Today, I chaired an Extraordinary Town Hall Meeting convened to look at the State of Kaduna, chart the way forward, and also take a decision on the nationwide mobilization by faceless groups for protests under the guise of demanding for good governance.
Speakers at the Town Hall Meeting spoke in unison against any mass action in Kaduna State. They were of the strong view that given Kaduna State's unpalatable experiences with protests, no effort should be spared in ensuring that no mass action takes place in the state. They commended the efforts of our administration in securing lives and property, addressing the developmental deficits in the State, and nurturing citizens engagement through platforms like Town Hall Meetings.
The Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Nuhu Bamalli called for caution and urged Kaduna State citizens to listen to the words of wisdom and embrace peace. He reminded people of what happened in some African countries where protests degenerated into mass destruction of lives and property, leading to the destabilization of those countries.
In my remarks, I acknowledged very sincerely that Nigerians are going through economic difficulties. We are grappling with severe economic strains occasioned by years of economic mismanagement, corruption and lack of accountability. President Tinubu has the unenviable task of cleaning up the mess left by previous administrations and resetting the economy for the good of our country and people. The President has come up with policies geared towards reinventing the economy and putting the country back on the path to sustainable growth and development.
The implementation of some policies, we must admit, have been painful. The pains are however temporary. The terrible economic situation the country was plunged into required surgical operation. The President has demonstrated courage in carrying out his operation on the economy. We are making steady progress. We must support the President in his patriotic efforts at revitalizing the economy and putting smiles back on the faces of Nigerians.
The Federal and State Governments have been unrelenting in addressing the nation's developmental and security challenges. The nationwide mobilization for protests is therefore unnecessary, ill-timed and in bad taste. In times of economic emergency, all hands are expected to be on deck. Patriots support their leaders as they work to pull the economy out of the woods. It is not time for manipulation of faultlines and political differences in furtherance of personal or group interests. It is a time to think deeply on the possible consequences of our planned actions.
In our current context as a state, we are grappling with security challenges of banditry, insurgency and kidnapping. We are wide awake to the enduring effects of insecurity on socio-economic life of our citizens; threats to food security, education, healthcare delivery, threats to civic freedom and social cohesion, and especially the threat to our rural economy. At this time, our peace and stability are fundamental. The current times demand deep introspection, sound reasoning, high sense of patriotism and sacrificing for the collective good. It is therefore imperative on us to tow the path of wisdom, and focus on the brighter future that is in sight.
Nobody or group in Kaduna State has approached the Nigeria Police in Kaduna State informing them of intention to organize a protest. The Police has the constitutional responsibility for Maintaining Peace and Order. Kaduna State is therefore united in saying NO TO ANY PROTEST. We hold our peace dear, and are committed to protecting it.
Senator Uba Sani, Governor, Kaduna State. July 29th, 2024
As part of our ongoing efforts to ease tension and facilitate peace and harmony in our State, I had a dialogue session with some civil society groups where a number of issues relating to the protest were deliberated on.
The meeting was productive and quite fruitful as we collectively reached a common ground on issues related to the interest of our State & nation especially given the fact that detractors are attempting to latch on to the protest with the intent of unleashing mayhem in our state.
This critical fact was properly understood by the group and, as partners in progress, they vowed not to be part of such protest and subsequently agreed to withdraw from it.
We have also committed to further implement policies that will help improve the situation as we will, in the coming weeks, reconstitute the State Scholarship Board to commence bursary & scholarship awards.
Governor Yusuf Backs Hardship Protest, Knocks Police
“The economic hardship is serious. People are suffering,” said the Kano governor, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP).
By Sadiq Ilyas Updated July 31, 2024
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has openly backed the nationwide hardship protest slated to start on August 1, 2024.
He assured peaceful citizens of his support and vowed to personally receive demonstrators at the Government House on Thursday.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf emphasised the democratic right of Nigerians to protest but urged the youth to conduct their demonstrations peacefully.
“For us, protest is a democratic right of every citizen. I want the protesters to carry out their procession with caution, as some criminal elements plan to hijack the protest. If you embark on a peaceful procession, I will receive you, and if you wish, I’ll join you.”
Knocks Police
The governor’s support for the protest comes amid growing concerns over the role of security agencies in handling civil unrest. Governor Yusuf expressed frustration with the Nigeria Police Force, accusing them of insubordination and failure to follow directives of the state government.
“I can’t understand why the security agencies, especially the police, will not obey our orders,” he said. “When we tell them to do this or that, they will tell us they received an order from ‘above.’ Who is the ‘above’? I am the chief security officer in the state. If you have a problem with that, go and change the Nigerian constitution.”
As the protest looms, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has also weighed in, urging the government to take concrete steps to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by the people. “We must find proper ways to help the needy and ensure that what is given to them reaches them,” the Emir remarked during the meeting.
The upcoming protest has sparked a debate among various groups, with some supporting the action as a means to address the country’s economic challenges, while others advocate dialogue to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
We convened a joint meeting with the heads of security agencies in Ogun State in anticipation of any upcoming protest.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess the preparedness of law enforcement agencies for the planned protests on August 1st and to ensure that our state remains the most peaceful in the country.
We urge our citizens to continue their daily activities as usual, as any protests, if at all, will be limited to designated areas.
Today, I stand before you deeply committed to the well-being and prosperity of our great state.
Lagos has always been a beacon of hope and resilience, reflecting the brilliance and energy of our diverse cultures.
For weeks, we’ve faced the prospect of protests aimed at ending what some call "bad government." While the intentions may be noble, some narratives suggesting it’s a means to change the government by non-constitutional means are troubling.
Is a protest the catalyst for progress we need now? Will it ensure our challenges vanish in ten days? Will it lower food prices or inspire economic growth? I strongly believe it won’t. Instead, it could undo the modest gains we’ve made.
Are there challenges? Yes. Is the government addressing them? Absolutely. Significant efforts are underway across many sectors to alleviate our people’s pain and pave the way to lasting prosperity.
This week, President Tinubu signed a new minimum wage into law. Student loans are being disbursed to ease financial burdens, and local governments now have financial autonomy to enhance governance efficiency.
The foreign exchange crisis is being creatively tackled. The sale of crude oil to local refineries in Naira will save $7.9 billion annually and strengthen our currency. The Presidential Initiative on CNG is also attracting private investments.
We need patience for the benefits of these economic reforms to blossom. Protests can’t achieve in days what economic reforms can in weeks and months. Our nation, under President Tinubu’s courageous leadership, is on the right path.
In Lagos, we launched EKOCARES to cushion the effects of economic reforms. From discount markets to reduced transport costs, and free medical care, we are committed to easing the burdens on our people.
We’ve increased bursaries and scholarships for Lagos students, ensured free education for new elementary students, and our workers earn above the national minimum wage.
We can do more, and we will.
Reflecting on the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss.
We will NOT allow history repeat itself. During the protests, we saw the destruction of valuable properties and institutions: Lagos High Court, 45 police stations, 12 Local Government offices, 7 Fire Stations, and the Forensic Centre, among others.
The City Hall, Nigeria Ports Authority headquarters, and traditional rulers’ palaces were also destroyed.
Malls, shops, offices, and hundreds of brand-new BRT buses were lost. Such devastation only sets us back economically and socially.
Our goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. We must avoid economic destabilization that can make us poorer. Let’s unite, embrace dialogue, and build a peaceful, prosperous Lagos.
To ensure safe and peaceful expression, the Police have designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests. These locations will be secured to protect our citizens and prevent chaos.
Let’s work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. Our strength lies in our unity, and our future depends on maintaining peace and stability.
naptu2: Onyeka Onwenu presenting Contact. This was in 1986 or '87 or '88.
I remember that there were two series of Contact and that a man presented the other series. I can't remember who the man was, but I think it was Patrick Oke. I can remember the backdrop though. It was a view of Marina taken from somewhere around Federal Palace Hotel. The background footage must have been shot from around 6:30 to 7:30 in the evening because we could see the transformation from evening daylight to complete darkness.
The common denominator here, is the tv show Morning Ride.
1) Woman with Onyeka Onwenu in the second photograph and with Femi Segun in the third photograph.
Pamela Mojekwu was the most famous fitness trainer in Nigeria in the 1980s and early 1990s. She had her own tv show on Lagos Television, an exercise segment on Morning Ride (on NTA2 Channel 5) and columns in Vanguard Newspaper, Lagos Weekend newspaper and many magazines.
She also owned an exercise studio called The Bodyshop. Its headquarters was in Ilupeju, with branches at Surulere and Festac. Stars like Onyeka Onwenu, were regular customers at The Bodyshop.
She had a little daughter that suffered from sickle-cell disease. The daughter used to appear in some of her exercise sessions on Morning Ride, performing exercises for children and sicklers (the daughter was around 7 or 8 years old at that time).
She and her assistant (the karate instructor at The Bodyshop) also appeared in a Vitamalt advert.
She left Morning Ride in the mid-1990s, in order to take care of her daughter (in fact, she practically vanished from the scene).
Pamela Mojekwu moved to the US in the early 2000s, partly in order to get treatment for her daughter. She was involved in a car accident in 2009, in which her (now grown up) daughter died.
The City of Chicago charged her with vehicular homicide. The court found her guilty of vehicular homicide and she was jailed.
I believe that everybody can recognise Onyeka Onwenu (carrying the dumbbells in the second photograph). I don't need to introduce her.
She has appeared on Morning Ride many times. I remember one particular occasion, when she appeared with King Sunny Ade to promote their songs about family planning ( "Choices" and "Wait For Me" ) in 1990. Danladi Bako was interviewing them and they were responding to his questions, when an air force officer sitting near me exclaimed, "Wow!" He was shocked because he didn't know that King Sunny Ade could speak proper English. He kept on exclaiming throughout that segment, "Wow! You don't mean it! This is Sunny!".
For the first time ever, the Federal Government of Nigeria unveiled a policy on family planning c1986. They advocated that families should have only 4 children ( journalists reminded President Babangida of this policy in 1989 when Halima was born . Halima is Babangida's fourth child).
There were messages about family planning on popular Nigerian tv shows like Village Headmaster and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Information produced jingles and adverts about family planning. The first condom adverts (Right Time Condom and Gold Circle Condom) appeared on Nigerian tv screens c1990.
Onyeka Onwenu and King Sunny Ade had produced duets c1988 and they were two of the most popular musicians in Nigeria at that time, so some foreign aid agencies approached them and asked them to record songs about family planing. This resulted in 2 songs - Wait For Me and Choices. There were a lot of stars in the Choices video (Olisa Adibua, etc).
Sunny Ade and Onyeka Onwenu embarked on a tour to promote the album and the message in the songs. They visited schools, hospitals, ministries, etc and of course they appeared on tv shows.
Morning Ride was the most popular breakfast tv show in Nigeria in the late 1980s and early '90s. It was created by Danladi Bako who presented the show from 1988- c1991. It usually previewed the social events that would take place that weekend. For example, contestants in the Miss Intercontinental, Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria and Miss Nigeria beauty pageants, foreign wrestlers taking part in the weekend's wrestling shows, musicians performing at that weekend's concerts, etc would appear on Morning Ride to promote their shows. The latest happenings at the Super Eagles' camp would also be shown (if there was a football match on that day). They also showed the previous weekend's society wedding and the show also served as a forum for state governors to tell their citizens who are resident in Lagos what they are doing back home.
So, Onyeka Onwenu and Sunny Ade appeared on Morning Ride (c1989) to promote the album.
There was an air force officer in the house that morning. Danladi Bako and Sunny Ade were interacting very well and I was enjoying the show when the air force officer exclaimed, "Wow!" The exclamation was so loud that everybody turned to look at him. "I never knew that Sunny Ade could speak english like this", he said. Throughout that interview the guy's face was a picture of shock. He kept exclaiming, "Wow! You mean this is Sunny Ade!"
I couldn't stop laughing.
naptu2: One of two family planning songs that were sponsored by the UN and one of three duets by
King Sunny Ade and Onyeka Onwenu - Wait For Me (1989).
naptu2: There was a video clip that caught my attention in 1981 or 1982. It was of an incredibly beautiful young Nigerian woman in the UK. I think she had just won some kind of award and then she gave a performance. She sang the Everly Brothers' song, "Walk Right Back". It was beautiful. That video was shown many times on NTA 2 Channel 5 in 1982/1983. I have been looking for that video on YouTube since 2008.
I already loved the Everly Brothers and it was some feat for someone to perform that song and for me to like it without comparing it to the original. We had the Everly Brothers' album and it was one of my favourites. The album sleeve was very colourful. It was made up of little cartoon strips that represented each song on the album. I loved every song on that album. I loved "Bird Dog" because there was someone that I knew that was named Charlie and we used that song to tease him. (Now I'm tempted to do and Everly Brothers sweep).
Anyway, that was the first video of Onyeka Onwenu that I ever saw. I still haven't been able to find her version of "Walk Right Back" on the internet, but this song (below) was from the same album. (You can clearly hear Sunny Okosun's influence in the horns).
naptu2: You see, he wasn't only a great musician and singer (as you can tell from Mother and Child), he was also a great producer.
She worked at the NTA in the early 1980s and she approached him to produce her album and he did. I think it was recorded in London, but I can't remember for sure.
naptu2: The moment I fell in love with Onyeka Onwenu.
I had the Everly Brothers version of this song (I believe that's the original) and I absolutely loved it. So, for anyone to make a cover version of the song that is as good as the original. . .that person must be really special.
So the NTA showed a competition that was staged in the UK (c1981) and an unknown Nigerian performed this song. I was blown away. In fact, I think I prefer the tempo and beat of Onyeka's version. That was Onyeka's first hit.
Unfortunately her version is not online (God bless Classic FM for playing it once in a while). Here's the Everly Brothers' version.
The Everly Brothers - Walk Right Back.
naptu2: There was a video clip that caught my attention in 1981 or 1982. It was of an incredibly beautiful young Nigerian woman in the UK. I think she had just won some kind of award and then she gave a performance. She sang the Everly Brothers' song, "Walk Right Back". It was beautiful. That video was shown many times on NTA 2 Channel 5 in 1982/1983. I have been looking for that video on YouTube since 2008.
I already loved the Everly Brothers and it was some feat for someone to perform that song and for me to like it without comparing it to the original. We had the Everly Brothers' album and it was one of my favourites. The album sleeve was very colourful. It was made up of little cartoon strips that represented each song on the album. I loved every song on that album. I loved "Bird Dog" because there was someone that I knew that was named Charlie and we used that song to tease him. (Now I'm tempted to do and Everly Brothers sweep).
Anyway, that was the first video of Onyeka Onwenu that I ever saw. I still haven't been able to find her version of "Walk Right Back" on the internet, but this song (below) was from the same album. (You can clearly hear Sunny Okosun's influence in the horns).
This was the first song by Onyeka Onwenu that I ever heard. I wish I could find the exact video that was on heavy rotation on NTA2 Channel 5 in 1982.
We had the original album that contained this song. That album is one of my favourite albums. It had hit after hit after hit and the album sleeve was filled with cartoons. I absolutely loved that original version by the Everly Brothers, so I thought that it would be difficult for anybody to cover the song in a way that I would like it. Onyeka Onwenu succeeded. I also love this version.
The original video from 1982 showed Onyeka performing this song at an event in the UK. She was very pretty.
Yesterday provided a very devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory. I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song, 'One Love Keep Us Together'. It was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow. Just about a few minutes after her performance, she sat down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital.
I followed her to the hospital. I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life , doing everything possible to bring her back to life but eventually came out with the sad news that she was gone. Despite their valiant efforts, she sadly passed away after over two hours of intense struggle. My heart goes out to her children and family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May we find the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.
Onwenu was a national treasure, a shining star who inspired generations with her music, activism, and strong dedication to the arts. Her passing is a tremendous loss for the entire nation, and she will be deeply missed.
I want to thank everyone who together with us accompanied her to the hospital yesterday. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs John Momoh, Mr and Mrs Okonkwo, and Mr Okpara, who were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined us also and Mr. Femi Ajayi who equally returned to the hospital this morning when we had to finalized everything about her passing. May her soul rest in peace and may her legacy continue to inspire and unite us all.
My condolences to her family, the entertainment industry, and the nation at large. May we find solace in the memories we shared with her and the impact she had on our lives. -PO
Court Restricts #EndBadGovernance Protesters in Ogun
The Ogun State High Court on Wednesday ordered the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests to limit their activities to four locations in the state.
The court also restricted the time frame of the protests to between 8 am and 5 pm.
Granting an application moved by the State's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), Justice O. Ogunfowora directed that all protests under the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria slogan or any other slogan from 1 August 2024 to 10 August 2024 must be limited in place and time.
The judge prohibited the protesters from protesting anywhere in the state except at the MKO Stadium, Abeokuta; Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota; Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu; and Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
The Attorney-General explained that the four locations are across the four divisions of the state in the three senatorial districts, allowing protesters in those vicinities to conveniently participate in the protests under adequate protection and without infringing on the rights of any non-protesting members of the public.
The judge, in his ruling, also prohibited any protest from taking place outside the hours of 8 am to 5 pm.
The judge further directed the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State to enforce the order and ensure that the protests are held only in the specified locations and during the time periods stated in the order.
The judge declared that the order would last for seven days and ordered the State to serve the application on notice within that period.
Justice Ogunfowora shortened the time for the protesters to respond to the application to 72 hours.
The sirens went on for more than 30 minutes. I went past the area after they had gone and there was a huge traffic jam. Now I know why. They were on foot!
LASG Deploys RRS, Task Force To Streets Ahead Of Protest
The operation took off from Alausa, Ikeja through the old Tollgate, Ojota, Ogudu, and Iyana Oworo to the 3rd Mainland Bridge axis.
By Bola Frazer Updated July 31, 2024
The Lagos State Government has deployed men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to the streets ahead of the nationwide hunger and hardship protests billed to commence on August 1.
The heavy presence of police officers of the RRS and Task Force were seen on streets around the state Wednesday, as they engaged in patrol exercises.
The operation took off from Alausa, Ikeja through the old Tollgate, Ojota, Ogudu, and Iyana Oworo to the 3rd Mainland Bridge axis.
Some officers were also seen matching through Lekki streets to the Lekki Tollgate area.
This is as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume on Wednesday, called on Nigerians not to embark on the planned nationwide protests amid the economic crisis in the land.
Akume who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, said President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is making concerted efforts to solve the myriads of challenges confronting the nation.
Rapid Response Squad (RRS) led by its Commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye and Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) captained by its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele this morning carried out a joint visibility patrol and fitness walk for its personnel in readiness for emergencies in the state.
Areas covered by the teams included Ikeja, Old Toll Gate, Oshodi, Ojota, Iyana Oworo, Third Mainland Bridge, VI, Ikoyi, Lekki, Lagos Island, Apongbon.
The visibility patrol is to be extended to other parts of the State today.
Politics › Re: Protest: Governors Hold Meetings, Address The Public by naptu2(op): 1:48am On Aug 01, 2024*. Modified: 3:27am On Aug 01, 2024
Onyeka, Sunny and Danladi - memories.
I couldn't stop laughing.