The Nation Newspaper

Tag: people

  • Why do people make resolutions they may or may not be able to keep?

    At this time of each year, many make resolutions about what to stop doing or start doing in the coming year, with not a few breaking the resolutions, writes Kayode Olaitan, News Agency of
    Nigeria (NAN)

    By most accounts, public opinions have shown that New Year resolutions are easier said than fulfilled.

    There are divergent views on whether or not such resolutions made by individuals are adhered to religiously by them at the end.

    Now, as another year approaches, several people in various gatherings will resolve to drop, add or change some values in their life styles.

    Opinions indicate that only few of these resolutions are firm while the rest are said just to satisfy righteousness.

    For instance, on December 31, 2011, at a Christian vigil, Mr D.I, made a resolution to quit smoking he had been addicted to for almost 20 years, but barely four months into the New Year, he found smoking more interesting than when he quit.

    At the same service, a lady, Miss L.O, resolved that she would stop making trips to a West African country to do a certain business because of the risk involved.

    She said she has been sustaining the resolution since then.

    Why do people see the need to make resolutions they may or may not be able to adhere to?

    The Islamic Forum online stipulates that the New Year is a good time for Muslims to renew the resolutions they made during Ramadan.

    According to it, a list of resolutions which should include spiritual, physical and mental practices should be written down so that one can refer to them throughout the year.

    “Everyone seems to have a bad habit that harms his or her health, such as drinking, smoking and overeating.

    “Keep in mind that any activity that is forbidden in Islam is unhealthy and that any activity that starts to become an addiction is also unhealthy, make a pledge to yourself to identify your addictions and stop them.

    “In many cases in the Qur’an and Hadith, it is mentioned that you do not actually have to perform a bad act to be affected by it. Muslims are encouraged to hang out with people they would like to emulate and not with those that are bad influence on them,’’ it stated.

    The essence of making resolutions is underscored by the desire of mankind to re-assess and re-align some patterns of life for better, according to Pastor John Abiodun of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abuja.

    He believes that some people, at a point, perceive they have moved away from what they should be known for or what they ought not to have been doing and when they realise this, they resort to making resolutions.

    “Of course, occasions such as the eve of a new year presents a unique opportunity for making resolutions because of the belief that the old way of life is cast aside.

    “It ought to be a spontaneous confession to the realities of individual’s life-style and a strong determination to maintain whatever is said to be done,’’ he noted.

    He, however, observes that more than 90 per cent of the resolutions made by various people are short-lived.

    “I believe the reason for this is lack of adequate preparation and strong determination to tame some of the activities that hinder the resolutions to be firm.

    “For instance, if somebody says he wants to stop stealing but still finds himself in the midst of criminals, within a short time, such a person will denounce his resolution.

    “Another factor is the prevailing socio-economic situation; somebody may determine to quit prostitution but later finds out that she has no good job or even jobless to fight hunger, definitely she will forget about the resolution.

    “However, in every resolution we make, it requires the Grace of God and prayer for its sustainability because when we make such godly decision and commit it to God, He will provide the strength and means of sustaining it,’’ he said.

    Dr John Grohol, the founder of Psych Central in the U.S, published in a research that people who believe that self-control is something dynamic, changing and unlimited, tend to set more resolutions.

    He cited the instances of those who believe that: “I can stop smoking, all I have to do is put my mind to it. I can also change my eating habit and be a better person, it just takes willpower’’.

    According to him, people who believe that we all are born with a limited, set amount of self-control that one cannot change, naturally do worse on obtaining their New Year’s resolution goals.

    “What this means is that you will do better on your New Year’s goals if you believe that self-control is indeed an unlimited resource that we all have access to and can leverage with our resolutions.

    “The more you believe in your own capabilities, the more likely you will succeed as well; it also seems to help to set more goals, because you will be more likely to succeed at them if you do,’’ he said.

    All arguments notwithstanding, psychologists have identified some tips to help keep resolutions.

    The first is to make only one resolution; picking just one aspect of life to improve and increase chances of success.

    They also suggest planning resolution in advance, instead of waiting until New Year’s Eve to allow for reflection on what to really want to achieve.

    Another tip is to avoid repeating a previous resolution, or at least try a different technique to keep it.

    However, Dr Richard Wiseman, a professor of psychology at Hertfordshire University, UK believes that: “If people think they can do it, they probably can, but if they have already tried and failed, their self-belief will be low.

    “By a long way, stopping smoking is the hardest, because there are physiological responses involved; it is an addiction.

  • Tinubu: govt failing people

    Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday said Nigerians who have survived the outgoing year and are blessed to witness this season of goodwill have done so, more through dint of handwork, perseverance and courage than through the support of government.

    Tinubu, in his Christmas message, released in Lagos, said the Federal Government has disappointed many Nigerians, with its failure to deliver on many of its promises, particularly that of transforming their lives.

    “This current administration, rather than translating its touted transformation agenda into impactful performance, has hastened the transformation of most Nigerians into poverty, into a world of unemployment and insecurity,” he said.

    Tinubu urged Nigerians not to lose hope and to continue in the spirit of Christmas to make the sacrifices necessary to make Nigeria better.

    He enjoined Christians to continue in steadfast prayers for Nigeria, noting that every good leader needs the support and prayers of the followers to succeed. “ “Our faith will never let us down.We must trust in God and pray for a better country. When we pray, God will give Nigeria leaders that are capable, compassionate and committed.”

    Tinubu also urged leaders to step back and take stock and thereafter, commit themselves to governing this country better.” The situation our country is in today is both sad and unacceptable. We are a people without a leader, a country with no trustworthy men at the helm of affairs and a nation lost at sea. Our leaders must commit to a better country, not tomorrow, but beginning now, today because time is not on our side and the continued patience of the people may no longer be guaranteed.”

    Tinubu prayed the joy and peace of Christmas for all believers and for a better country.

    Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Bishop Hassan Kukah, urged Nigerians to work towards building a united nation, devoid of religious, ethnic and political sentiments.

    He made the appeal in his Christmas and New Year message in Sokoto, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said Nigeria would continue to remain one entity, and stressed the need for all and sundry to work towards the promotion of peace and unity.

    Bishop Kukah praised the Federal Government for resuscitating the rail haulage from Lagos to Kano, adding that the gesture would fast-track the socio-economic and political growth of the country.

    He commended the National Assembly for the early passage of the 2013 budget, adding that ‘’it is a good omen for the nation’s nascent democracy”.

    The bishop, however, called on President Goodluck Jonathan, governors and local government chairmen to “rethink the issues of the massive and unacceptable hemorrhage of the state funds to service lifestyles.

    “This has become clearly unacceptable and untenable with the principles of good governance in the country,” the cleric said.

    He also called on the Federal Government to evolve concrete measures at addressing the insecurity situation in the country.

    Rev. Kukah called on the government to adequately equip the security agencies to enable them deal with the security challenges.

  • ‘Tinubu meant well for Ondo people’

    A group in the riverine area of Ondo State, Ilaje Democratic Forum (IDF), has urged people of the state to stop misinterpreting the campaign speeches of the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during the last October 20th, 2012 governorship election in the state.

    The group noted that Tinubu meant well for the people of the state and is also interested in ensuring that Yorubaland witness a rapid development both politically and economically.

    The IDF Chairman, Hon. Nimbe Tawose, who spoke with The Nation in Akure, the state capital, on behalf of the group, said the people of the state had misconception about Tinubu’s campaign statements during the last day of the ACN rally in Akure.

    It noted that the ruling Labour Party (LP) allegedly embarked on a campaign of calumny by alleging that the ACN National Leader vowed to convert the mega schools and Mother and Child Hospital built by Governor Olusegun Mimiko to mortuaries if ACN won the poll.

    Tawose explained, “Tinubu was only comparing the population of some schools in Lagos State to schools in Ondo State and never said he would use the project for another thing. On the Mother and Child Hospital, Tinubu never said the hospital would be changed to a mortuary and also none of the ACN leaders said that.”

    It described Tinubu as another Yoruba leader who has the same political ideology with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying the former Lagos State governor is a human developer.

    It added that Tinubu through his passion for Yoruba land had been able to groom several political gladiators who are contributing massively to the development of the South West region.

  • Dirty nation, dying people

    Dirty nation, dying people

    • Nigerians groan under increasing health challenges

    If healthy nations are wealthy nations, then Nigeria must be one of the world’s poorest countries. Two sobering revelations recently confirmed the critical state of its health situation. The first came from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which raised an alarm on what it called the worsening health crisis in the country, characterised by unacceptably high levels of infant and maternal mortality, low access to healthcare in the rural areas and truncated life-expectancy rates. The second was from the United Nations, and stated that about 34 million Nigerians –nearly 20 per cent of the total population – defecate in public, despite the obviously negative consequences the practice posed for public health.

    While these revelations are a disturbing indication of the depths to which the country has sunk, they cannot be said to be surprising. Nigeria’s very high infant and maternal mortality rates are a huge scandal in a nation that ranks as one of the world’s top oil exporters. Years of rural health programmes have failed to ensure that the bulk of citizens who live in the rural areas get access to the health services that they need so desperately. The country has been turned into a giant open-air latrine, thanks to a fetid combination of inadequate infrastructure, widespread ignorance and a refusal to consider innovative solutions to the problem.

    Nigeria’s health and sanitation crises are attributable to causes which have gone unresolved over decades and have, as a result, mutated into almost-intractable challenges. The country’s infant mortality rates are the consequence of the failure to build upon the sterling work carried out by the late Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti in enhancing child immunisation in the late 1980s. Instead of making progress in this area, the country has performed so poorly that it now endangers other nations by being one of few places in the world where polio is yet to be eradicated. A steady decline in the quality of pre-natal and ante-natal services made available to pregnant women has ensured that maternal mortality rates remain stubbornly high. It has now become the norm for anyone who can afford it to give birth outside Nigeria’s shores.

    The country’s woeful record on personal sanitary habits is another case of deep-rooted incompetence on the part of successive governments. Open-air defecation is a medieval practice that was supposed to have died a natural death with the emergence of modern water-closet toilets. However, the failure to build social infrastructure, especially the non-provision of potable water, has made it convenient for large sections of the populace to adopt easier, if dirtier, methods of relieving themselves. Apart from the practice of shamelessly defecating in broad daylight, there is also the so-called “shot-put” method, which involves voiding faecal matter into the ubiquitous black polythene bags and throwing the package as far away as possible. So widespread is this filthy practice that even students in higher institutions have become notorious for doing it.

    No nation can begin to seriously contemplate economic advancement of any kind if its citizens are rendered perpetually unhealthy by basic health challenges and unsanitary habits. Policy concerns must move away from ludicrous white-elephant projects to those which directly affect the masses. In this regard, Nigeria must revive the vibrancy that its childhood immunisation programme had under Ransome-Kuti. Efforts must be re-directed towards ensuring that its primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities are revamped in order to deal with increasing populations and higher expectations. The nation must ensure that the millions of dollars in local resources and foreign counterpart funding reach the health projects that they are meant for. Above all, the federal and state governments have to wage a comprehensive war against the widespread poverty and deprivation that have made Nigerians so vulnerable to disease and death.

  • Oshiomhole: I’ll focus on people

    Oshiomhole: I’ll focus on people

    BEFORE a huge crowd of dignitaries, workers, politicians and ordinary folk, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday began his second term with a pledge to continue with his achievements.

    The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin-City venue of the ceremony was filled to capacity.

    Yesterday was declared a public holiday by the Edo State Government to mark the event.

    The Government House and the streets leading to the Government House got some facelift.

    Traffic was high on major streets, especially those leading to venue of the event and security was tight.

    Former House of Representatives member Patrick Obahiagbon, who was a compere at the ceremony, held the audience spell bound with his high sounding words.

    Oshiomhole came into the venue in a long convoy. He was accompanied by some governors, including The Delta’s Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Rivers counterpart Chibuike Ameachi.

    Deputy Governor Pius Odubu was dressed in a white Benin traditional attire. Oshiomhole was decked in his trademark short-sleeve khaki.

    The crowd was entertained by a special ceremonial parade by the police, led by Bassey Etim, a Superintendent. Traditional dancers from across the state performed.

    Ambulances were on stand-by to attend to emergency cases.

    Members of Nigerian Union Teachers who last week threatened to boycott the event over the sack of some of their members were present.

    Professional Wood Workers Association members, who wanted Oshiomhole to fullfill his promise of establishing a furniture park, were there.

    The secretary of the association, Lucky Nagbama, is sure that Oshiomhole would perform better.

    Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Osakpamwan Eriyo, said a central motor park, in line with the on-going construction of roads in Benin City, was needed.

    This, he said, would enable members of the association removed their vehicles from the streets.

    After the oath of office was administered on him and his Deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, by the Chief Judge, Justice Cromwell Idahosa.

    Oshiomhole said tertiary education would get a big boost.

    He also said he would ensure massive development of industries and attract direct foreign investments that would ensure that youths are gainfully employment.

    The governor thanked the people for their massive support at the July 14 governorship election, saying that he would not renege on his electioneering promises.

    “I salute all co-contestants during the election whose roles have helped to deepen and strengthen democracy in our state.

    “We continue to count on your support to take Edo State to the next level. I use this opportunity to invite all of you to join me to transform and reposition our dear state,’’ he said, adding:

    “I believe that it is very critical that we take full advantage of our renewed mandate to build a solid future without forgetting the past.

    “We must realise that at the end of the day, it is our responsibility to leave lasting legacies that will continue to promote the general good.

    “Our people deserve the best and must, therefore, not be treated as objects of manipulation, but as citizens that participate robustly in the politics of their communities to advance their interests.

    “It is under such conditions that politics can throw up good leaders, democratic policies and programmes that would benefit our people.’’

    Oshiomhole praised traditional rulers for their immeasurable goodwill, prayers and support before, during and after the July 14 elections.

    He also paid tribute to his late wife, Clara, his assassinated principal private secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde, and four journalists who died during his campaign.

    Among the dignitaries at the inauguration were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Oshiomhole’s party, led by National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande and National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Peter Obi (Anambra), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) attended the ceremony.

    Business tycoon Alhaji Aliko Dangote represented the business community. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) team was led by its President Abdulwaheed Omar.

    There were also former Minister of Defence Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe and Senators Chris Ngige and Daisy Danjuma. Ex-governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Niyi Adebayo also attended.

    From the royalty came the Oba of Benin, who was represented by palace chiefs and Benin crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa. The Sultan of Sokoto was represented by the Magajjin Sokoto.

    Oshiomhole said: “With the power of God on our side and our sheer determination to change a situation we began the journey of mobilising and inspiring the people to accept that if something is wrong, time cannot make it right.”

    “With the support and guidance of God, we are here as free people to participate in the swearing in ceremony. Only God in his infinite powers could have helped us to defeat those forces of darkness so that its light can shine. So I ask you to join me to give thanks to Almighty God for all his mercies and for all he has done, not only for me, not only for Action Congress of Nigeria, but indeed for the good people of Edo State and Nigeria,” he said.

    Outlining his blueprint for the second term, the governor said: “We are now determined to shift focus to industries. We are now determined to do all of those things we need to put in place, not only to retain the investors that are already here but also to attract new foreign direct investment.”

    He expressed joy that with the positive and enabling environment that government is creating, private investors are responding positively.

    On water supply, Oshiomhole said: “We are determined to rescue the water supply in Benin City and sustain our borehole projects in our rural communities.”

    The Ekiti State Governor said he is convinced that Edo people would witness greater development in Governor Oshiomhole’s second term given Oshiomhole’s genuine concern for the development of the state and his people-oriented policies.

    Fayemi who was among prominent national leaders that graced the inauguration ceremony Oshiomole occupies a special place in the hearts of Edo people through excellence performance.

    Describing Oshiomhole as a performer and achiever in governance, Fayemi said his second term in office would afford the people of Edo State to reap more dividends of democracy.

    Fayemi said “ The Edo election has taught us some lessons and has set a precedence for us in Ekiti to follow. The Edo people have shown that good performance will always be rewarded. I have no doubt that Edo State will witness greater development during this second term and through good performance, ACN will win more states in next election.

  • ‘Ondo people will laugh last’

    ‘Ondo people will laugh last’

    Prince Olu Adegboro is a Chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria [ACN] in Ondo State and a former Commissioner for Information under the Adefarati administration. He spoke with LEKE AKEREDOLU on his assessment of the October 20 governorship election.

    How would you assess the just concluded governorship election in Ondo State, especially with regards to the performance of your party?

    On the part of our party, the Action Congress of Nigeria [ACN], the election was very disappointing despite the huge human and material supports given us by our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, the ACN governors and even the commitment of our candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu [SAN]. However, I have realised that the structures that we have are very weak. The same structures we used for the legislative election in 2011are still the same we used in the just-concluded gubernatorial election in the state and that is the first problem that we had. Our national leadership did not have the courage to dissolve the existing structures having found them wanting during the last legislative election.

    The second problem we had was facing an incumbent whose politics is politics of deceit. He had successfully deceived our people and we needed to be well prepared to face him. Another thing is that we chose our candidate a little bit late, and most of the materials for the election came very late. Even money to be used for the election did not reach those who would have used it until it was too late.

    What are other reasons you think your party under-performed?

    Also, there are some of us with experiences that could be used in so many things but were marginalised; we were underutilised, unused, and were not given a role to play in the preparation for the election. If not because of the candidate, Akeredolu, who invited me to be in his office as Chairman of Strategy Committee, and even as Chairman of the committee those people who managed the Campaign Committee did not allow our candidate to have time for him to be advised; they didn’t allow him have time to plan. Also some of our leaders believed that we had won the election; instead of working, they started sharing the dividends of an election that we had not won. They started planning for the positions they would occupy; they allowed all these things to distract them.

    Again, when we had Director General for the Campaign, the people he brought were even worse than those that occupied the structures. Almost all the resources sent were consumed by the structures. We did not use the resources to mobilise people to join us and this is the major problem. There were so many people who wanted to join the party at that time, but you know the attitude of Nigerians, they wanted to be encouraged through little things, but we were not able to get those little things to get them into the party. So, out of frustration, they stayed in their parties despite the fact they were not satisfy. We did not spend time planning and strategising. We did not sufficiently access the incumbent, we underestimated him. And he surprised us in so many ways. And we relied absolutely on some few media stations; we did not go out on ourselves to promote publicity for our party; we were more concerned about the resources coming in from outside and the position we were going to occupy if the party won, this is really very unfortunate. But I still believe that the future of this state belongs to ACN. The ACN is going to control Ondo State. I am sure that in a matter of time, the eyes of our people will have been opened to see the inadequacies of Labour Party [LP] and its leaders.

    So, you still believe ACN has not lost steam as some may claim…

    ACN is the most formidable opposition that can propel forces that can change the government tomorrow. ACN is the most powerful catalyst that can bring about change of government at the centre. I am sure that before two years time, the people of Ondo State will discover that government at the centre which is a government that is completely useless in terms of law and order, security and development can only be changed if they support a progressive party like ACN and I am sure the people the of Ondo State we have a rethink and realise that what Tinubu stands for is not to become the overlord of the South-West, but to change the fortune of this country by enthroning a progressive government at the centre. Our people will soon realise that Mimiko and his LP are agents of the federal government in Ondo State. You will discover that in the long run, LP is not working in our best interest, but working to sustain the most backward government that we have ever had at the centre. The present Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] government is the most backward, the most retrogressive and the most problematic government we ever had. Look at the way terrorism has blown up; look at the way crime has gone beyond imagination. It is as if there is no security in the country; look at the way our oil resources are being wasted. Not long ago, we protested that the government was increasing the petroleum pump price from N65 to a very high price, the government came back to N97. Today, through hoodwinking, the price has gone again to N150, N120, N110 and nobody is talking and people are suffering. Look at poverty rate in the country, you can hardly survive without belonging to one government or the other and that is the problem the people Ondo State had.

    Despite the claim that ACN is the only progressive political party in Nigeria, some Yoruba leaders like Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Olu Falae and others all backed Mimiko for second term, what is your reaction to this?

    Chief Fasoranti is more or less my political father, he knows where I disagree with him. Chief Olu Falae is my brother, he knows where I disagree with him. I disagreed with them because their support for Mimiko was not based on principle, but on revenge. They are fighting Tinubu and Akande who succeeded in taking over the political control of the South West from them. They failed to think about the other struggle of the Yoruba leaders at the national level. Again, if they want to fight Tinubu and Akande, they should have made efforts to resuscitate their old party, the Alliance for Democracy [AD].

    Their main problem is the success of Tinubu and some ACN leaders in taking over the control of the majority states in the South West. There grudge is that of revenge. During former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel’s regime, who was in PDP, some of these elders too supported him. They were working with him in the hope that he would leave PDP to join them in another political platform which they could use to fight Tinubu and Akande, but Daniel disappointed them and now, all of them are with Mimiko. I can predict to you that their support for Mimiko will eventually embarrass them because this support is not based on principle. Mimiko will disappoint them with the way he would use LP in the state to work for Jonathan in 2015.

    Can you substantiate that assumption?

    You could see that immediately after the election, Mimiko ran to Abuja to celebrate with Jonathan’s wife, Mrs. Patience at her 55th birthday anniversary. Eventually, they will realise their mistake. They should have looked for ways to reconcile with Tinubu and Akande to move Yoruba forward politically. They are injured because of the way ACN has grown under the leadership of Tinubu and Akande.

    They are not thinking of the long time trend of the South West, they are not thinking of our past not answering important questions like, does Mimiko political position agree with our past? Does the political position of flexing with PDP government at the national level tally with what Action Group [AG], UPN and AD stood for? I really feel bad for Baba Fasoranti because he is my political godfather and I will not want him to be embarrassed.

    What do you think is the future of your party?

    What I am sure of is that ACN is a movement and we will make our people in Ondo State to eventually see the usefulness of ACN in South West. The mistake of some of our leaders at the national level is that they allow so many people to come to them over there and deceive them, but I am sure that the experience of this gubernatorial election must have taught them that they should be very careful in selecting leaders for the party in Ondo State. If I have my way, very soon, I would call for the dissolution of all the existing structures of the party in Ondo State and create a a caretaker committee to rebuild the party for credible leadership. After this, I will call the caretaker committee to set up a board of enquiry to investigate the conduct of our preparation and campaign both for the legislative electionin 2011 and the governorship poll in 2012 so that we will not make the same mistakes again. Our leaders should now be very careful in getting a new leadership for the party, but I can predict that with good leadership, ACN will start winning Ondo State from 2015. The purpose of politics is to pursue political power, but most of our people do not realise this.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘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.

  • Whither government of the people?

    Whither government of the people?

    SIR: I was stuck, recently, watching the Special Adviser to the President on Research and Strategy, Douglas Oronto itemise government’s “Sure and Steady Transformation of Nigeria” agenda on a Sunrise Program on Channels Television.

    If dreams or set goals were to be awarded on merit of their presentation, or of their change-effecting potential, then the objectives of this present government deserve a national honour for their simplicity, objectiveness and seeming enticement.

    Unfortunately however, like it has always played out, a lot more is easier said than done. From Agriculture to Aviation, Health, Education and Infrastructure… both past and present records of government efforts puts it way below the possibility of achieving these lofty aims. The keywords has always been an increasing government scope and size, underachievement and sadly, unapologetic requests for another shot at their failure.

    The Government, according to Oronto, is determined at improving agricultural productivity in Nigeria, increase access to standardised education, improve the conditions of airports, work on sustainable healthcare and improve the level of infrastructure, citing the recent positive remarks on improvement in power supply by citizens all over the social media.

    Oronto’s message to the people is simple. That the elected government is simply a gracious machinery, foisted on the people it was meant to serve and protect. Hence, the sworn duty to protect and defend the people is replaced with favours within the corridors of power, and a sympathetic consideration for the people at the mercy of the whims and discretion of whoever holds power.

    The facts proving the government’s position as a babysitter on a blank cheque is apparent and vast. Regardless of how good promising adevelopment blueprints are, or their potential for maximum results, a society without security is akin to a basket being filled with water.

    It is time to quit drawing water into baskets as there can never be any meaningful socio-economic growth and development in an atmosphere riddled in insecurity and chaos. No matter how beautiful the picture of a country is painted, and forced down the throat of gullible citizens using state propaganda machinery, you can only succeed fooling all the people some of the time, but surely as Abraham Lincoln maintains, “you cannot fool all of the people all the time.”

    The gory picture of four young Nigerians cold-bloodedly murdered in a conspired effort of an entire community requires no effort to shed tears. This barbarous act only reflects the very attitude of the government towards the security of its own people. While lives and properties were continually being assaulted into extinction in parts of the country, the government is busy boosting security in the seat of power.

    The need for a nation, poised for growth and development is not a gracious government, but a government constituted for the benefit of the people, by the people and for the people, to protect inalienable their rights to life, defend their liberties and secure their properties.

    • Fiyinfoluwa Elegbede

    Greenville, South Carolina,

    USA.

     

  • How do you treat people like Kwankwanso?

    How do you treat people like Kwankwanso?

    Reading Rabiu Kwakwanso in the papers over the weekend on why the South east does not deserve a sixth state like most of the other geopolitical zones in the country has once again reinforced the widely held belief about the arrogance of the northern political elite and the scorn with which they treat non Hausa/Fulani Nigerians.

    Kwankwanso as you know or if you don’t is the governor of Kano State, Nigeria’s second most populous state after Lagos and the centre of commerce and industry in the North. The State is also home to Maitama Sule the politician legendary for his oratorical skills who once said that northerners (read my lips;Hausa/Fulani) are better suited for leadership (in comparison with other Nigerians). Leadership he concluded is in their DNA.

    If you add Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the current governor of the Central Bank, another Kano indigene,to the above list and consider some of his provocative utterances and actions at the apex bank, then you begin to have a rather disturbing or distorted picture of the Kano elite, a subset of the larger political leadership in the north.

    I say distorted because it is this same Kano that had produced the great Mallam Aminu Kano, the undisputed leader and champion of the masses. From here also came Abubakar Rimi, Sule Lamido (now governor of Jigawa), former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and a whole lot of progressive minded politicians/leaders, academics living or dead that have contributed immensely to the development and progress of this country without casting aspersions or looking down on the rest of us.

    Lest I forget, Datti Ahmed, a medical doctor is also from Kano. And if you recall Ahmed was the one championing the case against administering polio vaccine on children in the north the other time,claiming it was a plot by the western world to kill Muslim children. Can you imagine this coming from a medical doctor?

    These characters are by no means the true face of Kano people and as such should be treated as individuals, so Kwankwanso is on his own I guess.

    The Kano State governor now in his second term and who many suspect harbors a presidential ambition (2015/2019?) in challenging deputy Senate president and chairman Constitution Review Committee, Ike Ekweremadu’s call for a sixth state to be created in the South east vehemently opposed such a move and called on National Assembly members from the north to be on the look out to prevent any attempt to create an additional state in the east through the back door or amend the constitution to give the president power to pick ministers from the geopolitical zones as opposed to each state.

    His argument was that the South east both in terms of landmass and population is too small for an additional state and if any state deserves to be created it should be from Kano state which he says should be broken into three. He pointedly accused Senator Ekweremadu from Enugu state of promoting an ethnic agenda on this issue while denying that he, Kwankwanso is also championing the northern interest. Relying on the last Census figures, the Kano governor said if his state was broken into three, each of he three states will still be bigger than Ekweremadu’s Enugu both in terms of size and population.

    While it is not difficult to understand Kwankwanso’s problem or concern over another state in the South east, what is rather disturbing is why would a State governor, a leader of his stature want to deny others their right. If all he wants is two additional states for Kano why say others should not have their own.? But we all know Kwankwanso and some northern elite want more than that. Most importantly they want the North’s numerical advantage in terms of number of states over the South and the political domination (of the South) which it confers on them to be retained at all cost. An additional state in the South east could alter this strength with serious political and economic implications for the north. One more state for the zone would automatically means more federal resources going to Iboland. Of course you know the implication of this in terms of infrastructural development of the area and may be less money for the other states.

    But why should the North want to dominate the rest of us or hold others to ransom or rather have things their way always? Honestly speaking what would the North or our compatriots in the North lose if the Ibos have one more state? I can’t see it? The problem here I think with people like Kwankwanso is that they don’t want to let go of the influence peddling/dispensing that they have been used to all these years since Lord Lugard’s amalgamation of 1914. But the truth is that the North or its people has not benefitted meaningfully from this near hegemonic control of Nigeria by the northern elite, instead the Kwankwansos of this world have been feeding fat on their undeserved advantages/privileges as leaders of their people to the detriment of this same people.

    If a sixth state in the South east will bring fairness and equity as Ibos would want us to believe why is Kwankwanso opposed to this? If he wants more state(s) out of Kano or elsewhere in the North let him or those in his boat apply and their request should be treated like others; on the table,with the criteria clearly spelt out and known to all. If at the end of the day the South east or any other zone got its wish or failed to the whole nation would know why.

    This attitude of its either my way or the expressway as being displayed by Kwankwanso is not in the best interest of the country most especially the North. This is the same attitude the North is adopting over the controversial issue of State police. If the Kano State governor believes his state is big enough to give birth to two other states because of the peculiarities of its size and population, why shouldn’t a state like Lagos,because of its peculiarities be allowed to have its own police force? It is not compulsory for others who don’t want to to have their own separate police, but those who can afford it and want it to be allowed to have it provided they comply with the law? Shikena!

    In our warped federalism we still want a very strong central government, a strong state when it suits our purpose and even a powerful region to serve our needs. The North does not want another state in the South east so that it can use its numerical advantage over the south to easily rally the nineteen northern states to veto or out muzzle the seventeen states from the south on any issue that requires national voting in say the National Assembly for instance. Even if nobody at least not Kwankwanso is saying so that is the belief here and this doesn’t bode well for national unity. While he is opposed to the president being allowed constitutionally to appoint ministers on regional basis, he sees nothing wrong in the North constituting itself into a regional bloc to dictate what happens in this country. Eating your cake and having it, eh?

    Instead of raising dust or sweating unnecessarily over issues that could divide us Kwankwanso and his likes, and I must confess they are not limited to the North alone, should be routing for fairness and equity. There are people like him here as well but may be they are not occupying the kind of public office he’s occupying, and when they make his kind of provocative statement only a few pay attention to them.

    While calling Kwankwanso to order, it is also necessary to advice our compatriots east of the Niger to also learn how to get things done without necessarily inviting the wrath or annoyance of others. The Ibos have a way of having a good case but spoiling it through bad presentation. They must learn to cooperate with and carry others along. In Nigeria no one ethnic nationality can do it alone. We need ourselves. So, Kwankwanso, no threat please.

     

  • Soyinka on Bakassi: people must decide where to belong

    Soyinka on Bakassi: people must decide where to belong

    •79th birthday lecture for Braithwaite holds in Lagos

    Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka yesterday flayed the Federal Government for trading off the disputed Bakassi Peninsula without regard for the wishes and interests of the people.

    He said the controversy has not ended because the inhabitants, who were not consulted, were seriously injured, pointing out that the United Nations has respect for the people’s dignity and  feelings.

    Soyinka also spoke on the evils of capitalism, berating the state, which he described as an entrepreneurial arm of the society, for creating inequitable relationship between workers and employers of labour.

    The eminent scholar delivered a lecture in Lagos titled: “Corporate gains and human deficits”. The public lecture organised by a non-governmental organisation, ‘Women Arise’, was part of activities marking the 79th birthday of the revolutionary lawyer, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite. The event, which held at the Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja and chaired by Prof Akin Oyebode, was witnessed by former Kaduna State Governor Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President Mrs. Priscilla Kuye, National Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Mr. Yinusa Tanko, rights activists Debo Adeniran, Mallam Shetima Yerima, Mr. Kunle Ajibade, Mr. Femi Kuti and Yeni Kuti.

    Braithwaite, who was accompanied by his medical doctor -wife, Simisola, cut his birthday cake, amid cheers by well-wishers.

    Former University of Ado-Ekiti Vice Chancellor Prof. Oyebode hailed the decision of the group, led by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, to honour Braithwaite, stressing that it is better to celebrate heroes when they are still alive. Paying tribute to the celebrator, the legal scholar observed that, despite his noble birth, he joined the struggle for the liberation of the masses.

    Dr. Okei-Odumakin described the celebrator as a great activist, legal surgeon, role model and lifewire of the rights movement, adding that he is a man of constant conscience.

    Soyinka revisited the Bakassi Peninsula controversy, saying that it is a testing ground for corporate integrity. He lamented that the disputed settlement in Cross River State was traded off between Nigeria and Cameroun.

    The retired university don doubted if the wishes, feelings and interests of the people were considered by the International Court of Justice sitting in The Hague, Netherlands. He said the attachment to the land by the displaced people superseded the government’s desire to trade off the settlement.

    Soyinka rejected the argument of stakeholders that military action could resolve the hurdle, warning that it could herald protracted litigations.

    He said: “There must be a plebiscite to decide where the people want to be. What the people of Bakassi want for themselves. Do they want to be Nigerians or Cameroonians. The people must be given a voice to express themselves”.

    The Nobel Laureate spoke on the evil of capitalism, which, he said, is characterised by the deadness of human feelings, adding that since it cannot put on a human face, its practice had led to upheavals and rupturing of the society.

    Alluding to the scenario in Pakistan where 200 workers who were locked up in a workplace to prevent work shift evasion died in a fire, he decried the societal laxity and penchant for accumulation which  made the system to thrive.

    Soyinka lamented the killing of the cottage industry in the North by smuggling, recalling that since the garment industry was shut down, unemployment had soared in the region.

    He said  unemployed youths have become willing recruits into armed robbery and extreme religious indoctrination.

    Soyinka juxtaposed the class division in capitalism with the apartheid experience in South Africa, noting that citizens whose psyche has been affected have never shown positive attitude to many who aided the historic liberation struggle.

    He said during these harsh times, the lowering of the unemployment ration, in Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia and other poor countries could boost security.

    The literary icon warned that danger would continue to loom as kidnapping has become a lucrative business undertaken by members of movements claiming to be fighting for genuine causes.

    Soyinka said it was also worrisome that sects indulge in using the name of God to inflict pains, agony and sorrow on fellow citizens, warning that Nigeria may be on the verge of disintegration.

    He berated the acts of “corporate terror”, which has manifested in increased activities of “the destroyers of Northern Nigeria”.

    Stressing that havoc had been wreaked on the country since the outcome of the last presidential election, Soyinka added: “Boko Haram targets the masses, okada men and children. Complacency is no more an acceptable virtue. Armed robbers stopped a moving bus and raped passangers, including children. NYSC members are killed by animals.

    “Boko Haram has not really waged war against the state, but against the populace. The sect is wasting human asset as it has manifested in attacks on universities.”

    Soyinka paid tributes to Braithwaite, saying that he is a stubborn, principled and great man.

    Oyebode, who spoke before the Nobel Laureate, said: “If Soyinka belongs to a wasted generation, then, I may belong to a lost generation because my generation came after his generation.”

    He hailed Braithwaite’s consistency, doggedness and commitment to a better Nigeria. He said his  notable and enviable contributions as a lawyer and radical politician who intended to exterminate rats and mosquitoes from the country since the Second Republic were worthy of recognition.

    Oyebode stresed: “He had a mission to exterminate rats and mosquitoes from Nigeria. What he meant by that were the ‘10 percenters’, and exploiters who had let Nigeria down. Although, the Nigeria Advanced Party (NAP) did not fulfill its mission, he made his impact. But rats and mosquitoes have continued to fester. Corruption is on the increase.

    “Common thieves found their ways into the corridors of power. Ibori could not be convicted in Nigeria. He escaped Nigerian justice, but he could not escape British justice.”