Opinion
Wole Adebayo: The Elective decision that can change Nigeria in 2023
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Nigeria’s fundamental problems can be solved by good, pragmatic leadership. While this sounds cliché and quite repetitive, it does not in any way diminishes the absolute truth it holds. For the record, Nigeria has had 16 different leaders, some as military heads of state and some as democratically elected Presidents starting from Alh. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 1960 to President Muhammadu Buhari, elected in 2015. We are witnesses to what they promised to achieve and what happened after they had received the mantle of leadership. This opinion does not attempt to mask the fact that in the bulk of our experience with politicians as ordinary Nigerians, it typically feels impossible to internalise the possibility of having a leader who is free of preconceived notions, sentiments and biases, since we are products of our cultural socialisation. However, it would be overly conclusive to dismiss the fact that we can find that person who recognises and acknowledges these human limitations and, has over the years, deliberately learned to live above these prejudices by being broadminded, tolerant and conscious of our diversity as a people, thereby promoting that which unites us over any that divides us. Now, more than ever before, we desperately need our best hand on the job considering the many years of systematic decay and a huge loss of confidence in our public office holders. Needless to say that although people are disappointed with what’s happening in the political space, we have a lot more who are passionate and, if given the opportunity, are willing to put in their best to make things work. So who is best for the job? To answer this question, it’s important to outline what the job entails and how best a leader can fit into the role; For starters, the job requires a leader who does not obtain the legitimacy of their political acumen by appeal to religion, and sees the rest of the country as an extension of their religious conclave and their ascension to power as some fulfilment of the prophesy regurgitated over years by some religious bigots, who are so culturally insensitive that they don’t understand, much less respect, the basic traditions of others, and who are so emboldened in using enormous resources of the state power to advance sectarian supremacy. PAlso, taking a quick look at the scale of ethnic divide we are witnessing across the country, one would easily realise that we certainly don’t need an ethno-religious bigot no matter how qualified the person is in other areas of life. The country needs a unifier, someone who regards the whole country as their constituency.The concentration of economic resources in the hands of the federal government makes political positions economically attractive and creates opportunities for corruption and theft of public financial resources. The wanton cases of looted funds and widespread fraud in public offices is a confirmation of that. What Nigeria needs now is a good manager of resources devoid of any financial scandal with a record to show for it.The next president should have the energy required of the office; we don’t need another person that will be shuttling between Nigeria and London on medical trips. Nigeria cannot afford the cost that comes with having a President frequenting foreign hospitals, leaving behind a vacuum that is mostly taken over by cabals. While the saying goes that our health is in the hands of God, we should first of all get someone who is healthy with full physical and mental energy for the job and not someone who is already sick and weak but desperate to just bear the title, “Mr President”.Our place in global politics needs to be strengthened, and it’s important that the next president understands the intrigues of global politics. Nigeria needs that person who, in words and in deeds, understands the dynamics that come with global politics through having a global exposure and experience of power plays around the world.The issues listed above are not the only conditions to lookout for in the next President, but these are suggestions that serve as a scale to truly manage our expectations and of course, hold whoever we will have as president to account.Being equipped with the aforementioned ideas, one can easily sift through the barrage of political hopefuls armed with their porous manifestos.Now, in the halls of people who are cut out of things decent and durable, is a man deserving of much more spotlight than he has allowed to be cast on him, mostly because he has spent the most part of his years focused on working to build himself and thousands of people without making a noise about it. His name is Adewole Adebayo, a presidential hopeful come 2023.Beyond his aspiration, the focus is on who he is and how he can solve the problems Nigeria is faced with, which he has maintained are not as complicated as most politicians will want us to believe. Adewole Adebayo is a Prince of the famous Ondo Kingdom in Southwestern Nigeria. Born on the 8th of January 1972, the now 50 year old had both his primary and secondary education in Ondo, from where he proceeded to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and graduated with honours in Law. He was called to bar in 2000 after completing and passing his Bar examination. Prince Adewole Adebayo bagged a Master of Law degree at the University of Jos . He later enrolled for studies in the United States of America, completing the New York Bar Exams in flying colours. He is an internationally acclaimed lawyer, media entrepreneur and a philanthropist. As at today, his practice cuts across all the continents of the world. Prince Adewole Adebayo is licensed in California, New York and the courts of the United Kingdom. He has practiced in the UK, Europe and Australia. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration Nigeria, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.He is the Chairman of Blueprint Global Group Washington DC, Board Adviser of US Black Chambers of Commerce. Board of Adviser, National Black Chambers of commerce USA. He is also President and Board Chairman of several corporations in the US, Nigeria and East Africa.This versatile Prince of Ondo Kingdom is a farmer and Chairman of Agbede Agric projects, chairman of SAI Phytochemical producers of Sailing drugs for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia in India and Nigeria. In 2006, he was appointed the chairman of Africa Dialogue Mission (ADM) by the United Nations Organisation and ECOWAS as commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Liberia .A patriotic Nigerian is the fitting description of Prince Adewole Adebayo in words and action, so passionate about Nigeria and his people. In 2016, he decided to relocate some of his businesses to Nigeria to contribute in the development and growth of his country. He has to his credit many notable companies he has founded among which is the KAFTAN TV headquartered in Ondo with additional branches in Lagos, Abuja and Washington DC. KAFTAN TV broadcasts across more than 20 countries with news reaching an audience of over 6 million homes with news in business, politics, sports, entertainment, and global trends.There’s no better and urgent time Nigeria needs a detribalised president than now. Prince Adewole Adebayo, in every organisation he has worked, and within all the companies he established, has demonstrated in complete measure what can be referred to as a “mini Nigeria”. He has maintained good representation of every Nigerian of great capacity in his companies, verifiable at anytime. In fact, the composition of his domestic staff is another “mini Nigeria”. As part of his innate desire for fair representation, he factored in the local audience by the introduction KAFTAN TV Hausa, KAFTAN TV Yoruba and the KAFTAN TV Igbo in view.Prince Adewole Adebayo has, through his media houses, trained and produced 1,022 corps members in its three stations; Ondo, Lagos and Abuja, after which he retained 103 corps members. In November 18, 2021, NYSC recognised KAFTAN TV as the best corps members employer in Ondo state. In partnership with Ondo Ekimogun Youth, he has offered a broadcast training to 59 youths who have successfully graduated and 5 have been offered full-time employment by KAFTAN TV.It was Malcolm X who once said that education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today and Prince Adewole Adebayo is a man who places the highest premium on education, and has consistently sponsored students in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. Currently, 500 students are beneficiaries already. This is asides hundreds of women financially empowered in trades and small businesses without him making a fuss about it.We live in a country where corruption is a norm in many quarters, and many elites pride themselves in tax evasion; Prince Adewole Adebayo’s principled lifestyle and integrity earned him an award in March 2021 by the Ondo state government as the indigene who pays the highest personal income tax to the state government. So, how else does one define accountability?Prince Adewole Adebayo is among the most educated Nigerians who has used his knowledge and talents to make impact in different areas of life; an international lawyer of repute, a successful media entrepreneur, a vast agriculturalist, an astute manufacturer, an empathetic philanthropist, a United Nations peace advocate, Board chairman of many international businesses and Board advisor of international corporations across many continents of the world. How else would one substantiate exposure, experience and global knowledge of how to restore hope and make Nigeria work?Prince Adewole Adebayo is both a visual and tangible representation of the hope many patriotic Nigerians cling onto. Come 2023, it’ll be in the interest of ordinary Nigerians, you and I, and the future generations, to ride on the wings of this enigmatic eagle as he soars us through heights that have only been recurring moments in our republican dreams since 1960.
GENSHAKAH GOLAK, A Core Progressive, An Opinion Leader, writes from Abuja.
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Opinion
Babangida’s Confession and Atonement: Quo Vadis?
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By Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, CON, OFR, LL.D.
I have carefully read and listened to former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim
Badamosi Babagida’s public remorse and regrets over the atrocious annulment of the June
12,1993 presidential elections. He did this 32 whopping years later. I want to very quickly say
that it takes a man with strong guts and balls and a man who has become repentant, born
again and has seen the face of God to publicly recant his earlier wrongful deeds and offer
public apology to the entire nation. This was no doubt meant to heal gapinng wounds and
balm wounded and bruised hearts.
The polls, the best, most transparent and credible elections, ever held in Nigeria till date,
were meant to end decades of military d The annulment threw Nigeria into turmoil and
widespread unreast, protests, maimings and killings. This forced Babagida to “step aside”;
the enthronenent of the Enest Shonekan’s Interim Government; and the arrest and detention
of Chief Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner who later died in Aso Villa in questionable
and suspicious circumstances. Of course, General Sani Abacha who was his second in
command later sacked Shonekan in a bloodless coup. For years, IBB prevaricated on the
annulment, claiming he did it in the best national interest. But on Thursday the 21st of
February, 2025,Babangida during the presentation of his memoirs, “A journey In Service”,
pointedly regretted in the public: “I regret June 12. I accept full responsibility for the
decisions taken and June 12 happened under my watch. Mistakes, missteps happened
in quick succession. That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled
to expect my expression of regret “. And wait for it:: he acknowledged for the first time that
Abiola won the elections fair and square, trouncing his major opponent, Alhaji Bashir Tofa.
I want to salute Babagida for having the courage and humility to own up like a man; that
everything that happened during the June 12 crisis took place under him as the head of state
and the president who was also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria. I salute him for acknowledging that his government which actually
organised unarguably the freest, fairest and most credible elections in the electoral history
of Nigeria when it introduced option A4 from electoral books that were hithenlrto unknown
to Nigeria or to the world. But unfortunately, regrettably like he now admits, he again turned
around to annul the same elections in a way that was most bizarre, curious and unnatural.
To me, that he has come out to open up to doing something wrong and egregious to a
bleeding nation should be appreciated. I believe that Nigerians should forgive him because
to err is human and to forgive is divine ( Eph 4:32 ). I personally have now forgiven him
because I was also a victim of the June12 crisis. It threw up all manners of challenges to me
as a person, where in my very youthful age; in my thirties, I found myself marching on the
streets of Lagos every day- from Ikeja bus stop roundabout, to Ikorodu road; up to Tejuosho
market; from there to Ojuelegba, Surulere; to Mushin; to Shomolu and Igando, Alimosho.
Everyday, we were on the streets, protesting the mindless annulment. Some of us were killed
in process; some were lucky enough to escape abroad on self exile. But some of us- very few
indeed- refused to flee our dear country; we stayed back. We stared at the military eyeball to
eyeball. We challenge authority and spoke truth to power. We challenged impunity and
repression. I suffered several detentions across different detention centres. I virtually could
not find means of livelihood for my youthful family because I was profiled, my phones bugged
and no briefs were coming in. But I personally forgive him because it takes tons of guts to
make public confession of having erred and atone for same as he has now done.
It is confession that leads to penance and penance leads to restitution and then forgiveness.
If Babagida were to die today, I believe that he will see the face of God because he has prayed
God to forgive him; and he has prayed Nigerians to forgive him. Beyond that historic and
epochal mistake of the annulment of the June 12 election which constitutes his original sin,
let me place it on record that Babagida is one of the greatest presidents that Nigeria ever had
in terms of his ingenuity, rulership mantra; ideas for national resurgimento; ideas that
contributed greatly to nation-building. These were aside the IMF-induced loans and pills
which he introduced and which we again valiantly fought against successfully.
Babagida it was who gave birth to the Federal Capital Territory and laid the solid foundation for virtually everything you see there today. His government was peopled by intellectuals and
not by half illiterates and quacks. He recognized and used intellects. He was luminous and he built bridges of understanding, friendship and brotherhood across Nigeria. Nigerians,
please, accept IBB’s confession and forgive him his sin of annuling the June 12,1993
elections. Let the wounds heal; let the heart melt; and let the spirit of national triumphalism
prevail.
Opinion
DURBAR FESTIVAL: Ageless Heritage of Glamorous Display of Loyalty and Valour
Festivals world over are the most popular forms of celebrations in human existence. Whether as religious, culture, sports, film, arts and other traditional practices, festivals are pivotal events that could involve millions of people in the case of the religion related across the globe annually or periodically. They are events that bring people together and are characterized with merriments, ceremonies, and a lot of other forms of fun and bonding.
Nigeria as a multi ethnic and diverse society with over 250 ethnic groups is enriched with various forms of festivals observed annually with those of religions most prominent with the celebrations by Muslims and Christians. Similarly, the traditional worshippers retain their own forms of festivals all depending on the tribes and the culture involved. Several among the religious and cultural festivals in Nigeria include Christmas the celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ, the Easter that heralds lent and the resurrection of Jesus after death while Islam has Eid-el Kabir and Eid El-fitri which is breaking of Ramadan fasting. At the level of culture and tradition there other festivals that comes to mind that includes Argungu fishing festival in Kebbi state, the new yam festival predominantly among the Ibo speaking tribes, Durbar festival, Calabar Carnival, Osun festival, Ojude Oba festival, Igue festival among the Benin people of Edo state, Oro festival, Osun festival, Sango festival, Egungun festival all among the Yoruba people, New Yam festival, Eyo festival popular among the people of Lagos Island in Lagos state and so on.
Durbar Festival
The word Durbar is traced to Persian and is connected with the ceremony marking the installation of Queen Victoria as the Express of Colonial India in 1877 while the word have been pronounced and propounded as “darbar” with dar meaning door and bar meaning entry or audience in Hindi-Urdu. In Nigeria, Durbar is a treasured cultural horse riding and display festival majorly among the Hausa people of the northern Nigeria to mark the Islamic holidays of Eid-el- Fitri [end of Ramadan} and Eid-el-Adha [the feast of the lamb]. The over 400 years old practice is said to have been introduced by Sarki Muhammadu Rumfa of Kano in the late 14th century as military parade and display when horses were used in battles to defend and protect the Emirate and also the opportunity to pay homage and demonstrate loyalty to the emir. It is also part of demonstration to showcase the readiness of the palace troops for battles and to also celebrate important political events. Available information has it that the first major Durbar in the country took place on the 1st of January, 1900 as part of the celebration to mark the transition of the Royal Niger Company to an imperial Protectorate.
Also known as horse ride festival it is worthy of note that horses and to some extent camels played prominent roles in the growth and developments of the today prominent Nigeria cities like Kano, Katsina, Zaria, Sokoto and Bida. In the 14th century before the sojourn of Christopher Columbus, aside being used during conquest and in battlefields under the command of the Madawaki who leads cavalry of horsemen with their horses loaded with various weapons, horses were used mostly for commercial activities particularly the trans Sahara trade expansion with items like salt, gold and farm produces.
Ceremonies
The activities and ceremonies involves “Hawan sallah” in Hausa language {meaning Mount of Eid} which in essence connotes the mounting of horse during the Eid or sallah celebration. The ceremonies begin with prayers at Eid grounds followed with parade of the Emir and his entourage on horses followed with drummers and trumpeters with the movement ending at the Emir’s palace. The parade includes hundreds of beautifully decorated horses with nobles in their best clothes followed by musicians and magicians all in a long procession in distinctive turbans {Rawani} clearly indicating their nobility and social status through streets to pay homage to the Emir. Other special attractions particularly in Kano Durbar which is acclaimed to possess the biggest parade of colouful horses in the world, include the display by the “hyena man” who carries out street performance with trained animals like hyenas and baboons which create a lot of excitements and entertainment for the hundreds of crowd in attendance.
The procession of the strictly male event showcases participants dressed in flamboyant turbans and robes with modes indicating their royal linage. Kano Durbar for example is four day event that commences with Hawan sallah on the day of Eid followed by the day 2 and most popular for its entertainment and glamour Hawan Daushe for the special visitation of the Emir and his colourful entourage to his mother in her domain. The display of various entertainers including magicians, drummers, dancers, stunt men and masquerades attract and witness the attendance and spectators across the globe. The other two days are for Hawan Nassarawa and finally Hawan Doriya which are both continuous aspects for merriment during the festival.
The Emir’s return from his mother’s visitation on the day 2 {Hawan Daushe} is followed by The Jahi that sees the him and his entourage ride through various important historical quarters and families before returning to the palace. On arrival the Emir in a military manner takes position to receive salutes and traditional greetings from the cavalry of riders along with the various district heads, their families and entourage in order of hierarchy. This is followed by the demonstration of loyalty and gallantry by all the riders and spectators present. After the homage and performances, [The Jahi] the palace guards take positions and fire several gunshots to signal the closure and end of the day and most important aspect of the four day festival.
Durbar festival has become annual festival celebrated across cities Northern Muslim dominated cities of Nigeria like Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zaria and Bida and was extended to Ilorin in Kwara state during Eid el-fitri and Eid El-Adha. Generally speaking, the Durbar festival is not just the most population cultural heritage of the Hausa people of the northern Nigeria and major parts of Niger republic but it is festival that unite and bring the people together to celebrate their unique historical and cultural heritage.
Durbar festival recently has witnessed more activities like car racing and other fun fairs that attract sons and daughters of Hausa decent, visitors and tourist annually to places like Kano, Katsina and Zaria. The glamour, popularity and attractions of Durbar particularly the Kano Durbar festival over the years, led to the recognition of the festival as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO in in December 17, 2024. This laudable and significant achievement in the nation’s cultural heritage exemplified the extent to which the festival has become popular to the people and the role it places towards unifying the people through their rich cultural heritage. During the presentation of the UNESCO certificate, by the Permanent Delegation of Nigeria to UNESCO to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Barr. Hannatu Musawa, opined that the great achievement does “not only celebrates the beauty and unity of the festival but also creates opportunities for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. The country’s representative at the UNESCO in addition stated that “Having the Kano Durbar on the UNESCO list is a huge milestone for Nigeria” while the Minister in her view remarked that “the recognitions bring both international prestige and tangible benefits to the local economy”.
In comparison, while Ujude Oba yet another similar festival of the Ijebu people of Ogun state in Western Nigeria, entails the participation of both male and female across various age groups as part of the big sallah [Eid-edha] celebration of the Muslim faithful. While both festivals identify or are associated with royalty, palace events and horse riding, durbar is strictly a male show and more of an horse riding festival while the practice is just an aspect of horse riding is just an aspect of Ojude Oba festival.
It is hope that the recent drive by the present administration leverages on the recent recognition of Durbar by the UNESCO to create more awareness through wider media coverage with a view of boosting general interest and tourist attractions which shall cascade or stimulate growth of the sector and also serve as source revenue to the governments across all levels.
Abdulkareem A. Ikharo.
Curator [NCMM].
Abuja.
Opinion
Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa: Philanthropist Transforming Lives in Adamawa
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By Wilberforce Edward
As Nigeria continues to grapple with various socio-economic challenges, the selfless contributions of individuals like Dr. Emmanuel N Musa serve as a beacon of hope. A renowned philanthropist, Dr. Musa has been making waves with his tireless efforts to empower communities, particularly in Adamawa State.
Dr. Musa’s philanthropic journey is a testament to his commitment to giving back to society. Through his foundation, Emnamu Foundation, he has been providing scholarships, job opportunities, and infrastructure development to communities in need. His impact is felt not only in Hong Local Government Area but also across Adamawa State, the North East region, and beyond.
One of Dr. Musa’s most notable achievements is his unwavering support for education. He has awarded numerous scholarships to deserving students, enabling them to pursue their academic dreams. Additionally, he has provided job opportunities for youth and the aged, helping to reduce unemployment and poverty in the region.
Dr. Musa’s philanthropy extends beyond education and economic empowerment. He has also been instrumental in promoting peace and stability in communities affected by insurgency. His foundation has worked tirelessly to provide relief materials, shelter, and medical care to displaced persons.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Dr. Musa remains humble and dedicated to his philanthropic work. His commitment to giving back to society is genuine and not driven by political ambitions. As he continues to make a positive impact on the lives of many, Dr. Musa’s legacy as a renowned philanthropist is cemented.
As the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State approaches, there are whispers that Dr. Musa may be considering a run for office. While this remains speculative, one thing is certain – Dr. Musa’s dedication to public service and philanthropy has earned him a reputation as a leader who truly cares about the welfare of his people.
As we celebrate Dr. Emmanuel N Musa’s remarkable philanthropic efforts, we are reminded that there are still good people in the world who are committed to making a positive difference. His selfless contributions serve as an inspiration to us all, and we can only hope that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Wilberforce Edward is a public affairs commentator. He writes from Abuja-FCT.
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