Opinion
For Kogi’s development, Ododo needs different approach
By Bolaji Afolabi
Saturday, January 27, 2024, the Okene-born Ahmed Usman Ododo, accountant and public servant, took oath of office as the fifth governor of Kogi State in the 4th Republic. Ahead of him were: Abubakar Audu (of blessed memory); Ibrahim Idris; Idris Wada and Yahaya Bello in that order. In the course of the inauguration last weekend, the appraisal of governance, and government in the state became compulsive. Ododo a former Accountant-General of local governments has a herculean task ahead of him.
Kogi is a state with humongous potentials no doubt. Like the global Nigerian state, however, the “confluence state” which is the popular moniker of the state remains a crawler and toddler in matters of growth and development. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, (NBS), Kogi State stands at No. 25 in the ranking of the 36 states in the country. The state curiously find itself behind states like Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Borno, which are listed as 21, 23, 24 respectively. In yet another report in 2023, Kogi didn’t make the “Top 20 Richest states” based on GDP in Nigeria. These reports do not come as a surprise given that over the years, Kogi State has been the epicentre of pervading mediocre leadership, record-breaking greed and graft and mercenary-style pilferage of its resources. Juxtaposed with this has been the flagrant display of stolen opulence by officials whose noisy conduct deafens the ears of a famished people.
Previous administrations in the state beginning from 1999 brandish their contrived records of service and achievements. Much more, however, needs to be done. Preparing for this article, the writer stumbled on an *aide memoire* articulated personally in 2015, titled “A SPONTANEOUS ADVISORY TO KOGI’S YAHAYA BELLO.” It is over seven years that document was put together. The issues raised, opinions canvassed and solutions suggested are still germane, and may be useful to the new chief executive of Kogi state.
*EXCERPTS:*
Strange things do happen; situations and developments beyond human comprehension and understanding. During the 2015 Kogi Governorship election, the All Progressives Congress, (APC) candidate Prince Abubakar Audu was coasting to victory when tragedy struck. The flamboyant and influential Igala-born politician passed. Shock, pain and suspense enveloped the state. His untimely death came as a huge surprise to the people of Kogi State, including his political family and associates, even his political adversaries. The length and breadth of the state thrown into mourning. For once, politicians of different leanings relegated politicking to the background to mourn a man who, arguably could be described as “the architect of modern Kogi State.”
With elections yet to be completed, confusion, anxiety, apprehension, and tension pervaded the state. What next? What will the Independent National ElectoralCommission, (INEC), do? Who replaces the deceased as APC candidate? These thoughts agitated the minds of people. After varied legal elucidations, the Supreme Court ruled and directed the INEC to recognize and present the first runner-up at APC’s primaries as the new governorship candidate! Yahaya Bello, the Okene-born former staff of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, (RMAFC), became the major beneficiary of the new development and not James Faleke, who ran as the deputy governorship candidate to Audu. Bello therefore inherited the votes Audu garnered across the state before the tragic incident. Such strange, may be warped logic.
The Supreme Court’s ruling led to cacophony of comments and reactions within and without Kogi. It elicited vagaries of legal interpretations by both “learned and unlearned.” The hitherto quiet characterisation of the “confluence state” disappeared. It came into national and international focus, just as the local and international media feasted on happenings in the state. Bello emerged winner of the supplementary election conducted in areas which voting had not occurred before Audu’s midstream departure and was subsequently sworn-in as Governor. As the fourth governor in the fourth republic, he made history as the first person outside Kogi East senatorial district to emerge chief executive of the state. His three predecessors were all Igala from Kogi East.
The constitutional blurr and subsequent Supreme Court judgement that threw up Bello led to differences amongst the major ethnic blocs, and somewhat polarized the political tranquility in Kogi. Surprisingly, months after assumption of office, opinions were still divergent and sharply divided about the emergence of Bello as APC candidate and governor. While a school of thought endorses the development, the other group thinks otherwise. Somehow, proponents and opponents of these sharply-divided and rigid positions have leaders and foot-soldiers across Kogi. The unfolding political development does not augur well for focussed delivery by the new administration. The posture and comments of some stakeholders does not suggest acceptance of Bello and his government. The ultra-rigid, if not selfish positions of some leaders and influential personalities, if not addressed has the tendency to over-heat political developments in Kogi. However, the reality which every Kogite will live with, at least for four years is that Bello is the new “Sheriff.”
However, Bello has a lot ahead of him to ensure the cloud of anger, and despondency, by some people gives way for unity, amity, and togetherness. He has the onerous task of creating, promoting, and sustaining cordiality, harmony, and cohesion amongst people. He has to build result-oriented and robust relationship between his government and all Kogites. Through strategic planning, he must enthrone the culture of inclusivity and belongingness in every of his policies, appointments, projects distribution and resource allocations. It is apposite for Bello to ingeniously explore and exploit the present frosty perceptions as necessary filip, impetus, and platform towards galvanising social, economic, and political development of Kogi. It is encouraging that at every fora, Bello is preaching unity and peace, as well as extending the olive branch to all and sundry. These are necessary sound bites but he must move faster in actions and taking appropriate decisions to authenticate these beautiful words. He needs to be more collegiate and convincing in all his policies, programmes, and projects.
Indeed, Kogi is in dire need of immediate physical, fiscal, infrastructural and institutional “make-over.” Though previous governments have done their bits, more work still lies ahead. There is urgent need to uplift and upgrade the status of Kogi State. It is disheartening that the state keeps recording negative ratings in some indices of meaningful growth and development. Given it’s geographical, locational, and environmental advantages, it’s painful that Kogi keeps experiencing snail-paced strides in few sectors. It is heartbreaking that since 1999, Kogi with it’s vast natural resources, has not witnessed meaningful development but flows in an ocean of economic squalor, contagious and corrosive poverty, social trepidation, mass unemployment, and moral bankruptcy. Fact is, Lokoja, the state capital is at best a “glorified local government.” More disturbing is that past governors were unable to leverage on the state’s unique position as the nexus between the North and South. Kogi State shares borders with nine states and the federal capital territory. There is a most urgent need to envision, crystalize, and deepen developmental initiatives that will shore up the economy of Kogi and people of the state.
Presumably, as the youngest person to govern Kogi state yet, one expects Bello to be pro-active and pragmatic in the discharge of his duties. He should deploy energy, industry, and resourcefulness in re-positioning Kogi. People expect him to chart deliberate cause towards taking the state where it ought to be. For Bello to meet the expectations, and possibly surpass it, he must evolve intensive and extensive consultations with indigenes within and outside the state. Fortunately, Kogi has accomplished scholars and distinguished technocrats in every field and sphere.
Like-minded friends and associates not from Kogi will also be useful. Since government and governance is continuum, Bello is advised to get and study Captain Idris Wada’s “Road Map for Kogi Development” document. Not minding political differences, he will find useful tips that he can adapt for necessary transformation of Kogi. He should evolve a leadership template that will inspire confidence amongst the people. More importantly, he should emphasise on capacity, competence, experience, and exposure in recruiting his appointees. Bello has the opportunity to pilot the re-engineering and re-ordering of Kogi’s development, one hopes he will rise to the occasion.”
These unsolicited albeit useful tips will be most beneficial to Usman Ododo the new man in *Lugard House,* Lokoja. He must purposely “disappoint” sceptics by availing himself of wisdoms and vistas from those who know better and who are more experienced than he is. Say what you may about him, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida a military general surrounded himself with, and was very comfortable amidst some of Nigeria’s finest scholars and technocrats. The Wole Soyinkas, Tai Solarins, Tam David Wests, Jibril Aminus, Olikoye Ransome-Kutis, Bolaji Akinyemis, Jerry Ganas, Tunde Adenirans, Sam Oyovbaires, and Tunji Olagunjus all globally respected scholars and statesmen, were cultivated and assigned responsibilities by the Babangida regime. No military government after him got any close to the eight years he spent as military President most possibly because he was “properly guided.”
Ododo must “shame” doubters and dissenters by towing the path of guided governance as advised by extant rules and regulations. He must pursue a governance module which prioritises popular good and the wellbeing and security of his people. He must refuse to be “governor for Ebira people” but for all the major and minority ethnicities across the three Senatorial Districts, and twenty one LGAs in the state. For a man whose constituents are among the very best anywhere in the world, he should make these aggregate resources count under his watch.
BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications Specialist writes from Abuja
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.
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.
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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