The Nation Newspaper

Tag: forever

  • Forever in their hearts

    Forever in their hearts

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has held the maiden memorial lecture in honour of its late Senate President, Donald Onukaogu, who died alongside four others in a road crash in Abia State last year. The event took place at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). EMMANUEL AHANONU (Political Science, University of Calabar) reports.

    His death shook the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

    NANS former Senate President, Donald Onukaogu, died in a road crash on June 13, last year, with four other students on his way to the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) to intervene in a crisis.

    The NANS bus in which they were travelling had a head-on collision with a  vehicle coming from the opposite direction on the Umuahia-Ikot-Ekpene Federal Highway.

    Other victims were Jeremiah Sorkaa, Abdulazeez Oladimeji, Japheth Duru and Asa Ejieta.

    In Donald’s memory, the leadership of NANS held a lecture with the theme: The role of students’ activism in contemporary Nigeria democracy. The event was held at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where Donald was doing his Master’s degree programme  before his death. It was well-attended by students nationwide, especially FUTO students, who trooped to the Hall of Mercy, the venue of the event.

    The guests included the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students and Youths Affairs, Comrade Jude Imagwe, FUTO’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chigozie Asiabaka, represented by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof M.C. Ofor, Chairman of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Dr Chris Asoluka, who was the guest speaker, Vice-Chancellor of the Abia State University (ABSU) in Uturu, Prof Chibuzo Ogbuagu, represented by Comrade Emma Nwoke, and the Provost of Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Dr Blessing Ijioma, represented by Dr. G. N. Okorie.

    Officials of the students’ body and leaders of the various institutions’ Students’ Union Governments (SUGs) were also at the event but the NANS president, Yinka Gbadebo, was absent.

    In his lecture, Dr Asoluka recalled the struggle of students to promote good governance and social welfare, urging the students to keep faith with the objective of their struggle. He said NANS had history of compromise and betrayal by its most vocal comrades.

    He said: “In 1958, Ahmadu Ali, as a medical student at the then University College, was the General Secretary of National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS). In 1978, Ali was used by Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime to proscribe NUNS, which led to Ali-Must-Go protest.”

    He urged students to reject destructive demonstration that would make people  see NANS as body of hooligans, saying they must explore 3Cs approach to solve issues with authorities as was done by past students’ leaders. The 3Cs are consultation, consolidation and confrontation.

    Imagwe said the association would forever miss the service of late Donald, saying the deceased died in his prime. He recalled his last conversation with the late Donald the night before his death, saying he warned him and other dead student not to embark on night journey to Uyo.

    He said: “We could not reverse the time; we are now coping with the reality that Donald is no more. As huge as his frame was, he could not resist death. He was a friend, brother and a humble comrade; he could go to any length to please you.”

    It was testimonies galore as friends relive memories they had with the late Donald.

    Ikechukwu Okorie, the NANS Zone B co-ordinator, said the late Donald was agu ji egbe (lion with gun). He said: “I met him three years ago. He told me students’ struggle is not for the weak. You could call him anytime and he would respond and listen to you. He was my hero, a friend, brother and a leader.”

    Prof Ogbuagu, who spoke through Nwoke, said the memorial lecture was a good development that must be sustained to remind students of the objective of unionism.

    A  drama ensued when factional NANS Senate President, John Shima, was invited to make his tribute. Thunderous shouts of rejection by students greeted the call, ostensibly to register their displeasure over the factionalisation of the association.

    John was prevented to make his comment and forced to step down from the podium after being booed by the students.

    Speaking on behalf of the SUGs, the president of Anambra State University in Uli (ANSU), Ikenna Onyenweze, said Donald was a “good man”, urging students to emulate his principle.

    Prof Ofor praised the presidential aide and students, who graced the occasion, saying the overwhelming attendance showed the values students attached to their association.

  • Aunty Ngozi: Forever is thy memory

    Aunty Ngozi: Forever is thy memory

    Philip James Bailey, an English poet, rightly observed that “it matters not how long we live, but how.” An anonymous writer also said: “What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.”

    I totally agree with these opinions.

    Exactly two years ago, student-writers across campuses woke up on Democracy Day and got a shocking news of the death of Mrs Ngozi Agbo, who was fondly called Aunty Ngozi by CAMPUSLIFE correspondents. Like a wild fire, the news spread across campuses and higher institutions were almost shut as though, she was the Visitor to all Nigerian schools.

    Aunty Ngozi’s demise dealt a terrible blow on students’ collective psyche. The matriarch of our much-cherished pen family, we learnt, had kicked the bucket on Monday, May 28, after giving birth to a baby boy. We were sad and, indeed, we almost thought an end had come for the well-thought CAMPUSLIFE project.

    However, two years after her departure, it is heart-warming that her brainchild, a weekly pullout in The Nation, is still making impact across campuses.

    Since its inception, CAMPUSLIFE has been a veritable platform for students in higher institutions to make their voice heard, and has given them a rare opportunity to practise journalism, as it were, regardless of their disciplines. Her Page 30 column – Pushing Out – spoke volumes about her passion for youth development and rebirth of the country through morality and spirituality.

    Like I wrote in my piece titled: Good night, Aunty Ngozi Agbo, published on this page on May 31, 2012, “she (Aunty Ngozi) was an Amazon; tall and strong. She bestrode the journalism firmament like a colossus, armed with a tall dream and a strong determination. Her dream was to salvage the future of the Nigerian youth; to raise role models in a depraved society through the instrumentality of the media. So, she launched into her dream, believing passionately in its reality and efficacy. And then she hit the ground running.”

    It needs to be repeated here that the late Aunty Ngozie was not only a trailblazer as her brainchild – CAMPUSLIFE – became a template for several other newspapers, she was also a mentor, a teacher, a source of inspiration, a friend, a change agent, and an enabler of dreams to many young persons, not only to those of us in the pen family.

    The fact that Wale Ajetunmobi, one of her mentees in the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has been coordinating the affairs of CAMPUSLIFE since her demise speaks volumes about Aunty Ngozi’s efforts at mentoring and building young people for the good future she dreamt about. Wale, who observed his National Youth Service at The Nation, worked closely with her for two years until her “leap into the dark”, apologies to Thomas Brown.

    To be sure, the story of my journey into journalism as a career, after a hard-earned strong 2:1 degree in Accounting, cannot be complete without a mention of the impact Aunty Ngozi made in my life through CAMPUSLIFE. The first time I met her in 2009, my passion for writing literally shot up because her advice boosted my confidence in honing my writing skills.

    Like I wrote in 2012, “she will eternally be etched in my memory because she made positive indelible impact on me.” And I know there are many young people, who are very grateful that they met her because she left them better than the way she met them.

    “A teacher affects eternity,” said Henry Brooks Adams.  “He can never tell where his influence stops.”

    Although Aunty Ngozi is no more, her impact is very much alive. It is alive in me and many others who are poised to make the society better in our own unique ways.

     

    Femi, a former CAMPUSLIFE reporter in Ekiti State University, is a reporter with a Lagos-based finacial newspaper

     

  • Forever together

    Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Otunba Jide Adebayo has given out the hand of his daughter Anuoluwapo, in marriage to her beau Mr Eyitayo Adedayo Akanfe, in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, writes KRISTY EJIKEME

    For the Akanfe and Adebayo families, December 7 will remain etched on their minds. That day, Anuoluwapo, daughter of Acting Managing Director of News Ageny of Nigeria (NAN) Otunba Jide Adebayo got married to Eyitayo Adedayo Akanfe in Omu-Aran in Kwara State.

    The ceremony was preceded by the traditional engagement at the Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran’s Hall of Fame, the previous day.

    The use of the school premises was a home coming for its Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) of which Adebayo, the Otunba Gbadero of Olla land and Otun Gbobaniyi of Omu-Aran, is an active member.

    The engagement was characterised by the rich culture of the Igbomina.There was drumming and dancing with rendition of traditional songs by different traditional women groups.

    The couple’s marriage was solemnised at the 2nd E.C.W.A. Church, Agamo, G.R.A., Omu-Aran.

    The congregation sang: “It is so sweet to trust in Jesus,” as Otunba Adebayo led the bride into the church auditorium to join the groom.

    Rev. Samuel Adewumi pronounced them man and wife to the congregation’s delight.

    The groom unveiled his bride’s face before they both exchanged their wedding rings and marital vows.

    After the recessional hymn: “Blessed Assurance”, guests were entertained at the Omu-Aran City Hall.

    The wedding got a royal flavour with the presence of the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Oladele Ibitoye, and his wife, Olori Omowunmi. Members of the Olomu-in-Council were also there.

    Otunba Adebayo, a former Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in Kwara State, his wife and in-laws attracted many guests from far and near.

  • Forever on their minds

    Forever on their minds

    Students in Kwara State under the aegis of Joint Campus Committee (JCC), an arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), during International Students’ Day on November 17, honoured the late godfather of Kwara politics Dr Olusola Saraki.  WALE BAKARE (400-Level Zoology, University of Ilorin) reports.

    He bestrode the politics of Kwara State like a colossus for more than four decades. The history of the state will not be complete without the mention of the late Waziri of Ilorin, Chief Olusola Abubakar Saraki, who was popularly known as Baba Oloye.

    The famous politician’s death, last year, threw people of Kwara into mourning, but the youths who he mentored vowed to keep his memory alive.

    Trues to this pledge, the Kwara State chapter of the Joint Campus Committee (JCC), an arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), during the International Students’ Day on November 17, remembered the late politician.

    The event, held at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, was attended by loyalists of the late politician, including his son and former governor, Senator Bukola Saraki. He was represented by his former Special Adviser on Students Matter, Comrade Nasir Saburi.

    Also in attendance were Oba Umar Chatta, Estu of Patigi, Mr. Agboola Oshodi, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Hon. Felicia Ebun, a member of Kwara House of Assembly, Comrade Ibrahim Akaje, Kwara State Peace Ambassador, Shakirudeen Korede, former JCC chairman in the zone, Friday Adio, NANS Zone C co-ordinator and presidents of tertiary institutions in the state.

    Appreciating the students for honouring his father, Senator Saraki promised to continue with the late politician’s benevolence. He said the Senate was making efforts to ensure that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) called of its six-month old strike, adding: “Some senators and I have been working hard to ensure students return to school and we want Nigerians to believe that the current action would be the last lecturers’ strike.”

    On his programmes for Kwara students, the lawmaker said: “We are making efforts to make our education system get better through scholarship to deserved students, building infrastructure and also organising educative programmes for students. We believe youth are the leaders of today and the architect of tomorrow; this is why we have involved youth in our programmes.”

    Ibrahim Jeje, JCC chairman, said: “Many will wonder the coherence between students’ movement and the ideals of the late Olusola Saraki. It is worthy to note that NANS is a body that promotes social justice and equity. Baba Oloye, in his life time, was counted as a promoter of these values to enrich our democracy.”

    Adio praised Senator Saraki for supporting students’ cause, pleading with the lawmaker and the Kwara State government to provide buses for the students’ body.

    Ibrahim Sheriff, a student of Kwara State University (KWASU) in Malete, said: “The late Saraki was truly a man of the people and a grassroots politician admired by all and sundry. He was a source of inspiration to politicians across party lines. Baba Oloye remained the only leader, who promoted the unity of the country without violence. He achieved it because the people believed and never failed him.”

    President, Students’ Union Government (SUG) in the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY), Festus Adedeji said: “Baba Oloye was a political titan, who gave everyone opportunities to contribute their quota to the development of Kwara State and Nigeria. In leading by example, he deployed personal resources at various times in repairing roads, build hospital, provide water and healthcare facilities. All of these would make him to remain alive in people’s hearts.”

  • Memories are forever

    Memories are forever

    The Awori-Ajeromi Grammar School in Agboju, a Lagos suburb, has over the years churned out men and women who now hold enviable positions in the public and private sectors. Many of them are politicians, heads of government establishments and captains of commerce. They are proud of the school which made them.

    The school took off in 1962 in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State with 32 students.

    On turning 50, the staff, old students, pupils and principals gathered to make the golden anniversary a grand one. They held series of events during the week among which was a health talk and debate.

    Last Saturday was the grand finale of the activities. The climax was the gala and award night held at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos.

    It was a memorable reunion for old boys of the school.

    Many who had not seen each other since they left school years ago wowed at what they had become. They hugged and shook hands and relived old memories of their school days. It was nostalgic, and there was no doubting their love for their school.

    They had a uniform – purple and golden Ankara fabric made for the occasion. The men and women sewed theirs in various styles.

    Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan, who was the chief host, said the day was one they had longed for.

    She praised the executives for bringing the body back to life.

    Princess Sosan recalled having passed out of high school in 1972, even though she ought to have left in 1971. For her, repeating a class didn’t stop her accomplishment.

    “I was very playful. I will always climb a cashew tree and eat up all the ripe cashews which would end up staining my white uniform so badly. Thinking of secondary school days, I remember experiences I don’t ever want to forget; and because school days are days we don’t ever want to forget, days like this should be encouraged so we keep the memories alive,” she said.

    She urged those who are doing well to help renovate the school which is in bad shape and others should be able to contribute their quota to their Alma Mata.

    Chairman, Central Working Committee (CWC), Chief Bola Oshinowo of the 77 set, said the day was to reunite Aworians and renew the old friendship and the love that existed among them while in school.

    Awards were given to members for their contribution to the development of the school. Those who bagged awards were: Princess Sosan; Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Olanrewaju Babalola; a Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who is also of the 73 set, Otunba Adedeji Ojora; the schools’ first Senior Prefect Alhaji R.A Ayilara; former Deputy Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mr Ibisola Ogayemi; Chairman, Baron Group of Companies, Mr Gabriel Essien-Akpan; the first Bursar of the school Alhaji Lateef Quadri and the Osoolu of Osolu Kingdom Oba Abideen Durosinmi.

    Others were: Judge of the Federal High Court Justice Aseimo Adumein; Mr Ambrose Okpara; Prince Rabiu Oluwa; Chiarman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale.