Concerned about the threat of climate change to Africa's survival and stability, Nigerian born, British undergraduate, Prince Emeka Obasi junior, on Saturday, formally launched a non governmental organisation, 'Our Tomorrow,' with a view to rallying youths of the continent and other stakeholders to rise up to challenge of confronting the challenge.

Mr. Obasi who unveiled his plans with 'Our Tomorrow' in an open letter to African youths yesterday, titled, "Wake Up and Help Save Our Tomorrow," said the organisation has three broad objectives of waking African youths up to the reality of the existential threat climate change poses to their future; sensitising African leaders, both at the government, corporate and non-governmental levels, to heed the clarion call for sustained action against climate change, and mobilizing resources, both material and human, to campaign and create sustained awareness of Africans, especially the youths, on the need to be actively involved in the battle to save the environment for their future and for future generations.

While highlighting the enormous threat climate change poses to the continued survival of Africa, Obasi noted, however, that he was confident that the youths of the continent have all it takes to avert the looming climate crisis, hence his decision to take up the responsibility of mobilizing action in this regard.

"Already, Africa is confronted by the twin challenge of insecurity and poverty, but climate change now threatens the continent's very existence," he said. "But I am also optimistic about the future of our continent. I look at the numbers; the millions of young Africans doing exploits globally, and particularly at the fact that a vast majority of the population of Africa are young people, and my heart is gladdened.

"Yes, the challenge of climate change is enormous, but I'm confident that we have what it takes as youths of Africa to galvanize action towards averting the climate crisis that now stare us in the face, which is why I am writing to you today."

Describing his quest as a calling, Obasi noted that though he spent the first decade and a half of his life in Lagos, Nigeria, a state whose survival is threatened by rising sea levels, before moving the United Kingdom, he finds it strange that throughout his days in the Nigeria's commercial city, he never became aware of the threat of climate. This, he attributed to lack of sufficient awareness about the issue of climate on the continent.

"Like many of you, I was born at the turn of the 21st Century. Indeed, I was born 21 years ago, at a very auspicious time in the history of mankind. It was a time when an old age had just passed away, giving birth to the new millennium. I was born at exactly 1pm on the first day of the first month of the first year of the new millennium, precisely on January 1st, 2001, at 1pm," he said.

"My mother keeps telling me that I'm a special child; that maybe God wanted me to come on such symbolic day in order to make my life story more engaging.

"I spent my early childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, Africa’s biggest city. It's where I grew up and where I had my early education. I only travelled out during the holidays or during school excursion trips.

"Looking back on those years, I find it remarkable that despite maintaining great interest in current affairs, especially given the fact that my father is a Journalist, I never became conscious of the environmental crisis which had begun to endanger Lagos until I came to England for my college education in 2017. It was while here in England that I became increasingly aware of the problems of the environment and the challenges they pose, particularly to African countries.

"But I find it inexcusable, and almost unforgivable that despite living my first decade and a half in Lagos; a city so threatened by climate change that scientists have projected that it may become uninhabitable by the end of this century as sea levels rise, I did not become conscious of climate change and indeed the environment. What it underlines is the acute lack of deliberate policies to create awareness among the younger generation of Africans."

Obasi noted that like Lagos, many cities in Africa, and indeed the continent in general, is under serious threat, highlighting already manifesting examples such as draught which is threatening food security and fueling security crisis.

"Lagos is a coastal city with a population of 24 million and is predicted to see 90cm of sea level rise by 2100 as a result of global warming. According to certain scientific projections, Lagos could become uninhabitable by the end of this century as sea levels rise," Obasi said.

"It is, however, heartwarming that the state is already taking action to ensure that this potential disaster is averted. Not long ago, the the Lagos State government unveiled a five-year Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2020-2025. The goal, as stated by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state, is to achieve an emission-neutral city by 2050.

"But the case of Lagos state is not unique. It typifies the acute environmental problems facing many parts of Nigeria. There is increasing desertification in the North, which has had very huge impact on security in the country; erosion in the East; oil spillage in the South/South, among others. The scenario is similar in other parts of Africa. Global warming is expected to melt Africa’s remaining glaciers in the next few decades, and the reduction in water essential to agricultural production will create food insecurity, poverty, and population displacement.

"Agriculture, which remains heavily dependent on rainfall, is critical to Africa’s economic growth, thus, climate change could potentially destabilize local markets, increase food insecurity, limit economic growth, escalate insecurity and increase risk for agriculture sector investors. Without doubt, for Africa to survive, sustained action must be taken beginning from today.

"In this, our generation has a very critical role to play, because as we say in Nigeria, the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. If we analyse that saying well, it makes a lot of sense. Of course, the future belongs to the younger generation - it is their inheritance - but as an old African saying has it, the young shall grow.

"The question I ask is, when the young must have grown, then what happens? The expectation is that when the young grow they will inherit the Earth. My worry is in what shape that Earth will be.

"So, it is important that young people become involved in the global effort to ensure that the Earth is in fit and proper condition to make a worthwhile inheritance. Therefore, the effort to improve the environment should be championed by the youths because the world of tomorrow belongs to us.

"Whereas it is true that today belongs to our fathers and mothers, tomorrow belongs to the children; to us, and what we do today will surely determine the fate of our tomorrow and the fate of those coming after us. Therefore, I have resolved to contribute my own quota towards the global push to create a more sustainable, safer, cleaner and healthier environment for the future by setting up an NGO, 'Our Tomorrow.'"

He noted that the NGO "will become an active player in the climate change ecosystem and I am committed to getting the youths of Africa to commit to this noble endeavour."

Prince Emeka Obasi

In the age of special anniversaries, maybe it’s a huge mistake that I don’t have an annual day of remembrance for that letter. After all, it altered the trajectory of my life and possibly shaped the logic of my eternal journey. Yet, it was a simple enough letter, elegantly couched in unassailable moral logic. As Lagosians would say, I was the one who looked for ‘wahala.’ And what did I do wrong exactly?

It was in the mid 90s and I had resolved to get married. I was tired of bachelorhood but still unable to find the girl that would ‘take my breath away.’ I finally threw in the towel and decided to settle down with an elegant lady. She was nice and sweet and from a wonderful family.

Prof and Mrs. Anya accompanied me to the traditional wine carrying ceremony, along with my parents. There, it emerged that my bride was a divorcée. Of course I always knew, so what? I was liberal, avant garde and free thinking. The divorce thing simply didn’t matter to me. Apparently, it also didn’t matter to anyone else. But Mrs Anya bothered, and took action.

When I returned to Lagos, I got the letter from her. I still recall the contents; clearly itemized Bible passages dealing with the issue of marriage and divorce and then a simple concluding prayer… “may the Holy Spirit guide you in your decision.”

Of course, the Holy Spirit took away my peace until I bowed. How did this woman achieve such a monumental feat almost effortlessly? Today, over two decades after, my wife Betty says, “she didn’t do it, the Holy Spirit used her.” It’s the evidence of genuine faith!

Over the years I have increasingly admired her rock solid faith; her beautiful elegance and towering strength. She makes Christianity so awesome, without preachments; without judgement and without deceit. Three years ago, when I reeled under the weight of family challenges, she was the first person I ran to. Once again, she wrote another letter to me, quoting Bible passages of individuals in the the holy book: Joseph, David, Jephta, Gideon, etc, who faced similar challenges, but God stood by them. Her words gave me strength.

Through the years, she has remained pure gold. Her husband, the Prof treasures her. As he would often say, “whereas some people have their enemies outside, mine lives with me!” She is ever ready to nudge the great man to the path of simple and accurate rendition of facts anytime the flow of the narrative threatens to encroach on his fidelity.

The girl she eventually supported me to marry adores her as a worthy role model, especially of the faith. By the way, she has become my own in-house enemy.

A renowned educationist, Mrs. Anya is more importantly a connoisseur of fine literature and quality prose. Perhaps, understandably, with such an amazing husband and children; each of them, outstanding writers in their own right, especially that one who used to hang a stethoscope and was once outed by the mercurial intellectual, Ferdinand Agu, as a genius.

I recall one evening when I visited Prof as I used to do, and Mummy greeted me with sing song laughter. “Emeka, I have something to show you…” She gave me a piece of paper, an Oxford University honorary doctoral degree citation on Nelson Mandela. The entire citation was just a single paragraph and yet it captured fully the enchanting story of the icon.

I was awed. It’s easily the most exquisite prose I have ever read, perhaps only comparable to Prof Anya’s forward to Senator David Dafinone’s biography. It’s way beyond a master piece.

Mrs Anya loves good writing. Who knows? Maybe that’s why she married Prof and produced such intellectually gifted children.

Last week, this jewel turned 80. Sweet Jesus, thank you very much, for the gift of this wonderful woman; a daughter who has kept your name with honour.

Thank you very much, Lord for blessing us with her.

Happy Birthday to you Mummy!

Prince Emeka Obasi and the Clan.

Prince Emeka Obasi

It seems like yesterday, but in reality it’s now over 20 years, since Mr. Okey Kalu introduced me to Chief Marc Wabara. I was then the young, enterprising and energetic publisher of the fire-eating weekly tabloid, Hallmark Newspaper.
Wabara was the Managing Director - later Chairman and Chief Executive Officer - of Hallmak Bank. The coincidence of the names intrigued many, especially the MD. I didn’t pay much heed to the fact, but apparently, Okey Kanu did, which was quite understandable because it was his core brief to manage the image of the bank.
I still recall that first meeting. It was was at a fund raising dinner for the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential campaign project at Eko Hotel. At some point during the event, Kanu pulled me aside to meet this debonair; a well-turned-out figure who reeked of corporate success, resplendent in his satiorial elegance. Before extending his hand, he looked at me quizzically, with a bemused smile struggling for fuller expression by the sides of his lips. I was in one of my irreverent moods and promptly went into my act...”will you allow me, sir, the privilege of sharing your name?”
Of course, it was not an original line. I lifted it off Sugar Ray Leonard’s playbook. The young boxer who was then in the making was introduced to the original Sugar Ray Robinson; phenomenal master of the craft, iconic prize fighter and rated for the ages as “pound for pound, the greatest boxer that ever lived !”.
Of course I told him the story of the two Rays while stooping very low to shake his outstretched hand, all the while smiling mischievously. In that instant, I saw warmth in his eyes and a life long connection was made. It was like the day, “Stanley met Mutesa...”
As the Bible says, the Good Lord orders the footsteps of the righteous. HE was surely looking out for me and my publishing career that night!
It’s to the eternal credit of my naivety that I didn’t understand the cost implications of publishing before jumping full-body into it. Within two months, my funds dried up. My initial funders had even less knowledge of the financial requirements of the business. I was at my wits end. Then Wabara stepped in.
First he granted me an OD (over draft) line . Then he permitted me to publish any Hallmark Bank advert I saw in any newspaper, often against the position of his corporate communications people. For a fledgling newspaper enterprise, that was a Godsent intervention. And yet, that was not all.
I had strong reservations against the Obassnjo administration and used Hallmak to canvass those views. It irked the administration greatly and the security agents considered me a major irritant. Once in a while, President Babangida would call me; “Emeka, what did President Obasanjo do to you? “
“I beg, Oga , leave that man, joo!”.
He would laugh. “Emeka, the problem with you is that you are too stubborn. Anyway, Gusau (then NSA) called me to report you “.
He also called Wabara, who had become quite close to the administration so much that he leveraged on his contacts to assist his elder brother, Adulphus, to emerge as president of the senate.
The NSA accused Wabara of funding Hallmark Newspaper and demanded that he should issue a disclaimer. Wabara flatly refused. He also refused to withhold support for me. Most remarkably, he never sought to influence our editorial thrust in any way. He simply let me be, in all my legendary stubbornness!
Today, this great man has stepped onto the seventh floor; the platinum age of grace and wisdom. He has remained such an influential factor in my life as mentor, supporter and inspirer.
Of course I know that our meeting was not coincidental, rather it was part of the awesome master plan of the great HE above.
Two years ago I confronted him in my house...”Chair, you taught me everything, why didn’t you teach me about sibling rilvaries and the envy that stoke them?”.
He simply laughed and said, "some lessons are better learnt by personal experience." I agreed with him. But mine has been at a steep price !!!
Nevertheless, the good lord has been faithful. As the Bible says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all."
On a day like this, all I can say is, "thank you very much, Chief Marc Wabara. The light you helped in igniting many years ago still illuminates the pathway! May the Good Lord continue to bless you richly in Jesus mighty name, Amen “.
Happy birthday, great in-law; beloved husband to our beautiful sister.
I remain grateful.

Prince Emeka Obasi, Publisher, Business Hallmark Newspaper

By OBINNA EZUGWU

Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, former bank CEO and acclaimed philanthropist, has attained yet another milestone in his already eventful days on earth. Today, he marks his 56th birthday, and there are a million and one reasons to roll out the drums and pump champagnes to high heavens. Here is a man who, at 56, has climbed to the apex of Nigeria's corporate ladder, and made huge impact on the lives of many in his state and beyond. But today, he chose a muted celebration because know he is in the middle of a battle.

Otti has since dedicated his energy to fighting a war for Abia liberation. And even at the cost of personal comfort, threats to life and many betrayals, he has remained very focused.

In many ways, Dr. Otti is is a messiah who came before his time. Taking stock of his relentless efforts to free Abians from the shackles of poor governance; a fight that had seen him win the state's governorship election in 2015, only to see his victory snatched by retrograde forces averse to playing by the rules, it's easy to imagine that once in a while, he would sit down and ask himself whether the effort is really worth it.

Indeed, when in 2014, he got fed up with with the mediocre governance in the God's Own State, and opted to leave his plumb job of managing a top bank, many, including his professional colleagues, thought he was out of his mind. Here was a man at the top of his career, with the world at his feet, but who was now abandoning the comfort of the boardroom for the murky waters of Nigerian politics and power play. His motivation being that he couldn't be living well in Lagos, while back home in Abia, many wallowed in hopelessness and desperation on account of poor governance.

The decision was, no doubt, a big gamble. And nearly seven years on, it's easy to tell it hasn't yet paid off yet. But while many may be tempted to say he should have remained in the corporate world, Dr. Otti apparently has no time to spare a thought on that. He knew exactly what he was going into, and had developed enough thick skin to take arrows and bullets and still continue his fight.

A brilliant and unassuming gentleman, Otti is an enigma whose ways defy the "Nigerian convention." He is humility personified; a man who, despite his enviable accomplishments, treats everyone with great respect. He is a rare breed who has continued to demonstrate uncommon ability to sacrifice personal comfort for the good of all.

Despite not holding a political office, he has arguably achieved more infrastructural and human capital development in his home state of Abia and elsewhere than many who do, even at the highest levels.

He is a genuine good man whose foray into politics was informed by his desire to impact lives. Otti is a man deeply pained by the state of affairs in his home state of Abia, but who has turned that pain into a burning determination to make a difference.

Beset by mediocre governance, the like of which is rare even in a country notorious for producing bad leaders, Abia is in dire need of quality leadership. Though the current administration has made some commendable progress, the state remains largely a giant cursed with clay foot.

Armed with practical ideas, contacts, professional experience and above all, the desire to do good, Otti is clearly the kind of person who can bring about the needed radical transformation of Abia. Perhaps, knowing this too, he has chosen to keep up with the fight in spite of the odds. Indeed winners never quit. Knowing what he wants to achieve, he has continued to persist.

No doubt, the fight can be exhausting, but at 56, and very energetic, Abia is lucky to have him. Otti is a man in his prime, full of life, wisdom and commitment. And perhaps more importantly, conviction and dogged determination.

In the story of Abia’s present state of near hopelessness, he is the silver lining; one to look up to for some confidence in the future. He is Abia's child of promise, and perhaps 2023 will be a new beginning for the God's Own State.

’

OBINNA EZUGWU

Nigeria’s former senate president, Anyim Pius Anyim rarely comes across as a politician. Indeed he is not the usual player of the political game. A very dedicated member of the Assemblies of God Church, whose life practically revolves around work and worship, he is an oddity in a field dominated by showy men and women.
But since he burst into the scene of the country’s political theatre, the publicity shy, taciturn statesman, has continued to prove an actor of immense dexterity. His giant strides are particularly enthralling given his very humble background.
His life, his close associates say, bear eloquent testimony to the assertion that God lifts those who humble themselves before him. And the fact that ultimately, hard work and dedication pay huge dividends.
“I look at success as a function two critical things: one, the will of God for an individual, and the ability of that individual to work hard to actualize the will of God for his life,” notes Mr. Sam Nwaobasi, who worked as aid to Anyim during his time as secretary to government.
“Having noted the fact that there is the God factor in everything that every human being will achieve, I attribute Anyim’s accomplishments to, first of all, the God factor. Again he has been able to do the things that he needs to do as a human being very well. I worked with him and we have remained very close even after we left office in 2015.
“He is a very serious minded person who takes everything he is doing very seriously. He is always totally committed to whatever assignment he is given, to the point that almost forgets about everything else. When he sets a goal, channels every effort towards achieving that. Importantly, he is very honest and has fear of God.
“He has respect for people including those work for him, starting from cleaners who clean his office. He respects everyone. For those of us that worked under him, he treated us as colleagues and valued everyone’s opinion and had respect to your person and considered you a human being. He never minded that he was the boss.”
Anyim began life in public service shortly after youth service when he became Head of Protection Department at the National Commission for Refugees, Abuja, a job that included provision of legal services and political protection for refugees. He has not looked back.
Often unassuming and calm, he possesses such intricate disarming persona. But behind this facade of innocence or even timidity, is a true warrior who has fought and won many tough battles, and who never shied away from confronting any adversary who came knocking on his doors.

His recent spats with the likes of braggadocious Anambra billionaire, Engr. Arthur Eze and the overly bossy governor of his home state of Ebonyi, Engr. David Umahi, provide glimpses of his ability to stand up to any adversary. Before them was Senator Sam Egwu, a former governor of the state.
“People usually don’t see him coming because he is not loud. Before he takes a step, he would have thought it through. He is a deep thinker,” says Nwaobasi.
“Because he is not a loud person, people may think that they can ride rough shod over him, not knowing that he has done his work well and he’s at peace with his God. He doesn’t go looking for trouble but when trouble comes to look for him as a human being he does not run away.”
But the former secretary to the government of the federation, is noted more for his towering accomplishments in the political scene, and perhaps even more for his humility and kindheartedness.
“Anyim is an achiever who always gets anything he wants done. I might even say he is a lucky person,” says Bob Okey Okoroji, Lagos based lawyer and one time governorship aspirant in the state.

“Jerry Gana brought him into politics as a youth corper, because he served under Gana, that was how he got him involved in politics and he has thrived ever since. He became senate president at the age of 39, that’s impressive.”
Indeed, when in 1999, Anyim got elected into the Nigerian Senate, aged just 38 – the second time he would be winning senate election in his constituency – he was possibly the youngest member of the upper legislative chamber, quite obvious the youngest from the Southeast. It would not have been out of place to assume that the young, calm senator was there to make up the numbers. For at his age, it would have been easy to imagine that being a senator was already an over achievement. But a year later in 2000, he clinched the coveted office of Senate President, replacing the late flamboyant Dr. Chuba Okadigbo who was impeached the same year, and thus becoming the number three highest office holder in the country at just 39.
The battle that consumed Okadigbo was no less intense than the one that ensued over his replacement. It was a contest that featured ranking lawmakers from Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi among other states, some with close connection to the Olusegun Obasanjo led executive in Aso Rock which wielded colossal influence in every aspect of political life. But the young Anyim outwitted all, becoming the youngest senate president in Nigeria’s history.
As senate president, even at a young age, Anyim demonstrated rare leadership qualities. He displayed maturity and brought much needed stability to the hitherto volatile red chamber. In an era where laying banana peels for senate presidents was the norm, Anyim held his own and brought sanity into the the business of lawmaking. And of course, served till the end of his term in 2003, becoming the first senate president to do so in the fourth republic.
“Anyim is a unique personality. He has accomplished many things in his political career,” notes Chief Abia Onyike, chairman, publicity bureau of Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF).
“Within few months as a senator, he became the senate president and used the office to set the tone for what the leadership of the senate should be for others coming after him. The respect accorded that office today is as a result of the foundation laid by him.

“He is a pan Nigerian leader who has emerged as leader of the Nigerian legislative caucus. This position is not a formal one, but he merited it on account of the competent leadership that he offered Nigerians as senate president. He gave a very good account of himself and that is why, if you watch very carefully, sometimes when the national assembly members, both serving and retired, want to take position on national issues they consult him.”
Anyim largely retired to a quiet life after his tenure in the Senate, having opted not to seek reelection in the 2003 general election.
A fighter for justice, he would next announce his presence on the national stage when in January 2010, he led a delegation of 41 eminent Nigerians to call on the apparently indisposed President Umaru Yar’Adua, now late, to transmit a letter to the National Assembly to salvage the nation’s democracy from danger.
The senate would subsequently on February 9, pass a to make Goodluck Jonathan, then vice president, acting president. In May 2011, following the victory of Jonathan in the presidential election that year, he was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation. And in that capacity, he once again proved his mettle.
“As SGF, he also did very well taking the entire federation into consideration. He used that office to serve Nigerians from all walks of life and carried everyone along,” Onyike says. “He is pan Nigerian. Anyim is not a man who believes in force, he believes in leadership by example.”
Indeed, many who have come across him say his humility is magnetic, and his ability to carry others along has been his winning formula.
“He is a very loyal and faithful friend to his associates,” notes Mr. Vin Mgbemena, former Managing Director of Orange Drugs Limited. “He’s somebody who doesn’t give up on anything he believes in.
“Once he sets a goal he will do everything within his power to actualize that goal. Again he doesn’t enter any project without first committing it to God. Whatever he wants; whatever decision he wants to take in life, he always consults God, and that has always guided him in everything he has done in life.
“Prayer is his ultimate strength. He submits totally to the will of God. Remember the way he handled the senate when he was senate president; the way he handled some of the untouchables in his seniors then, that will tell you the kind of person he is. He is not somebody you can take for granted.”

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has been penciled to chair the 2020 edition of Business Hallmark People of the Year Awards, scheduled to hold on Sunday, November 22 at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Anyim, a former president of the Nigerian Senate, will be chairing the usually glamorous event for the first time.

The 2020 edition of the Awards will witness presentation of accolades to some of Nigeria’s best achievers both in public service and the corporate community.

The People of the Year Award is part of the weekly newspaper’s concept of honouring outstanding individuals and corporate organisations that have affected the Nigerian economy and polity in productive ways.

Winners in this year’s edition include, Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike who emerged Man of the Year for his not only informed by his remarkable successes in Rivers state and inspirational evolution as the poster card of true democracy in Nigeria; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), for his outstanding achievements as the Chief Law Officer of the Nation, especially in the effective repositioning of the Federal Ministry of Justice as a critical tool in the milestone achievements of present administration; as well as Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, MD of Fidelity Bank, who emerged Banker of the Year for his strides as leader of emerging big player in the country’s banking industry.

Other recipients include: former Transcorp MD and leading governorship aspirant for Anambra governorship, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo for his giant strides at Transcorp; Leo Stan Ekeh’s Konga, named Company of the Year in recognition of the ground breaking feats achieved by it in the year under review; Dr Francis Ottah Agbo, named Lawmaker of the Year for consistently towing the path of Honour in the discharge of his mandate; Isaac Okoroafor, ex CBN Director of Corporate Communications, will take Professional Excellence in Corporate Communications Award in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Corporate Communication industry in Nigeria.

Prince BB Apugo and Senator JJ Akpanudoedehe were named winners of Outstanding Political Leadership Award for their immense contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s democracy; Senator Dahiru Ahmed was named winner of Outstanding Community Service Award in recognition of the various humanitarian and community intervention and advocacy projects she has consistently embarked upon for the upliftment of indigents and the less privileged in Adamawa State; the Nigerian Ports Authority emerged Parastatal of the Year in recognition of the successful re-positioning of the agency under Ms Hadiza Usman, as a leading Port service operator in Africa.

Also on the recipients list are Prof Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Abayomi and Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General of Nigeria Centre of Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu are co-winners of the year’s Outstanding Achievement Award for their pragmatic leadership in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic; Heritage and Keystone banks took special products award for MSME support


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As part of its long standing tradition of recognising outstanding individuals and corporate organisations that have affected national development in positive ways, BusinessHallmark Newspaper, one of Nigeria’s foremost business and financial information providers, has named Senator John James Akpanudoedehe winner of its Year 2020 Outstanding Political Leadership Award.

The award is part of the weekly newspaper’s concept of People of the Year Awards, which is aimed at celebrating notable individuals and corporate organisations that contributed in productive ways to the advancement of the country.

The choice of the Akwa Ibom State born ace politician, the newspaper said in a letter addressed to him by a member of its Editorial Advisory Board and Co-Chair of its Public Policy Forum, Akogun (Dr.) Tola Adeniyi, is in recognition of his sterling qualities as a political leader and the important roles he has played in the entrenchment of democracy and good governance in the country.

According to Adeniyi, Akpanudoedehe has been “an active participant at the grassroots and involved with all major political movements in our country in the last three decades.

“Your dogged pursuit of good governance, conflict resolution and insistence on politics as a means of service to the people have marked you out as a role model. We therefore feel very privileged to bestow this honour on your person that it is very well deserved!”

Akpanudoedehe was Chairman of the Uyo Local Government and then chairman of Uyo Council before being elected to the Senate in 1999. In 1997, he won election as Senator for Uyo during the attempted return to democracy under General Sani Abacha. In 1999, he again ran for the Uyo Senatorial District on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform, and was elected. He held office until May 2003.

His has since continued to play active roles in the politics of Akwa Ibom State and the nation at large. He played critical roles in the emergence of both Obong Victor Attah and Senator Godswill Akpabio as governors of Akwa Ibom.

Other winners of the award this year include the Executive Governor of Rivers state, His Excellency Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Hon Minster of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu alongside other high net-worth individuals and organisations.

The award ceremony will take place at an elaborate Dinner on Sunday November 22, 2020 at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos at 6.00pm.

One of Nigeria’s leading business information providers, BusinessHallmark Newspaper, has said it is delighted to name Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike its Man of the Year, 2020.


The honour is part of the yearly activities of the Newspaper’s tradition of recognising and honouring outstanding individuals and institutions who have affected the national development in productive ways.

In a letter to the governor signed by Akogun (Chief) Tola Adeniyi, a member of Business Hallmark Advisory Board and Co-Chair of its Public Policy Forum, the organisation said Wike was chosen in recognition of his developmental strides in the state, as well as his staunch defense of democracy.

Adeniyi said the governor “has become the lightning rod for good governance and true democracy.”

The letter reads in part, “Your choice was not only informed by your remarkable success in Rivers State, but mostly for your inspirational evolution as the poster card of true democracy in Nigeria.

“We recall that the immense challenges which confronted your administration at its inception, raging from insecurity, poor infrastructure and an insipid business environment. It is noteworthy that your Excellency has responded creatively to these challenges.

“Findings from our team of editors reveal that there is hardly any facet of life which your government has neglected. Most remarkably, your Excellency has remained steadfast and committed to the ethos of good governance despite the overwhelming and sometimes contrived challenges. Our board had no hesitation therefore, in selecting you for this well merited honour.”

Wike, the organisation said, has become an avatar, a powerful catalyst whose views, alliances and interests largely determine the flow of events both within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and nationally.

Indeed, Wike has over the past decade, proved to be a master political strategist. it is largely courtesy of him that the opposition party is witnessing a rebirth and is poised to challenge the APC headlong in the 2023 general elections. He has stood up to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration on several occasions, criticising when necessary and commending when appropriate. In the process, he has emerged almost effortlessly, as one of the most powerful Nigerians as attested by many political observers and analysts.
https://hallmarknews.com/businesshallmark-celebrates-gov-wike-as-man-of-the-year/

Elder statesman and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Prince B.B. Apugo, has emerged winner of BusinessHallmark’s Outstanding Political Leadership Award for the year 2020.

The award is part of the weekly newspaper’s concept of honouring outstanding individuals and corporate organisations that have affected the Nigerian economy and polity in productive ways.

The choice of the Abia State born politician, according to a letter addressed to him by member of BusinessHallmark Editorial Advisory Board and Co-Chair of its Public Policy Forum, Akogun Tola Adeniyi, was informed by his immense contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s democracy.

“We are pleased to inform you that the Editorial Board of our newspaper has voted you as winner of its Year 2020 Outstanding Political Leadership Award. The award is in recognition of the important roles you have played in the growth of democracy, and crusade for governance in our country,” the letter read in part.

“We recall vividly your leading contributions to the success of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the late 70s. With the return of democracy in 1999, you emerged one of the founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It is also noteworthy that you became one of the prime movers of the coalition that birthed the All Progressive Congress (APC) and ensured its historic victory at the polls.

“Indeed, you have been at the crucible of all major political movements in our country in the last forty years. Your dogged pursuit of good governance, honour and integrity in government, and insistence on politics as a means of serving the people rather than self-interest, have marked you out as a man of principle who is worthy of emulation.”

Chief Adeniyi said Apugo has “remained consistently outspoken against ineptitude and corruption in government, often at great personal cost.”

The letter said Apugo has remained a man of integrity whose examples are worthy of emulation.

“Your strong advocacy has earned you immense admiration across the country, irrespective of political party affiliation.

“Millions of Nigerians see you as one of the few men of honour and integrity left standing in the muddled political space. Perhaps unknown to you, many of our countrymen and women, especially the younger generation see you as a role model.

“We therefore feel very privileged to bestow this honour on your esteemed person.”

The award, according to the letter, will be presented at an elaborate dinner on Sunday November 22, 2020 at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Other winners to be presented with awards on the night are the Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Chike Ihekweazu; Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika among other outstanding individuals and corporate organisations.

Today, Thursday, all roads lead to Nguru Nweke, Aboh Mbaise Local Government, Imo State as banking whiz kid and boardroom giant, Dr. Alex Otti begins the final funeral ceremony of his late father-in-law, a knight of the Catholic Church and retired Controller of the Nigerian Customs Service, Chief (Sir) Cosmas Ajonu Odoemene who passed away on May 25, 2020 at 81.

Expected at the four-day grand ceremony, billed to hold from Thursday to Sunday, are political heavyweights and the who is who among Nigeria’s corporate titans.

The events which kicked last week with a requiem mass held for the deceased on Friday, October 9 at St. Dominics Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos, continues today with a vigil Mass billed for 5pm at St. Charles Catholic Church, Ezuhu Na Amadi, Nguru Nweke, Aboh Mbaise.

This will be followed by a Funeral Mass scheduled for 11am at the same church on Friday, while on Sunday, October 18, there will be thanksgiving Mass by 9am before guests proceed to the deceased’s country home to pay last respects.

Born on October 17, 1939, the late Odoemene served meritoriously at the Nigerian Customs Service, rising to the position of Controller General before retiring in 1999 to dedicate most of his time to the service of God and humanity.

He earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Lagos, and was a Knight Of St. Mulumba (KSM) in the Catholic Church and a community leader.

Odoemene also took many Chieftaincy titles including “Ugbo na Akwo Aku of Nguru Nweke, Mbaise,” a community to whose development he made immense contribution in his lifetime.

Nigeria’s leading business information provider, Business Hallmark Newspaper, has named Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike its Man of the year, 2020.

The honour to the Rivers governor is part of the yearly activities of the Newspaper’s tradition of recognising and honouring outstanding individuals and institutions who have affected the national development in productive ways.

In a letter to the governor signed by Akogun (Chief) Tola Adeniyi member, Business Hallmark Advisory Board, the organisation said Wike was chosen in recognition of his developmental strides in the state, as well as his staunch defense of democracy.

Adeniyi said the governor “has become the lightning rod for good governance and true democracy.”

The letter reads in part, “Your choice was not only informed by your remarkable success in Rivers State, but mostly for your inspirational evolution as the poster card of true democracy in Nigeria.

“We recall that the immense challenges which confronted your administration at its inception, raging from insecurity, poor infrastructure and an insipid business environment. It is noteworthy that your Excellency has responded creatively to these challenges.

“Findings from our team of editors reveal that there is hardly any facet of life which your government has neglected. Most remarkably, your Excellency has remained steadfast and committed to the ethos of good governance despite the overwhelming and sometimes contrived challenges. Our board had no hesitation therefore, in selecting you for this well merited honour.”

The award will be presented at a ceremony scheduled to be announced in the coming days.

Previous winners of the prestigious Hallmark Man of the Year Award include former Central Bank governor, now Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; former Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko; Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele; Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano among others.

"Whereas Obaseki sits on the throne in Edo, however, another king has cemented his place in the country’s political landscape. Of course, Obaseki’s victory may be the main narrative of the giddy political events of the last few months, but the deeper significance is the rise to the full bloom of a new political maestro, the true lion of Niger Delta; the dynamic and awesome voltage of the swashbuckling governor of Rivers State; Nyesom Wike.

In the build-up to the Edo polls, Comrade Oshiomhole was said to have announced to the Nigerian public that he was the lion, and Obaseki was a mere lizard. His argument being, perhaps, that the contest was one between a lion and a lizard. He is not, however, the first to lay claim to the kingship of the Niger Delta ‘jungle.’ Before him was a popular politician there, who at the height of his power proclaimed himself a lion. But a lion, goes a saying, doesn’t have to roar to be a lion, for even when he purrs the whole jungle knows that he’s the king. Indeed this true lion, Wike, never had to proclaim himself a lion, he simply demonstrated he is king of the jungle, and the hyenas ran, tales between their legs, away from the pride land.

Perhaps to underline the crucial role Wike played in his victory, Obaseki chose his official abode, the Brick House, as his first point of call post-election...

https://hallmarknews.com/nyesom-wike-audacity-clout-power/

Stakeholders and indigenes of Nigeria’s oil rich region, the Niger Delta, have applauded recent rapport between the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the National Assembly, noting that it is in the overall interest of the region.

Recall that Akpabio had last week, paid courtesy visit to the newly appointed clerk of the national assembly, Mr. Ojo Amos Olatunde at his office in Abuja with a view to familiarising with him and to solicit the continuous cooperation of the legislative arm of government towards the development the oil rich region.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/niger-delta-indigenes-applaud-akpabio-nass-rapprochement/

"First, it is demeaning to stay in Lagos and tell Edo people who they should reject and who they should support under flimsy grounds, especially coming from a person who already has reputation for employing sundry anti democratic means to retain firm grip on his state. And in view of the prevailing anti godfather sentiment in Edo, it was straight up thoughtless to give an impression that you are trying to be a godfather in the state, perhaps the super godfather with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole being the resident godfather. Everyone has an ego, most Edo people easily saw that intervention as an affront, and what Obaseki simply needed to do was to play that up, which he wasted no time in doing. Yes, the Edos are a great people with rich civilisation, and would not entertain an overlord from anywhere. It is as simple as that.
https://hallmarknews.com/bola-tinubu-a-godfathers-edo-misadventure-and-matters-arising-by-obinna-ezugwu/

The National Assembly has commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for his courtesy visit to its newly appointed clerk, Mr. Ojo Amos Olatunde, noting that continued engagement between the executive and the legislative arms of government will better enhance checks and balances.

Akpabio on Tuesday, paid a visit to Olatunde who was recently appointed Clerk to the National Assembly in his office at the assembly complex, Abuja with a view to familiarising with him and to solicit continuous cooperation of the legislative arm of government towards the development of the Niger Delta region.

Spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who praised the minister for the gesture while interacting with journalists after the visit, noted that their doors would always be open for members of the executive who wish to call on them.

https://hallmarknews.com/nass-hails-akpabio-on-visit-says-engagement-with-executive-will-enhance-checks-balances/

Home Features State of emergency in Southeast: Buratai should tender apology to the Igbo,...
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State of emergency in Southeast: Buratai should tender apology to the Igbo, resign – Okoroji
September 22, 2020

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Lagos based constitutional lawyer, Bob Okey Okoroji has said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai must tender an apology to the Igbo and people Southeast and tender his resignation or be removed from office by President Muhammadu Buhari for ‘threatening’ them with state of emergency.


Okoroji argued that although the army chief does not have power to declare state of emergency in any part of Nigeria, it is shocking that he could contemplate same in the Southeast, which according to him, is the most peaceful region in the country.

The lawyer who spoke in this interview with OBINNA EZUGWU, also argued that the President Muhammadu Buhari led All Progressive Congress (APC) administration has disappointed Nigerians and should be thrown out in 2023.

Excerpts:

There was this article you wrote in which you took serious exception to the alleged threat by the chief of army staff, Buratai to declare state of emergency in the Southeast if security agencies are attacked again…?

As a matter of fact, I was piqued by the reported threat by Buratai to declare state of emergency in the Southeast. It is in my view, the most arrogant, contemptuous and irresponsible comment by any serving chief of army staff in Nigeria’s history. The issue is that he is operating from the position of ignorance. The chief of army staff does not have the power to declare a state of emergency in Nigeria or any part thereof. It is exclusively within the power of the president, subject to the approval of the national assembly. And the president does that by the instrument of proclamation in an official gazette, which he must forward immediately to the national assembly for two-third majority support and approval.

Having said that, you would recall that in 1962, and as a matter of fact, the first instance of the declaration of state of emergency in Nigeria’s political history was in May 1962 when the Tafawa Balewa government declared a state of emergency in the western region, and appointed Dr. Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi as the sole administrator of the region. That was done in line with in line with section 65 of the 1960 Constitution. You would recall, too, that another case was when President Olusegun Obasanjo imposed a state of emergency in Plateau State and Ekiti State, and appointed Gen. Chris Alli and Gen. Tunji Olurin respectively as sole administrators.

You would also recall that under Goodluck Jonathan, there was a declaration of a state of emergency on a couple of northern states, namely Adamawa, Gombe and Borno. But Jonathan did not did not follow precedence, he applied the law strictly by allowing the state structures to continue to run, unlike the two previous declaration of state of emergencies under Balewa and Obasanjo. Jonathan allowed the state governors and the state assemblies to continue to operate as normal.

Now, let’s come back to the issue of Buratai. Buratai obviously has little or no understanding of what the law says about declaration of state of emergency. Balewa specifically made a statement during the declaration of a state of emergency in the Western Region, that it was solely by the desire to ensure that peace order and tranquility are maintained throughout the federation. So, it was not speculative. There was a condition that warranted the declaration, a condition of breakdown of law and order. There were clear cases of killings, arson and sundry violence. Again, when Jonathan declared state of emergency in those states, it was as a result of wanton killings and destruction of properties by Boko Haram terrorists, which went even as far as occupation of territories. Boko Haram went as far as establishing control and authority over some parts of Nigeria. They tore Nigerian flag, the symbol of sovereignty and challenged the country’s authority. Those are the conditions that warrant declaration of a state of emergency. It is not speculation of the possibility of a future threat like Buratai is trying to do. I don’t know what informed his comments, but I think his comment was unwarranted, it was unnecessary.

The law is clear on the declaration of state of emergency. And it bears repeating that he doesn’t have the power to declare a state of emergency. He is an errand boy of the president. He takes instructions from the president. The president is the only person in Nigeria that has the exclusive power declare state of emergency, but it is still subject to national assembly approval. Talking about Buratai as a person, you would notice that this is a chief of army staff that hasn’t won any battle in his entire military career, not even against the ragtag militia in the Northeast. The man calls himself a general, but he and his army cannot withstand even Amotekun in the Southwest, and that’s why he couldn’t have issued similar threat to the Southwest, because he knows that Amotekun is present in the Southwest and he is too afraid to confront them. You would notice also that terrorists everywhere, and this is important, look for soft targets. Buratai is looking for soft targets. He considers the Southeast a soft target. Southeast, from all indications, is one of the most peaceful and yet most militarised part of Nigeria. Buratai just holds the region in contempt, and he is also seeking to wage psychological war against the government and people of the Southeast and South South because he considers them to be soft targets. As I said, every terrorists looks for soft targets. You can draw your conclusions from there.
https://hallmarknews.com/state-of-emergency-in-southeast-buratai-should-tender-apology-to-the-igbo-resign-okoroji/

Countries in the High Alert category include Yemen, which in number one in the list of Fragile states, followed by Somalia, South Sudan and Syria in that order. These are the four countries appearing in this category.

The High Alert category has such countries as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Sudan, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, while the Alert category has Cameroon, Burundi, Haiti, Nigeria, Guinea, Mali, Iraq, Eritrea, Niger and Libya in that order

More here... https://hallmarknews.com/nigeria-ranks-14-in-global-list-of-failed-states-2020/

“The federal government now wants to dictate to us how to use our own stream, it will not happen. That bill must never see the light of the day no matter the machinations being applied. Right now, the National Assembly is behaving more like an arm of the executive, which is wrong. It should stand up. Look at the company and allied matters act, the amendment that just passed through. It has lots of defects, but they let it go," Goddy Uwazurike
https://hallmarknews.com/miyetti-allah-vigilante-water-resources-bill-spark-uproar/

It is barely six weeks to the Ondo State governorship election. As usual, serious contenders and pretenders are spoiling for war. At the last count, 17 political parties and their candidates have scaled the Independent National Electoral Commission’s hurdle to battle for the coveted prize, Alagbaka House, Akure.
The list, as released by INEC, include; Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) – Peoples Democratic Party; incumbent deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); Rotimi Adeleye Akindejoye – Accord Party; Joshua Oluwafemi Adewole -Action Alliance (AA); Adeleye Adekunle Peter – African Action Congress (AAC); Adelegan Adedapo Oluwaseyi – African Democratic Congress (ADC); Martin Kunle Olateru-Olagbegi -Action Democratic Party (ADP); Olowoloba Dele – All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Aminu Akeem Olanrewaju – Allied Peoples Movement (APM); Adesanya Olaoluwa – Action Peoples Party (APP) and Okunade Taiwo of the Labour Party (LP)...
https://hallmarknews.com/ondo-2020-b-hallmark-poll-akeredolu-37-jegede-32-ajayi-29-others-2/

Akuruo uno, amara onye kpara ya.’ The above is a saying in the Igbo country which captures the real essence of wealth acquisition.

Sadly, there is no English translation to aptly capture the whole import of that saying. A loose translation could go thus: It is only when a man uses his wealth to make impact on his society that the society acknowledges him.

Nigeria’s world of business, perhaps, no billionaire has lived out this saying better than Obijackson, Group Managing Director of Nestoil Group who turned 60 yesterday, April 17, 2020.

There cannot be any map drawn anywhere in the world to capture an enclave with the highest concentration of billionaires that won’t feature Anambra State, that land of great men and women. But even among Anambra’s biggest of men, some are, to adopt Napoleon’s quote in George Orwell’s epic fable ‘Animal Farm’, more equal than the others. Obijackson is a billionaire’s billionaire, a man who has achieved greatness in every sense of the word. And has made tremendous impact on his immediate environment and the society at large.

His name may not always feature on the “Lagos Broad Street” list of billionaires. But it is not that the Okija, Anambra State born oil magnate has not grown strong enough horns to partake in the Street’s blood sport, but that non-executive director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and Smile Telecommunications Limited, prefers to live his life quietly, impact the society positively without kicking up a storm. Here is a man who built a world class city of a village he calls home. And where he holds the title, “Ide Ji Ulo,” the pillar of society...
https://hallmarknews.com/grass-to-grace-the-amazing-story-of-obijackson/

By PRINCE EMEKA OBASI

The first time I met General Domkat Bali (rtd) was around 1992. I was a swash-buckling young man at the time, only a few years out of the university and bursting with ideas. I had conceived the Yakubu Gowon Centre, which was a foundation named after former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon and was in search of a credible personality to headline it. I was a co-partner of a public relations firm, Cameo Adventures Limited. Our search led to General Bali, a choice that turned out to be most appropriate, given his iron cast credibility and the immense respect he enjoyed in the public space.

General Bali was enthusiastic in accepting the honour of chairing the centre. General Gowon had been his superior officer and also happened to be his kinsman from Plateau State. However, more importantly, he identified with the broad objectives of the centre, especially with regards to the issue of the promotion of national unity. Of course, like many officers of his generation, he had gone to war to fight for the sanctity of the Nigerian state.

With General Bali on the saddle, the Yakubu Gowon Centre which I had conceived as an idea, crystallised into reality and became a major force among non governmental organisations in the country.

However, it was not the Yakubu Gowon Centre that established my relationship with General Bali. Rather, it was the role he played in my life when I had reason to break out of Cameo Adventures Limited and strike out on my own. As is often the case with most Nigerian partnerships, the relationship between my business partner and I in Cameo Adventures soured by 1993 and we had to go our separate ways. I was still very young, in my mid 20s, still very idealistic, and needed an anchor.

I soon set up another company and approached General Bali to chair it. Always a very candid, straightforward man, he told me right away that he didn’t have any money to invest in the company; that the only thing he had to invest was his good name. And he said to me, ‘I will allow you to use that name, but I enjoin you to use it carefully and responsibly because that’s all I have got.’

It was a very touching moment for me, something that I have cherished ever since. As it turned out, the name Domkat Bali is gold and he lent it to me. With him as my anchor, I was able to grow the company and my career sustainably over the years.

Given the perplexing times we live in Nigeria today, it may not be possible to express fully the weight of the name Domkat Bali. In an era where the only value that appears to matter is the material, many may not fully understand how invaluable a good name can be. And indeed, how precious the name Domkat Bali has been, not just to me, but to many people who had reason to relate with him. I will recall a few instances to illustrate.

When I conceived the idea of the Zik Prize in Leadership, of course the need arose to reach out to the great Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and secure his approval and blessings for the initiative. It was General Domkat Bali who approached Dr. Azikiwe and it was to him that Dr. Azikiwe gave the approval in writing for the Zik Prize in Leadership and the annual Zik Lecture Series. It was also General Bali who, as the pioneer patron of the Zik Prize initiative, tapped Professor Anya O. Anya, a respected academic as the first chairman of the Public Policy Research and Analysis Center that organises the Zik Prize annually.

With General Bali at the saddle, the Zik Prize initiative took off and became one of the most respected private sector honour schemes on the African continent. Such illustrious Africans like the late former president of Tanzania, Mr. Julius Nyerere; the former president of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, the late South African president, Mr Nelson Mandela and other prominent individuals have been honoured, many of them attending the events in person.

General Domkat Bali was not just chairman of my company, he was a father figure, a friend, a mentor, a role model and an invaluable source of inspiration. Usually a very relaxed person, he took me under his wings and effortlessly piloted me through the difficulty of the Nigerian socio-economic and political environment. He is an unusual man, indeed, a very rare human being. A man who is totally devoid of greed and ambition. He has very little regard for materialism, and has never been counted as one of the millionaire generals who leveraged on their position to acquire wealth.

I recall one instance when I asked former president, Ibrahim Babangida, why he moved General Bali from his position as Minister of Defence to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which many people considered to be a demotion, especially because the immediate past Minister was a brigadier; John Shagaya. He said to me, ‘Emeka it was because I realised that Uncle B – which is what many of colleagues and contemporaries call him – was approaching retirement and I felt there was a need for him to make some money in preparation for his retirement. So I posted him to the Ministry of Internal Affairs which is a powerful ministry.’

When I told General Domkat Bali of that conversation, he just grinned and said, ‘But Ibrahim knows that I’m not given to the pursuit of money. If I wanted to make money, even in the Ministry of Defence, there were ample opportunities to make money.’

There is a certain complex perspective to General Bali, which may not appear immediately obvious. Because he is usually gracious and affable, there may be a temptation by many to see him as a very simple and harmless fellow. But that may not be exactly true. The fact really, is that he is a man of iron cast principles and on occasion, may even be stubborn. He has a very basic notion of right and wrong. And once he is convinced on the justness of a course, he will embark on it, no matter how challenging it may be.

When President Babangida moved him from the Ministry of Defence to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, I’m not sure he expected the reaction he got. As General Bali told me, President Babangida had visited him at home one night and intimated him of his plans to reorganise the Armed Forces Ruling Council. As he recalled, the plans were broad and not specific to which he agreed. When the plan emerged, he was shocked to learn of his redeployment. Contrary to the expectations of many, he rejected the redeployment, called a press conference and criticised the Commander-in-Chief and the government.

It was an unprecedented move. Up till today, it is not common for a serving military officer to decline his deployment publicly and castigate his Commander-in-Chief. But General Bali did exactly that, an action that caused severe political tension in the country and prompted the cancellation of a presidential visit to the United Kingdom that had been scheduled.

It was at the height of then President Babangida’s power and glory and many were concerned about the safety of General Bali. But they didn’t need to be. To begin with, President Babangida, as I later found out, has immense respect and even admiration for General Bali and was never planning to hurt him. Two, General Bali himself harboured no fear of anyone, including the president. As a matter of fact, despite that action President Babangida and the Armed Forces Ruling Council approved the promotion of General Bali from a three star general to a four-star general, even while he was at home in retirement. At that point, he became the first person to become a four-star while in retirement. He therefore joined the few group of officers to earn full generalship.

That development puzzled many because it was unusual. Many years later, after I had gotten acquainted with President Babangida, I asked him, ‘Why did you give him a four star despite all that had happened and he was already in retirement?’ Babangida smiled and said, ‘Because as a full general he is considered to be on active duty forever until death. And is entitled to his full allowances and salary. And because I knew he didn’t make money while on service, it was a gesture to ensure that his retirement would not put him under pressure.’

Another instance where General Bali manifested his stern principles was on a personal matter. There were two incidents, one of which I recalled in my book, “Saved For His Praise.” Our company had just published a book, “The Judiciary And The Challenges Of Justice” being a collection of papers by the then president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi. Naturally, the public presentation of the book was a major event in Lagos. It attracted very eminent personalities within the judicial circles and beyond. After the presentation, I went to see him one evening at his residence in Victoria Island. He told me that some judges came to him with a complaint about me. I was surprised and inquired to know who they were and what the complaint was. He told me that they came to inform him that I was using his name and wanted to know if he was aware of it. Then he said to me, “I won’t tell you their names, but I will tell you what I said to them. I told them that yes, I’m aware you are using my name, yes I allowed you to use it because you are using it for good causes and I do not mind at all.” It was a very poignant moment.

There was yet another occasion. I had taken him to visit the parents of a girl I was in a relationship with in the east. The girl is from a famous family and the General visiting was treated as an occasion. However, the relationship did not blossom and I had to move on. When I later brought another girl to the General and introduced her as my fiancee, he didn’t oppose me. So, I was surprised when I invited him to my wedding and he declined to attend, even as he said to me, ‘You introduced me to the parents of one girl. I will not attend the marriage you are having with another girl, but I wish you well at the wedding.’ I looked at him and admired him even more.

I could go on and on about Domkat Bali and I would still not exhaust the greatness which he encapsulates. He is a wonderful man, a fantastic human being, a man of honour, a man of integrity. He has lived a very simple and beautiful life, a life that doesn’t worship the material. It’s not just his name that is gold, his heart is also golden. His infectious smile and candour make him an extraordinary personality. He is a man that is secure in himself and at peace with the world. He never knew me from Adam, I’m not from Plateau State, I’m not the son of any of his colleagues. I was just a young Nigerian bubbling with ideas and enthusiasm and who needed a steady hand. He provided that hand freely. He is open and easily accessible. There was very little I could not discuss with him. Even when he gave the controversial interview in which he allegedly blamed the death of General Mamman Vatsa on President Babangida, I took him up on it. Long ago, his wife had said to me, ‘Emeka, always try to be present anytime the General is giving any interview to the press.’ More than anyone else, Madam realised that the General tended to speak very freely on issues. Sometimes, his candour rankled and created immense problems. That interview, which he gave to “The News Magazine” was one of such situations. I told him, ‘Sir, I thought I asked you to call me anytime you are giving interviews to the press?’ He laughed and said, ‘Emeka, it didn’t happen the way the press people portrayed it. I just went for a round of golf and we chatted.’ When I spoke with President Babangida on the issue, I said to him, ‘Sir, that interview is not as it was portrayed.’ Of course, President Babangida understood the General very well and also understood the media. He said to me right away, ‘Emeka, don’t worry, I understand Uncle B, I know how you guys in the press can be mischievous.’

Last week, this wonderful human being turned 80. Sadly, I wasn’t able to attend the birthday event put together by his dear wife and children. From my small corner here, I wish you a happy birthday and more blessings of our father in heaven.

Indeed, General Bali is testament to the fact that true greatness doesn’t lie in material acquisition, but in the number of lives you have touched. He is a hero, indeed, a hero for all seasons. He is a man who has lived in very challenging times in Nigeria but has retained his honour and integrity. As the Igbo say, a good name is better than silver and gold. Indeed, the name Domkat Bali is better than silver and gold. And though he did not know me from Adam, he felt confident enough to lend that name to me. And by so doing, provided for me a ladder to climb. Thank you sir, thank you very much. May the Good Lord bless you and give you many more years. And may He provide even a stronger ladder for your children and children’s children in Jesus mighty name, Amen.

https://hallmarknews.com/his-name-is-goldand-he-lent-it-to-me-tribute-to-gen-domkat-bali-2/

Speculations are rife in this regard that one of the executive directors of the agency, who happens to come from the North, may have been pencilled down by some Aso Rock power brokers for the job.

“If this turns out to be the case, it is bound to cause political tremor because it would mean that the South-South would no longer head any parastatal of worth, even as Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita was only recently retired from her position as Head of Service of the Federation,” our source informed.

The source also made reference to the replacement of Bayelsa born Matthew Seiyefa as head of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the subsequent appointment of Yusuf Magaji Bichi as his replacement had caused agitations, even as the controversial removal of Cross River State born Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen from office as Chief Justice of Nigeria, inflicted wounds in the heart of many in the region and the entire Southern Nigeria.
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Starring at his face then, it was easy to mistake his age. But there was something unmistakable about him: his passion for motherland Nigeria. He had dissected the country's challenges, expressed profound concerns about the spate of insecurity and proffered practical solutions to the economic and social challenges facing it.

In the course of today's conversation I asked him what message he had for Nigerians at this critical moment in the nation's history. He spoke with firm conviction and a sense of optimism.

"We must learn to love and accept one another as Nigerians," he says. "And our leaders should lead and govern with the fear of God. Without God, we can do nothing."
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"Politicians have devised a new method of blurring the line between truth and falsehood. They now recruit thousands of unemployed youths, pay them minimum wage and unleash them on social media. Their job specification is simple: attack anyone who criticizes the government (whichever government they are paid to defend), and justify every action of the government. Day and night, they online defending the most indefensible actions of government. The staunch critics are identified and their social media handles flooded. Whatever they say is attacked. It is the new normal. Meanwhile, children of the elite are being employed in the most paying government agencies and parastatals. They are hardly on social media, and when they are, they don't abuse anyone. It is a kind of dog and home owner scenario. The dogs are thrown bones and leftovers outside to bark at 'intruders.' The home owner and his children eat on the high table. #Northandthetragedyofeliteconspiracy
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"Those who have lived in the north speak of the Almajiri children. How they litter everywhere, around restaurants, fast food joints and food vendors waiting for leftovers. Almajiri, I'm told is supposed to be a form of Islamic education, but which like every other would be noble idea, has been bastardized. It's become an escape route for parents who don't want to take responsibility for their children. The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) speaks of one million out of school children in Kano alone, and about 10 million in the region. This is an emergency situation that ideally should alarm the leaders and the elite of any society. But for the north's elite, there is not much appreciation of the danger yet. Minds are still configured to look for danger hundreds of kilometers away in the east, the pro Biafra agitators whose ultimate goal is to, 'prevent the flow of oil wealth.' This, for them, matters most.

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"Indeed, nothing explains his strides as governor of Ebonyi better than the fact that it has, within these few years, transcended from a state regarded by many as the least developed in the South East to one now cited as an example of a working state whose state of infrastructure is used to measure the performance or lack of performance of sister governors in the zone and beyond. In precise, Ebonyi under Umahi has come of age.....

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The market has since witnessed the entrance of a third giant in the world’s largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AbInBev), which with Heineken, now Nigerian Breweries Plc. (NB) and Guinness, have nearly 100 percent of the market share, having shared the local breweries amongst themselves by way of acquisition. The return of Golden Guinea will make it the only local player of note in the industry. But with little capacity in relative terms, the critical question is: what will be its strategy to survive in a market dominated by three giants, even in an economy that continues to struggle?... Read more here
https://hallmarknews.com/golden-guinea-returns-to-a-turbulent-beer-market

Home Cover Story Business Hallmark honours Nigeria’s great achievers in grand ceremony
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Business Hallmark honours Nigeria’s great achievers in grand ceremony
By Obinna Ezugwu - November 13, 2019 0

L-R: Prof Anya O. Anya, chairman of the occasion; Mr. Collins Chikeluba, Entrepreneur of the Year; Sir Marc Wabara, member of Hallmark Advisory Board and Senator Gilbert Nnaji during the award ceremony.
It was yet another night of glitz and glamour on Sunday, November 10 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos when Business Hallmark Newspaper hosted some of the country’s shining stars in various fields on the occasion of its 2019 People of the Year Award.

Business Hallmark People of the Year Award is an annual event organised by the medium to celebrate institutions and individuals who have affected national development in positive ways in the course of the year.

The 2019 edition particularly witnessed conferment of accolades on some of the finest brains in the country’s public and private sectors who have stood out as trailblazers in their respective fields in the course of the year.

The event which was hosted by Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the United States and Chairman, Business Hallmark Advisory Board, Professor George and chaired by former Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Professor Anya O. Anya, witnessed colourful displays by the Lagos Cultural Troupe, Nigerian Police Band, among others who thrilled guests with acrobatic dances.

In his opening remarks, Prof Obiozor noted that the award was put together to honour achievers and encourage other Nigerians to aspire to greatness by doing right things.

This, he said, had become more urgent given the dire economic and social situations in the country and the need for expedited efforts to reverse the trend.

“The Hallmark People of the Year Award is an activity we have put together to honour remarkable and outstanding achievers in our country,” Obiozor said.

“Broken into several distinctive categories, the awards are our attempt at acknowledging profound and meritorious service while also endorsing the scrupulously selected awardees as beacons of hope and excellence that other members of the public and society are invited to emulate in the hope that one day in the future, they too would have done enough themselves to equally be celebrated.

“We find this task to be most ennobling particularly at a time like this when our nation is in dire need of heroes and exceptional citizens. We trust that through initiatives like this and the accompanying discourse that comes with it, we would would have contributed our own quota towards the greater Nigeria project.

https://hallmarknews.com/business-hallmark-honours-nigerias-great-achievers-in-grand-ceremony/?fbclid=IwAR1H8EBZYAYqwOc8mX6_ZDQkd1DFpsAUGzT1at2l66g2G6XYIicD0qxge_s

"But in all of these, there is a position which every mortal must reserve for God. There is a limit to what man can do and that’s when God begins. So, in all you do, you leave a space for God to speak and when he does, there is nothing you can do about it. But I have tried not to allow all the distractions to cause me to detract from my main focus and the only way I have managed to remain so is to craft a very strong vision and then keep my eyes on the ball all the time. So that even if I slacken a little bit, I can easily find my way because I have crafted my vision and I see the end from the beginning. So, it will be very difficult to derail me because I know where I’m going. And if I don’t see my milestones, I will know that I have derailed. I will not say tomorrow, if I fail to do what I’m supposed to do, that the reason I failed is because someone distracted me. I would rather say that despite the distractions, I was able to achieve this and that. The distractions actually make me stronger. For me, leadership is the ability to remain focused and to deliver on your agenda despite the odds because, of course, there would always be challenges....

Read rest of the interview here
https://hallmarknews.com/history-will-vindicate-us-for-the-quality-of-our-work-ikpeazu