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Tag: dream

  • ‘Our dream is worth fighting for’

    ‘Our dream is worth fighting for’

    • Text of an address delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day

    With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of the Nigerian people.

    Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve.

    I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes and destitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode of governance of our resilient and beloved people.

    With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to the moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much further to go.

    To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to lead this nation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty God and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build our democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.

    Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on this day; to commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought to restore democratic governance to Nigeria.

    Let me pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12 Democracy Day and by officially acknowledging Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the victors and thus duly elected President and Vice President respectively of Nigeria after the June 12, 1993 elections.

    Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead of battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preserve the institutions of democracy. More importantly, we weave the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.

    Whilst Chief MKO Abiola is June 12’s central figure, we must not forget the long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigerian democracy.

    We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.

    We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, the journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu. I mention these names not to exclude or degrade the profound contributions of anyone else, but to illustrate, through these few heroes, the universality of our pursuit of democracy.

    The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.

    It is fitting that I come to this chamber. You are the authors of the people’s law, and I must be their faithful implementer. While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what democracy demands of us. I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you do the same for the good of our people.

    Mr. Chairman, the National Assembly has acted to uphold democratic ideals at every critical moment in our national history. In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly third-term bid that would have ripped our constitution apart. In 2010, the National Assembly, through the doctrine of necessity, opened the door for then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become the acting President following the illness of his predecessor.

    Even under the military, the National Assembly tried to protect our democracy. After General Abacha took over power on November 17, 1993, and dissolved the National Assembly, some of us, led by Senator Ameh Ebute, the Senate President in the 3rd Republic, defied the General and his goons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos. We were jailed for our defiance.

    On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable role in lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation.

    At this point, I plead for your indulgence so that I may put a terrible rumour to bed.

    To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error. At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.

    Look at my political history. I would be the last person to advocate such a scheme. In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region.

    In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not governing, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?

    Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry. Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now.

    The failed effort to create a one-party state placed progressive political forces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the trajectory which has brought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach.

    A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National Assembly.

    Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist. For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.

    We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population. Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible.

    One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in the legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, is that of economic and social development.

    Upon assuming office, my team and I moved to reform our ailing economy. We introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural imbalances that prevented maximum growth.

    Read Also: Alexander-Arnold exhales  on  joining ‘dreamed’ Real Madrid

    We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade.

    Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice and beans. Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira exchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is positive; our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil and non-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay salaries.

    In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials. This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.

    We are committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development. Through such programs as NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready and future-ready.

    In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity. This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionize how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected. By extending this critical infrastructure, we are empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalized world.

    Our “Nigeria First” policy will further enhance progress as we consolidate market-driven growth. The improved economic performance is encouraging and validates the soundness of our policy measures. Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 per cent clip with a stronger manufacturing base. We must learn to produce and grow most of our food and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty.

    These and other reforms have placed the economy on a more rational footing where critical decisions regarding large-scale investment can now be made.

    I ask you, the legislature, to join me as we enter the second half of our term to put forth innovative legislation that further encourages industrial development and job creation in our urban centres while also drafting laws that improve food security and production.

    To further underpin our economic vision, we introduced a comprehensive Tax Reform Package, a vital component of our economic re- engineering. I am deeply grateful to both chambers for your thorough consideration and deliberation of these bills, and I look forward to signing them into law soon.

    Again, your collaboration across party lines on these bills has been a model of democratic partnership.

    As elected leaders, we must continue to do more to make real the dream of Nigeria’s political and economic democracy.

    We must be vigilant in expanding the political space. We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.

    Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents. We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.

    While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.

    Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.

    Mr. Chairman, Nigeria is at an inflexion point, undergoing structural and fundamental change toward a secure future.

    Our administration is fully committed to boosting the economy’s productive base. Through investment in critical infrastructure, roads, expansion of port operations, rail, and power we are creating a new environment in which industry and manufacturing can thrive. Our tax and fiscal policy reforms will streamline tax administration and eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes enabling our industrialists and entrepreneurs to operate in a more conducive environment.

    Governance must work and deliver value to the people. As part of our tax reforms, we have provided small businesses with an exemption and established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to ensure transparency and protect taxpayer rights. Digital tools now help us track performance and reduce waste. The Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN are bringing Nigerians abroad into the national development fold.

    In line with my promise during my New Year address to the nation, I recently appointed the board of directors of the newly established National Credit Guarantee Company. The company backed with 100 billion naira in initial capital; with BOI, which, by the way, is performing very well in supporting SMEs, NSIA, CreditCorp, and MOFI as stakeholders, will play a significant role in transforming the nation’s industrial landscape and reducing corruption.

    National Security is the foundation of peace and progress. We have intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists. We are better at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved. Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country.

    Let us take this opportunity to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery in service of the nation. Their selfless dedication to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens should serve as an inspiration to us all. As we celebrate the progress of our democracy, we must not forget the pivotal role they play in safeguarding our freedoms. For their courage and commitment, they deserve not only our gratitude but also our continued support, prayers and recognition.

    Fellow compatriots, our achievements are not the work of one man. They are the result of a collective effort to make possible the Nigerian Dream. Yet, the journey is not over. We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must stay the course, reject cynicism, and believe Nigeria can and will rise again.

    As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.

    In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.

    I also confer posthumous national honours on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewane (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).

    I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).

    Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.

    Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON). I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.

    Finally, it is my great privilege to now decorate the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours earlier conferred upon them last year:

    Presiding National Assembly Officers: Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – SENATE PRESIDENT; Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON – Speaker; Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT; Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker.

    In conclusion, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.

  • MIKEL AGU: I used to dream of Range Rover, but I have one now

    Super Eagles’ midfielder, Mikel Ndubusi Aguhas revealed how much he coveted the exotic automobile, Range Rover. Last year,  the Range Rover – the luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV)-topped  the list of  racy automobiles  purchased by footballers with the others being  Lamborghini Aventador, Mercedes-Benz Onyx G6 GLE Coupe,Bentley Continental GT,Ferrari F12 Berlinetta,Lamborghini Huracan,Jeep Wrangler Kahn Sahara;Porsche 911 GTS;Bentley Bentayga and McLaren 675LT Spider.

    Indeed, top-notch automobiles have always being the dream of every dream footballer and Agu is now basking in the joy of owning a luxurious SUV-the Range Rover Spy.

    “I used to dream of having a Range Rover but I have one now, “the 24-year-old  Agu , a loanee from  FC  Porto to Turkish Superliga side, Bursaspor  told The Nation.

    “There is no big reason about having a Range Rover but it just happened to be my best choice.”

    Born and raised  in one of Nigeria’s football  capital cities (precisely  Benin City in Edo State), Agu reportedly started his career with grassroots team Megapp FC –the club that produced the likes of Victor Moses of Chelsea;  Elderson Echiejile of Cercle Brugge  amongst others.

    He caught the attention of scouts after he impressed during the 2009 Copa Coca-Cola where he was picked as the best player of the tournament. It was after the tournament that he  joined the youth academy of  Portuguese famous club, FC Porto to kick start  his  adventure in Europe.

    After impressing with the Porto U-19 where he played for two seasons, he was drafted into the main squad  and was handed his senior team  debut against Gil Vicente in a 2-1 win when he came on  as a substitute for Josué.

    But he was later sent back to Porto  Team B with whom he made 69 league appearances between 2012 and 2016. He completed over 30 appearances in each of the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons. At the start of 2015/2016 season, after making one appearance for Porto B, he went on loan to Club Brugge in the Belgian Jupiler league where he  made just two league appearances as  Club Brugge finished the season as league champions.

    Back on loan to Portugal for the 2016-2017 season, Agu turned to overnight sensation as he made an impressive 27 league appearances and 34 total appearances in all competitions for Vitória Setúbal and helped the club to the semi-finals of the Taça da Liga. He was several named in the Team of the Week in Portugal to underline his arrival on the big stage and deservedly earned a long awaited call up into the Super Eagles. He eventually made his senior international debut for Nigeria in a 3-0 friendly win over Togo on June 1, 2017.

    But last August 2017 Agu joined Turkish side Bursaspor on a season-long loan deal and he shares  his yoyo experience from Belgium to Turkey

    “ I would  say Belgium was my  real take off point in Europe but I had a very bad experience because of politics and I played only three official games after coming back from injury,”  admitted Agu in an interview with our correspondent.  “I decided to stay back in Portugal in the following season  and look for a lower level team (Vitoria Setubal)  to get playing time because I had many injury setbacks.

    “ I choose to play in Setubal  which was  the  team of late Rashid Yekini; there  I played a lot and had a very good season which got me opportunity to the national team.

    “It was good  playing in the same club that had the great Rashid Yekinibecause he made it big in Setubal and the whole city knew about him big time. His pictures were all over the stadium and playing at a club where they got respect for a fellow Nigerian made sense; it was a good decision I made.

    “Everyone was  always talking good about him(Yekini) ; one day at the shopping mall, a guy told me that most times he doesn’t  even  pay to get things from shops. According to him, he was getting them for free because everyone loved him in the city. So, it was really good feeling playing at Setubal.

    “Here in turkey, it has been very good and has played games before I got injured and was out for two  months and that was the  injury that ruled me  off from the game against Algeria.

    “So far I have enjoyed my stay here in Turkey and the conditions here in terms of finance is very good,” he explained.

    Indeed Turkey has been a delight for Agu following the arrival of his first baby from his wife with who, he had an octane wedding ceremony in Asaba last year.

    Like you  know, we (men)  try as much possible to make it (wedding ceremony)special  occasion for our women,” explained Agu.“ It’s once in a life time and  most time, it’s  the women  that loves it big.

    “My wife (Henrietta Omoriege Ogochukwu) is from Delta state and we met her during one of my holidays to Nigeria; her beauty of course first attracted me to her.

    “At first, one can’t just conclude she’s the  special one  and that is why it’s always good to spend time together since it helps both partners to understand themselves well.

    “We’ve had good and bad moments and then learnt from all that happened and today, we are perfect together.”

    The bond between Agu and Henrietta has been  blessed with a baby son which he describes as the centre of his world: “The feeling (of being blessed with a child)  is hard to explain and only people who already had one can exactly tell how it feels. If you got already, you will know what I’m talking about. I experienced  it all on that day and was there with my wife when he (my son) came.

    “His name is Stefano;  I have always liked the name but  his traditional name is Chukwukaima and it means: God will answer your prayer,” noted Agu as he speaks on other sundry issues.

     

    You were nicknamed Mikel after John Mikel Obi, how do you feel playing in the same team with the Super Eagles captain?

    It feels very good to be playing in same team with John Mikel Obi and for me, it was  a dream come true. Mikel has been my mentor since after he played in the Under-20 World Cup and then made a big move to Chelsea.

    You have had the opportunity of coming on as substitute for him in few matches, what encouragement has he given you?

    Normally this has helped  to make me more known in the team,substituting the captain of the team and also one of the biggest elements of the squad worldwide; this opportunity has really motivate me to work more and the expectation will always be big.

    What inspiration did that give you?

    To work hard and also keep a good mark there in the club and for the city also

    How did you make your breakthrough in football?

    Long journey and I can’t explain everythinghere. I played my youth football in Benin City, Edo state and luckilywas scouted in a tournament in Owerri. I was scouted and made my move to FC Porto

    What kind of player is Mikel Aguand what makes you happy as a person?

    Good with area balls and  also goodwith using the ball. I’m also aggressive but my style depends on what coachneeds because every coach is with different tactics.The thing that makes me happy is my family (son and wife) andtheyare always here with me

    Have you decided with your wife the number of children you are going to have?

    Yes, we’ve  planned for just two

    What has been your best moments playing for the Super Eagles?

    For me,  my best moment so far was when we qualified for the World Cup Russia 2018  after our victory  against Zambia in Uyo

    Russia 2018 World Cup is around the corner, what are your personal objectives?

    My personal objective is to give my best for the country if been given the opportunity

    What Will be a good World Cup performance for the Super Eagles in Russia?

    No one know yet what will be the best performance but  we all know the group is a tough one; so every game is very important.

    Is playing Croatia, Iceland and Argentina a difficult assignment?

    For sure,  all these countries in the group are all difficult games. We know that we have the best teams at the World Cup. Imagine how many countries we have in the world but only 32 countries made it,so you can see there won’t  be any pushovers.

    What are your plans at the end of this season in Turkey?

    My plan after the end of season is to represent the country at the World Cup in Russia.

    What’s your definition of fashion and what kind of dressing you don’t like?

    I like corporate dressing

    What would you have done if not being a professional footballer?

    To become an engineer; a mechanical engineer but most time you don’t know what I would have been doing right now, sometimes life gives you what you never wished for.

  • Abuja, not that dream capital

    SIR: STwo critical reasons for establishing Abuja away from Lagos as the administrative capital of Nigeria were for defence of the country and centrality to and easy accessibility to all regions and people of the country. A capital free from the stranglehold of natives, a model city and home to all responsible Nigerians seeking to live and do business in it.

    The planners of this city were smart but the executors aren’t. Why aren’t there world class model cities near Abuja?

    Everything starts and ends in the heartland. The beauty of the city rises inside of the heartland and falls as you drive outside of it. Many people who live outside of this city aren’t happy, they can’t be, because the surrounding cities pass for slums – they aren’t zoned and planned as the one-city Abuja and the aesthetics in these places are nothing to write home about. Many of the people who live inside of Abuja city aren’t happy either because no-one is in charge to control the rising cost of living. Costs of housing, of public transportation connecting high-brow areas in the city are throat-cutting.

    What is totally not acceptable is to have one beautiful city and slums surrounding it. In Egypt, governments over time tried to de-congest Cairo (though not yet successful) by building many model cities outside of it. Whatever you can find in Cairo, you can also find in the many well-planned satellite cities outside of Cairo.

    Not so here in Abuja. In the FCT, there are too many empty houses with high perimeter walls with no people living in them save for security men, many of whom say they haven’t seen their landlords in decades.

    The money used to build Abuja should have been invested in human capital and physical infrastructures. Bad politics and greed prevented the following, astutely, of the blue-print for the development of Abuja. The surrounding towns are becoming a magnet for the good, the bad and the ugly.

    The Gwari (Gbagi) people, the main inhabitants of Abuja many of whom now live in the suburbs have complained and are still complaining that they were not adequately compensated by the federal government and this is a recipe for trouble in future.

    Most of the economic assets in Abuja are owned by southerners and in a fragile nation like Nigeria, a north/south divide resentment on the part of the natives can trigger an ethnic clash.

    The money used to build Abuja should have been invested in the economy all around Nigeria and probably would have made Nigeria an economic giant like South Korea.

     

    • Simon Abah,

    Abuja.

  • Dare to dream?

    A few years ago, I made a presentation at an entrepreneurial workshop. Among other things, my task was to help the participants see possibilities that had erstwhile eluded them. So, I decided to engage them in a little exercise. I gave them the following instructions: “I want you to close your eyes and imagine the story I’m about to tell you. If at any point you find the story unrealistic or stupid, open your eyes.” Of course they agreed to the “Simple” activity.
    I said, “Imagine you are riding a bicycle down a familiar street. You are waving at friends and acquaintances. Suddenly, you find yourself riding on top of trees, and then you find yourself riding on the water in a swimming pool. Now you can stop riding and open your eyes”. Guess how many people still had their eyes closed by the end of my story? You got that right! Very few! As can be expected, some of the participants opened their eyes when I mentioned cycling because they had never cycled. Quite a number of them understandably opened their eyes when I got to the part of riding on top of trees. However, by the time I got to the part of riding on water, almost all the eyes were staring at me as though I had gone insane. I’m sure you are also wondering how I came up with the “silly” story.
    My purpose was to find out how many of the participants were inhibited in their minds. Think of this. How much does it cost to dream or imagine? Nothing right? They couldn’t have been injured by riding a bicycle for the first time in their minds could they? Since they controlled the pictures in their minds, they could ride a bicycle on water and float couldn’t they? Why then do people find it so difficult to dream or use their imagination? According to Albert Einstein, “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world”. Imagination is our only connection between where we are and where we want to be. If we cannot travel in our minds, we will never take a step in reality.
    Imagination is a “free” component of the human mind. It can take us anywhere we want to go, that is, if we wish to go somewhere. Several of us have built a protective wall in our minds. Unfortunately, the wall that keeps us safe inside may also keep good things out. The kind of information we store in our minds can determine how far our imaginations can go.
    We must deliberately monitor the kind of information we expose our minds to because they form our beliefs and our beliefs create the boundaries of our lives. According to Sarah Vowell, “The only thing more dangerous than an idea is a belief”. Peace Pilgrim also said, “If you realise how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought”. Do you want to be a leader, an influencer or an achiever? Allow your mind to dream freely about what you desire for your future. It doesn’t cost you a thing! After you have created a solid vision of your future, the vision will pull you towards that future as you work diligently to achieve it. Dream big, reach far and break boundaries.
    I look forward to reading your stories of great successes and your comments. Share your views by visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu.

  • Why youths and children don’t dream

    SIR: The leaders of the bygone era didn’t wait for opportunities to be thrown at them. They took them. The difference between theirs and this generation is that while the old generation read widely, interacted widely and consulted widely, the new-fangled generation do not. They love being mummied after which they go on blaming everyone but themselves for failures.

    Books on ‘character building’ are missing in school bookshops in Nigeria. What we have are laced with religious stories. Unfortunately, these books have had little or no impact. Some parents want their children whose mental ages are fit for primary one to be placed in primary three. In the good old days, children completed primary 6, proceeded to secondary school, submitted efforts for WASC/GCE ‘0’ level, gained admission to the Higher School Certificate (HSC) class and studied for two years before going to university.

    The culture of sending children for internship/work for a year or two so that goodly character can be formed before they gain admission to study in ivory towers, is no more.

    How can youths dream in a country where not many people have heard of or even read the powerful speech by Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey of Achimota college Ghana, titled ‘The lost Black and White Keys’? Where are the leaders to share such knowledge with them? Such much-needed leadership would address intemperate behaviour, intolerance and brinkmanship until they vanished out of our national life.

    A nation is built when children are taught by forebears to not only build themselves up but to also help build up others.

    Pat Utomi, at 27, couldn’t have been an adviser to President Shehu Shagari if he was a man of straw. President Shagari chose him because of his policy of surrounding himself with the best people. Utomi never bothered working for a Fulani. The youngsters of today work within borders. Pat Utomi was ready when the opportunity came. He didn’t pray himself into the job.

    I see massive disrespect from youngsters for elders and can’t help but wonder, are these the crop of people to lead Nigeria? These people who show no respect and can’t communicate?

    Young men have been taught to denigrate “those people” and are never willing to travel to the lands of “those people” to win friendships and promote goodwill.

    Take a walk to the university community and see for yourself how students dress and talk. Look at congress, called upon by union leaders, and hear curses against school management and you wonder if they know what it takes to work with the community as a whole.,

    Education in Nigeria is a stand-alone type of education which does not teach graduates the importance of having a sense of duty to the country. This is made worse by the fact that we believe too much in material and not non-material objectives. Further, we rely on the acquisition of certificates and not emphasis on self-education.

    Children of the rich and youths don’t dream because they are future-blind. How can they convince the dotage, their peers, to be given the chance to move Nigeria in a new direction for greatness?

     

    • Simon Abah,

    Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

  • Moshood Mustapha’s rumoured dream

    All men dream, but not equally. While some dream of endless riches and exclusive vacations in exotic spots, others like Moshood Mustapha harbour the dream of ruling their home state one day. The question on everyone’s lips now is whether the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Intra-Parliamentary Affairs has the wherewithal to back up his ambition with action and make it a reality.

    For a while now, news of the socialite cum politician’s desire to contest the governorship seat of Kwara State in 2019 has been making the rounds. Like the cunning tortoise, Moshood has been hiding inside his shell, waiting to see the direction the wind will blow before confirming or denying his rumoured ambition.

    While Moshood’s reticence in the matter might not be unconnected with alleged troubles on the home front, his close pals are drumming support ahead of the next general election. Even as speculations mount in some quarters that Mustapha will be the anointed candidate of the Senate President for the hot seat of Kwara State governor come 2019, others have dismissed him as a political neophyte bereft of the war chest and popular support needed to push a bid of such magnitude.

    It is left for social watchers to wait and see what happens in the end.

  • How Adebayo inspired my governorship dream, by Ajimobi

    How Adebayo inspired my governorship dream, by Ajimobi

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State moved his audience to an emotional applause last week when he revealed how a 1967 contact with the late Military Governor of Western State, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, inspired the dream of becoming a governor in him.

    Ajimobi also recalled in the history, how he ended up marrying the then young girl that presented a flower bouquet to the governor, who is today Mrs Florence Ajimobi.

    He was giving tributes on behalf of the governors of the six Southwest states at the ‘day of tributes’ ceremony which was one of the week-long activities for the final burial of the late military governor.

    At the event which was held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan were Senate President, Bukola Saraki, state governors, senators, traditional rulers, top military and para-military officers and other eminent Nigerians.

    Ajimobi recalled that Adebayo, while serving as military governor at the time, visited Bodija International School, Ibadan where he was given a state welcome.

    He recalled that the special honour accorded the visitor so much inspired him to dream of attaining the same position so he could be so honoured in the society.

    According to him, he immediately prayed God to make him governor some day, using Adebayo as a point of contact.

    The governor recalled with nostalgia, how Adebayo conducted himself and lived his life with utmost dignity which he said was impressive enough to inspire people to aim high in life.

    Expressing gratitude to God for answering his prayers, Ajimobi said God crowned the answer to his prayer by giving him  the then young girl that presented the welcome flower bouquet to Adebayo in the 1967 event as  wife. She is Mrs Florence Ajimobi.

    The audience was moved to an emotional applause on hearing the story.

    The governor urged the audience to embrace the habit of using successful people as a point of contact in their prayers if the wish to succeed like them.

    He emphasized that the dignity and effectiveness that marked out the late Iyin-Ekiti-born hero made it difficult for him to survive in partisan politics when he joined the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) after his retirement from the Nigerian Army.

  • Not yet the Abuja Carnival of their dream

    Not yet the Abuja Carnival of their dream

    This year’s Abuja Carinval, to many, witnessed the lowest turn-out since inception 10 years ago. But government says things are not as bad as critics have painted, Sharon Obi and Jean Ambele writes 

    Critics note that although the just concluded 2016 edition of the Abuja Carnival, which held between December 3 and December 6, was planned to be the biggest in Africa, there were some lapses in the planning.

    The carnival was inaugurated in 2005 as an annual event but did not hold in 2014 due to lack of enough resources to run it.

    However, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, recently made frantic efforts to return the event by constituting a committee on the even that planned the just concluded edition.

    Reviewing the activities before and during the 2016 edition of the carnival, Mr Biodun Abe, Head, Organising Committee of Abuja Carnival and the Artistic Director, Federal Ministry of Information and culture, however, said the critics were not completely right with the observation.

    According to him, the carnival has grown since its inception in 2005 and it has met its objectives of presenting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

    “I am happy the carnival was successful, maybe not exactly as I would have loved it to be or as it used to be with almost all the states in attendance.”

    He said irrespective of all the challenges experienced during the event, the aim of the carnival was not lost.

    “The carnival is designed to give opportunity to participants to compete for awards in the various activities with the view of developing their creative abilities for economic empowerment.

    “It is also a platform to present and preserve the rich intangible cultural heritage of Nigeria available in all local government areas across the country.

    “It serves as magnet for the attraction of tourists into the country and the development of the tourism in the country.

    “All these were achieved, not minding how little the impact was felt. We know that there were lots of lapses this time which economic situation of the country contributed mostly to it,’’ Abe said.

    In his opinion, Mr Ezechuwku  Chimeze, a participant from Ebonyi, said in an interview that the carnival witnessed the lowest turn-out since inception 10 years ago.

    He also agreed that carnivals were not only about number but the fun-fairs, thrills and socio-economic development that they presented to people.

    He enjoined the organisers to look into the lapses encountered and write to the state governments — the major participants — on the way to improve the subsequent editions.

    Recalling some of the lapses, Mr Robert Okoji, Director of Culture, Ministry of Information, Culture and Strategy in Abia, observed that the organisers did not give enough attention to the welfare of contingents.

    “The committee did not do a good job on the welfare of the contingents; we were still on the road on the day of the opening.

    Okoji, the South-East Coordinator, Abuja Carnival 2016, nonetheless, expressed delight that the event ended well.

    In her view, Mrs Oluremi Melutia, the Director Culture, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ogun, also expressed dismay over logistics which she noted was not well handled.

    “I appreciate all the efforts to make 2016 carnival a reality but there were lots of problems with logistics such as accommodation, medicals and mobility, among others.

    “Contingents were sleeping outside, the ones that could afford alternative accommodation had to pay from the meagre money they had and probably budgeted for other things; I wish there would be an improvement next year,’’ Melutia said.

    Similarly, Mr Itodo Daniel, the Director Arts and Culture, Ministry of Arts and Culture, Kogi, observed that arrangement for the welfare of contingents was not too good.

    “However, I am very grateful to God that all our suffering and perseverance paid off as we emerged the overall winner of the event,’’ Daniel said.

    But some of the residents of Abuja blamed the low state participation and quality of event variety on the economic recession.

    Many of them also observe that participants were not properly guided on where the event would kick-start, arguing that while some believed it would start from Old Parade Ground in Area 10, Abuja and went there, the street carnival began from Eagles Square to Area 1.

    They note that since the carnival is expected to hold yearly, governments in all levels and the organisers are expected to fund the carnival and the participants, especially the next edition to provoke the success of the future editions.

    According to them, the carnival should be better publicised and the events are expected to be scheduled at convenient times in order to prevent delays.

    They advise the carnival committee to take note of the flaws of the just concluded carnival and work towards a better carnival in 2017.

    The carnival with the theme “Creative Industry: A Pivot to Economic Growth’’ is seen as the desire of the Federal Government to use the creative ingenuity of Nigerians to boost the nation’s economy at this period of dwindling oil prices.

    The carnival attracted more than 200,000 local and international participants consisting of contingents from the states.

    Others in the contingents are visitors, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, photographers, set/costume designers, artisans, students, security personnel, para-medics, traffic officers, officials of supporting agencies and media people.

    It was an event that brought together more than 250 cultures and diverse forms of entertainment in various events which ran for four days.

    The carnival events included the street carnival, durbar, children fiesta, boat regatta, masquerade, traditional cuisine and bush bar, arts and craft exposition and contemporary music fiesta.

    The arts and crafts exposition consisted of locally made works of textiles, leather, carvings, bronzes, beads, paintings and plaited baskets.

    The horses are decorated in rich costumes and their riders were usually adorned with swords, polished and rich traditional headwear and robes.

    The street carnival was made up of key players who were mostly acrobats, dancers, fire-swallowers, jugglers, live animal handlers and jesters.

    The traditional cuisine and bush bar were also organised to showcase a variety of Nigerian cuisine.

    Nasarawa State, Bauchi State, Abia, Katsina State, Gombe State, Ogun and Bayelsa emerged first in available categories while Kogi emerged overall winner with 12 awards.

    By and large, participants note that since Abuja carnival has been known to be a colourful and attractive annual event reputable in Africa, the organisers and the Federal Government ought to reposition it to continue in spreading the beauty of the cultural diversity of Nigeria.

  • Oshiomhole: recession stopped my dream for Edo

    Oshiomhole: recession stopped my dream for Edo

    Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said the sudden crash in the state’s finances prevented him from achieving his dreams for the state.

    The former governor said his administration was unable to execute already designed projects in many communities because of cash crunch.

    Oshiomhole spoke at the weekend at Auchi during a grand reception organised for him by political and traditional leaders in Edo North Senatorial District.

    He said he did not deliberately leave the projects undone or uncompleted, adding that the finances were not available.

    The former governor, who apologised for getting late to the event, said he had to attend the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Ondo State because Edo State needed a friendly neighbour to do business with.

    He apologised to those he might have offended but reiterated his stand on those he said he might also have offended while instilling discipline.

    Oshiomhole said his successor, Godwin Obaseki, was aware of the Edo dream and would surpass his achievements.

    He said: “There were many things we were committed to doing across the state, which we didn’t do due to the sudden crash in our finances.

    “In Akoko-Edo, there are many communities that need to be connected to the economy of the state. There were so many things to be done, which we couldn’t do. No government will be able to solve all the problems.

    “I thank God we have another APC governor, Obaseki. He understands the problem and knows what to do. We did our best in the 192 wards but we still have challenges. I know Godwin will tackle those challenges.

    “I want say I am sorry to those I may have offended without knowing, but the ones I did to instil discipline, I stand by it.

    “We were not perfect, but I thank you all for tolerating our excesses. Obaseki will do better than me. We pray God to guide him because I am happy he is a worthy successor.”

    Political leaders, who spoke at the event, urged the Federal Government to give Oshiomhole an assignment where he would use his abundant talents to serve Nigerians.

    A former Secretary to the Edo state Government (SSG) Simon Imuekhemen said the nation must not allow Oshiomhole’s abundant talents to be wasted.

    He said: “We want Oshiomhole to play the type of politics he played in Edo State at the national level so that Nigerians will benefit from him too. We want Nigerians to benefit from his talents. We don’t want him to be confined where people will not benefit from his intelligence.

    “We’re today proud to come from Edo North because Oshiomhole made all of us proud. The three senatorial districts of the state have benefited from Oshiomhole’s administration. I can tell you that Oshiomhole did three projects that we are very proud about here in Edo North. Firstly, the road from Ekperi to Anegbete; second is from Jattu to Emegbai and the Auchi erosion project.

    “We believe that no other governor would have done these three projects for us if he was not our son. We hold him in very high esteem and he is our great son. We know that Obaseki is going to do well, especially when he has a strong politician like his deputy, Philip Shaibu. We have no fear at all. This team will do wonderfully well for our people.”

     

  • ‘A dream come true’

    ‘A dream come true’

    Visiting Osogbo? You do not have to worry about where to stay. Aenon Suites and Hotel International Limited has opened in the Osun State capital. It promises to give customers and tourists to the Osun Osogbo Festival, value for their money. Ass

    Osun State tourism industry has received a boost with the opening of a multi-million naira hotel, Aenon Suites and Hotel International in Osogbo, the state capital.

    Located on two-and-a-half hectares of land in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), the 41-room  facility has not only changed the leisure and tourism landscape of the city, but has also lifted the quality of services in the industry.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Ademola Adedapo, said he was inspired to embark on the project by his experience in 2012. While trying to get a good hotel in Osogbo, he recalled, he drove round the state capital for several hours.

    He said: “In 2012 during one of my visits to Osun State, it was difficult for me to get an ideal hotel to stay. I went to about eight hotels, yet none was okay for me. The search lasted from 6pm to 9pm. So, this challenged me to start the hotel project and my dream was to have a standard hotel in Osogbo. Today, it is a dream come true,” he said.

    Adedapo, an engineer, may not be in the hospitality business, but he has stayed in standard hotels across the globe. He has taste, knows what he wants and which hotel will deliver quality services. He said the hotel’s plan and its facilities show that “we are here for business, and I would have opened the hotel last year but wasn’t ready with quality.”

    According to him, the long-term plan is to spread to other parts of the country and possibly sell the franchise to the world.

    On what makes the hotel unique, Adedapo said he hired  managers with performance indices, who are tasked to keep the place as new as possible.

    “If you appreciate quality and standard, Aenon is the place to be. I insisted in thoroughness and I have a taste for excellence, which influenced what we have here.

    ‘’Yet, it is affordable, and it is here for guests and as such should be affordable… We picked ideas from different hotels to give what we have now. We tried to model the hotel after a famous hotel in China. The beddings are modelled after Sheraton Dubai,” he added.

    Apart from quality and standard of service, Aenon Suites is located in a serene environment where security is guaranteed. It is equipped with facilities, such as conference hall for seminars, bar, event centre, business centre, restaurant, gym, sauna bath, swimming pool tennis court and laundry services. At Aenon Suites, every worker is a marketing officer whose target includes Osogbo, Ekiti State, Ibadan and its environs.

    istant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.