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Tag: passionate

  • A scholar’s passionate plea for STEM

    There is a need for Nigeria to review its education system and increase productivity through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This was the submission of Ritman University Vice-Chancellor Prof Celestine Ntuen, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, in a lecture he delivered at the Akpan Hogan Ekpo Centre for Public Policy at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) in Akwa Ibom State. EDIDIONG ESARA reports.

    Professor Celestine Ntuen was disappointed to find the equivalence of an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holder as Chief Engineering Supervisor for a major drainage work at Ibeno Beach, Akwa Ibom State. His inquiry revealed that the qualification for the position was to be an America-trained civil engineer.

    Prof Ntuen, who is the vice-chancellor (VC) of Ritman University in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, raised concern about the country’s reliance on expatriates to do works that could be done by local professionals. This, he said, would slow down the progress of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria.

    The scholar, who is a fellow of United States Institute of Industrial Engineers, described STEM as the bedrock for development, saying it is an adaptive education that meets technological and economic needs of any nation.

    He spoke at the Prof Akpan Hogan Ekpo Centre for Public Policy, University of Uyo (UNIUYO),  where he delivered a paper titled: Public Policy for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Alleviating consumerism through practical innovation.

    Prof Ntuen harped on the need for the country to revise its education with the aim to increase productivity through STEM as drivers.  The scholar frowned on at a situation where science textbooks, written many years ago, were still being used in schools despite advanced research on the field.

    He said: “Lecturers would rather force students to buy photocopied pages of expired books than break grounds with researches of their own. The curricula, pedagogy methods and texts should change periodically to suit changes in our social and economic environment. This is called adaptive education.”

    Ntuen noted that STEM, as an approach and way of thinking, could be employed to motivate creativity and stoke innovation in young people. He also spoke of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), which, he said, emphasised a holistic education predicated on human endeavours as lens to understand the world.

    He described STEM education as the bedrock for sustainable development. In the Global Competitiveness Report of 2015/2016, he said Nigeria was ranked 106 out of 140 countries on technological readiness, and 117 out of 140 countries on innovation. He lamented that Nigeria possesses high human resources without commensurate supply of STEM-skilled workforce to build manpower for development.

    The don noted that the six objectives presented in the Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 made no mention of STEM education as key driver. He averred that Nigeria’s policies on Science and Technology suffered discontinuity due to leadership changes, incoherent policies and human resource deficiencies in the industrial sectors.

    He said: “In general overview of our situation in Nigeria, our national policies on STEM and innovation are progressive, but there are some areas of concern, such as lack of qualified teachers and shortfall in number of qualified mathematics and science teachers from primary to secondary schools.

    “Moreover, lack of modern laboratories to encourage competitive STEM education, lack of motivation at the nursery and primary stages to cultivate interests in STEM education, and failure of government to actively involve industries as stakeholders in formulating STEM education policies create evolution.”

    Prof Ntuen said Nigeria could curb brain drain by enhancing innovative capacity and creating synergy between industry and academia for knowledge and technology flows from the science into industry. The purpose of such collaboration, he said, is to enhance opportunities for commercialisation of research products.

    He advocated re-engineering of the STEM curriculum and called for introduction of the subjects in basic schools as done in advanced countries.

    This could be done by developing policies and monitoring outcomes that improve proficiency of students in STEM. He said the curriculum should emphasise on understanding facts about STEM, principles and techniques as seen and practised in everyday life.

    He said: “Curriculum planners should also develop policies on standard STEM literacy for citizens through the early discovery programmes. Minimum standards should include using critical thinking to recognise problems and utilising mathematics, science, technology, and engineering concepts to evaluate problems as well as product designs. Also, making policies that stipulate class size and staffing ratios with methods for accountability in teaching and learning is essential.”

    Ntuen said it was time for Nigeria took action on STEM education for irreversible national development.

  • ‘Why I’m passionate about sports law’

    Mrs Amaka Beverly Agbakoba-Onyejianya studied law at the University of Nottingham. She obtained her LLM from the University of Wales, Cardiff. With over 10 years experience in the banking and capital market sectors in the United Kingdom and Nigeria as a regulatory compliance lawyer, she chaired the Rules Review and Development Committee of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). A sport enthusiast, Agbakoba-Onyejianya manages a junior football team and is a member of the Sports Law Practice Group of Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL). She tells JOSEPH JIBUEZE about opportunities in sports law and her foundation.

    Through her father’s conections, she could have had her pick of some of the biggest law firms or chosen a practice area that is considered lucrative, such as oil and gas law.

    But, Mrs Amaka Beverly Agbakoba-Onyejianya, daughter of frontline rights activist and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), settled for sports law.

    After obtaining her first and second degrees in the United Kingdom, she could have settled abroad.

    Agbakoba-Onyejianya returned to contribute to grassroots sports development and has carved a niche in sports law.

    Despite her father’s influences, Agbakoba-Onyejianya’s passion for sports led her to a different path. She has stood out as one of Nigeria’s most prominent sports lawyers.

    A law graduate of the University of Nottingham and an LLM holder from the University of Wales, Cardiff, Mrs Agbakoba-Onyejianya specialises in corporate and commercial law, developing expertise in regulatory compliance and sports law.

    She holds the Investment Compliance Diploma of the Chattered Institute of Securities and Investments (UK).

    Agbakoba-Onyejianya owns the Little Tigers Football Club. Her foundation held a youth sports business summit in Lagos where experts gathered to discuss sport scholarship, investment opportunities and prospects for the youth.

    According o her, it was organised to create awareness of the youth sport sector in Nigeria.

    Financially rewarding

    To Agbakoba-Onyejianya, sports law has huge potentials for lawyers. “Is it financially rewarding? “I don’t see why not,” she said.

    “You need to remember: how do you add value? Financial reward comes from value. If you give value, you get rewarded. If you want to get value from a piece of work you’ve done, show us the value you’ve added.

    “Sports lawyers have an opportunity in this country to add so much value, from articles to sports policy shaping to dispute resolution.”

    She said huge briefs can come from representing sportsmen, handling sports contracts and from other commercial deals around sports.

    “People complain that there are not enough sports lawyers or enough experts. We are few but we’re there. There are even Senior Advocates of Nigeria, who are sports lawyers,” she said.

    Does she think more lawyers should explore sports law? “Very much so,” she said without hesitation. “Sports law is growing quite fast, the same way entertainment law boomed within the last few years. I think that’s going to happen. Lawyers need to diversify.

    “Obviously lawyers naturally go in other directions because of the money. Sports law is about people, skills and managing talent.

    “Sports law is really an amalgamation of all the different classic laws, from contract to tort to commercial to media law. I’d say sports law is an umbrella for all these areas. It takes a very skilful lawyer to practice sports law and I find it interesting.”

    ADR best for sports

    Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Agbakoba-Onyejianya said, is the best option for sportsmen and women rather than regular courts.

    She said disputes around sports need to be resolved quickly as professional sportsmen have short careers and cannot afford to spend years in court litigation.

    Her words: “We’re looking at mediation and arbitration as better means of resolving sports disputes. Sports and entertainment are two areas that have no business going into the traditional law courts.

    “The nature of sports is very active. Athletes don’t want anything that will affect their work and livelihood if there’s a dispute.

    “You can’t imagine a sports person going to a court, and five years later they’re still there. They need their disputes to be resolved quickly and effectively.

    “So, ADR should be the number one choice for people in the sporting industry. It’s best for people with commercial interests. It’s actually a more viable option.”

    Her interest in sports law

    Agbakoba-Onyejianya’s interest in sports was sparked when she thought of the need to make her son more active.

    “Sports law is actually a growing practice. I’m a sport and entertainment lawyer as well as a regulatory compliance expert. But the interest came from my children.

    “My first child is a boy and I just had this inspiration to create an avenue for him to be more active. So I started the Little Tigers Football Club. That was six years ago.

    “He awakened an interest I didn’t even know I had. That’s how I ended up in sports. I have an academy and I’m very passionate about the children there. I want their betterment.

    “I’m passionate about the coaching. I train people as regulatory compliance expert, so training is very key. Skills acquisition is key for me. Sports capture skills acquisition and harnesses discipline,” she said.

    Economic potential

    Agbakoba-Onyejianya believes sports could be better harnessed to tackle youth unemployment.

    She said: “Sport is at the heart of our nation. It’s also a numbers’ game. We’re populous and we have a young population, so there is really no reason why sports shouldn’t be bigger than it is now.

    “There has been an explosion in the entertainment industry, so I think it’s time for the sporting industry to begin to add value.

    “This summit shows there are people who have keen interest in taking sports to the next level. Sports encompass quite a lot of activities, from broadcasting to talent identification and management.”

    On her expectations from those who make sports policies, she said: “The private and public sectors can add more value, so that we can see more young ones participate.”

    “Government can’t do everything, so the corporate world and non-government entities need come together. Where do we want our country to be in the next 10 years in terms of sports? Do we want to produce winning teams at national, continental and global levels? We need to have a strategy.

    “We need to determine how to improve sports at state levels and develop our local sports. Sports can change lives and engage youths. It can be a tool for social inclusion and education,” she said.

    She hopes the outcome of the summit, which would be documented, would go some way in shaping policy.

    “We’re not only going to have a conversation and it ends here. We’re going to document the outcome of the summit and circulate it. Let’s take it to a higher level.

    “Whether you want to invest for returns, let’s begin to attract people to play a part. We hope to form a working group, so that we can keep the momentum going.

    “Sport was included in our national economic agenda at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) summit last year. It’s the first time it was done. Sport is now recognised as a means of revenue generation,” she said.

    Reshaping sport policies

    Agbakoba-Onyejianya said more should be done to revive sports in Nigeria. She recommended the public, private partnership model.

    “The infrastructure is in dire straits. We need to get it right. Certain states, such as Edo and Lagos, are rehabilitating facilities. But we want this across the country.

    “Only two states should not be the gold standards for sports in Nigeria. We want to get a point where no matter what state you are in, you should have access to quality infrastructure.

    “We could follow the Indian example. There are several public, private partnerships (PPPs) in sports. Maybe that’s something that can be explored.

    “There may be organisations that want to get their brands out there; government can provide the infrastructure and lease it to the private sector to manage,” she said.

    She also wants more regulation of academies to ensure high standards.

    “It will be great to see a tone being set on academy standards. We want to see more action. Let it not just be private sector driven. Let it be a mix to keep the balance right. We need people who are passionate about sports to stand up and let their voices be heard,” she said.

    Through the Little Tigers Foundation, she hopes to contribute to sports development.

    “I thought: What role can I play in helping to build sports and raise standards? One of our key objectives is to help with the rehabilitation of pitches. We want to work with private schools and I can’t wait to start,” she said.

  • Why I am passionate about industrialisation, by Udom

    Why I am passionate about industrialisation, by Udom

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Emmanuel Udom has explained his undying passion for industrialisation of the state is borne out of the fact it is the only gateway to economic prosperity and security.

    He vowed to stop at nothing until the state becomes fully industrialized.

    Udom spoke when a delegation of Christian leaders under the auspices of Akwa Ibom fathers of faith initiative paid him a courtesy visit recently.

    He said: “For me, industrialisation of Akwa Ibom is more or less a covenant mandate with God. I am committed to ensuring we move the state from reliance on civil service to fully becoming economically-driven.

    “If we become industrialised, our people can pursue true economic prosperity and the crime rate will reduce drastically.

    “People will be able to achieve their economic goals and pay more taxes without much ado. For me, the industrialisation policy is the best way to go.”

    The governor pointed out the Ibaka Deep Seaports and cargo handling capacity of the Uyo International Airport were conceived to turn the state to the economic hub of the South South region.

    He added the Ibom Industrial City project is also geared at shoring up the industralisation drive of his administration.

    He called on the Christian leaders to continue to pray for the full realisation of the industralisation drive of his administration.

  • ‘Why I became passionate about domestic violence’

    ‘Why I became passionate about domestic violence’

    Hauwa Rebecca Sodeinde, a gender equality advocate, an author and school owner, speaks to Medinat Kanabe about her passion and what inspired her to be an activist. 

    How did you start?
    I started by following my passion for teaching. I started working at a British School in Ikoyi, Lagos, after which I started my own school some years later. I went into women and children later and started a community called Hauk community. Here I started seeking help for members suffering from violence, which was our focal point. After a while, we decided to incorporate it into a non governmental organisation to enable other stakeholders to partner and see to the reduction of domestic violence issues, especially against women.
    We then started our yearly event in 2015 where we gather women and men together to talk about issues relating to violence and how to help reduce its rate of occurrence.
    What are the challenges you faced before you got to where you are today?
    Challenges are natural. They come without your permission. And yes, I faced challenges.
    What was growing up like?
    Growing up was fun. I am the third in a family of six.
    I had a younger brother who would beat me at every opportunity. I grew up to learn it was as a result of what he saw in my house where there was always a heat between mum and dad.
    What inspired you?
    Growing up seeing my mum and dad fight every time taught me not to want to get married. I always wanted a solitary life where I was free to be myself without being any man’s slave. My mentality changed after a short encounter and I decided not to let what happened between my dad and mom control my life.
    How do you combine family and everything you do?
    It’s been the grace of God. I thank God for the husband he gave me who is always ready to fill in for me whether I am present or absent.
    In what ways does your husband support you in achieving these?
    He assists in chores….he listens to my silly ideas. He waits for me
    to fail and then picks me up again. He doesn’t give up on me and
    doesn’t laugh at my mistakes. That, to me, is all the encouragement I need.
    Tell us about your foundation
    Hauk Foundation was founded with the sole aim of reducing the level of violence in our immediate environment. We teach people to worry not just about themselves but also about their neighbours.
    We understand that people going through violence can be silent but will need just one selfless person to help them out of the often time deadly situations.
    What about the school?
    Hauk Explorers School was founded to cater for the immediate
    educational needs of children on the mainland.
    After working on the Island, I realised our system of education was way different from what we have on the mainland. Manpower, resources and all; I decided to start something small to attempt bridging this gap.
    I also realised most children were left in care of domestic staff and
    sometimes end up abused and so I created a safe home where children can stay till late and be picked up. As a primary, we also have a boarding section to give children proper attention.
    Who are your role models?
    Pastor Sam Adeyemi. After attending his leadership school, my ideals about life and purpose changed completely. I love reading the works of T.D Jakes….they inspire me anytime.
    And, of course, my husband who can have faith for Africa. I have never seen his kind and when I look at him I know I still have some work to do.
    Do you have any regrets in life?
    I used to. But now I know that my mistakes made me who I am today.
    What keeps you going?
    God.
    Where do you see yourself in five years?
    I see myself doing what I am doing now on a bigger level. Reaching out to communities; making hope alive.
    What advice do you have for people who want to be like you?
    No one should want to be like someone else. Everyone should attempt to discover purpose and look up to God for instruction.
    What advice do you have for women generally?
    Empower yourselves. Do not compete with anyone. Do not lord it over your husband even when you earn more than he does. You are meant to work as one. The devil is out to destroy marriages; don’t let yours be one of such.
    What advice do you have for men?
    Please realise that the woman’s genetic make-up isn’t the same as yours. A woman can argue all she wants but don’t ever bring yourself to her level. A friend will always say: when a man is in love a new mumu is born. Do not let ego get to you. Your marriage is in your hands.
    What about school owners?
    Be passionate about what you do. School isn’t about money but about global impact. I look at children I taught years ago all around the world now and I am proud I was able to leave my mark.

  • FirstBank: We’re passionate about winning

    FirstBank: We’re passionate about winning

    First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been named ‘Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria’ in this year’s Top 500 Banking Brands of The Banker magazine. The lender clinched the award for the sixth consecutive time. Its Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mrs Folake Ani-Mumuney, spoke on what is keeping the lender ahead of the competition and sustaining leadership position in the industry, writes COLLINS NWEZE. 

    How did your bank manage to retain the number one ranking in brand value despite the difficult operating environment in the country?

    As a brand that has been in existence for over 120 years, we have always been at the forefront of every development in the country. Despite the current economic slowdown, we have not relented in our commitment to supporting businesses and individual customers. We are committed to building sustainable businesses and sound personal financial management system.

    Interventions in key sectors of the economy by both the bank and the Group are well-thought out and in the right direction. Besides, despite working with a very lean budget last year, we are still able to maintain the leading position and remain Nigeria’s most valuable banking brand as a result of the cumulative assets and the intangible heritage of the brand FirstBank. We are very delighted that our hard work, innovation and creativity have been recognised.

    What does winning the Number 1 Banking Brand in Nigeria by The Banker Magazine of Financial Times and Brand Finance mean for the bank and its customers?

    We are excited to have been named the Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria six consecutive times. For us, this is a reward for our doggedness and resilience in building a global brand that is widely respected, in spite of the challenging and turbulent economic situation that has seen many supposedly sturdy businesses buckle under the pressure.

    The Banker Awards from the Financial Times of London is coveted globally and retaining this award is an international endorsement that FirstBank is doing things right. We especially acknowledge the role played by our customers and other stakeholders in achieving this milestone and thank them for their patronage. We remain committed to putting our customers first and delivering the gold standard of banking service across every customer touch-point.

    What was is it like the first time the bank was named the most valuable banking brand?

    At the early years of the award, our focus was more in keeping the brand name out for the benefit of awareness and for the thrill of being in the company of global brands.

    For us, playing in the league of the world’s best banking brands was more important and enough recognition. However, after the first win the yearning to maintain the winning tempo kept us on our toes and helped push us further to sustain the trend. We deliberately set higher standards for the entire team year-on-year in terms of our overall service delivery, designs, communication style and collaterals. The ambience of our touch points and the brand experience enjoyed by our customers at these touch-points are also crucial. It was difficult not to hope to win, while deep down, knowing competitors are equally doing everything possible to beat the first.

    What has kept FirstBank’s brand value above $300 million in the last three years?

    We have consistently led in brand value among Nigerian Banks since 2011, moving from a brand value of $170 million to $322 million in 2015. In spite of the global economic headwinds which took its toll on the industry in 2016, we have been able to keep our brand value at over $300 million, leading our industry in delivering value to our stakeholders.

    FirstBank has been in business for over 120 years and has played a very pivotal role in nation building and the development of the national and regional economy through its primary role of financial intermediation, projects financing and employment creation through entrepreneurship support as well as its extensive corporate responsibility and sustainability programmes.

    How did it feel when you found out you have won the award yet again for the sixth time?

    It was a mix of excitement, relief and a general sense of accomplishment. This was premised on the fact that last year was a tough year for the banking Industry and an extremely tough year for the team as our annual marketing budget took a hit.

    We were outspent by competitors and hampered by the contracted budget in competing favourably with our peers in some strategic initiatives and marketing campaigns. But here we are today, having maintained our grip as the most valuable bank brand in Nigeria is such an awesome feat.

    What other milestones did the bank record in the last one year?

    Last year, we won the “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” award by The Asian Banker for the fifth consecutive time. We were recognised by Interswitch as the first financial institution in the country to achieve sustained transaction volumes of 100 million transactions twice in one year. Our mobile banking platform –FirstMobile – recorded a milestone in its user numbers with the attainment of 1million active users and also reached N1.3 trillion transactions mark in its short period of launch.

    FirstBank also became the first financial institution in Nigeria to achieve the latest version of ISO quality standards: the Quality Management Systems certification ISO 9001:2015 from the International Standards Organisation (ISO). The certification is proof of the Bank’s demonstrated ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer needs as well as applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

    How has Corporate Social Responsibility contributed to FirstBank brand’s leadership position?

    FirstBank is keen on Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability and we are committed to positively impacting the lives of our customers, other stakeholders and the society at large in a sustainable manner. We have collaborated with several non-profit organisations to build partnerships that deliver long term value to our society. The bank has also partnered with known and recognised names in different sectors of the economy, most importantly in the Arts through our First@arts platform and this has yielded incredible feedback and goodwill and earned the FirstBank a pride of place among the leading brands in the country among others.

    Our partnerships with the British Council and Freedom Park have seen us supporting a large number of arts practitioners and aficionados whilst reviving the culture of family fun time and the business side of the arts. These initiatives are some of the FirstBank partnerships which certainly contributed in one way or the other in our emergence as a global brand and Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand for the sixth year in a row.

    Having won the most valuable banking brand for sixth time in a row, what is the next chapter for the bank?

    For us at FirstBank, the sky is no longer the limit, but a stepping stone. We will take the awards and various accolades as a challenge to continuously meet and exceed ourstakeholders expectations by putting them at the heart of our business in line with our brand promise of ‘You First’.

    We would continue to lead innovative drive in the development of banking products, services and initiatives as well as strive to maintain the highest standards of performance expected of a global brand that ahead of the pack with outstanding people, infectious passion and sustainable partnerships.

  • Ahmadu Bello: Passionate leader

    Ahmadu Bello: Passionate leader

    The first and the only Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello was a victim of the January, 1966 coup. LEKE SALAUDEEN writes on the legacies of the famous politician.

    Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, was the first and only premier of the Northern  region from 1954-1966. He died on January 15, 1966, in a bloody coup spearheaded by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. Ahmadu Belle was one of the founding-fathers of the modern Nigerian nation state, which came into being on October 1, 1960 when his party Northern People’s Congress (NPC) forged an alliance with Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe’s  National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). As leader of the NPC, he dominated Nigerian politics throughout the early Nigerian Federation and the First Republic.

    Despite his popularity and political support, Bello chose to remain in the North, instead of accepting the post of national Prime Minister, which would have required living in the South.

    In the 1940s, he established the Jamiyya Mutanen Arewa which later transformed into NPC in 1951. In 1948, he got a government scholarship to study Local Government Administration in England which broadened his understanding and knowledge of governance.

    After returning from Britain, he was nominated to represent the Province of Sokoto in the Northern House of Assembly. In the Assembly, he was a notable voice for northern interest and embraced a style of consultation and consensus with the major representatives of the northern emirates: Kano, Bornu and Sokoto.

    As the movement for independence from the British Empire gathered momentum, Bello emerged as a strong advocate of federalism as the system of government; his view was most suitable for Nigeria. This was especially attractive to northerners, who had a history of sharing power. He may also have wanted to protect the North from what he perceived as the possibility of Southern domination. He was a member of the national constitutional drafting commission.

    In the first election held in the North in 1952, Sir Ahmadu Bello won a seat in the House of Assembly, and became a member of the regional Executive Council as Minister of Works. Bello was successively minister of Works, of Local Government, and of Community Development. In 1953 and  1957, he led the Northern delegation to the independence talks in London.

    In 1954, Bello became the first Premier of Northern Nigeria. In the 1959 independence elections, Bello led the NPC to win a plurality of the parliamentary seats. Bello’s NPC forged an alliance with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons) to form Nigeria’s first indigenous federal government which led to independence from Britain. In forming the 1960 independence federal government of the Nigeria, Bello as president of the NPC, chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria and devolved the position of Prime Minister of the Federation to his deputy Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He apparently did not want to live in Lagos and preferred the political climate of the North from that of the South. His refusal to head the national government also suggests that he was not interested in power for the sake of power; but in serving the people whose votes had elected him to office.

    Bello’s many political accomplishments include establishing the Northern Regional Development Corporation (NRDC) which later changed to the Northern Nigeria Development Corporation (NNDC), the Bank of the North, the Broadcasting Company of Northern Nigeria (BCNN) the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and the Nigeria Citizens Newspapers; now New Nigeria Newspapers.

    Bello’s eldest surving daughter, Hajiya A’ishat Marafa Danbaba, said of him: “I had a very close relationship with my father. He showered us with great love and we will continue to cherish those moments. My dad was a simple man despite being an aristocrat. He was temperamental but easily forgets after sometime.

    “He doesn’t bear any grudge against those who offended him and forgives those who wronged him. My father was kind and just to people and never discriminated against anybody based on his ethnic group or religion.

    “He was a man of the people. He always sat on the floor in his house, to eat food with his bare hands, from the same bowl with his drivers and relatives. He maintained an open house, and anybody who wanted to see him got audience. He listened to people’s problems and helped both the high and the lowly.

    “My father was generous and loved to give out gifts to people. He never had material accumulation instincts, did not accumulate wealth and gave out whatever came into his possession. He was scrupulous and prudent with public finance but generous with his own money.

    “His happiest moments were always when he was in the company of people. He constantly toured the length and breadth of the Northern Region, always on the move persuading, cajoling, mobilizing, urging, inspiring people to be disciplined and law abiding, to work hard for common goals, to measure up to their potentials. My father had the desire of transforming the North so that the country can attain its true potentials.”

  • Bosso: I am passionate but not keen for Sunshine job

    Bosso: I am passionate but not keen for Sunshine job

    Coach Ladan Bosso has exclusively revealed to SportingLife that he was underpriced by the management of Sunshine Stars of Akure.

    The former Abia Warriors coach was reported to have lost the chance of coaching the Akure Gunners because of his high demand from the club.

    But in a chat with SportingLife, Bosso said he was actually approached by the committee set up by the club to look for a coach not that he applied for it.

    SportingLife understands that Bosso, who earned N1.2m at Abia Warriors, was offered between N600, 000 and N700, 000 at Sunshine Stars.

    “It was the committee set up by the club to look for a coach that called me;  I did not apply for the job. I have passion to be Sunshine Star coach but I am not too keen for it and it is not a do-or-die affair,” Bosso said to SportingLife.

    “Coaching Sunshine Stars is a bigger challenge because it is a club eager for success. When they approached me I told them I will get back to them.

    “Again, the offer put on the table was far below what I have been earning in my coaching career. Imagine a coach collecting N1.2m at a club and he is being offered between N600, 000 and 700, 000.”

    The former Kano Pillars gaffer said that what Sunshine Stars offered him cannot achieve the target given to him.

    “Their proposed entitlement cannot not help to achieve the target set for the season. As a coach I should demand for what will help me achieve my target.

    “When we are talking about match bonuses I should collect triple of players’ entitlement. My first assistant should collect double of my players’ entitlement as well. Sunshine Stars is one of the clubs in the country that always compete for the top spot every season. Sunshine Stars are in the same category like Enyimba FC, Kano Pillars, Warri Wolves and other big clubs in the country.”

    The former Niger Tornadoes coach also said there are negativity surrounding the Akure-based outfit that will make the job very difficult to handle.

    “There are some negativity surrounding Sunshine Stars, one of which is the issue of owing players. As I am talking to you  I have made my investigation that the club still owes players about three to four months’ salary. So what is the fate of some of us that are coming in newly?

    “The second reason is that the sponsor of the team, the state governor, who is going for his last lap of his tenure. Nobody knows what his successor will be up to in terms of sponsoring the team.  The positive is that they are always a determined side which always looks to achieve something at the end of the day. I still wish them the best in their endeavours. And I am always making myself available if the need arises,”he said.

  • A passionate journalist at 50

    A passionate journalist at 50

    The Managing Editor, Online, of The Nation, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin,, has celebrated his 50th birthday. The event took place at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    Imagine a huge gathering of journalists – award winning reporters and editors, writers, production experts and a few greenhorns.

    Are they set to announce the berth of a new publication? No. What’s up? Not yet a berth for another daily; it was a celebration of a star journalist.

    Rise up for recognition Lekan Otufodunrin, Managing Editor, The Nation online.

    The gathering was to tell Otufodunrin that life has just begun at 50.

    He turned 50 on May 9.

    The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) hall, venue of the event, was filled to capacity. The celebrator and his wife, Aderonke, sat beside together with other guests on the high table.  Their children – Damilola, Yemisi, Femi and Daniel – moved round to ensure that everyone was comfortable.

    The birthday get together began with an opening prayer by Deaconess Eyitayo Oshingbesan. It was anchored by Mr Jacklin James, who was the master of ceremony (MC).

    There was an exhibition of the celebrator’s works, such as books published, awards won and certificates awarded. Otufodunrin has practised journalism for about 30 years.

    The event featured a lecture delivered by the celebrator. Its theme was: “Reinventing Journalism: A case for conscious media career development”. There were discussions, comments and questions and answers session.

    The President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Femi Adesina, chaired the occasion. He congratulated the celebrator, noting that he is a man who believes in ethical journalism.

    Executive Director, Media Support Centre, Mr Wale Fatade spoke on the essence of mentoring in journalism.

    A broadcaster with Radio Nigeria, Funke Treasure-Durodola urged journalists to present themselves to the society in an appealing manner.

    Sunday Editor, Punch newspaper, Toyosi Ogunseye, noted that journalists should move with those  who are better than them and look out for opportunities on the job.

    In his lecture, Otufodurin reiterated the need for regular training of journalists, saying emphasis is not placed on regular training in most media organisations in the country. “We need more training schools in this country and training of journalists should not be left to non governmental organisations alone,” he said.

    He urged his colleagues to invest in their career and take personal responsibilities to become better at their profession.

    Speaking to The Nation, he enjoined aspiring journalists to “see yourself as professionals, carry yourself with dignity and a sense of purpose so that people will respect you for what you are”.

    He said he chose to celebrate the day the way he did because he wanted to use it to inspire other journalists, especially the young ones.

    “My greatest joy is that God has spared my life to be 50 and my friends, colleagues and associates have also come to rejoice with me. I see it as a partnership and I’m very grateful.

    “Journalism is a substantial part of my life and it is worth celebrating,” Otufodurin said

    Aderonke described her husband as gentle and God fearing.

    “He is devoted to his job and there is nothing negative about him. I never regretted marrying him and I pray that God will be with him,” she said.

    A friend of the celebrator, Mr Jide Orintunsin, The Nation Correspondent in Niger State, described him as a brother. “He is willing to give all he has to add value to others; he is a gift to mankind and he has been a source of blessing to me,” he said.

    Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State, Mr Deji Elumoye, described Otufodurin as a “wonderful person, passionate about journalism and a faithful Christian.”

    The celebrator’s daughter, Yemisi described her father as the best.

    “He is my mentor and role model. He is someone you can talk to,” she said.

    The NIJ fellowship choir rendered a special song to honour the celebrator after which he cut his creamy birthday cake at the random count of one to 50.

    After the celebrator’s family members and other guests joined him to take photographs.

    Otufodunrin has worked in The Punch newspaper and other print media. He has held various positions before becoming the Managing Editor, The Nation Online. He was also the editor of the Sunday paper in The Nation family.

    As an intern in 1984, he made the cover page of The Punch newspaper He is also the Executive Director of Media Career Services, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to media career development training.

  • Black Passionate Art Gallery opens in Benin City

    A group, Chidis Black Passionate Concepts (CBPK) and Black Passionate Art Gallery, has opened in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    The art and fashion company, which is supported by the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria, seeks to be world class art company, providing aesthetic, functional and educational solutions through visual arts, Fashion and culture promotions.

    Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chidi Ubamadu said: ‘‘We are committed to sharing our unique history, celebrating our rich cultures and preserving the African heritage through the production and sales of genuine African art works, the promotion of arts and culture among other services. We are also committed to ensure ready availability of professional quality art products and services in Benin City, in order to adequately satisfy customers’ needs locally and beyond, provide appropriate job and income opportunities for visual art practitioners and other creative minds in their appropriate fields

    “We seek to contribute meaningfully to the promotion and preservation of the rich African cultural heritage, we aspire to catalyse, in our own small way the revitalisation and sustenance of Art professionalism, practice and market in Benin City as an important global art centre by providing a thoroughly professional art gallery experience as well as regular and innovative art exhibitions here in Benin City,” he added.

    Works displayed at the recently opened art gallery include a mixture of single media forms, mixed media and collections made from genuine African traditional materials sourced locally to keep true to the heritage and the gallery stocks.

    Also on display were a good range of art works based on various cultures, cutting across multiple generations of artists which also capture an interesting variety of traditional and western themes.

    Visitors at the launch had a rare privilege to buy and own original works of art from some of Nigeria’s best.

    Some of the exhibiting artists include: Njoku Kenneth, known for his bronze works; Festus Enofe with his mesmerising wood carvings; Eddison Ekwueme, a prolific sculptor/painter; Ohiole Ohiwere, working in bronze, brass and poly marble; Simeon Ijoye, a water colourist; Lawani Sunday, Paul Ehizelen, Femi Williams, among others from the prestigious Auchi Art school, Eugene Aghimien and Gbenga Akintunde, young masters from the Benin and Ife schools of art.

  • ‘Why I am passionate about blind people’

    ‘Why I am passionate about blind people’

    Nikki Laoye’s first single was produced by Cobhams Asuquo, a blind artist. At the moment, she is busy empowering blind people and she spoke to Yetunde Oladeinde about this new passion.

     

    IT was a rally and in that crowd, Nikki Laoye looked so simple and unnoticed. But when she opened her mouth and sang, she set the environment literally on fire. Some other artistes joined her, and in a short while, she became the cynosure of all eyes.

    As a matter of fact, Laoye has the kind of voice that can make a bird dance. She has performed in so many concerts and events like Dan Foster’s Praise Jam and Girls Power Unleashed.

    She actually brought something novel to the gospel music scene. Her single track, Never felt this way before, was one of the hottest depicting her creative talent in a unique way.

    This single was actually produced by visually impaired whiz kid producer, Cobhams Asuquo. At a point, Laoye who is in her early 30s was popular with the Tetmosol Girl’s Power initiative.

    She started singing on a big scale when she was studying Computer Science at the University of Ibadan. The dark-skinned artiste then initiated and teamed up with other ladies to form a group tagged Soul Sistas. It gave her good exposure, and after school, she went solo giving herself a personal identity.

    My passion

    The walk was to celebrate the international white cane day. It is something that is celebrated all over the world to mark the achievement and independence of blind and visually impaired people. It held on the 15th of October, we actually had a walk in conjunction with the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Lagos State chapter and Nigga Wives Real Book Center in conjunction with my foundation, Angel for Life Foundation.

    The Association of the blind, Lagos State chapter approached me to help them organise this walk. We had a walk from Shoprite down to Kings College in Victoria Island. It was actually supposed to be a day of sensitization. We actually walked in the heavy rain; the rain fell heavily on us that day. Myself, Sammie Okposo, Funke Kuti, MC Abbey, Nyore and Nedu from Wazobia FM.

    We all did the walk together and we had a reception for them that day. We got massive sponsorship from organisations like Chicken Republic to Coca cola and Oaking Event. We had a beautiful reception, we had food, great entertainment and they themselves said that it was the best event they had.

    I don’t know why in Nigeria we still have a problem with dealing with blind people. People think it is a kind of plague and people treat them funny and they have been complaining. They said it was the first event that they were treated as equals. We sat down with them, interacted with them and we all held hands and walked together in that rain.

    And that brought some kind of closeness. That was what the walk was about. Then we also have the buy a cane project. It is still going to run for the next six months to one year whereby we are trying to buy this white guide cane they use to walk. On that day a hundred canes were distributed. We are still aiming to do even up to five thousand of the canes to be distributed all over Nigeria at a point. That is what my foundation is trying to do.

    Why did you take a special interest in blind people?

    A lot of people that know how I came into the music industry in the sense that my very first single music was produced by Cobhams. Cobhams is blind and we are best of friends. We actually were neighbours at that time when I recorded the song in Isolo and I linked up with him.

    I found him and we became very very close. I used to watch him despite him being blind; he always stood above his visual impairment. You would see him running around and at a point he even drove, he tried to drive before. So I said I would want to help other who did not have the kind of family and the same kind of relationship that Cobhams had, so that he could stand above his disability.

    Even Cobhams is in with us on this project as well and it has been an amazing one. And I have said that with my foundation, Angel for life, I just want to help people especially those who are visually impaired, that are creative but don’t know how to come out.

    You are married now. Is it easy coping with marriage and life as a celebrity?

    I am just blessed to have a wonderful man, he is even right here. He supports me so much, he loves what I do. He has just been my backbone. Yes, there have been a lot of sacrifices because we have to keep shuffling, we travel a lot. But I thank God for a wonderful man.

    How did you meet him?

    We have been friends for many, many years. That is the funny irony of life. His older brother and I were very good friends in school (university of Ibadan) or are still very good friends. But in school we used to sing together.

    I came across the brother separately and I now found out, say oh my God. It is a funny irony of life that I am married to his brother.

    He is very patient with me, I won’t lie about that and he loves what I do. Some people would in Yoruba, o gbe eru mi sori. He carries everything about me on his head. Luckily he is into the things I do. He is actually a GIS (Geographic Information System) analyst and he loves to do things with the computer and gadgets. Most times he helps me with the editing and just takes the load off me.

    Apart from your foundation, what else should we look out for?

    I thank God for my music, I am doing more and more stuffs this year. I already released two singles. That is ‘No be beans featuring base one and ‘One, two, three’ that is making the rounds. I have released those singles and I am working on shooting videos.

    If you have to advise young ladies and girls, what would you tell them?

    You know what I would just tell young girls, is that, Be very careful who you call friends, watch your company. See, let’s call a spade a spade. If the guy is slapping you, not treating you right, don’t stay there and say he is just angry with me today, I just upset him.Tomorow you would just become a punching bag. I would say at every point, you must be on the look out.

    A lot of people notice some things before marriage and they just take it lightly and it blows up with marriage. I am married for almost a year. Even just in one year you see that it takes wisdom and strength. Both of you are coming from different background, you would argue about so many things and if you are not dealing with someone, in quotes” who has sense then it would cause fight.

    Some people change after a while and some say it should be till death does you apart?

    One thing I know is that there should be wisdom in dealing with things like this. But not a situation when a person is slapping you all the time I know that prayer does a lot of things. What you need to do is to keep praying about it and not pressure him or nag. Instead try and soft pedal. But if it becomes a violent situation, you need to step back a bit. If you need to move out, then you should do that. Don’t stay back until someone kills you.

    What does fashion mean to you?

    For me, I like to be dressed comfortably. That is why I am into trainers, casuals and all that. I try to be as chic as possible but I must say that I am not really a fashionista, not really a label freak. It can be something made in Nigeria or internationally as long as it looks good on me. I also love the African prints too. I am trying to get some African fabrics to make shorts, trousers and skirts and I have some designs in mind already.

    Can you tell us some of our designers that you admire?

    I know two but people may not know them, they are my friends. There is James Brendan, a young man that does some unique designs and Yommie Mummie Couture.

    So, how did it all begin?

    I am into contemporary gospel. It is something that I like doing and it is natural to me. I must say that music runs in my family. My parents are from Ede in Osun State and they are passionate about it. My father is the lead vocalist in the band. I have been in the choir since I was 15 years old.

    I started my first group in 2006 called Soul Sistas at the University of Ibadan. After this, I released my first single titled, Never felt this way before. It was a very exciting period, ushering me into another phase of my career in the entertainment industry. I had a lot of nominations and this was really encouraging. The list included Hip-Hop World, Kora, Sound City and Nigerian Entertainment Awards.