met, we had spoken on the phone and she was just about to leave for her work trip for about two weeks. So we spoke on the phone for about two hours on the first night before she went. While she was away, we managed to set time aside to know the different times we could message each other and connect. I was very anxious.

    So who proposed first?

    (Laughs)….Well I contacted her first. I found her online and I made sure she remembers that but I think we both knew especially after we met each other for the first time. We both knew.

    Were you not scared of love scam on the internet?

    Like I said, we spent time speaking on the phone first and messaging for a couple of weeks. I am familiar with the area that we met so I wasn’t worried. So when I saw her, it all started.

    What message did you give her father today?

    I thanked him. That was the first thing. I thanked him for giving me his blessings to marry his daughter and I wished him well in good health, to stay strong because I am looking forward to seeing him attend our wedding, August 6 next year.

    What has been your impression since coming to Nigeria?

    We landed in the evening so it was dark. I didn’t get to really see what was going on. But there are a couple of things that I noticed that are very different. They are things you will never see in Canada. The first is the military and security around the airport and gentlemen walking around with assault rifles and semi-automatic rifles. That is not something that is even allowed in Canada on the roads. There is almost no law as to how you can drive on the roads. There might be two lanes but it could be four cars wide. You can have a person hanging off the bus or hanging from back of the bus, they don’t have to be strapped into their cars. I don’t know the rule about seat belts but it doesn’t seem like many people bothered with them. The road conditions are much poorer than I have seen anywhere else. I am from Canada and we have some pretty hard winters. The difference between the hot and the cold winters, the road cracks a bit, there are pot holes but our tax always go towards maintenance of public roads. But here, I’m not sure how the tax system works. Road maintenance is important.

    How about power supply?

    That is different too. You either have total blackout or light that flickers. The hotels are running on generators. We had to be moved to a different room in our hotel because they had to turn one of the generators off. There was no air-conditioning, no light; so that’s a different experience. I was expecting it to an extent because I have been warned but it’s a different thing entirely to experience it.

    For the sake of Tarila, is the sacrifice worth it?

    Absolutely (laugh). I never second guessed coming here. I have known about this trip for over a year and I have been excited ever since. I enjoy seeing another country. I have been to Chile, Peru. In both places, we stayed in places where there was no heat because they were very cold. It was during their winter. It’s different when you hear it is this hot and there is no air. That could be challenging and some other time, it’s warm. So coming to somewhere that’s even hotter, it’s a challenge.

    Have you tried any Nigerian food?

    Oh yea. I ate Jollof rice and Suya

    How long are you going to stay?

    We are here for two weeks.

  • Sanusi plans superlative wedding for daughter

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