₦airaland Forum

Yanju Uwala

One should not say because there is freedom of speech or expression of ideas now makes one to be voicing out something that is liable to cause francas in the society. But rather we should attempt to make moves towards building and development of the society.

Rather than making this happen, the Muslim Right Concern (MURIC) Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, was of the view that the death occuring in Kano State, was aimed towards depopulating the Muslim population in the State. By the way, how can that be possible? Is the State Governor, Umar Ganduje, a Jehovah Witness member or President Muhammadu Buhari, a Pastor of an undisclosed Church?

One needs to ask the MURIC Director, because I think he must have seen what others are yet to perceive before he comes out with such insinuation.

Prof Akintola, is not just coming out for the first time to defame others with reference to his religious belief, he's even referred to as the 'Controversial MURIC Director', but there is a need to call him to order, since we the Nation is at helm of religious differences, against what can cause enemity among the people or cause chaos, so therefore someone must not be fueling it again.

He, also has a reputation for using MURIC to make alarmist claims, some of them false. In January, he tried to drive Muslims against Amotekun, a popular south-west initiate to combat insecurity. He tagged the initiative “an ostensibly anti-Muslim security network (coming) into operation in Yorubaland.”

Many Nigerians, including Muslims, have repeatedly denounced Mr Akintola’s MURIC rhetoric, warning him to rise above bigotry and instead promote harmonious co-existence by adherents of all religions as espoused by the Holy Quran.

The media space was agog yesterday even till this morning with the incident of a young man, named, Tosin Odunfa, who asked the Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, to stand up from his seat, in as much they board same airplane. Everyone had made their own comment on the scenario, and I have been opportuned to read many comments on the issue too as many had blasted the young man questioning him, why act in such "disrespectful manner", and at same time, some supported his choice of options. While giving his own side of the story, it is like he's sorry about his decision because he made it clear that he was not informed about who WS was but he has updated himself and read up on him. He also said that he was a PhD holder in an American university, Mannittawiw.

I won't say much about the incident because it has been discussed all throughout yesterday but I will talk more on what the young man said Prof. discussed with him, as a youth. He said, " He thinks that Nigerian youths need to stand up more for themselves than we do" and he spoke to me about the ideals they tried to promote when he co-founded a secret society in his youth.

This is the point of view in which we the youth and younger ones need to come into array, the system is going off on us and we are happy, we keep following these poli'thief'icians and we don't even know where our future hands us to. Yet their own future, their own wards are enjoying their lifetime in foreign lands/countries. Prof Soyinka, has enlightened the young man, Tosin Odunfa, that he doesn't have any issue with him, on exchange of seats but as Nigerian youths they (we) need to stand up for our rights as soon as possible.

He added, "I have read up on him now and know for sure that Wole Soyinka is a great man but I sadly was not taught about him in school. We exchanged contact information and I will certainly stay in touch"

I am not in for same position others have uttered out since yesterday but look from another view on the issue on ground, which could be of importance to we, the youths especially...we need to overlook that area and look into another to get vital lessons from it. It is important.

Yanju Uwala
Abeokuta, Ogun State

Today, I will be speaking on two different issues, which is of course are battling our political ideologies as an individual and as a country, our inability to reflect on these ideologies as been making us fail yet we believe we are succeeding in our political endeavours. Don't we think we going to get alongside well in this country of ours soon? If we think so, what are the lines of thought we are thinking along to achieve this?

We do complain and express sadness over actions and inactions of our government, yet we are same persons who follow them all about, we do their biddings, we are like slaves to them and we don't think of of our tomorrow whenever we are with them. What is the reason for this? What do call for this? These incidents do happen in almost all states, and yet we do not hesitate to recall our thinking faculty of what will happen to us later even after these people leaves the seat.

I can recall, a situation when a taxi-cab driver was boasting for supporting a former governor who contested for a senatorial position, saying he gave him N100,000 for their prayers, now when asked what he did with the money, he said he used for the completion of his house. Many of people like this abound in our society, in our states and that is why we are not moving forwarding in this country. Tell me, how can we, when we keep on selling our future to the present incident?

Secondly, these same people we keep backing are once, twice or thrice senators, governors, honourable, speakers, and throughout their tenure during this period, nothing tangible can be said they achieved for their state or locality they represent, yet they will come out during another election period and you will also throw support for them...are they the only persons in the society contesting the election or what makes them more valuable than others?

What is the reason behind this, maybe I can be convinced better. When shall we think out of our closet, these our political actors have turned the political positions to their own and personal home-space, and for the reasons, they deem it fit to give it to anyone who they like, be it their family members or accomplices and as a result, they decide what comes in and out of the position; so what do we achieve as citizen at end of the day?

Yet, our country has not been getting along well to the democratic principles, we are not doing we in it at all. We abuse every previleges that comes with it. But the fact remains that we don't know what we want. The issue now is that what do we want, the only thing is that we, people who are supposed to decide what we want are not doing this at all, and this is what our political leaders knew that they now decided to keep at bay making to suffer, and offering us the unexpected, and we will fall for it.

Haven't we think that whenever there is a need for election, they call on the people to vote them, this is because the people are the power and because of this, we also have the power to also demand what we want from the government, but unfortunately we have lost this purpose.

Can we get this purpose back, and if yes, how soon?

'Yanju Uwala
Abeokuta, Ogun State

So our prayers has not been reaching the throne of grace before?

orisa37:
Prayer that will reach The Throne of Grace IJN is the only Key.

Yanju Uwala

Let me start by stating that I am a firm believer in the power of prayers and a strongholder of it likewise, and to point out that it is the only fore-front for every living soul on this troubled earth. However, it also depends on whoever we turn our heart of prayers to with the assurance of a favourable response as the time goes on. Yet, out of the same items for answering of prayers is faith, which I will likened to action.

But this is what we have missed out as people, in reference to praying for our dear country, this despite our prayers in whatever form, yet it seems nothing is working or that God isn't hearing our pleas pertaining to the situation of the country, but despite all these, we have failed to put into necessary action to augment what are praying for, and to make it work, because praying without work is in vain, likewise faith without work will also result to shambles. I am of the believe that God is of great assurance and of strong faith which must be put to test, to work out.

As earlier noted, I am not against the power of prayers neither will I counter its effect in life, but some situations warrants that actions needs to be put along prayers in order to get a good results at end of the day. We don't just need to commence a week or a month fasting and prayer for the reformation of the country, without we working out things ourselves. My dear readers, it won't work out. Yes, it won't work out.

Two Nigerian state governors have expressed their different opinions on the power of prayers towards the numerous challenges facing the country. Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, has said that true Christianity expects us to the responsibility of praying ceaselessly and fervently for our leaders, and also reminded to also pray for our country to enable us to overcome the numerous challenges, which we currently face as a nation, the incidents of insurgency, armed banditry, armed robbery, kidnappings, corruption and many other crimes bedeviling our country can be addressed by prayers.

On the other hand, his counterpart, Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo said that prayers are good but Nigeria does not need prayers. So what do we need? Dankwambo said, all we need are competent leaders. A correct belief I will say. Dankwambo, was against the belief by some politicians and clergymen who have, over time, called for prayers for the country to witness divine direction, when he gave this assertion.

On this, I will go with Governor Dankwambo's suggestion on the tool to resuscitate our dear country, as he said not that prayers isn't good but there are need for more action to be put in place to make our prayers work more effectively, also we can't keep praying when we are doing wrong things and yet we expect a meaningful change within the society, how can that be possible? It is not possible and cannot be possible. But let me put it here that only those who can see beyond their nose will know what is happening in the country now and we now expect only prayers to change it without physical man activities to effect a turnaround.

Another challenge we are facing in Nigeria is that, we are a country of religious people and yet we are not godly, that is why we have make only prayers as the tool to make a turnaround for a better society, and in reference to Governor Dankwambo's suggestion, if we keep on electing bad leaders, we keep on stealing what is meant for the goodwill of the society, we keep on hating ourselves based on ethnicity, language, educational and tribal difference, we keep on being hypocrites, we keep on being docile and not ready for a change, we keep on being corrupt across our various boards, agencies, yet we keep going to mosques, churches and praying for a turnaround, what is the assurance that it will happen?

A country that will have its crusade grounds filled up to the extreme but a call for protest against a bad decision of government will only have few people around, yet we want a better country. I remember discussing with someone today when she expressed her full mind that she has lost all hope in Nigeria and I asked her, what will she tell her children and grandchildren if they asked her, why her generation let the country be like this in her time, she answered that she will tell them that that is how it has been from the days of our fore-fathers, and yet this lady might be among those praying fervently for a change of the system of the country, but yet she's not ready to participate in effecting a change.

You may argue that there are situations whereby prayers have been said and also answered with tangible evidences within the country to forestall some incidents, well, I quite agree on that, but you should know that prayer requests are different from each other.

Yanju Uwala

When the report was made that Zainab Aliyu has been released yesterday, it was a news that made the sphere rolling and everyone was excited, why? This was because, Zainab Aliyu had been implicated as a drug trafficker in Saudi Arabia, and the judgment for any of this offenders is execution in the land. However, the Nigerian government waded into action to secure her release and it was done immediately to avoid her facing the stringent judgment.

Indeed, we may see this as a call for celebration, especially on the part of the government doing its best to ensure the security of a Nigerian, especially when faced with a criminal case that is not true, but do you know that there is also a Nigerian, Kudirat Adeshola Afolabi that also faced same criminal offence like Zainab and was also implicated (not guilty) but was executed at end of the day, on April, 1, to be precise. What could have been the reason for this? Could it be because of ethnic differences or the relationship between these people and the government?

Whatever could have been the reason, the way and manner the administration worked towards the release of Aliyu should have been same way they ought to have worked to secure the freedom of Afolabi, even though they knew she was implicated (not guilty of the offence). This I was made to know through the Nigeria-Consul in Saudi Arabia when they wrote a memo to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, about this case; but the minister decided to ignore the memo or rather do nothing against it.

"There exists a criminal syndicate collaborating with greedy officials of some airlines at MAKIA, notably Ethiopian and Egyptian Airlines, who connive to check in drug-laden bags, using passenger’s particulars without their consent or knowledge;

“Nigerian victims of the activities of these criminal gangs were arrested and detained in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking offences they did not commit...."

Also, the Special Adviser to the Presidency on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who expressed concern that some of the trials of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia have not been transparent and fair.

She even said that Afolabi was unfairly executed.

"We keep appealing to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure their trial is fair," Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said.

However, what could have prompted the same government that failed to secure the freedom of these Nigerians who are free of drug trafficking now coming back to action to secure freedom of Zainab Aliyu, even within a month? This question remains a big one on mind of everyone to answer.

We could say that the execution of innocent Nigerians could have be the failure on part of Onyeama and Dabiri-Erewa, but all same they are part of the present administration and they have made the administration to become more engrossed in the failure of a system which has been part of it ever since.

A twitter user, Engr Remi Opakunle tweeted this: "The Consul is reported to have said there was no response to his letters. The impending execution was widely reported in the media before Adeshola was executed 2 weeks ago. That was one needless death, of an innocent, that shouldn't have happened.

“Imagine being on Death row and facing death every day with the knowledge that you are innocent, the misery, the torture of facing certain death with the full knowledge that you are innocent, that is totally, totally inhumane....

“Kudirat Adeshola Afolabi, your country failed you, your government failed you, Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un Rest in peace and may your soul find rest and succor with your maker.”

Well, I won't really say it's all fault or failure of the President Muhammadu Buhari but of a bad system which we have been quite involved in ever since, even we were "deceived" to be ready for change. But is this change we were told to get ready for?

Time will tell...

Yanju Uwala in Abeokuta

A 200 level student of Federal University of Agriculture,(FUNAAB) Abeokuta, Bisola Oladapo is now facing a death threat, as she is battling to survive Leukemia ailment, which requires the sum of N15 million to undergo treatment which will save her life

Penpushing reports that the 19-year old Nutrition and Dietetics student of the university has called on Nigerians to assist her with financial donations in order to make her go ahead with treatment of Leukemia, which she has been battling with over seven months ago.

The brother of the troubled undergraduate, in a phone conversation with Penpushing, revealed that the family had been able to generate N5.5million of the total expected money, but still call on Nigerians to help save the life of her sister. He recalled that started in November, 2018.

"Prior to this time when the illness started, it started as a normal sickness, so we took her to Lantoro Hospital, Abeokuta, but they were questioning tuberculosis and anaemia, but at a point, they said it wasn't tuberculosis anymore but they were questioning anemia, so she was transfused and discharged her on the claim that she was fine in December, 2018’ the brother said

"But in January, this year, we realised that she was ill and took her back to Lantoro Hospital, and it was there we realised that her PCV (Blood level) was 7%, then we were surprised and trying to question why her blood level was dropping’

‘So we were asked to take her to University College Hospital, Ibadan, but they can't determine reason why her blood level was dropping, so we took her to UCH in January and getting there, she spent a month and half there and when we got there too, they were questioning Leukemia, because of the reports written at Lantoro pointing to Leukemia, we did series of tests but we couldn't get any result but she was treated and discharged, that was around February, but in March, she was told to be coming back for medical checkup every two weeks, so she went for the first one, second one and the third one she went for that was when she complained that she was having pains’

"But when we they realised that we are financially handicapped and no-man power to run around, they wrote us a referral letter which brought down to Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, last week Wednesday", he added.

Penpushing further reports that, Oladapo, said that the Consultant they spoke with made the family realised that they needed N15million for the treatment, adding, "the consultant we spoke to made us realised that we need N15 million for the treatment, but so far, so good, we have been able to realise N5.5 million and that we means we need about N9.5 million to meet up, so we call on good-minded Nigerians to help financially, God bless you all".

Meanwhile, an account has been open for the patient with Polaris Bank, with account number , 3049241817

Technical Details:
Title of Book: Victor Banjo (An Untold Account of the Nigerian Civil War)

Author: Deji Yesufu

Publisher: Joe -Tolalu and Associates

Place of Publication: Nigeria

Date of Publication: 2018

Number of Pages: 98

Price: N2000

Available at: Havillah Bookshop, Allen-Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos State. Tel: 0802 318 9597

Reviewer: Yanju Uwala

Book Review:
The Book, "Victor Banjo (An Untold Account of the Nigerian Civil War)", is basically about Nigeria’s post colonial days; which, of course, would include events that occurred before, during and after the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970. The book is basically on the life of the late Lt. Col. Victor Banjo and his involvement on the first Nigerian coup, which occurred in January 15, 1966. There have been insinuations that Victor Banjo had knowledge of the coup. The author went to great length to prove that this was not true, though Banjo was imprisoned for it.

The book reveal that at independence Northern Nigeria had some advantages over other regions of the country because the colonial masters had attributed a greater population to that region. This was done because they desired that the North would rule the country, all because of their malicious position against many Southern Nigerians. Northern Nigeria would have preferred that the British held the government until a later time, therefore the British rewarded them handsomely for their submissiveness. Thus, Nigeria began as a nation with the North possessing these political advantages. But crisis was inevitable. Within the Western Region, in which its Premier Chief Ladoke Akintola, formed alliance with the Northern region in order to deal with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was an active opposition to the Northern government. And in its ability to weaken the political strength of the Western Nigeria, the Balewa government created the Mid-western region.

This actions led to differences amidst the different regions within the country. It led to the first military coup which occurred in 1966. The coup revolved around three persons: Major Chukwuma "Kaduna" Nzeogwu, Major Adewale Ademoyega and Major Ifeajuana Emmanuel. Their decision to strike was to bring back political restructuring of the country, create a country with a voice in the comity of nations and an enviable foreign policy; institute free and compulsory education for all Nigerian children, among other plans. The coup did occur as planned but the implication was that persons like Victor Banjo and others fell victim of it. Banjo was imprisoned, while many others were killed. Banjo spent fourteen months in detention before he was released by Colonel. Emeka Ojukwu, who was then the leader of Biafra, while General Yakubu Gowon was the Head of state of the rest of Nigeria. When Banjo was released, he stayed with Ojukwu, who was his friend in the Enugu government House, but at the later end Banjo was betrayed by his friend.

The lessons from Victor Banjo's life is enough to serve as a guide for us in the country and also correct our national ills. Banjo’s life is a historical narrative of events that Nigeria witnessed from January 1966 through the early days of the Nigerian civil war. In addition, it reveals the kind of system we have been running in the country even before these present time; the kind of partiality among political office holders and so on.

The book also chronicles the different types and personality of our different Military leaders, who are still living till today. The book spoke of Gowon among others, his activities and the role he played in Banjo’s death. In the final chapter of the book, the author asked whether we can avoid a reoccurrence of these events in Nigeria? That question suggests that we are already in the period of difficulty as a country, and if care isn't taken we would have a repeat of the Nigerian civil war.

But to avoid such, every one must be conversant with history of this country and be ready to learn from our past mistakes. This book, Victor Banjo, which is a memoir on the Nigerian civil war, should be a guide for all Nigerian youths; be it students, graduates or those in the labour market. Every Nigerian should be guided by the lessons in this book so that we can use the lessons of the past to build a better tomorrow.

Is like you don't understand why he supposed to be there and that's why he's giving reason for not coming. Maybe you need to understand Nigerian style of politics well and the virtual relationship between two of them, so with that you won't talk like this.

jrusky:
Honestly i dont really see big deal in Tinubu not present at the occasion because I don't think he signed any contract with Buhari to always be wherever Buhari goes and beside surely he might have other issues to attend to which might make it impossible for him to attend.

I just see the Buhari and Tinubu absent on each other important day as just coincidence and not delibrate.

Yanju Uwala in Abeokuta

The National President, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, has describe the rumours going about the death of Babatunde Omidina (aka Baba Suwe) as fake news.

Penpushing can report that Omidina who was ill has been transported to the United States of America for further treatment was said to be dead, amidst unconfirmed speculations on Tuesday (today).

Mr Amusan, while speaking on a video via his Instagram (@MrLatin1510) he said that the news about Baba Suwe is fake, it is a fake news and he is alive.

"Good afternoon, the purported rumour about Baba Suwe death's is fake, it is fake news. Baba Suwe is alive, he is presently in America undergoing treatment,

"I thank you all for your support, for your concern. I want to tell you authoritavely that Baba Suwe is alive, he is hale and healthy, he is healthy, nothing happens to him. Thank you and God bless you".

However, in another video obtained by Penpushing saw Omidina, who also described the news going about his death as rumours. He said he is presently in America for his treatment.

Yanju Uwala in Abeokuta

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has debunked claims that the scheme had added extra months to its service years.

Penpushing can report that there has been rumours that the scheme had added extra months to its service years making it thirteen months.

However, in a tweet via the scheme's help centre (@NyscHelpCenter) states thus: "RUMOR ALERT!!!

"Please ignore the Rumor in circulation that NYSC has added extra months for corp Members,

"That News is totally False...NYSC is Still a one (1) year scheme,

"The only thing increased for Corp Members is their monthly Allowance".

However, the scheme also tweeted the increment in the allowances of the corps members, stating: "31,800 for our Corp members every month,

"Retweet if you are happy"

Yanju Uwala in Abeokuta

A new shake up has emerged within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme has Brigadier-General Shu'aibu Ibrahim as been appointed to replace Major-General Suleiman Kazaure.

Penpushing can report that this shake up was after Kazaure clocked three years in office having arrived the National Directorate Headquarters of NYSC, in 2016.

However, it was also gathered that Ibrahim is the Registrar of the Nigeria Army University (NAU), Biu, Borno State, North-Eastern Nigeria.

A senior official within the scheme says an official announcement is expected to follow soon, according to a report by a Nigerian website, Aledeh.com, disclosed on Friday night.

Penpushing also understands that Kazaure is the 17th Chief Executive Officer of the NYSC Scheme, while on the other hand, Ibrahim’s appointment automatically makes him the 18th Chief Executive Officer of the NYSC Scheme.

During Kazaure’s tenure, he expanded the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme through the establishment of more skill centres and greater stakeholders’ involvement for skill and material support.

Kazaure is a well-learned scientist with enviable academic credentials while Ibrahim, on the other hand, is a historian.

Meanwhile, the shakeup in the scheme is coming at the time President Muhammadu Buhari signed the new national minimum bill into law, a situation which will see Nigerian workers receive N30,000 monthly as against the current N18,000.

Penpushing can also gathered that Corp members across the country have expressed optimism of getting an increased allowance from the current N19,800 monthly allowance following the signing of the bill by the President.

Are you a bad Nigerian?

MrPlasma:
We should see good Nigerians that will help her

I know, a friend told me, but you guys better talk to yourselves else they will embezzle your money. We wrote them open letter here and interviewed one of the staff, also we protested online.

Dikegodspower:
Not only in ogun
Imo state is yet to pay

Sure people hates the truth....but one must keep saying it even to the point of death. I don't care.

MyVILLAGEpeople:
Yelobam moozelems and BMC zombies will still attack you for saying the Truth.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner,

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),

Ogun State.

Sir

Open Letter Over The Delay In Payment Of Our Governorship And House Of Assembly Elections Allowances In Ogun State

We, the members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who served as ad-hoc staff during the last governorship and house of assembly elections in Ogun State has been waiting earnestly and assiduously for the payment of our allowances over the elections which was held on the 9th March, 2019. From that time till now, we can say it is over five weeks since the elections has come and has gone, and the winner had been declared, and even offended individuals and political parties has gone to the election tribunal to raise agitations over the elections.

In as much that is not our own concern, but just to tell the public that many things has come and gone since the Governorship and House of Assembly elections, yet we have not been paid our allowances as expected. This is taking much of time which is not supposed to be, and as part of your promise to the ad-hoc staff, which you're now reneging on especially in the state.

We have heard from our friends serving in other states like Ondo State, Lagos State, Osun State, Kaduna State, among other states that they have been paid their allowance, even some have forgotten that they have been paid, if none of them has been paid till now, we would have believed and suggested that the delay is from the national body of INEC, but these our colleagues in their respective states have received theirs, but what is causing the delay of in Ogun State? What could have been causing this delay?

We need to be paid our allowances, since it is part of the perquisites to work with the commission, why are we now denied it?

But could it be that the state electoral commission is trying to garner financial interest over the allowance or what? Whatever might be the delay, should have been tackled, and not up to this moment, because it is getting out of hand, we have been patient enough to have waited until this time, I think we need some commendation and the commission also needs to do that by paying our allowances now, not even soon.

An Online news reported that the Administrative Secretary said that we would be paid soon but he refused to disclose when, and this is upto a week when the news was reported, so how true is that statement by the commission representative? Hope we are not going into another unexpected "calamitous journey" which is being experienced in public offices across the country, and of course is not making the country to develop as expected. And we ask again, hope we are not going through same step?

However, as expected, we call on the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Abdulganiy Raji, to use his good office to order the quick remittance of our allowances now, and not to destroy his reputation with the delay.

We believe that with this open letter, something urgent must be done urgently, and we believe that, we are looking forward to the good result onto everyone.

Thank you.

Those causing you pains, those putting you into excessive labour without something tangible to show for it, those showing you the way of poverty and penury, those who are using your own life to better their own, those who doesn't consider your own but care much about themselves (though they are leaders), those who controls the state and region resources, those who are more and higher than the law of the land yet you're liable to any unworthy offence, those who kill you for the redemption and regeneration of their own lives and family members.

Yet, you celebrate them, you come online to shower praises and even prayers on them. You tell the world that they are "building people", you make a fool of yourself before them, they serve for just 4 or 8 years and they will not queue to collect their pensions or even missed a month, but you that worked for 35 years will be crying/pleading to collect your peanuts called Pensions, yet you're praising them.

They are your God and lords, they left the country to another country to celebrate their 25 years of genocide attack, yet we are yet to remember those who lost their lives during our civil war.

We think they are in for change as they claim, yet they are for worse, yet we worship them. The youths are even the worst of it, even though you can let our older ones continue to support them, must you also follow trail?

Those who were vociferous during the days of President Goodluck Jonathan were quiet now. I pray God open your voice against this government once again.

All I know is that one day, we will be alright last last.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Twitter: @samade327

Yanju Uwala in Abeokuta

Her name is Sarah Morenikeji Àjàyí , 18 years old whose parents are not well to do. She was a promising girl with desire to be well educated and become important personality in the society, but she is now at a cross road to fulfill his dream, following her health predicaments which seems to be a stumbling block

Penpushing reports that, Sarah who was in her Senior Secondary School Class in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, met her health problems when she lost her sight, and as a result of the poor financial status of her parents, the condition got out of hand.

Ironically, as she was battling with this visual impairment, a male neighbor in her vicinity, took advantage of her plight, impregnated her, and disappeared into the wind. The baby of the ‘emergency’ affairs is now three months old.

‘It started when I was during my childhood days, I was still seven years old then, and we went to the hospital and I was told my condition was cataract, and on the line, my daddy died and then the condition got worsen’, she narrated.

‘We didn't have the money to go to the hospital and then after some years, I went back and I was told that I have another eye problem, which is eyeline detachment/cataract, and with that, the eye keeps getting worse and I now went back to the hospital and was told that we will need almost N700, 000 for surgery because that's the only solution’.

Penpushing further reports, that, the family could not afford the hospital bill and this development worsen the situation. The father is late, also her mother who is her 30’s works as a housemaid, and to have three square meal a day is also a serious challenge for the family.

However, Sarah and her mother had made several efforts to seek for support over this worrisome development, having visited number of hospitals, to seek solution, but it dawned on them when the Eye Consultant at University College Hospital(UCH),Ibadan broke the sad news of permanent blindness of the girl.

Penpushing reports that, after the University College Hospital (UCH) medical checkup, a referral letter with reference number Ajayi Sarah/1142291/F/18yrs, dated January 28, 2019 was issued for her to go to University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

The letter reads, "Kindly see the above named patient who presents with 10 year background history of poor vision, BCS loss of vision RE x 8 yrs/sudden drop in vision on LEx3YRS.On examination VA(R) NLP (L) LP ith inaccurate projection,360 secctnissiopupilae in BES with partially absorbed cataract with no view of fundal details"

The letter signed by Dr Oluleye added, ’Ocularuss(R) closed fugal retinal detachment with cystic formation. Patient has been counseled on account of poor visual prognosis. She is therefore being referred to you for rehabilitation and follow up care.

Penpushing also reports that, following the development, and couple with the distance of the rehabilitation centre, a School for the blind in Lagos was considered as best option, in view of the fact that, the parents’ resident in Abeokuta, which is about 45 minutes’ drive.

As at the time of this report, contact had been made to the School for the Blind in Lagos, for her rehabilitation and to adjust to a new life, having herself showed eagerness to attend the college, and expressed optimism that she would make it in life.

Penpushing reports that, the major challenge of the girl is how to finance the education, and therefore needs help and sponsorship, and towards this an account had been open for her in her name with the Unity Bank Plc. The account details are; Ajayi Serak Morenikeji 0039642109, Unity Bank

The girl further explained, ‘what we are planning is that when we went to University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, we were told that there is no solution to the eye again and it has been about three years, that I went to the place I was told I needed surgery, so as at now, there is no solution to it again. The money we are trying to raise is for the purpose of me going back to school, that is the school of the blind’.

Yanju Uwala

Is it not enough time we tell ourselves the truth? At least it's almost 60 years we been together as a nation, so it's time we tell ourselves the plain truth. If I am to ask, how many of us feel good about the situation of this nation? I know only few will give positive response and this few might belong to high classes (the rich men) who controls the situation of Nigeria.

However, at the other side, many people will respond negatively to how they feel about Nigeria. Almost everyday I do read about peoples reactions to what the country is passing through, is it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, even on the online media. The fact is that Nigerians are getting tired of the present situation of the country. I don't want to talk about either past or present administration, since all of them have failed, no need to start comparing any of them.

But yet, we Nigerians are not making the best out of the opportunity we have, we keep on misusing the chances we get, what could been a reason for this? Yet, we keep lamenting about the situation of the country and we are not ready to take a drastic step to change the situation we are in. Among the truth, I am to tell you, is that our politicians know what we are facing, they cannot claim not to know, it's just like the management of a school treating it's students in a bad way, they know but they want them to talk and react then they will change the scenario on ground. Same thing applies to our leaders in this entity called Nigeria. They want us to revolt against their decision either through any cause so that they will make things work but we are not even ready for that ourselves and yet we keep complaining.

Is it not among us that we will be fighting one another over religious issues, is it not among ourselves that we will be supporting these evil people, just because you have the belief that they are building people which of course is for their own selfish interest. Is it not we people that will keep quiet because they have given us some stipend, is it not same people that will sell our votes for a non-better candidate during Election because of stipends, is it not same we people that do fight ourselves because of these politicians that are for their own personal interest. Yet we keep complaining, lamenting and crying over bad leadership, bad government....when shall we get over this?

Have we forgotten that power belongs to us, the people or aren't we practising democracy again? If not, then let's know whether we are into military regime, so as to keep quiet but since we are under democratic system, we have the right to demand for what we want, because we believe that we are the one that put them there, so let's tell them this is what we want, and this is not what we want. Again, this is the time to come together irrespective of our religious and ethnic affiliations, let's work together for the betterment of our lives and our upcoming generations, these politicians doesn't know these 'religious and ethnic' affiliations when embezzling our country within themselves, so why must we have that hindrance between ourselves?
This is a question that we need to ask ourselves.

I believe it's time to laugh and smile over the situation of our country, we if not all, have the belief that all will be well, the nation will change for the better, we have the faith but having the faith without work will not come into reality. Let's reason with ourselves and be ready to face our government. It's not about this governor or senator is from my home town or community, please if he is not doing as expected, you have the power as noble citizen to call for his head, I mean ask him to do the needful or be recalled.

Nigeria is a country of great opportunities and innovations, do you think I will really blame those who were arrested in UAE for attacking a shopping mall, or the one arrested for shipping drug into Saudi Arabia? No, I won't, because of our country is doing well, they won't find themselves in such trade, or even accept it if they were asked to do it. Don't we have Nigerians doing well in foreign climes in any field, but why are they known when they got there, why can't they make the name here? Why has our government failed us in everything? We need to ask ourselves these questions if we want to change the situation of our lives and our country.

Let's stop making politics a way of life in Nigeria, let's stop giving much attention to it, the truth is that it's just used to take away our senses and used by them to manipulate us for their own personal benefits. I believe we can wake up and say Enough Is Enough.

The nation belongs to us, we should not allow our children to question us, "Why do we allow situation of things like this during our time?" It will be very pathetic and critical to answer or even face them to respond. We can still change the trend of time.

A Stitch in Time saves Nine!

Twitter: @samade327

Dear Parents,

Greetings. It is not likely that I will post any mesg on your platform after this.
I must express my shock at the behavior of some parents and their messages against the VC and the University in recent times.

It is not common for VCs to exchange words with parents or students over matters of University rules, discipline and morals. I’m not sure you individual parents interacted with your VCs where you studied. My simplicity and availability has been abused and that has to be withdrawn forthwith.

You sent your children to Ajayi Crowther University believing that they will get good education and sound morals. The discipline here is no where near that of some sister Christian Universities which are over subscribed. The developments going on here academically, spiritually and infrastructure-wise has been much improved and works are ongoing to make things better. Students ought to have some endurance and not be spoilt with claims and rights that shouldn’t be fought over.

*What happened recently?*

1. ACU would have resumed for second semester on 25th Feb. Due to the shift in date of elections, we changed resumption to 16th March (more than two weeks) yet many students resumed many days after the deadline! And you want us to tolerate that? Parents who habour students when they ought to be in school are themselves not disciplined. You can’t raise next generation with the same corrupt and indisciplined ethos that has ruined Nigeria. We eventually allowed all late comers in after keeping them waiting outside gate for few hours as punishment for them to learn how to obey rules of punctuality. Parents who disobey rules and set bad examples do not expect red carpet treatment just because they paid fees for their children’s education.

2. A student committed sexual immorality and confessed in writing to have had sex with two female students in classroom and was placed on suspension pending trial yet the Parents proceeded to sue the University and post insults against the University, forgetting that we have rules and that the two girls also have parents who have been hurt, and innocent students who might be badly influenced.

3. You complain about light, water, etc. We put on generator for students between 6-8am, 10-1pm and 6-10pm daily in addition to when PHCN gives power supply. We spend N3.7m monthly on PHCN bill and buy 20,000 liters of diesel monthly to run ten generators, totaling about 8million Naira per month yet the University does not receive one kobo in subventions from the proprietor, Anglican Church. We forget that even in our homes do we always have light?

4. Do you know that the hostels, except one, do not belong to the University and that we remit the rent to the owners who do not maintain the facilities? We spend our own money to carry out repairs in hostels that do not belong to us. In this last semester we have spent about 5 million Naira to repair facilities including providing alternative water system, purchase 185 fans, sockets, toilets, nets, etc.

5. You parents decided that we should compel your children to observe daily library hours, which is one reason students are complaining. Be it known that in a three floor library in which we have invested over 30 Million Naira in recent accreditation exercise, you will hardly find five students reading there. They are all busy with their phones: browsing rubbish. They don’t read except a few serious ones who end up with good grades. Many end up in third class. Some hardly attend classes for up to a week yet they turn up for exams and are disallowed. They think that once they paid fees, they are entitled to be passed. Bad homes produce bad students.

6. Recently Deans reported that less than 10 students were found in their respective faculties during a period when more than 1,600 students should be in class. Your children are mostly unserious. They want to play around with opposite sex unchecked, they want to go to town to smoke hemp or prostitute. But we gated them and as a result the University is now well rebranded.

6. We decided to lock hostels during lecture periods in order to force them to go to class or library. But you parents protested asking for "freedom" that will eventually destroy the moral and academic lives of these children. You same parents who have your children elsewhere obey the more stringent rules at Covenant and Babcock Universities, etc and you want Anglican Church’s University to tolerate trash!
Based on your protest we have after one day’s trial, reopened the hostels at all hours and released your children to choose whether to study or sleep in hostel when they should be in classes. They now have freedom to choose whether to fail or pass. We shall henceforth not treat them, in your words, like "Secondary school students". Some of you will bear the consequences of your indiscretion. But we will not allow anyone teach us how to run our system.

7. Parents who find it difficult to abide by our rules and regulations are kindly advised to withdraw their children. We are not desperate to keep any student here. We will sanction hemp and drug users, those who bully others and want to behave like cultists and sexual perverts. Those who can’t train their children well will not be allowed to corrupt other children here.

8. May I advise that no parent should call me on phone on any matter concerning students henceforth. The Dean of students will attend to the public on complaints.
I wish you all the best and may you and your children do that which is right in the sight of God and for the future good of the coming generations. Amen.

Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju,
Vice-Chancellor,
Ajayi Crowther University

Yanju Uwala

The journey of little Success Adegor, student of Okotie Eboh Primary School, Sapele, Delta State, into limelight was not premeditated or foreseen to be but as we believe that whatever fate has in stock for one must surely come to play. We all know what brought out little Success into light, and whatever is being done to salvage her situation from being grounded especially from different people towards her education, as I believe that such talent shouldn't allowed to go down like that. Of course, in the viral video that went around, her intonation showed that she values education for her to be committed to being flogged than being sent home for non-payment of the examination fees.

But to tell ourselves the plain truth, this scenario that played out for Success shouldn't have been at all, and this is telling us that this is the real face of Nigeria staring directly at us. What is the situation of our educational system in the country, across all states, and across the local governments? What is the situation of our educational background?

Baby Success is now popular, and every body wants to pay her fees to university level. A lot of celebrities want to be the ones that pay her school fees, they want to be known with her, they are trying to do publicity stunt, as if there is no other "Success" on the street, or in every corner of this country. How many have you helped?

There is a naked kid on your street, there is one which parents are not able to pay his or her school fees, living in front of your house, you're not showing compassion towards that "Success". There is a kid sleeping with an empty stomach, yet ordinary biscuits you failed to buy for her, you won't because the video or Facebook isn't turned towards your side and no one is watching you. Hypocrites everywhere!!

There is no doubt we have a failed government everywhere, or why is it after the trending video that the Delta State government now realized that it must renovate the diaplitated school, in which Success went, or that is when they will suspend the headteacher for collecting fees which is not supposed to be, yet we ourselves as individuals kept failing ourselves. We keep doing ourselves, we are yet to get things to be done appropriately as to get the desired result but as at now, we kept making same mistake and we want to get a desired, and yet it is not possible.

You all looking for Baby Success, go next door and put a smile on a kid's face, there are a lot of baby Successes around us. Help a kid today.......

Follow via Twitter: @samade327

Yanju Uwala

Many times I keep asking myself if the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has not deviated from its primary purpose of establishment, which of course is to create a bound between the citizens of the country.

We all know that the scheme was established after the civil war which ended in 1970, and the scheme came up three years after (1973) by the General Yakubu Gowon's regime.

But the activities of the scheme over the years has been of concern to the people, infact no one really have faith in it again, infact, anyone going for it as at present is just going for the sake of necessity, not because of its objectives.

The scheme is now seen as a "scam" and this is because of various activities going on within the scheme which I will justify in this piece, I understood the basics of the scheme but of course, it has failed to deliver on this premise and this is now making people not have trust in it again.

We can remember the certificate forgery case of former Finance minister, Kemi Adeosun, and the role NYSC played before she eventually resigned herself from the cabinet. Indeed, NYSC knew the certificate was forged but they could not talk straight on it, rather they said that they will be investigating the "purported" certificate and it rather took them days, weeks and months to unravel the mystery behind the forged certificate, even though she left on her own, without any response from the scheme.

This has of course called for concern, especially when the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay, said that the scheme is of no relevance again, as far he's concerned, and that there is nothing bad if one doesn't engage in it. One should have understood what made him said this if not for the present state the scheme is portraying itself to the public.

The NYSC in the recent times have started becoming a tool to strengthen corruption practices in the country. Does that means, it is outliving its usefulness? Graduates under service now pay money to some people to abscond serving, yet they pay these ghost-serving graduates, in which the money is being shared among the duos, also people now redeploy from where they were earlier posted to another place that seems favourable to them, in as much cash is involved, no problem.

Another scenario just played out again recently on the credibility of the scheme, the issue of Yusuf Buhari, the son of President Muhammadu Buhari, which of course needs to be cleared. How can he passed out since he's a Batch C corp member, and yet passed out with the Batch A set. This really needs to be unraveled.

If we all remember that this same Yusuf Buhari had a motorbike accident in December, 2017 and was admitted in Cedacrest Hospital in Abuja, however he was discharged from the hospital on January 12, 2018 and flown to abroad for further treatment. He came back to the country, March 1, 2018 and he began his NYSC scheme, 11 months after the accident, even after graduating from the University of Surrey, UK, two years ahead.

So as at December, 2018, when Batch C were in their orientation camp, he was also with them at the Kubwa orientation camp, Abuja. So how come other Batch C corps members has not passed out and he has passed out? This is very intriguing.

The NYSC scheme is a platform to inculcate social values into the life of Nigerian youths but what we keep getting is the opposite, what could have been the reasons, are there no responsive way to find a solution, or do we go along the lines it's being played, if yes, then we are yet to tell ourselves we are building a nation.

Well, I don't want to believe that the scheme is a scam as it been portrayed all over the places especially among corps members but at same time, the scheme needs to wash out it's hands from the shady deal of whatever it might be involving itself.

Its necessary before it's too late.

Follow on Twitter via: @samade327

Yanju Uwala in Abeokuta

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has declared that, he would disgrace the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC),if the congress insist in embarking a protest scheduled to take place next Tuesday, March 5 in the State.

Penpushing reports that, the out-going Governor made the declaration on Thursday while featuring on a radio live programme with a clear warning that, the Wabba led administration should stay away from the State in their own interested

‘I learnt that some people are planning to stage a protest in the State, to be led by the National President of NLC, Comrade Wabba, tell them to stay away or they will be disgraced. They are coming here to play politics, tell them that they will be disgraced,” Amosun declared.

Penpushing recalled that, the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) had earlier issued out a statement on the planned protest over what it described as “anti-workers policies” of the State Government. and also in reaction to the Governor’s threat, the congress described the threat against the planned protest by as empty.

However, in a statement, The State Chairman of the Congress, Comrade Akeem Ambali, in a statement said the scheduled protest would hold and Governor Amosun would further be exposed.

“Labour wish to State that the empty threat and denial of evident diversion of bailout funds by Federal Government and Paris funds refund which was meant for payment of backlog of unpaid deductions like Cooperative, shilling fund, Ileya and Xmas savings of Ogun Workers running into billions of Naira."

Penpushing further reports that, Ambali while listing other grievances of the Labour, said “refusal to pay Salary and Allowances of TASCE Omu Workers and Proscription illegally of Trade Unions in Omu, fraudulent diversion of Ogun Workers Contributory Pension Deductions running into 105 months the highest in Nigeria,

“Reduction of Retirees Gratuity against Pension Laws, Unpaid Gratuities to Public Servants in Ogun State, threats to life of Labour Leaders, suspension and dismissal of Labour leaders without following due process in order to cow and crippled Labour Unions to enable him continue this anti labour policies cannot be seen by any reasonably mind as just nor a Godly or tagged political move by Labour against Government.

“Labour therefore wish to counsel Ogun State Government that instead of resulting to blackmail, intimidation and brigandary to oppress workers, it will be more honourable to adopt a mature approach of dialogue with Labour before Tuesday 5th March to resolve these issues as no man has a monopoly of power and wisdom most especially when this immunity covered position will expire within 3 months’.

“Ogun State indigenes does not want to be tagged as citizens of State notorious of disparaging, insulting elders, national and Global leaders but mature, civilized and intelligently led people. We wish to notify all Security Agencies to be more vigilant and provide security covers to all Labour leaders to prevent their assassination before, during and after the mother of all protest coming up next week Tuesday.

“Finally Ogun NLC wish to state that since Governor Amosun was already aware of the postponement of the peaceful rally to Tuesday 5th March his Macho man interview today is unnecessary.

”Conclusively, we reiterate that the Protest will go as planned on Tuesday and call on all courageous Ogun State workers, wetirees, veterans and labour leaders to come out en masse to join all Labour leaders to condemn and force Ogun State Government to change this Anti Labour Policies and programmes. Let’s show that No Government will succeed in crippling Labour”.

For the present electioneering period we are in now in the country, we can see many past and present public officer holders, who contested for the senatorial offices, in which we have some of them who successfully had their bid, while others were rejected at the polls.

However, despite this, the question keeps re-occuring to me, whether politics is now a means of putting food on the table, to check for our daily bread, or it is a means to serve the people, provide basic amenities for them, make the society worthwhile for the people and be a frontier of excellence for their various places of representation.

The way our politicians view service to the people isn't in line with the global accepted description at all, it is like politics is a means to enrich oneself and garner resources at the detriment of the people who asked him to represent them at the national or state levels.

According to Wikipedia, politics refers to a set of activities associated with the governance of a country, or an area. It involves making decisions that apply to members of a group. In this sense, the way of making life more conducive and convenient for the people, the society evolves around politics, there is no life development that can do without the involvement of politics.

But why do we turn around and discard the meaning of politics in Nigeria for our own selfish purpose and reasons?.

Sina Kawonise, a former commissioner of Information and governorship candidate in Ogun State, always reiterate that there are two types of politicians, namely: Professional politicians and professional in politics. He opts for the second type, in which he believes he's in politics to change the life of the people and to give them a better hope.

Again, for him and as much as I accepted his opinion, the professional politicians are there to make money and will be contesting every time elections beckons. This is not too good enough as a country, we need to change our perspective towards what politics really means and what it informs.

Their is no doubt our politicians do have a job before contesting, some are accountants with firms, some are doctors, some are engineers, lawyers among others, why not go back to your first choice of profession after your term has expired as either a governor, or senator, why coming back to the senate again, why coming back to house of representatives again? Is it that no one can beat your records or you're the best in the locality? No, you're not, please go and retire, you've done your best, let others come along.

However, the people also have a lot to play in this regards, we should stop voting for a second runner for a political office, let's take a cue from Kwara and Oyo States, whether the candidate had offended the electorates or not let's tell him or her that it's ENOUGH, we need another good hand, and by that everyone will be involved in the change of the society and not just for a particular person.

It's your job and mine to make this happen. And it will be great if we can, as it will create a lot of development in our land.

Yanju Uwala,
Abeokuta

After strict, rugged and rigorous campaigns across the country for the purpose of electing a leader for the next four democratic government, a winner had emerged, Muhammadu Buhari, has been declared by the commission.

However, there is a need to look into every sides of the electioneering processes and take a lesson or two from what has really involved in the process, this is not really for the candidates, because they already knew what they are doing unlike Nigerians who will who have issues among themselves because of their different political beliefs and ideologies, which should not be.

We need to sheath our sword, face reality of making the nation develop than what it was, and in making this come to pass, I will also urge the number two winner, Atiku Abubakar, not a loser because all candidates are winners, though it have levels, to concede and put a call through to the first winner, has adviced by Dele Momodu, he has really for the good fight but lost the battle. While all Nigerians should focus in how we can have electoral reforms, good governance and promote unity in diversity.

It is now that we should embark on nation building, because this is when good governance should commence and we should hold responsible anyone who's elected and failed to do whatever he's expected to do.

The people have the power, has we have elected the winner now, good governance does not know party, class, race or tribe, because all those belonging to these factors will enjoy from it when it becomes sweet at end of the day.

We must not go to sleep again, we must engage, participate and contribute to nation building, we must be involved and If we are active in the polity as we have been during this election period, there is a large probability and assurance that Nigeria will be better and become great.

However, this is not a period to grief or gloat but a period of sober reflections. In elections the people should the winners through good governance and democratic deliverables and not the party.

All of us should come together irrespective of our political ideologies, groups and difference, remember when it's good, it won't be for a particular party or members, it is for all.

As we have everyone having different religious beliefs, and yet we are good friends, politics is not war, politics is a game of power & power is transient.

We are all winners in this election, if we are united in demanding a winner in the just concluded elections, we can also come together to demand for equity, justice & fairness in our society.

Congratulations to Nigerians, Muhammadu Buhari is President of Nigeria, not of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Nigerians regardless party affiliations voted for him, not just his party people voted for him. Same gesture should be made towards our desire for good governance in the country.

I still believe in great Nigeria. Congratulations Nigerians once again!

Yanju Uwala,
Abeokuta

Still on the deportation of 723 Nigerians from Ghana. I have written two opinions on this, and this would be the third one. In the first two piece, I criticised Nigerians and the Nigerians government, asking them to stay over in their country and build it as to become a place of jealous for other nations in Africa and around the world. I believe this can be done.

However, in the piece, I will be focusing on the action of the Ghana government on the deportation of these Nigerians, in as much they committed illegal activities which is of course culpable of making them to be deported, which one again is "illegal stay".

According to the Ghana Immigration Service, Comptroller-General, Kwame Tayi, he said "81 Nigerians were deported on alleged cybercrime and illegal stay in January, while 115 have so far been deported on the allegation of overstay and prostitution"

Illegal overstay here to me means without necessary papers or documents of residency, Now what of Nigerians doing legal job there and without necessary documents, will they also be booted out soon? I need to know

The issue of illegal stay doesn't augur well, if they want to be deported because of their crimes, then let it be, but adding illegal stay to it doesn't work well at all.

I will go with the words of Nigeria High commissioner to Ghana, Mr Michael Abikoye, who said "Although, the GIS had linked prostitution and cybercrimes as some of the reasons for the deportation, it is improper to deport Nigerians for alleged illegal stay in Ghana.

“There are several Ghanaians living in Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service has never deported any of them on the grounds of illegal stay because of the brotherliness between our countries,”

The Ghanaian government needs to ammend it's law on the illegal stay proposition.

Recently, I posted about the deportation of 723 Nigerians from Ghana, however, these people were deported on basis of doing illegal works such as cybercrimes, armed robbery and kidnapping, prostitution, among other things.

My Ghanaian friend, Kwabena Nsiah Churchboy Collins, when he was studying here as a student, I knew him well, as a hustler, he will do any kind of menial hard jobs available for the purpose of livelihood.

Aside him, are there no Ghanaians we do meet that do any work in Nigeria that is legal for the purpose of livelihood.

Kwabena, who is now back home, said this when he saw the news of Nigerians deported from Ghana, "Nigerians here in Ghana do otherwise, Cyber crimes, armed robbery and other things. Kidnapping, some months ago was strange to Ghana but today, the country is recording kidnap cases at an alarming rate and all involve Nigerians"

Isn't this shameful?

So Ghana deported 723 Nigerians yesterday and the FG is raising agitations, why?

Pls build your home and this will stop Nigerians from "poke-nosing" into other people's home/country.

If Ghana/Ghanaians didn't built their home to the point of going there to poke-nose will you be deported and will the FG be wailing?

Don't just bear "Giant of Africa" through mouth or on paper, make it happen, let's be that giant indeed.

"Time is a gift that most of us take for granted" - Cheryl Richardson

Time is very important in life, no one wish to waste a time for something not important, nor use one time for another thing, even the Holy Books affirm it that there is time for everything on earth, so for life to move on in peace and for progress, one must adhere with the timing of a particular purpose, or a position wherever we found ourselves, but if there's an attempt to elongate the time without a reason, then it calls for serious attention.

As far, as I am concerned every reputable higher institutions in Nigeria, have a governing council in which they have a particular period in which their members do serve and after their service expires, new members are brought in, this is irrespective whether it is federal, state or private owned. This is done to bring in new ideas, suggestions, towards the development and growth of such institution.

But the question is, why is the foremost school of journalism in Nigeria own different, I mean the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos State, why is her own different? The board members have been serving ever since before I got admitted at the school in year 2013 and till today, they are still at the wheel of affairs in the school. I may not be sure of when they began their tenure but I am sure that they are behind the emergence of the new NIJ, as it is called, ever since the licensing of the institution in 2003 and the accreditation in 2005, that is almost 16 years ago.

Though they are supposed to serve two terms, of which a single term is three years, so two terms is six years, and no member shall serve for more than two terms, which is according to their condition of service.

Though, the condition of service has been ammended and a term is now six years, but if this would be implemented it shouldn't be on this present board members, it should be on the new board members, which the school is yet to have, but if the former Provost can be replaced with a new one, after the expiration of her term, why can't the present board members also leave for new ones to come in?

Perhaps, there is something "sweet" about the board, that the members do not want to leave but this present time is begging for change in the system, the students are not happy, the staffs are not smiling, even the past students keep asking when are these people leaving? It is time for them to leave and let new members come in for transformation of the institution, at least they have done their best, let others come in.

Another point to note is that the year of service has enshrined in the old condition of service before is 60 years but now it is 65 years, and by this, it means anyone who's above 60 years should not be part of the council members, yet the board have some of its members who are far above the age limit, talkless of its chairman who is 76 years old.

The school needs to improve on its training facility, and quality of leadership, particularly at the level of the board. The board has really overstayed and have lost touch with the contemporary needs of a training institution like NIJ. These people are old and tired, they know little or nothing on what to do to bring the institute to limelight again. What do they know about modern day journalism? Infact, their archaic knowledge of journalism, might have led to the delay of the recent radio license gotten by the institution, in which they should have strive hard to get it earlier.
Who says the school must have old men and women as board members, or why can't they have old students has board members, infact it is high time past students emerge as members of the board, as I believe this would even help to develop the institution, by making them committed to their alumni. NIJ had produced many important personalities in and outside the country, but has any of these identify with NIJ? How has the board marketed NIJ among employers and tertiary institutions for further education here in Nigeria and abroad? Yet the board consists of the representatives of top associations in the media.

Time is up for Mallam Ismaila Isa and his colleagues to leave, you have done your best, but one cannot occupy a place forever, please kindly take your leave as soon as possible, as your continuous stay is injurious to the institution.

Follow me via: @samade327