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Tag: Obafemi

  • Obafemi and African indigenous language system

    Obafemi and African indigenous language system

    • By Usman Dipo Akanbi

    As a University of Ilorin student in the late 1980s, I had the privilege of observing Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi from afar, impressed by his reputation as a dynamic lecturer in the Faculty of Arts. Remarkably, he was easily recognisable due to his distinctive short stature and brisk gait as he moved around the campus. Although we never interacted directly, even when I served as Student Union President in 1991, I later learned of his appointment as Dean of Student Affairs in 1993, shortly after my graduation in 1992.

    It wasn’t until 2005, when Professor Obafemi was concluding his tenure as President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, that I had the honour relating directly with him, for the first time. This introduction was facilitated by my friend, Professor Isiaka Aliagan, then Editor of the Nigerian Herald newspaper and compiler of the ANA Review. When Professor Obafemi instructed, “Isiaka, please ensure the ANA Review is ready on time,” his rapid-husky voice commanded attention. I greeted him with respect, and he responded with a nod and a hint of a smile. Notably, Professor Aliagan had involved me in proofreading the ANA Review that year.

    My journey into writing began unexpectedly in 1998, when I met members of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Niger State Chapter, through the wife of my former boss, Mallam Baba Dzukogi. Joining the ANA brought me into direct contact with distinguished Nigerian writers, including the late Cyprian Ekwensi, Chukwuemeka Ike, Ola Rotimi, Elechi Amadi, Abubakar Gimba, and Mabel Segun, among other notable literary figures who have since passed into memory.

    Over time, my connection with Professor Obafemi grew stronger, and I had the privilege of meeting him with my late father on a few occasions. When I later became President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, I forged even closer ties with him and other literary giants, including Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, Professor Niyi Osundare, Professor Udenta O Udenta, Senator Shehu Sani, and Professor Akachi Ezeigbo-Adimora; through ANA, I was privileged to meet Kongi himself, Professor Wole Soyinka. I also had the opportunity to engage with the younger generation of Nigerian literary talent.

    I have been privileged to belong to three state chapters of the Association of Nigerian Authors: Niger, where I started; Lagos, where I briefly sojourned; and, of course, Kwara ANA, where I rose to become Chairman in 2009. I am highly indebted to the Association of Nigerian Authors, particularly these chapters, and I cherish my literary association with the likes of Professor Isiaka Aliagan, Mall Baba BM Dzukogi , Mall Denja Abdullahi , Mr. Camillus Ukah , and, of course, Dr. Wale Olawale Okediran . Indeed, they were all pivotal to my modest contribution to the Nigerian literary scene!

    Upon receiving the invitation to attend the colloquium in honour of Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, I felt delighted. The theme, “Olu Obafemi and the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS),” was particularly intriguing. Accompanied by Hussein Zaguru Abdulkadir, I embarked on the journey to Lokoja with Mr Segun, my trusted driver. We set off at 10:00 am on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The journey proved arduous, owing to the poor state of the road, which was further exacerbated by ongoing repairs.

    Recalling my tenure as Relationship Manager for Agriculture and Food at First Bank of Nigeria Plc, where I covered Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and FCT Abuja branches, I have traversed these roads since 1997. Unfortunately, despite numerous administrations investing substantial sums in its construction and repair, the road remains in a deplorable state. It is disheartening to note that the same road I have travelled for nearly three decades still poses significant challenges.

    Read Also: Okowa lauds Urhobos’ contribution to Nigeria’s devt. 

    The condition of the major road arteries connecting the southwest to Abuja is nothing short of appalling. It is intriguing that the government is initiating new coastal and border routes while the central road network remains in disrepair. Furthermore, the goods haulage system, which relies heavily on road transport, is taking a devastating toll on our roads.

    Another issue that warrants attention is the conduct of the police on the Lokoja road. During our journey, we encountered officers requesting the driver’s licence and vehicle particulars. The driver provided the necessary documents, but the officers asked him to open the boot and later questioned the tyre’s expiration. An argument ensued over the renewal of the vehicle’s proof of ownership and tinted glass permit. I stepped down from the car and inquired about the location, after which the officer suddenly changed his demeanor and allowed us to proceed.

    On the return journey, we faced a similar ordeal, with a group of police officers being rather uncivil near Kwali. Mall Denja Abdullahi, a former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors who was with us, attempted to intervene, explaining that the documents in question were under litigation and that the officers had been instructed not to demand them, provided there was evidence of prior approval. However, the officers refused to listen and instead seemed to be ensnaring us, stalling us on the spot despite our pleas to take us to the police station to sort out the issue. They insisted on taunting us, it seemed. It was only after I placed some calls, including to a Deputy Police Commissioner friend, that they relented, lecturing the officers on proper procedure after I had gotten through to them. We were eventually allowed to proceed, grateful to have navigated the challenges of the road and the police. We eventually arrived in Abuja at noon.

    We were graciously accommodated at the Emblem Hotel, courtesy of the Federal University of Lokoja, the organizers of the Olu Obafemi Colloquium. The following morning, we proceeded to the university premises for the event, which was chaired by Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, Chairman, Board of Trustees of ANA, and the third President of the association. Despite being 79 years old and visibly fatigued from the journey from Abuja to Lokoja, Professor Osofisan was determined to attend the event in honour of his close friend, Professor Olu Obafemi.

    The colloquium featured several discussants who spoke on the theme “Olu Obafemi and the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS)”. One of the speakers, Professor Ayodele Anthony Bamidele, delivered an eloquent presentation, dissecting the concept of Agurumo as contained in Professor Obafemi’s book “Agurumo on the Cross”. He also regaled the audience with a soulful traditional song from the Okun-speaking region. His presentation underscored the need for public intellectuals to speak truth to power and advocate for social justice through their writing, particularly in the realm of creative writing.

    Another engaging speaker was Professor Ajayi Soyinka, who presented online and explored the sub-theme “Landscaping our National Identity: Interrogating Ogidi Mandate as a Metaphor for National Unity”. Her contribution was explosive, exhilarating, and insightful, despite being cut short due to time constraints.

    Unfortunately, due to network issues and a sudden power outage, we were unable to fully appreciate the presentation of Professor Olufemi Abiodunrin, who spoke online from South Africa on the sub-theme “Olu Obafemi and the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS)”.

    The students of the university performed an adaptation of Denja Abdullahi ‘s play “Death and the King’s Grey Hair”, which delighted the audience. The event also provided an opportunity for me to reconnect with several individuals, including the amiable Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Professor Olayemi, who played a crucial role in inaugurating the annual Olu Obafemi Colloquium.

    I even had the pleasure of meeting the Registrar of the school, Dr. Okojie, a former Deputy Registrar of Council at the University of Ilorin.  I was also delighted to encounter Professor Enitan, Vice Chancellor of Kogi State University, Kabba, who was a roommate of mine in Compound F at the University of Ilorin in 1991. He readily recognized me, and we shared a pleasant reunion.

    The event was also attended by other notable academics, including Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji, Vice Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Abuja, and Associate Professor Foluke Aliyu, among others. The Federal University of Lokoja hosted a sumptuous lunch, which was followed by a dinner hosted by Professor Olu Obafemi at the Royal Grand Restaurant in the evening. We enjoyed the scintillating music that filled the night sky as we waltzed to the rhythm.

    Finally, I must thank Dr. Abba, the chairman of the local organising committee for being a good host and of course, the Chairman and other members of Kogi state Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors for their warm reception. My sincere appreciation to them all. I had a wonderful time out there.

    • Akanbi, President, Association of Nigerian Authors

  • Buhari confers 2018 National Merit Award on Obafemi

    •Recipient urges govts to adhere to merit principle

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday conferred the 2018 Nigerian National Order Merit (NNOM) Award on Prof. Olufemi Obafemi at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Obafemi, who is Nigerian Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) National Chairman, has been a Professor of English and Dramatic Literature at the University of Ilorin since October 1, 1990.

    A prolific playwright, novelist, poet, literary and theatre scholar, Prof. Obafemi was said to have published 14 scholarly books, 16 creative books and over 70 journal articles in national and international outlets.

    At the yearly award ceremony that comes up every first Thursday of every December, Buhari lauded the research and intellectual qualities of the recipient.

    According to him, Obafemi has made Nigeria proud with his contributions drawing global attention to Nigeria.

    He said the Federal Government would keep supporting research innovation and also look into the requests of the agency.

    According to him, Nigeria needed the knowledge and expertise of the awardee.

    The President believed that the awardee, Obafemi and all others who were previously honuored would be remembered and would serve as motivation and encouragement to future generation of Nigerians.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha said the recipient was selected based on his selfless contribution to Nigeria’s growth.

    Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian National Merit Award, Prof. Shekarau Yakubu, said the board is very proud to present Obafemi as the 76th recipient of the Award for 2018, who by outstanding research work and service to humanity, has printed his name in gold.

    Delivering his acceptance speech, Obafemi expressed appreciation to the President and the board for selecting him as the 2018 recipient of the award.

    Obafemi said: “I must say that I do not take the honour for granted at all, considering the number of nominees from among whom I was picked for the award. It compels me to take a deep reflection on how I arrived at this point in life.”

    The story of his life’s journey, the university don said, provides instruction on the value of merit in the attainment of possibilities for individuals, groups and societies.

    Obafemi said: “In 1963, I gained admission into two missionary-run colleges in the then Kabba Division in today’s Kogi State. The fees of the institutions were simply beyond the means of my parents who were a peasant farmer and a food vendor. I had to wait till the following year when I passed the Common Entrance Examinations and gained admission into one of the Northern Nigerian government’s Provincial Secondary Schools, sited, equitably, in the Fourteen Provinces of the Northern Region.

    “Even at that, the relatively small school fees of 13 pounds a year could only be paid after my father had sold his cocoa/coffee plantation and my mother the finest of her few clothes.”

    The recipient said: “It was not until the third year when, by government policy, the provincial colleges in the region became full-fledged Government colleges, that my parents were marginally able to sponsor my Secondary education with less hardship.

    “This was because a policy had been enacted to make fees relatively favourable to the children of the poor-who paid fees as low as Three pounds-while the children of the well-to-do and civil servants paid up to Fifteen and Twenty pounds.”

    He added: “My undergraduate and graduate studies were financed through the Kwara State Government Scholarship and the University of llorin Staff Development Schemes.”

    He said with good educational policies combined with merit, “the children of the poor with humble and lowly parentage can rise to stand before the President to receive the Nigerian National Order of Merit, the highest honour and recognition for ‘academic and intellectual contributions made by citizens of Nigeria’.”

    He urged governments to adhere to the merit principle as the objective condition for national transformation.

    The university don dedicated the award to his family, his teachers and mentors, living and deceased and his students in the past five decades.

  • Why I dumped ICT to become a life coach – Obafemi

    Why I dumped ICT to become a life coach – Obafemi

    Behavioural change theories are attempts to explain why behaviours change. These theories cite environmental, personal, and behavioural characteristics as the major factors in behavioural determination. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the application of these theories to improve competencies. In Nigeria, a number of practitioners came together to chart a positive direction at a conference which took place at the University of Lagos recently. Yetunde Oladeinde caught up with the Convener Coach Samuel Obafemi, who spoke about the focus of the conference and the challenges and prospects for practitioners in the country.

    What is the focus of the organization and the conference?

    It is about bringing together practitioners in the industry to chart a course and set up a framework for the people who are in change work. The question to ask is who are the people who love to do change work? We believe that everybody ordinarily loves to do change work. This includes HR mangers, counselors, therapists, life coaches, psychologists, psychiatrists and even people in medical practice. It also involves religious leaders, people in schools doing guidance and counseling.

    We all are interested in helping people to change their behaviour. We noticed that there is a lot of unregulated practice and profit is not clear. Even people who have problems are abused because there is no structure, no pattern. So basically, this is meant to bring together people who are in this practice, so that there can be a harmonization of our work. Then there can be a promise of profit and structure. One of the things that we also want to do is that instead of life coaches doing their own, having their own ideology and all that, we want to have a harmonisation, such that as a therapist, if I know that what you need is not therapy, then I can refer you to a counselor, instead of trying to be a counselor. If I also know that what you need is a life coach, then I would not refer you to a psychologist. That way, there is collaboration across board, which is actually what we want to achieve. We want the ordinary citizens to feel the impact of the industry and not feel that there is unhealthy rivalry.

    When did this idea start?

    The idea started in year 2010; that was when I graduated from the professional academy and was relating with some of the life coaches. I was then looking at the fact that Nigeria was too big for the number of life coaches that we have and thinking of how we could provide collaborative work with the coaches. However as it has turned out, I discovered that it was even beyond the life coaches. So in May this year, I decided that I was going to take the first shot and try to convene this conference. This is the manifestation of that decision and it is going to be an annual event.

     Where is the coaching academy located?

    The coaching academy has a franchise in Lagos. It is run by the Lanre Olushola Coaching Academy and when I noticed that I loved to help people; one of the ways I noticed that I could do this was to go to the coaching academy to have a license to be able to practice. That happened in 2010 and my desire to attend the academy was to have a tool to help people achieve their own goals. For now it is still the Lanre Olushola Academy that is the identity for Life Coaches in Nigeria and it is affiliated to the International Coaching Federation. Here, life coaches can aspire to be members of the international coaching federation.

     You have done this for about five years now, what are some of the programs and projects that you have participated in?

     After leaving the coaching academy, I went ahead to get a license in Anger Management from an American institution and I also obtained a certificate in Emotional Intelligence. I have been in the core of the practice in the last five years. I left my job for life as a full-time therapist. I have worked with so many blue chip companies like MTN Foundation, USAID and some churches.

    I have been able to understand that most of the work force is craving for some force of sanity. We noticed of recent that mental health is a big risk right now. The mental discomfort is growing; the state of the economy has made stress to go up; depression has gone up and suicidal tendencies have gone up too. You find that people are well dress, they seem to be doing their jobs but they are disturbed. They do not have hope in the economy and there is a lot of gap in the society. So you find that this practice has become very necessary and we do not have enough hands. So it is very critical for us to build the capacity for those who are in the practice, as well as those who want to join. The average Nigerian needs mental support, physical support and some level of spiritual support.

    One of the things that we have also noticed is the misplacement of support. You see somebody who has an emotional need and he is going to his pastor, but the pastor is to fill his spiritual need. For someone who has a mental problem, going to a life coach who is meant to fulfil your ambition is not right. It is for these misplacements that the conference had to take place. This would therefore help us to understand the dimension of the composition in the long run.

     Women go through a lot of stress, marriage, being single and other challenges that go with career. What are some of your findings in this area?

    Some of the findings reveal that the average patient is afraid. I have noticed that the average woman who is going through stress in her marriage is afraid of what she can do to help herself; she is afraid of what the society would say, she is afraid of her in-laws, her parents, the name of the family…. That lady who is single seeking for a husband is also afraid thinking; would I ever get a husband? Do I propose to someone I like? What are the things that I am supposed to do? Am I ever going to get over with this single life? So fear is the most predominant thing for a lot of people out there. Unfortunately, they do not find the right people to talk to – people who can help them get out of the challenges and move forward.

    What where you doing before all this?

    My background is computer science. My last employment was with the then Value card, a payment company now known as Unified Payments. I was on the Switch the Processing System and over time I knew where my heart was and I developed my interest gradually. So I was able to switch my career in the direction that I now find myself. Before then, I had worked in different organisations such as JISOMIC as a processing engineer. I had worked in DEVCOM and Equatorial Bank and in Total, as a seconded staff from Titus. From there, I got employed with Value-card. All this while, my experience had been ICT-related until now.

    Let’s talk about government policies and how it has affected behavioural change?

    I think that Nigeria is still far from where it should be as far as behavioural change profession is concerned. To be honest with you, there are so much work that we do to try to create the kind of change that we seek. I think that there has not really been an encouraging response from government. The structure is absent, the funding is difficult and there is a lack of understanding of the issues involved, especially when it comes to practice.

    There is a lot that government needs to do for us. First, government needs to create an enabling environment .We have practitioners who are passionate about what they do and we need to take advantage of this to create the infrastructure needed to enhance the work that we do. Government also needs to help us create the awareness to make a difference. There is also the culture of stigma and we hope that over time we would be able to create the dimensions that would help us take the practice to the next level.

  • Peter Obafemi on retreat

    One individual who would not likely be thrilled by the transient nature of life is the owner of the defunct Ritetime Airways, Peter Obafemi. Before his good luck suddenly turned ill, the fine looking businessman enjoyed a lot of prominence as he mixed freely with notables around the world. He is now faced with the reality of the saying that whatever goes up must come down. The once ubiquitous businessman has faded off the social radar.

    The last that was heard of him was based on a series of unfortunate occurrences. Soon after his first marriage to his America-based wife hit the rocks, Obafemi found love again with lovely Lolade Iruka. But few months after they welcomed their baby boy, his second marriage crumbled as well. And while he was still smarting from heartbreak, he lost the Peoples Democratic Party’s primary election in Ekiti State to Governor Ayo Fayose, causing his political career to nose-dive.

    Dampened perhaps by the series of misfortunes, he has embraced isolation to probably fathom the best way to launch a comeback.

  • Obafemi Martins is back

    Obafemi Martins is back

    Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins is back to full fitness as he was involved in the entire training exercise at Seattle Sounders ground on Tuesday.

    Martins has been out of action for several weeks due to a groin injury and his return will be a big boost to coach Sigi Schmid, whose team have suffered a goals’ drought since the former Newcastle United striker was sidelined.

    ‘Oba’, as he is called in the US, may return for Seattle Sounders on Saturday when they host Vancouver Whitecaps. Coach Schmid was happy to have Martins back.

    “Oba is getting better, he is feeling more comfortable, ‘Oba’ is back and the healthier we are, the better for us,” Schmid said.

  • Refs capacity building: Obafemi questions criteria for selection

    Refs capacity building: Obafemi questions criteria for selection

    FIFA and CAF Referee Assessor and former member of Referees Appointment Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Emmanuel Dada Obafemi has questioned the criteria been used to select referees for capacity building training programme in England.

    While delivering a lecture on laws of the game and the expectations of the NFF, Nigeria Football Federation and LMC, League Management Company in a seminar organized by Kwara FA for stakeholders in Ilorin last Wednesday, the former FIFA badged referee observed that the selection was not evenly made.

    The last batch of referees embarking on the capacity enhancement training program will soon be leaving the shores of the country to England, with the number adding up to sixty, without a referee from Kwara State.

    ‘Well, I do not know the criteria been used to pick the referees, but no matter the method, some states have had up to six or five referees on the list while Kwara have no gotten one’, he lamented.

    Kwara referees, he said are up and doing and have distinguished, and are still distinguishing themselves among their peers in Nigeria.

    ‘I do not want to think that the NFF and the NRA are politically scheming out Kwara referees for no reason whatsoever, because there is no requirement that is being put forward that referees from Kwara does not have’, he pointed out.

    ‘We also have a FIFA badged referee who is not even considered good enough to be selected’, he added.

    Meanwhile, the current batch will be accompanied by four officials of the Nigeria referees committee.

  • Church programme

    Healing Centre International (Christ Ministries Ori Oke Apostle) will hold a seven-day mountain experience retreat at 1, Divine Mission Street, off Nkporo Street, Off Ibafo in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on December 30.

    A statement by the Chief Host, Rev. Prophet Emmanuel Onabanjo gave the 2014 watchword – the year of compensation.

    He said there would be salvation, favour, miracle, breakthrough, testimonies, among others.