The Nation Newspaper

Tag: indigenes

  • Indigenes, Fulani of Kaninkon chiefdom reconcile

    The Seven native districts and the Fulani community in Kanikon chiefdom, Jema’a Local Government of Kaduna State, have agreed to sheath their swords following a peace process brokered by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria.

    At a meeting held at the palace of TumNikyop (Chief of Kaninkon), Mallam Tanko Tete, at Unguwan Fari, GPF’s Country Director, Mr. John Oko, said: “Perennial crises in Southern Kaduna, in the past years, have engulfed so many lives, destroyed property and brought untold hardship and misery to survivors.

    “In 2016, precisely the night of December 24, the conflict spilled to Kaninkon chiefdom. From accounts, the  actors ‘took laws into their own hands’ as the problem took an ethno-religious dimension.

    “Before now, we had several meetings with key stakeholders. We had several consultation meetings in Kaninkon communities, including Dangoma, Goska, Bakin Kogi and Anbam.

    “We met separately with key stakeholders such as Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and District Heads of Fulani communities.

    “The impact of this peace-making process brought about many other dialogue meetings within the chiefdom, and resulted in both parties agreeing to sheath their swords and come to this reconciliation meeting.

    “GPF is happy with this outcome. We shall continue to monitor the progress and work with the communities to ensure sustainable peace returns. We believe that both parties are tired of the hostilities.

    “We also hope to use this development as a template for engaging other affected communities in Southern Kaduna.”

    After hours of deliberations, the eight districts unanimously agreed to forgive each otherm, and that farmers and herdsmen should go about their normal activities.

    They also agreed to collaborate to attain pre-conflict relationship, and urged critical stakeholders resident outside the chiefdom to honour the development.

  • Don’t abandon Anambra, indigenes urged

    Don’t abandon Anambra, indigenes urged

    Anambra indigenes living in states outside the Southeast have been urged not to abandon their homeland, but assist in developing it and stop the habit of concentrating their investments on other people’s territories.

    Eminent personalities led by Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coscharis Group , Dr. Cosmas Maduka made the call at this year’s League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) End-of-Year Lecture and Dinner in Lagos.

    Maduka, who spoke on the topic: “Capitalising on untapped opportunities in Anambra”, said his firm pays N450 million tax yearly and he personally pays  N50 million yearly. He added that his state, Anambra, would benefit greatly from these monies for its growth, if he lived or was based there.

    The renowned automobile and spare parts dealer added that all of the riverside areas of Anambra State are good for rice cultivation and that his Cos Farms, sited in the state, is in its second year of rice production and is about to bring an irrigation system that would enable it to harvest the product thrice a year.

    The Coscharis boss told Ndigbo to work towards the dredging of the Onitsha port so that container ships can berth there. According to him, Igbo importers were forced to take their operational headquarters to Lagos by the Federal Government’s decision to have functional seaports in the Western part of the country only.

    Maduka expressed worry that rather than love Ndigbo for their hard work and immense contributions to their host communities’ growth, the latter perceive them as people who want to dominate.

    He advised Ndigbo to stop the Biafra agitation, describing the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM)-led agitation as “unprofitable because Ndigbo would always venture beyond their homeland.”

    Instead of dreaming Biafra, they should invest their energy in service. “Money comes from service”, he added.

    Civil Engineer Dominic Ekesi, in his contribution, lamented the neglect of vocational education, stressing that artisan and technicians are very relevant to the economy of any state. He cited the case of the founder of Fiat, who was just a mechanic when he went into automobile manufacturing.

    He advocated the creation of venture capital for Anambra graduates who have entrepreneurial drive.

    Prof. Pat Utomi of Lagos Business School called for the building of a megapolis stretching from Awka in the Southeast to Agbor in the South-South and another megapolis linking Aba and Port-Harcourt as additional centres of development to the Lagos-Ibadan axis, which Nigeria already has.

    He said as an alternative to the long-awaited Second Niger Bridge, three road-tunnels can be built under the river linking the Southeast to three points on the Western side of the Niger.

    The founder of Leap Africa, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, in the lecture, drew attention to the discrimination the Igbo states faced in the distribution of housing and development grants.

    Mrs. Nwuneli said she has noticed a pattern of giving a state such as Kaduna State grant worth 500,000 dollars per year and Enugu State just receives 50,000 dollars and Anambra State gets nothing per year. As a result, anytime she has opportunity of sitting in a granting board, she now asks “What is coming to Anambra State?” Every privileged Igbo should do likewise, she counselled.

    The chairman of the occasion and former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Dr. Raymond Obieri recounted LAP’s services to the state such as promotion of unity, electorate enlightenment and election monitoring.

    He noted that the League needed to maintain its secretariat, pay its workers and carry out the major activities.

    He, therefore, called on those indigenous to Anambra to donate to the League because its activities require funds.

    Contributing, LAP President and renowned chartered accountant Willy Nzewi asked for funds, stating that the League’s need for funds is heightened by 2017 being an election year when it has to play its needed role. “I will ensure judicious use of the money”, he promised.

    Dignitaries at the lecture included the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Dr. David Ifezulike, one-time Surveyor-General of the Federation, Prof. Peter Nwilo and past presidents of LAP, Dr. Ndi Onuekwusi and Dr. Katia Ekesi.

    LAP is an association of capable professionals of Anambra State origin that partners government at any level to re-build Anambra State and Nigeria into a rich, modern and safe society.

     

  • Indigenes, Fulani community meet over Kaduna killings

    •‘Crisis fuelled by rumours’

    Indigenous communities in Southern Kaduna and the Fulani community met at the weekend to find ways to end incessant attacks and killings.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, convened by Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (rtd), at St. Thaddeus Science Academy, Madakiya, was attended by representatives of 87 wards of the eight councils making up Kaduna South, tribal heads and youth groups.

    Jekada noted that the gesture was part of his “little contribution” to efforts by the Kaduna State government towards ending the attacks.

    “As a concerned citizen, I am trying to support peace moves by the Kaduna State government and as a military man, I want youths to understand that war does not lead to peace. It only leads to more wars, as it is being experienced in Southern Sudan and the Middle East,” he said.

    NAN reports that the meeting was divided into eight groups, according to local governments, with each given posers and questions on possible causes of violence  and how best to address them.

    According to the presentations by the groups, the causes of the violence include poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, religious and tribal sentiments, as well as perceived injustices.

    Other causes include abandonment of culture and tradition, bad leadership, intolerance, bad teachings by some religious leaders, political manipulations and rumour peddling.

    Also identified are destruction of farm produce and killing of cattle, unprovoked attacks and insincerity by the government and its agents.

    The participants said security personnel deployed to restore law and order should be fair, insisting that suspects be prosecuted to deter others.

    Individual Fulani contributors, however, exonerated resident herdsmen from the attacks, but blamed foreign herdsmen.

    On their part, the natives alleged that the government was being misinformed on the true nature and causes of the crises. They advised the government to always insist on hearing from all sides to be well guided into taking informed decisions.

    They also advised the Fulani communities to help the security personnel and the government by reporting strangers among them.

    Jekada said the resolutions would be forwarded to the government to help its efforts in ending the bloodshed.

    He advised the media to be more security-conscious in their reportage, and cautioned against sentiments that could worsen the bad situation.

    Rumours and unsubstantiated claims have, however, been identified as factors responsible for the killings.

    Convener of the Southern Kaduna Peace Initiative and President, Community for Peace and Corrupt-Free Society (CPCFS), Ahmed Zakari Nguroje, who spoke at the Southern Kaduna Peace Initiative interactive session in Kafanchan, at the weekend, said parties involved in the conflict acted on hearsay, only to regret their actions later.

    “For the people of Southern Kaduna, I urge you to always confirm your information before acting. If someone runs to tell you that the Fulani are planning to attack you, confront the leader of the Fulani and ask him; that way, you will prevent the loss of life and property.

    “And for the Fulani, if you hear any information about an attack, go to the village head or district head and relay what you heard,” he said.

    Nguroje stressed that those spreading rumours were the real enemies of peace, not indigenes or Fulani herdsmen.

    He advised herdsmen to fish out members whose cattle enter people’s farms to destroy crops, as it will build peaceful co-existence.

  • Don’t abandon Anambra, indigenes urged

    Don’t abandon Anambra, indigenes urged

    Anambra indigenes living in states outside the Southeast have been urged not to abandon their homeland, but assist in developing it and stop the habit of concentrating their investments on other people’s territories.

    Eminent personalities led by Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coscharis Group , Dr. Cosmas Maduka made the call at this year’s League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) End-of-Year Lecture and Dinner in Lagos.

    Maduka, who spoke on the topic: “Capitalising on untapped opportunities in Anambra”, said his firm pays N450 million tax yearly and he personally pays  N50 million yearly. He added that his state, Anambra, would benefit greatly from these monies for its growth, if he lived or was based there.

    The renowned automobile and spare parts dealer added that all of the riverside areas of Anambra State are good for rice cultivation and that his Cos Farms, sited in the state, is in its second year of rice production and is about to bring an irrigation system that would enable it to harvest the product thrice a year.

    The Coscharis boss told Ndigbo to work towards the dredging of the Onitsha port so that container ships can berth there. According to him, Igbo importers were forced to take their operational headquarters to Lagos by the Federal Government’s decision to have functional seaports in the Western part of the country only.

    Maduka expressed worry that rather than love Ndigbo for their hard work and immense contributions to their host communities’ growth, the latter perceive them as people who want to dominate.

    He advised Ndigbo to stop the Biafra agitation, describing the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM)-led agitation as “unprofitable because Ndigbo would always venture beyond their homeland.”

    Instead of dreaming Biafra, they should invest their energy in service. “Money comes from service”, he added.

    Civil Engineer Dominic Ekesi, in his contribution, lamented the neglect of vocational education, stressing that artisan and technicians are very relevant to the economy of any state. He cited the case of the founder of Fiat, who was just a mechanic when he went into automobile manufacturing.

    He advocated the creation of venture capital for Anambra graduates who have entrepreneurial drive.

    Prof. Pat Utomi of Lagos Business School called for the building of a megapolis stretching from Awka in the Southeast to Agbor in the South-South and another megapolis linking Aba and Port-Harcourt as additional centres of development to the Lagos-Ibadan axis, which Nigeria already has.

    He said as an alternative to the long-awaited Second Niger Bridge, three road-tunnels can be built under the river linking the Southeast to three points on the Western side of the Niger.

    The founder of Leap Africa, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, in the lecture, drew attention to the discrimination the Igbo states faced in the distribution of housing and development grants.

    Mrs. Nwuneli said she has noticed a pattern of giving a state such as Kaduna State grant worth 500,000 dollars per year and Enugu State just receives 50,000 dollars and Anambra State gets nothing per year. As a result, anytime she has opportunity of sitting in a granting board, she now asks “What is coming to Anambra State?” Every privileged Igbo should do likewise, she counselled.

    The chairman of the occasion and former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Dr. Raymond Obieri recounted LAP’s services to the state such as promotion of unity, electorate enlightenment and election monitoring.

    He noted that the League needed to maintain its secretariat, pay its workers and carry out the major activities.

    He, therefore, called on those indigenous to Anambra to donate to the League because its activities require funds.

    Contributing, LAP President and renowned chartered accountant Willy Nzewi asked for funds, stating that the League’s need for funds is heightened by 2017 being an election year when it has to play its needed role. “I will ensure judicious use of the money”, he promised.

    Dignitaries at the lecture included the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Dr. David Ifezulike, one-time Surveyor-General of the Federation, Prof. Peter Nwilo and past presidents of LAP, Dr. Ndi Onuekwusi and Dr. Katia Ekesi.

    LAP is an association of capable professionals of Anambra State origin that partners government at any level to re-build Anambra State and Nigeria into a rich, modern and safe society.

     

  • Akoko indigenes to support Agunloye

    Akoko indigenes to support Agunloye

    A Group, the Akoko Consultative Forum (ACF), has pledged to support the flag bearer of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State, Dr Olu Agunloye, saying he is the best man for the job.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Chief Festus Obaude, Secretary, R.A Ajayi and Welfare/Education Committee Chairman, Christopher Olorunfemi, the ACF described Agunloye as an illustrious son of Akokoland, who has the capacity to uplift the area and the whole state.

    The group lamented that the people in the four local government areas of the state have been relegated to the background, in terms of distribution of infrastructures across the state.

    The group added that, since inception in February 2009, the present government has not made its impact felt in Akokoland, especially in the provision of infrastructure such as a good road network, stable electricity and potable water supply.

    It expressed optimism that with Agunloye’s passion for Akokoland, the former Minister and the former Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) would bring development to the communities in Akokoland and Ondo State as a whole.

    The statement added: “We are determined individually to support Agunloye’s aspiration, although the ACF is apolitical, but our members are conversant with the situation in Akokoland and we believe that with our support and that of the people, the SDP candidate will emerge victorious in the coming election.

    “We believe it is the turn of Akoko to produce the next governor; we are not happy that our people could not speak with one voice. The only alternative now is Agunloye and we will support him.”

    The ACF said the people-oriented programmes of the SDP would bring development to the state and create wealth and employment for the people.

    It urged the people of Akokoland to rally round the Erusu-Akoko politician and vote massively for his emergence as governor during the November 26 election.

  • Thugs beat up Osun indigenes in LAUTECH

    ARMED thugs yesterday allegedly invaded the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), in Ogbomoso, Oyo State and attacked some workers of Osun State origin.

    They allegedly told the workers to leave the institution or lose their lives.

    The thugs, according to an eye witness stormed the Bursar’s office, beat up the security guard on thir bid to attack the Bursar. But they were stopped by the Department of State Service (DSS) officials and policemen invited by the university.

    The policemen escorted the Bursar out of the premises.

    Another eyewitness explained that members of the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Education visited the institution earlier to address their fellow indigenes following an  appeal for protection.

    The witness said the lawmakers advised the workers to be calm   assuring them of the Osun government’s protection.

    According to him, the lawmakers also advised them to stay away till the two owner-states resolve the crisis.

    His words: “Shortly after the lawmakers left, a major leader of the Ogbomoso Parapo, a socio-cultural union of Ogbomoso indigenes, led a gang of hoodlums to the institution. They first beat up a member of staff whom they believed hails from Osun State because of his surname Osunbade, though he actually hails from Oyo State.

    “From there, they stormed the Bursar’s office. On getting there, the security guard attached to the office prevented them from gaining entry but he was beaten to near pulp. On seeing what was going on outside, the Bursar, who is from Osun State, quickly locked his door from behind. The hoodlums, went to the window to threaten him that they would burn down his office if he refused to open. But as they were planning on what next to do, the DSSS people came. Then, they fled. The security operatives escorted the bursar out of the premises.”

    It was learnt that the bursar and the leaders of the thugs went to make statements at the police station.

    The attack caused pandemonium in the institution; workersran heter-skelter to escape from the touts.

    But Chairman of the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Dr Biodun Olaniran, described the incident as minor. He said some thugs came to attack some ASUU members, adding that the case was reported to the registrar, who has taken appropriate steps.

    The National President of the parapo group, Saka Bello, did not pick his calls nor did he reply the text message seeking  his reaction to the allegation.

    But the National Secretary workers of the Ogbomoso Parapo, Michael Abioye, denied that the group sponsored the thugs. He said staff members of Oyo State origin planned a meeting for today, pointing out that news of the planned meeting caused apprehension in the university. He said no thugs invaded the premises.

    Abioye said the   change of ownership could not be achieved through violence but by peaceful means

    LAUTECH’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Lekan Fadeyi said he could not comment on the incident because he was not around.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Adekunle Ajisebutu, was also not available for comments.

    Ogbomoso indigenes have been campaigning for Oyo State to become sole owner of the  university, which is jointly owned with Osun State. The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, threw his wight behind the campaign in an advertorial last week.

    They claim that Osun has not  been fulfilling its financial obligations to the university.

    Some members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, mainly from Ogbomoso, also last week presented a motion seeking the removal of Osun State as a co-owner of the institution.

  • Ondo indigenes in Ibadan back Abraham

    An Oyo State based group of Ondo State indigenes, the Ondo State Frontliners Group, has urged delegates to the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) slated for Saturday to vote en masse for Dr. Segun Abraham.

    The group, at an emergency meeting on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, endorsed Abraham because of “his consistency, humane, collaborative and participatory principles”, which he has been demonstrating ever before he was drafted to the governorship race.

    In a statement signed by the president of the group, Prof. Adekaye Olomola, the group noted that unlike some of the other contestants that have jumped from one political party to the other, Abraham has remained with the party from foundation.

    “We would like to remind the delegates that such political leaders that are unstable when pursuing their ambitions always ended up as emperor when they eventually get the position,” the group said.

    The group said it could not replace an emperor with another emperor because it would spell doom for the state.

    The group said its endorsement of Abraham was based on his antecedent as a successful international private investor, industrialist andphilanthropist, who is truthful and has the fear of God.

    The statement added: “It is such antecedents that are needed at this critical time to lead Ondo State back as a shining light among all other states in Nigeria.

    “We implore the delegates not to be threatened by the antics of some of the contestants that are sponsoring violence and crying foul after all their attempts to woo national party leaders failed. The APC since the days of AD has been a formidable party in Ondo State, and those that joined the party in 2012 for opportunistic openings cannot claim to have made the party what it is today in Ondo State.”

  • Traditional ruler to indigenes: develop Ikere Ekiti

    The Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu, has called on the community’s indigenes to come together and work for its socio-economic growth.

    The monarch, who made the call on Friday during this year’s celebration of New Yam Festival (Odun Ijesu) at his palace, prayed for peace, tranquility and overall progress of the town.

    The event was attended by Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola, Ikere Local Government Chairman Ola Alonge; Provost, College of Education Dr. Mojisola Oyarekua; the two House of Assembly members from the community, Wale Ayeni and Sunday Akinniyi.

    The Ogoga received homage from traditional chiefs, age-grade groups, market women, local hunters, the oloris, artisan associations, non-indigenes resident in the town and other guests.

    The royal father acknowledged the support of Governor Ayo Fayose and his deputy in bringing growth to the town through the execution of key capital projects, which, he said, has made life easier for residents.

    He called on well-meaning Ikere indigenes within and outside the community to think of what they can do for their hometown, especially in the area of creating jobs for the younger generation.

  • Herdsmen attacks: Agatu indigenes threaten to defend selves

    We may take up arms to defend ourselves from the continuous attacks of Fulani herdsmen, indigenes of Agatu community in Benue State said yesterday.

    Leader of One Idoma Initiative, Mr. Paul Edeh, who addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja at a Peace Concert organised to raise funds for Agatu indigenes, said though indigenes of the community had started raising funds to rebuild their area, they would not continue to wait for the government to protect them.

    His words: “It is no longer breaking news that Fulani herdsmen attacked our people and over 2,000 houses were destroyed. We have gathered here today to advocate for peace for our people and also raise funds for the rebuilding of Agatu.

    “We are talking about peace in Idoma Land and Agatu is an Idoma community. We are saying enough is enough of these attacks on the Idoma people; we want the government to know that if you are pushed to the wall, there is this resistant spirit within every man. If the government cannot come to our aid, we might not have the luxury to wait. The government should do the needful so that our people are not forced to defend themselves.

    “If we are forced to defend ourselves, it might lead to the proliferation of firearms, which is what we don’t want. And if it gets to that, government will even spend more to disarm citizens. So we are saying let there be peace and the government has a role to play in ensuring this.”

    Edeh, however, said there had been relative peace in Agatu after an accord was signed, urging the Fulani herdsmen to leave the community.

    “A communique was issued and the first two items urged the Fulani herdsmen to carry their people and leave Agatu and they truly left.

    “Within three days after that communiqué was signed, the herders left Agatu and till date, I can confirm to you that though we have some Fulanis coming in at times, they have left the community in the last two or three months the communiqué was signed.”

  • Eight Owo indigenes in Ondo governorship race

    Eight Owo indigenes in Ondo governorship race

    •Olowo urges unity among contenders

    Owo, a politically conscious agrarian community in Ondo State, has played important roles in the history of the Southwest. The first most important political meeting, which was the launch of the defunct Action Group (AG), led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was hosted by the Owo community in 1951.

    The town has produced many first class politicians. In the old Western Region, the first educated Olowo of Owo, Oba Olateru-Olagbegi, was a prominent member of the House of Chief. Also, a prominent Owo indigene, the late Chief Michael Ajasin, was the last President of Egbe Omo Oduduwa and Second Republic governor of Ondo State. For many years, Owo was also at war with itself for partisan reasons. Political differences, clash of ambitions of leading lights and crisis arising from the deposition of the monarch and his reinstatement have paved the way for division, strife and rancour.

    When Owo was enveloped by communal clashes, houses were in flames. Prominent indigenes were hacked to death. The anger, animosity and culture of hate have not completely subsided in the ancient town. The memory of the sad episode lingers in the hearts of the victims. What is most striking is the lack of unity in Owo, despite series of reconciliation.

    The disunity also manifests in the clash of ambitions among the eight governorship aspirants from the town. The scenario is worrisome to the Olowo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi. The monarch was said to have held two meetings with the aspirants, urging them not to set the town on fire. A source said: “The Olowo, his chiefs and other community leaders want Owo to produce the next governor. But, there are fears that the votes may be split, if the eight indigenes insist on participating at the primaries.”

    The aspirants are Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Alhaji Jamiu Ekungba, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, Mr. Awodeyi Akinseyinwa Apata, Hon. Sule Akinsuyi,  Bukola Adetula, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, and Olubunmi Agbaminoja. A source said that Chief Segun Ojo may join the race.

    Akeredolu was the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2012 election. He was defeated by Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Party chieftains complained that he was imposed on the party. Shortly after poll, he indicated interest in the office of the National Legal Adviser. But, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) from Lagos eventually occupied the office because he had the backing of powerful leaders.

    Recently, Akeredolu hosted party members for the Yuletide celebrations. During the ceremony, some members resolved to work for the actualisation of his ambition. Akeredolu has a rich profile. He is a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    Anifowose, a lawyer, is the daughter of Chief Ajasin. She also served as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Adefarati Administration. She was the chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    Ekungba, a banker, is a Board of Trustees (BoT) member. Party sources said he became a BoT member, when another female aspirant turned down the offer. He is being considered for a board appointment by the Federal Government, the source added.

    Akinsuyi is an experienced politician. In the Third Republic, he was elected into the Ondo State House of Assembly. He was the Commissioner for Special Duties under Governor Mimiko.

    Adetula is a lawyer. He is a household name in Owo, his father, Pa Soka Adetula, having served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic.

    Ayorinde, the founder of the Achievers’ University, is a member of the House of Assembly.

    Akinseyinwa Apata, the youngest aspirant, is a businessman.