In line with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Ademola Adeleke has exercised prerogative of mercy towards 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The letter of commutation dated December 24th, 2024 and which has since been received and acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities read as follows:

"WHEREAS: the inmates whose names are set out in the schedule to this order have been convicted to various terms of imprisonment to wit.

(i) Simple offences and have served substantial portions of the sentences, 

(ii) Convicts sentenced to death

"(having spent a minimum of 10 years in custody.)

"AND WHEREAS: following the recommendation made to me by the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy that I should exercise my power in relation to the said inmates in order to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration.

"AND WHEREAS: in the case of the 30 (thirty) inmates convicted of simple offences, I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to remit and forgive the remainder of the said sentences in whole.

"AND WHEREAS: I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to grant outright pardon to 12 (Twelve) inmates convicted of simple offences.

"4 (Four) Convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright pardon. AND WHEREAS: I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to commute the sentences as follows;

"1 (One) convict has his sentence commuted from death to 15 (Fifteen) years imprisonment.

"6 (Six) Convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright release.

"Now know ye therefore that, I Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (i) of section 212 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto the said inmates.

"My will and pleasure thereof, is that you commute the death, life and years of imprisonment as indicated herewith in the schedule"

Those in the schedule are as follows:

CONVICTS RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT PARDON (SIMPLE OFFENCES)

1. OLABOMIJI NURUDEEN

2. MUSTAPHA ISAH

3. OLALEKAN ABDULLAHI

4. AYOMIDE OLOJEDE

5. AKEEM RAPHAEL

6. ADEYEMI ABIODUN

7. OLADIPUPO SEGUN

8. OMISAKIN SUNDAY

9. ADEMOLA ADIO

10. TUNDE OLAPADE

11. LATE CHIEF WOLE OLA

RUFUS OJO

12. OMOLOYE OLAJIDE

OLAYEMI

CONVICTS RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT RELEASE (SIMPLE OFFENCES)

1. OLUBO SUNDAY

2. ISAH UMAR BIODUN

3. FAWAS KAREEM

4. OMIRIN TEMITAYO

5. OLARENWAJU AYOMIDE

6. DARE SUNDAY

7. OLADAPO TUNDE

8. GANIYU SAHEED

9. ADEWUMI SODIQ

10. ADEBAYO ADEOYE

KEHINDE

11. LASIS KAZEEM

12. DAUDA OJO (59 YEARS)

13. ISMAILA RAJI

14. OSENI MICHEAL

15. AJAYI KOREDE

16. ABIONA NURUDEEN

17. OSHI SAMUEL

18. SHEU YUSUF OLATUNJI

19. OJO AANU

20. MUSTAPHA KEHINDE

21. LASIS ABEEB

22. ALEXANDRA IORLAHA

23. OJO TAIWO

24. AZEEZ MUJEEB

25. AKINYEMI DAVID

26. ADEOSUN ADEKUNLE

27. OLAOBAJU SAMUEL

28. ADURA ADEFEMI

29. PAUL BASIL

30. KUNLE DAVID

CONVICT RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT PARDON FOR GOOD CONDUCT (CAPITAL OFFENCES) - 4 (FOUR)

1. SUNDAY MORAKINYO

2. SEGUN OLOWOOKERE

3. TUNDE OLAPADE

4. DEMOLA ODEYEMI

CONVICT RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT RELEASE ON HEALTH GROUND, (CAPITAL OFFENCES) -

1 OLUWAFEMI FAGBEMI

2 BEWAJI SUNDAY

3. AMEHIN GEORGE

4. AYOMIDE ARULOGUN

5. TAIWO OLUWATOBI STEPHEN

6. ABUBAKAR ABDULAZEEZ

CONVICT RECOMMENDED TO BE COMMUTED FROM DEATH TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT HAVING SPENT AT LEAST 10

YEARS IN CUSTODY

1. OJEKUNLE TIMOTHY

Signed

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,

Spokesperson to the State Governor.

With only 15 months left for banks to meet the deadline for the new share capital benchmarks, the Central Bank has warned that the March 2026 deadline will not be shifted. Speaking to this writer, a CBN director said, ‘’the idea of extension or shift of the deadline does not arise. They were given more than two years to meet the new threshold, and by our calculations, that is enough time. We are not contemplating an extension’’. So far, of Nigeria’s 36 lenders, only Access Holdings has concluded the capital raising exercise, bringing in a little over N351 billion from its Rights Issue of 17.772 billion shares that sold for N19.75 per share. The offer closed in August. With this, Access Bank has thus become the first to meet the CBN’s N500 billion minimum capital requirements for Banks with International Authorization well ahead of the March 2026 regulatory deadline. The bank’s share capital would increase to N600 billion, N100 billion above the regulatory minimum requirement.

 For the other 35 banks, the next one year will be a crowded and busy period. A few have gone far while many others are yet to make appreciable progress. Some like the other four tier one lenders – GT; UBA; First Bank and Zenith – have already announced their offers, but are yet to conclude the process, others, especially the small regional and some national banks are still lagging behind. There have been a host of challenges, though, even among the big ones. FBN Holdings, the parent company of First Bank, has had its programme slowed down considerably by Boardroom crisis. The long drawn battle between Femi Otedola and Oba Otudeko for the control of the company has just been settled, with Otedola emerging chairman of the holding company. While Zenith Bank has had to juggle both capital raising with reconstituting itself into a holding company at the same time, GT Bank has just survived a major service disruption and customer backlash due to migration to a new IT platform.

 To meet the new capital requirement, the banks are expected to go for public offers; rights issues; private placements; mergers and acquisitions or a combination of these. In terms of mergers and acquisitions, there are indications that two banks, Providus and Unity, are in talks to merge together. Both are national banks, but with a combined market share of less than 20 per cent in terms of deposit liabilities. Providus has a huge Lagos State shareholding just as Northern State governments hold huge interests in Unity Bank. ‘’That’s the only discussions in the market for now for mergers and acquisition; but I won’t be surprised if more candidates join the discussions in the next few months’’, said a senior executive of a bank.

 Younger and better managed banks seem to be doing better generating new capital. Nixon Iwedi, executive director of Globus Bank said his bank is on track to meet the deadline. ‘’We are raising N150 billion through a private placement and Rights Issue. The first has been successfully completed and we are on the second phase now’’, he said, noting that they prefer to approach the process in a rather quiet and restrained manner. Globus has a national license and the minimum for this category is N200 billion.

 For Access Holdings, the process has become quite a momentous. It has become the first Nigerian financial holding company to successfully execute a fully digital Rights Issue embracing the power of technology to improve access to equity capital market. By leveraging the NGX’s E-offer platform, the company provided its shareholders with a convenient and efficient subscription process, leading to the participation of many of its retail shareholders in addition to institutional investors. Speaking on the successful offer, Board Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said: “The Access brand has always resonated strongly with the local and international capital markets. Since 2004, Access Bank has raised billions of dollars in capital to meet successive CBN recapitalization directives. We are pleased that this time we are the first to breast the tape. The success of the Rights Issue demonstrates the resilience of Nigeria’s capital market and reinforces our shareholders confidence in the present value and potential of our company’’.

 While a few banks are already set on a course of action to meet the deadline, many others are still weighing their options. As a CEO pointed out to me, ‘’it is too early to understand the options that they would explore. It would become clearer as we get into the second half of 2025’’.

Nonetheless, the Nigerian capital market has once again demonstrated capacity and depth to meet the expectations of investors, issuers and professionals. We saw this during the indigenization programme of Gen. Yakubu Gowon; the privatization programme of Gen. Babangida and the consolidation programme of President Obasanjo. Its mutualization a decade ago also signified the market’s ability to adapt to change.

Apart from General Sani Abacha, I have met one-on-one with every Nigerian leader since 1992, from General Ibrahim Babangida. However, I have only participated in one televised live group media chat with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. 

If you have met Obasanjo before – whether for an interview or anything else – you might agree that he’s a handful and more. You never know what to expect with Obasanjo, especially when he is in his lair. 

I narrowly missed being punched by the former president during an untelevised interview in his Library in the Villa in 2004 for asking why his government was letting a political outlaw, Chris Uba, run amok in Anambra State. The combined effort of presidential aides, the late Remi Oyo and Professor Julius Ihonbvere, rescued me from Obasanjo’s fury.  

Are you OPC?

My experience wasn’t very different during the live presidential media chat. I had asked him why he ordered a shoot-on-sight against members of the militant Yoruba self-determination group Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), which operated mainly in the South West, Obasanjo’s home base.

He was livid. He warned me, on air, that if I were going to bring the irreverence of my weekly column to the Villa, he would immediately throw me out of the panel. I insisted on an answer, to which he said, “If you’re a member of OPC, tell your people that I mean what I said!”

Three presidents, different styles

Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, whom I also met at different times in different untelevised encounters in the line of duty, were distinct in their peculiar ways. 

Yar’Adua spoke a little, measuredly and candidly. Jonathan was gentle, felicitous, and vulnerable without a care in the world. Buhari was taciturn, defensive, and tight-lipped, except when you touched on a raw nerve, mainly around his family or his relationship with Babangida, with whom he has had a fascinating Tom-and-Jerry relationship. 

I poked Buhari on this soft spot in an untelevised group interview in 2016. His unusually animated, angry reply inspired a widely publicised story that covered The Interview magazine, entitled “Why Babangida removed me from power.”

Road to interview

The Monday televised interview with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu differed in many ways. Multiple sources, including those inside his cabinet, had pressured him to host an interview many times, but he refused, insisting that the time was not right and that there was much to be done. 

In October, 17 months into his presidency, there was a nearly interview on the eve of the planned second round of the #EndBadGovernance protest. He cancelled at the last minute for personal reasons. 

When I received a message on December 18 that I had been selected for a panel to interview the president, I assumed it would be live. Not that there’s any journalistic rule forbidding a recorded interview. Some of the best interviews I’ve read about or seen, from Oriana Fallaci to Larry King, were recorded. In a more recent example, the CNN interview with President-elect Donald Trump was recorded on November 25 and aired on December 12.

Live or recorded?

However, I hoped the interview with Tinubu would be live – a point I later found was shared by all panel members – because this was the first nearly halfway into his presidency. If eating this toad had taken 19 months, it’s better to eat it big for Nigerians to hear their president engaging them unfiltered. 

The choice of live or recorded can sometimes be tricky. Like Ebenezer Obey’s famous story in the song of the Journeyman and his Donkey, you can’t please everyone. Some want it live because it allows spontaneity and could sometimes be a window on the persona of the interviewee. Others prefer a live interview for traps to catch the interviewee in their unguarded moments, which is why others oppose it.

The panel

We—a panel of seven—comprising Dr. Reuben Abati (ARISE TV/ThisDay), Maupe Ogun-Yusuf (Channels TV), Nnamdi Odikpo (NTA), Jide Otitoju (TVC), Umar Farouk Musa (VOA), Ruth Olurounbi (Bloomberg News), and me—wanted to have this interview live and for two hours for the reasons I’ve explained.

That didn’t happen. Hours before the interview, which was postponed from Sunday to Monday because of the tragic deaths from palliative stampedes in different parts of the country, we finally settled for 90 minutes. The questions were entirely ours to decide, and that was what happened. 

Some folks have been upset that the interview was not live and, to make matters worse, not a brawl. One gentleman, obviously with a heavy heart, said, “I expected my seniors on the job to rattle the President.” I get that. Another was not even interested in the interview. He aimed at me instead, saying that even though I’m an Igbo man (which I’m not), I did not wear a red cap (which I’ve never worn) because of an “inferiority complex!”

To cut or not?

It’s the nature of recorded interviews—and this one was no exception—that not everything is aired. Twenty questions were prepared, and at least 17 were asked point-blank, excluding unscripted queries and follow-ups. 

Among the unaired questions were whether the President considered Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a political liability and whether direct payments to the local governments were not a derogation of the principle of federalism, which recognises the centre and the states as the fundamental constituent units of the federation. 

Questions also arose about #Endsars and state police and whether the president would request the Code of Conduct Bureau to release his assets, as one or two newspapers requested under the FOIA of 2011.

His answers were fascinating. He described Wike as a performing minister and a very good man. He said it twice, slowly but louder and with a hearty laughter of approval the second time. In response to the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy, he said, “There are at least two ideological views on that. The thing is that the constitution created the local governments, and there isn’t such a thing as ‘unfunded mandate.’” 

Translation: If the law created local governments, it is not unlawful for them to receive their funding directly. That debate continues.

‘I’ll consider’

On state police, he said he didn’t expect any obstacles but expected a negotiated outcome in the country’s best interest. His response to the question on asset declaration was even more fascinating. I remember that in 2012 this question left Jonathan with a media chat black eye. He was asked if he didn’t care about the growing public demand that he should declare his assets. In what was initially thought to be a slip, he said, “I don’t give a damn!” That turned out to be a damn good headline the next day. 

Tinubu took a different approach. He said he had done his part by filing his assets as required by the law and would do so again at the point of exit. But when asked if he would ask the CCB to release it since there is currently no law mandating the CCB, despite the FOIA, he said, “I will consider doing so.” That, I think, is worth holding onto.

Everything couldn’t be covered in a one-hour broadcast, and perhaps one live or recorded interview will hardly satisfy the pent-up hunger to hear the president. But one presidential interview at a time, the gap is closing.

The ongoing leadership crisis at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) reflects deeper systemic challenges that extend beyond the mere selection of a Vice-Chancellor. As a psychologist, it is clear that the interplay of emotional, ethnic, seniority, youthfulness, and religious biases driving this crisis is damaging to the institution’s mission and the well-being of its stakeholders. Leadership should not be about clinging to outdated traditions but about fostering progress through unity, innovation, and inclusivity.

The constant infighting has undermined the university’s fundamental purpose: serving students and advancing education. Whoever ultimately assumes the Vice-Chancellor position—whether it is Prof. Aisha Maikudi or another qualified candidate—must rise above personal, political, and sectarian agendas to prioritize transparency and institutional growth. This is a pivotal moment for UniAbuja to part with relics of the past and adopt governance models that reflect the realities of modern academia.

UniAbuja has the potential to transform into a beacon of progress. However, this transformation requires leadership grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a student-centered vision. It is time to move beyond power struggles and embrace changes that align with the evolving demands of global academic landscapes.

The leadership crisis at UniAbuja highlights the dysfunction and outdated governance models that continue to hinder Nigerian academia. What should have been a transparent and structured process to select a Vice-Chancellor has devolved into violence, favoritism, and resistance to reform. These events reveal a toxic environment where regressive mindsets obstruct much-needed progress. While this writer and psychologist remains neutral, it is difficult to ignore the backward arguments opposing innovation and reform—arguments that perpetuate stagnation in a system in dire need of evolution. Apologies to readers for this extended explanation, but such a critical issue warrants deep reflection.

Violence as a Governance Tool: An Alarming Trend in Academia

The use of violence and intimidation to resolve disputes at UniAbuja signals a deeply rooted crisis. Reports of thugs disrupting Senate meetings, journalists being assaulted, and academics silenced illustrate a governance culture where intimidation has become normalized. Such actions, including the brutal treatment of Channels Television reporters and the vandalism of their equipment, tarnish the university’s reputation and undermine its mission as a center of intellectual excellence. This descent into coercion reflects a system incapable of engaging in constructive dialogue.

Rejecting Violence and Nepotism in Governance

Reports of attempts to impose Acting VC Prof. Aisha Maikudi, allegedly despite not meeting job advertisement criteria, expose systemic governance failures. Allegations of nepotism, favoritism, and rushed processes raise serious concerns about transparency. While Maikudi’s rapid ascent—from becoming a professor in 2022 to her appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC)—has drawn criticism, the real issue lies in the absence of an open and impartial selection process.

It is crucial, however, to avoid conflating these criticisms with a rejection of progress or innovation. The resistance to arbitrary benchmarks should not be mistaken as support for rigid traditions. If the only objection to Prof. Maikudi’s candidacy is her inability to meet tenure-based criteria, then such objections must be dismissed. Her ability to lead, innovate, and adapt should be the primary criteria—not the length of her tenure. These outdated benchmarks, while once relevant, no longer align with the evolving demands of contemporary university leadership. Leadership today requires vision, strategic thinking, and a commitment to fostering collaboration—qualities that cannot be measured solely by years of service or academic titles.

Manipulation of Leadership Processes: Merit Takes a Back Seat

The allegations surrounding Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aisha Maikudi’s candidacy expose the failures of the leadership selection process. Claims that the selection joint board was manipulated to favor her while sidelining numerous other qualified candidates raise serious concerns about transparency and fairness. These controversies overshadow any potential merits of her candidacy and cast doubt on the integrity of the entire process. 

Outdated Benchmarks: A Hindrance to Progress

One of the most glaring issues is the reliance on outdated benchmarks to determine leadership eligibility. Critics of Prof. Maikudi cite her limited post-professorial experience as a disqualifier, clinging to traditional metrics such as years of tenure and academic publications. However, this narrow focus fails to account for the qualities needed to lead a modern university. Leadership in today’s world demands innovation, strategic thinking, and the ability to foster collaboration and adapt to global challenges. The obsession with arbitrary qualifications traps institutions in mediocrity and stifles progress.

Backward Thinking Reflects an Institution Stuck in the Past

The insistence on rigid academic qualifications as the sole measure of leadership capability highlights a regressive mindset. Today’s university leaders must go beyond academic expertise; they must be strategic thinkers, resource mobilizers, and visionaries capable of navigating global challenges. Clinging to outdated benchmarks not only limits the pool of potential candidates but also fails to equip institutions for the future. It reflects an institution that is unwilling—or unable—to adapt to the realities of modern academia.

This does not mean endorsing a rejection of academic standards but rather advocating for a holistic approach that values diverse leadership qualities. It is time for institutions like UniAbuja to move past the rigidity of tradition and embrace a future where leaders are chosen for their ability to inspire transformation, innovate, and build sustainable institutions.

Students as Forgotten Stakeholders in the Crisis

The ongoing leadership crisis at UniAbuja has glaringly neglected the university’s most critical stakeholders—its students. At its core, a university exists to serve its students, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world. Yet, in the current atmosphere of administrative battles, internal power struggles, and outdated traditions, the essential focus on student-centered goals has been abandoned.

Students require leaders who prioritize their growth and development through the provision of modern facilities, innovative curricula, and access to global opportunities. Instead, they are left to bear the fallout of a leadership system bogged down by outdated benchmarks and internal conflicts. The struggles to impose candidates or cling to antiquated traditions fail to address the pressing needs of the student body, leaving them under-resourced and underprepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.

The university’s purpose must transcend the ambitions and egos of those at the helm. A leadership crisis that prioritizes self-interest and perpetuates stagnation inevitably fails the very people it exists to serve. Students do not benefit from rigid adherence to outdated academic benchmarks or from the resistance to reform that keeps the institution tethered to the past. They deserve leaders who are visionaries, willing to implement bold changes that modernize the university, enhance academic offerings, and create clear pathways for success in today’s world.

Africa is Moving Forward: UniAbuja Risks Falling Behind

Across Africa, universities are increasingly embracing forward-thinking leadership models to address the demands of a rapidly evolving academic landscape. Institutions in Ghana, Kenya, and even Nigeria’s private universities have begun to prioritize leaders with entrepreneurial mindsets and innovative visions. These institutions understand that success requires adaptability, inclusivity, and a commitment to modernization. By clinging to outdated practices, UniAbuja risks falling further behind, not just regionally but globally, in its ability to attract and retain top talent and students.

If Objections Are Rooted in Tradition, They Must Be Dismissed

Again, if the opposition to Prof. Maikudi’s candidacy hinges solely on her inability to meet outdated academic benchmarks, such objections deserve to be dismissed outright. To be blunt, this reasoning is nonsensical and reflects a rigid adherence to the past rather than a forward-looking perspective. The argument that two to three years of professional experience renders her incapable of leading senior professors is an outdated and elitist mindset. Universities are not mere bastions of hierarchy—they are enterprises, dynamic ecosystems requiring leaders who understand that modern academic institutions must function as centers of innovation and influence, not just tradition.

Leadership in today’s universities demands vision to see beyond immediate challenges, adaptability to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, and an unwavering focus on outcomes that benefit students, staff, and the institution as a whole. If Prof. Maikudi—or any candidate—has been vetted transparently and demonstrates the capacity to lead with these qualities, then objections rooted in tradition are not only misplaced but harmful to progress. Institutions must embrace leaders who drive transformation, not cling to the nostalgia of ineffective and exclusionary traditions.

The Absence of HR Processes: A Structural Flaw

One of the most glaring omissions in the UniAbuja crisis is the absence of a professional Human Resources (HR) framework in the leadership selection process. HR departments are designed to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and alignment with institutional goals. By establishing clear, objective criteria, HR-led processes can eliminate personal biases and political interference. Such frameworks prioritize merit and innovation, focusing on the qualities that truly matter in leadership. If HR processes had been in place, the controversies surrounding Prof. Maikudi’s candidacy and the subsequent chaos could have been avoided entirely.

The Way Forward: Reform and Innovation

The UniAbuja crisis highlights the urgent need for systemic reform in Nigerian academia. Institutions must adopt transparent governance models that prioritize student outcomes, embrace innovation, and break free from the constraints of tradition. Balanced HR frameworks must guide leadership appointments, ensuring that decisions are based on merit and institutional goals rather than personal or political interests. Universities must focus on selecting leaders who can adapt to global challenges, foster collaboration, and implement transformative policies.

Educating Key Stakeholders

Nigeria’s educational stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), university senates, and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), must urgently adapt to the evolving demands of modern university leadership. These institutions are not just centers for teaching and research—they are engines of national development and global competitiveness. For them to succeed, their leadership must reflect the qualities required to navigate complex challenges in a globalized world.

The Role of the Minister of Education and NUC

The Minister of Education and the NUC hold the power to champion reforms in university leadership appointments. By prioritizing transparency, merit, and innovation, they can introduce guidelines aligned with global best practices. Modern Vice-Chancellors must go beyond academic credentials to embody visionary leadership, strategic insight, and entrepreneurial abilities with a proven capacity to foster growth and collaboration.

University Senates and ASUU Must Embrace Change

ASUU, while vital in advocating for academic standards, must move beyond its attachment to outdated traditions and its interference in leadership selection. ASUU is not an HR department, and its influence often disrupts the reforms needed for progress. Likewise, university senates frequently act as gatekeepers of entrenched practices rather than champions of modernization.

This approach hinders not only universities but also students, the economy, and the broader educational system. Students suffer the most from outdated methods, as leadership controversies divert focus from modern curricula, improved facilities, and global opportunities. Universities need leaders who prioritize student-centered goals and institutional advancement over rigid academic hierarchies.

ASUU and senates must support environments that promote transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in leadership selection. Decisions should focus on candidates’ vision, innovation, and ability to secure funding and foster global partnerships. Adopting professional, merit-based frameworks will align Nigeria’s universities with international standards, benefiting students and the nation’s economic development.

The Importance of Open Competition

The debate over the Vice-Chancellor position at UniAbuja highlights the need to move beyond rigid academic benchmarks like 10 years of professorial experience or a long list of international publications. While these qualifications reflect academic dedication, they are not sufficient indicators of the leadership needed to guide a modern university. Leadership today demands vision, strategic thinking, and an inclusive approach to institutional growth, with a focus on delivering transformative academic experiences for students.

Modern universities prioritize leaders who can build international partnerships, secure funding, and foster collaborations that benefit students and faculty. Entrepreneurial skills and resource management are just as critical as academic credentials, ensuring institutions remain adaptive and competitive. Relying solely on traditional standards often excludes candidates with diverse, non-traditional experiences that could revolutionize governance.

Globally, universities are appointing leaders from entrepreneurial and professional backgrounds who bring creativity, adaptability, and global engagement to their roles. A Ph.D. or strict academic benchmarks are no longer mandatory; what matters is the ability to align institutional goals with societal impact and innovation.

UniAbuja has a chance to modernize its selection process by adopting inclusive and transparent criteria that value academic credibility alongside vision and innovation. Academic achievements like international publications are valuable but should not outweigh broader leadership qualities. Transformative leadership will ensure Nigerian universities can compete globally and provide exceptional opportunities for students and staff.

How Modern Societies Approach University Leadership

In modern educational systems, the process of selecting university leaders reflects professionalism, transparency, and alignment with institutional objectives. Unlike traditional methods that emphasize rigid academic benchmarks, these systems focus on attracting leaders who can inspire innovation and navigate complex global challenges. Human Resources (HR) departments play a pivotal role in ensuring that the selection process is fair, inclusive, and strategically oriented.

Comprehensive Job Advertisements

Universities in advanced societies craft detailed job advertisements that go beyond academic credentials to outline the leadership qualities, strategic vision, and practical skills required for the role. These advertisements attract a diverse pool of candidates, including those with entrepreneurial or professional backgrounds, ensuring that potential leaders are evaluated on their ability to meet the evolving demands of modern academia.

Merit-Based Selection Panels

The evaluation process is carried out by diverse, merit-based selection panels comprising internal and external stakeholders. These panels focus on candidates’ strategic vision, leadership capabilities, and track records of delivering measurable results. This ensures that the chosen leader has the capacity to drive institutional growth and foster an inclusive academic environment.

Embracing Transparency and Change for a Better Future

Modern university leadership demands openness and inclusion at every level of the selection process. By actively engaging students, faculty, and administrative bodies, universities can ensure that their leadership choices reflect the collective needs of the academic community. Professional oversight eliminates biases and ensures that decisions are made based on merit. If Nigerian universities adopt these approaches, they can move beyond outdated governance models, prioritizing innovation and growth to compete globally.

Leadership Beyond Academic Titles

A Vice-Chancellor or President should embody transformative leadership, far surpassing mere academic credentials. Insisting on outdated benchmarks risks rendering institutions irrelevant in a world that values innovation, adaptability, and visionary thinking. Leadership today must focus on advancing institutions to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

The time to break free from outdated practices in Nigerian universities is now. Sticking to rigid traditions only hinders progress while the world continues to evolve. Universities must prioritize inclusivity, innovation, and transformative leadership to achieve national and global educational goals.

The ongoing leadership crisis at UniAbuja highlights the critical need to refocus on students. A leadership framework that overlooks their needs is fundamentally flawed. Institutions must foster an environment where excellence in education, innovation, and inclusivity replace outdated traditions and administrative distractions.

What Does Infighting Bring?

Does infighting provide better facilities, reliable electricity, clean water, or smooth roads for growth? Does it offer students the innovative programs and global opportunities they need? Clearly not. Infighting only distracts from education’s true purpose, leaving students and society worse off.

This is the moment for UniAbuja and Nigerian universities to transform into engines of progress, focusing on students and adopting governance frameworks rooted in transparency, innovation, and inclusivity. Whoever emerges as Vice-Chancellor, whether it’s Prof. Aisha Maikudi or another candidate, it’s time to drop the emotional, sentimental, and personal power games. Let’s leave behind the ethnic, religious, and political nonsense that only divides and distracts. These petty squabbles do nothing to advance education or improve the lives of students.

What truly matters is creating an environment where learning thrives, students’ needs are prioritized, and universities serve as hubs of innovation and progress. Let the focus shift from power struggles to meaningful outcomes. The future of Nigerian academia demands leaders who can unite diverse perspectives and steer institutions toward global competitiveness. Let’s ensure this is the legacy UniAbuja leaves for its students and the nation.

Technical of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen, has asked for a decision to be taken quickly on the appointment of a substantive head coach for the Super Eagles.

Eguavoen assumed the role of interim head coach in September and guided the Super Eagles to 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

The NFF are, however, still looking to appoint an expatriate to tinker the three-time African champions.

The former defender has tasked the soccer house to hasten up the process ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which will resume in March 2025.

“All hands must be on deck, we want to try and qualify for the World Cup,” Eguavoen told Kennis FM.

“March is just around the corner. If we have to do something (about the team), we need to do it quick.

“That person should come in as quickly as possible, settle down, so that we could speak, tweak things, exchange ideas and talk about the way forward. The earlier the better.”

[DailyPost]

Within a mere four days, an estimated 70 people were recorded dead from three different instances of stampedes that occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State; and Abuja. In the case of Ibadan, the organisers had promised to give several gifts to as many as 5,000 children, but so many people turned up that the event went out of their control. Funny, when I heard the chief organiser, Olori Naomi Silekunola, promoting that event and saying they expect as many as 5,000 children, I briefly thought, “There we go again, the Nigerian penchant for stating figures without thinking of their import!”

In Nigeria, we have this habit of seeing figures as little more than zeroes on paper rather than an illuminative source of logical planning. Innumeracy—that is what they call it. While the term has been used for describing quantitatively incompetent individuals, it is hardly ever applied to a culture. But when you think about it, Nigeria variously suffers from this; it shows up when disasters like stampedes occur. Any event that involves 5,000 children will involve at least 2,500 parents if one parent brings two children. To Silekunola who kept announcing the number of expected guests and induced a hunger-driven public to attend her event, the idea of 5,000 children in a confined space probably never struck her as unwieldy. I doubt she can adequately visualise what 5,000 people would truly look like in space. Or she did not think so many people would respond to her invitation?

A statement attributed to Oriyomi Hamzat, one of the organisers of the carnival, stated that when he went to inspect the venue a day before the incident, she met Silekunola there, and “she said the place was more spacious than the place they wanted to use (earlier)”. But by what metrics did either she or Hamzat arrive at the logical conclusion that the place would be sufficient for the number of people they were expecting? Did they measure and calculate the space according to the number of people per square meter or simply use their eyes to judge? Did they factor in the number of exits and entrances necessary for a crowd that huge even if there were no gatecrashers?

Ideally, it should not be an individual event organiser’s job to work out the mathematics. It is the government’s responsibility to provide guidelines for every space where more than 50 people will gather. Every event centre should have safety protocols limiting the number of people who can occupy available space. You should also not be allowed to claim that you have a space that can contain, say 5,000, until you demonstrate the capacity to handle emergencies that can occur because of that many people staying within a confined space.

Not to exonerate the organisers of the event, but what was the Oyo State Government doing when they heard repeated announcements that 5,000 children were being invited to a carnival that would take place within a school compound? Now, they have arrested the event organisers, but are they taking responsibility for their own failures?

Our lack of quantitative sophistication is why we are a society where anyone can get away with anything. There is a reason we build a massive event centre to host large gatherings but forget to add parking spaces commensurate with the number of people we say can occupy the building. Hardly anyone even thinks of an evacuation plan as they design such buildings. God help you if a disaster breaks out.

An innumerate society does not count to plan; they plan and then count later. When they eventually count, they tamper with the figures because they are not looking for the truth; they just want to score some goals. That infidelity with numbers routinely shows up in every aspect of our lives. To date, nobody can definitively state the population of Nigeria. We go by exaggerated estimates. We plan in darkness.

Underlying the drama that followed the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics’ release of figures of kidnapping across the country is still the problem of our inability to count (and account for ourselves) properly. According to the 2024 NBS Crime Experience and Security Perception Report, 2.23 million kidnapping incidents reportedly occurred during the year, with 63.5 per cent of these occurring in the North-West geopolitical zone alone. The report stated that N2.2tn was paid as ransom, an average amount of N2.7m per incident. Not long after the report was published on their website, they rescinded it and claimed their website was hacked. And this is the organisation that is supposed to supply the government figures with the data with which they will plan our lives? I find their lack of institutional integrity more worrisome than their curious figures.

 Tinubu and his friend

One of the remarkable moments in the otherwise dull presidential chat that President Bola Tinubu had on Monday was when he referenced his friend. He said, “People are learning management. A friend used to brag to me that he had five Rolls Royce. The other day I saw him in his Honda Accord. He said that’s where you put me. I told him, ‘I did not put you there.’ But he said it was because of fuel prices that he could no longer maintain five limousine-type vehicles. It is not negative to learn to manage. Switch off the light to control your electricity bill. Let us learn to manage.”

Please file this under the list of things that never happened. Tinubu has no such friend. It is easy to tell he cooked up the story. Note that he did not say he actually ever saw the five Rolls Royce but only knew about it because the friend bragged about it. Yet, the same Tinubu who knew of his friend’s stupendous wealth through reported speech somehow saw him in a Honda Accord (and probably driving himself too)! Where and when did he manage to see this friend in a Honda? In Aso Rock or on the streets of Bourdillon?

In any case, stories like this one are not parsed for their truth value. We scrutinise them for what they say about the person telling them. Around this time in 2022, then-President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), revealed how a friend had begged him to speak to the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, to allocate him a parcel of land to sell so he could use the proceeds to marry another wife. As I said in an article then, the kind of conversations presidents have (or they say they do) with their friends is telling of their character and the quality of the company they keep. If you get a chance to talk to the president, even if he is your friend, you should be asking for a favour of land allocation to build an industry and not your sagged libido.

For Tinubu, whose “friend” is at best imaginary, this supposed conversation is telling of his sadism. If truly he had a friend who was stupendously wealthy enough to have five Rolls Royce and the person now drives a lesser-valued car, he should be seriously worried about that kind of misfortune under his administration. Even if the person were a political opponent, such a fate befalling them should be a loud indication to Tinubu that the country is not prospering. If a person who boasted five Rolls Royce can downgrade so much, that means the person who started with a Honda Accord is now crawling. If you were a humane leader, that would be an epiphanic moment. The revelation should have prompted you to vow to change the course of your nation’s fortunes, not dismiss such a staggering tale of oríburúkú as needful asceticism.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I commiserate with the families who lost loved ones to the stampedes of recent days in Ibadan, Oyo State, Okija, Anambra State and Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). There can be no greater tragedy than for anybody to die while looking for something to eat, especially during a festive season like this. So, for those in authority at all levels, the message should be clear. But from what I have been reading in recent days, it appears some may simply be looking for scapegoats while others are playing politics with a problem that has always been with us. In the process, important lessons are ignored. If only to honour the memories of the dead, we must not waste this moment.

While ordering a probe into the tragedies, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun “warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked…” These incidents, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Director General, Zubaida Umar, who also waded in, “undermine the goodwill behind charity events, turning acts of kindness into sources of grief due to poor planning and crowd control.” The impression being unwittingly created is that these tragedies would not have occurred if the police and other security agencies as well as NEMA ‘experts’ had been involved in planning and execution. Even President Bola Tinubu seems to have bought into that narrative considering what he said during his media chat on Monday night. But is the blame game supported by empirical fact?

On 23 February this year, seven people died following a stampede during the distribution of 25kg bags of rice at a discounted price of N10,000 by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos. Aside the fact that the NCS is a quango whose personnel bear arms, policemen were also at their zonal headquarters in Yaba when the stampede occurred. “Unforeseen challenges arose when we ran out of stock and announced the continuation of the exercise the following day, leading to a regrettable outcome,” spokesperson for the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, explained after the incident. “The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. In the stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded.”

A month later, two female students at the Nasarawa State University in Keffi, also died while 17 other students were injured following a stampede inside a hall where bags of rice were kept. Security personnel at the scene were reportedly ‘overpowered’. At the instance of Governor Abdullahi Sule, each tertiary school student in the State was to receive two 7.5kg bags of rice and N5,000 to cushion the effect of the difficult times in the country. “After our arrangement for the distribution of palliatives to the students that was to be held at the university’s convocation square, they (students) suddenly arrived at the venue in their numbers and overpowered security,” the Nasarawa State Students Association national president, Yunusa Yusuf Baduku, explained. “They (the students) broke through the gate into the hall where the bags of rice were to be shared. Unfortunately, most of our female students sustained injuries. We rushed several students to the school clinic and Federal Medical Centre Keffi. I learned that two female students died from suffocation.”

Given the foregoing, the self-righteous fixation about ‘criminal negligence’ on the part of organisers of these events may not be accurate. And it could be counterproductive. Since I arrived Ilorin last Saturday for the Christmas holiday, I have found it difficult to sleep well as I reflect on where I would probably be now if God had not intervened on behalf of our church three weeks ago when we organised a similar programme. Therefore, as much as I share in the grieve of the bereaved families, I also sympathise with the organisers of these events who must now be going through trauma. So, before I conclude with my take on these tragedies, I seek the indulgence of readers to share a personal experience.

The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where I worship in Abuja, features an annual programme that supports the less fortunate with gifts of food items and household wares during the Christmas period. Called ‘Tabitha Tent’, it was initiated by Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili in 2007 and continues with his successor, Evaristus Azodoh. Dependent on donations from church members (with some members also using their networks to get external support), the event is held on the first Saturday in December every year. While my wife and I had been actively involved from the beginning, Pastor Azodoh raised the stakes in 2019 by appointing me chairman of the organising committee. Our responsibilities include raising funds, procuring essential foodstuffs and coordinating the programme. I have able lieutenants in Modupe Ogundimu, the Lagos Zonal Director, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Elizabeth Ekpenyong, Director of Strategic Programmes, Debt Management Office (DMO) Abuja, Funke Abegunde, a teacher at the American International School, Abuja and Bello Bissalla, Managing Director/CEO, Beltina Printing Press.

Being both a retired army Colonel and a medical doctor (with his wife also a medical doctor), Pastor Azodoh ensured we had security and medical teams in place for the programme every year. Despite that, we have had situations of some participants going home with bruises and other minor injuries after being treated by our team of medical personal led by Dr Rosemary Nwokorie, a consultant anaesthesiologist and Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Asokoro General Hospital and Bayo Olakareem, a pharmacist. Last year, a woman broke her arm in the struggle at the gate. After the preliminary intervention by our medical team, I asked my driver to take her to the hospital with N50,000 as a deposit. Before they left the church premises, the woman asked to be given the money and just taken home. When all entreaties for her to be taken to the hospital proved futile, we acted as she demanded. She was around three weeks ago for this year’s edition and told us she had spent a fraction of the money to heal the arm through traditional methods. That is the kind of poverty you deal with at these charity programmes.

On Saturday, 7th December, our medical team was on ground and for security, we had ten policemen and another ten men from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to support them. These 20 official security people were joined by our 13 in-house security personnel (we have an expansive compound that also hosts both primary and secondary schools) and several Ministers/Workers. In the days preceding the event, as it was the practice every year, we (in the organising committee) also fasted and prayed together. On D-Day, we believed we were well covered despite the thousands who had camped outside our church premises from Friday 6th December—24 hours before the programme.

The programme started by 8am with beneficiaries (the number we could cater for) allowed entrance into the premises through a guided process once they collected the accreditation tags. Everything went well and by 10.30am we had concluded the sharing of foodstuffs to as many as 1,300 people – only clothing materials and shoes were left. By our arrangement, beneficiaries had to remain inside the church premises so that they could all leave at the same time since the number of people outside was almost three times the number inside. When we felt our assignment was completed, we asked the security personnel to open the two gates to allow beneficiaries to exit with their packs. That was when all hell broke loose.

The moment the gates were opened, the thousands of people outside rushed in. And that was the point of divine intervention. For some inexplicable reason, the people inside practically froze. Likewise with all the security men who became mere onlookers. That was how we were saved from what could have been a tragedy. If those inside had attempted moving out while those outside rushed in, as it almost always happens on such occasions, many lives would have been lost. Although Pastor Azodoh was evidently shaken by what we witnessed, I had a delayed reaction. It was only after the Ibadan tragedy that I began to ruminate on what could have happened at Tabitha Tent 2024!

The first lesson I take from ‘Tabitha Tent’ every year is how the level of desperation in our society continues to rise and the need for concerted efforts to deal with food insecurity for millions of our people. This is a programme that we do not advertise yet huge crowds turn up every year. Packs contain little more than rice, beans and garri (vegetable oil has disappeared from our list in the last two years) that would last no more than two weeks at most. Yet people come from as far as Nasarawa and Plateau States. Since they are mostly women, another story on its own, many come with their children. They sleep on bare ground outside the church premises and endure the scorching sun the next day. Meanwhile, some still go home empty-handed because the turn-out almost always exceeded our provision—even when we were catering for about 5,000 people.

Now to the critical issues. If you remove his usual divisive slant, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, is right to demand the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested over the Ibadan disaster. “Queen Naomi Silekunola in particular is well known for her philanthropic activities and nobody in his or her right mind will assume that she deliberately planned a massacre,” Akintola wrote following her arraignment along with two others on a four-count charge of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. “By the same token, the arrest of the principal of Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, was quite unnecessary because the alumni of that school have confirmed that the venue was approved by the Oyo State Ministry of Education and not by the principal acting unilaterally.”

The point for me is that in a nation where there is no safety net for the poor by the government at any level, criminalising charity work is unconscionable. How the programmes should be organized can be debated but it would be catastrophic if public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies were discouraged from supporting such programmes. That can easily happen with the way some officials are carrying on about seeking government permits bla bla bla. But there are also lessons that organisers of these charity programmes should take onboard going forward. As I wrote in my March column, ‘The Stampede for Food to Eat’ (https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/03/28/the-stampede-for-food-to-eat/), there is a lot we can all learn from the ‘Al-Habibiyyah Society Food Programme’ through which Imam Fuad Adeyemi has, for almost two decades, been feeding thousands of people every day in Abuja during Ramadan, in a flawless manner. The secret is that the Imam deploys several unarmed volunteers from the elite of our society because they can attest to his integrity. If you unleash too many arms-bearing security personnel to confront an army of hungry and desperate people where food is being shared, as is being suggested, you are inviting trouble. But we must also rethink the idea of a safety net for the poor beyond ‘palliatives’ that do not address the challenge of hunger in a sustainable manner.

Many have suggested that empowering the people through vocational training and providing funds for small scale businesses is the way to go for philanthropic organisations. I subscribe to the idea. But it is also not as easy as they imagine in a nation where not only are many people lazy but also have an entitled mentality. Four years ago, Pastor Azodoh expanded the mandate of ‘Tabitha Tent’ to include empowerment. We were to organize training programmes and give out loans to support small businesses. The church provided a tidy amount as seed money. I delegated Bissalla to handle that assignment. We would spend a lot of money to organize training programmes, invite resource people and at the end, only a few people would turn up. But when we ask for proposals on viable ideas that could be supported with soft loans, we would receive hundreds of applications, each requesting for millions of Naira “to do business”!

While investigations continue on the stampedes that claimed dozens of lives in Ibadan, Okija and Abuja, government agencies must be ready to provide the support needed to individuals and organizations carrying out acts of charity. They should not scare them away. Based on the demography of the casualties in the three recent tragedies, it is evident that victims are mostly women and children—the most vulnerable of any society. Considering that Nigeria’s population is predominantly youth based, there must be a deliberate policy to identify and implement empowerment initiatives that directly impact their lives and communities. But as a matter of urgency, the government must also address the root causes of the kind of poverty that pushes our people to the point of animalistic desperation.

I wish all my readers the compliment of this glorious season.

There are numerous reasons why we celebrate or mark dates: they are usually dates to remember, especially for good. In this column today, our focus is on two illustrious sons of Ekiti - Professor Niyi Osundare and the governor of the state, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji.

On Wednesday, 11th December, 2024, all roads led to the English Department, Faculty of Arts of the premier university, the University of Ibadan and the reason for the season, as they say, was the Poet Laureate, Professor Niyi Osundare. Teachers, friends, colleagues, students, comrades as well as family and well-wishers all gathered to mark the 10th anniversary of the occasion when Professor Osundare bagged the National Order of Merit Award.

In like manner, last Saturday was the 57th anniversary of the day the amiable governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, came to mother earth. Half-way through his first term in office, Oyebanji characteristically was self-effacing in marking his birthday; making it low key did not, however, allow it the luxury of escaping the attention of many, yours truly inclusive.

The theme of the Ibadan celebration was “Niyi Osundare: Ten years after, the harvest continues”. What harvest, if we may ask? The harvest of awards, recognitions and accolades for the Ikere-Ekiti born self-effacing poet of international repute. It was, indeed, a day of poetry reading, music and dance and the creme-de-la-creme of the literati were in ample supply.

If Osundare needs any introduction, not his poem on the country’s judiciary! It will be difficult to find anyone conversant with social media who has not come across Osundare’s caustic, even sarcastic, poem on the well-known corruption - a national malaise - that has not spared the hallowed chambers of the Judiciary, often touted, but now almost totally discredited, as the last hope of the common man.

But how many people also knew that “My Lord, where do I keep your bribe?” landed Osundare a lawsuit? He revealed at the 10th celebration of his Nigerian National Order of Merit award that human rights lawyer, Comrade Femi Falana, is the lawyer helping him with the court case (s) that, perhaps, his most popular poem of this generation attracted. So, Dele Farotimi was not the first to call out the judiciary, although the instruments applied by both Osundare and Farotimi differed. The judiciary must watch it!

Much of the encomiums poured on Prof. were not strange or new to me. During my NYSC year followed by an M. Sc. class at the premier university, Osundare was a senior Comrade that we all gathered around to advance the struggle for a better society. The fire has not dimmed in him. Speaker after speaker made reference to his humanity and selfless devotion to the cause of the oppressed and down-trodden.

Osundare's passion for learning and culture; his love for the environment; and the sadness that their mindless degradation engenders in him was palpable when he spoke about the felling of some iconic trees near the premier university’s First Gate: “Universities are known all over the world by their trees. Trees tell stories”, he said. “You cannot destroy your environment and still be at peace. If you don’t love the trees around you, you are not likely to love your neghbours”, he added. Profound! You begin to understand the love that the Whites show to their pets and the environment and how this impacts on their human-to-human relationship.

Apart from the environment, any humanity fearful of losing its very essence must know and cherish its history. Hear this: “Ti a ba tan (if we shine or glow)/ Ti a ko ba ni itan (But know not our history or have no history)/ A kii pee taan (It won't take long before we expire)”. What, then, do we make of the way History has been relegated to the background in our country today? The elders say: "Any diety that the elders alone worship/That the coming generations are not introduced to/Will sooner than later go into extinction”. The same goes for History that is not taught to coming generations.

When Osundare said his heart bleeds seeing people being cheated, I knew he has not changed a bit from the Osundare I knew as far back as 1982, despite the vicissitudes of life and his travels and sojourn in many countries and continents of the world. In his essential humanity, despite all accolades and shining academic laurels, he remains as constant as the Northern Stars!
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Fifty-seven thunderous applause for the governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji (aka BAO) who celebrated his 57th birthday last Saturday. For two reasons, I have closely followed BAO’s activities in office. One, because of his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, a Yoruba “Omoluwabi” personified. Initially, I had my reservations about BAO because of the “warfare” that preceded his clinching the coveted post.

Godfather-godson relationships seldom yield good dividends and they also hardly last. So I thought Ekiti would follow a similar pattern - but so far, so good. Silver and gold have I not to give to BAO but what I have give I thee - and for the wise, it is more precious than gems and rubbies: Three areas where I think any governor in the South-west should focus attention are security of life and property, food security, and education. BAO should redouble his efforts in these key areas.

More than ever before, the stampede over food palliatives occasioning loss of lives across the country dictate that we prioritize food production, which is impossible in an atmosphere of insecurity. That the South-west has fallen in the pecking order in the field of education also calls for serious action to redress the situation. Congratulations and happy birthday!

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Why are Yoruba the “problem” of Nigeria?

The reasons the Yoruba are always controversial can be located in the Yoruba system of values where money comes a distant sixth position. You may wish to interrogate the first three values said to be held in high esteem by the Yoruba (of old?). The first is “làákàyè” - the application of knowledge, wisdom and understanding (Ogbón and ìmò òye). The second is “Ìwà Ọmọlúwàbí” (integrity). Someone with integrity is a man/woman of their word. If you have all the wealth in the world but lack integrity, you are not worth a thing. Integrity is combined with “ìwà” (character) which we regard as “Omolúàbí”. The third is “Akínkanjú” or “Ìwà Akin “ (valour). That is why “Balógun” is second-in-command in Yoruba land. The Balóguns lead the people to war - leading with great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. Yoruba people have no respect for cowards. Money is said to be number six on that value scale, coming after gainful employment and valour. - Owo is one platform.

I am proud to be Yoruba, the most tolerant nationality in Nigeria! And if there will be an opportunity to come back to this world again and to choose what ethnic group to belong to, I will choose Yoruba again and again! What of the giant strides of the Yoruba in Christianity, beginning with Samuel Ajayi Crowther of the Anglican church to Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola of CAC of the 1930 revival “isoji” Oke-Oye of Ilesa fame; to Moses Orimolade of the C&S; Bilewu Oshoffa of the CCC; to the present Baba Adeboye of RCCG, Baba Kumuyi of Deeper Life, Baba Oyedepo of Living Faith Worldwide and a host of others! Yoruba lead in courage, hard work and commerce; they are self-made; display wisdom in almost every good thing while others follow! - Engr. James Awolowo Olayemi, Odo-Owa, Kwara State.

It is in our stars! The more others hate us, the more empowered we become! We are the only ethnic nationality that still remembers its progenitor,Oduduwa, and to empathize with him physically and spiritually. We shared so many things with Israel. We are the eyes of the Almighty .The more others hate us, the more powerful we become.Those who love us are blessed by God. We have what we call Yoruba ethos; go against it, you are doomed! Align with other enemies of the race to betray our ethos, Karma deals with you. - Akoso Atayese.

Your opinion speaks volumes to the authorities. Whether they get the message and do the needful is another thing entirely. But posterity will judge! I hope those concerned will see it and not only read it but digest and act on it. I wish the authorities will also play their part and see to it that there is total freedom for all and sundry. - Aderemi ajadi Desalu.

The mind enjoys having a thread of thoughts to hold on to or rap a human being around. Yet, it is the individual being that is held to account for his actions and not the tribe, religion or class to which he belongs. Why? Because at school we have no option but to gang or play together as classmates, close friends, etc. until it is time to graduate. This world is a school. We come here as individuals who find ourselves as classmates, close friends, etc. because we are born into a family, then tribe, with all that goes with it; yet, we go back alone like we came! By the way, has it ever occurred to you that it is with the mind that we love and hate at the same time? - Henry Atenaga.

Our culture, our character, our liberalism, our honesty, our forthrightness, our confidence, and many more virtues set the Yoruba apart! My worry, however, is if we are passing such to the next generation. - Bola Olowo.

Wishing all my highly esteemed readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Take my word for it: T-Pain will soon become T-Pleasure or I promise to join the march as we storm our own Bastilles at Bourdilion, Ikoyi, Lagos. Let it not get to that, please!

Former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-Chief, BOLAWOLE was also Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Westerner newsmagazine. He writes the ON THE LORD'S DAY column in the Sunday Tribune and TREASURES column in the New Telegraph newspaper on Wednesdays. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

The saga of Speed Darlington’s detention and subsequent release has been a whirlwind of drama and social commentary, captivating the attention of Nigerians and sparking debates about accountability, the rule of law, and the use of power. With Speed Darlington now set free, it is important to reflect on the lessons this episode holds for him and others, particularly Burna Boy, whose actions played a pivotal role in the incident.

For those unfamiliar, Speed Darlington’s troubles began when he allegedly fell afoul of Burna Boy, the Nigerian music icon known for his larger-than-life persona and global acclaim. The conflict reportedly escalated to the point where the police became involved, leading to Speed Darlington’s arrest. While details of the incident remain contested, one fact is clear: the situation underscores the complexities of personal responsibility, the wielding of influence, and the principles of justice.

Now that Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, has been granted freedom, it is time for introspection. Both parties must examine their roles in this debacle, as the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of actions taken without regard for the rule of law and mutual respect.

Akpi’s release should be seen not as an exoneration but as an opportunity for a fresh start. His freedom comes with a caveat: to go and sin no more. The public has watched too many figures stumble into avoidable controversies, only to emerge unrepentant and unchanged. Akpi must resist this trend.

First and foremost, Akpi should seize this moment to reflect on his actions and how they contributed to the escalation of the conflict. Was there a lapse in judgment, a failure to communicate effectively, or a tendency to provoke unnecessary disputes? Whatever the case, self-reflection is a vital step toward personal growth and public redemption.

Moreover, Akpi must recognize the weight of public opinion and the responsibilities that come with being in the spotlight. Whether he is a public figure or an ordinary individual, his actions resonate beyond his immediate circle. By choosing to lead a life marked by integrity and peace, Akpi can transform this negative episode into a story of resilience and reform.

On the other hand, Burna Boy, as a global star and influential figure, must also learn crucial lessons from this incident. The use of law enforcement should never be a substitute for personal responsibility or a way to flex one’s influence. The law is a sacred institution designed to ensure justice, not a weapon to settle personal scores or intimidate others.

In fact, Burna Boy’s reported involvement in escalating the situation to the point of involving the police reflects poorly on his stature as a role model. With great power comes great responsibility, and Burna Boy must understand that his actions set an example for millions of fans worldwide. By resorting to the police in what appears to be a personal matter, he inadvertently undermines the respect for the rule of law and portrays himself as a figure above reproach.

Instead, Burna Boy should channel his influence into fostering peace and dialogue. As a prominent public figure, he has the resources and platform to resolve conflicts amicably, setting a positive example for his fans and followers. The respect and admiration he enjoys should not be squandered on actions that reflect poorly on his character.

This incident also highlights the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining justice and impartiality. The police should serve as an unbiased arbiter of the law, ensuring fairness and equality in their dealings with all parties involved. Situations like these test the credibility of the police force and its commitment to justice.

Without a doubt, the police’s involvement in the Akpi-Burna Boy saga should be a reminder of the need for transparency and professionalism in law enforcement. Rather than being drawn into personal disputes, the police must prioritize the larger interests of justice and maintain their integrity.

Beyond the individuals involved, this incident also holds lessons for the public. Social media reactions to the Akpi and Burna Boy case revealed a mix of support, criticism, and outright sensationalism. While public discourse is essential, it must be guided by fairness and responsibility. Amplifying conflicts without understanding the full context only fuels division and misunderstanding.

As a society, we must strive to hold individuals accountable without resorting to baseless accusations or personal attacks. The focus should be on fostering an environment where justice prevails and personal differences are resolved constructively.

Ultimately, the Akpi-Burna Boy saga is a microcosm of larger societal issues. It is a story of conflict, power dynamics, and the quest for justice. Yet, it also offers an opportunity for growth and transformation.

For Akpi, this is a chance to rebuild his reputation and lead a life marked by integrity and responsibility. For Burna Boy, it is a moment to reflect on the ethical use of his influence and the importance of respecting the law. And for the rest of us, it is a reminder of the values that underpin a just and equitable society.

As the dust settles on this controversy, let us hope that all parties involved emerge wiser and more committed to fostering peace and respect. In the words of the biblical admonition, Akpi must go and sin no more, while Burna Boy must learn to let the law take its rightful course, rather than bending it to his will.

This incident should not merely be remembered as a celebrity spat gone wrong but as a turning point that inspired reflection, accountability, and positive change. Let us all take these lessons to heart, ensuring that such controversies serve as stepping stones toward a more just and harmonious society. Without a doubt, particularly as not a few people thought Akpi would spend his Christmas in detention, it is not a misnomer to opine that the release of Akpi was quite speedy, and that it is a meted justice Burna Boy shouldn’t burn.

The Oshodi-Isolo Local Government is set to rename Liverpool Road in Oshodi-Isolo after Seyi Tinubu, the son of Mr. President Bola Tinubu.

Chairman of the council, Kehinde Oloyede, explained that the decision was “borne out of his immense contributions to youth and community development.

According to Oloyode, in a statement shared on the LG’s X handle by his media aid, “All is now set for the renaming of Liverpool Road in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government after the son of Nigeria’s President, Amb. Seyi Tinubu.”

When contacted to confirm the claim, one of media aides to the Chairman of Oshodi –Isolo council said, The road, which is strategic to Oshodi and one of the major roads linking Oshodi/Apapa Expressway and connecting the international airport, “would soon be commissioned and renamed in Seyi Tinubu’s honour at a date to be announced.”

Oloyode, claimed “The road was a lion’s den, as no one could dare pass it either during the day or at night.”

He, however, noted that upon his assumption of office, the criminal elements, who had been using the road as a hideout before its reconstruction were all chased away.

[Opinion Nigeria]