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  • Unique Powers of the feminine (Part 2)

    Easter Greetings to you;

    Why seek the living among the dead?
    He’s alive forevermore! May his re
    freshing presence overwhelm you now and always.

    Here is the continuation of my interview with Dr Abayomi Aiyesimoju( a Neurologist and Homeopath); The Unique Powers of the feminine( This interview was aired recently at a Women’s retreat in Dubai).

    Segilola; You have talked about the spiritual dimension in the concept of the feminine and her powers. What about the earthly dimension?

    Dr Aiyesimoju: Yes, let us look at what we now know about the unique powers in the feminine as this manifests in the physical  body itself in terms of the forming of the human body, its propagation, its sustenance and its functioning.

    In every cell of the body there is the nucleus that contains a mixture of genes from both father and mother. Outside the nucleus but still within each cell are structures called mitochondria. These are the POWERHOUSES in each cell. They are responsible for the production of the energy that runs the whole cell and therefore the whole body. Now the striking and amazing thing is that whilst the genes in the nucleus come from both parents, the genes of the mitochondria, the POWERHOUSES of the body come only from the mother!

    This is passed on this way right from the beginning of human existence through the feminine line to all generations. Further there are also the sex chromosomes that we also need for life. The female has XX the male has XY. In the normal case the Y makes you male. You can have a single X the female chromosome and survive but not with a single Y.

    In the course of reproduction the only X that a male has which it cannot do without to survive can only come from the mother! Thus the life-force here flows through the female channel and vessels. Thus metaphorically speaking the female is the bearer of life energy and life force.

    Segilola; So what are the practical lessons we can draw from these details?

    Dr Aiyesimoju;

    1. Since the female is the bearer of mitochondria, the powerhouses for all generations to come, she might as well keep her mitochondria healthy by obeying the law of movement( physical and mental exercises), healthy well balanced diet, generally healthy lifestyle.
    2. As carrier and bearer of the life force, women might as well strive to consciously connect in purity with life itself through prayers, meditation, gratitude, music, living with spiritual consciousness, purity of thoughts, feeling and intuition. Being open for reception and dispensation.

    Segilola; This is getting more interesting! Can we now talk about the other unique powers in the feminine against the background of what we have said so far?

    Dr Aiyesimoju; It is often said “As above so below” Having come to that realization that the feminine is at the physical level the custodian and channel for energy and medium for the life force that is mediated through her, we can, going by the aphorism that as above so below, conjecture that also at the level of the spirit the feminine will also be a special receiver and mediator of spiritual energies and life forces too…

     

    Continued on www.staging.thenationonlineng.net

  • Obaseki is unique, says ex-lawmaker

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Razaq Bello-Osagie, has said that Governor Godwin Obaseki was delivering unique services in line with electoral promises.
    Osagie spoke with our reporter in Benin.
    He said Edo State has become an investment bank under Obaseki.
    Osagie stated that adversaries of Governor Obaseki have acknowledged the governor’s disposition to deliver across all sectors of the economy within a few months.
    He stated that the validation of Governor Obaseki’s election by the appellate court has reafirmed Edo people’s mandate freely given to a man of distinction with very intimidating pedigree and anticidents.
    Osagie said: “We have noticed very unique service delivery dispositions in virtually all sectors in just a few months.”

  • Making the most of a unique model

    It was the popular author and human resources executive, Albert Low, who said, “Instead of suppressing conflicts, specific channels should be created to make these conflicts explicit, and specific methods should be set up by which the conflict is resolved.”

    This quote succinctly describes the raison d’etre of the Joint Negotiating council (JNC) whose existence and modalities of its functioning constitute a unique model for attaining and maintaining industrial peace and harmony in Lagos State.

    The harmonious relationship between the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and the various trade unions in the Lagos State Public Service is an eloquent testimony to the relevance, importance, competence and strategic indispensability of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).

    In order to sustain the existing atmosphere of industrial harmony in Lagos State and in order to transform such harmony into even greater productivity, there are certain values that we must continue to live by.  One of these values is the value of being proactive. This calls for all stakeholders to be dedicated to preparing for, intervening in, or controlling an expected occurrence or situation, especially a negative or difficult one. The JNC must continue to exhibit this value by identifying and bringing to the attention of the appropriate bodies, all matters that may degenerate or fester into unmanageable crisis.

    Another value is the value of committing to a perpetual regimen of training and re-training of skills. In today’s world in particular, high premium is placed on the possession of soft skills. These are the skills that are not taught in formal schools but are essential to real life success and productivity. For a long time, it was considered impossible to learn soft skills. Now, the good news is that, like any skill, soft skills can be learned. And there is better news. The better news is that boosting soft skills not only gives officers a leg up on a new job or a promotion, but these skills also have obvious applications in all areas of a person’s life, both professional and personal and ultimately contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of organisations which we are currently enjoying under the able leadership of Governor Ambode.

    Success in the world today necessarily calls for people who play well with others and can effectively work as part of a team. According to Lyne Sarikas, the MBA Career Center Director at Northeastern University, “That means sometimes being a leader, sometimes being a good follower, monitoring the progress, meeting deadlines and working with others across the organization to achieve a common goal.” Let us always remember that the government and the JNC are ultimately on the same team.

    Because the world is fast changing and issues are becoming more complex, the people in charge of important organizations must be able to observe and critically assess the impact and consequence of developments as they arise and, sometimes, even before they arise. Larry Buhl pointed out that it is not enough to be able to collect data and manipulate it; one must also be able to analyse and interpret it. What story does the data tell? What questions are raised? Are there different ways to interpret the data?  Thus, instead of making demands simpliciter, today’s realities call for parties to jointly consider the implications of, and modalities for implementing, the demands.

    We must also bear in mind that the delivery of value to citizens is the fundamental objective of any democratically-elected government. In today’s world, however, the delivered value must be delivered par excellence. This is chiefly because citizens have become sophisticated and exposed to the standards of governance in other climes such that their expectations have been conditioned to demand and insist on compliance with global best practices at all levels of governance. Meeting these expectations is the central challenge for governments in the developing world.

    Thankfully in Lagos State, we have a government that has boldly embraced this challenge and is, in fact, executing a reasoned-out plan to transform governance and its processes in such a way that the ever-changing and complex expectations of citizens can be admirably met. With firm focus on delivering value to the people, Governor Ambode has since recognised that one of the most effective ways to ensure that officers of the Lagos State Public Service are positioned to deliver value is to invest in improving their skills and knowledge. To this end, a number of trainings have been approved and delivered to ensure that officers of the service are positioned to favourably compete with officers from other states and able to meet the challenges of today’s world across the globe.

    Most of these trainings have focused on the development of work ethics, soft skills and leadership essentials that will improve productivity. Soft skills have everything to do with one’s attitude. Attitude is so important that most other coveted attributes flow from it. Shawn Ashmore says your “style is a reflection of your attitude and your personality.” Hans Selye opined that “adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” Maya Angelou, the famous poet wrote that, “if you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Similarly, Lou Holtz observed that, ‘virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude.” Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States of America (USA) said, “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal and nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

    The administration has also embarked on projects that have both tangential and direct benefits on all officers of the Lagos State Public Service and the State at large. These include: The maintenance and opening up of new roads in  the state; implementation of the ‘Light Up Lagos’ Project; continuing implementation of the ‘Housing for All’ programme in the rent-to-own project; acceleration of the ‘Eko Atlantic City’ project; building and rehabilitation of pedestrian bridges at Berger Bus stop, Ojota and at many other locations; expansion of Bus Stops and provision of additional buses for the Bus Rapid Transport initiative and qualification for recognition as one of the 100 resilient cities in the world. This award was earned as a result of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s innovative leadership, investments in infrastructural development and widening influence.

    I am sure you all will agree with me that in the 50 years of the existence of Lagos State, and most especially, in the last 18 years, giant strides have been made and worthy accomplishments attained. We have every reason to roll out the drums and celebrate the exemplary leadership that Lagos State has offered to other states in Nigeria and other cities in Africa. The occasion of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state is also an opportunity to celebrate the sterling contributions of all our leaders. We must be challenged and encouraged by the sacrifices and accomplishments of those who have shepherded the affairs of this state as political leaders and those who have served as public servants.

     

    • Dr. Oke is Lagos Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions.
  • Unique nature of Elmina Castle

    Unique nature of Elmina Castle

    Between the early 16th century and the middle of 19th century, the wicked trade in humans was booming. Millions of Africans had their freedom taken from them. They were forcefully captured, held under inhuman condition and shipped to the West Indies and America, then known as the New World.

    Right through the coast of West Africa, from Calabar, Badagry, Lagos, Ouidah in Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia and so on, there is probably no other relic of this obnoxious era that graphically captured this better unremembered era like the Elmina Castle. That it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an indication that the castle has greatly impacted on humanity.

    It stands on top a rock facing the sea, a little detached from the town. The location is a vantage position as it allows easy access to the sea and from the building. One easily monitors activities in the town of Elmina. Just in front of the castle are canons that might have been used in the fierce fight that was waged for the control of this lucrative trading post. Tens of young men and women from the town cluster around an approaching vehicle bringing tourists to sell every kind of craft.

    The Canons
    The Canons

    They were very persuasive in haggling.

    At the right hand side of the gate into the castle’s compound, there is an old metal chain.  It left one with an eerie feeling. Between the gate and main entrance, there was a kind of deep excavation. To get to the main building, one has to pass through a bridge. This is the first line of defence. Without the bridge, accessing the main building is difficult.

     

    Although the three-storey rock castle is painted white, that does not remove the negative vibe the building emits. Maybe this is psychological being aware of the obnoxious history of the place.  How did the European trader conceive the idea of building such monstrous impregnable building in the heart of Africa?

    To understand that, one has to go back to when the European exploration of the world championed by Spain and Portugal, the then world powers, started.

    The Portuguese, in the quest for gold and other exotic products from Africa, came to the coast of Elmina to trade. They established contacts with the natives. They had an abundance of gold and were willing to trade that for the products brought by European traders

    The rate at which our people were giving out their gold gave them the impression that the land had abundant gold. So, they named the place Al Mina which in Portuguese means the mine. The people could not pronounce the phrase at that time, so it was corrupted to El Mina. This has become the name of the town. The original name of the place was Anumansa which means inexhaustible water. In 1482, due to the insatiable quest for gold, this motivated one of the Portuguese captains named Don Diego de Azanbuja to arrive at El Mina with soldiers made up of carpenters and masons to see the then King of Elmina named Nana Kwamenansa. He gave the Portuguese the land where the castle was built. It was the first time in the Gold Coast region that a title to a land was transferred from an African chief to a European. The place was a high rock. So the Portuguese had to work on the rock to get to a level ground. The rock on which the building is standing is sedimentary rock and it is about 100 metres beneath the earth. On completion of the castle, they named it after one of their saint patrons in Portugal called St. George. This place is called St. George’s Castle or El Mina Castle.

    The Portuguese had two reasons for building the castle: first, they wanted the natives to believe it was built to protect their trade and their traders; second, to have a place of abode for their missionaries who were coming to spread Christianity.

    Before the early 16th century, all the rooms on the ground floor were used as warehouses for storage, but these same warehouses during the slave trade were converted to a place where African slaves were kept.

    When the slave trade started, the castle was accommodating a minimum of 1000 slaves at a time, 400 women and 600 men.

    The transition from the legitimate trade in goods to the slave trade was brought about. 1441 was the year Portuguese started taking Africans to Portugal by a certain man called Antonio Gonzales, one of the Portuguese explorers. When he came to a place in Senegambia, a place referred to as the River of Gold, when he was going back to Africa, he captured 10 Africans. When he got back to Portugal and the prince of Portugal saw them, he was happy because he wanted to train the most intelligent among them as missionaries to return back to Africa and spread Christianity and second, to serve as interpreters to the Portuguese in Africa. But these Africans never came back. They ended up in palaces and plantations. Since then, whenever European explorers visited Africa, they always returned with Africans.  The story changed when the Spanish got to America and West Indies. They tried to make the red Indians to work on their sugar plantations. According to history, the Red Indians could not survive Spanish brutality, overwork and the European diseases. It started reducing the population of the West Indians. So, they had to stop.  A certain Spanish priest tried to arrange for Africans to be taken to the West Indies because they were much stronger and they lived in the same climatic condition as that of West Indies. So, between 1512 and 1515, about 50 Africans were taken from Spain to Haiti. They survived the test and the demand for African slaves started coming in. That marked the beginning of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

    St. Georges’ Castle, Elmina offers the best experience and sight of what the trans-Atlantic slave trade was all about, and graphically, visitors to the castle experience the unimaginably terrible conditions that the slaves were subjected to.

    After the preliminary introduction at the reception of the castle, the place is the courtyard of the building. It is in form of square with the wide space inside. The main building is three storeys, while the other linked building is just a storey.  The castle was built to be a sustaining community that could exist for months without needing anything from outside.

    Just on the right of the courtyard is the huge church where the soldiers and Portuguese traders worship.

    The building is divided into different sections. The first floor was for the soldiers and other officials. The higher the rank, the higher the floor the officials stayed. The governor of the trading post   stayed at the expansive top floor. He had a bed-eye view of the sea and could also monitor activities within the town and the castle from the comfort of the top floor. The top floor is built in such a way that it could easily access the main courtyard also the slaves’ section.

    Castle
    The dungeon

    On the left, there is an entrance to the slave dungeon. The slave area is made up of the male section and the female section. As a hall, the female section should not take more than 50 persons,while the male dungeon should take about 70 persons at most, theatre style sitting. But the female dungeon was holding about 400 at a time, while the male section could take about 600. There are no windows except a opening in front just by the door. There was no convenience. Slaves were kept with no space to turn, no place for convenience except where one was. The condition was enough to kill one even before the slave ships arrived.

    The female section was even worse. There was a kind of foul odour that pervaded the dungeon. Like many things in the castle, it was as if one was imagining the foul odour of human faeces. it was strong and pungent enough, but the smell just hovered. The guide also explained that the smell was real. It was the smell from the slaves almost 200 years since the abolition of slave trade. According to him, the condition of the female dungeon was worse than the male. The ventilation was worse added to the fact that female slaves had to pass faeces, urine and men flow all in the cell. That added to the stench. The female slave could only come out if the camp governor from the third floor saw her and desired to sleep with her. In such situation, the guards would bring her out, give her water to bath and then ship her above to the governor. There is a well at the centre of the open space between the male and female dungeon. The female slave would take water from there to bath and cleans herself. She would then be taken up to the chamber of the head. The product of the unholy liaison is the high number of mulattoes in Elmina.

    Once the slaves were about to be shipped to the New World, they were taken through a low roof exit tunnel to the point-of-no-return. At the point of no return, there is an opening where the slaves where taken out of the boat in a waiting boat that would take them to the merchant ship in the ocean.

    The Elmina Castle has been in existence for 533 years. Within this period, the Portuguese who were the original owners held the place for about 155 years before it was captured by the Dutch who overthrew them and took over the slave trade business. The Dutch held sway there for about 235 years before they sold it to the British in 1872. The British held the place until 1957 when the Ghana took over the place after independence.

  • LAGOS as unique selling point

    More than just a publicity stunt, the projection of the political vision of Lagos State governorship hopeful Akinwunmi Ambode through an inventive acronym, LAGOS, bespeaks thoughtfulness. At the well-attended October 24 ceremony at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, where he formally expressed his desire to govern the state, Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared: “Our message is LAGOS. LAGOS is Leadership, LAGOS is Accountability, LAGOS is Good Governance, LAGOS is Opportunities and LAGOS is Service. This is what I stand for.”

    It is interesting, and a demonstration of impressive originality, that he has been able to package his guiding principles in a capsule named after the state he seeks to govern. More importantly, his antecedents indicate that he is a man who can walk the talk. His credentials in leadership, accountability and service are showcased and reinforced by the well-publicised letter of commendation he received from Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola following his voluntary retirement from the state civil service after a 27-year career that he ended as the Accountant-General from 2006 to 2012.

    At the risk of repetitiveness, the well-quoted letter simply cannot be ignored or downplayed in considering Ambode’s suitability for the office of governor. Fashola reportedly wrote, in what stands as a glowing testimony to Ambode’s observed and undeniable quality: “I write on behalf of the people of Lagos to commend your high sense of dedication, selflessness and integrity which you brought to bear on the civil service. I wish to specifically remark that working closely with you has been of tremendous mutual benefit, particularly in the present administration.” He continued: “You have displayed high sense of professionalism and have been a good team player, guided by the philosophy of a true public officer, who must place himself last while rendering service to the public. We are convinced that your brilliance and zeal will make you excel in your future endeavours.” It is beyond question that Fashola knew what he was talking about, and that his striking song of praise for Ambode was firmly rooted in reality.

    It is unsurprising that Ambode, 51, the Chief Executive Officer of Brandsmiths Consulting, made a passing reference to the characterisation at his May 15 book launch at the Civic Centre, Lagos.  The presentation of two books, Public Sector Accounting by Ambode, and his biography, The Art of Selfless Service by Marina Osoba, provided a fitting forum for him to bask in the glory of his recognition.   “The letter of commendation by Fashola is my gold medal for public service,” Ambode said at the event.

    Perhaps the most credible governorship hopeful in Lagos State today, irrespective of whether the other aspirants belong to his party or are members of rival parties, Ambode represents a positive mix of knowledge-driven vision and experience of the workings of the administrative system, qualities which Lagos would require of its next political helmsman to build on the acknowledged achievements of the Fashola era. It is instructive to note that Ambode himself has signified his intention to pursue “continuity of excellence.”

    It is probable that such pursuit would require a reimagined governmental approach to cope with the increasing challenges of a megacity with a population of over 10 million, which may soon become a metacity with at least a population of 20 million. Indeed, an individual with Ambode’s broad perspective, reinforced by post-retirement training in top international business and leadership institutions, may be in a better position to manage the diversity of the populace for the social good.

    This is certainly not the time, or more precisely, the time is past when governorship aspirants, especially in Lagos, with its urban sophistication, would expect that all it takes is mouthing populist slogans without manifest competence in what may be considered essential to modern governance, namely, a solid developmental visualisation informed by a practical blueprint. In this regard, Ambode’s concrete history recommends him.

    In particular, Ambode’s critical role in the creation of the State Treasury Office (STO) should be of special significance in rating him as a governorship aspirant. The STO has been acknowledged as a ground-breaking development which has fundamentally improved how the state’s funds are raised, budgeted, managed and spent. It goes without saying that Ambode’s demonstrated authoritative grasp of treasury issues would most likely be an advantage. ”If we take the concept of resource generation, allocation and distribution into cognisance and apply the principles of good governance, we will achieve economic growth and development,” Ambode said while presenting a paper titled “Public Finance: Probity and Accountability” at a workshop organised in August by the Lagos State Government and the Lagos Business School.

    Also important is Ambode’s work experience at the local government level, given that the so-called third tier is regarded as the closest to the people. Ambode himself observed: “If you work successfully at Local Government level and you are able to make a difference, there is nowhere else you cannot work successfully.”

    It is noteworthy that, beyond his respected financial wizardry and managerial mastery, Ambode’s claim to selfless service, which is also recognised, is another plus. This aspect may be considered fundamental because a leader without a correct sense of service is ultimately negative.  Service to the people, in the purest sense of the concept, is apparently not alien to Ambode.  According to him, “A true leader sees his work as selfless service towards a higher purpose. A true leader should be judged by what he has not – ego, arrogance and self interest.”

    Demonstrable commitment to good governance and ability to deliver what the people yearn for should rank among the uppermost qualifications for the type of progressive leadership that would benefit the state at this point in time. As Fashola prepares to leave the stage, the state deserves an exemplary successor who will be focused on excellence in office informed by a mastery of wealth creation and a humanitarian orientation.

    In a newspaper interview, Ambode shed light on his understanding of good governance, which is an essential aspect of his vision. He said:  “In essence, the elected government is like a caretaker for the rest of the people, overseeing their resources on their behalf. The citizens remain the landlord while the elected officials are only caretakers.”  He further said: “Arising from this, good government can only thrive where the resources of the people are judiciously distributed to various sectors/needs in the society in a just and equitable manner that makes life easier for every person.”

    Ambode’s positioning with LAGOS, in the countdown to the APC governorship primary election in the state, and indeed next year’s general elections, deserves serious attention from the electorate, considering his profile and the unassailable evidence of its genuineness.

  • A unique king among his people

    A unique king among his people

    Title: Oduduwa, King of the Edos
    Author:Jude Idada
    Pages: 233
    Genre: Drama
    Reviewer:Adeniyi Taiwo Kunnu

    The heated controversies surrounding the ancestry of Oduduwa and the Bini-Yoruba divergent postures may have derived a realistic panacea in the fictive amassing of Jude Idada. It’s been said afterall, that what every human owes the universe is either to protect it in its pristine state or add unadulterated colourations to it. These alternatives could well describe the attempt by this young Nigerian-Canadian, to re-face a perhaps, near-defaced issue, in a bid to salvage the very important history of these proud races, using the channel of creative writing to ostracise the demons of historical distortions.

    Employing the imperialist bequest- English Language in its dialogue, the author immersed himself in shark-infested waters of tradition and historical mythology  ensuring a balance is attempted with the use of Bini and Yoruba dialects to course through the rhythmic invocations of music and somber dirges, lighting up the embers of tradition in its unalloyed form. It must be noted that referring to Oduduwa as Ekaladerhan; Owomika as Eweka and Ogiso as Oba and a fews others should make for better appreciation as same.

    Oduduwa, King of the Edos can best be described as the microcosm of our current geopolitical entity; complete in intrigues, distrusts, treachery, foibles and scarce integrity; vices and virtue which may not elude any civilisation, even if such a sphere wields the toga of civility and sanctimoniousness, it no doubt has evolved overtime from the dregs of bloodshed and ugly inhuman cultivations.

    An unforgettable savageness is the 7th century Greek theatre- where Dionysus, god of wine and fertility basked in the wanton revelry of those thespians. One from the current civilisation was the American civil war in the 17th century, characterised by ideological loggerheads and consequent decimation of fellow American rebels, as that’s what they are, having crossed the Atlantic to the Americas from the United Kingdom. A more contemporary allusion is the Umbrella Revolution in the former British colony of Hong Kong, where people clamour for what is theirs and the authorities in Beijing are dung-faced about it.

    The work opens with introduction of the treacherous and tempestuous warrior Uwafiokun, leading fellow fighters against Evian and Ogianmen, a regent of Igodomigodo and his son, whose heads eventually leave their bodies to his sword. Shameful and deserved, Uwafiokun’s retributive imbecility comes to the fore as one journeys through the work and definitely attest to fate’s punitive measure against hypocrisy and greater iniquity. A plunge from an initial exalted position, where war fought was for his pernicious intents than the preservation of the revered culture and heritage of Ogisos, and the Edo people.

    Hear him in Act One, Scene One:

    “Let the hunger of the greedy consume the usurper of the crown of the Ogisos…Ogiamen!”

    If anyone ever predicted his own end, then Uwafiokun just did. Expressing to the ears of all within earshot and impressing on the justification for beheading some usurpers. It is no doubt an auto-prophecy for the same crime he accuses Evian and Ogiamen of. He shares similarity with Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The gods are not to blame, who unknowing predicts his own end on the knowledge that Oba Adetusa has been killed by none other than himself.

    This opening foreshadows unveiled chains of plots by power mongers and power brokers who jostle with wisdom, practical steps and at times deviousness in order to stem the tide of what causes man to be left in delirium. This disorientation can be adduced to the overriding influence of the gods; seeming insatiable cum conflicting tendencies of man and certain inexplicable phenomena. These descriptions definitely chart its course through different levels of conflicts in the work

    Evian the beheaded regent says in Act One, Scene two:

    “Culture is silent; it needs a man of wisdom, foresight and courage to speak on its behalf….”

    Crave for wisdom, foresight and courage results in the need for an Ogiso to occupy the throne of his ancestors. How then can Igodomido have her “Ruler from the sky”? Banished, hasn’t he been? Majority of Ovbiedo believes he is long dead in the forest of Igo, following his fate occasioned by the  treacherous Queen Esagho and subsequent verdict by Ogiso Owodo- Ekaladerhan’s father. Conversely, a handful knows Oduduwa lives. The accomplices include, Ezomo- a highly respected member of the Edion’isen and Odionmwan- chief of the palace executioners- whose acts of omission eventually guarantees a royal lineage.

    In Ola Rotimi’s The gods are not blame, King Adetusa’s and Queen Ojuola’s joy become shortlived, when it gets predicted that their source of fulfillment-Odewale- will become their eventual failings. It is in similar vein that Oduduwa is sentenced to die, so as to make way for other sons to be sired from the loins of Ogiso Owodo. Situating both works side by side, one finds the gods’ intervention in man’s affairs, with an instruction to tow a line so as to address an immediate concern or avert an impending doom. While Ekaladerhan was not killed by Odionmwan, Odewale was himself spared by Gbonka, leading up to the fates of these core personas, who at best are reflections of an artist impression.

    A contrast, however, surfaces. It is gullibility, cowardice cum stupid verdict from Ogiso Owodo, who prefers to cast out the strength of his youth-Ekaladerhan- as that appeared to placate his inability to bear more sons. It however, happens to be a bull’s eyes prophecy in Ola Rotimi’s work, where the prophecy comes to pass, but also enabled by man’s inability to adhere to instructions-Gbonka.

    An important precedent in the work is that, only blue bloods who are eldest males become Ogisos, so the revelation about Oduduwa bearing rule over Yorubas in Ile Ife is received with mixed emotions. Ezomo reveals the veracity of Ekaladerhan’s existence, but since patience is alien to Uwafiokun and treachery pitches a concrete tent at his domain, such stories are best left as myths from Europe’s dark ages.

    Hear him again in Act One, Scene Two:

    “I stand here ready to go to war with anyone who tries to use guile and flowery words to usurp the throne.”

    Uwafiokun appears to breathe on war. His every existence is in making another life go down lifeless, should any situation not find an immediate comprehension in his cerebrum. He even refuses to make peace with his fellow chiefs because to him, war alone resolves knotty issues. Power indeed has its stuporous tendencies.

    Priority for the Edos is seeing Ekaladerhan return to his homeland, so that an unoccupied throne will be ascended. Oliha, a member of the Edion’isen carries this burden of destiny. His childhood fondness and friendship with Oduduwa is leveraged to accomplish this daunting task of salvaging the throne.

    This quest however has its thorny sides, because a trap set is often forgotten, but he who gets entrapped and wrenches out with bruises never forgets. This dialogue between Oliha and Oduduwa in Act Two , Scene Three spells it aptly.

  • Get that unique look with a gown

    THIS gown takes your dinner to the next level and ensures that you make a lovely entrance!  One interest thing about fashion items is that they have a way of bouncing back. Gowns of various designs, hues, lengths and sizes are still hot items.  They are the rave of the moment.

    There are several features that make gowns unique. But one major reason why they standout is that they offer the wearer a freedom which no other dress can offer. They are always very comfortable to wear.

    Many women now grace social events, parties, wedding ceremonies, cocktails even church services with gowns of different lengths.

    “This is the season of stylish gowns and it is going to be sown alone (one) or mixed fabrics,” says Busola Isiaka, the petite lady behind Labussy Creations.

    The good thing about this gown is that it can be worn at any function, as office, informal or formal wears.  Gowns are not new fads. They were very popular in the 60’s and 80’s.

  • Intimacy in a unique destination

    Intimacy in a unique destination

    It’s a time for the couple to relax and spend some romantic quality and intimate time together in a very special location. Adetorera Idowu looks at the top destinations for the most memorable honeymoon.

    A honeymoon is the traditional holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage in intimacy and seclusion. Today, preparation for the honeymoon can be simple or elaborate depending on the resources available. The basic aim, however, is to make it a destination considered to be romantic and exotic by the lovebirds.

    This is the period when newlywed couples take a break to share some private and intimate moments that help establish love in relationship. This privacy in turn is believed to ease the comfort zone towards a physical relationship, which is one of the primary means of bonding during the initial days of marriage. The earliest term for this in English was hony moone, which was recorded as early as 1546.

    In Western culture,  the custom of a newlywed couple going on a holiday together originated in early 19th century Great Britain. Upper-class couples would take a “bridal tour”, sometimes accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who had not been able to attend the wedding. The practice soon spread to the European continent and was known as voyage à la façon anglaise (English-style voyage) in France from the 1820s on.

    Today, a honeymoon is an opportunity for newlyweds to get away from the stress of everyday life, the stress they encountered from planning their wedding and attention they received from family and friends regarding their marriage. Below are some interesting destinations that would make your honeymoon memorable and interesting:

    1.        Bora Bora

    2.            Goa

    3.            Anguilla

    4.            Bali

    5.            Zanzibar

    6.            Seychelles

    7.            Kailua Kona, Big Island of Hawaii

    8.            Mauritius

    9.            Maldives

    10.          Fiji Island

  • Destined to be unique

    Destined to be unique

    THEY conceived the idea six years ago when they met overseas at a function. Mr Mike Igbokwe (SAN) and Chief Godwin Obla thought it was time members of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Law Class 1980/83 came together as a body and sold the idea to others. Their meeting at the International Bar Association (IBA) Conference in Singapore in 2007 has become a blessing of sorts to the set.

    Since its coming, the set has been promoting the good of their alma mater and the welfare of members. Its objectives are to promote professional cooperation and collaboration among members; to facilitate the highest standards of professional conduct and support the Law Faculty of their alma mater, in any way possible to make it a world class faculty.

    For members of the Class often referred to as “an unstoppable, unique and accomplished set,” March 22 to 24 will remain memorable.

    They gathered at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, to celebrate their sixth the annual reunion.

    The set can boast of being among the best in the profession.

    Members of the set has produced 20 high court judges, four professors, seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), a senator, a member of the House of Representatives, four attorneys-general, three permanent secretaries and solicitors-general, army general, banks’ directors, top government officials, pastors, traditional rulers and Resident Electoral Commissioners, among others.

    Their meeting in the Garden City attracted eminent personalities.

    The group meets every year to cement the relationship which began over 33years ago.

    The local organising committee headed by Hon Frank Okwor ensured that everybody had a good time.

    The reunion started with a cocktail on March 22. On March 23, there was a business meeting where issues affecting members and the alma mater were discussed. Awards for commitment were bestowed on some members.

    The group also decided where subsequent reunions would hope. The next one hold in Abuja. It will be the turn of Las Vegas in the United States (US) in 2015; Abeokuta in Ogun State, 2016 and Benin, Edo State 2017.

    The high point was the election of Justice Adedotun Onibokun as President; Mr. Omoruyi Omonuwa (SAN), Vice-president; and Mr. Jide Owootori, General Secretary, among others. Senator Effiong Bob retained his position as Chairman, Board of Trustees.

    An elated Justice Onibokun thanked her ex-classmates for the confidence reposed in her.

    “We won’t disappoint you. We will keep the flag flying as we throw open our doors for words of advice,” she said.

    Business meeting over, the train moved to the massive premises of a member of the local organising committee, Mrs Onimim Jacks where they were treated to sumptuous meals. On Saturday evening, the Banquet Hall of the Hotel Presidential where the dinner was held became an Haven of many colours.

    There was no dull moment as the Kikali Cultural Troupe added flavour to the evening.

    Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, who chaired the occasion, congratulated the alumni.

    Justice Adolphous Karibi-Whyte, a pioneer lecturer of UNILAG in 1962, who quit teaching almost 40 years ago, praised the alumni for their comradeship.

    “The Faculty of law, University of Lagos was a huge one but I admire the fraternity of a people to hold on. There is a lot of merit in what I call self-esteem and if you can keep it, you can justify it. UNILAG has survived and I am happy to be associated with you. As the only class that is organising this meeting yearly, I implore you to sustain it because if other groups can emulate you, it will improve physical infrastructure and learning,” he said.

    A former lecturer, Prof Emeritus Adedokun Adeyemi said the class needed no prophets to say it will be prosperous.

    “During my interaction with you in your undergraduate days, I was able to assess the level of an individual and a group as a whole. The comradeship had existed since your school days and we noted it. I have been in that faculty since 1967 and I am proud that you have made me proud. You are what you are today because of your commitment and dedication to work. You have not reached your pinnacles as I pray that you move from glory to glory. Your set was unique both at entry and exit. You have been the most prominent set in terms of contribution to the upliftment of the faculty,” Adeyemi said.

    President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr Okey Wali, the special guest of honour, described the set as the genesis of the Law School Class of ’84, which now has a reunion.

    “I want to congratulate your teachers for being fulfilled as they have seen you excel,” Wali said.

    Senator Bob said it was fulfilling to see his ex-classmates excel.

    We met 33 years ago and we have been interacting as brothers and sisters. We continue to do this yearly, renewing our acquaintance, discussing the needs of the Faculty of Law of University of Lagos and the areas where we can contribute or uplift the faculty. That is the essence of this annual reunion and we have been doing that in the past six years,” he said.

    Another former lecturer, Prof. Isaac Agbede said sitting among this unique set makes him fulfilled.

    He said: “You came out and attained national and international reputation for yourself. I don’t think the sky will be the limit of your achievements. When a group becomes unstoppable, it is because it has distinguished itself as a product that is set to conquer the world like Harvard. That is what you have made yourself as products of UNILAG.”

    He urged the group to change its name to “Class of 1980-1983 Unique” because it is unstoppable.

     

  • ‘A unique figure has left the world’

    ‘A unique figure has left the world’

    Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum for former British Prime Minister Margaret Hilda Thatcher who died yesterday.

    British Prime Minister David Cameron, Queen Elizabeth and U.S. President Barack Obama led tributes to the woman called ‘Iron Lady’.

    Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair described the late Thatcher as “a towering political figure”.

    He added: “Very few leaders get to change not only the political landscape of their country but of the world. Margaret was such a leader. Her global impact was vast. And some of the changes she made in Britain were, in certain respects at least, retained by the 1997 Labour government, and came to be implemented by governments around the world.”

    UK Labour leader Ed Miliband said: “I send my deep condolences to Lady Thatcher’s family, in particular Mark and Carol Thatcher.

    “She will be remembered as a unique figure. She reshaped the politics of a whole generation. She was Britain’s first woman prime minister. She moved the centre ground of British politics and was a huge figure on the world stage.

    “The Labour party disagreed with much of what she did and she will always remain a controversial figure. But we can disagree and also greatly respect her political achievements and her personal strength.

    “She also defined the politics of the 1980s. David Cameron, Nick Clegg and I all grew up in a politics shaped by Lady Thatcher. We took different paths but with her as the crucial figure of that era.

    “She coped with her final, difficult years with dignity and courage. Critics and supporters will remember her in her prime.”

    The Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, said: “Margaret Thatcher was one of the defining figures in modern British politics. Whatever side of the political debate you stand on, no one can deny that as prime minister she left a unique and lasting imprint on the country she served.

    “She may have divided opinion during her time in politics but everyone will be united today in acknowledging the strength of her personality and the radicalism of her politics. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”

    Among senior Conservatives, the work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, said Thatcher was “the reason I came into politics”.

    He said: “Watching her set out to change Britain for the better in 1979 made me believe there was, at last, real purpose and real leadership in politics once again. She bestrode the political world like a colossus.”

    The senior Tory MP David Davis said: “Margaret Thatcher was the greatest of modern British prime ministers, and was central to the huge transformation of the whole world that took place after the fall of the Soviet Union.

    “Millions of people in Britain and around the world owe her a debt of gratitude for their freedom and their quality of life, which was made possible by her courageous commitment to the principles of individual freedom and responsibility. Her passing is a very sad event and she will be greatly missed.”

    The London mayor, Boris Johnson, said on Twitter: “Very sad to hear of death of Baroness Thatcher. Her memory will live long after the world has forgotten the grey suits of today’s politics.”

    The Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, said: “I have always said that Mrs Thatcher was a great inspiration to me personally. Whether you loved her or hated her nobody could deny that she was a great patriot, who believed passionately in this country and her people. A towering figure in recent British and political history has passed from the stage. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

    Many took to Twitter to pay tribute to Thatcher. The Tory MP Therese Coffey said the former prime minister had transformed the country, “putting Great back in Great Britain”.

    The shadow international development secretary, Ivan Lewis, said: “Hoping all Labour supporters will respond with dignity + respect to news of Baroness Thatcher’s death. Our thoughts with her family + friends.”

    And the former Labour minister and MP Tony McNulty tweeted: “God bless her and thoughts are with her family. RIP.”

    The Liberal Democrat MP Martin Horwood tweeted: “Sad news about Baroness Thatcher. Don’t miss her policies but a towering figure in 20th c British politics, & made history UK’s 1st woman PM.”

    Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger told CNN, “She was a tremendous prime minister, she was a great lady, she had very strong opinions. And to those of us who knew her over the decades she was a very warm person, which is not the public image that is often given.”

    Thatcher’s great achievement for the country was its success in the Falklands crisis, he said, referring to the war over the disputed islands known to Argentina, which also claims them, as Las Malvinas.

    “For the United States it was her staunch loyalty and commitment to the Atlantic alliance — she was a reliable and steady ally.”

    She was also one of the first leaders to see the way forward to ending the Cold War, he said.

    There was “something very feminine and personal about her,” in contrast to her public image, Kissinger said.

    Britain’s Telegraph newspaper paid tribute to her as “Britain’s greatest post-war prime minister.”

    Its obituary read: “She will go down in history not only as Britain’s first female prime minister, but as the woman who transformed Britain’s economy in addition to being a formidable rival on the international stage.”

    In her lifetime, she was called so many names. One of them was the ‘milk snatcher’. This was when as Secretary of State for Education; she withdrew milk from the meal of school children, all in the name of austerity measure. But, the one that stuck of all the names was the ‘Iron Lady’. She got it from a Soviet journalist because of her uncompromising politics and leadership style.

    She was born Margaret Hilda Roberts on October 13, 1925. She became a Thatcher on account of marriage. She was British longest-serving Prime Minister, having reigned from 1979-1990 and the only woman to have held the post.

    She was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, on 13 October 1925. Her father was Alfred Roberts, originally from Northamptonshire, and her mother was Beatrice Ethel (née Stephenson) from Lincolnshire. She spent her childhood in Grantham, where her father owned two grocery shops. She and her older sister Muriel were raised in the flat above the larger of the two, located near the railway line. Her father was active in local politics and the Methodist church, serving as an alderman and a local preacher, and brought up his daughter as a strict Methodist. He came from a Liberal family but stood-as was then customary in local government-as an Independent. He was Mayor of Grantham in 1945-46 and lost his position as alderman in 1952 after the Labour Party won its first majority on Grantham Council in 1950.

    Margaret Roberts attended Huntingtower Road Primary School and won a scholarship to Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School. Her school reports showed hard work and continual improvement; her extracurricular activities included the piano, field hockey, poetry recitals, swimming and walking. She was head girl in 1942-43. In her upper sixth year she applied for a scholarship to study chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford, but was initially rejected, and was offered a place only after another candidate withdrew. She arrived at Oxford in 1943 and graduated in 1947 with Second Class Honours in the four-year Chemistry Bachelor of Science degree; in her final year she specialised in X-ray crystallography under the supervision of Dorothy Hodgkin.