The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Tears

  • Immigration jobs deaths: Tears, pains at victim’s funeral

    Residents of Okon-Aku in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State condemned at the weekend the death of Sunday Okezie Kalu.

    He was among the five people, who died at the Nigeri Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment exercise during a stampede at the Elekahia Stadium in Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital.

    They wailed as the remains of Kalu, a microbiologist, arrived from Port Harcourt.

    His body left Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) at 6am and was received by his parents, relatives and youths about noon.

    A white ambulance carrying Kalu’s remains was escorted to his hometown by his weeping friends, who handed the body to Ohafia youths. They took it round the community.

    When the body got to his family home, the late Kalu’s 48-year-old mother, Mrs. Justina Okezie Kalu, who had collapsed and was hospitalised for days on hearing of her son’s death, went into a coma and almost died. His father was speechless. He watched his son’s body, as it was brought out of the ambulance. His legs were trembling and his head was bowed.

    The people at the funeral rejected a condolence message by the State Command of NIS. The victim’s relatives said it should not be read, as it was unnecessary.

    The deceased’s father, a 55-year-old security guard with the Abia State Primary School Board, said nobody should blame his son for attending the recruitment, but the organisers, who toyed with people’s lives.

  • Tears as robbers storm community

    Tears as robbers storm community

    The residents had smiled to bed after a fulfilling day. But, just when some of them who were still “alive” should celebrate the birth of a new day, the devil struck, leaving in its wake, tears and bloodshed.

    It was on Sunday. Idowu Crescent, Community Road and Ariya Street – all in Adalemo, Sango area of Ogun State – were the theatre of what many a victim described as an unforgettable ordeal.

    Armed robbers – for the second time in a week – swooped on the neighbourhood without let. As they shot their ways into homes, beating and maiming residents, they looted valuables, especially money. Their prey could only groan in pitiable helplessness.

    The operation, it was gathered, began around 12am and lasted hours. Several houses, it was said, fell victim to the invasion by the unwelcomed visitors who reportedly shot sporadically into the air to scare off security agents.

    “They blew whistles like typical night guards while the operation lasted. So, many of us mistook them for local security guards,” said a resident.

    A victim a landlady on Idowu Crescent, Mrs Osho a.k.a Mummy Solo, said she was thoroughly beaten when she refused to handed over her bag containing her money and gold to them.

    “As they came in, they demanded money and I said I had none. They asked for gold; I said I had none. One of them pointed gun at my daughter, Bose, when she too said she didn’t have money and that she was an apprentice. Then, I said my last prayers. Another one ordered them to fire us if we refused to cooperate. They vowed not to leave our house if we didn’t surrender money or gold to them. To avoid wasting our lives, I handed over all I had to them,” she recalled, sobbing.

    Another victim, who simply gave his name as Mrs Linus, said she was “mercilessly pounded” and hit with an iron in her head as she didn’t have anything to offer them.

    “As they came into our house, about four men entered my room and ordered me to bring out my money. I replied that I had no kobo. And after thoroughly searching the room and found no penny, except my faulty mobile phone, one of them, in annoyance, smashed the phone on the floor. Another one hit my head with the iron rod of my standing fan. He said he would have fired me but for my cooperation,” still in shock, Mrs Linus said.

    It was gathered also that another victim, Mr Akeem, who lost his wife while delivering a baby about three months ago, was angrily shot in the leg when nothing was found on him. He was said to have been rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

    It was the same tale of woes on the other affected streets. While many of them said security must be seen as a responsibility that should not be left only for night guards, most others urged government to strengthen security of lives and property, especially in the suburbs.

  • Seed of tears

    Seed of tears

    Title: A Wrong Time to Weep
    Author: Soji Obebe
    Publishers: Emmanuel Publications, Ibadan
    No. of Pages:123
    Reviewer: Dele Akindoyin

    To a good creative writer, no matter how commonplace a theme may be, a mind -blowing tale can be woven from it. So one could say of vengeance on which we are having a second helping from Soji Obebe’s book entitled A Wrong Time to Weep. The first, The Payback was released in 2012.

    In A wrong Time to Weep, the author concludes, somehow, the Jonas Bello versus Sola’s story, a story of betrayal, deceit, raking up of old wounds and paying back evil doer in own coins. The lose ends in The Payback are tied up in A Wrong Time to Weep to make a lasting impression.

    It will be recalled that in The Payback, the story terminates where Sola employs a debt collector who engages a soothsayer to cunningly make Jonas to pay more than he owes.

    In A Wrong Time to Weep Jonas weds Tinu, a secondary school teacher who on realizing that Jonas could not father a child succumbs to the advice of her friends and takes in from outside. Jonas discovers this deceit after two issues but before he could react, Tinu packs out with the children without trace. Having ascertained his impotence, he sets out to find the daughter he initially disowns as it dawns on him that he would have no one to leave his estate to when he closes his eyes in death.

    In his search for the girl, he discovers to his grief that the girl is no more. He suffers psychologically, his health fails and he dies. The story is judgemental if not didactic; the protagonist is dealt with.

    Looking at this story, one can safely conclude that the author has only tried to warn against shirking ones responsibility. Men and women should own up to their short comings and be prepared to make amends when they wrong others. Also it rams home the point that to the Africans, marriage without issues is an egg without yolk. If not so why should Jonas be bothered about having no issues to inherit his estate?

    In a way, another lesson is seen in what happened to Edem, Jonas’ colleague at Gilbratar Insurance Company. The guy employs unfair method to attain the post of CEO but loses his life on his first official trip outside the country. Before then, colleagues in the office hate him like shit because he is conceited. Our human relations in workplace should be good.

    On style, the author presents the story in an easy-to-grasp diction. In fact it reads like a feature article in a newspaper. The story is quite enthralling; once one is sucked in, it becomes difficult to put it down. In physical appearance the handy publication is neat and attractive. Those who are scared of reading voluminous novels should avail themselves of this novella.

  • Tributes, tears as NUJ official is buried

    Colleagues, friends and family at the weekend bade a touching farewell to the late National Financial Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Adolphus Ugorji Okonkwo.

    He was buried in Abueke Umudike, Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.

    NUJ President Mohammed Garba, who led the national executive, described the late Okonkwo as a dedicated and hard working reporter, who gave his time and resources into fighting for the welfare of journalists.

    He said: “The union is going to ensure that the ideals for which he and the others died, that is improving the welfare of all journalists is realised.”

    He called on media owners to institute a comprehensive insurance scheme as part of conditions of service for their workers.

    Garba also called on the Federal Government to repair the nation’s highways to reduce accidents.

    The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mohammed Jijiwa, who was represented by Mrs. Margret Obanya, described the deceased as a resourceful, hardworking and dedicated worker.

    The President of VON Staff Cooperative, Timothy Oyeleke, said the media had lost a profound and rare gem.

    His widow, Antonia, wailed: “Dim Oma! Ezigbo Dim! Oke Dim! Where do you want me to start from and where do I stop? You left me in the dark; in the middle of the road and in the middle of the sea.

    “Like a joke, the cold hands of death snatched you away from me and your children. O death where is thy sting? Little did I know that your voice on the phone that dark Friday asking me to prepare your favourite meal would be the last I would ever hear from you again.

    “Oh! Like a candle in the wind you were blown away from us. Who would help me take care of the children you left behind? Life will never be the same for us again. “Your sudden and traumatic death has left me devastated and every passing day I’m waiting to wake up from this nightmare.”

  • Borno…Sorrow, tears, blood and…peace

    Borno…Sorrow, tears, blood and…peace

    Its motto is the ‘Home of Peace’, but since Boko Haram began its reign of terror, Borno State has become the ‘home of violence’ to many. The government says it will return it to its good old days, writes Abu Dan’azumi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

    Some of Peace’’— the catchphrase for Borno State — is not out of place, according to its governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima.

    The governor, in a recent media interview, said the motto was coined after a thorough consideration of the state of affairs in Borno, which shares border with countries, such as Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroon.

    “Borno is the gateway of Islam into this part of the world; a confluence state, a melting point of ideas and the citadel of Islamic scholarship.

    “We have always been a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, while peaceful coexistence and tolerance have always guided our relationship with other nationals. We cherish peace and we don’t discriminate against strangers,’’ he stressed.

    Malam Usman Chiroma, the General Manager of Borno Radio Television Corporation, corroborated the governor’s viewpoints, saying that different ethnic groups across the country and even foreigners had been living in peace in Borno.

    However, analysts have been wondering whether the “Home of Peace’’ catchphrase for Borno is still relevant, considering the current security challenges facing the state.

    They note the violent activities of the Boko Haram, describing the bombing of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Bulumkutu, Maiduguri, in 2010 as the threshold of violence in the state.

    Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, the Shehu of Borno, said the sect’s activities since then had been worrisome, as every member of the society was affected by it’s campaign, irrespective of ethnic or religious background.

    “Boko Haram makes no deliberate attempt to attack a particular interest group; if it does, they wouldn’t have attacked me,’’ he said.

    According to him, most activities in the state, including businesses, have been paralysed due to the fear of Boko Haram attacks.

    Irked by the growing security challenges facing Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in those states on May 14, as part of structured efforts to restore peace there.

    Jonathan said: “After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, Sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I hereby declare a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    “I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to cooperate maximally with the armed forces and the police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to cooperate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.’’

    Months after the declaration, observers laud the President for the action which, they note, has been effective in efforts to restore normalcy to the affected states.

    Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF), said in a statement that the Boko Haram insurgents had been in disarray with no central authority, coordination or administration.

    “Most of the terrorist commanders and foot soldiers have either been arrested or killed in their daily encounter with the JTF. We have been able to destroy all identified Boko Haram camps and have discovered many arms, ammunition and improvised explosive device materials,’’ he said.

    According to Musa, the JTF has been able to restore peace and order in the affected areas, as people could now move about freely, while schools and other public institutions have reopened.

    “The situation has also created socio-economic relief and it has led to the emergence of youth vigilante group, popularly known as “Civilian JTF’’, which has created serious impact on the society.

    “We are monitoring, guiding and regulating the attitudinal disposition of members of the group, in terms of the way they display their weapons and approach members of the public,’’ he said.

    The army officer said the involvement of youths in the security operation was a testimony that the people of the state were appreciative of the JTF and its activities, adding that “they have been very supportive’’.

    Musa expatiated that the youths had assisted the JTF with useful information which facilitated the arrest of confirmed or suspected members of the Boko Haram group.

    In spite of the security measures put in place, Shettima stressed that in efforts to address the Boko Haram crisis, “we have to attack the causes of extreme poverty, illiteracy and hopelessness.

    “We have to create jobs, empower the youth in order to bring this problem to a final end.’’

    The governor pledged his administration’s determination to plan adequately for the members of the youth vigilante group, insisting that unless a proper framework was put in place to engage them meaningfully, there would be no progress.

    “It is part of our post-conflict management strategies to create jobs in public works, particularly in construction, vocational skills and agriculture.

    “Those that have the capacity to further their education will be supported, while those with limited skills will be assisted to enhance their skills so that they can become better citizens,’’ he said.

    Shettima said the state had spent more than N15 billion on agricultural schemes to ensure aggressive grassroots socio-economic development.

    “I am for dialogue and I will always be for dialogue; I will always support any Nigerian who wants peace, and we support the Federal Government’s dialogue with Boko Haram. Borno is ours, we have no place to call our home, we have a duty to re-invent and rebuild Borno’s shattered peace; this is a task which we must all work very hard to achieve,’’ he said.

    All the same, observers note that the declaration of a state of emergency and the JTF’s security operations in Borno have certainly facilitated efforts to restore peace to the state in a pragmatic way.

     

  • Tears as Senate pays tributes to Ewherido

    The Senate was in mourning yesterday. They paid tributes to one of their own, Pius Akpor Ewherido, who died on June 30 at the National Hospital, Abuja. He was elected on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP).

    Most of the senators wept openly; few others fought hard to keep their eyes dry.

    Ninety-five senators paid their last respect to their fallen colleague, who they described as cerebral, quintessential, courageous and a senators’ senator.

    The Senate suspended its Order 17 to admit visitors, including Ewheridi’s widow, Doye, and his children; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Rev. Tony, Ewherido’s brother; ministers, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu’s wife and a host others.

    Senate President David Mark said the sudden demise of Ewherido was traumatic.

    He added: “We were taken by surprise. Given the level of impact that Senator Ewherido made, not just in his family, hometown, constituency, state and the country, it is safe to say that he is not dead because his legacy lives on.”

    Ekweremadu said Ewherido was a quintessential parliamentarian who brought his experience from the Delta State House of Assembly, where he was Deputy Speaker, to the Senate.

    Ekweremadu said: “This chamber has witnessed great Senators like Senators Chuba Okadigbo, Haruna Abubakar, Idris Abubakar, Yari Gandi, Martins Yellowe and others. Pius combined the attributes of all these great men.”

  • Tears, protest as Lagos remembers crash victims

    Tears, protest as Lagos remembers crash victims

    Some hid their teary eyes under dark sunshades; some isolated themselves, preferring to deal with their grief privately. There were no fanfares, no jamboree of any sort.

    Time was 9am. Venue was the site of the Dana Air plane crash in Iju- Ishaga, a Lagos suburb. Yesterday marked the first anniversary of the crash.

    Those who may have long visited Popoola and Olaniyi and the adjourning streets around the crash site may not recognise it. Gone were the heaps of rubbish and burnt debris which formerly constituted a sore on the site. Instead the crash site has been cleared and interlocking stones have been laid on the ground. In the centre of the crash site stood a cenotaph, a magnificent three steps tower. It was built in replica of an airport control tower. On top of it was a plane which looked as if it had broken in the middle: it denotes a crashed plane. Some meters away stood a tomb block with the names of all 157 victims written on it, the block looked strong and defiant.

    By 9:25, more than 155 wreaths had been laid at the site. Each wreath represented a lost beloved, delivered by a heartbroken relative or friend. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola arrived at 10:20 am accompanied by his wife, Abimbola. He was dressed in a black suit and his wife also wore a dark gown. They made for the canopy which had been prepared for dignitaries and relatives of the victims.

    When the service began at 10:35, thousands of people had gathered with many trying unsuccessfully to gain entry into the “Iju-Ishaga Memorial Arcade.” Security was tight and the police assisted by some members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) ensured nobody stepped out of line. Local urchins also appeared to have respected the spirits of the dead as they gathered on a side to watch the events from afar.

    Outside the arcade, a protest was underway. Aggrieved persons carried placards with different inscriptions asking Dana Air for compensation. These were the ground victims. They have lost houses and other valuables. Some of them had rented rooms in affected homes and have lost personal belongings.

    Chairman, Akande Development Association, Chief Adewale Oriowo, who spoke on behalf of the ground victims during the unveiling of the cenotaph, said the Federal Government and Dana have not supported them.

    He said: “We are not happy with the fact that they are operating their business and people whose lives have been destroyed by the crash have not been compensated. They have displaced and destroyed our people in the community.”

    A pin drop silence descended on the arcade as Fashola began to deliver his speech at 11:14 am. Though everyone expected his speech to be sober, many were nevertheless blown away by the almost celestial content of his thoughts. It was perhaps his most profound speech yet as he painted in unbelievable details the tragedy and the emotions that resulted from it.

    “Exactly one year ago, we were all crest fallen in this state,” Fashola began. It was easy to see through his pain as he discarded the airs and arrogance often associated with the powerful and adorned the humanity of people around him. It was a slow and painful speech.

    “I remember that I have promised myself to rest a little that afternoon and prepare for a new week. Just like many of you, I remember where I was…when day broke that fateful Sunday the 3rd of June 2012, no one could have predicted what sad and painful thoughts would accompany us to bed that night,” the governor said to his stoic audience.

    He admitted words may never be sufficient to sooth their pains. “What does one say at a time like this? What does one say when words will never be enough? Many of us cannot even begin to imagine how great your suffering must have been this last one year.”

    Fashola promised that the state government would continue to stand by the families of the deceased to reduce their burdens.

    He urged stakeholders in the aviation industry to learn some lessons from the accident and use them to avert a recurrence.

    “The essence is to keep proper records and a reference material for emergency management in the state,” he said.

    Commissioner for Special Duties Dr Wale Ahmed said the government provided after-crash management support, including identification of the victims through DNA analysis.

    He added that families of the victims were assisted in the burial arrangements.

    “All the names of the 157 victims were engraved on the cenotaph as part of efforts to immortalise them,” he said.

    Ms. Oduah said the government was discussing with the management of DANA Air to ensure payment of full compensations to victims’ families.

    The senator representing Lagos East senatorial district, Gbenga Ashafa, laid a wreath at the crash site.

    He told reporters: “The incident that occurred a year ago on this site is really unfortunate and disheartening. There is no amount of compensation that can bring the dead back to live. I want to use this medium to appeal to all the families affected that God almighty will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

    At 12:33 pm, the governor unveiled the cenotaph. “This cenotaph which we are unveiling here today will ensure that their memories never die. This monument will stand as a permanent memorial to these family men, women and children; and we will cherish each of their stories-stories of potential and of fulfillment, stories of true heroes,” Fashola said.

    When he was done, prayers were held for the repose of the souls departed. By then, the tears were gone and it was evident an event that began on such glum note had assumed a more cheerful and inspirational ending.

    The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Mr George Afam, and some other government officials laid wreaths on the cenotaph in memory of the victims. Afam represented the Minister of Aviation Ms. Stella Oduah.

     

  • Wipe their tears

    Wipe their tears

    •Dependants of slain security operatives deserve better treatment

    Commuters, transporters and residents of Nasarawa State had sorry tales to tell last week as widows of policemen and officers slain in the May 7 attack blocked the Akwanga-Lafia Express Road to protest the neglect of their welfare by police authorities.

    It is unfortunate that innocent people who had legitimate businesses to pursue were at the receiving end of the action, as they were stranded over days in Akwanga, with the widows refusing to quit the roads until their late husbands’ entitlements were settled by the Police Headquarters in Abuja. Many of the commuters spoke about having to check into hotels on credit while others just had to stay over in make-shift locations. Akwanga is a nodal town that links other parts of the North Central and North East.

    It is incredible that women who had just lost their husbands, and in many cases, breadwinners of their families, were subjected to such treatment at a time they ought to be mourning the loss of their loved ones. We hold that it is the responsibility of their employers, in this case, the Nigeria Police Force, to wipe tears from their faces by promptly attending to their welfare concerns. For men and women who were recruited to put their lives on the line to protect the lives and properties of others, their entitlements should be well spelt out and generous to motivate them to do their best in the process of discharging their constitutional responsibilities.

    As a spokesperson for the widows told reporters, the demands were simple: pay the entitlements without tears, grant scholarships to the children up to tertiary level and ensure that widows and children of slain officers who died in the fiasco without attaining the age of drawing pensions were granted concessions in view of the circumstances of their death.

    Another protesting widow told reporters that they were infuriated because the Police High Command did not consider it necessary to address them immediately on steps being taken for their welfare. She said the Inspector -General, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, was in Lafia days after the incident but did not think it fit to talk to those left by the departed men and officers. She also accused the Nasarawa State Government of treating them with ignominy.

    A relation of one of the dead men, Corporal Mathew Onoja hit the nail on the head when he said, “we are begging the police authority not to subject the widows and children to untold hardship in pursuing the payment of their entitlements. Most of them will not be able to withstand the rigorous process.”

    This is the crux of the matter. It goes beyond the case at hand. The welfare scheme for policemen is appalling. When they are alive, they are denied living wages, made to face men of the underworld poorly armed and kitted, and when dead, their dependants are neglected and ignored. We call on the Federal Government and police authorities to review the welfare scheme for officers and men of the force. It is a shame that almost two weeks after the attack, we are yet to know the exact number of men killed and those abducted, let alone briefed on efforts to free those still in custody.

    It cheers the heart that the deputy commissioner in charge of welfare at the Police Headquarters, Abiodun Ige, was deployed to the state in response to the widows’ action. Also heartening is that the Nasarawa State government has made initial payment of one million Naira each to the widows. Other demands should be immediately addressed and a system put in place to assure serving officers and men that the state cares for them.

     

  • Wiping the tears of widows, orphans

    Wiping the tears of widows, orphans

    As part of activities marking the fifth anniversary of The Rose of Sharon Foundation, a book entitled The Cry of Widows and Orphans, which chronicles the travails of widows and orphans in the country will be presented to the public on May 31 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, (NIIA) Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The book, according to the author, Mrs Folorunso Alakija is to create more awareness on the plights of widows and orphans with a view to directing attention of policy makers to these social issues.

    The First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, the Grand Matron of the foundation and chief hostess of the presentation will host the widows and orphans empowered to date at a luncheon on Saturday June 1.

    Speaking at a preview session in Lagos, Mrs Alakija said the anniversary is focusing on advocacy and awareness of the many challenges widows and orphans face. She noted that the book would sensitise the world about these forgotten members of society. “This is to achieve a milestone plan we earmarked five years ago and to push for national and international legislations worldwide,” she said.

    According to her, the book will serve as a medium of appeal to all stakeholders and concerned human beings to join the movement that will first establish a legislative framework as well as become part of the enforcement/implementation programmes to alleviate the challenges.

    She stressed that the foundation is focusing on alleviating the plight of widows and orphans adding that ‘we do so through the design and execution of programmes that give financial independence and educational opportunities to widows, their children and orphans.’

    She lamented that there are no specific policies targeted at widows and orphans to address their challenges, adding that in spite of the economic, emotional and psychological problems associated with widowhood practices in many Nigerian, African other developing societies, what exists is a number of gender policies at local, national and international levels that address gender inequality and discrimination among women. She noted that existing legislation is often silent on widows’ rights.

    “On the other hand, orphans are vulnerable children who have been exposed to various ills and negative influences within the society as a result of lack of parental care. They deserve the attention, love and support of the various individuals, government, non-governmental agencies, the Church and the entire society at large. With the loss of both parents these orphans are subjected to life without biologically generated love.

    “They are traumatised, ignored and relegated to the background. Their opportunities for continued education often gets severed suddenly and many end up on the streets where life becomes unbearable to the extent that some become beggars and/or prostitutes to mention just a few,” she said. Alakija said these traumatic experiences that bereaved widows and orphans pass through show that little or no importance is placed on relieving their plight.

    What started with three widows in May 2008 as Rose of Sharon Foundation has today grown into a network of almost a thousand widows. Since inception, the foundation which was founded by Foluso Alakija, has empowered 970 widows – 11 of whom are in university, awarded scholarships to 1,366 widow’s children and 72 orphans. The loans to widows are interest free and the scholarships have no conditions attached. It has also provided accommodation for residential/business purposes for 82 widows. Moreover, the foundation has provided some free health care checkups and free legal services to the widows with the support of other agencies.

     

  • Tears as Zakilo moves on

    Tears as Zakilo moves on

    •He is not dead—Fashola

    THE reality of the passing on of popular entertainment industry lawyer, Efere Ozako popularly called Zakilo, brought many to tears, as the man was being interned last Tuesday, at the Vaults and Gardens funeral home, Ikoyi, Lagos. The storm of tears had gathered the previous night, during a tribute session at the MUSON Center, where the several good deeds of the deceased were being relayed by family members, friends, entertainers and barrister colleagues, including Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola.

    Anne, the widow of Ozako, had maintained a steady smile, the previous night, as everyone eulogized her late husband during the Service of Songs. She had fought the tears back, giving herself a moment to enjoy the beautiful testimonies from outsiders who probably had not spoken to her about her spouse before. But as the body of her late husband was being lowered at the morgue, the courage she had garnered as a reason to live on failed her momentarily. Developing spidery feet, Anne gravitated towards the tomb, and only had to be held back. She cried uncontrollably, clutching her two kids; Omaina, a teenage girl and Omanesi, her younger brother.

    Anne’s expression of her agony steered emotions at the morgue. The artistes wept behind dark glasses, and so were several others whose connection to Ozako was only imaginable. Anyone who was at the Service of Songs knew how much the late lawyer had affected positively, the lives of people who crossed his path.

    Given the various tributes that came in for the deceased, it appeared difficult to summaries what Ozako stood for while on earth. His life, as it were was filled with the valuable impacts he had on everyone who crossed his path. Like a mother hen, Ozako was said to have lived his life, fighting for everyone’s right as a lawyer, friend and acquaintant.

    Governor Fashola, who revealed how close he was to the deceased, said they not only attended the University of Benin (UNIBEN) together, but that they were also neighbours in Surulere, before he became governor. Fashola said that while dealing with the physical separation, the memories of his times with the deceased will put a smile on his face always.

    “This morning when the storm for the rains began to gather, I said to myself, this man is not going to go away quietly… And I am sure that in his own unique way, he has connected with every one of us. You know what; if there is life after death, Efere will live it – that I am sure. And he probably has started to live it. All the lawyers he would meet there, he would probably have started to publish a magazine for them to read. This was a prince of the Niger Delta who made Lagos his home. He was my friend and my brother. Efere was my next door neighbor in Surulere and we were at UNIBEN together. And I remember that I was always running off somewhere and wouldn’t come back until 1am or 2am; from one club to another. And the day I became governor, Efere said: “You see, I told you to let me go out at night; this man has become governor.” The crowd roared with laughed. “I am sure my wife has a lot of stories to tell; the long hours she spent with Efere; it was about people who are faithful to their wives. This was the community in which we lived in Surulere.” The governor said, paused and changed his mood slightly.

    “I know this is a very difficult situation to deal with. I think that we are dealing with the physical separation… Efere is not dead. He has just moved on to fulfill a covenant that all of us will fulfill. Yes, we would struggle with this physical separation, but I will remember the very funny times and memories I shared with him, and he will keep a smile on my face. And I know he will on the face of Ann too, who was really his soul mate. She would understand it better and so are his children. Well done my brother. Warri no dey carry last. Move on. God bless you.”

    Other speakers after the governor believed that the number one man of Lagos had captured everything about the late Ozako. His sister in-law, Bose Gloria Ozako said he was protective of her to a fault. She said her husband would never think of cheating or misbehaving to her. “Efere would take the next flight to Warri.” She mustered amidst tears.

    For Federal Government College Warri Old Students Association, he was a rallying point for members. Few weeks before his demise, Ozako was said to have donated generously to the widow of a late member, and had urged others to do the same. To the Bikers Association, he brought innovation to the club by forming the cruisers sub wing, saying that riding was a bit too fast and risky. To the entertainers, Ozako, according to Richard Mofe Damijo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, was at the center of some of the successes they enjoyed today, by fighting for performers’ rights. To the lawyers, Ozako was a man who reduced the boredom in the practice and interpretation of law, through creative articles.

    The late Ozako was prominent for his law magazine, named Takkai. He was also well known in the entertainment industry for his workshop series; Wetin Lawyers Dey Do … Sef?. He started the workshop series in 2006, through Dtalkshop, an agency he co-run with Kaine Agari, his cousin. The workshop was meant to awaken filmmakers and musicians to the possibilities of earning well from their artistic endeavours. Ozako in his life time frowned at the activities of pirates and similar right infringers.

    The late lawyer, who hailed from Delta State, died of stress related ailment at Havana Hospital, Surulere, as against previous reports, stating he died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). He was 47.

    Ozako, after complaining of headache, collapsed on the way to Havana hospital. The hospital asked for a deposit of N500, 000 which was immediately raised by friends. He was taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where he was said to have regained consciousness later in the night, eased himself in the toilet, convulsed and gave up the ghost.