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Tag: exit

  • Recession exit: Insurance sales improve, says CIIN

    Recession exit: Insurance sales improve, says CIIN

    There has ben substantial improvement in the purchase of insurance policies to reflect that the country is out of recession, the President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mrs. Funmi Babington-Ashaye, has said.

    She made this known in an interview with The Nation, noting that the improvement in sales surpassed what was made last year. According to her, although, people have not started feeling the impact of the economy being out of recession, there is hope that things will get better soon.

    She said: “I can see a lot of commercial activities and also a lot of improvement in terms of insurance purchase. If we compare the improvement to what we have last year, we can agree with the Federal Government that technically we are out of recession. But it will take some time before people start feeling the positive impact.”

    Babington-Ashaye, who will be six weeks in office as the president of the Institute, said she will during her tenure make insurance awareness and enlightenment a common issue to be driven by all stakeholders in their various domains.

    She said there is need for insurance operators to confront the lack of general awareness, which is the greatest challenge facing the profession.

    She said: “People lack knowledge about insurance and its importance in all human endeavours, including business undertakings. This manifests in poor patronage of insurance products by the public and the unwillingness to choose insurance as a course of study by the youths.

    “As an Institute, we must continue to take deliberate steps to address these issues with a view to repositioning the profession in the psyche of the people. We must build on the past efforts of our predecessors and the awareness drive of other stakeholders in the industry.

  • Ajayi: Exit of a legal titan

    During my school days at Ilesa Grammar School in the late fifties and early sixties, we students always assemble once a day for morning devotion and our Principal’s address in the school assembly hall. This routine was however broken on one faithful Tuesday early in 1959 when we were summoned by our charismatic principal, the late Canon J A Akinyemi to assemble in the hall by 12 noon on that day. We students were baffled at this unexpected instruction. Many thought that we will be giving an unscheduled holiday for the rest of the day probably as a result of a development in the town. On my part, I was happy for the announcement because it saved me from the boredom of a Latin class coming up at 12noon that day.

    On getting to the assembly hall our principal introduced to us a well-dressed gentleman in a fine and well-tailored English suit with appropriate bowler hat to match. He was introduced to us as Dr.  Festus Adebisi Ajayi, an old student who just came from Britain with ‘the golden fleece’. We were told that he came back recently to Nigeria as a lawyer and he had the best student in his university in London. The announcement by our principal was greeted with an earth shaking applause.  He responded briefly by telling us to work hard in our studies. However, in my juvenile mind, I was confused how a man could be a lawyer at the same time a doctor. At any rate we were all happy that an old student of our school located in the interior of the country could achieve such an academic feat. His introduction on that day went a long way to inspire my generation to aspire to great heights in academics and this was further rekindled later in the year during the silver jubilee celebration of the school when the principal put up a big board with a roll of honour. On this board the names of many old students who had achieved academic excellence were inscribed. Prominent names in this board were those of Hezekiah Oluwasanmi, Olu  Ayoola, Yinka Ayoola, E. C. Araka, C. E. Chidozie, Festus Ajayi,  Kayode Eso, Alfa Belgore and others listed with their degrees. Many of us then determined that one day our names would be inscribed on the board.

    Dr. Festus Adebisi Ajayi was one of the most brilliant Nigerians and to his credit he was very humble about his achievements in academic field. After finishing his secondary school education at Ilesa Grammar school in 1943 with yet to be beaten record, he worked in the colonial Labour Department. From there he left for England in 1949 and there he enrolled at University of London for a degree in Law. It was at the university that he showed his prowess as an academic giant. In 1952 he was the only one placed in First Class honour division in the LLB examination of University of London and in that year he carted away all the scholarship and prizes in the university. His record was unbeaten for many years. The scholarship enabled him to pursue his LLM degree which he bagged in 1954. Dr. Ajayi became an Assistant Lecturer at the London School of Economics in 1955. At this prestigious school, he taught the erudite Professor Ben. Nwabueze and Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun, a notable banker and philanthropist. Dr. Ajayi got his PhD degree in law in 1958 and the title of his PhD thesis was ‘ The Judicial Approach to Customary Law in Southern Nigeria’.

    Just before completing the PhD degree, the late Dr. Ajayi was invited by the legendary Chief S. O. Adebo to join the services of the old Western Nigeria as a Senior Assistant Secretary which was a very senior post for a new comer in the service. He was later offered a higher post as the Deputy Commissioner for Law Revision in the Ministry of Justice. Dr. Ajayi’s career in the civil service was as distinguished and glittering as his sterling academic career. The Western Nigeria public service in Dr. Ajayi’s time was reputed to be the best in Africa under the late Chief Adebo and Dr. Ajayi contributed immensely to this reputation. He worked under the civilian administrations of Chief, Awolowo, Chief Akintola and Dr. Majekodunmi and the military administrations of Colonel Fajuyi, Brigadier Adebayo and Brigadier Rotimi. In his days as a public servant, he was apolitical and gave professional advices to his different heads of governments based on law. He was involved at a very close range in events such as the pre- independence political upheavals in Nigeria, the pre- independence constitutional conferences, the 1962, Federal Emergency Administration in Western Nigeria, the controversial Western Nigeria election of 1965 and the ensuing political crisis that followed, the coup of January 1966 and the counter coup of July 28 1966, the Biafra war and other events that put our country at the brink of disintegration. In his autobiography titled ‘IN OUR DAYS’ he narrated in the most succinct way, the intrigues during the Kampala Peace Meeting to end the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970. He participated in this meeting where a confidential secretary to the Nigerian delegation was abducted and killed.

    The late Dr. Ajayi’s greatest legacy was the revision of colonial laws in Western Nigeria to bring them in line with those required by independent sovereign nation. This aspect of his work was later copied by the federal government, the then other two regions in the country and some African countries. There is no law passed in the old Western Nigeria and Western state between 1959 and 1971 that did not have the input of the late Dr. Ajayi. These laws included those for good governance and those for establishment of institutions such as University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, Western Nigeria Broadcasting and Television services and the creation of Mid-West Region

    The late Dr. Ajayi retired from public service in 1972 as the Attorney General and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Justice. All in all he worked for 11 different governments. He consistently refused to be made a judge and he was made a Life Bencher and in 1990, after much persuasion, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) an honour he refused to take in 1977. After retirement he was offered the post of Professor of Law at the University of Ife by the late Professor Oluwasanmi, the Vice -Chancellor of that University. He refused this offer and instead he went into private practice.

    The late Dr. Ajayi was a rare Nigerian and despite his prodigious achievements in Law and public service he shunned all forms of publicity and ostentations. 1n 1965 he was awarded Order of the Niger (OON) which to me does not adequately reflect his prodigious contributions to law and constitutional development of our country. His life-long friend and class mate, the late erudite judge of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,  Kayode Eso described him as ‘a special specie of man who beat all known academic records in white man’s world and in one of the white man’s prestigious universities’. Professor Itse Sagay in 2003 described his brilliance and quiet life thus: ‘he was the first student ever to score 12 straight A’s in all the subjects he studied at the University. His first class degree was therefore unprecedented; a perfect one. That a man of such immense attributes has melted quietly into noisy and brash Nigerian environment for nearly three decades, is a sad loss to law and Nigerian polity as a whole’.

    The above sums up the life of this illustrious, erudite and quiet Nigerian, Dr. Festus Adebisi Ajayi. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

     

    • Lucas, a retired professor writes from University of Ibadan.
  • The exit of a star prince

    The exit of a star prince

    As evening approaches, as the final bend in the river of life comes in full view, and as one can see the lone terminus of a long journey, the crowd begins to thin dramatically. On behalf of the surviving members of the Cobra clan of the old University of Ife, snooper mourns the loss of hisboy ,indefatigable lieutenant and comrade in campus combustion, Prince Jimoh Ademola Adeniji-Adele. He was a stellar cub reporter for the Cobra News Agency.

    Some are born princes and some achieve principality. Ademola, aka “Akoke”, was a prince by birth and bearing. There was always something about his geniality, conviviality and genuine humility which reminds one of those remarkable nobility of ancient Yoruba lore. He was a true man of the people.

    Like his late much beloved brother, Sultan Adeniji Adele, who was a star mathematician, Demola was a star pupil scientist entering the old university at the precocious age of sixteen in 1972 and graduating near the top of his Chemical Engineering class five years later in 1977. He could easily have found his niche among Nigeria’s eminent Chemical Engineers, but like his ancestors and illustrious forebears, he chose the vocation of politics and social engineering instead.

    He was particularly outstanding as the Chairman of the Lagos Island Council, a post to which he brought his boundless energy and characteristic gifts of fairness and empathy for the people. Thereafter, as a formidable grassroots organiser and relentless hell-raiser, he played a prominent and heroic role in the struggle to actualize Abiola’s June 12 mandate, suffering harassment and subsequent incarceration in the process. Whenever this turbulent phase of Yoruba history in Nigeria is properly recorded, Ademola would be accorded his due place as one of the avatars of his people.

    In his last years despite failing health and dwindling political opportunities, the scion of Oba MusendikuAdeniji-Adele remained his cheerful, occasionally self-depreciating self often wondering what a top flight Chemical Engineer was doing in the murky political world of hand to hand combat and savage infighting.

    But he was neither daunted nor fazed by the prospects of looming political incapacitation. He remained till the end, a ferocious freedom fighter. Wherever he got whiff of political imbalance or inequity of opportunities, he would be there in the thick of battle often against wiser political calculations and judgement.

    Long after his earthly remains have been interred, this charming prince of Lagos will be remembered as an exemplar of the saying that nobility must have its obligations. Snooper remembers the prince with warmth and affection and for the unfailing civility and courtesy he accorded his former comrade and old editor in chief and mischief till the end. May Allah grant him eternal repose.

     

     

  • Torkula: The exit of a charismatic monarch

    Torkula: The exit of a charismatic monarch

    •Succession battle for Tor Tiv’s stool begins

    The Tiv nation is bereaved. The ageless palace wears a mournful look. The news reverberates throughout the ancient country that an exceptional monarch, educated statesman and shrewd businessman has departed. The Ters, Tyoors, Mbatereghs and Ator a Ukpandes and other community leaders are united in sorrow. The leading lights and commoners share in the grief. With the demise of the Tor Tiv, Begha-U-Tiv Orchivirigh Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, an important chapter has closed in the history of the Tiv Kingdom.

    The paramount ruler was a charismatic leader; dignified, patriotic and trusted by his subjects. Tor Torkula was the personification of unity, a bridge builder, a detribalised leader bubbling with cosmopolitan disposition, and a consummate traditional politician held in high esteem beyond the shores of Benue State. He succeeded the late Chief Akperan Orshi.

    Until his demise about a week ago, the fourth Tor Tiv, who was installed in April 1991, was the Chairman of Benue State Council of Chiefs and Pro-Chancellor of the Michael Okpara University, Umudike, Abia State. In the late 90s, he was the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Governing Council. He was 71.

    From Gboko, the traditional seat of government and centre of commerce through the adjacent farming local governments, districts, towns and villages in Benue, to other Tiv abodes in Narasawa, Taraba, Cross River and even Cameroun, kith and kin reconnect with their ancestral home. Having joined his ancestors, his staff of office, according to tradition, was handed over to government, amid sober reflection by members of the royal household, loyal chiefs and subjects who embraced the reality of his exit.

    Torkula mounted the throne at a very challenging period. He was a man of peace. But the hand of the political authority was heavy on the traditional institution. As the bridge between the government and the people, the institution has become a tool of political manipulation. The Tiv have not been relegated in the politics of Benue, but the era of Tor Tiv Torkula was not absolutely peaceful. Inter-communal clashes rekindled old wounds and memory of generational rift between Tiv and Jukum and other smaller ethnic groups. Some Tiv villages were invaded by interlopers who were inspired by tribal hate. The kidnapping and assassination of prominent Tiv, including Ternenge Labe, a renowned pharmacist, generated bitterness. The palace was also alleged to have taken sides in divisive politics, thereby creating an impression of favouritism and lack of neutrality.

    But eminent Nigerians have showered encomiums on the great ruler. Benue State Governor, Dr.  Samuel Ortom, who mourned his demise, described him as an extraordinary ruler who loved his kingdom and protected the interest of his people. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saa’d Abubakar, noted his contributions to education and economic development of his domain. He described him as an educationist who ensured that his people moved from illiteracy to literacy; a businessman who created avenues for incomes for many of his subjects.”

    The origin of Tiv people is somehow shrouded in controversy. It has been a land of people of valour from time immemorial. Reflecting on the race’s journey to modernity, Torkula traced Tiv’s origin to the Bantu people of the Democratic Republic of Congo from where they migrated to their present location. This assertion may have been validated by the striking similarity in both phonetics and semantics between Tiv language and Bantu Nyaza.  Also, other historians believe that the old generation of Tiv migrated from Swem in Akwaya sub-division of Cameroun and finally settled in the Benue valley. As they migrated, they came in contact with different ethnic groups in the valley, including Jukum, Etulo, Abakwa, Chamba, Idoma, Igede, Udam, and Ugee. Owing to Tiv military strength, they overcame these tribes, sent them away and subsequently occupied the valley.

    Most Tiv people tend to have a highly developed sense of genealogy. The tribe relishes oral tradition and tale telling. Through this medium, the history and culture are inherited from generations to generations. Ancestry is traced to an ancient individual named Tiv, who had two sons-Chongo and Pusu. These two lineages are divided into smaller branches.

    A key element of the Tiv society is its egalitarianism. In the beginning, there was no central authority. Every man was ruler of his house. People lived in compounds. Compounds formed clans and clans formed districts. There were no administrative divisions, chiefs and councils. Leadership was based on age, influence and affluence. The leader thrown up was to ensure good conduct, arbitrate disputes within lineages and lead the people to war.

    Up to the 19th Century, the North was under the hegemony of the Fulani, who commonly referred to Tiv as “Munchi.”  But the exposure of the Tiv to education by missionaries connected them with modernisation. Following the British conquest of the Muslims, the colonial authorities placed the administration of Tiv villages under a Jukum chief. It was a total failure. The Tiv rioted. In response, the British created a three-tiered system of councils for the independent-minded people at kindred, clan and tribal levels.

    In the 40s, Tiv became the largest ethnic group in the Middle Belt, far larger than their Jukum rivals. The nation was growing rapidly. Attempts to impose Muslims chiefs on Tiv failed again, with Tiv warriors attacking government installations and Jukums. The British was compelled to establish the office of Tor Tiv, with rights and duties similar to the Northern Muslim emirs. Thus, ascendancy to the Tor Tiv is not hereditary.

    But the first Tor Tiv, the late Makir Zakpe, was suspended from office by the Northern Regional Government when he refused to act as the agent of the government in its bid to impose feudal ideas on the republican people. But his installation halted the move by Fulani to inaugurate an emirate ruling dynasty for the Tiv.  In pursuit of emancipation, the Tiv, along with other non-Muslim national groups, formed the Northern Non-Muslim League. In 1950, it changed its name to the Middle Zone League and the group agitated for the separation of Tiv from Northern Region and creation of a separate region from the North. At independence, Tiv gave victory to the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) of Joseph Tarka.

     

    Succession battle for Tor Tiv’s stool begins

    Instructively, since nature harbours no vacuum, the battle for succession to the throne of the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation has already begun. News of the deceased Tor Tiv’s death broke on Monday, about one week after he took ill in Gboko and had to be rushed to Abuja for treatment.

    It came as no surprise that the entire Tivland was in mourning mood for most parts of the week over the death of the traditional ruler, described by the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of Northern Traditional Council of Chiefs, Dr. Abubakar Sa’ad II, as a bridge builder who led his people into prosperity and peace in his chiefdom and the Northern Region.

    “It is a sad moment to the council but we take solace that during his reign, he contributed immensely to the development of Tiv kingdom and the Northern Region. Our only prayer is that whosoever succeeds him will continue with the good works he set on ground,” said the Sultan as he inadvertently set a task for Tiv kingmakers.

    Already, a group known as Tiv Youths Association (TYA) has begun lobbying for the former Attorney – General of the Federal and Minister of Justice, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, to be the next Tor Tiv.

    The spokesman of the group, Elder Samuel Iorshe, told The Nation on the phone that the next Tor Tiv should be a man with proven records of public service coupled with wide experience, so as to command respect among the other ethnic groups in the country.

    Elder Iorshe stated that in the 21st Century, the Tiv people, regarded as the fourth largest ethnic group in the country, should have a leader who can stand tall among the people without feeling inferior.

    According Iorhse, with the continued killing of Tiv farmers and occupation of their farmlands by Fulani herdsmen , the next Tor Tiv should be a man who would speak against such atrocities without fear or favour .

    The group said with the exposure of Chief Mike Aondoakaa as a lawyer and former Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF) with wide experience in public service, the cap of the late Alfred Akawe Torkula fits him and he should be encouraged to contest the stool.

    Benue-based publisher, Mr. Maurice Tsav, said he would prefer the current chairman of Ushongo Traditional Council, Chief Ambrose Iortyer, who he described as a perfect gentleman with rich experience in Tiv culture, to succeed the late Alfred Torkuala. Mr .Tsav said Chief Iotyer should be encouraged to succeed the late Torkula.

    According to sources, the aspirants also include the former Press Secretary to the Tor Tiv and currently the Ter Nagi, Chief Ayua Abomtse, and the Ter Guma, Chief Ivokor Unongo. But, the race will not be a walk over for any contender.

    The Tiv Kingdom has five political blocs, namely Jerchira, Sankera, Jemgbah, Kwande, and MINDA (Masev, Ihyarev and Nongov).  It was gathered that prominent traditional rulers in the various blocs have already commenced consultations to determine which chiefdom will produce the next Tor Tiv.

    If succession is zoned by polical bloc, it will be Kwande’s turn, some have argued. This, they say, is based on the fact that the first Tor Tiv was HRM Makir Dzakpe from Vandeikya LGA (Jechira). The second was HRM Gondo Aluor from Logo LGA, (Sankera). The third was HRM Akperan Orshir from Buruku LGA (Jemgba). The fourth was HRM Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula from Guma LGA (Minda). Based on the above analysis, it would mean that in Tivland, it is only Kwande that is left to produce the Tor Tiv.

    However, there is an argument as to the legitimacy of using a rotational arrangement meant for political positions for succession to the headship of the Tiv Traditional Council.

    According to this school of thought, the Tor Tiv title traditionally rotates among the two branches of the Tiv family, namely the Ipusu and the Ichongo branches. Thus HRM Makeri Dzakpe was Ipusu; HRM Gondo was Ichongo; HRM Akperan Orshi was Ipusu, while HRM Akawe, the Tor Tiv who just passed on, was Ichongo. Naturally, according to them, it is the turn of the Ipusu now to produce the Tor Tiv. They insist that it would amount to bastardising the Tiv culture if these filial branches are jettisoned for mere political gains.

    However, a third view is that there should be a hybrid of the two arrangements, since in most cases, the political blocs are made up of people from the Ichongo and the Ipusu branches of the Tiv family. In this case, a traditional ruler from the Ipusu branch from Kwande should become the Tor Tiv.

    Whatever the case, the Tiv are getting set to welcome a new traditional ruler with the departure of the Tor Tiv 1V, Orchivirigh Alfred Akawe Torkula.

    Salient facts about the Tiv race

    Regarded as the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, the Tivs, believed to have migrated from Congo, are spread around four states, namely Taraba, Nassarawa, Adamawa and Benue, in what was then known as the Benue Province.

    The Tor Tiv is regarded as the leader of Tiv people not only in Nigeria but anywhere in the world. He is regarded as the custodial of Tiv culture. Part of the myths surrounding the stool, according to palace sources, is that the ancestral god of Tiv people known as Swem , is kept in his palace. Anyone who wrongly takes an oath in front of Swem would see his leg and stomach swollen and would die from the resultant discomfort.

    Therefore, every Tiv man dreads the Swem. Incidentally, every Tor Tiv must take an oath before Swem before he ascends the throne of the Tiv in Gboko, which serves as the ancestral headquarters of the Tiv people. It is in this bustling town that the palace of the Tor Tiv is located. .

    Today, the Tor Tiv is not just the custodian of Tiv culture, it has become the rally point for Tiv people worldwide in the agitation for their political and economic rights, which they have been doing successfully as evident in the recent Fulani invasion of Tivland.

    Those saddled with the responsibility of selecting a new Tor Tiv are all second class chiefs (king makers) in the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas of Benue. They are known as Uter(kings).

    Upon the completion of the selection process, they will formally forward the name of the nominated individual to the governor who would present him with a staff on the day chosen for his installation.

  • Grand exit of hard working teacher

    Grand exit of hard working teacher

    The multipurpose hall of Agege Senior Government College, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos shimmered blue and gold from the dress code of guests, who trooped in to send off the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TG/PS), Lagos Education District 1, Mrs Florence Ogunfidodo, as she retires from teaching.

    Many, who worked with Mrs Ogunfidodo, testified of her virtues of hard work and humility at the event, none the least of whom was, Dr Yinka Ayandele, who took over from her as TG/PS.

    She said: “I learnt about perseverance on the job from Mrs Ogunfidodo. Perseverance ensures that you give effective and qualitative service to humanity, because education is about service to humanity and development of human beings. What she (Mrs Ogunfidodo) has done as far I am concerned is to ensure that all wastages are removed, to have a clean baseline and I am going to build on that foundation.”

    Retired TG/PS, Education District IV, Otunba Ayo Obajimi, also praised Mrs Ogunfidodo’s humility.

    “I always knew her to be of exemplary humility and, of course, highly dedicated to duty. When she attained the level of a PS, I was surprised that she did not change.

    “She still gave the same respect she used to give when I was her supervisor. That makes her someone of special humility and thank God for her, but that humility did not stop her from being hardworking to the point that every school where she was the principal got an award and she also got an award as the best principal of her time. So, her appointment is a good reward for hard work and I congratulate her,” he said.

    Obajimi advised the retiree to take her time to make calculated business decisions.

    “Retirement is the period when we expect her to relax and look very well before she leaps into the business world and be sure that she only goes into profitable business if she needs to at all. We have a lot of friends who people have been able to dupe of their resources after retirement. Naturally, she is to devout more time into the service of God and other humanitarian activities that she normally had no time for. With all that and with good rest, God will give her longevity in Jesus name,” he said.

    Mrs Ogunfidodo was full of joy and gratitude to God for a fulfilling career.  She thanked the Lagos State government for giving her the opportunity to serve.

    “I give glory to the almighty God. It has been God alone. If not for Him, what can I say? I thank the Lagos State government for the opportunity given to me to serve even from being a teacher to the peak of being a tutor general permanent secretary,” she said.

    The retiree advised colleagues still in service to be diligent.

    “My advice to teachers is that they should continue the hard work, they should be loyal and dedicated, because without their loyalty and hard work, there is nothing. We all want to move Lagos state forward to the highest level. So, I pray for them that they should be able to move Lagos state education family to the next level and so shall it be,” she said.

  • Eventful exit for Customs chief

    Eventful exit for Customs chief

    A day after resigning as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dikko  Abdullahi inaugurated a hospital for the service, accompanied by Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and other dignitaries. REMI ADELOWO reports

    Well, it was not a bad way to leave the scene. When Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Dikko Abdullahi bade farewell to the service, he was in good company. In the crowd of top officers  was Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

    There was more than that. Abdullahi also had the honour to flag off a hospital built for NCS staff.

    That Tuesday at the servivce headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), officers and men of the para-military organisation discussed the exit of their boss.

    Many officers and men of the organisation who spoke to our correspondent, disclosed that the former CG’s era was a turning point in the NCS, with outstanding successes recorded.

    At about midday, the Katsina State-born, accompanied by some aides, left the Customs headquarters for Karu, on the outskirts of Abuja, venue of the commissioning of the ultra-modern Nigeria Customs Service Hospital.

    Other very senior officers, including Deputy Comptrollers General (DCGs), Assistant Comptrollers Generals (ACGs) and Comptrollers soon arrived at the venue for the grand ceremony.

    One hour later, the Special Guest of Honour, Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State arrived. He was warmly received by Dikko and his management team comprising  DCGs John Atte, A.A Adewuyi, T.A Musa, I.M Mera and A.C Nwosu.

    After a brief inspection of the guard of honour by Governor El Rufai, the event, which was coordinated by the spokesman of the NCS, Wale Adeniyi, a Deputy Comptroller, began in earnest.

    First to come to the podium to give the welcome address was ACG Grace Adeyemo, who was the Chairman of the Hospital Committee. That was quickly followed with a brief remark by the Chief Medical Officer of the NCS, Dr. Nanman Nandang.

    And then came the introduction of the man of the moment, Dikko Inde Abdullahi. His address lasted only three minutes. He explained the vision behind the construction of the hospital, which he noted, was conceived in order to enhance the welfare and health of Customs personnel. He also assured that as part of the Customs’ corporate social responsibility, the hospital would cater for the health challenges of people living within the Karu community and beyond.

    It was now the turn of el-Rufai to deliver his speech. Expectedly he did not disappoint. After commending the Customs’ management for the completion of the multi-billion naira hospital, which boasts of state of the art medical facilities, the governor equally showered encomiums on Abdullahi, whom he said has displayed exemplary leadership attributes as CG of NCS.

    He told the gathering that Abdullahi’s decision to quit when the ovation was loudest bears eloquent testimony to his patriotism and resolve to allow for his younger colleagues to contribute their quota to the development of the organisation.

    The governor said, “The CG’s resignation to allow for the younger generation to run the Customs is highly commendable. While many others in privileged positions are lobbying to retain their seats, the CG (Abdullahi) lobbied to leave. For this, he deserves commendation.”

    He further noted that the successful completion of the hospital could be largely traced to the reforms of the NCS initiated by the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, part of which gave the Customs to retain about 10 percent of the revenue it generates.

    He, however, added that beyond the funds available to the NCS to execute the project, the vision and political will of the Abdullahi-led management was largely instrumental to the successful completion of the hospital.

    Shortly afterwards, the governor cut the tape to formally declare the complex open. Thereafter, he and other senior officers were conducted round the hospital by Dr. Nandang.

    Impressed with the sophisticated equipment the hospital boasts off, Governor El Rufai tasked his Commissioner of Health, who was present to look at the possibility of replicating the project in all the local government areas of the state.

    Back to the NCS headquarters, as officers and men of the Service waited in bated breath the countdown to Abdullahi’s last moments on the hot seat.

    The moment everybody had been waiting for finally came. Dikko, accompanied by other senior officers, descended briskly from his office located on the fourth floor, to the parade ground to take his final inspection of a guard of honour mounted by men of the NCS.

    At this point, every available space within the expansive premises had been occupied by officers and men, who left their various officers to capture the occasion with their phones.

     

  • Exit of a matriarch

    Exit of a matriarch

    The remains of the wife of former Daily Times Managing Director Prince Henry Odukomaiya, Madam Rachael Aduke Odukomiya, were laid to rest at the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens, Lagos, after a funeral service at the Yaba Baptist Church last Friday. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    After 20 years’ battle with cancer, it was time for Mrs Rachael Aduke Odukomaiya to take her rest. She was celebrated by her children and family members for fighting a good fight. She died on July 9.

    She was 73.

    She was fondly called Aduksbaby.

    For three days, the rites of her passage were held. On Wednesday, last week, there was a recital of reminiscences at her residence off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. The next day, a wake was held at one of the halls of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, GRA.

    The ceremonies were rounded off with a funeral service last Friday at the Yaba Baptist Church, where many – young and old– gathered to pay their last respects and bid her a final farewell.

    A motorised hearse with a plate number made of the picture and names of the deceased brought her remains into the church.

    In a sermon, Rev Steve Ogunbade of the First Baptist Church, Idikan, Ibadan, extolled the virtues of the late Mrs Odukomaiya, who “came, lived and conquered.”

    Describing her as a rare gem and great disciplinarian, who was always well dressed, he urged all to see the gathering as a celebration and not for mourning.

    Rev Ogunbade warned all to be conscious of the brevity of life, and see death as a necessary end that will  call any time.

    After the service, a handful of the deceased’s  close relatives moved to the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens for the interment, while others went to the Habour Point on the Dockyard, Victoria Island for the reception.

    Guests wore orange attires with silver head gears. The children and grandchildren of the deceased were uniformly dressed.

    At the ceremony were Lagos Chief Judge Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade; National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Senior Pastor Trinity House Church Ituah Ighodalo; Past MD/CEO Nigeria Airspace  Agency Nnamdi Udoh; Publisher Vanguard Newspaper Sam Amuka-Pemu; Managing Director Champion Newspaper Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa and Senator Ike Nwachukwu, among others.

  • Exit of a loving father

    Exit of a loving father

    The eighth day prayer for Chief Adeyinka Opeifa, the late Baba Adinni of  Surulere Central Mosque and father of former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, has been held at the Police College in Ikeja, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    In solidarity with their colleague, members of the immediate past Lagos State Executive Council joined former Commissioner for Transport Kayode Opeifa at the eighth day prayer for his father, the late Chief Adeyinka Opeifa, who was Baba Adini of Surulere Central Mosque. The event, which was held at the Police College, Ikeja, attracted eminent Islamic clerics, family members and friends.

    Some of the guests, especially the women wore yellow lace with red headgears.  The late Opeifa’s children wore blue native attires.

    Five large tents erected on the college’s field were filled with guests. The clerics arrived before noon, waiting for the event to start.

    Alfa Agba of Lagos Tijani Gbajabiamila said the opening prayer; Abdul Afeez Milo from Oba Asafa Central Mosque in Orile Agege read some portions of the Quran.

    The Chief Imam of Surulere Central Mosque, Abdullahi Mustapha Jatto, led the prayers.

    In a sermon, Adam Abdullahi urged the gathering to live for humanity so that they would be remembered for their good deeds after their death.

    “Use what you have for the good of others because we will all die one day,” he said.

    Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde entertained guests at the reception held at the same venue.

    Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire said the late Opeifa  impacted on the lives of many.

    “He was a source of joy to all of us that God gave the grace to come across him,” she said.

    His son Kayode described him as honest and straight forward, adding that he was the kind of father everyone wants to have.

    “He taught me to be people-oriented; he spent all his life, money and resources serving people regardless of not knowing where they came from. He is amazing, someone I can always run to.

    “Sometimes, when you feel frustrated and rejected about some things and you need someone serious and objective to discuss the matter with, dad is someone you can go to. He speaks to you like a father and I will miss him for that,” he said.

    Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lateef Ibirogba said the gathering showed the deceased lived a fulfilled life.

    “From the children, we can see that he is a disciplinarian, he brought up his children well and he is the kind of father everyone should emulate. He was interested in developing other people and that is why we are all here to celebrate his life,” he said.

    Former Governor Babatunde Fashola’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Hakeem Bello said the late Opeifa lived an exemplary life.

    “He was a man who gave a lot to the service of the state; he was a gentleman and had given a lot in the service of the state. He lived a fruitful life and he is well celebrated,” he said.

    His daughter-in-law Abiodun described him as her father. She said he was intelligent and meant a lot to all.

    “He was someone that I personally love, he was my father and I will miss him a lot. I will miss his words of wisdom, I will miss his calls because he called everybody. I am from Ijebu and he knows many things about Ijebu land and all the towns in Ijebu, so, I’m going to miss the story of Ijebu land from him,” she said.

    In attendance were Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN); former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo; Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson Joe Igbokwe; former Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Yinka Babalola; former Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Wale Ahmed; former Special Adviser on Commerce and Industry, Seye Oladejo; former Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Demola Seriki; former Special Adviser for Works Ganiyu Johnson; former Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative Prince Gbolahan Lawal; APC women leader Mrs Kemi Nelson; APC Agege leader Yinka Ogundimu; Bisi Yusuf;  Akinsanya Ajose; Chief Safari Adaranijo; Comrade Femi Aborisade; Oba Alara of Ilara, Akeem Okunde Adesanya; Chief Solomon Ojolowo and Dr Amos Akingba, among others.

  • Exit of a loving father

    Exit of a loving father

    The eighth day prayer for Chief Adeyinka Opeifa, the late Baba Adinni of  Surulere Central Mosque and father of former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, has been held at the Police College in Ikeja, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    In solidarity with their colleague, members of the immediate past Lagos State Executive Council joined former Commissioner for Transport Kayode Opeifa at the eighth day prayer for his father, the late Chief Adeyinka Opeifa, who was Baba Adini of Surulere Central Mosque. The event, which was held at the Police College, Ikeja, penultimate Thursday attracted eminent Islamic Clerics, family members and friends.

    Some of the guests, especially the women wore yellow lace with red headgears.  The late Opeifa’s children wore blue native attires.

    Five large tents erected on the college’s field were filled with guests. The clerics arrived before noon, waiting for the event to start.

    Alfa Agba of Lagos Tijani Gbajabiamila said the opening prayer; Abdul Afeez Milo from Oba Asafa Central Mosque in Orile Agege read some portions of the Quran.

    The Chief Imam of Surulere Central Mosque, Abdullahi Mustapha Jatto, led the prayers.

    In a sermon, Adam Abdullahi urged the gathering to live for humanity so that they would be remembered for their good deeds after their death.

    “Use what you have for the good of others because we will all die one day,” he said.

    Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde entertained guests at the reception held at the same venue.

    Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire said the late Opeifa  impacted on the lives of many.

    “He was a source of joy to all of us that God gave the grace to come across him,” she said.

    His son Kayode described him as honest and straight forward, adding that he was the kind of father everyone wants to have.

    “He taught me to be people-oriented; he spent all his life, money and resources serving people regardless of not knowing where they came from. He is amazing, someone I can always run to.

    “Sometimes, when you feel frustrated and rejected about some things and you need someone serious and objective to discuss the matter with, dad is someone you can go to. He speaks to you like a father and I will miss him for that,” he said.

    Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lateef Ibirogba said the gathering showed the deceased lived a fulfilled life.

    “From the children, we can see that he is a disciplinarian, he brought up his children well and he is the kind of father everyone should emulate. He was interested in developing other people and that is why we are all here to celebrate his life,” he said.

    Former Governor Babatunde Fashola’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Hakeem Bello said the late Opeifa lived an exemplary life.

    “He was a man who gave a lot to the service of the state; he was a gentleman and had given a lot in the service of the state. He lived a fruitful life and he is well celebrated,” he said.

    His daughter-in-law Abiodun described him as her father. She said he was intelligent and meant a lot to all.

    “He was someone that I personally love, he was my father and I will miss him a lot. I will miss his words of wisdom, I will miss his calls because he called everybody. I am from Ijebu and he knows many things about Ijebu land and all the towns in Ijebu, so, I’m going to miss the story of Ijebu land from him,” she said.

    In attendance were Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN); former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo; Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson Joe Igbokwe; former Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Yinka Babalola; former Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Wale Ahmed; former Special Adviser on Commerce and Industry, Seye Oladejo; former Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Demola Seriki; former Special Adviser for Works Ganiyu Johnson; former Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative Prince Gbolahan Lawal; APC women leader Mrs Kemi Nelson; APC Agege leader Yinka Ogundimu; Bisi Yusuf;  Akinsanya Ajose; Chief Safari Adaranijo; Comrade Femi Aborisade; Oba Alara of Ilara, Akeem Okunde Adesanya; Chief Solomon Ojolowo and Dr Amos Akingba, among others.

  • What Jonathan must do before exit

    SIR: President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a good man. His administration will be ending on May 29. But please Sir, before you leave, do everything humanly and spiritually possible to give Nigeria fuel. It will be very sad to do otherwise because Nigerians may still require your service in other higher capacities in the future. So I want history to always see you as a good man that you are.

    Kindly disregard Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her antics that hardly jell in this fuel matter. I just cannot understand how she agreed Nigeria owes fuel importers but does not know the exact amount of debt because the transactions are in rolling nature.

    For example, about two weeks ago when Okonjo-Iweala had a meeting with the leadership of the fuel importers, she agreed that it was N154 billion that was paid to the importers; a week earlier she said N156 billion was paid to them. Honourable Minister, what exactly did you pay to the importers?

    On what is outstanding, the importers are claiming N200 billion; apparently, she does not know. Nigerians need to know: xactly how much does Nigeria owe the importers? Amazingly, Okonjo-Iweala says she cannot state categorically the amount due to the flux nature of the transaction. What an answer!

    Dear President, kindly look for money and settle whatever debt the importers say they are being owed. It will be honourable not to hand over this debt and the long queues Nigerians have been facing since three weeks now to the incoming government. You are a good and honourable man, doing this singular thing will make history and indeed Nigerians to wholeheartedly forgive you as you requested.

     

    • Okachikwu Dibia