“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”

-Romans 13:7

I have, in my little way and from my very small corner always celebrated excellence. I celebrate people, low or mighty; dead or alive. But it is always better to celebrate them whilst alive. We have a local adage in my Weppa Wanno, Etsako and Afenmai language which says "Akha tse nokha,lobo the luo khao ( translated, it means it is when you eulogise an achiever that his hand is strengthened to perform more" ). Steve Lavin once moaned: "We have a tendency to celebrate people when they pass away. Why don't we do the same when they are alive? That's when they need us the most". He is not alone. Stacye Branche drives the point home when he intoned, "Let's start appreciating people while they are here". Such is the case of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, CON, OFR, FCIArb, LL.D, etc, one of the most influential figures in Nigeria.

THE LATEST HONOUR

I had wanted to write this piece for him on his 96^th birthday which comes up on 30^th October, 2024, having been born on 30^th October, 1929. But I could not wait for this as I am compelled by a unique thing worth celebration that just came up. On 23rd August, 2024, His Royal Majesty, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Dr. Adeyemo Aladesanmi, on behalf of the good people of Ekitiland decided to give honour to whom honour is due; and to pay tribute to whom tribute is due (Rom 13:7). On that day, the respected monarch made a royal proclamation, declaring that this pride of Ado Ekiti, nay Nigeria and Africa, Aare Afe Babalola, would henceforth be honoured and celebrated with pomp and pageantry in Ekitiland on the 18^th day of October of every year, starting from 2024. In effect, 18^th October is now to be known as "AARE AFE BABALOLA DAY". What a gift! What a giver!! What a recipient!!! By my reckoning (and I stand to be corrected), this is an unprecedented honour in Nigeria.

I congratulate Aare Afe Babalola and the entire people of Ekiti land on this landmark proclamation. This is the very first time a day is declared to be marked in honour of an individual in this clime. Aare is indeed worthy of the novel honour; deserving of the proclamation; and eminently qualified for the celebration.

I have always over the years respected and admired the Aare. This is not only because of his strong personality, but most importantly, because of the way he audaciously defied all man-made obstacles. His “grass-to-grace" story (very similar to mine) through sheer dint of hard work and elevation by God Almighty is a ready plot for poets, novelists and movie makers. His is a fairy tale. Aare’s life is a product of raw and unflagging doggedness, tenacity of purpose and an uncompromising determination to succeed and leave a mark in the sands of time. These qualities endeared him to me as our humbling story is similar in many respects. In more ways than one, the Aare has been a silent mentor and inspirer. He may never have known this. I am telling him now.

AARE’S TOUCHING STORY

Aare was born into an agrarian family in Ado Ekiti about 96 whopping years ago. However, because his parents were illiterates, he does not really know the exact year, month or date he was born. He merely conjectured. While growing up, he lost 6 of his siblings to poor maternal care and preventable diseases. This story of “Impossibility Made Possible” (the very title of his personal autobiography) is one that rends the heart.

He was raised in the farm with his parents in a mud house, covered with thatch roof. They used to sleep on banana leaves at night, which they usually change after about 2 or 3 days. But, he not only enjoyed it, he actually thought it was the best thing in life. Afterall, he had never experienced better life due to his humble beginnings. Thus, Aare was not even born with any wooden spoon in his mouth at all, let alone a silver or golden spoon. Nor was his case that of a child of destiny who had his palm kernel cracked for him by a benevolent sprit (thank you, Chinua Achebe- “Things Fall Apart”). He was simply a case of Romans 9:15; and raw dint of hard work and perseverance. As he once put it, "we didn't bother about clothes. I was a young boy, I didn't wear clothes, of course, there were no shoes at that time. I thought and I prayed then, that one day, I will inherit part of my father's farm. I will inherit part of his cutlasses and hoes. That was my ambition."

Babalola’s father had himself inherited a portion of his own father’s land at Ajipon, towards the present-day Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti. He later moved to Odo Asa, Igirigiri, seeking fertile land for cocoa cultivation. He did not strike gold, forcing him to again relocate to Alayegbe, 8 miles from home. This forced the young Babalola and his father to stay in the farm for about 3 months at a time; coming home merely to participate in annual festivals like Ogun or Egungun. So, the Aare grew up in farm settlements, romancing with elephants, antelopes, tigers, gorillas, monkeys and pythons.

Thus, from 6am to 6pm, the Aare and others would work in the farm and also hunt for animals that would serve as delicacy with pounded yam at about 7pm. Farm life was not without its inherent dangers. Huge snakes mistaken for rodents dug holes; and menacing tigers were common place.

Aare’s only romance with a school was Emmanuel Primary School, Ado Ekiti. Yet today, he is a lawyer, Barrister, Economist, teacher, industrialist, Scholar, University administrator, farmer, Philosopher, author, Philanthropist, educationist, etc.

When the cerebral legal pugilist was about 8 years old, a Reverend Father came and pleaded with his father to send one of his children to school. As he was the eldest child, his father ordered him to go to school. This was how he left the farm house in 1937, to live in the city. Even then, it was not easy, as he had to walk about 5 kilometres everyday from his family house to Emmanuel Anglican Primary School, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti.

This disruptive ritual went on for about 7 years. Even then, he did not have any interest in learning, principally because on the farm, he did not have to bathe; or change his clothes; or clean his teeth. But in the school, he was compelled to do these. Nonetheless, the renowned Senior Advocate managed to complete his primary 6, where he obtained his standard six certificate. That was the end of his formal education in a school setting. All the other educational qualifications listed against his name were obtained through private study because he could not afford school fees for secondary school. He later attended the University and obtained his degrees in both economics and law. I will tell you how the Aare wielded this Professor Peller’s abracadabra magic wand.

Chief Afe had taken advice from a white man and ordered some coursewares from Wolsey Hall Oxford, one of the oldest home-schooling colleges in the world. It was founded by Joseph William Knipe in 1894. The school offered courses for Primary, Secondary, IGCSE and A Level subjects to home-schoolers. This is similar to what is obtainable on internet nowadays as e-learning.

For a course that should take him 6 years to complete, Babalola chose to do it in 5 years. He would read, prepare, write exams and send his answers by post to England where it would be marked, with necessary corrections and sent back in 14 days. By 1950, he had attempted both Cambridge School Certificate Exams (the equivalent of Senior School Certificate) and Cambridge Advanced Level Certificate Exams, all at home. Although he passed the exams, he was however not satisfied with his grades.

Consequently, he repeated the Advanced Level exams to enable him prepare for university degree. By 1953, he had cleared all the 4 subjects at the advanced level, more than the 2 that was required. At that time, there were only 3 Nigerians who had passed 4 subjects at one sitting in the Advanced Level Exams. The other 2 Nigerians aside the Aare were Igbos. It was a record at that time.

He then went further to prepare for a B.Sc degree in Economics from the University of London, still studying from home. In 1959, he obtained BSc in Economics. He then proceeded to study from home for his LL.B (Hons) degree, from the same University of London. He completed this in 1963. He had to travel to London to sit for the Bar Exams.

Upon completing his law exams in London in 1963, he was called to the Bar as a member of the Lincoln’s Inn, London; and he registered as a member of the Bar of England and Wales. Thereafter, he returned to Nigeria to begin his legal practice as a litigation lawyer at the Chambers of Olu Ayoola in Ibadan, until 1965, when he established his own law firm, Afe Babalola & Co (Emmanuel Chambers) in Ibadan.

His Chambers has since remained one of the most reputable and leading law firms in Nigeria with offices in Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. He has produced over 1,500 legal practitioners, including Judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and Attorneys-General.

In 1987, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the highest rank in the legal profession in Nigeria. After reaching the pinnacle of law practice in Nigeria, he was offered the position of a Judge by Justice Oyemade who was then the President of The Court in the Defunct Western Region of Nigeria. He declined it, because he wanted to remain in active legal practice.

As a Solicitor and general practitioner, Chief Babalola has handled over 10,600 court cases, many of which were such landmark cases that could have scared away the cowardly. Many of such cases have helped to redefine the law and recreate our jurisprudence.

As a Presidential Nominee at the 2005 National Political Conference, the Aare chaired the Revenue Allocation and Fiscal Federalism Committee, arguably one of the most sensitive Committees. The living legend was twice offered the ministerial position of the Attorney General of the Federation by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, but he twice rejected it.

In 2001, he was appointed, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He held the position till 2008 during which he emerged as best Pro-Chancellor of Nigerian Universities consecutively in 2005 and 2006.

With the awards of CON and OFR firmly in his kitty, the cerebral Advocate was in 2008 conferred with the title of the Aare Bamofin of Yoruba Nation by His Royal Majesty, late Alayeluwa Oba Dr. Lamidi Adeyemi II, the Alaafin of Oyo. This was in recognition of his legendary exploits in the legal profession and his fame that spreads like manure, beyond the African shores.

The Alaafin in pronouncing him as Aare Bamofin, decreed his preeminence as a Royal Highness and tribal legend. He was forbidden thenceforth from ever prostrating to any man, except God. He was required to carry himself in the manner of royalty.

The Aare has won several awards and honours locally and internationally. He has bagged the LL.D (Honoris Causa) from Universities in Ekiti, Kogi, Lagos, Jos, Akure and the University of London. The LL.D degree award made Afe Babalola to belong to the elite class of honorary recipients of the degree of the University of London, having been preceded by only two Africans in the history of the University, Nelson Mandela and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu.

In 2009, Chief Babalola, at the ripe age of 80, established the now famous popular Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti on a 130 hectares vast expanse of land to promote education in Nigeria. The university's College of law has at different times, been rated best in Nigeria. Indeed in 2013, the university was ranked the best private University in Nigeria and one of the leading 400 Universities in the world.

The ABUAD with a 3-star guest Inn facility offers academic programmes in the six Colleges of Law, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences. It also offers Postgraduate Studies. Its College of Engineering is built on nearly three and half acres of land and is well equipped with sophisticated state-of-the-art facilities imported directly from Europe and the Americas. It is reputed to be one of the largest in Africa. ABUAD’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences and its Multisystem Teaching Hospital with theatres, 8 modular CT and MRI scan machines, ICU and 16 kidney dialysis and machines are nullus secondus in Nigeria, given their sophisticated medical facilities and the professional expertise with which patients are handled.

When I first visited this living legend at ABUAD in May, 2018, he spritely took me from his office upstairs to the downstairs and handed me over to a high-ranking university official, who took me round on a guided tour of ABUAD’s facilities. I was showed vast expanses of agricultural trees, mangoes, guavas, oranges, pineapples; fish ponds; factories to process, package and sell the fish; potteries; piggeries; etc. The university is a city within the Ado-Ekiti city. Aare fondly calls me, “Ozekhome, my son” (never Mike), an acknowledgment I relish. He fires the embers in me. He is an inspiration to many Nigerians, Africans and the black race.

MY LIFE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE AARE

FIRST ENCOUNTER

On this special occasion of the Ewi’s declaration, I cannot but recall some of my encounters with this unrepentant workaholic and teetotaller. My first close encounter with this legal iroko was when we fiercely crossed legal swords at the Federal High Court, Abuja, between 2001-2002. This was before the then Chief Judge of the FHC, Hon Justice Rose Ukeje. The legal fisticuffs was over the Electoral amendment Bill. Senator Anyim Pius Anyim was the then Senate President. This Education Czar was Counsel to the Federal Government; and I was to the Senate and the National Assembly. When one of the court sessions ended with me sweating profusely, I met the Aare outside the court. He gently patted me on the back and said, “Ozekhome, I thought you are just a handsome boy; I didn’t know you are also good in court and deep intellectually. Come and visit me at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel where I am staying.” I was flattered by his kind lofty words. They dropped on me like raindrops on parched flowers. I quickly visited him at Transcorp Hilton hotel. Who would lose such a golden opportunity to visit one you idolise? He laid his hands on me and blessed me with unforgettable words and pieces of advice and encouragement.

SECOND ENCOUNTER

My second close encounter with the distinguished Elder Statesman was at the NBA Annual General Conference held in Enugu in 2003. On his invitation, I visited him in his hotel room in Enugu. He expressed his admiration for me as a fierce and courageous human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner during successive military juntas. He again lionised me with unforgettable words of encouragement, thus further firing the embers of activism in me.

THIRD ENCOUNTER

Our third meeting was in his sprawling Emmanuel Chambers office at 80, Adekunle Fajuyi Way, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State, which he founded in 1965. He had given me an appointment to see him on a Sunday. Sunday? I thought he was mistaken; and I told him so clearly. He laughed, nay, guffawed, and told me he worked every day of the year except on Christmas Day, because of the name, “Emmanuel” ("God with us") by which his Chambers is called. I was amazed; even dazed. When eventually I went to the office, it was a beehive of legal activities like any normal working day. Lawyers and para-legal staff were on their desks. I gawked. I learnt great lessons from that encounter which again sharpened my resilience, work ethics and devotion to my profession. Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, GCON, SAM, my late mentor and to whom I was Deputy Head of Chambers in 1985, together with Chief Kanm Isola-Osobu ("People's Lawyer") with whom I interned for four years whilst at the University of Ife (now OAU), Ile Ife, had taught me as much. But Aare sharpened these. Till date, I still work and sleep in my offices many days in a week.

A TOWERING FIGURE

THE FOURTH ENCOUNTER

Aare is a rare diamond; a towering pride to the Black race. For our fourth encounter, I was honoured and privileged when in 2022, he personally signed a letter inviting me to deliver the 10^th ABUAD convocation lecture, and also receive its LL.D doctorate degree (Honouris Causa) in Law. When I visited him on 20th October, 2022, at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), to receive the ABUAD doctorate degree and deliver its 10th convocation lecture, I prostrated flat on my belly to greet him, as is the endearing custom of the Yorubas (even though I am not one; I am Afenmai, Etsako and Weppa Wanno).This was past 11pm. The legend was still in his office, working with the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof Smaranda Olarinde. I was shocked that at 93 years then, he could still be in the office at that late hour of the night when nonagenarians like him should be snoring away in a deep slumber.

After my lecture on the 20^th, I again visited him at his modest office that neither reflected nor befitted his larger-than-life stature. Aare profusely prayed for me and decreed that I would not just be great but greater than him. Ha! I was dumbfounded when I heard those words from a mortal being. Here was a living legend praying that I should be greater than him! Who does that? The only person that I have read who dared make that utterance was Jesus Christ when he said in John 14:12:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”

Before Aare uttered those words, he had instructed ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Prof Olarinde, to take me round on a guided tour of ABUAD University premises- the hospital, factory and the industrial hub, so that I could better appreciate his thoughts and prayers for me. Thus, when he prayed for me at past 11pm, I clearly understood what he meant. Besides the serene atmosphere of prayers we were immersed in, I saw an incredibly hardworking nonagenarian who was still engaging some of his staff on the minutest details at that late hour of the night. I marveled and I counselled my children and some members of my staff who had accompanied me on the trip that if Aare could still be working like that at this stage of his illustrious life, then I had not even started at all. I then challenged them to embrace and imbibe the virtues of hard work, industry, honesty, dedication, character, integrity and prayers to God, as the Aare exemplified.

ABUAD, A WONDER!

FIFTH ENCOUNTER

During my second visit to ABUAD in 2022, I noticed that everything had changed. I beheld many industries and state of the art facilities that were not there four years earlier. There was so much remarkable transformation within a space of just five years. I just could not comprehend how one person could constitute such a one-man riot squad that decreed into existence such monumental development that would make many State Governors green with envy.

The ABUAD University can now process grains, poundo yam, elubo, garri and fufu for local assumption and export. It provides its own bottled water, t-shirts, faze caps etc. The University generates its own electricity up to 5 mega watts. The ABUAD state of the art hospital with modern hitec facilities and gadgets is certainly one of the best in Africa (no hyperbole here).

AARE 'S PERSONA

Wealth or money? This is no longer Aare’s pre-occupation or headache. He is rated among the top 10 richest lawyers in Nigeria; and the highest private investor in Ekiti State; with an estimated net worth of $350 million (about 560 billion naira).Even with his stupendous wealth, inexhaustible goodwill, societal reach and intellectual fecundity, Aare Babalola still wears humility like a second skin. At his age of 96, when his peers should be relaxing, sleeping, enjoying holidays, or smoking a pipe, the first class lawyer still works round the clock. He personally oversees and supervises his vast education empire called a university. As a multi-columnist in several Nigerian newspapers, he influences and leads national discourse with his rare weekly insights and lucid adumbrations. This includes his well-known recommendation that Nigeria should put in place a brand new people’s autochthonous Constitution that will bring about social justice, egalitarianism and allow young, creative, patriotic and selfless Nigerians emerge as leaders. This has always been my stand.

Believing that “no idea is stupid; it is better carried out than ignored”; the Chief once said: “The only change that can be a lasting change, that would change the world and change the people, is changing the mind of the youths.” Then, he added the clincher: “Hard work does not kill; what kills is indolence.” Then the icing on the cake: “My legacy is not in the buildings I have, not by the money in my account, but in these children, students of my school.”

My good friend, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, once described Chief Babalola as a man who has broken into smithereens, the usual adage that a tree cannot make a forest. I agree with him that his gargantuan contributions to national development have put the proverb to severe test, as the national icon has singularly become a huge forest, both metaphorically and literally.

Aare’s imprints in the legal profession in Nigeria and indeed Africa are simply inerasable. This is why he has since emerged in several leadership capacities in the noble profession, one of which was as President of Arbitrators in Africa, among others. His iconic imprints in the legal profession have served as major reference points for many legal practitioners and the Bench.

While some people in the legal profession in Nigeria have also achieved similar legal feats, I dare say Aare Babalola has however surpassed them in one major respect: becoming a highly successful and influential entrepreneur in several other sectors such as education, agriculture and leadership. The Aare currently has in his employment over 7,000 Nigerians working and earning their living in his University which also consists of the fast growing and very large university farm and one of Africa’s best and most equipped hospitals, the ABUAD multi-system hospital. ABUAD is rated the best university in Nigeria and one of the 400 leading universities in the world. Such is the vision and feat of one man. Just one man!

What is very unique about Aare Babalola’s highly influential and humanitarian life is that all classes of humanity enjoy his kindness, large heart, benevolence and mentorship. They include the educated elite; the ruling class; the middle class and power wielders; the middle class; and more importantly, the poor masses, comprising mainly of uneducated Nigerians- the hoi polloi and the Frantz Fanon’s “Wretched of the Earth”.

The legal colossus and education czar is a man that never forgets his lowly roots and humble beginnings. As one born into a family of poor farmers and who had to be sleeping on banana leaves on reptile-infested farmlands, his love for farming till date is unquenchable. He owns very large farms and plantations in many towns across Nigeria where he cultivates teak trees and various food and cash crops. He is also one of the biggest fish, piggery and poultry farmers in Nigeria. He is already at the stage of processing sausage, bacon, ham and minced meat to be sold to shopping malls in Nigeria and abroad.  

Aare has not only instituted an annual award for farmers in Ekiti, but recently complemented his love for agriculture by setting up an industrial park in Ado-Ekiti where various crops such as cassava, tomatoes, yam among others would be processed into finished products, thereby helping to reduce the huge waste always encountered while storing such perishable items. Aare Afe Babalola has run a good race. He is simply a living legend; a colossus of law; an unmatched philanthropist; a trail blazer; a builder of generations through education; an unrepentant workaholic; and a great humanist. I am very proud to be associated with him and to drink from his bottomless pool of knowledge. The sage epitomizes 1 Cor. 9: 24. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? So run that you may receive it”. Aare has run the good race and he has received the diadem.

It is my hope that Ekiti State and the federal government of Nigeria would borrow a leaf from this innovative declaration of Afe Babalola Day by the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti to honour this towering national figure, a global icon and an international hero who deserves to be celebrated as a model of patriotism and a symbol of our collective vision and commonwealth.

For him are surely the blessings of Genesis 6:3; and Philippians 4:7, which I wish him. Aare, your case is one of Vini Vidi Vici.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the nation’s second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

In his 64th Independence Anniversary Speech on 1 October, President Tinubu conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic( CFR) on the speaker and the deputy senate president.

This development led to a debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling on the President to confer a higher honour on the Speaker.

President Tinubu was persuaded by the House of Representatives position and has decided to remedy the historical error and oversight.

Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence.

The speaker, the Senate President, other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated with their new honours later.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

Samsung’s One UI 7, the Android 15 based update which will bring a bunch of new features and a major UI overhaul won’t be coming  this year. The news comes after some leaks hinted that One UI 7 based on Android 15 will be available sometime by the end of July or early August, but .

At the 2024 Samsung Developer Conference (SDC), the South Korean tech giant confirmed that the One UI 7 will be coming with the upcoming Galaxy S25 series, with the update rolling out for older devices after that. Samsung’s delayed Android 15 software update comes as a surprise, as the tech giant is often known for rolling out a new Android version a few weeks after it is officially available on Pixel phones.

As Nigeria approaches its 64th anniversary of independence, it feels as though we are witnessing the behavior of a grown man at 70 who still cannot walk without stumbling, a metaphor for a nation that continues to grapple with basic developmental issues long after the world expected it to have matured. Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” possesses immense potential and abundant resources, which should place it at the forefront of global development. Yet, it still struggles with challenges typical of much younger, less experienced nations. The question remains: how long can we keep accepting excuses for such immaturity?

When Nigeria gained independence in 1960, there was an outpouring of hope and excitement. It was believed that with the right leadership and governance, the country would rise rapidly, transitioning from a post-colonial economy into a prosperous, developed nation. However, nearly seven decades later, Nigeria, despite its vast natural resources, oil, gas, agricultural produce, and mineral wealth, still grapples with fundamental issues.

One of the most glaring examples is the persistent problem of inadequate electricity supply. Despite billions of dollars in investment and countless reforms, Nigeria still struggles to provide stable power. Businesses are crippled by exorbitant fuel costs to power generators, and citizens live in the dark, awaiting the promise of stable electricity. This is not a challenge of technology or capability; it reflects a deeper systemic failure to grow beyond the age-old problems. For a country at Nigeria’s age, why has something as basic as electricity become an impossible dream?

The fundamental question Nigerians are asking is: how can a nation that is supposed to be mature still be grappling with developmental basics? In the last 60 years, countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, which were once at similar economic levels, have made significant strides, while Nigeria lags behind. The stark difference is leadership, vision, and the ability to execute policies that prioritize national development over political gain.

At the heart of Nigeria’s developmental stagnation is the pervasive problem of corruption. Like a child who refuses to give up his or her bad habits, Nigeria’s political and economic landscape is entrenched in graft and mismanagement. The spoils of the nation’s wealth continue to be distributed among a privileged few, while millions live in abject poverty.

From the misappropriation of public funds to inflated contracts and uncompleted projects, corruption has bled the country dry. Government institutions, which should serve as drivers of development, are undermined by greed and self-interest. Year after year, reports from international watchdogs like Transparency International paint a grim picture of a country where bribery, nepotism, and mismanagement have become institutionalized.

It is as though Nigeria has chosen to remain a “spoilt child” of sorts, refusing to let go of destructive habits that prevent its growth. Just like an irresponsible child making a mess and blaming everyone else, successive governments have promised change without delivering tangible results. Citizens watch in frustration as those in power speak of progress while the streets tell a different story.

For any nation, education and healthcare are pillars of sustainable development. Yet, Nigeria, with its growing population, has allowed both sectors to deteriorate. In education, the nation that once boasted some of the most prestigious universities in Africa now struggles with dilapidated schools, outdated curricula, incessant strikes, and underpaid educators. This generation of Nigerian students, the supposed future of the nation, is caught in a cycle of underfunded education and limited opportunities, making it nearly impossible for them to compete globally.

It is disheartening that Nigeria, which ranks as Africa’s most populous nation, cannot offer its citizens adequate healthcare. Hospitals across the country are under-equipped, understaffed, and overwhelmed, leaving citizens without access to the most basic of health services. The wealthy few can afford to travel abroad for medical treatment, leaving the average Nigerian to rely on a decaying health system. The question remains: why has Nigeria, despite its age and experience, failed to develop these crucial sectors?

The leadership of Nigeria has, for too long, embodied the traits of arrested development. Instead of visionary, forward-thinking leaders, the country has been governed by individuals more interested in maintaining their personal hold on power than in advancing the nation’s development. Nigeria’s leadership often clings to outdated policies and governance practices that no longer serve a modern state. Instead of embracing innovation, transparency, and accountability, they seek to entrench the status quo.

It is telling that Nigeria’s leadership still depends heavily on external influences, from the IMF, the World Bank, and even donor nations, to implement policies that could be internally driven. Like a child that refuses to grow up, Nigeria has become too reliant on external help, even for challenges that can be tackled domestically. How long will Nigeria continue to depend on these “caretakers” while its people cry for homegrown solutions?

Moreover, leadership succession in Nigeria has not been about talent or competence but about maintaining political dynasties, leading to a culture of mediocrity and poor governance. Leaders recycle themselves, passing on the reins of power to protégés who continue the cycle of incompetence and corruption. This inability to change or reform governance culture is a sign of arrested national development.

Nigeria can no longer afford to act like a baby. The potential for greatness is evident in its diverse population, rich culture, and natural resources. What is missing is the political will to address the country’s challenges head-on. Citizens must begin holding their leaders accountable for their actions, demanding that institutions function independently and efficiently, free of the endemic corruption that has plagued the country for decades.

The time has come for Nigeria to stop the tantrums and blame games. Yes, the scars of colonialism and past mistakes are evident, but they cannot continue to serve as excuses for inaction. Nations with less than half of Nigeria’s resources have risen from worse conditions. Nigeria, with its unique history and potential, has everything it needs to succeed, except the willpower to do so.

The journey from infancy to adulthood is not easy, and no country is immune to setbacks. However, nearly 70 years is more than enough time for a country to have learned the lessons necessary to mature. If Nigeria does not act now, it risks becoming irrelevant in the global economy and in the eyes of its people, who are growing increasingly frustrated.

It is time for Nigeria to grow up. The world is watching, waiting for the “Giant of Africa” to rise. But the longer we delay, the more we risk turning that giant into nothing more than a myth. The time for excuses is over. It is time for action. The nation must stop acting like a baby, there is far too much at stake.

As a child growing up in Igbanke, a small town within the former Midwestern region of Nigeria, I was raised with the narrative that we were of Bini descent. The elders spoke of our migration from Benin, recounting stories of how we came to settle in Igbanke, carrying with us the rich heritage of the Bini people. We spoke Ika, a dialect that was said to connect us to our Bini ancestry. For many years, I accepted this identity. I embraced the stories of old, because they were the only ones I knew, passed down from generation to generation.

But as I grew older, I began to question this narrative. Not out of rebellion, but out of curiosity and confusion. My personal experiences, coupled with the world around me, presented a different picture of who we are as Igbanke people. While the elders continued to insist that we were Bini, I started noticing that our language, customs, and even the way we lived our everyday lives bore more resemblance to the Igbo people of the eastern part of Nigeria than to the Bini. It was not just a casual observation; it was a realization that grew stronger with time.

Our delicacies, for instance, are identical to those found in Igbo communities. The foods we prepare and enjoy, “ofeonugbu” (bitter leaf soup), “akpu” (cassava fufu), and “nkwobi” (spicy cow foot), are staples in Igbo culture. I would visit friends in Igbo-speaking areas, and the meals served at their tables were the same as those I had grown up with. Even the way we dressed mirrored the Igbo fashion sense. Our traditional attire, the “isiagu” (lion head print) worn by men, the intricately woven “gele” (headwraps) and “iro” (wrappers) worn by women, are signature elements of Igbo cultural dress.

But it was not just about food or fashion. It was deeper than that. Our customs and traditions, our “omenala,” seemed to align more closely with those practiced in Igbo communities than with the Bini. Beyond the foregoing cultural semblances, there was an undeniable connection, a bond that transcended geography and history.

Yet, despite these similarities, we have always been told that we are Bini. The argument was simple: our forefathers migrated from Benin, and therefore, we are their descendants. But I could not help but feel that this explanation, though historically relevant, was incomplete. It was as if our identity had been shaped by an external narrative that did not fully capture who we are.

This internal conflict has intensified in recent times, particularly with the growing agitation for the creation of Anioma state. The call for Anioma state has reignited debates about the identity of various communities within the region, including Igbanke. Some argue that we belong to the Anioma region, which is predominantly Aniocha-speaking, a dialect that is easily understood by Igbo-speaking people, while others hold on to the belief that we are Bini by origin and should remain affiliated with Edo State.

This agitation has caused a stir in Igbanke. It has prompted a re-examination of our history, our identity, and where we truly belong. But even in the midst of this debate, there is still no consensus. The elders remain steadfast in their belief that we are Bini, while a growing number of younger people, myself included, feel a stronger connection to the Igbo people.

As I reflect on my own personal journey, I realize that my sense of identity has always leaned toward the Igbo culture. While the stories of our migration from Benin are part of our history, they do not define the totality of who we are. Over the years, I have come to understand that identity is not solely determined by where we come from, but by the culture and values we live by.

I remember several trips to the eastern part of Nigeria, specifically Owerri, Enugu and Onitsha by virtue of profession as Journalist, and each time I embarked on a journey to any of these cities, I usually felt a profound sense of belonging. The language spoken around me was the same dialect we spoke at home, the customs practiced were the ones I had known since childhood, and the people welcomed me as one of their own. It was an experience, for the umpteenth times that left a lasting impression on me. The impression, no doubt, remains what I usually felt throughout my working days at the Lagos Liaison Office of Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO) where I worked for more than a decade before transiting my skills to the media sector of the economy.

Assignments to these places made me question why we, as Igbanke people, have been so adamant about clinging to the Bini identity. Perhaps it is out of respect for our ancestors, or perhaps it is because we fear losing our unique history. But identity is fluid, and sometimes it evolves with time. As the world changes, so too do the ways in which we define ourselves.

I have come to a point in my life where I can no longer ignore the truth of who I am. While I respect the Bini heritage that has been passed down to us, I cannot deny the strong cultural and spiritual connection I feel to the Igbo people. From our language to our customs, everything points to the fact that we are more closely aligned with the Igbo culture than with the Bini. This is not a rejection of my history, but rather an acknowledgment of the reality of my present.

The question of identity is not just about where we come from, but about where we feel we belong. And I, for one, feel that I belong with the Igbo people. I have asked the elders time and time again to tell me who we are, but their answers have only deepened my confusion. They cling to the past, while I look toward the future.

If my people refuse to tell me who I am, then I must decide for myself. And I have. I am Igbo, not by migration or historical decree, but by the culture I live, the language I speak, and the spirit that moves within me.

In the end, the search for identity is a deeply personal journey. It is not about rejecting one narrative in favor of another, but about finding the truth of who we are. For me, that truth is clear. I am Igbo, and I am proud to be so.

The debates over the creation of Anioma state and the identity of the Igbanke people will continue, but I have found my own answer. My heritage may be tied to the Bini people, but my heart and soul belong to the Igbo culture. And in that, I have found peace.

Protest is one of the ways used by citizens to draw the attention of the government to pressing issues that are not being appropriately addressed. Most of the demands of the organizers of the #FearlessInOctober protest have either been resolved or are being addressed while others are not in the best interest of the country. Moreover, protests in Nigeria that are tagged as peaceful often end with some elements of violence, leading to disruptions of economic activities and loss of lives and property; the #EndBadGovernance protest is an example. In this light, there was no need for the protest.

The Federal Government has commenced paying the new national minimum wage, and therefore state governments and members of the organized private sector who have not started should follow suit. It’s important that government enforces it. The national minimum wage has a multiplier effect on the economy; it will boost employee productivity, reduce brain drain, and stimulate demand for goods and services. For some time now, many businesses have been struggling in Nigeria, with many going under due to low sales stemming from the low disposable income of the Nigerian worker.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s headline inflation on a year-on-year basis has eased for two consecutive months ; dropping to 33.40% from 34.19% in July, 2024 and dropping further to 32.15% in August,2024.The drop in July, 2024 was the first time since December,2022. While this is commendable, the government is not resting on its oars, as it recently raised the Monetary Policy Rate by 50 basis points to 27.25%. I expected this rate hike in light of the new national minimum wage implementation.

In a bid to eliminate banditry and terrorism in the northwest of the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently ordered the Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Sokoto State. This move has already yielded remarkable results. The Federal Government has also deployed 10,000 agro rangers to safeguard farmlands and protect farmers from escalating attacks in 19 states of the country. In an effort to curb oil theft, the Chief of Defence Staff recently inaugurated a joint monitoring team to enhance military operations in the South-South region of the country. Generally, the level of insecurity across the country has dropped significantly, but there is still much to be done and the government is aware.

The request for the reversal of the removal of the fuel subsidy is retrogressive in my opinion. This government has decided to do things differently in order to achieve better results. Yes, it has resulted in a hike in the cost of transportation; therefore, to alleviate this, the government has started distributing CNG buses and conversion kits across the country, with CNG tricycles to be distributed to youth in the pipeline. CNG is a much cheaper alternative to PMS whose price is expected to drop when domestic refineries come fully online due to economies of scale, competition, and the envisaged increase in the value of the naira due to reduced FOREX pressure.

The government has frequently stated its commitment to reducing the cost of governance. However, the recent purchase of a new presidential jet has led people to question its commitment to this cause. The presidency needed a reliable aircraft, which is also more cost-effective than chartering aircraft and frequently maintaining old ones. President Tinubu gave a directive to reduce the size of the Nigeria’s delegation to the just concluded United Nations General Assembly as a sign of his administration’s commitment to reducing the cost of governance.

People have the right to protest as long as it is peaceful; however, in my opinion, the #FearlessInOctober protest was unnecessary as most of the demands made have been overtaken by events. The government has commenced implementing the national minimum wage, inflation is on the decline, the distribution of CNG buses and conversion kits has commenced, and the government has shown its commitment to reducing the cost of governance, as evidenced by President Tinubu’s directive to reduce the Nigeria’s delegation to the just concluded United Nations General Assembly. It is also worthy to note that some of the arrested #EndBadGovernance protesters have been released, and the request for reversal of the removal of the fuel subsidy is not in the best interest of Nigeria. Protest is not the only way to make our voices heard, nor is it the most effective.

Kenechukwu Aguolu

Nigerian Business Aviation firm, Falcon Aerospace, has said it is poised for a rapid expansion into the global market.

With a growing fleet, global routes, and an expanding customer base, Falcon Aerospace is strategically positioned to capitalise on the rapidly expanding African business aviation market, currently valued at $1.09 billion.

With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.98 per cent, the market is expected to reach $2.14 billion by 2030. This strong growth trajectory, coupled with increasing demand for private aviation across the continent, places Falcon Aerospace at the forefront of this dynamic and evolving sector.

Another indication of its expansion into the global market is the company’s participation in the upcoming Invest in Africa Conference (AFSIC), taking place in London.

AFSIC is the largest annual African investment conference taking place outside Africa. As a sponsor, Falcon Aerospace will be exhibiting and networking at the event as the company seeks investment to power its rapid growth and global expansion.

Chukwuerika Achum, the company’s CEO will also be speaking at the event, “Falcon Aero is committed to the vision of a prosperous Africa. To actualise this vision, there must be seamless connectivity of people, ideas and culture with and within the continent, and we believe in the power of business aviation to facilitate this connectivity across borders,” said Achum.

“At the invest in Africa Conference, I will share insights into the business aviation sector in Africa and its potential as catalyst for business and economic success on the continent.”

Tejumade Salami, Chief Operating Officer, said “Falcon Aero’s growth in the past two years has been phenomenal. From the beginning, we set out to democratize business aviation services by improving accessibility and affordability without compromising luxury, efficiency and safety.”

“Today, our operations continue to expand outside Nigeria. We are proud of our growth and are seeking investments and partnerships to fuel this expansion,” Salami added.

According to the organizers, over 1,500 of the most important African investors, dealmakers and business leaders are expected to attend whilst over 350 speakers including leading African investors and African business leaders will provide detailed insight into the positive economic transformation that many parts of Africa are experiencing.

The event will showcase the most attractive African investment opportunities from more than African countries, representing all regions in the continent.

Falcon Aero offers private jet charter, aircraft maintenance, sales and fractional ownership. The firm’s diversified portfolio comprises of private aviation services provider, Vivajets; digital booking platform, Charterxe; and charter per seat platform, FlyPJX, all distinct brands.

“Innovation and technology have been critical factors in our success story. We are building products that integrate digital technology with tailored service delivery to improve booking and travel experience,” said Basil Agbor, Head of Products and Innovation.

“As we join Africa’s premier investment event, we’re looking forward to connecting with visionary investors who share our passion for advancing the private aviation sector,” he added.

AFSIC will be held from 7th to 9th October 2024.

[BusinessDay]

Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State on Friday declared that the state’s local government must hold as scheduled.

Fubara further declared that the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun can’t stop him from accessing the premises of the state’s Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

Addressing a gathering in Port Harcourt, the governor declared that the IGP would have to shoot him to prevent his entrance into the RSIEC premises.

The governor said: “When it comes to the issue of Rivers State it becomes different, you are not ashamed to call yourself Inspector General of Police. Enough is enough, I will be here and if I go back and if I hear anybody complain, I will come here because this is my property.

“You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering.

“Try it and part of your history as a wicked IGP would include shooting Fubara. I think that I have given you enough respect and to all Rivers indigenes, elections must hold; anything that wants to happen should happen.”

The Rivers State Police Command had vowed not to allow the Local Government Election scheduled for Saturday to go on.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko titled ‘Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election’, the Command confirmed being in receipt of a restraining order preventing the police from providing security during the LGA elections.

The Command also said it is aware of the 30th September 2024 judgement of an Abuja Federal High Court which barred the Police Force from participating in the election.

The statement further added that the Force Legal Department has advised that the court ruling takes precedence.

[DailyPost]