The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Wanted

  • Wanted: Lifeline for a fading pastime

    Wanted: Lifeline for a fading pastime

    There are many students with budding talents in sports but there are no incentives for them to hone their skills. In many higher institutions, sports has been relegated to the background because some have no grounds/fields while others prefer academics to extra-curricula activities, writes EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine and Surgery, University of Benin).

    Then Victor Yimlang, a 200-Level Philosophy student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) participated in the maiden UNIBEN Marathon last year, he finished third. To him, the third position was not his best. With sheer determination and the zeal to excel in subsequent races, he prepared for the contest. In the second edition of the marathon, held a few months ago, Victor came first.

    Seeing the energy and potential of the young athlete, who students nicknamed “marathoner”, the university engaged Victor in further training to improve his talent. Recently, Victor represented the school in Okpekpe International Marathon, organised by the Edo State government.

    Victor came fourth in the 10-kilometre race in which over 2,000 local and international athletes from over seven countries participated. Mnem Eshion, an Ethiopian, won the race, with a time of 28.36 seconds.

    For UNIBEN, Victor’s success was no mean feat, having supported him to hone his talent in athletics.

    Victor’s story reinforces the popular notion that higher institutions are breeding grounds for sportsmen and women, who can use their talents to develop the nation. But how many universities or polytechnics are looking in this direction and taking advantage of it?

    Some of the best footballers and athletes that ever came out of this country were discovered through youths tournaments, such as the Nigeria Universities Games (NUGA), Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NiPOGA) and the West African Universities Games (WAUG).

    This is no more the case, as sports administrators now prefer to shop for unmerited sportsmen in place of experienced ones to represent the nation in international sports fiestas. This, some argue, is responsible for Nigeria’s poor performance in crucial international tournaments.

    Sportsmen on campuses are not happy with the development, which they described as an ugly trend in the sports sector. According to them, Nigeria is legendary in leaving sports contests almost immediately after the kick off. This is the result of neglect of campus sports by governments and administrators, some students said.

    Relegation of sporting activities in the curricula of higher institutions is another factor students said may have been responsible for the crisis in the sector. Many higher institutions, they said, have either removed sports or have made it less attractive, thereby killing the talents of many students, who have zeal to excel in sports rather than academic.

    Quite a number of universities offer courses in Physical Health Education, Louis Osahenie, a student of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma, Edo State said, stressing that many institutions’ curricula are based on theoretical instruction, rather than practice.

    He said: “Most of the students read about the sports only in books and cannot practise on the field. This is because the facilities are not there. If having a distinct sport facility is among requirements for granting licence for university operation, many schools should have been shut down. My parents told me that, for a secondary or primary school to be accredited, it must have a large field for sporting activities but the story has changed. We now have schools being set up on small parcels of land without spaces for extra-curricula activities.”

    Emmanuel Odogwu, a Hockey player, blamed lecturers for killing sports on campus. He described some lecturers’ attitude towards sports as pathetic, noting that students, who engage in sports, are considered unserious.

    “Students like me, who participate in sporting events, are mocked by lecturers and this kills our morale. In fact, some lecturers have the habit of giving impromptu tests, especially when students are on the field for training. This puts us in a risky situation of either leaving the field to write the test or staying back and fail,” he said.

    Emmanuel cited an example. His words: “I almost missed the last NUGA at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) because the exam clashed with the tournament. Academic calendars are no longer stable because of teachers’ strike but NUGA has a fixed period. This has made talented young people not go for such events because the university will not shift the examination because of sports.”

    How many universities have the capacity to fund sporting events? Marvelous Idahor, an Accounting student, asked. He said sports was becoming less attractive on many campuses because school managements only believe in academics and nothing else.

    He said: “Where will school managements get money to finance sporting activities when the subvention they get from the government is not enough to build adequate lecture theatres? A typical university wants to pay its staff and fund research, not sports.”

    Olumide Adebayo, an Anatomy student at the University of Ibadan (UI), said students also share in the blame, asking how many Students’ Union Governments (SUGs) include sporting activities in Students’ Week.

    “Students are indifferent to sports because of the academic workload they have to cope with. Some students’ associations are guilty of killing students’ sporting talents. They only organise football matches for males alone, leaving the females in the classroom. They forget that there are many girls with special talents for sports, such as gymnastics, athletics, volleyball and basketball. Some schools do not even have facilities for such sports,” he said.

    Many higher institutions are guilty of killing sports, said Mrs Felicia Igbafe, Head of Sports, UNIBEN Centre.

    There is a national policy declaring every Wednesday a lecture-free day for students to participate in sports, she said. This, according to her, is not being followed because of the workload students are subjected to.

    Victor suggested that both lecturers and students should be orientated on the need to promote sports. He said athletes should be further mentored after tournaments to ensure they remained focused.

    He said: “NUGA should be made to serve its purpose. Beyond the frills and thrills, the tournament must be seen as a breeding ground for sportsmen. It was during a sporting event that Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal Football Club was discovered and mentored. He represented St. Johns College in Portsmouth, England. He has brought glory to the school. This can be done because a lot of talents are wasting away on campuses.”

    Prof Oluwaseun Omotayo, Vice President of African Sports Management Association, believes the establishment of a sport university would help to improve sport participation.

    In a proposal he submitted to the Federal Government, Prof Omotayo said, the sport university would help on training needed manpower for the sport sector, stressing that it would also make Nigeria hub for sport research and development.

    If nothing is done, he said, campus sports will continue to sink and Nigeria will keep performing poorly in major events.

     

  • Wanted: A new monarch for Akure

    Wanted: A new monarch for Akure

    Nine months after the death of the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, the search is still on for his successor but the battle for the exalted throne will no doubt be fierce as it had always been. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the historic succession battles in Akure Kingdom and the significance of the ‘Adesida factor’ in its socio-economic and political development in the last ten decades. 

    It is an ancient city. The population is huge. Indigenes and non-natives live in peace and unity. Akure indigenes are very accommodating to strangers. It is customary to see indigenes and non-indigenes from neighbouring southwest states, as well as farther places like Kwara, Kogi, Hausa/Fulani, Ebira, Igbo, Edo, Ijaw and Nupe tribes cohabiting in the same compound in the metropolis. This mixture accounts for almost 250,000 registered voters in the city, which is 25 percent of the total number of registered voters in the entire Ondo State.

    Migration to Akure increased geometrically, following the creation of Ondo State in 1976 and naming of Akure as the capital. But, during the colonial days, it was the headquarters of Ondo Province. The town was made popular by the pre-eminence of its famous paramount ruler, the late Oba Adesida Afunbiowo, whose four offspring inherited the exalted throne in quick succession, following his demise.

    In the beginning, Akure, the land of Ajanpada, was an Ekiti town which played a noble role in the activities of the famed Ekiti Confederation, the Pelupelu. The town also played reconciliatory roles in those days of yore in Yorubaland, although in later years, it was locked in a protracted land dispute with Idanre, its neighbour. The town maintained intimacy with Edo, Owo, Akoko, Ekiti and Ijesa. Oba Olofinlade Adesida Adesida 1, arguably the oldest Yoruba monarch of his days, was a father figure. Throughout his reign, he was responsible for the advantageous position of his kingdom in Yorubaland. When the British requested for facts on how to settle the protracted land dispute between Ido-Ajinare and Efon-Alaaye, it was the royal father who provided the historical facts. Although the colonial District Officer at Ado requested the much younger and educated Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the late Oba Anirare Aladesanmi, to speak on behalf of the Obas, he turned it down in reverence for Oba Adesida, who played the role. Since then, the colonial masters interacted more with the Akure monarch.

    One good turn deserves another. Oba Adesida was happy with Oba Aladesanmi, who honoured him in the presence of the colonial masters. He returned the honour and generosity later. When Ewi Anirare was temporarily sent packing from the palace by Ado people in the days of civil strife and rancour, it was to Deji Adesida he turned to for refuge. From Akure, he normalised his strained relations with his people and the District Officer. Also, when the riots led by Mrs. Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti led to the temporary abdication of the Egba throne by Alake Gbadebo, he ran to Akure for safety before he later regained his exalted seat. When the people of Jebu Owo faced persecution at home, they sought refuge in Akure. The then Deji settled them at a location which became known as Oke-Jebu till today

    Historians recall that, following the supremacy quarrel that broke out between Deji Adesida and the Alaaye of Efon,the late Oba Samuel Adeniran Kekereata, the esteemed monarch, already advanced in years, decided to pull out of the Ekiti Confederation. He convinced the Resident, who was domiciled in his domain, that Akure, Ilaramokin, Isarun and other villages were ready to follow suit. The Resident granted his request and Akure and its environs-Ilara, Isarun, Ogbese and Oba-Ile- severed the umbilical cord with Ekitiland. Akure grew in leaps and bounds afterwards.

    The Adesida factor:

    Akure is a great town. Historically, it can be argued that the town also achieved greatness because of the Adesida factor. Five Dejis of Akure have reigned from the Afunbiowo Adesida clan of the wider Ojijigogun Ruling House for almost 100 years. Townspeople who have continued to pay tribute to their memory, acknowledging that these esteemed monarchs ruled with dignity and grace. None of them was trailed by controversy, which exposed royalty to ridicule. As Akure grew in leaps and bounds under their rulerships, people savoured collective prosperity. Oba Adesida Afunbiowo 1, the progenitor, gave birth to many children. The lineage has produced five Dejis in succession-Alayeluwa Afunbiowo Adesida, Oba Ademuwagun Adesida, his elder brother, Oba Adenegan Adesida, his younger brother, Oba Adebobajo Adesida and Afunbiowo’s grandson, the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida Afunbiowo 11. In the last 100 years, the Osupa Branch of the single, extended ruling house has only produced one monarch, Oba Oluwadamilare Adesina, who was deposed. He spent five years on the throne.

    Alayeluwa Afunbiowo Adesida 1:

    Oba Adesida 1, who reigned for six decades, from 1897 to 1957, was from the only ruling house, the Asodeboyede Ruling House.  He was the 41st Deji. He was held in awe by the British colonial masters, who met him on the throne. In 1956, when Queen Elizabeth of England visited Nigeria, he was given recognition by the government. He could be described as the founder of modern Akureland. When Akure was still part of the Ekiti Pelupelu, Adesida was a reservoir of knowledge and experience. Whenever other Obas could not resolve a puzzle, he was the last resort. He was already advanced in years in the thirties and forties. The old Deji was always calm. The colonial District Officers and representatives of the Resident, who were usually present at the pelupelu meetings always listened to him and followed his advice in the resolution of problems. His rich experience and sense of history were invaluable. For example, when the British wanted to lump Mobaland with the Northern Province, he and the Ewi Aladesanmi cried foul, explaining that the move would further balkanise the Ekiti Confederation. Being an old man, the colonial officers listened to his pleas. His advice that Otun, the territory of the Oore, a descendant of Oduduwa, should remain in Ekiti, was followed by the officers.

    Oba Adesida’s disposition to strangers made Akure to enlarge its coast. He was very accommodating. When communal conflict rattled Owo, many people came from the town to seek refuge under the monarch. He gave them land to settle and did not demand for the customary Isakole (royalty) from the strangers. He believed that Yoruba was one. Oba Adesida 1 was also a great traditionalist who maintained intimacy with the Benin Kingdom. The late President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Oba Ereduwa, was always fond of him. Adesida was not lettered, but, he had a cosmopolitan disposition. Even, when Akure and Idanre were locked in a protracted land suit, he did not ignore the option of peaceful resolution along the path of custom and tradition.

    Deji Adesida was greatly missed in Ekiti Confederation when he pulled out of the arrangement. He opted out because he could no more endure the embarrassment and recalcitrant attitude of Alaaye Adeniran of Efon Kingdom, who did not accord respect to his age and status during discussions. Oba Adeniran was said to be a pompous and arrogant monarch. A war of words broke out between the aged Deji and the youthful Alaaye, apparently over traditional seniority as descendants of Oduduwa. The former took exception to the arrogance of the later. He cautioned Alaaye against arrogance of power, saying: “The world of honey, which we elders try to lick with our finger is what you have approached with a big wooden spoon.” In years to come, Alaaye’s youthful exuberance led to his waterloo.

    When Deji Adesida returned to Akure, he reported the incident between him and the Alaaye to the Resident and persuaded him to carve Akure and environs out of Ekitiland. The Resident obliged him and the chord was severed. Akure ceased to be an Ekiti town. That was how it later became the headquarters of the defunct Ondo Province and later, Ondo State.

    When the great monarch was approaching his grave, it was said that he assembled his children to pray for them. Many of them were literate. He gave them his parting words, which underscored his sensitivity and lack of selfishness. Community historians recalled that the Oba requested that his children should not succeed him. He noted that, as the representative of the esteemed royal house, the gods and ancestors had been kind to him by honouring him with long life and prosperity. He said Olodumare had answered his prayers to rule the kingdom, in spite of two futile attempts in the past. Oba Adesida 1 reigned for a long time spanning primitive and modern times. He was a father figure who understood tradition, custom and natural justice. During his reign, there was no tension between Akure and Isinkan, where the Aralepo, is the overlord. He and the Osolo of Isolo and other high chiefs also enjoyed intimacy. The great ruler was humble. But, he was also traditionally powerful. At 120 years, his then 19-year-old youngest wife had sued for a divorce, claiming that he could not satisfy her. When his evidence was being taken in the palace by court officials, he pleaded with them to appeal to her not to go because he loved her. The king did not intimidate the teenager. When a prominent lawyer who crossed examined him in court put him on the edge in the witness box, he protested the affront on his royal dignity. As the lawyer was coming out of the court, he fell down. The lawyer knew what was wrong. He sent emissaries to the Deji to beg him.

    Akure mourned the demise of a great ruler who presided over a peaceful and glorious era, a decent royal father who could not hurt a fly. However, his children did not heed his advice not to struggle with another branch of the single royal house for the prestigious throne. As educated elite, they perceived it as a special inheritance. The town was also divided over succession. When the next branch of the expanded ruling house was making preparations to select a successor, the educated elite were rooting for one of Adesida’s sons, the highly charismatic Prince Ademuwagun Adesida, a fearless lawyer and an apple of his father’s eyes. He became Oba Adesida 11. Townspeople could not confirm whether the prince was around when his father advised his siblings not to vie for the crown.

    Oba Adesida 11:

    Oba Agunsoyebioyibo Ademuagun Adesida 11 was the first educated Deji. He ascended the throne at the age of 32. He was the youngest aspirant. He was very popular among Yoruba Obas and elite. He also earned much respect from the government as a monarch who endowed the stool with visibility, honour and respect. As an educated person, he needed no interpreter or any intermediary between the palace and the government. The monarch continued in the footsteps of his illustrious father. Akure expanded during his reign and more social amenities were provided by the government. Unfortunately, his reign was very short. Townspeople were alarmed when news of his untimely death broke out. The royal household wailed. Oba Adesida 11 was a promising ruler. But, he could not reach his full potentials. He spent barely 16 years on the throne. He died at the age of 48. His daughter, Princess Adebusola, became the regent after his demise.

    Oba Adelegan Adesida 111:

    Oba Otutubiosun Adelegan Adesida was the elder brother of the departed Deji. For 11 years, he presided over the rapid growth and development of Akureland. The city rose to its zenith as the hub of social, economic, and political activities. The Akure musician of the period was the youthful Wale Glorious, who wax some records on the city’s social life. During his reign, more schools and colleges sprang up. Heath facilities were also expanded. When Akure became the capital of Ondo State in 1976, more people trooped into the town from Ibadan, Ekiti, Owo, Akoko, Ikale, Ilaje, Nupe and Ijaw enclaves. The boom in commerce robbed off on indigenes and the settlers. Industries, firms and trading flourished. Apart from hosting the seat of government, the Federal University of Technology was sited in the town. The institution honoured Oba Adesida 111 with an honorary degree. Akure’s name was imprinted on the world map. He was a gentle monarch. He was a man of peace. He daughter, Princess Aina, became the regent after his death.

    Oba Adebobajo Adesida 1V:

    Following Oba Adelegan Adesida’s death, his younger brother, Prince Adebobajo, a retired senior police officer and successful businessman, mounted the throne. He became Oba Atayese Adesida 1V.  One of his business legacies is the Adebobajo Motors Company, Akure. He supported his brother while he was alive. In fact, it was said that, when Deji Ademuwagun Adesida joined his ancestors, prominent people in the town wanted him as the successor. But, the amiable prince waited patiently for his time and it came. As a senior police officer, he had ploughed back to the society. Indeed, the prince had helped many indigenes. He avoided controversy like poison. Therefore, he did not soil his image as a prince. He was loved by many people. The monarch rallied the lesser Obas-Osolo, Aralepo, and other chiefs-Elemo, Aro, Odopetu-to forge ahead in the patriotic task of development. However, he did not become a king as a youth. Therefore, he was slowed down by illness on the throne, which diverted his attention. On some occasions, there were rumours that he had passed on. The central market, a stone thrown from the palace, dispersed abruptly. The people were sad because Oba Adebobajo was a good man. But, his high chiefs dispelled the rumour. Many people did not believe until few days later when he was discharged from the hospital. When he emerged at the palace, many trooped in to pay him homage. Smiles lit the face of all. But, the joy was shortlived. Less than a year after gloom enveloped the capital of Ondo State. Adebobajo had passed on in dignity. The news was confirmed by his high chiefs. His daughter, Princess Adeyinka, became the regent after him.

    Succession battle:

    Following his demise, a succession battle broke out. Some controversies were to be resolved by Akure chiefs. The descendants of Adesida were still interested in the throne. But, people from other branch of the ruling house, Osupa, resisted their ambition. Should another Adesida succeed Oba Adebobajo Adesida? Many influential people in Akure canvassed the doctrine of royal justice, stressing that the Osupa Ruling House should nominate a successor, in accordance with the recommendation of the judicial panel on Akure Obaship. On moral ground, the descendants of Adesida reluctantly conceded the throne and the children of Osupa begun the scramble for the stool.

    One of the candidates for the throne was Adelabu Adegbola, a businessman. He is hardworking and owns many properies in the city. He is also an employer of labour. But, Akure people understand themselves. Obviously, Adegbola was diplomatically rejected by the people and chiefs. However, luck smiled on another aspirant, Prince Adepoju Adesina.

    Oba Adesina:

    Oba Adesina was the choice of the Osupa Ruling House. He was crowned by his high chiefs and the governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, presented a staff of office to him. Akure entered a new era. However, the expectation of the people was dashed. From his first year on the throne, people started to express nostalgic feelings for the Adesida years.

    Shortly after he ascended the throne, crisis broke out between Oba Adesina and his chiefs led by Folorunso David, a retired major. The monarch was accused of unruly behaviour, disrespect for tradition, non-completion of coronation rites, thuggery, repression and high handedness. The street fight involving the monarch and one of his wives was the last straw that broke the back of the camel. The media feasted on the royal absurdity. The governor was inundated with complaints by community leaders. Fed up with the recurrent embarrassment, the monarch was removed by the government.    He was deposed on June 10, 2010.

    Oba Adebiyi Adesida V1:

    Since Oba Adesina mounted the throne, it was evident that the only ruling house, Ojjigogun, had split into two royal houses. While Adesida became a ruling house, the second royal house belonged to descendants of Osupa and Odundun. With the deposition of Oba Adesina, traditional power shifted to the Adesidas.

    Oba Adebiyi Adesida, who succeeded the deposed king, was the grandson of Oba Afunbiowo Adesida. His uncles were Ademuwagun, Adelegan and Adebobajo. His father was Prince Josiah Adegboye Adesida. He was selected as the traditional ruler on August 13, 2010. He was presented with the staff of office by Governor Mimiko. His rival at the monarchial primaries was Prince Ademola Adegoroye, a lawyer and politician. Eight high chiefs backed Adesida while seven supported Adegoroye. Before he mounted the throne, he was former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s aide. He died on November 30 last year. His daughter, Princess Adetutu, has been acting as the regent.

    Who becomes next Deji?

    To an average Akure indigene, there is no difference between the two ruling houses, which originated from the same source, despite the demarcation for traditional and political expediency. Naturally, princes from the seemingly two divides are throwing their hats into the ring. But, reminiscent of the struggle for the stool between Adesida clan and Osupa/Odundun clans, another epic scramble is in the offing. If it is resolved in favour of the latter, there will be another internal struggle between the descendants Osupa and Odundun.

    The deposed ruler, Prince Oluwadare Adesina, is the first contender. He has apologised for his mistakes while on the throne and promised to turn a new leaf. But, there is no evidence that Akure has forgiven his misdemeanor.

    Community sources said that prominent politician Prince Derin Adesida is interested. He is a former member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).

    Friends and associates are also encouraging Prince Adegoroye to revive his ambition. So far, it is doubtful, if he is giving it a thought.

    Eminent son of the soil, Prince Adelabu Adegbola, may also vie for the prestigious stool. He had gone through the traditional rites in the past before the crown eluded him.

     

  • Wanted: True leaders

    Dictionaries, even the smallest school dictionaries, always give many meanings to the word “lead”. And in every one of those meanings, to lead is to do something beyond oneself to or for some people – usually to a group. To be a leader is to help a group diagnose or identify a strange or puzzling group problem; or to propose and promote solution to a known group problem; or to guide the group along a path towards the solution of a problem or towards the achievement of a group goal; etc. In every case, a leader brings some value into the group’s life. In some way or other, the leader gives himself to the service of the group, towards the achievement of something.

    Leadership therefore relates to a current problem or situation in a group’s life. For instance, in this column last week, I described how the leaders among a national group, the Catalan people of north-eastern Spain, are providing leadership for their Catalan nation.  The Catalans are an enterprising people, and their little nation of Catalonia is one of the richest provinces of Spain. But they are one of the ethnic minorities in Spain. And succeeding governments of Spain have tended to try to repress the Catalans, and even to try to suppress the Catalan culture and identity. The masses of ordinary Catalans hate all this, but, like ordinary people all over the world, they cannot do much about it; they cannot fight the powerful government of Spain. However, some citizens arise from time to time among them who dare to speak out for their nation – who dare to call on their small nation to stand up together and defend their group dignity. These are the persons who deserve to be called leaders of the Catalan nation.

    Let me remind you of some of the things I said last week about these Catalan leaders. Because they are citizens of Spain, different persons among them belong to different Spanish political parties. That means that they do the things that political parties and politicians do against one another, especially for the purpose of getting votes at elections. But, over and above that, they are loyal to the aspirations of their Catalan nation, and they are united when it comes to defending the interest of their Catalonia. Consequently, they have succeeded very much in obtaining regional autonomy for Catalonia in Spain.

    In fact, they are now in the process of trying to achieve independence – the status of a separate sovereign country – for their Catalonia. And they are virtually all united in the quest – even though they belong to different political parties. Because the government of Spain is threatening to prevent them from holding their “independence referendum” this next November, the Catalan political leaders, of all political parties, have become much more united than ever before over the issue of independence. Indeed, some of the opposition political parties have seriously warned the Catalan regional president not to yield to the threats by the government of Spain. And the regional president, Artur Mas, has become enormously more confident in the struggle. He consults regularly with the other party leaders, and frequently joins with them to tell the masses of Catalans that the plan to vote for independence next November is unchanged and unchangeable, and to urge them to get ready to fight “democratically and peacefully” to make it happen. I hope you remember these statements of his: “If we fight we can win and we can lose; but if we do not fight, we have already lost”. “Our goal is to rule ourselves freely”. “If we lose because we won’t fight, then we do not only lose the struggle, we also lose our dignity – and that is the worst thing we can do to ourselves”.

    Now, we must remember that Spain is a rich and powerful country. These Catalan leaders can plausibly claim, if they so choose, that because of their fear of the Spanish government, they dare not speak up boldly for their own small nation. Many of them can also easily make deals with the Spanish government, get positions or money for themselves, and do nothing for Catalonia. Any of them can easily claim that because of the “interest of Spain” they have to make compromises and therefore junk Catalonia’s interest. And any of them can choose to focus only on the ambitions and agenda of their political parties and behave as if they are not aware of the situation and desires of their Catalan nation. These Catalans are not doing any of these. United, loyal, dutiful and resolute in the interest of their Catalan nation, though also participating in the politics of Spain, they are leading their nation in the fight that their nation has chosen – towards the goal that their nation seeks.

    It is very painful to most Yoruba people  that the leading men and women among the Yoruba nation do not act like these Catalan leaders – do not act at all as true leaders of their Yoruba nation. There is very deep disillusionment and hopelessness among us Yoruba people today, and the cause of it is not so much because we have serious problems (problems created by Nigeria’s brutalization and even destruction of our achievements and assets), but because we do not have leaders trying creditably to confront the problems, telling us what direction the road ahead  should be, and dutifully offering themselves as guides forward towards a goal –daring boldly to defy Nigeria’s opposition to our progress, and trying boldly to rally us in support of a Yoruba national programme.

    Our system of education (our flagstaff achievement in the past 100 years) lies in ruins, resulting in disgraceful performances by our children in public examinations (such as WAEC), and resulting in the shame that our youths are learning virtually nothing in our schools and colleges. Disgracefully, we do not have a programme for turning our educated youths into skilled workers, entrepreneurs, businessmen at home and abroad, inventors, patent owners, modern farmers, etc. Examples of how to do this are many in our world today (I recently wrote in this column about the example of Singapore), but we make no effort to learn or emulate. As a result, we squirm and sorrow in unbefitting poverty, and depend on imports and refugees from other parts of Nigeria for much of our economic life. Now, we tremble as an Islamic fundamentalist terrorist army, manufactured in another part of Nigeria, threatens to overrun all of Nigeria, including our homeland.

    But, worst of all, no Yoruba leader stands forth to challenge any one of these problems.  In practical terms, most of what we ever get from our leading citizens are efforts to conform to the putrid norms and standards of Nigeria, to share in Nigeria’s corrupt wealth, and to obtain positions in Nigeria’s chaotic and unproductive power system.

    The time for change has come. We cannot let Nigeria kill and bury all that is good in our nation’s life. Let the true Yoruba leaders, whether young or old, begin to emerge. We will welcome and support them – as we welcomed and supported Awolowo and his colleagues in their time.

  • Wanted twins dad’s body found in Ado-Ekiti bush

    The police in Ekiti State  have discovered the body of a man identified simply as Kola in a bush around Okela-State Housing in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Kola, according to the police, was wanted  for allegedly  strangulating his wife, Titilayo, to death last Saturday. He disappeared with their  newborn twins.

    The incident happened in  their one-room apartment located at no 23, Temidire Street, Ajowa, Ado-Ekiti.

    According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Ekiti Police Command, Mr. Victor Babayemi, Kola’s body was found in the bush following a manhunt for him on Saturday.

    The statement reads: “The police found the body of Kola, the husband of the late Titilayo, murdered and dumped in a canal at Oke-Ila in Ado-Ekiti. The twins are yet to be found. Investigation was in top gear to find the twins as well as the killers of the couple.”

    A source said the late Kola must have fallen victim to  ritualists who forcefully took the twins from him and killed him to cover their track.

    The souce explained: “Kola must have supported them (the ritualists) in some way by accepting to deliver his set of twins, killing his own wife to cover his tracks but, from the way things are looking, his other members applied a reverse gear and killed him, taking charge of the twins .”

  • Wanted: A vibrant NBA

    Wanted: A vibrant NBA

    The outgoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership is perceived by many, including lawyers, as not living up to expectation. They acussed the leadership of, among others, not speaking truth to power. Last week in Abuja, a new leadership, which will be sworn in next month, was elected. How can the incoming Augustine Alegeh-led NBA make a difference? What should be its focus? Lawyers set agenda for the incoming executive. PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU collates their views. 

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) used to be the  voice of the voiceless; a thorn in the flesh of bad leader. But in  the eyes of many, the association has lost its voice.

    The national body seems to have become so withdrawn that some branches are now more popular, especially when it comes to taking positions on national issues.

    From being actively engaging and holding government at all levels accountable, the NBA has in the view of many become a political tool rather than the nation’s conscience.

    Unlike in the past when lawyers ran for elections to serve the interest of the majority, even with their own resources, leadership positions in the NBA have become   avenue for those elected to enrich themselves.

    Hence, observers believe it was not surprising the intrigues and tension that characterised the campaign periods of the recent NBA election, which saw Augustine Alegeh emerging as president with over 691 votes.

    Although the presidency was zoned to the West, the disharmony and inability of the Egbe Amofin to produce a consensus candidate paved the way for Alegeh’s  victory.

    Now that the elections are over, lawyers are of the view that there are many tasks ahead, which must be achieved to return the association to its glory days.

    In her concession speech, one of the candidates, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN), said her goal was to restore the profession to its revered and respected status as the voice of the voiceless Nigerian people and the defender of the interests of legal practitioners.

    Congratulating Alegeh, Mrs. Adekoya demanded probity, ethical conduct, policies that are in the best interests of lawyers, as well as holding officers accountable to the highest standards.

    Like Mrs.Adekoya, lawyers want the new NBA leadership to focus on rebuiding the Bar and returning it to its position of pride.

    They want the Alegeh administration to restore the sanctity and supremacy of the law by ensuring that court orders are obeyed.

    They want corrupt lawyers and judges to be severely sanctioned, with the NBA lending its voice without fear on issues affecting the common man.

    Among those who spoke on the issue were Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) Joseph Nwobike (SAN); Dr. Fred Agbaje; a former NBA Ikeja Branch chairman Monday Ubani; NBA Lagos Branch chairman Alex Muoka and a Constitutional lawyer Mr Ike Ofuokwu.

     

    Lawyers’ expectations

    Okutepa said the new leadership must focus on the state of the Bar and the judiciary.

    His words:: ‘‘We must focus on ourselves. Why is it that honour, integrity, discipline and respect for ethics, value and dignity have all disappeared from the sub consciousness of almost all lawyers old and young inclusive?

    ‘‘The Bar under Alegeh SAN must find answers to this. Why are some lawyers no longer men of honour? We must find solutions to the corrupt electoral process. Why is it that the followership makes open demands on candidates for election? We must beam our search lights on discipline in the profession.

    ‘‘It cannot be business as usual. Why is it that the association has nothing to offer its members in terms of welfare? Why for instance will the association not pick the bills during delegate conference for all delegates? We must discuss the state of the judiciary. We must expose those who are bad and punish them.

    ‘‘NBA must be above board. The elders of the profession must be brought back to attend NBA functions. We must ensure that NEC meetings discuss issues and with seriousness too. The current manner of discussing issues must change.’’

    However, Nwobike argued that the NBA was still vocal and active, just as he noted that the association was not a trade union.

    ‘‘The truism is that NBA is not a trade union. Its activism must be located within the context of the current and prevailing challenges and issues facing the nation. In the past when the country was under the military rule, several issues bothering on interference with the fundamental rights of the citizenry and disobedience of court orders were rampant.

    ‘‘These and other issues made it compelling for the NBA at that time to find itself confronting governments at all levels on a regular basis. Now, the issues have changed thus making the current leadership of the NBA to dwell on the issues that are now prevalent in our society.

    ‘‘It will therefore be unfair to accuse the NBA of today within that paradigm. It is also important to understand that the primary objective of NBA is to tackle the challenges being faced by its members.

    ‘‘That primary responsibility is what I consider very paramount and the appropriate parameter in evaluating their performance and not on their activism on public interest issues. Granted that their role in addressing public interest issues is equally important, it should not be the sole benchmark for assessing their performance and relevance,’’ said Nwobike.

    Agbaje expressed displeasure that previous leadership of the NBA has remained conspicuously silent in major national issues happening in this country.

    He said the leadership of the NBA could ot afford to play the role of a Pontius Pilate by pretending not to be concerned about the threats and various abuses to which democracy and the rule of law have been subjected to.

    ‘‘It is part of the fundamental and unquestionable responsibility of the NBA leadership to ensure that our political leaders at all tiers of government subject themselves to the rule of law and principle of constitutionalism as enjoined by the NBA rules.

    ‘‘The last time the NBA was assertive of this major constitutional responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people of Nigeria was the regime of Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, who did not only bring activism back to the NBA but also ensured vibrancy in the activities of the NBA leadership and by extension, putting the various governments of Nigeria on their toes.

    ‘‘Hence, the present leadership must ensure that its goals include the strict adherence to the rule of law and principle of constitutionalism by the political leaders; that the judgment and orders of court from Customary to the Supreme Court including Sharia/Alkali courts are implemented and where damages are awarded against the government or its agents, in the absence of any appeal, must be paid within three months.

    ‘‘Welfare of lawyers must also be given paramount consideration including insurance, which can be taken from our various practice payments.

    ‘‘Government must be encouraged to create more employment opportunities for Nigerians and lawyers; principle of democracy and the underlying philosophy behind our federalism which must include fiscal federalism must be urged on the government at all times.

    ‘‘The NBA leadership must insist on government and its agent going to court rather than resorting to self help as was done by the federal government through the unlawful clampdown of media houses.

    ‘‘The rights of Nigerians as enshrined in the constitution, including the fundamental objectives in chapter two must be respected by the government as a way of deepening democracy in Nigeria.

    ‘‘The NBA must work assiduously to ensure corruption is fought to a standstill irrespective of whether those involved are serving judges, lawyers, civil servants or private individuals. Lawyers who deliberately delay or frustrate hearing of corruption matters should be sanctioned adequately,’’ said Agbaje.

    Ubani, a former Ikeja branch NBA chairman, said the electoral reforms and the welfare of lawyers, including continuous legal education, should be pursued with utmost zeal and religiously too.

    ‘‘He has no time at all as two years is short a time. He should reach out to all the losers especially the presidential candidates and bring them on board in order to move the body forward.

    ‘‘Alegeh owes the body the duty of reforming the Bar comprehensively by carrying every one along. The NBA must speak truth to authorities at all times especially where there is failure of leadership in governance.  We pray for God’s wisdom upon him and his fellow executive members,’’ he said.

    To Muoka, the NBA Lagos branch chairman, respect and trust must be built by the NBA to effectively act as the ombudsman it is.

    ‘‘The reputation of lawyers and the bar is at an all-time low. Corruption and indiscipline have become so rife that the average man doesn’t trust a lawyer. How can a mistrusted ombudsman speak for the people?

    ‘‘My charge, therefore, for the new leadership of the bar is to (as a matter or urgent necessity) reform the bar. We must deal with ourselves first. We must reform our elective processes and make them universal, transparent and credible. We must ensure that corruption and indiscipline in our midst are decisively tackled.

    ‘‘We must increase the skill set of our members and safeguard their welfare and earning capacity.  We must make the bar relevant – not just to national officers, NEC members, and delegates, but to all 90,000+ lawyers.

    ‘‘We must return the bar to its glory days and enthrone its importance first as a professional association and then as the voice of the common man,’’ he said.

    Although Ofuokwu said it was unfair to criticise the NBA for not being vocal and active, he acknowledged that the era of judicial activism was long gone attributing same to ‘‘better adherence to the rule of law even though much still needs to be done.

    ‘‘One expects a very vibrant bar that will be vocal and active in all national issues without being partisan particularly as it affects the ordinary man on the streets; that will stand firmly by the tenets of democracy and the rule of law and that will condemn very loudly all acts of executive lawlessness and impunity.

    ‘‘The new exco should focus on restoring the integrity of the judiciary and the bar by strengthening its disciplinary arm towards erring members and they should in addition see to the fiscal autonomy of the judiciary to make it truly independent,’’ said Ofuokwu.

    A member of the Ogun State Judicial Council, Abayomi Omoyinmi, said the new NBA leadership must ensure the rule of law is protected.

    “It must stand firm towards making sure that the indices of what the law and the third arms of governance stand for is protected, including separation of power and interference from any other arm of governance. The NBA must make sure that any attempt by any authority to subvert the rule of law is jealously protected.

    “The NBA must also make sure that their ultimate stand towards sanitizing  the country and making sure that rule of law prevail especially in a democracy is paramount. The NBA must bring back that glory time and spirit that made it to stand out in the country, that which was evident during the military era, and which ultimately led to the collapse of that type of governance.”

    A former Ikorodu Branch chairman of NBA, Sahid Kolawole Shillings, said: “The main causes of docility concerning national issues and rule of law are: fraternity with ruling class to sustain support for programmes, deficiency of opinion aggregation in the association and the wrong focus of leadership on purely bar-qua-bar matters.

    “May I suggest a social-media-powered Law Bureau where lawyers can express opinion on variety of issues and may, by the strength of such opinions, compel attention of our leadership to address them. Further, the individual lawyer or lawyers working in concert must begin to live up to the billings of our calling regarding socio-political responsibility to this failing nation. The vibration of the pockets of action will impact on our association.”

    A lawyer and activist, Mr Ikechukwu Ikeji, said it is important to break the cabal holding NBA in the jugular.

    “The first step to take is to pass a law that all members of the National Executive of the body should be disqualified from taking or accepting briefs from governments at all levels. You find that being a member of the national executive is now the key to getting fat briefs from governments. They lick the boots of government officials.

    “The implication is that the members of the executive are fettered in their ability and objectivity to speak to or against authority. They should be banned from also being appointed to any government position during their tenure and at least two years after leaving office. SANs and intending SANs are the worst culprits.

    “The electoral processes need to be reformed completely. The present situation encourages ineptitude and cabalism. Elections into national offices should be by general suffrage meaning that every qualified lawyer having paid his practicing fees as at when due should be qualified to vote. It should not take rocket science to get every lawyer to vote directly for the candidate of his choice. The alternative may be voting by means of Electoral College specifically elected by general suffrage for the purpose of electing national officers.

    “Again, every lawyer should be given equal opportunity to contest for national positions as against the present syndicated method being used. There also should be established electoral appeal panels that are independent enough to upturn any election result found to be wanting or not satisfactory of the requirements of the electoral guidelines.”

     

    The man Alegeh

    Simply known as counsel to convicted former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, not very many people knew that NBA President, Augustine Alageh wanted to be a Catholic Priest.

    Born in Warri, Delta State on August 10, 1964 to the late DCP & Mrs. Matthew Alegeh, the Ikabigbo, Etsako, Edo State indigene attended Saint George’s Primary School, Falomo, Lagos.

    After his primary school in 1974, Alegeh proceeded to St. Paul’s Seminary, Benin City in the hope of becoming a Reverend Father but fate had other plans for him as his parents in 1975, transferred him to Edo College, Benin City to continue his secondary education.

    He obtained his West African School Certificate (‘O’ levels) from Edo College in 1980 and proceeded to the Federal Government College, Warri in January 1981 for his ‘A’ levels where he gained admission into the University of Benin to study law in same year and graduated in 1985.

    He was among the 1985/86 Nigerian Law School batch and was called to the Nigerian Bar on October 16, 1986 after obtaining his Bachelor of Law Degree B.L (Hons.) from Council of Legal Education; as well as winning the Bola Ajibola Prize for Civil Procedure at the Bar qualifying examinations.

    Between 1986 and 1989, Alegeh practiced in the law firm of Sadoh & Co. (Legal Practitioners) and rose to becoming Managing Partner sequel to the elevation of his principal to the bench as a Judge of then Bendel State High Court. From Sadoh and Co., the law firm metamorphosed to Alegeh, Agun and Co., and since 1990, is became Alegeh and Co., following the departure of the Firm’s Partner (Francis Agun) to practice in the New York Bar.

    Appointed a Notary Public in 1994, Alegeh is an active member of the NBA who has since 2012, chaired the NBA’s Database and Documentation of Nigerian Lawyers Committee; former chairman, NBA Election Petition Review Workshop; Alternate Chairman – Technical Committee on Conference Planning, 2012; member, NBA National Executive Committee, 2010 – 2014. He is a member of The International Bar Association (IBA).

    In 2007, he was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and in 2009, awarded a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration after studying at the Kebel College, Oxford University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, United Kingdom.

    Actively engaged in appellate litigation, Alegeh has successfully argued such landmark cases as Omagbemi vs Guinness (Labour Law), among others. Presently, he sits at the board of a host of companies with vast interests in Construction, Information Technology, Engineering, Real Estate and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) as well as represents the federal/state governments and their agencies in certain matters.

    He is married to Mrs. Ferishat Alegeh and they are blessed with children.

  • Man declared wanted over political crisis, stepbrother’s death

    Man declared wanted over political crisis, stepbrother’s death

    The police have declared one Mr Daniel Abiodun wanted following a political crisis that engulfed the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, on April 3 which left two persons killed and dozens seriously injured.

    The young man is also wanted in connection with the death of his stepbrother, Mr John Abiodun, who slumped and died in the course of a fight which came up when Daniel accused John of stealing his valuables after breaking into his room.

    During a press conference on the matters, the police alleged that Daniel and others also at large masterminded the crisis which disrupted a rally organised by the youth wing of the All Progresssives Congress (APC) in the local government area.

    The police alleged that Daniel, the youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the locality, used a group of thugs who were loyal to the PDP, struggling to take over power from the ruling party.

    The source told our correspondent that “the local government area is a stronghold of the APC, but the PDP is determined to take over the area and others by defeating the party in the 2015 general elections”.

    The source further said: “Apart from the policemen who are searching for him (Daniel), some members of his extended family have vowed to deal with him. They are likely to kill him, if they get him.”

    Investigation revealed that John was a member of a brutal cult, ‘Aiye’, that kills and maims in the local government area. Members of this group are out to kill Daniel who is held responsible for the death of his stepbrother

  • Wanted: Speaker for Ondo Assembly

    Wanted: Speaker for Ondo Assembly

    THE battle for Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker has begun. The position became vacant following the demise of the Speaker, Hon. Samuel Adesina

    Two formidable groups within the House are scheming to produce the Speaker and other principal officers.

    However, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, sources said, has insisted that there should be no leadership change now.

    The first group consists of 15 Labour Party (LP) legislators and one Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker. A legislator, Chief C.F Akinwolemiwa (Ondo East), a member of thei group, is agitating for the retention of the slot in the South District.

    This group is led by Hon. Akindele Adeniyi from Akure North and the Chief Whip, Olatunji Dairo (Owo 11).

    Members of the second group are nine legislators, They include the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dare Emiola(Akoko Southwest1), the Majority Leader, Dayo Akinsoyinu (Ondo West 11) and a female lawmaker, Jumoke Akindele (Okitipupa 11). Sources said that the female legislator has the sympathy of the governor in her bid to become the Speaker.

    According to parliamentary sources, the group wants the position to be thrown open to interested legislators from the three senatorial districts.

    The former Speaker belonged to Adeniyi’s group, which has insisted that the position should remain in the South.

    Mimiko is from the Central District. His deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, is from the North. The late Speaker was from the South.

    Among the Southern lawmakers jostling for the position are Oyebo Aladetan(Ilaje 1) and Victor Akinwe (Odigbo 11).

    The duo were among 16 others who shunned the budget presentation by Mimiko late last year. Sources said that they may fail to secure the governor’s support.

    The Deputy Speaker, Emiola, is also interested in the position. But, it was learnt that, if the Speaker’s position is eventually zoned to the North, the opportunity might slip away from the Akoko Division. The deputy governor, deputy speaker, the senator representing the district and many commissioners are from Akoko division. This distribution is at the expense of the Owo Division.

    The source said the Chief Whip, Olatunji Dairo, who is a second timer representing Owo Constituency 11, may be considered for the position.

  • Wanted ! water to grow sugar cane

    For years, farmers in the North have been finding it difficult getting water for agricultural production. Succour may be on the way as technological strides in irrigation development are opening up new opportunities. Daniel Essiet reports on how irrigation is helping farmers in Niger State to grow sugar cane.

    FARMERs are finding ways to increase the production of sugar cane in the north.

    One such method they have adopted is centre –pivot irrigation. It is a new technology which delivers water to the roots of plants. It can double or triple water productivity.

    For big agro businesses,centre-pivot irrigation has become the wave of the future. Using sprinklers, the system apply irrigation water similar to rainfall. Water is pumped through pipes. It is then sprayed into the air and irrigated on the soil surface through spray heads so that it breaks up into small water drops which fall to the ground.

    Sprinkler heads are modified to adjust the water volume applied per pass and the force with which the water droplets hit the soil surface. Because of this, big agricultural companies, often foreign-owned, are investing in centre-pivots.

    Flour Mills of Nigeria has acquired a 15,000-hectare sugar farm to make Niger State one of the biggest producers of sugar cane in the country. Sunti Farm is located 30km west of Mokwa. The farm is the pride of the village. It is more than two hours drive from Minna.The farm cuts through the fringes of a desert-like area. The farm sits on hectares of sandy loam and clay soils. Over the last 20 years, the area has been under micro irrigation methods. Most farmers irrigated the way their predecessors did thousands of years ago. The other issue is that the area is suffering from extreme water shortage. There are major concerns the shortage will stand in the way of expansionary agriculture projects, threatening the notion of food self-sufficiency and contributing to the increase in food prices. The failure of irrigation water to reach the farm is among the foremost problems behind the water shortage crisis. It is cited by farmers as a major impediment to irrigating their crops.The water run dry, water tables drop, but the rationale for getting more crop per drop is mounting with more crop varieties. Because of this, the management of Sunti Farms cultivates sugar cane using centre pivot irrigation systems.The company owns a large centre pivot system capable of irrigating large hectares of sugar cane. It offers accurate water distribution at low pressure. It is also the most cost-effective way of irrigating on a large scale.

    The Estate Manager,Mr John Beverley said for a big sugar farm, irrigation is crucial to its success. At the farm, the company has reportedly got some promising early results: irrigated fields yielded more sugar per hectare. But it has cost the company about N2billion to install the system. Generally, centre-pivot irrigation systems roll smoothly around, spraying out water and fertiliser in electronically-controlled circles.

    Beverley explained that, depending on the specific catchment, sugar cane is generally the largest water user.

    According to him, irrigation technology has made huge advances, adding water management is essential in sugar farming. He said the irrigation scheme would allow for farming on 4500 hectares of dry land in the areas. The new irrigation scheme utilise water from River Niger and existing water sources and ensure that the communal farmers who have for long not been utilising their quota do so under the new irrigation scheme.

    He said there were many benefits in irrigation agriculture. “You get increased yields and afford employment opportunities to the rural people,” he said.

    Beverley said the company irrigate the sugar beet plots using lateral-move sprinkler equipped with sprinkler heads that were positioned 10 feet above the soil. The sprinkler heads are modified so that irrigations had either low or high droplet energies.

    The explosion of a sugar farm is in stark contrast to its desolate surroundings. There are dwindling water supplies and a large labour pool. The big advantage of pivot is that it requires much less labour. The company has to deploy the sprinkler irrigation system to obtain better returns.

    Many farmers still practise unplanned irrigation. Its efficiency is low. Around the farms, the water crisis is so acute that the sustainability of agriculture is being threatened. The demand for water is also growing at a very rapid pace, influencing the amount of water that can be supplied for agriculture. As a result,the estate manager said amending irrigation is the only way out if agriculture is to be sustained profitably. Beverley had a lot of success with centre-pivot irrigation. With irrigation, the company can practise agriculture 12 months.He had every reason to be excited about this.

    To little farmers, investment in an irrigation scheme might look big at the beginning, but commercial farming business. Beverley said it is necessary in a place such as Mokwa because it will help themproduce crops throughout the year, and the money is quickly recovered.

    Over the last decade, the large centre pivot systems have not been tailored to the needs of poor farmers. At least, 10,000 hectares of sugarcane will be grown by the year 2015 as the company avail more virgin land for the growing of the crop to boost the country’s sugar production. The company has crafted a “sugar industry expansion programme meant to increase production of the crop by indigenous farmers’’.

    Group Managing Director, Flour Mills, Paul Gbededo, said the firm is growing its food business, expanding into the agro-allied realm.

    He said: “We are growing our food business. We are also expanding into the agro-allied space and we think we will be able to add more value to the country. We are still restructuring. We are consolidating. We are looking for areas to create and add value, not only to our stakeholders, but also the Nigerian populace.”

    According to him, the firm is making substantial effort in the direction of food security in the country. “We have acquired over 15,000 hectares of land, growing basically sugarcane. And this is part of our backward integration programme in support of the Federal Government’s agricultural and industrial transformation agenda,” he said.

  • Wanted: Enduring football culture

    We have cultivated the habit of celebrating fleeting victories when it comes to football. We pay less emphasis to details, especially when our teams are winning matches. We only remember to evaluate our performances when such teams crash. Sadly, we don’t have the patience to correct the lapses.

    We are in a hurry to paper the cracks. We have perfected the act of short cuts to success. It doesn’t matter if such illegal route translates to development or not. The here and now is what matters, hence the lethargy towards doing things properly.

    competitions even when they fall within such brackets.

    Others who grow through the ranks, such as Neymar of Brazil, don’t drop back to the junior level because the country wants to win trophies. Rather, they are graduated into the senior level and they blend because the system has been programmed to produce players who can play based on the country’s football philosophy and culture.

    It shouldn’t surprise us that Brazil has in Neymar a reincarnate of the legendary Pele, football wise, not forgetting other top players that the Samba country has offered football. Need I waste space to list them? Little wonder it is easy to replace ageing stars in such climes.

    Growth in the game is anchored on soccer academies whose identity can be traced to the locals in such areas. Hence, talents, such as Stephen Gerrard, Rooney, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, have been traced to thriving academies in Merseyside, Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham, as it concerns Lampard. But in Nigeria, talents appear like thieves at night and melt away like ice-cream under the scorching sun.

    Today, the world holds Arsene Wenger in awe because of his capacity to produce rookies who play scintillating soccer. There is no dull moment watching Arsenal, even in defeat and no matter the kind of players they field. Arsenal’s style of play bewitches the fans who yearn for more. With the Gunners, football is an entertaining sport.

    It is for the aforementioned reasons that the soccer in England, Brazil, Germany, Spain, France etc attracts adequate financial remunerations. The way the game is played compels the blue-chip firms and deep pockets to splash cash on it.

    Spain’s economy is in tatters, yet the biggest sales in European seasons yearly come from transfers in Barcelona and Real Madrid. Spain is an economic disaster while its football podium is the benchmark for measuring transfer successes.

    So, why is Nigeria’s case different, despite our prowess in Africa lately? Like in 1994 and 1996 when Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations and the Atlanta’s 96 Olympic Games gold medal, it seems to me that our feat in South Africa on February 10 2013 is more of a curse than a blessing.

    Prior to winning the African Cup of Nations trophy, our football was in a crisis. Our problems stared us in the face, especially the legion of court cases that threatened to kill the game.

    But a masterstroke from Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, hinged mostly on the need for all to embrace peace, for Nigeria’s sake, provided the fillip for what we achieved in South Africa.

    Ordinarily, we ought to have returned to resolve the contending issues. We didn’t. We celebrated the feat as if it was our first. Bystanders took the centre stage to make promises not matched with action.

    For the actors in the game, it was impossible to suggest, let alone do anything that would give the game the new impetus to thrive. As far as they were concerned, what we had was good enough; if for anything else, it gave Nigeria her third Africa Nations Cup diadem after 19 years.

    The Eagles’ feat in South Africa cannot be measured by the quality of our domestic league; 90 per cent of the Eagles stars ply their trade in Europe. This lopsidedness is chiefly responsible for the dearth of sponsors from the private sector. And that includes ownership of the clubs, which is the plank on which the bigger football countries in Europe run the game.

    The domestic league is still in its comatose stage. The efforts of the League Management Committee to revamp the game have been

    rendered otiose by those who profited from its hitherto disorganised state.

    Club owners want to run the league. It pays them to do so. They are unperturbed about the win-at-home syndrome. They don’t care about the quality of pitches. For them, any square perimeter area can hold a game, provided such teams can construct goalposts at each end.

    These club owners hire thugs (of course, they are no ghosts) who intimidate away teams. Attempts to arrest them have been unsuccessful. These urchins beat up referees, just as the club owners see nothing wrong in owing players and coaches for three years.

    League venues are still battle fields. Club owners prevent television coverage during matches to hide their devious acts. They instigate others into revolts to scuttle attempts at achieving results from the LMC’s reforms.

    But who are these club owners? Lackeys of governors and influence peddlers, most of who earn salaries from the clubs. They are so powerful that they organise thugs to beat up uncooperative sports commissioners.

    Twenty- three years after the Nigerian league became a professional outfit, no club is being run as a limited liability company. This should not come as a surprise because 18 clubs are sponsored by government through such mindless club owners.

    Clubs which should set structures that would make the task of producing young players through nurseries compromise referees to do their biddings. Scandalous results have been recorded, with no officials made to face the wrath of the law.

    Coaches are not graded. Anyone who can purchase a tracksuit is a coach. Any player who cannot play the game again is a coach. Even those who served in other spheres with teams suddenly become coaches. No standards and it affects the quality of football that the players exhibit.

    The equivalent of our National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, in other countries train and retrain coaches who go to the field to fish out raw talents at the grassroots. Our own NIS is only as good as the seeming desolate National Stadium (once upon a time Sports City).

    This is the setting at the national team level. Our players have taken their talents to Europe to compete with the best. It is about time our coaches did the same, periodically updating themselves in the rudiments of the game. If we pay lip service to such standards others don’t.

    The Ballon D’Or is not the podium to celebrate mediocrity. It is the platform to reward excellence in specialised fields of the game. It is certainly not an all-comers’ stage. Winning a continental trophy doesn’t translate to being a good coach if you are at the kindergarten level in coaching.

    Talking about the Ballon D’Or Awards, my heart sank when I saw Cote d’Ivoire’s Yaya Toure listed. It could just be a signal to who the next Africa Footballer of the Year would be.

    One isn’t being a spoilsport here. Most times, the only African on each year’s Ballon D’Or Awards becomes the next Africa footballer of the Year. And it would be very sad, given John Mikel Obi’s exploits in Europe against Toure’s.

    A checklist on both Mikel and Yaya Toure would reveal starkly that while Mikel’s exploits with Chelsea saw him win the Europa Cup, Africa Cup of Nations and, appearance at the Confederations Cup, the same cannot be said of Toure whose club, Manchester City did not even win a woodenware much more a silverware. So, what parameters got Toure on the shortlist of Ball on D’Or?

    It would be a travesty of the worst kind if Yaya Toure is crowned African Footballer of the Year ahead of Mikel or Victor Moses. Could this be another Francophone conspiracy? We can only wait and see.

    If Mikel misses out on the award this year, it would take a long while for us to have the right calibre of players who can excel at the top level. Mark my words.

  • Ex-UBS banker wanted in U.S. tax probe arrested in Italy

    Ex-UBS banker wanted in U.S. tax probe arrested in Italy

    A former top executive at Swiss bank UBS AG has been arrested in Italy and faces possible extradition to the United States, where he is wanted for allegedly helping wealthy Americans dodge taxes.

    Raoul Weil, a Swiss citizen and former head of UBS’s global wealth management business, was arrested in the northern Italian city of Bologna early on Saturday, police have said.

    Weil will remain in jail in Italy until the justice ministry decides whether to extradite him to the United States, police and local judicial sources said. He will not be able to apply for bail, the sources said.

    Weil was charged in the United States in November 2008 for conspiring to help 17,000 Americans hide assets worth $20-billion (U.S.) in Swiss bank accounts and declared a fugitive a few months later after failing to surrender to authorities.

    In 2009 UBS, the world’s largest wealth manager by assets, was fined $780million and agreed to hand over the names of U.S. clients with secret Swiss bank accounts to avoid facing criminal charges. The deal with the United States marked a historic break with Switzerland’s tradition of bank secrecy.

    Reuss Private Group, a Swiss wealth manager where Weil is chief executive officer, said on Monday that the banker had been arrested while on a private visit to Italy.

    “He has been detained on the basis of an international arrest warrant issued by the U.S. judiciary in 2008 in connection with allegations of aiding and abetting tax evasion during the time Raoul Weil was with UBS, which he left in 2009. Raoul Weil disputes these allegations,” Reuss said.

    Police sources told Reuters that Weil, 53, was arrested at the I Portici hotel in central Bologna and taken to the city’s Dozza prison.

    Reuters was not immediately able to contact Weil or his Italian lawyers. His legal representative in the U.S. did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    When Weil was indicted in 2008, his U.S. attorney said he was innocent and called the indictment against him “totally unjustified.”

    Under Italian law, the Bologna Court of Appeal will set a hearing to identify Weil. After that, Italy will have to decide whether to hand the Swiss banker over to U.S. authorities.

    Italy has in the past co-operated with the U.S. with the exception of crimes that would be punished with the death penalty, which is banned in Italy. Under U.S. law, a conviction for tax evasion may result in fines and imprisonment.

    A UBS spokesman said Weil, who became the head of its global wealth management business in 2007 and also sat on the bank’s board, was discharged from his duties when he was indicted.

    He joined Reuss Private Group in 2010 as a consultant and became CEO at the beginning of this year.