₦airaland Forum

Omooba Dotun Babayemi’s story still confounds very many people within the political circles with his silent and calm political moves which often leaves many people wondering and confused. People wonder how a man who joined politics in less than two decades has climbed to the top of the political ladder in Osun state with little or no blemish.

Understandably, Omooba Dotun Babayemi’s reputation precedes him. He was the son of the immediate past Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Dr Solomon Oyewole Babayemi, an erudite historian whose historical record of service at the university of Ibadan and the institute of African studies, Ibadan where he had a chequered career up until the mid-1980s was understandably acknowledged as legendary. Omooba Dotun Babayemi studied law at the prestigious Ogun state university, Ago iwoye and later became a barrister at law at the Nigerian law school Abuja in 1990. Although a lawyer of distinction, yet, Omooba Dotun is better known for his great exploits in the board room with rich experience in the corporate world and with his hands in big corporate pies.

There is no doubt that Dotun’s mien and affable disposition in Osun politics in the last few years has been on the upward trajectory due to his passion for grassroots mobilization and philanthropy to the masses of the Osun people. A man with little or no political blemish or baggage, a trusted bridge builder and an outstanding and experienced technocrat with audacious personality. Omooba is no doubt a man whose proclivity for building bridges and making friends across the massive political landscape is effortless, deep and well rooted in his philosophy of building time-tested and lasting relationships.

A glance at his background, calm demeanor, composure and genuine modesty often shows his passion, determination and knack for working assiduously behind the scenes to make a landmark achievements in whatever he does. His accomplishments and fantastic life style is no doubt a reflection of his roots, upbringing, humility and commitment to good ideals. This nobility lifestyle is evident in his many strides in business and philanthropy as well as his unique style of quiet dignity.

ODB quiet philanthropy paints a fuller picture of a steely, focused, and a determined political figure with a heart of gold and compassion for the needy and no matter how life had treated Omooba or how many obstacles had been thrown his way, ODB remains a perfect example of a man of remarkable integrity, resilience and a strong man who accepts “ no retreat, no surrender” maxim. His life is focused on uplifting others and he believes in the need to empower the people with information, skills and financial resources so that they can make affirmative choices in life. His focus no doubt is connected to his compassionate nature for the poor, the vulnerable, the unemployed, the uneducated through which his vantage large heart of philanthropy has helped to empower many.

At the mention of his name, very many things often come to mind: passion, service, entrepreneurship, law, politics, leadership, philanthropy, selflessness, courage, values, humility and quiet dignity which belies his huge status and reputation as a frontline APC gubernatorial aspirant in Osun State. Thus, fueled by a desire to give back to the society after working as a successful legal luminary, private investor and corporate helmsman for several decades, ODB is no doubt inspired by great passion for public service to contest for the osun governorship at this critical moment of our political history. A man of extraordinary qualifications, ability, character, experience, integrity and vision.

At a defining moment like this, Osun state requires a man of helicopter intelligence, a man of global exposure, a witty, insightful, articulate personality and a bridge builder who is capable of galvanizing enormous political goodwill from across the state. A man that is unfailingly polite and an embodiment of civility. A team player with good comportment and a high sense of humor.

Omooba Dotun Babayemi perfectly fits into these qualities as a leader who can build good direction, overall development and great leadership for the state. He is a man of incredible determination to succeed at all times, a man of valour, a man with high energy drive with balanced ego, a man of strength, strong conviction and someone that money cannot easily sway his resolve. A social thinker and a complete development strategist of no mean repute. ***There is no doubt that anyone who loves finesse and dignity will not fail to admire Omooba’s strength and courage.

Omooba Dotun Babayemi is a leader of remarkable vision and values. A man with uncanny ability to inspire, bring and unite people to achieve genuine success. Omooba is an amazing aspirant who could inspire the people, lift our value system and renew our belief that Osun best days lies very much ahead. A man of extraordinary gift of leadership and the right character that’s needed to propel Osun forward to greater victory comes 2026. A man who connects very well with men and women from every spectrum of life. A sound thinker, Savvy, political colossus, an enigma, a man of unwavering commitment to Osun ideals. A man who speaks very eloquently with persuasive logic and fascination.

A man who has managed and sustained wealth, a good manager of material and human resources and not someone capable of plunging the state economy into unprecedented abyss. A man who has a thriving political structures and alignments across the state and which can give the ruling party a huge run for their money. Omooba Dotun Babayemi is well positioned to lead the party back to power in 2026 if given the opportunity. His zeal, courage and steadfast commitment to the party is evident and immeasurable. Therefore this is a watershed moment for the APC to clinch back power and I admonish every men and women of goodwill to make a good choice in Omooba Dotun Babayemi. I am confident that if given the chance, ODB shall accomplish a transformation never witnessed in Osun state since its creation.

Omooba Babayemi is humane, unassuming, very accommodating, a silent achiever with kind heart of service. He’s an effective, excellent and effective bridge builder with distinctive accomplishments as a corporate leader. A man imbued with uncommon humility, maturity, experience, receptivity and right motivations. A man dedicated to a noble ideals, entirely selfless, free from narrowness and truthful in thoughts.

ODB philosophy has always been to live for others even at the sacrifice of his personal comfort and happiness. A man who abhors politics of bitterness and divisiveness. A politician who is above petty jealousies but firmly rooted in excellence.

In the light of the above reasons, I think ODB has got all that is required to win the year 2026 gubernatorial elections for APC because he has the network, the vision, the expertise, the exposure, the demonstrated experience to rule Osun state. God bless everyone

Prince Adelani Oyediran Ajanaku

Some aspirants in the Osun Governorship race have taken their ambitions far deeper than scope, principles and modes of operations of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Many individuals aligned with Bola Oyebamiji have turned this political season into a personal affair rather than a strategic party process, leading to actions that risk put the party on the brink of division instead of strength.

Their approach looks more like closed family meetings than inclusive political engagement rooted in the rules, structure, and spirit of the All Progressives Congress (APC). If this continues unchecked, it could severely threaten party unity irrespective of whoever emerges as the candidate.

It is important to emphasize that APC has not officially endorsed any aspirant. Yet, Oyebamiji’s camp has already inaugurated coordinators across local governments and wards, which sends a message that other aspirants—those respectfully awaiting the official party guidelines—are being sidelined. This is not just unfair, it’s also damaging to the internal democratic process.

Just this past Tuesday, a gathering was held at the Ilerioluwa office, where key campaign positions were reportedly distributed solely among Oyebamiji’s supporters. If anyone tries to deny this, the public nature of their actions speaks for itself and clearly reflects their political style.

This growing pattern raises a serious concern: if this group attains power, further fragmentation within the party may be inevitable.

Another reason the party’s structure appears weakened is that figures who are meant to oversee party affairs impartially—particularly former Governor Gboyega Oyetola,are now leading Oyebamiji’s campaign efforts. This alignment has eroded the core strength and credibility of the APC in Osun.

For APC to remain competitive and prevent Governor Ademola Adeleke from securing a second term, the party must urgently reinforce its unity and fairness. The manner in which the Ilerioluwa group is attempting to impose a candidate on the entire party, even before primaries, is not only undemocratic but could have a negative impact during the general election.

It is not too late for the APC to retrace its steps, reestablish internal order, and prioritize party cohesion above personal ambition.

Osun: Babayemi, Answer The Calls Now

There has never been any other time that Osun State desperately needs a good, responsible, proactive and accountable governance than now. Every resident of the state wether indigene or not, within and outside the state, keeps yearning for a governor who understands them better and can provide solutions to the problems the state is facing.

The last two and half years of the administration of the Peoples Democratic Party and Governor Ademola Adeleke have been catastrophic and less productive. That is why the people of the state are looking up to the All Progressives Congress to provide a competent, visionary, attentive and empathetic candidate to wrestle power from the incumbent governor. That's why it's now very crucial to ask Prince Dotun Babayemi to throw his hat into the ring and come to the rescue of the state.

The Gbongan Prince has over the years, demonstrated that he is a special breed who has committed himself to the welfare, peace and tranquility as well as the growth and development of the people.

He has made it a project for himself to put smiles on the faces of tens of thousands of the people without occupying any political office. His uncommon attitude towards ending the plights and ordeals inflicted by the PDP's administration has positioned him as a capable and worthy leader for the assignment ahead. Therefore, this should be a clarion call for him to come out to present himself for the 2026 governorship assignment in Osun State as the torchbearer of the APC.

Omooba Dotun Babayemi has consistently been dispassionate in his decisions making;a rare characteristic. While he has the mind of his own, he never rejects logical views, opinions and suggestions of others. He gives maximum respect to both the old and the young. His political views and ideologies are tailored towards the basic tenets and principles of the All Progressives Congress and good governance.

Babayemi always sees to the welfare of the people, empowerment of the youths aimed at enhancing their development and progress of the state. Also, he thirsts for making lives bearable to the people so as to ensure building the state economically and infrastructurally.

Little wonder he dedicates his God-bestowed knowledge, time and resources for the common good of the people. It would therefore be better if he serves them not just as a philanthropist but as the governor of the state.

Babayemi has committed all he has to the party (the All Progressives Congress). He isn't doing only that, he has given due regards to the party leaders and chieftains.Then, such a personality is fit to lead the state. It's high time Omooba Dotun Babayemi came to the Macedonia of his people to lead them to the promised land.

Currently, the state is soaked in suspense and what can quell this is for Prince Babauemi to come out openly and answer the clarion call of his people to lead them out of the woods.

The people of Osun State know that they stand to benefit immensely from his government when elected.There will be a turnaround in all sectors: direct foreign investments, welfare of the civil servants, infrastructural development, a boost in education and agriculture, improved security, maintenance of peace and tranquility even in the troubled areas.

It is not necessary to bore anyone with rhetoric, but I want to appeal to the gentleman Babayemi, to consider the calls being made by the people of the state and declare his bid for the top office in Osun State immediately.

God will see him through and he shall triumph.

Agboola Temidayo
Ife Central Local Government, Osun State

Why Supporters Are Asking Babayemi To Declare Ambition For Osun Poll

Supporters of Omooba Dotun Babayemi have called on him to declare his ambition for the seat of the governor of Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. The politician, who was a senatorial candidate in the 2019 general elections, has not made any declaration. Yet his enthusiasts have asked him to answer the call and make the bold move to lead the state.

Last Saturday, Babayemi was in Gbongan, the headquarters of Ayedaade Local Government Area for the Gbongan Olufi Day celebration. He has posted photos of the event on his verified Facebook page. At the event, he was given an award of recognition for his contribution to the welfare of the people of the community.

The people at the gathering started drumming their support for him hailing him and calling on him to tell the whole state that he is ready to serve. He nevertheless kept quiet about it. They said that he has maintained his commitment to the people of the state with his philanthropic work and empowerment of the youth.

The king, who handed over the award to him specifically commended him for not relenting towards seeing the people of the state in a better condition.

Babayemi slugged it out for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last gubernatorial election in the southwest state. It was a political tug of war between Mr. Ademola Adeleke and Babayemi. There were two parallel primary elections in Osogbo, the state capital. Even though Adeleke was able to hold the mantle, his opponent, Babayemi maintained his loyalty till after the gubernatorial election.

Therefore, his supporters have asked him to contest again since he was able to display loyalty and commitment to the PDP even amidst factionalism in the party.

A Trusted Voice for the People: Omooba Dotun Babayemi Leads the Way

As Osun State prepares for the next gubernatorial election, the most popular political party, All Progressives Congress (APC) will need to make a crucial decision, one that could determine its strength, unity, and most definitely electoral success. There are aspirants (as there would be in any very strong and viable party), but Omooba Dotun Babayemi emerges as not just a competent candidate, but the most strategic and dependable choice.

Babayemi is a man of tested and proven capacity. With a background rich in public service, legal expertise, and grassroots engagement, he understands both the basic rudiments and fabrics of governance and the yearning of the people. His efforts in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment and welfare of the senior citizens have already impacted thousands of lives across Osun State, earning him trust beyond political lines. His leadership of Osun State will avail him opportunity to tremendously transform the state from being consumer to producer.

The amiable and cheerful philanthropist also embodies the values APC stands for: loyalty, discipline, and progressive development. His long-standing commitment to the party, even in challenging times, shows he is not in politics for self-interest and aggrandisement, but for genuine service. Babayemi is widely respected for his inclusive approach, uniting people of diverse backgrounds, groups, interest and leaning and fostering collaboration across communities in Osun State.

For a party seeking to win with a landslide and govern effectively, Dotun Babayemi represents acceptability, credibility, and readiness. He is not just a candidate, he is the solid bridge between APC’s legacy and a future of Renewed Hope and progress for Osun State.

It’s time for APC to choose wisely.

Anthem Written on War
They see their brothers' blood
In the street flowing like Noah flood
Cakes from the auto birds
Make their story analysts' mirth
Day in day out shells are dropped
And slowly their number is cropped.

Beautifully they are caged in camps
Receiving daily meals with stamps
They are far away from their lands
Which are being cared for by the bands
Who never like pianos, drums but bombs
To the melodious cries they are dumbs.

In cold, on shaft they knock doors
Begging to remould the entering laws
On the floor they drop their pride
To unknown norms they are to abide
While their heritages are being pillaged
In their various restive native villages.

At homes are their brethren's bones
Whose clothes are burnt by drones,
On these flies have a glorious feast
Praying for more cakes from sky beasts.
To these woes we wobbly tend
And out of sight is a near possible end.

Timothy Faboade

The tension which has been steadily rising in the Arab world has been complicated rigorously by the two leading countries in the Middle East with each seemingly preparing for the possible worst, economic or military, that may later occur. Accusation and counter-accusation are being alleged on daily basis and each of the two nations claiming to be right.

Having executed 47 people accused and found guilty of terrorism, Iran has critically accused Saudi Arabia of evil doing. The two countries are the leading forces in the ongoing war in Syria and Yemen. After the execution, there was a massive protest in Iran against the killing of Sheik Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Shia cleric who was executed along with 46 others. Iran is dominated by Shias.

Saudi embassy in Iran was attacked and burnt by some unidentified gunmen to also demonstrate against the gruesome execution. In response to this, Riyadh announced that it had cut ties with Tehran and asked people in its embassy evacuate Iran. In solitary support.

Kuwait recalled its ambassador to Iran while three Sunni mosques were razed down in Iraq. Sudan too has openly cut its diplomatic relations with Iran, which is being vehemently backed by the Lebanese Hezebollah Movement, Syria's controversial president Bashar Assad, Iraqi Shiite-led government. The issue is complicated and each nation's motif is not known yet.

However, while Iranian president is challenging Saudi Arabia and warning that Saudi's crimes cannot be covered by cutting ties with Tehran, Saudi Arabia says the ongoing peace talks will not be negatively affected by the bilateral, diplomatic issue. It had publicly reaffirmed its commitment towards finding a lasting solution to the upheavals ravaging Syria and Yemen.

But with the rift, hostile and accusations between the two Islamic nations, otherwise might be the story. The two would remain suspicious of each other and this can never yield a meaningful result. And the intended peace in the war-torn countries would be dashed.

The stand-off between Iran and Saudi Arabia is more of a regional issue as it greatly affects the fragile peace in the Middle East. The hostility will influence the social, economic and political activities in the Arab world negatively. The war is a tribal one too - Shia versus Sunni - and before peace can reign in the region especially Yemen and Syria, that is being bewildered by a prolonged civil war.

Of course, the Saudi execution was a sovereign decision of Saudi Arabia. But Iran being a protector of Shia people will never take it easy with its regional rival. Therefore, the attack on Sunni mosques in Iraq occured as a revenge. This is telling us that the widespread of Shia-Sunni hatred is not near its end. This enmity is long over due but with the ongoing diplomatic rift between Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia, the enmity has just begun!

The international community is not free from the avoidable conflict between the two OPEC. Other countries in the world need to show their unflinching support to one of the oil-rich countries. For instance, North Korea, Russia and China are loyal allies of Iran while Saudi Arabia is backed by NATO members among which are the US and France. This is revealing that the issue is beyond Middle East. Already, there is no relationship between Russia and The US and the allies of the two.

With things in this sour form, the wars in Yemen, Syria and the confrontation of the ISIL also known as Daesh will not soon end because the opposite parties involved are at loggerheads. Then, what peace can be made in enmity, suspicion, hatred?

If the wars continue like this, the influx of refugees in Europe will tremedously rise, death toll will increase, more properties will be destroyed, more terrorist groups like Daesh will rise. And when this gets to the peak, another world war will break out!

Timothy Faboade,
OAU, Ile-Ife.

I

ON THE CLOSURE OF OAU BY THE MANAGEMENT

In what came as a surprise to the students, the management of Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE in the late hours of December 1st, 2015 after a meeting of the Governing Council of the school shut down the school indefinitely. The decision arrived after the students had boycotted lectures a day before the meeting demanding good welfare conditions, re-fumigation of the halls of residence which have been conquered by bedbugs and frightening rats and reinstatement of a student, Olawale Ogunruku, who was suspended in 2011 among other demands.

But in a swift reaction, the management decided to forestall any other possible protest which the students might stage protests especially during the incoming convocation ceremony, alleged visitation of the President of the country and Queen Elizabeth of England to Ile-ife for the coronation of the new Ooni. The management consider the students as an element of embarrassment, hence they prefer sending the Great Ife students home. This must be condemned.

Having paid skyrocketing school fees, the management cannot improve the welfare conditions of the students, the state of condition of the laboratories, lecture theatres, library are disgusting and not fit for any academic purpose. Students sit on the floor to receive lectures despite the huge amount of fees they are paying. This is pathetic. Now, they are telling the whole world what they are passing through on the campus like many other government universities in the country.

The students are suffering from erratic power supply, poor and coloured water, stinky environments. For how long would one expect the students to cope with these horrible and terrible situations after they have paid the mouth-tearing fees? Their telling their plight to the world has become the management's way of achieving their hidden agenda. The management cash in on the peaceful lecture boycotting to attain their obnoxious plan.

Having done nothing to elevate the standard of living of the students after they had paid the school fees, the management are planning to increase the accommodation fees. They see the students as a source of enriching their pockets. The secrets must be revealed!

It should be noted that there is nothing like unrest on the campus as reported by some media. OAU campus cannot be more peaceful than it is now. The closure of the school is grounded on false inclinations. As the management did during the last NASU strike, they have subscribed to lies again! They defend their cruelty and anti-student action on the fact that they are giving mid-semester break to the students. Of course, this is meant to shut up the students' lamentations and crying of woes they are suffering from the management.

Every meaningful Nigerian should come to the aid of the OAU students. No nation survives on lies. The management have committed a lot of atrocities in OAU, they want to cover up all their evils students want to expose. This must not be allowed to stand. The presidency and all Nigerians must know how corrupt and wicked the management of the government schools are, everyone should know that Nigerian students are suffering! The president through the ministry of education should investigate the rationale behind the declared closure of the school to unravel all evils perpetrated on OAU campus. Students should not be intimidated and silenced just because they voice out their pains and afflictions. OAU students are anti-corruption crusaders!!! Long live Great Ife!!!

Timothy Faboade
OAU, ILE-IFE.

MAN IS A BRUTE

The world is totally confused and in a dire state for its values and respect had long been lost to man's brutish actions and deeds which are grounded in selfish ambitions and gluttonous quest for power. The natural features of man, which include empathy, love, passion and respect for human beings have long been forfeited and man is equal to brute.

The different various crises and wars being staged and fought in the world in this twenty-first century have portrayed man as an evil entity. Man has desecrated civility, humility, passion for human race and value for the souls of human kind. Man builds fortresses for itself. But against whom? Weapons, arms and ammunition are designed and produced to maim and kill human beings. Science and technology which ought to develop humanity and society at large have been the channels of these wars. Scientific innovations are implemented to produce weapons such as missile, rocket, guns, fighter Jets, bombs.

No country of the world presently seems to be free from the menace of terrorism. Terrorists carry out well planned attacks in all parts of the world. The civil war in Syria which began in 2011 has escalated to a proxy world war with different countries nurturing their bestial missions through airstrikes, diplomatic policies among others. The notorious terrorist group, ISIL also known as Daesh is spreading its campaign throughout the world with many people joining it and even claiming allegiance to it.

Terrorism is not only affecting the middle east alone. Nigeria, Mali, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Egypt, Tunisia among others have different insurgents killing, bombing and attacking people even in the religious places. Rebels rise against their governments using destructive assaulting weapons. For instance, the Boko Haram group has killed many people in the northeast region of Nigeria and destroyed many properties. The Al-Shabab too is causing mayhem, deaths and destruction of properties in the Eastern part of Africa.

This year alone, many people have been gruesomely killed in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip as a result of the violence between Israel and Palestine. Many have been rendered homeless while a lot are in the hospitals having been severely injured and wounded. Countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan are being bewildered by some fundamentalist groups such as the Taliban, AL-QEADA etc.

Almost all the European countries are trying to stop the influx of the refugees fleeing wars in the Arab world and some African countries. A lot has been spent to curtail this international mess. And there appears no glimmer of hope to the end of these traumas. And anyone who has been following the trends of the violence will know that the influx is a great threat to the EU countries. All are concerned!

There seems to be no trust again among the inhabitants of the world as people start pursuing their personal interests at the detriment of others. Russia, which is a frontier force in the on-going war against the ISIL, is, of course, having a lot of things to garner from the war. In its pursuit, it clashed with the Ankara government, which last week downed a Russian Su-Fighter jet having violated its rule of engagement. France too has felt the cruelty of man when the ISIL went on a vendetta mission in Paris.

TENSIONS are so high these days for no one can accurately predict which part of the globe will be struck. Every nation is building and intensifying its security. Why will this be necessary if man is not bereft of what makes him man? Everyone suspects other people because of the fear of the unknown ones who perpetrate evils in masks. There is no basic trust in the universe anymore.

Religion, which should be in a reliable position to curb the excesses of man, is a major factor contributing immensely and vehemently to the major crises bedeviling the world. There is no honour shown to the house of God as the terrorists are attacking worshippers every cursed day. For example, some Shia Muslims were killed in Kano, many mosques, churches and religious leaders have been bombed and killed respectively. The world is doomed! A large number of the religious leaders are preaching hatred, confusion, superiority and partiality. These days there is what we call "Islamophobia" in almost all parts of the world to the extent of Muslim-dominated countries. These leaders, apparently, are supposed to be preaching peace, love and calming nerves among the people. But it is so unfortunate that religion cannot save the human race from the impending dooms and catastrophes. The religion leaders spread falsehood, enmity, hatred. This should not be!

The world leaders, who should be seen working to ensure peaceful coexistence of all and sundry are just cashing in on the inhuman conditions and situations of the world. In war, certainly, some benefit a lot and make use of the opportunity to amass wealth and exhibit their military strength while questing for more power. These cruel leaders are after getting fame, acquiring more territories and domination of the world. Very selfish and ambitious!

Man has become a barbarian, he does things without a second thought like a brute. Man violates all natural and divine laws. Life has no value to us any longer. Killing and other nefarious activities have become a norm.

The effects of all these upheavals, crises, attacks and tensions are numerous. Its immediate consequences include death of many people, wastage of funds, displacement of the innocent ones. There are many refugees in the Europe and a lot of Internally Displaced People in Nigeria and some other African countries. Attention has been shifted to find a solution to all these security issues and development of the society has been left out. The economic implications cannot be overemphasized and the standard of living is below average. Man is doomed!

With things in disarray now, man seems incapable and not ready to withstand the prophesied apocalypse because man is working towards realization of the lingering purgation of the race.

If things go on like this without any honest and meaningful effort to nip the impending extinction of human race in the bud, all of us, either rich or poor, black or white, female or male, young or old might not live to tell the story. All prides should be dropped, we need to reach compromise in order to forestall the wars.

Timothy Faboade,
OAU, ILE-IFE

IMMIGRATION CRISIS: A CHALLENGE TO AFRICAN LEADERS

"A specie that does not know how to adapt to a situation and get a better living condition will surely perish." This assertion has been always true especially among the human race as man strives to look for betterment, security, glitters of hope elsewhere if the present environment cannot or fails to offer pleasures which man desires. No living soul, I vouchsafe can ever prefer pains and afflictions to comfortable life and luxury.

The rate at which people lose their souls in the Mediterranean Sea is so alarming and calls for immediate tactics to minimize if not eradicate the cause(s) of these incessant deaths which constitute a major concern for the world community. In the process of migrating to the European countries, many migrants have died in the deadly sea and the death toll is frequently increasing. The migrants, who are predominantly Africans are migrating to seek greener pastures in the Europe. They are traveling to seek a better life elsewhere when their countries cannot live up to the expectations of providing welfare services for them.

One would not have expected the unfortunate individuals who have died to embark on such a risky journey on the sea if their governments provide good governance as their black-and-white promises and plans show. The migrants would not choose to try to waste their lives in the fiery sea if the standard of living of the people is quite reasonable and good. Even if they want to go abroad, they will have used a legal and normal route. This is possible if the African governments are indeed after the welfare of the people.

The European countries, having seen the threatening rate at which migrants from the developing world are moving to Europe, have put some measures in place to curtail the excessive, illicit migration of the fortune-seeking people. This shows that the so-called owners of the greener pastures are tired of the illegal migrants.

The ugly issue even enhances child trafficking as an international issue. Many children are being smuggled on a daily basis and they are being abused. The horrible risks these people are taking to cross the Mediterranean Sea show their level of desperation to get a better life although they are not certain of the possibility of making a life where they are heading to. Other crimes related to smuggling are being committed also.

According to a report on al-jazerra, about twenty-five people died and many are missing when a boat carrying about six hundred capsized on Wednesday, 5th of August this year apart from the previous occurrences of this mishap this year alone. A lot of funds and materials have been spent to rescue these people questing for wealth in Europe. But is prevention not better than cure?

Poor governance leads to poverty among the populace. African leaders are so corrupt and poor in handling the affairs of the economy of the countries, which is a yardstick to development. The leaders are oblivious of the fact that the deeds and or actions will reflect on the people they are leading. They prefer siphoning the public funds to the bottomless pits in the foreign worlds.

It is pertinent for the slumbering and selfish African governments to rise to the occasion and perform the responsibilities they are bestowed. If good and reliable governance is put in place, there will be no need to be taking such a great risk of crossing the sea. People can live comfortably if there are employment opportunities, durable social amenities, stable political system and the socio-economic conditions favour every individual to live a suitable life.

Timothy Faboade,
OAU, ILE-IFE.

THE EFCC, AN AGENCY WAKING UP FROM ITS SLUMBER

Every Nigerian who has been following the activities of the anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Finance Crime Commission (EFCC) will be amazed how the crippled commission established to curb corruption and prosecute those found culpable to corruption is functioning these days having been rendered impotent for many past years. For the last few months, the agency has been busy making arrests and arraignments of the suspected individuals meddling in corruption and its variants.

The EFCC, as we know it, is always proficient in having different cases of corruption unfinished, inconclusive with unprofessional, implausible excuses of lacking evidence, deaths of witnesses among others. It has even become a tool to hunt and haunt the members of the opposition although those members of the opposition cannot be vindicated on this ground. And Nigerians do no longer see the anti-graft agency as a vibrant weapon to fight corruption.

But immediately after the installation of the incumbent president Muhammad Buhari, there seemed to be change, which is what the president is championing. And the overhauling of the system does not appear to exclude the EFCC as it bobbed up to arrest, detain for some days and arraign prominent Nigerians like the former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido and his two sons, Murtala Nyack, who was a former governor of Adamawa state, the wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki among others. This is commendable though.

It should be, however, noted that war against corruption and impunity is beyond mere activities the EFCC is known for. The wrath of the law should fall heavily on anyone found guilty of corruption without regards for whatever social rank or wealth the person possesses. Indubitable evidence and reasonable witnesses that can enhance conviction should be garnered.

The need for the agency to sanitize itself cannot be overemphasized because nothing desirable, laudable can be achieved if the officers of the EFCC are not incorruptible. Issues of missing files, evidence that can hinder the efficient prosecution of the accused gluttonous individuals should be addressed and treated valiantly as this will show the genuineness of the agency's pursuits.

The officers of the agency should distance themselves from partisan politics and refuse to be used by those breeding corruption which is a leech on the country's flesh. The agency, now waking up from its slumber, should try as much as possible to convince the Nigerian populace that it is indeed bent on eradicating corruption. This is achievable if the EFCC can be so vibrant and relentless in its primary and constitutional assignments.

If the agency remains resolute to fight corruption with its might and power conferred on it by the Constitution, there will be good and reliable governance laced with transparency, accountability and egalitarianism. If this is in place, there will be development at all levels and systems of the country. It should not allow drowsiness to come in this time around and be conscious like the eagle, which is its symbol.

Timothy Faboade,
OAU, ILE-IFE.