The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sunset

  • Imam: Sunset at noon

    Malam Imam Dalhatu Imam,  my good friend,  brother, schoolmate and colleague departed this world in the early hours of Friday, April 26, 2018, after a brief illness.

    I first met him  in Kaduna Polytechnic. We came in the same year but he was a  year ahead of me and we remained very close friends, such that it was said that we belonged to the same school of thought, even though I couldn’t fathom what that meant.

    We became even closer when he was elected president of Mass Communication Students’ Association (MACOSA) and fate had it that I was to succeed him in that position.  Even at that level,  I recall with nostalgia the matured role he played and support he gave me to emerge in that hotly contested election.  It was his  belief and conviction that as aspiring journalists then,  we should bear the light by shedding primordial sentiments that were being pushed by some retrogressive elements . That was your philosophy and what you  stood and fought for all through your short, impactful and eventful life.

    After graduating from school, we parted ways but kept in touch and fortunately, destiny brought us together when you were appointed the Special Adviser on Media & Public Affairs to the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and our relationship continued to blossom within those four years.

    Again, as fate would have it, you moved over to Sokoto with our big brother and leader,  His Excellency, Governor Aminu Tambuwal and again,  I succeeded you in the position you had held in the House of Representatives.

    Dalhatu, you were a friend that stayed closer than a brother.  You were there for me through thick and thin.  Whenever I encountered any challenge or difficulty in my work,  you were the first point of call.  You never hesitated to offer your counsel and suggestions which always helped.

    Our bond continued to wax strong and even extended to our families. You were with me during my wedding and I am eternally indebted and would forever remain grateful  to you for the brotherly love, friendship and support you gave me both in cash and kind. Although all arrangements had been perfected, Imam chauffeured me and my wife to and from the  church and also to the reception venue. He  was all over the place as the chief event planner.

    Memories of you and your children when you brought them to my house for my daughter’s birthday is still fresh in our hearts.

    Ever smiling and hardly provoked to anger, Imam, you were a fine gentleman, humble,  down to earth, never pretentious, hard working and a visionary whose leadership qualities began to manifest very early in life.

    You were a leader, rare gem,  and a family man who possessed a high sense of reasoning and sound judgement, a good and brilliant writer who, within short  period,  reached the peak of the journalism profession  due to your prowess, humility and brilliance.

    Imam started his  career in New Nigerian Newspapers Kaduna and excelled as sports writer and editor. He would later move to Thisday Newspaper where he rose from  Zamfara State correspondent to Kaduna  Bureau Chief  and then, the Group Political Editor of the paper.

    People knew Imam as a journalist and PR professional but he was also an entrepreneur and an educationist who invested so much  in providing quality and affordable education to children of the less privileged in the society, including scholarship for brilliant and indegent students. Imam was sponsoring not fewer than twenty children in universities, tertiary and secondary schools.

    As I entered the ICU along with others to remove Imam’s body  for his final journey home,  the grim reality of the mystery of life and death dawned on me.

    Just few hours back he was alive,  we cracked jokes, talked and I left him but in a twinkle of an eye there he was laying lifeless. I was once again reminded that death is a necessary end and it comes when it will come. It has taken you away from us.

    We will greatly  and sorely miss you but your  two wives and four children and indeed, your beloved mother,  brothers and sisters who were there with you at the hospital will miss you more.

    His Excellency, Rt.  Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal,  will miss you.  He has lost a trusted and worthy aide,  because while you worked for him,  you gave out your best and helped project him to the world, such that you became a reference point as far as image management in Nigeria is concerned.  You led the way while others followed with your style of writing, innovative approach to issues and your exemplary human relations.

    Of all his sterling qualities, Governor Tambuwal is known more for his courage but he couldn’t hold back his tears when he arrived the hospital to convey your body to your house.  I saw him weeping for your loss and I pray God will comfort him.

    Your relationship with your boss was enviable. I recall you told me how Tambuwal stood by, protected and defended you, even against his political interest and under much pressure from people who saw you as an “alien” who had come from far away Taraba to occupy a very plum position in their state.  Only God will reward Governor Tambuwal for what he did for Imam.

    I still cannot believe that you are gone!

    Myself and Mohammed Isa Funtua were with you on Thursday evening, and a few hours before your death,  myself and Yukubu Tulu  went to visit you and we met your mom beside you.

    You had recovered but had to stay back to rest on doctors’ order. I remember you told us that you switched on your mobile phone to read news during your rest and someone in particular called twice but you couldn’t answer the call and then the person sent a text message in Hausa, saying, “Allah ya mana arziki mu rabu da wulakanci”, which means, “may God make us wealthy so that we won’t be humiliated”.  May God forgive that fellow.

    When all is said and done,  your family, your children and wives will be left alone widowed and fatherless.  I pray God gives us the heart to remember them, especially baby Aminu, who is barely two months old.  Adieu, my brother and friend.

     

    • Hassan writes from Abuja.
  • Sunset at DAWN!

    Sunset at DAWN!

    Is it feasible for the sun to set at the time it is projected to rise? Not, unless there is a total solar eclipse, a meteorological incident of extraordinary proportion. It is the biological equivalent of total eclipse that just intruded our national space a week ago today.

    The dawn of Dipo Famakinwa has just been darkened. His sun has just set when it was supposed to rise. How does one even begin to deal with the enigma that is death? It strikes arbitrarily and randomly with impunity. The agency of death is without rhyme or reason. When, as in this case, we are helplessly confounded, we give up on rationality. We implicate the creator. But how can the one who created responsibly kill at the dawn of existence?

    Barely 50, a whole lifetime was ahead of Dipo! Death is cruel! It is not supposed to be like this. It is not rational that the one at the back of the line is the first to be taken away. It is unfair that a parent must mourn a child.

    Having made the lives of innocent mourners miserable since its creation, death itself is a suitable candidate for death. Death must die! Unfortunately, death will not be an adequate punishment for the innumerable infractions of this hater of humankind. Death has overstayed its time on Mother Earth.

    In recent times, our land has suffered the loss of eminent people of character. Many, like Dipo, have passed on at very tender ages. But why, in the name of the good creator, should a loving wife, also in her tender years, and little children, tearfully contemplate an uncertain future, without their husband and father, in a clime where promises of support are as fleeting as the passing shadow?

    However, we must now rely on the promises of the one that never fails. We have a merciful creator, who knows the heart of his creatures, and who is acutely aware of Dipo’s unwavering dedication to the elimination of hunger and poverty from his homeland. Surely, He will not leave Dipo’s widow and children to suffer indignity. The one who promised to never leave us alone, will always stand with the family Dipo left behind even as He welcomes him to His bosom to rest in perfect peace.

    As we reflect on the untimely death of Dipo, we must focus our mind on the interrogation of the inadequacies of our society. Every passing day only now draws us closer to the brink of hopelessness. We are not making progress in the areas that matter to the good life of individuals. And it does not appear that we have the sense of shame that strikes at the core of our conscience and makes us correct the shortcomings around us. We are too willing to give up on the need for change even before we get started.

    Look at the medical facilities that we used to boast about in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s: University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile Ife (OAUTH). Compare the services then and now. We still have great physicians, pharmacists and medical technologists around. But do they have the resources they need to save lives?

    If they do, we will not need to engage in medical tourism. But we also know that medical tourism is a choice available only to a tiny minority of our teeming population. Do we care about the multiple millions who die annually because they do not get the treatment, sometimes very simple, that they need to stay alive? Indeed, many of the ailments that afflict our people can be prevented with basic health facilities if they were available throughout the country. For that to be the case, we need to reorder our priorities. Dipo did not have to die from the ailment that killed him.

    In the passing of Dipo, there is a double tragedy of his death and the sunset at DAWN. As his sun sets, there is also a threat to the survival of the organisation for which he selflessly abandoned a thriving business to incubate. Who can replace his pioneering efforts so brilliantly demonstrated?

    At the inauguration of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) in 2013, there was palpable excitement across the length and breadth of the Southwest zone. Something great was happening. The old Wild West was set for renewal and development. Despite their partisan differences, the new political leaders of the region embraced regional integration as the effective means to the development of their various states.

    But there was also the anxiety about the unknown. Do we have the requisite personnel? Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), the group that initiated the idea was acknowledged as a group of visionaries with bubbling ideas. And we also knew that they had some of the smartest and most dedicated patriots who can deliver if they put their minds to it. But many of them had their own businesses and many more were gainfully employed. Who will be ready to step in and pick up the challenge to lead DAWN?

    Dipo stepped up to the plate, rolled up his sleeves, and set the ball rolling to the delight of patriots. And before our very eyes, the mustard was becoming an established oak. As he would say, it is the doing of the Lord, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

    In November 2016, the six governors of the zone, in a show of bipartisanship that has never been seen before, rallied round DAWN and embraced regional integration with the combined strength of their offices. As I observed in my piece, “Hope Rising for the West”, on November 25, the communiqué after the meeting was truly encouraging. The governors maintained that:

    “the optimum interest of the Yoruba people should be the prime focus of the six state governments at all times, and that all politics within the region must henceforth be guided by the philosophy of politics of development.”

     “the prosperity of any constituent part of the Region is ultimately negated if other parts are not similarly prosperous.

    “political differences should no longer be a barrier to the economic development of the Region where the aggregate welfare of Yoruba people is concerned. All the States consequently agreed to work together within the framework of a people-centred development strategy.

    “A regime of continuity, regularity and urgency of interaction was canvassed and agreed upon by the meeting. The present crop of governors therefore agreed to bequeath to their people a good legacy reflective of the visions of our founding fathers and common ancestors.”

    Significantly, the governors assigned the responsibility for implementing their vision to DAWN:

    “DAWN Commission shall consequently develop programmes and activities along the identified areas of cooperation and bring them up for cooperative implementation.”

    And I ended my piece with the statement “The ball is now in the court of DAWN!”

    Now this! The leading light of DAWN Commission has just been extinguished and we move from hope rising to dispiriting reminiscences about the curse of Aole.

    But now is the time to perish the thought of despair. Now, we must reject the myth of a curse of which we are innocent. If Aole truly cursed, its effect should lapse with the conspirators that he targeted.

    As we mourn the untimely passing of Dipo Famakinwa, we must remain focused on the struggle which he embraced and led for the development of our land and the pride of our heritage.

    We must stand for dignity and respect which does not come from material acquisition and possessive individualism. Our culture is being undermined before our very eyes. The custodians of our tradition are being abducted, kidnapped and detained by militants who disrespect us and are contemptuous of our inheritance.

    Dipo rose to the challenge and refused to give up until the cold hands of death snatched him from us.

    In this moment of grief, we must remind ourselves that there is much to do and brace up for the task ahead. He is already resting in peace.

  • Sunset at noon

    Sunset at noon

    •With necessary facilities at the Elegushi Beach, the students who died there might have been saved

    They were young. They were beautiful. They were brilliant. They were ambitious. They had a great future head of them. Tragically, however, the duo of Miss Funmi Odusina, aged 24, and Adesola Ogunmefun, aged 27, had their lives cut short and their lofty dreams prematurely truncated at the Elegushi Beach in Lagos on the evening of Sunday, June 5. The two post-graduate students of the University of Lagos were at the beach to join in the celebration of a friend’s birthday when they were swept away by a strong tidal wave into the Atlantic Ocean. While Adesola Ogunmefun was reportedly brought out dead by local divers, Funmi Odusina is said to have been rescued alive but later died as a result of delay in getting an ambulance to convey her to a hospital.

    This is another sad indication of how cheap life has become in the country and how valuable lives are lost daily in painfully avoidable circumstances. Both of the deceased graduated in 2011 from the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, where they studied International Relations. They gained admission into the University of Lagos for higher studies in International Relations and Diplomacy and were about to earn their Master’s degree when tragedy struck and their sun set all too soon at the bright noon of their lives.

    This incident raises serious questions about the safety standards on our beaches, not only in Lagos but across the country. Beaches in all parts of the world attract large numbers of people in search of fun, relaxation and an opportunity to savour one of the beauties of nature. They can help to promote recreation, boost tourism and stimulate economic growth. Nigeria is no exception. But the relevant authorities have a responsibility to ensure that all beaches, public and private, are rigorously regulated and strictly monitored to maintain high safety levels in order to guarantee the security of their patrons’ lives.

    Friends and relatives of the deceased girls have alleged that the deaths could have been avoided but for the absence of safety measures and facilities like life guards, life jackets for those incapable of swimming, patrol units, emergency medical units, professional rescue teams and wave alarm systems, among others. There is no reason, for instance, why the management of the beach could not produce leaflets offering safety tips and advice to patrons. There are claims that loss of lives is a regular occurrence at the beach. We call for a thorough investigation of this incident by the appropriate authorities to ascertain whether or not it was a case of criminal neglect so that sanctions can be imposed on anyone found culpable. This is particularly so because a beach like Elegushi is a private facility and those who patronise the place pay to do so. They must enjoy full value for their money, including assured safety.

    However, this issue goes beyond the Elegushi Beach incident. We urge the Lagos State Government and indeed all other aquatic states in the country to undertake a census of all beaches within their jurisdiction to ensure that they are organised and managed in the most modern, efficient, and safety conscious ways possible. This will also entail more effective government regulation and monitoring of such facilities.  Equally important is heightened public enlightenment of the citizenry not just at beaches but also all other highly patronised recreational facilities including hotels, eateries, night clubs, cinemas and shopping malls, among others.

    We pray that the souls of the deceased girls, who were buried in Lagos on Friday, rest in peace and that their loved ones are granted divine strength and comfort to bear the loss.

     

  • Pwajok: Sunset at prime

    Pwajok: Sunset at prime

    Chuwang Dung pays tribute to Senator Pwajok, who was laid to rest in Plateau State recently.

    When Sen. Gyang Nyam Shom Pwajok, popularly called GNS, died on Wednesday 28th October, every major news outlet in Nigeria featured tributes praising his  leadership style in the struggle for peace and unity in Plateau State. He was all the things that were said about him. He was courageous and visionary, a steady hand and a thoughtful strategist, and a tireless and eloquent voice for unity.

    But for me, he was more. He was a mentor who taught me  lessons that really helped me in improving my work and skills.

    I have been blessed to have had many great bosses throughout my career as a Journalist but without question, one of the most inspiring leaders I’ve ever followed was my brother GNS.

    I worked for GNS as a personal aide on media and publicity for barely one a half years  and I enjoyed working for him. Serving such a humble, intelligent and dynamic young man was the greatest honors of my professional life.

    GNS died at the age of 49. He lived a full life of purpose and consequence. As a champion of youth development he showed bravery in the face of hate and became a fierce advocate for unity and togetherness. A humble leader that valued truth and accuracy in his dealings.

    GNS had a commanding presence, yet was humble, approachable and friendly. He treated everyone with whom he had contact as equals, and still, when you met him you knew you were in the presence of greatness. GNS Pwajok will be missed by all who knew him, including me, a young Journalist with passion for politics and history I cherished each and every opportunity to serve him  because I was learning a lot from him.

    He encouraged me to embrace and pursue what I believe in with open mindedness  even amidst challenges. GNS loved to talk—he was conversant about almost anything, from history to politics, from business to current event.

    I will cherish my memories of GNS, and I pray that we all find solace in the fact that his life touched so many people in a positive way. He was a gentleman, scholar, mentor, hero, and friend to so many people, including me. I will miss him deeply. Rest in peace, my dear brother.

    Chuwang Dung

    Was the Special Assistant on Media and publicity to Late GNS Pwajok.

  • Sunset at Naval yard

    Sunset at Naval yard

    It was an everning of glitz and glamour as the Nigerian Navy held its ceremonial Sunset and end of year party, reports Precious Igbonwelundu.

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra looked different with its rich decorations. The Parade ground, venue of this year’s Navy ceremonial Sunset and end of year ball was not left out.

    Guests were ushered into the vessel-like  tents by Naval personnel dressed in their ceremonials to mark one of the biggest days in the calendar of the Navy worldwide.

    Military brass serving and past service chiefs; captains of industry; traditional rulers and entertainment gathered on the occasion.

    It was a low-key celebration, but it was not lacking in navy’s finesse and candour.

    With the guests seated, the event began with the setting of the navy band to take the shape of a vessel, to muster the sunset party.

    As the bugler sounded the alert, guests watched in awe the presentation of arms by the guards and the band’s commencement of the harmonised version of the bugle call to sunset as the ensigns were slowly lowered. The officers including the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin saluted  the nation’s flag.

    In his welcome address, the outgone Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade w, said the gathering was to enable naval personnel unwind. He advised officers to re-energise old friendships and strike new acquaintances.

    The FOC lauded the CNS for approving the hosting of the sunset in the Lagos area, just as he commended him for honouring the retired officers.

    “I am not surprised at his disposition because the CNS is highly understanding and appreciative. He has introduced several interventions to make retired officers still feel a part of the service. We are gratified by the legacy of the CNS to offer appreciation to whom it is due and we will not relent in keeping faith with his vision,” he said.

    There was musical interlude after Alade’s remark with a cultural troop from Cross River displaying their beautiful dance steps, while the ushers served dinner.

    Then, it was time for the CNS to deliver his address as the chief host and he approached the podium with candour, recounting the successes of the navy in the year.

    “The NN has recorded some achievements in this outgoing year. fittingly, this ball provides us the opportunity to highlight these achievements and peep into the activities and challenges that will occupy us in the coming year.

    “In the year 2014, the navy made tremendous progress in its policing duties and the implementation of its transformation plan. Crude oil theft and other maritime crimes have been reduced significantly through the adoption of maritime domain awareness technologies and resourcefulness in the use and maintenance of available platforms.

    “As part of the NN fleet renewal programme, we are expecting two offshore patrol vessels before the end of the year, which will go a long way in enhancing our patrol effort thereby, further reducing maritime crimes.

    “The NN has sustained its prioritization of training and human capital development as a means to enhancing its operational effieicny. Attention is equally being paid to improving the environment for work and living for our personnel and their families…,” he said.

    At the end of Vice Admiral Jibrin’s speech, the event had another tempo with the CNS and his wife, Lami, called to open the dance floor, while other Admirals and their spouses later joined to “rock the floor”.

    After the dance, 58 retired officers were honoured, gifts presented to VIPs and past CNS’; while a raffle draw was organised, which saw 15 lucky winners carting away different gift items including a cow, ram, refrigerator, television, juicer, air-conditioners, among others.

  • Sunset in the afternoon

    When our close friend dies, we too die a little. When our brother or sister dies, we die a little more. The death of our closest sibling and comrade inflicts on us especial pain and sorrow and compels a long and deep introspection on how much time may yet remain before our own transition.

    Sorry, Abimbola. Pele o.

    Although Baba was only 67 when he died, Mama had lived on to 82. Because, in physical frame, you were without question her carbon copy, save for gender, height and size of nose – no, there was no way you could have escaped Ladejo Ogunsola’s signature nose – I had casually taken it as given that you, too, would live beyond the age of 80.

    Until that Tuesday afternoon the 4th of June , when the egg was broken on our head, and the hammer was thrown at our face. When your diagnosis was pronounced.

    Last Sunday evening, the day after your departure, as I stood by my bed in Lagos, ruminating on the essence or non-essence of human existence, it suddenly dawned on me that, in all our 50 years of active interaction, not once did we have a quarrel, nor could I recall that we ever exchanged unfriendly words, our occassional arguments or disagreements never rose to the “height of fight”. In retrospect it was fortunate, but only in retrospect, that opportunities for the usual familial fights among children had been foreclosed in our case by the fact that you were raised at Elekuro, while I was raised by my mother at Oranyan.

    But it was not only the absence of childhood fights that sustained the vigour of our subsequent relationship.

    Until-he-returns-my-call-I-shall not-phone was never your attitude , nor mine, and I will forever appreciate the fact that whenever I was too lazy to call, you did. Bo tile je ose meta, egbon l’egbon je, so you lived up to my expectation as my senior.

    Like most of our siblings, you had a strong sense of personal pride that could be mistaken for arrogance, a trait which, along with principled stubbornness, you clearly inherited from Baba.

    Towards me, to my wife and children and to the larger Ogunsola family, your material generosity in relation to your financial resources, was exemplary and outstanding. But we are not talking of money or gifts alone : you found the time to to ask after the welfare of other family members, remembered the names of our children and of the children of our children.

    And is there anyone who is not enamoured by your wit and humour, another obvious genetic inheritance of yours from Mama?

    It was the great love and deep concern for Gloria and for the future of Funso and Femi that made you eventually take what was for you a difficult decision to leave Nigeria for the United States when the country’s economy tanked and marketing consultancy business collapsed. Left to you, had you been alone, you would have remained in Nigeria to make the best of what was possible within the system as your ego and personal pride was inconsistent with your potential status elsewhere as, more or less, a second class citizen. Fortunately, events thereafter have proven that the decision to leave was right.

    Gone forever, Bimbola, is our symbolic ritual of togethernes, where we shared one but not more than one bottle of beer, which we fondly referred to as “ pin ‘kan “. And when more than one bottle was to be consumed, we must exhaust the first together before we did embark on the second.

    Of those two hands that used to “pin ‘kan” and distrbute the froth of beer, one has now become forever silent.

    Pele o, Abimbola, Nle o.

    When in 2009 , you were informed that our “ baby “ sister, Bonike, was gravely ill in London, you made great effort to obtain a travel visa at very short notice and when that failed, you came down to Lagos for her funeral.

    And, last July, in spite of your considerable expenses during Femi’s wedding only about a month earlier, you flew down to Lagos to visit our senior sister who was recovering from an illness. Now, in retrospect, it was fortunate that you came as it turned out to be your last opportunity to see other family members, to breath Elekuro, to visit the tomb of Mama and to catch final glimpses of your ancestral home.

    We had been looking forward to your retirement next year, to celebrating your 70th on June 22 and mine on July 14. We had even discussed what you might do to keep you active but not busy during retirement . Aware of your fine personal “ people “ attributes which includes your dexterity in speech-making; the solidity of your early literary background in Yoruba and English literature , your exposure to the Latin prose of Caesar and the poetry of Ovid and Vergil at Elekuro, Igbobi, GCI, Bowdoin College; your MBA degree from Cornel University; I had suggested that you might then consider some involvement in the politics and development of your local community.

    Then, gradually – no, rapidly – a sun began to set and in the afternoon of June 29, seven days after you turned 69, you walked into the sunset.

    I tried not to cry but I did; I was already becoming used to “these deaths” , including the deaths of siblings, I had thought. But yours turned out to be different.

    Well, Bimbola, it is time for me to leave. I will remember you with love and fondness to the end of my remaining time.

    Iyabo and I shall remember you to the end of our days. We will remember you, not only “at the setting of the sun and in the morning” but also at the rising of the sun and in the evening.

    Nle o , Abimbola Aremu, nle o.

     

    •Ogunshola is former chairman, Punch Nigeria Limited