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  • ‘Searching for Senator’s replacement’

    Stakeholders from Kogi West are shopping for a likely replacement for their senator, Dino Melaye.

    This followed the continuation of the recall process initiated against him.

    Despite the court process initiated by Melaye, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would continue with the process.

    A group, Youth for Change (YFC), is demanding the seat for Yagba.

    However, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kabba, Chief Ayodele Olukore, recommends  the lawmaker representing Kabba/Bunu/Ihumu in the House of Representatives, T. J Yusuf.

    According to him, the lawmaker has brought development to the area.

    “Yusuf is performing in Kogi West, and we support him to go to the Senate. His two terms at the House of Representatives has been fruitful, and has brought development.

    “He bought transformers, distributed machines to youths, provided borehole. We commend him and urge him to go to the Senate.”

    But YFC vowed not to relent until APC zones the ticket to Yagba.

    The leader, Umaru Bashir, said it’s time Yagba produces the next senator after Ijumu/Kabba, where Melaye hails from.

    According to him, it’s in the interest of Kogi West that the seat be zoned to Yagba.

    He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did so, and to maintain peace and give the people a sense of belonging, the ruling party must also act.

  • Searching for lasting solution to Nigeria’s economic problems (1)

    The acknowledgment by governors of the possibility that their states may atrophy, if no serious intervention beyond periodic bailouts is put in place, must re-ignite the theme of re-federalisation which appears to have been relegated to the backburner since the emergence of the government of change.

    Only a few days ago, the Governors Forum met with President Buhari to indicate concerns of its members about the growing failure of states to meet their statutory duties: payment of salaries to workers and of pensions to those who had served the states in their productive years before retiring to tend their bodies and minds in their old age. Two things from the proposal of the association of 36 governors across partisan lines is acknowledgment of the negative impact of collapse of oil price on governors’ capacity to sustain their states. Another thing is the request for increase in allocations from the federation account to states. It was reported that the president also told the governors that the federal government also has problems meeting its own responsibilities but he promised to study the governors’ request and make appropriate recommendations to other branches of government. The acknowledgment by governors of the possibility that their states may atrophy, if no serious intervention beyond periodic bailouts is put in place, must re-ignite the theme of re-federalisation which appears to have been relegated to the backburner since the emergence of the government of change.

    The problem of fiscal control of the states by the central government in the 1999 Constitution is imaged most illustratively by the chairman of the Governors Forum: “You will agree with me that states are the landlords. We own the land and the people, therefore, the economy of this country lies in the states. Everything comes from the states- the oil, agricultural produce, mining and people are in the states, while the federal government is in Abuja.” Although this statement was made to support the argument for allocation of more funds from the federation account to the states, it could also have been made directly to call for fiscal and political autonomy to the states, a move that can change the architecture of governance in the country from a house of one puppeteer and 36 puppets to a house of equal siblings or partners committed to the same goal: improvement of the life of citizens wherever they may be in the country.

    As the president’s group studies the governors’ proposal, citizens and pundits will do the country a lot of good by suggesting solutions to the country’s political and economic problems. They should not assume that the manifesto of the party of change will self-propel and all that citizens need to do is to wait for each pledge to be met by the president. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State also expressed ideas similar to that of the chairman of the Governors Forum at this year’s London School of Economics African summit to suggest that governors are thinking alike about what Nigeria needs to do in the wake of the decline in oil revenue: “If we ask for tax revenue, we in the government will have to deliver something. We need to imbibe fiscal discipline in delivering the public services that our citizens so rightly deserve. This calls for a greater autonomy of state and local governments, which in turn promotes accountability. If we look at Canada for example, its decentralism has played a great part in its growth and success, allowing for maximum provincial authority in the fields of healthcare, education, taxation and social benefits.”

    Even before President Buhari assumed office and became privileged to know the depth of Nigeria’s economic problems arising principally from collapse of oil price and from systematic predation by the locusts that had governed the country for decades, he too sensed that the re-designing of the structure of governance in the country needs immediate attention. One of the core statements in his manifesto illustrates this commitment well: “Initiate action to amend our Constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and responsibilities to states and local governments in order to entrench true Federalism and the Federal Spirit.”

    The copious quotes from the ruling group are to establish the recognition on the part of current rulers of the need to re-envision and re-design Nigeria in the direction of unity of purpose, as distinct from the decades-long notion of unity per se. Now that it has taken the relative evaporation of the huge revenue from sale of fossil energy for top members of the executive branch to recognise the need for a new design of the country’s economy, pundits and the public, particularly the non-partisan ones ought to recognise the need to project the call for return to federalism outside the debate about inter-ethnic tensions, such as the conflict between Fulani herdsmen and Agatu, Igbo, or Yoruba farmers. The review of the 1999 Constitution in relation to the architecture of governance is an argument that is independent of what states or ethnic nationalities do or do not do to each other. The problem that the current constitution encapsulates was caused not by the existence of several nationalities in the country, but by the vision of several military dictators and their civilian surrogates in charge of the country since 1966.

    For readers of this column who may be too young to know how Nigeria came to this pass, it is necessary to go back briefly to history. At independence in 1960, Nigeria was a federal system based on three regions. In 1963, it became a ‘republic’ still under a federal constitution. In its ten years of self-rule from 1957 to 1966 and with very little revenue from petroleum, the three regions functioned as equals under a federal constitution and as partners with the central government to create a more conducive environment for citizens to make a living. The competitive federalism that was in play until 1966 made it possible for each region to benefit from comparative advantage thrown up by its vegetation and values. Cotton, groundnut, and cattle production drove the economy of Northern region; palm produce and rubber drove that of Eastern region while cocoa and rubber pushed the economy of Western region. Even after a fourth region, the Midwest (now Edo and Delta States) was carved out of Western region, the four regions were still meeting their responsibilities until the end of the First Republic.

    The first coup and subsequent ones put the management of the country in the hands of soldiers. The civil war fought partially for the control of the petroleum producing areas in the Niger Delta became an excuse in the hands of military rulers for tinkering with the country’s architecture.  The first attempt to shift from the federal system to a unitary one by General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi was resisted by the makers of the second coup. Shortly after the onset of the civil war, many of the foreign countries that supplied Nigeria arms made it clear that they would rather support whichever area had control of the oil. Suddenly, Nigeria was transformed into 12 states under the command of General Yakubu Gowon, who ironically came to power on the need to save the federation from over concentration of power at the centre. Even after creation of 12 states, each state was still big and resourceful enough to fulfil its duties to its citizens. But as military rulers succeeded each other, each dictator wanted to put his stamp on the country. The goal for all the dictators was to make it hard or impossible for any state to be strong enough to want to leave the union. Each subsequent ruler created more states to be funded by the apparently unlimited flow of oil from the womb of the Niger Delta. Many civilians who hoped to benefit from proliferation of states designed to be sustained by revenue from petroleum egged the dictators on. Such civilians were still calling for new states even in late 2015 although they have been relatively quiet since the coming home to roost of the chicken of petroleum. It is, however, salutary that governors are now more aware than before that the states they have governed with relative ease because of oil money are withering faster than ever under their leadership, largely because of structural problems many of them could afford to ignore when petroleum was a reliable goose laying the golden egg.

    • To be continued.
  • Security operatives searching for killers of Ondo varsity student

    Security operatives searching for killers of Ondo varsity student

    The Department of State Security Services (DSS) has launched a manhunt for the suspected killers  of Olumuyiwa Ewarawon, a 400 Level Psychology student of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba Akoko, Ondo State .

    Ewarawon is believed to have been killed by members of the Cadet Corps, a paramilitary organisation.

    Three weeks ago, there was commotion at the school, when a commander of the Cadet Corps, Adedoyin Adeola, a student described as “spillover student” led some gangsters to Ewarawon’s hostel, where he was allegedly beaten to a coma.

    A student said: “Ewarawon was sleeping when Adedoyin, known as Iron body, led his gang of Cadet Corps members into Shanghai Villa (a private hostel) and asked for Oluwamuyiwa’s room.

    “The next thing we heard was banging on the door. The culprits forcefully entered the room and beat the victim until blood started gushing out of his body.

    “After the incident, Adedoyin escaped. His parents who live in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government have also fled their home.”

    Another student said: “After the beating, Olumuyiwa was rushed to the Iwaro General Hospital.

    “His condition worsened and the doctor on duty advised that he should be transferred to another hospital.

    “He was taken to the University Teaching Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State, where he died.”

    The news of Ewarawon’s death went viral on social media and has generated lots of controversy in the university community.

    Several students recalled that the Cadet Corps once threatened the deceased during a show organised by the university.

    The university management has declared Adedoyin wanted.

    The Dean, Students Affairs, Bolanle Ogungbamila, said the Cadet Corps would be banned, until the university management investigates the incident.

    He said: “The organisation (Cadet Corps) will remain banned while the university management investigates the situation.

    “We are on top of the situation and we have advised our students not to take the law in their hands.

    “They should remain calm, until the school investigates the matter.”

    In a statement, the Student Union Government (SUG) urged Adedoyin to surrender to the police.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has suspensed all para-military organisations on campus.

    He set up a three-man investigation panel to unravel the cause of the incident.

    A statement by the Registrar, Bamidele Olotu, said: “In view of the recent activities of para-military organisations that led to the death of a student outside the campus, the VC has suspended the activities of all para-military organisations in the university.

    “A three-man investigation panel has been constituted to look into the matter.”

  • I’m single but not Searching -Beauty pageant runner-up Sapara

    I’m single but not Searching -Beauty pageant runner-up Sapara

    Cynthia Olajumoke Sapara, an undergraduate of Chemical Engineering at the Alberta University, Canada, was one of the runners-up at the just-concluded Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant in Calabar on October 24. Sapara combines beauty with brain. A close encounter with the young model offers a glimpse into her brilliance and the passion to make a mark in the dynamic world of beauty and the catwalk. In this interview with KEHINDE OLULEYE and OREOLUWA OJO, she speaks about her career, family and foray into the fashion world, and the importance of being morally upright as an attribute of a beauty queen.

    Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

    I hail from Lagos. My dad is from Isale-Eko campus. I’m from a family of six, including my parents and my three siblings. I’m the second (child) and the first girl, so it’s a lot of passion for me. I left Nigeria when I was 12, went to college in Manchester in the United Kingdom and also went to university (Alberta University) in Canada. I always represented my school for a lot of conference talks. I have met Queen Elizabeth before and the minister for education.

    For some time, you have been in the news and accused of showing off your diction. Is that how you talk or you learnt to speak that way because of the pageant?

    I was not ‘forming’ because during the pageant, I lost my voice and I had cough, so my voice changed. So whenever I was talking, I sounded more like a kid and my voice was not very clear.

    It is very difficult for me when speaking in Nigeria because people would think I’m faking it. But I guess it is something that shouldn’t be focused on because I wasn’t faking. That is how I talk with  my parents and my friends.

    Why is cyber-bullying your project focus?

    Initially that was not my project focus. When I saw the pageant, my main focus was to reduce the mortality rate in Nigeria. Cyber-bullying is so bad that it gives false information about someone.

    Are you a victim or is anyone close to you a victim?

    Yes, I have been a victim – when I was in high school in UK. My first year in UK was pretty difficult because on my first day in school, a lot of people asked: how did you know how to speak English? Because they believe I’m from Africa. And they were like ‘are you from the jungle or living in the jungle?’ But it was really difficult to communicate. But funny enough, I never called my parents that I was being bullied because I saw it as one of those things in life. You have to go through challenges and that makes you stronger.

    You represented Edo State in MBGN 2015 and some people said you are from Anambra State. Are you originally from Edo State?

    I loved representing Edo State in MBGN. It is definitely the heartbeat of Nigeria. I am actually not fully Edo. My paternal grandfather is from Lagos State (Isale Eko). But my paternal grandmother is from Edo State (Benin; the Inneh family).

    So I was very enthusiastic to represent the state that I still had an affiliation with. I learnt so much about Edo State: the rich culture, history, achievements, politics, food and so many other things. I am proud to be partly from Edo State and very much happy I represented Edo State in a positive way.

    Beauty pageant generally has lost its appeal and glamour. What is your take on this?

    That’s an interesting question. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to do the beauty pageant. When I read about beauty queens, you ask them questions about what they want to do for Nigeria, some of them say things that they don’t eventually do and this is sad. You don’t have to dream big before you can help people. I always think most people are being selfish, but at the same time you need a little selflessness in you. I have not lived in Nigeria for so many years, but, trust me, I read about Nigeria and every single time I read the news, I’m teary because I always think that this is my country.

    I feel like a lot of the beauty queens just see that ‘I’m famous now everybody sees me, everybody thinks I’m beautiful’, but that is not what the beauty queen is all about. You need to give back and help a person, that is what you need to do.

    What are your plans as the fourth runner-up of MBGN 2015?

    I contested MBGN 2015 to use my achievement as the 4th runner-up as a platform for me to get my voice heard. It is without doubt that people do respect beauty queens and I do not just mean any beauty queen but one who is very good and genuine at heart.

    I do make an emphasis on the word genuine because it is a natural attribute and not an attribute that should be forced. My immediate contribution to my beautiful country would be to join clean and green projects, seminar talks and charity organisations that would enhance the development of one’s skills and confidence, which in turn would help people achieve their goals.

    This is paramount to me because these people I help would be able to give back to the country by serving the country as professionals, entrepreneurs or civil servants. This would in turn create more job opportunities. It is like a chain reaction. A positive effort I make to help Nigeria would produce a result, which in turn would produce another result.

    In addition to joining these projects and organisations, I would also create my own non-governmental organisation (NGO) that would be focusing on several issues affecting our nation, issues involving health, education, poverty, cyber bullying and climate change.

    However, I would be focusing on each of these issues individually under my NGO. It is vital that these issues are addressed not all together so that all necessary attention can be given to each one at a time to achieve the goals I set out to achieve. Having more people on board within my organisation and enough finance would make results achievable and efficiently done. I am currently waiting for my NGO to be registered. Once this is done, I will start implementing all the plans I have been working on.

    What influenced your decision to come to Nigeria for the MBGN beauty pageant?

    I have done beauty pageants for Nigeria before. I did one four years ago – Miss Global Nigeria – and I was the first runner-up. I also represented Nigeria in the Top Model of the World in Egypt in 2013. So, MBGN was not my first pageant. You don’t have to be pretty when going for the beauty pageant. You just have to be smart.

    I am a student in Canada taking my second degree (Chemical Engineering). Over the years, I have watched the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant and followed the progress of majority of their winners, and I always had this feeling that I had something different.

    My vision and goal for Nigeria made me contest this pageant. I came from Canada to contest MBGN 2015 not for my own personal gain. It was important for me to be involved in Nigeria in a positive way, helping kids, helping the needy and creating awareness on issues impacting our country negatively.

    I am still Nigerian irrespective of where I reside or my accent. I would not feel like I am living a fulfilled life by staying in the Diaspora happily while my home country needs any little help she could get. Not every Nigerian in the Diaspora thinks about things this way, maybe for some personal reason or maybe because of the disappointment or anger they feel towards our government over the years.

    All of these reasons are understandable, but, at the same time, I believe that anger or disappointment should motivate Nigerians in the Diaspora to want to help Nigeria become a better country. I have this philosophy about us humans, that there are two kinds of people in this world: the ones that strive so hard to make the world a better place and the ones that take the world just as it is.

    I believe the previous kinds of people are meant to make contributions in ways that would encourage the latter kind of people to see things differently. By so doing, things would gradually change. Every little effort goes a long way over time, just like the saying. Over time, however, what may first appear to be small efforts will multiply and end up being significant.

    What have been the high and low parts of the pageant?

    The low part was when I was sick. I was disappointed because in my first week in camp I was like ‘wow!’ And I felt it was a competition. The second week, my body was breaking. It was really emotional because I felt ‘I came all the way from Canada and I must win this pageant’. I’m not winning it for myself but I’m winning it for Nigeria basically. Irrespective of what challenges you have in life, you just have to push yourself forward.

    So what’s the thin line between modelling and beauty pageant?

    Except from the walk, what we do is different. In the modelling industry, it’s either you are a runway model, editorial model or commercial model. So, usually, I do runways and editorials, and I’m not really expected to be smart.

    I’m not really expected to sit down and have conversations with people. It’s just more like looking pretty and beautiful. They don’t really care if you have a school degree or high school knowledge, they don’t really care if you are trying to help people. It’s just all about making your money, going for your job, going for casting and leaving the place.

    But in the beauty pageant industry it’s different because you have to smile every time. You have to be encouraging. People have to like you. You have to be helpful and you have to be truthful about helping people. You don’t really need to have the best walk. We have to be beautiful, we have to have the goal and the statistics.

    What attracted you to modelling?

    A lot of people model for money, career and many other things. But I don’t want to be a model for a career. I have already had a career in Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering. Eventually, I want to be a doctor. I got into modelling because it was a form of relaxation for me.

    You are in a man’s field (chemical engineering). What influenced your course of study?

    I did my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Mathematics. I love Mathematics because it is my strength. So when I was taking a programme in school, I wanted to take something I won’t have to study so much on, like I could do well and not even put so much effort in it.

    Chemistry, on the other hand, was interesting for me. Mathematics is just like a challenge. It’s not something you can cram. You have to learn and apply it to a lot of things in life. Why I did that? It was because I wanted to go to medical school. Since I decided not to go for medical anymore at this point in time because of financial reason, I decided to take a technology  based course, chemical engineering.

    So it is a four-year programme, but because I already had a Bachelor of Science degree, it is a two-year programme for me.

    What were the unforgettable things that happened when you were growing up?

    Going away when I was at a very young age, like, being away out of the country to another continent entirely, has really moulded me into who I am. I have experienced a lot of challenges in life that I can’t really talk about them. Some are really emotional.

    I always see positivity in a lot of things because I’m an optimistic person. At 23, I have not experienced half of what my mum or anybody might have experienced. At the same time, I’m happy about my past and everything that has happened. I don’t regret anything because it made me who I am right now.

    When are you planning to settle down?

    (Laughs) I don’t know, but I pray about it. And I pray that God should bring the right person to me. And if the right person comes, I will get married to him. If the person understands my dream and my inspiration, even going back to medical school is not going to be a problem.

    So that means you are still single and searching?

    No! I am not searching. I’m keeping an open mind. I meet people, talk to them. If my heart moves towards them and if my heart doesn’t, I keep them as friends.

    What is your definition of love?

    Love is a very selfless act. For you to be in love, you can’t be selfish. You have to understand that there are two people involved and the way you think about life has to be about you and this person irrespective of whatever is going on in the relationship.

    What can you do for love?

    I don’t know, maybe because I haven’t fallen in love. I think we have different kinds of love: the Agape love, Eros love … The Agape love is God’s love and that is the one I will go for. And I have my parents’  love because I really appreciate what they’ve done for me and how I can’t even imagine my life without them. And the Eros love, I pray to experience it because when people talk about it, it’s really beautiful, so I can’t wait to experience it.

    Have you ever dated a white man?

    Yes.

    What was your mum’s reaction to that?

    My mum didn’t know. We were dating, but I won’t classify it like the way everybody dates. I was younger then. I was 19 years. He was nice, he was ready to know a lot about my culture and I just felt I was educating him about my culture, basically.

    How do your parents influence you?

    My parents are the most hardworking parents ever. The kind of love they give sometimes, I always tell them I don’t know if I’m capable of giving this kind of love to my kids. Sometimes, it’s really emotional, like, they go out of their way to please us.

    They don’t only show us the love, they show their family members and people around them, and I was like ‘wow! That’s amazing’.

    What is your perception of life?

    I have always had a philosophy to choose to be morally upright and irrespective of what is prevalent in this society. But I have tried as much as possible to be morally upright not just for myself, but for my family, my friends and, especially, to God.

    What are your fashion weaknesses?

    Shoes! I can wear the same cloth every day of the week and wash it but my shoes have to be different. I feel like shoes are the first thing people notice about you. I can tell the kind of person you are by the shoes you put on.

    What is style to you?

    I feel style is a personal thing. I don’t think anybody can have the same style with somebody else. I feel like it is an individual perspective. The way you see yourself is the way you want other people to see you.

    Can you define your style?

    My style can be a little bit chic and classy, and at the same time have a little bit of edge in it.

    Do you have any particular beauty routine?

    Yes, I do. I like to do a lot of face mask. Once in a week, I have to do my face mask. I feel it is important. I have a sensitive skin and oily skin. So, I’m really careful what I get for my face. I don’t like to touch my face because we get a lot of bacteria in the hand and I don’t like people to touch my face either. I drink a lot of water and eat lots of fruits.

    Who are your favourite Nigerian fashion designers?

    Lanre DaSilva-Ajayi, Needle Kraft, Toju Foyeh, April by Kunbi, Mai Atafo, Tiffany Amber. I like a couple of them. Nigerian designers are amazing.

    In comparison to their foreign counterparts?

    Yes. Even when I see a lot of clothes some Nigerian designers make, l am like, ‘you think out of the box’. I feel like in the Diaspora, it’s not really out of the box, but sometimes they go out of the box and they make clothes that other people from another country cannot even wear. But Nigerian designers’ clothes are for every race like the black, the white, and the Indians. In UK, their designers make clothes practically for their own people. I think Nigeria designers are top-notch.

    Purpose of being beauty queen?

    Being a beauty queen is not just being physically beautiful. One has to possess an inner beauty that exhibits positive energy and a contagious aura. It is important that as a beauty queen you are aware of the public attention that comes with the title, and also have a vast knowledge and wisdom in knowing how to embrace this in a positive manner. A lot of beauty queens in Nigeria go into pageants for themselves, but that is by far what being a beauty queen is about. As a beauty queen you aren’t just meant to win the pageant for yourself. Winning the beauty pageant should be a great way for you to achieve your goal in helping people. That is the whole point of being a beauty queen.

  • ‘Why we are searching for investors in Nigeria’

    The Chief Executive Officer, Monarch International Company, James Bowling, has said privileged individuals in Nigeria should  invest in property and residency abroad for the future of their family.

    He said the interest of the company in Nigeria is to enable potential investors invest in residency, citizenship and property abroad, adding that the firm is in Nigeria to open a new way of opportunities to interesting partners.

    Speaking at a workshop organised by the company in Port Harcourt, Mr. Bowling said every property invested in, will attract some royalty and would also give investors the opportunity to travel to over 150 countries in the world.

    He said his company is doing well in Africa and Europe, but still new in Nigeria where it is searching for serious and potential opportunities.

    He noted that the properties are affordable, though to be paid in dollars, but comparable to other property bought in Nigeria depending on the location of the property.

    “Monarch International Company is into residency, citizenship and property, we are new in Nigeria we believe that we will have more applicants here who will invest abroad, Nigeria has a wealthy individual, who can take the great opportunity in life to invest abroad.

    ”We secure the future of our clients, by ensuring his residency in any of the countries where he bought his or her property. We also assist our clients to interact with the government of the country where these properties are located. We also assist with money transfer and other businesses,” he said.

    Its West Africa Managing Director, Mr. Gerald Lebechi, said the response in Africa made the company to believe that Nigeria would be a better place for its future investment.

    “There is a very strong response in Africa, Nigeria is just new but we have received a lot of applications, we have been operating from South-Africa for eight years now, our focus now is on African expansion, like Ghana, Angola, Congo and the rest of African countries.

    “The challenge here is getting documentation and the biggest challenge is getting the buyer of the residency and property.

    “We try to give our plans to the investors, we are telling our investors that they should not wait and miss this golden opportunity,” he said.

  • I’m single but not searching

    I’m single but not searching

    Ire Adebo, 30, a chanter, flutist and performing artiste comes across as colourful. She learnt the rudiments of music and how to play the flute at Peter King Music College, Badagry, forming Ire the Stage Devi and the Colossus Band in 2009 with Henrietta Ikediashi. Her songs include Funny Journey, Seun Rere (a remix done with Christy Essien Igbokwe) and Agbajowo. In this interview with JOE AGBRO JR., Adebo popularly known as Ire the Stage Devi, reveals her passion for folklore music despite its limited appreciation in the country and other issues. Excerpts 

    Why are you called Ire The Stage Devi?

    Devi means goddess in Hindi. So, when you say Ire The Stage Devi, you’re saying Ire The Stage goddess. Ire is a performer, a flutist, a born chanter, a writer and a performing artiste.

    Tell us a little bit about your upbringing. Your early years

    My mum is from Edo state and my dad is from Abeokuta, Ogun State. I have a very interesting upbringing. I grew up in Mushin. I grew up in a ghetto called Onifade in Mushin. And it was wonderful. I call it sweet and sour. We had our ups and downs.

    A middle-class family, my parents were very strict. In as much as we grew up in Mushin, we didn’t mix. But I had my challenges like I said. Then, we have the wonderful memories of running around in the rain with pants. Going from one mosque to another when they are doing their Asalatu or fasting and claim we are Muslims. And Christmas period, we move about. It’s a ghetto, you know, picking food from different houses, showing off your Christmas dress, getting money from uncles, aunties, and all that.

    Now, you’re into folklore music. How did that begin?

    As a child, I’ve always loved to be different. With me, I don’t like to follow trends. Like I said, I grew up in the ghetto in Mushin where we listen to all kinds of local music from fuji to apala. My parents listened to folk music and jazz, American jazz, and the likes of Jimmy Sholanke.

    And at a point, I listened to stories from my grandparents. I was always excited every night. And from the stories, there will always be a new song that they will teach us. And the next day, you’ll still have the tune in your head while you’re singing. And you’ll remember the story of tortoise and how he lost out because he didn’t do the right thing and the song and all that. So all those were from my childhood days, my background, my parents and the kinds of music I listened to.

    Now in these parts, usually, folklore songs are considered something associated with the aged or something that takes place in the local areas. How do you fit into that?

    Firstly, I think that is the mind-set we have in this part of the world. Folk is also a genre of music. In fact, in other countries, they have association for different genres of music. But in this country, because of the situation and our thinking faculty, I think we only think that music should be this way.

    Every music has its market. It depends on how you can bring your market on board. Now, another thing with folk song, it is something that should be preserved because it is being handed from mouth to mouth, from generation to generation and it is not rigid. But when I discovered that I was going to go into folk music, I decided to learn the business by going to a music college. It was when I went to Music College that I actually discovered that it is really a genre of music that is larger than what anybody has imagined existed. It is an export product. That is why I say to people, ‘I work locally but I think globally.’ My song is done locally, recorded locally but having in mind that music is universal —and everything that could make the youthful audience understand that folk can be fun.

    So, I come in by bringing my own personality and my creativity and my youthfulness. And make it playful, make it acceptable. I could blend everything together. And if you look at Angelique Kidjo for example, that’s what she does  making it acceptable. It is still African but it is acceptable to every lover of good music. So, that’s just what I do.

    Are you saying it’s possible to have folklore with rap, for instance, or hip-hop?

    Yeah, it’s very possible. So far it is music, it is interwoven. Asa sings blues. But in Asa’s songs, there is always an element of folk. What makes folk? The vernacular, the language. Now, the rudiments, that’s the instrumentation, they keys, chords, and everything, then the story you’re about to tell.

    Music defies every rule of nature. It cuts across anything. It depends on how you can push yourself and say, ‘I want to experiment with this.’ Like I say to people, ‘I experiment with my music.’ That thing you feel is not doable, for me, it can be done as far as we keep working on it.

    So, for how long have you been doing folk songs professionally?

    Professionally, it’s 10 years.

    And how many songs have you done so far?

    So far, I think I’ve recorded like seven songs. And I have well over 500 unrecorded songs. And I’m still composing every day.

    What inspires you?

    Well for me, I believe the source of any inspiration is God. He is my first inspiration. And another thing that inspires me is situations, my environment. I like where I can access nature free, close my eyes, listen to the sounds of birds, the trees, or maybe a very funny discussion. Some people are having a very funny discussion about life, about hunger, about pain, something can just come to me. It’s unpredictable. It just happens. And that is why my songs don’t sound alike because it just comes just like that.

    Now, some people associate folklore songs with being fetish. What is your own experience?

    I don’t know.

    For instance, when you want to do your chant and you want to talk about some powers, indigenous aura…

    I could remember the first time I performed at Taruwa and I said I’m a born chanter and I was trying to explain what a chanter is and somebody from the audience said, ‘you mean like the babalawo own.’ I said no. There is a difference between incantation and a chant. A chant is something we grew up with. It’s just like a poem. In poem, you have sonnet, you have ballad, we have dirge. It could be that you chant for weddings, chant for twins, we have chants for burials, we have chants for birthdays. It is just people who speak philosophically with words. And these things are gifts being handed from one generation to another. It’s just like every other gift. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re trying to be diabolical.

    What religion do you practice?

    I’m a Christian. That’s why, when I want to chant for Olodumare, it’s always beyond me… In Yoruba, in our language that people refuse to access because they feel it is too local to be recognised. But these are actually things that are lost that could be accessed and shown to the world that ‘we have this, you don’t have this and we are proud of it.’ I’m a Christian but I respect all religions.

    Is being a folklore performer lucrative?

    For me, every business is lucrative. It depends on the amount of people who are ready to risk the journey. It depends on who is anchoring it. You might be a hip-hop singer, in as much as it is accessible. But the packaging I’m going to bring to the floor is going to be different from it. And yes, it’s also a very lucrative business because it is an export product. The world is waiting to see Africa the way Africa is.

    They can’t wait to access what we have to offer. And we ourselves, we don’t even know what we have yet. We just have to package the right way. I know how much organisations like UNESCO will put in to hear something different from what the world is already offering. It’s everywhere – things that we are even yet to discover. When I go for festivals and meet other folk singers and how they make their money and stuffs like that, it is because their government has been able to invest in them. It is because there is a record label which does nothing but folk artists.

    So, are you making enough money or much money?

    Right now, I won’t say I’m making much money. I just believe in the dream. Because of where we are right now, the country we are, I don’t think good music are really appreciated. We don’t have that platform for people who do what I’m doing because already we’re being written off like the ‘local music.’ So, right now, I’m not signed to any record label.

    So, what are the other things you do to pay the bills?

    I’m a farmer. I do jingles, I write scripts for people. I mix creams and I’m also a networker. I believe in wellness. So, when I get other funds from other things, I put it back into where I believe the dream is.I can’t tell you how many things I’ve been involved in and still involving in because I like new ideas. But when I’m on stage and I’m doing my thing, I just feel like I was born to do this. I was born to be on stage.

    So, what’s the major challenge facing your genre of music?

    Funds. It’s always funds because folk music is quite expensive.

    Do you think it is appreciated?

    In this country, no, but in other countries, yes. When you go for festivals, you’re like a god when you come out with your regalia, your crew, your costumes.

    Do you always appear so colourful like this?

    I love colours. I’m always intimidating with colours. I like to imitate life with my colours. Most times, when we travel with so many costumes, we hardly come back with them because we keep giving it away. They want to pay for it but because they appreciate what it is, we give it to them.

    You talked about being appreciated in some other countries. Where are those countries and how was your experience at some of those festivals?

    I’ve been opportune to represent the country at The Gambia for a period of one month; I’ve been to the Republic of Benin, Ghana, Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal. We were supposed to be in Greece last year but… but we were not given the necessary attention needed. And before we knew what was happening, we were not attended to and the time-frame for the tour passed. And this was something that a white band in Greece saw. They saw some of my works on Youtube and said they would like to work with us, to infuse what we have with what they do. That we should go on a tour in Greece during the Easter period. The necessary things put together were not in place. So, outside the country, the other places we’ve been to, it’s been wonderful. Any time we are going, it’s ‘Oh, Nigerian band, not yet, you can’t go.’

    What is a memorable experience for you?

    It has to be SICA festival. We had serious fun and my video won an award against other countries. It was at the Republic of Benin. My video (Agbajowo) won the best indigenous video in Africa. I was so popular with everybody. They actually called me the girl with the colourful hair, the girl that dances with her hair. It was wonderful, the one week we spent there.

    We recorded a song with all the African artistes that were on ground from Ivory Coast, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Benin  all the countries  we all recorded a song together. We exchanged contacts. And that was what led to the collaboration between myself and Nova.

    You said you play the flute. Why did you decide on picking the flute?

    At first, I wanted to start with guitar then I discovered that a lot of people play guitar. Then I considered my personality. I always own my stage. So, if I do something like sax, it could be too close to my personality. I’m already hyper, why don’t I try something very subtle so that people would know that I can be hyper and I can be calm as well.

    Tell me a little bit about your educational background

    When I left (secondary) school, I discovered that what I just wanted to do was music. So even when my parents were like ‘this and that’, I wanted music. So, I started Peter King College of Music. Then, I had to do professional courses. Then, after I decided to go into National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to study Peace and Conflict Studies which right now is on hold again because of lot things we are working on.

    You’re a beautiful young lady, how do you handle male fans?

    Our work is highly spiritual because it has to do with gifts from God. If you get it right; if you’re with the right person, your work moves forward. And if you make the mistake of being with the wrong person, then… I’m one of those people who believe in waiting for the right person – the very good one. So, for now, I don’t think I have the grace yet to just hang around men, in as much as they want to. Right now, my career is my number one boyfriend. Maybe when I’m very popular, the right person would definitely show up. But for now, the issue of men is not there for me.

    So, Ire is single?

    I’m single but not searching. For now.

    Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

    Well, I’m one of those people who like to take a step at a time. I believe tomorrow would take care of itself, especially when you do the right things today. I’m contented in today. I’m not God, so I don’t know where I’m going to be in the next 10 years.

  • While searching for our Chibok girls

    SIR: While we are still praying and busy searching for our Chibok girls, we should not leave our rear completely exposed and unguarded. This is evidenced in the deadly bomb – attacks that rocked the cities of Kano and Jos respectively within a week when the attention of our security forces and their foreign allies were drawn and focused on the north- eastern Nigerian forests in search of the abducted girls.

    Or has the Boko – Haram sold our military a dummy? Is this abduction saga a decoy that the Boko – Haram is using to strike at soft targets in the other parts of the country while the world’s attention is focused on just one geo – political zone?

    We have reasons to be apprehensive for the safety of our lives because no one knows when and where the next bomb may be set to blast. This is where protection of vested interests of certain godfathers and their godsons has landed us in this nation.

    Definitely, Nigeria as a nation is waging an offensive spiritual warfare now and the whole world knows it. Greed, avarice and clamour for power at all cost seem to have blurred the spiritual sights of our leaders. Even the priests of God seem to be affected too. They seem to be shying away in declaring God’s total counsel to our political leaders. .’’

    As the LORD moves the whole world to beam its searchlight on the nation with a view to help us out of our socio – economic and political quagmires, so shall God’s glory shine suddenly upon this land. And we shall soon forget our current woes. Our weeping shall soon turn to laughter.

    No doubt, it is the whole nation of Nigeria that is in captivity and not just these 276 abducted Chibok girls. But God is saying that He will turn again our captivity in Nigeria. And when the LORD will eventually turn again the captivity of Zion, we shall be like them that dream. Our mouth shall be filled with laughter and our tongue with singing. The Lord will surely do great things for us in Nigeria and we shall be glad. The nation is currently sowing in tears and we shall soon reap in joy. The nation- Nigeria is going about weeping (spiritually and physically) as a result of these traumas still bearing precious seed, but we shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing in our sheaves.

    Succinctly put, something glorious will surely  come out of these conflicts / warfare going on in the heavenlies and in the physical on behalf of Nigeria in JESUS name.

    • Gbemiga Olakunle, JP

    National Prayer Movement,

    Lagos