Be the New World, Rise for Freedom: One Billion Rising 2024, shaping a New Narrative for Nigerian women

By Omodele Ibitoye Ejeh:

In a world where the fight for equality and justice is ongoing, women around the globe are standing tall, resilient, and united. One Billion Rising (OBR), a global movement advocating an end to violence against women and gender-based discrimination, has taken center stage in this battle for empowerment and freedom. As we delve into the heart of OBR 2024's call to action, the theme "Be The New World" echoes the collective determination to redefine the narrative and break free from the chains of oppression.

The call to action resonates with a powerful message: "Rise for Freedom - Be The New World." This rallying cry encapsulates the essence of a movement that seeks to dismantle the barriers that confine women, to liberate them from the shackles of violence, and to usher in a new era of empowerment and equality.

The call to action is an invitation for women from all walks of life to rise up, reclaim their space, and become architects of a new world—one where they are free from fear, violence, and oppression. It is a declaration that women have the power not only to envision change but to actively contribute to its realization.

Art as a Catalyst for Change

Through the One Billion Rising Campaign i call attention to empowerment through Art and Activism. OBR 2024 leverages the potent combination of art and activism as catalysts for change. Our campaigns showcase a myriad of artistic expressions and performances, highlighting the role of creativity in fostering a community that advocates for justice and equality. Art becomes a medium through which stories are told, voices are amplified, and a call for action reverberates globally.                                                                                 

In Nigeria, art becomes a formidable tool in the hands of change-makers. Through visual arts, music, dance, and poetry, OBR 2024 transforms the pain of oppression into powerful expressions of resilience. The movement becomes a canvas where the vivid hues of creativity paint a picture of empowerment, challenging societal norms and envisioning a world free from violence.                                                                                           

"Art, Activism, and Advocacy: The OBR 2024 Movement in Nigeria" unveils a multifaceted approach to change. It showcases the power of creative expression and the impact of grassroots activism, emphasizing that in the pursuit of freedom, every stroke, beat, and word contributes to the collective masterpiece of empowerment. OBR 2024 in Nigeria is not just a movement; it's a transformative force where art, activism, and advocacy converge to shape a new world for women.                                                                               Performances take center stage as a form of protest, providing a platform for unheard voices to echo across communities. OBR 2024 in Nigeria embraces the performing arts as a means to captivate hearts, provoke thought, and inspire action. The stage becomes a battleground for advocacy, a space where the rhythm of resistance meets the melody of hope.

Beyond artistic expression, OBR 2024 in Nigeria is a catalyst for grassroots activism. Advocates mobilize communities, fostering dialogue and engagement. Activists amplify the call to action, raising awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence and the urgent need for systemic change. From urban centers to rural landscapes, OBR 2024 sparks conversations that propel the movement forward.

Artistic imagery takes on the role of a visual storyteller, conveying narratives that words alone might fail to articulate. OBR 2024 utilizes photography, murals, and digital art to document the resilience of Nigerian women and advocate for their rights. Each visual representation becomes a potent tool for igniting conversations, challenging stereotypes, and fostering empathy.

OBR 2024 fosters collaboration among artists, activists, and advocates, recognizing the strength in unity. Collaborative projects emerge, symbolizing the collective spirit of the movement. From community art installations to collaborative performances, the synergy of creativity and activism becomes a driving force, dismantling barriers and fostering a sense of solidarity.

Global Solidarity for Local Impact

The strength of OBR lies in its global reach, creating a network of solidarity that transcends borders. As we focus on One Billion Rising Nigeria, the call to action reverberates within our communities, echoing the voices of Nigerian women who refuse to be silenced. It is a call for Nigerian women to rise collectively, celebrate their resilience, and demand a world where their rights are respected and protected.

Breaking the Chains of Violence, "Rise for Freedom" signifies a commitment to breaking the chains of violence that have constrained women for far too long. It is a call to dismantle systems that perpetuate gender-based violence and discrimination. OBR 2024 challenges individuals, communities, and nations to actively participate in creating a world where every woman can live free from the threat of harm.

"Be The New World" encapsulates a vision of a world where women are no longer confined by societal norms that limit their potential. It is a call for women to step into leadership roles, to shape policies, and to be architects of change. By being the new world, women assert their right to equality, justice, and freedom.

As we reflect on the powerful call to action embedded in OBR 2024, Nigerian women are urged to actively participate in this global movement. By rising for freedom, they contribute to a collective narrative that seeks to redefine their place in society and build a world where their voices are not just heard but respected.

The Journey Ahead: OBR 2024 as a Catalyst for Transformation

As the OBR 2024 movement gains momentum in Nigeria, the fusion of art, activism, and advocacy propels the journey toward transformation. The canvas of change is continually painted with the strokes of resilience, the beats of activism, and the hues of advocacy. "Be The New World" is not just a call; it's a declaration that in Nigeria, women rise with art as their ally and activism as their voice.

In conclusion, the call to action, "Rise for Freedom - Be The New World," is a resounding invitation for women to be architects of change, to break free from the chains of violence, and to collectively build a world where they are free to soar. One Billion Rising Nigeria stands as a beacon, rallying women across the nation to join this global movement and be part of a transformative journey towards equality and freedom.

In the vibrant tapestry of the One Billion Rising (OBR) 2024 movement, Nigeria emerges as a dynamic canvas where art, activism, and advocacy intertwine to shape a powerful narrative. The call to action, "Rise for Freedom - Be The New World," reverberates not only through the voices of women but also through the expressive strokes of art and the unwavering dedication of activists.

.Omodele Ibitoye Ejeh is the Executive Director, Initiative to Resist Institutional Slavery and Exploitation (IRISE) and wrote in from Lagos

 

 

 

Nzechukwu, Mamman endorse internal auditing as tool for preventive-anti-corruption, anti-fraud strategies

From L to r, Noble Patrick Nzechukwu, President SWAIAP; Mr Babafemi Gbadewole, Group Chief Internal Auditor, Dangote Sugar Refining Plc, representing Group Managing Director; Biodun Jimoh, Frensic Auditor; Femi Fatobi, Chief Audit Executive for RMB, Omada David, Director/Principal, FSTC, Yaba; Nigeria, Mrs Abosade Adebusiye, Senoir Manager, Internal Audit, Dangote Sugar Refining, Mrs. Olatunji Oluwabusola, Internal Auditor, ICPC, Lagos Office, among others.

Noble Patrick Onwura Nzechukwu, Pioneer President/CEO, Society for West African Internal Audit Professionals (SWAIAP) and the Honourable Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, have endorsed internal auditing as tool for preventive-anti-corruption and anti-fraud strategies. 

The duo took the position while speaking at the third edition of the Induction, Fellowship Award, cum National Dialogue on Internal Auditing which has the theme, “Internal Auditing, Tool for Preventive-Anti-Corruption & Anti-Fraud Strategies & Code of Ethics Agent”.

The event which took place at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Saturday, 16^th December, 2023 and graced by crème de la crème in the internal auditing profession, has other topical issues including but not limited to the Role of Internal Auditor as a Catalyst for Achieving Corporate Objectives; Making the Internal Auditor Acceptable Agent of Change and Auditing the Information Technology Environment, the Requirements of Internal Auditor.

According to Noble Nzechukwu, SWAIAP was incorporated on the 18th of June, 2018 with a vision to institutionalize internal auditing in West Africa and its environ as a foremost tool to prevent and detect corruption and fraud and to enhance business processes and performance and mitigate to the barest minimum all forms of financial and nonfinancial risks in both private and public sectors.

Nzechukwu spoke on reason for the formation of the society “Our motivation at SWAIAP was drawn from the dearth of effective internal auditing in the sub-region, instituted by overemphasis on statutory auditing and enforcement of anti-corruption and anti-fraud laws at the expense of preventive measures which involves effective internal auditing. All geared towards discovery and recovery of financial improprieties and malfeasances.”

Noble Nzechukwu spoke further that emphasis has always been laid on cure rather than prevention of financial and non-financial risks. “Emphasis is laid on cure rather than prevention of financial and non-financial risks. This practice has given rise to a soaring high level of corruption, wastes, inefficiencies, ineffectiveness, etc. The result is a relegation of internal auditing to the background by the existing local professional bodies, institutions of learning and government organizations both at the federal and state levels,” he stated.

Speaking on what he called a knowledge gap created by dearth of internal auditing, Nzechukwu disclosed that a recent survey of Nigerian public sector (and by extension, the private sector), has identified among others, a serious lack of internal audit education and training. He said it was observed that an accounting background has been seen as the most important requirement for entry into internal auditing work. However, such requirement does not provide internal auditors with the knowledge of adequate analytical tools necessary for carrying out their professional responsibilities.

The survey further revealed that the scope and professional content of internal auditing work was severely limited to Low level financial and compliance audit; Pre-audit; and Non-audit work such as witnessing the hand-over of stores, cash and personnel transfers.

It was equally noted that the prevalence of such limited scope of internal audit work was attributed to the low level of education, training and experience of internal auditors; Lack of management awareness of the functions and contributions of internal auditing; the prevalence of weak internal control systems in organizations in which internal audit is an integral part; among others.

Noble Nzechukwu gave a peep into the formation of SWAIAP. “I floated a body called West African Internal Auditors Forum (WAIAF) in 2017. This body metamorphosed into today’s Society for West African Internal Audit Professionals (SWAIAP). What we have done in SWAIAP is to bring together the various assurance providing fields under one umbrella to offer a holistic assurance providing skills at affordable rate but not taking anything away from quality.”

Activities of SWAIAP according to Nzechukwu include train and certify members as Student Technician of West African Internal Audit (STWAIA), Associate West African Internal Auditor (AWAIA), Certified West African Internal Auditor (CWAIA) and Fellow West African Internal Auditor (FWAIA).

Earlier, the Honourable Minister of Education Prof Tahir Mamman ably represented by Omada David Director/Principal, Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTC) Yaba stated that in celebrating the achievements of the distinguished practitioners, efforts should be made to collectively reflect on the role of internal auditing tools in fortifying the defenses against corruption and fraud. “These tools are not just instruments; they are vigilant guardians of trust, ensuring that the principles of transparency and accountability are engraved into the very fabric of our practices; thereby certifying the integrity of our educational institutions.

“As we embark on this journey to strengthen anti-corruption and anti-fraud strategies, it is imperative that we establish a robust code of ethics for every internal Auditor practicing in the education sector across West Africa which is your area of coverage. The emphasis on a robust code of ethics for each agent involved in internal auditing reinforces our commitment to fostering a culture of ethical conduct, ensuring excellence, and championing integrity as the cornerstone of our profession, he added.

Prof Tahir Mamman stated that in an ever-evolving business landscape such as the West African Sub Region, where challenges and opportunities abound, the internal auditor serves as a linchpin in ensuring not only compliance to standard practice but also ensuring the effective achievement of corporate goals and objectives as well as upholding the highest standards of professionalism.

“The multifaceted role of an internal auditor in achieving corporate goals and objectives in various institutions especially educational establishments is enormous ranging from risk management, ethical oversight, process improvement, to financial reliability this makes them indispensable contributors and strategic partners to the overall success of the various organizations. As we recognize the significance of their role, let us continue to support and empower our internal auditors, acknowledging the catalytic impact they have on the realization of corporate goals,” he asserted.

He disclosed that the internal auditor is also a potent change agent within the education sector and other sectors of the economy, as their role goes beyond the traditional auditing functions to actively driving and facilitating positive change in the organizational environment.

He mentioned such area as Objective Assessment; Risk Management Expertise; Process Improvement Advocates; Compliance and Ethical Governance; Data-Driven Decision Making, others.

He said in this era of Information Technology (IT) when auditing an information technology environment, the role of the internal auditor becomes crucial in ensuring the security, reliability, and efficiency of IT systems, adding that the internal auditor is required to have some essential skill set which is not limited to Technical Proficiency Internal auditors will require a solid understanding of IT systems, networks, and technologies, including knowledge of hardware, software, databases, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Technical proficiency enables auditors to assess the design and effectiveness of IT controls, among others, he said.

Dignitaries at the event include Mr Babafemi Gbadewole, Group Chief Internal Auditor, Dangote Sugar Refining Plc, representing Group Managing Director; Biodun Jimoh, Forensic Auditor; Femi Fatobi, Chief Audit Executive for RMB, Nigeria; Mrs Abosade Adebusiye, Senoir Manager, Internal Audit, Dangote Sugar Refining; Mrs. Olatunji Oluwabusola, Internal Auditor, ICPC, Lagos Office, among others.

Manager of men sheds light on medical profession

In Over 30 Years, Dr Shakiru Bamidele Mustapha has horned his skills as a Physician so much so that he now understands all that he needs to manage a hospital in the 21s century. In this piece Editor-in-Chief, Jane Osamor; Fabulous Celebrity International Magazine at the head of a cross section of the Lagos Press Corp peeps into the experiences of the Epe born medical expert as he traversed Lagos in the last 50 to 60 en route to becoming a king in Medicine and surgery: Excerpts….

We are going to say it is a big privilege being in your office; it is a beautiful this December; 2023; we say thank you very much for this kind of gesture of bringing us here; with people from all kinds of platform availed with the chance of witnessing this epoch-making event. It’s a cross section of the Lagos Press Corp and I am the founding editor-in-chief of the Fabulous Celebrity International Magazine. We are not the only one that see what you do others around us see it as well as ifako ijaiye was no like this before you came into the picture.

I have been working here and I have been doing a lot of news interview for a lot of people as well. I have been following all that you have been doing and It has been a case of services rendered to humanity creditably and that is why we deem It fit to present this award to you by knocking on your door this morning. From Onikan; epe; badagry; ifako ijaiye and all over Lagos we are here to witness this elaborate event as we all say thank you and a very big congratulations sir!! To whom much is given much is expected, I know a lot of people have been saying that we are doing our best butt it is not me but the entire management as we do have a very good team working with one over here.

In a nut shell how has It being with you since you joined the hospital here at ifako ijaiye; Lagos; Nigeria.

I happened to have worked in 3 senatorial district in the city of Lagos; Onikan Health Center /Central Senatorial District, Epe General Hospital [Lagos East Senatorial District] over here at Ifako Ijaiye [Lagos West Senatorial District] there are different peculiarities in various hospitals but the most vital thing here is for you to look up to them.to look up to your hospital management team. If you can get a very good grip of all of the head of Department, it might not even be all but a sizeable number of them on your side hen we are talking very seriously.

They are the one doing the real field work as all I do is I make sure that I identify the basic ones ,even if people believe that our  decision making should be centered around Alausa secretariat but It is our believe that from within we should be able to extract something so that at the end of the day we can then think of developing  the infrastructural ,environmental and human  basis for our operations.

What was the relationship between the management of Ifako General Hospital and the Rt Honorable James Abiodun Faleke health related project?

Rt honorable Faleke happens to have been a case of God’s gift to us in ifako Ijaiye and It is an established fact that health is wealth and by the time you look at your people and you know that most of them cannot afford some of the prices of the surgery then you have intervene. This is what he has being doing and not only that he has proven to be very fantastic; he has never a any point in time denied us of any forms of assistance that we are asking from him and so he has been a very wonderful man and we have kept praying for him. We pray that God in his infinite mercies will continue to be with him and guide him in all of his pursuits .

How has the Japa Syndrome affected your sector; what is your hospital doing to respond to this great challenge of our time?

Thank you very much, the state government is fully aware of this Japa syndrome and it has even given approval for exit replacement; as they go, they would need to give us a prior notice though it could take sometimes but we will eventually get things fixed. Our medical doctors are very resilient as when you have 2 0r 3 of them and you talk to them about the importance of the jobs that they have undertaken to do for us they can handle what 10 doctors will struggle to do. We talk to them very well and we let them know that if anybody had exited amongst us, we will get adequate replacement sooner than later.

What are your people doing about the machines used for Nephrology, I happened to have had a twin brother who died of kidney related issues and I knew how much it costed to do dialysis for 5 years and I am always interested in knowing what the government is doing about having the machines and its price regime policies for the ordinary man?

Thank you very much, first and foremost I want to say sorry about your loss as it comes at a specific time and when it does come you go and say that Baba you are welcome back to him. The state government is actually trying its best and you cannot recall the 28 hospitals with dialysis machines in very specific hospitals we do have this kind of machines, I can tell you that we do have them.

We have in Ikorodu; General Hospital Lagos for the central ,here and we also have in Gbagada and we have being handed an order or instructed  that whenever there was an urgent need we should direct patients to those nearest to our senatorial district so it is as simple as that 4]are they all working adequately in their respective locations? As a normal human being even we men we get to a stage when you get to your peak there are sometimes when you get to the lower ebb if you have 10 and about 7 is working then I think it is beautiful but when you get to a stage when you need to service 5 of them together you will be talking about a large sums of money here.                                                                                                                                                              People want to harness this services if possible free, people will come here like 250 to300 and then they will start calling politicians to start harass me and they then ask me Mustapha what will you do for us and I tell them what are they really asking me to do as it is the money that we are using to maintain the hospital. I ask them what they really expect me to do, it is at such times that they now begin to look at how to change their plans but if at that everybody accesses the services of Lagos Hospitals owned by the state without any form of reduction in prices with payments made promptly we will achieve our aims as we will be on top of our profession and sector…so, the problems are lack of funds? unnecessary exemptions and political influence being peddled all over the place by patients.

There is this word on the streets that people are poorly treated in the course of receiving treatments here at the hospital but I never experienced such here at Ifako .the child in question now is about nine years and we had to stay up to support the child at the time due to severe pains. It is still happening in other hospitals and so what are the steps being taken to stop this type of situation? Generally speaking even amongst us seated here if you have about four children you will not tell me that all of them run on the same template 100 percent. Here in this hospital I have about 200 nurses and about 50medical doctors despite the Japa syndrome and so it will be humanly impossible for all of them to behave in the same way.    In the ratio of maybe I will not even want to put into a quote  of patients to a medical technician there is widening in our environment and in the same environ they will tell you 10:15 per doctors and we are being made to soaking it about 50;60 and it will even get to a state and   You can get to a state individual differences comes into play ,you can imagine coming over from your home in the morning after waking up around five or six so as to get o work on time but you did not get there on time. You probably sat in the bus or taxi or your own personal vehicle for 3 hours to get to work you are already tensed up as he environment is bad and if you are very much unlucky and it is a bad day may be your cash will be stolen hence you will be under tension. If someone is coming you are most likely going to be very agitated as you will be insisting that you should be attended to on time but most of the time, I think our people have to learn to balance the equation 

The state government  knows the need for us to make changes on a regular basis via trainings and at least 2 forms of these are approved on a early basis right from the medical doctor to the security in the hospital .in other words the medical doctors ,nurses ,the health attendant, the security experts and so almost everybody enjoys this scheme from Alausa secretariat and The issue is not even about training alone as the government lays complete emphasis on specifics.   

You will not see anybody who will be praying after waking up on a morning date and saying that he prays to have an accident. Are we saying that we have not seen accidents but are we paying for it so natural events will come up but the best option is for us to have a look at things critically? first and foremost. the management of Lagos state from training and training I have been told that you place your number as if u move around the hospital right now you can place your number in case there are issues so that it could be sorted out within and make sure that you get It right at that level ,you can also get it  at his level and then they will call me :Mustapha we have an issue with your hospital and then they will debrief me .if  you go beyond  that one to Alausa and they get in touch with us we can tell that we are human beings we are meant to err  .But please anywhere we step on your toes forgive us and call us to order and that is where we are but I can assure you that you cannot see a perfect human being anywhere and so we all cannot be perfect and if there is no kind of scenarios where you are dealing with hurdles in life then we are just deceiving ourselves. Husband and wife at home, we are talking of supposed soul mates now there are bound to be some kind of frictions but the ability to give It some time and call each other together and resolve whatever the issues are is actually the most important thing in Lagos General Hospital generally.

What method have you applied for all your workers to make a better call as It is so easy as they are always there for you and ironically in the same way you re speaking. Boss and staff relationship does not come cheap but yours is exemplary?

You are making me feel emotional; I think that to a very great extent I will say that I am very lucky in that aspect and I must say that  God has blessed me with a very  good and listening  Ear and when they call me I will listen to the problems and then I will take immediate steps at sorting out the problems.

Then you have to be able to do an effective follow up as you call the same person the following day to know how he or she is doing a  day after and I can assure you that some kind of excitement will build up or be there is not as if things are all about money. Occasionally you look into there welfare and you ask them what do they really want and when you chart a course .but when you have a submissive wife at home the home will be very peaceful that is more or less what I can see as it is more of a symbiotic relationship. Before you call on my team to go and do something they will no just undertake to do it but will do it far beyond expectations ,so when they now need anything no mater how painful my legs can be at that time I am willng to bear it for them and also making sure that if It requires me to stand I can get them what they are looking for at that particular point in time.so it has being more of a jolly good fellow relationship 

What were the challenges you met on the way before you got to your present position in life?

There is  no time that you will not meet challenges on the way but most of the time when you come across hurdles It should make you happy because It is more or less a situation that helps you to spring up or win promotions .treat any challenges very  seriously as a form of feedback ,I mean people are verbally attacking you that you come to work very early and so that gives you the chance to have a meeting with them so that you can tell them of the vital importance of getting early to work and before you could say Jack Robinson you will discover too that   It is affecting them too as you could be told that this is the position of the management  but It is all about communication.

Issues will always come up from any level as either they will tell you that you come in very early or that you are too harsh or those of them that you want to encourage by making them imbibe a good corporate and administrative culture they will tell you that you are too harsh as he does not know more than memo.     

Then you set up a committee to listen to the populace so that they get you feedbacks I must say that feedbacks are not meant to be complimentary but critical. Positive remarks will make you relaxed but the one that will ruffle my comfortable zone  and this will help me to improve and this  type of situations have helped me in no small measure.as a lot of hurdles will come up as your people could  come up with health related issues that  you might not even be handling here at ifako  ijaiye General Hospital and if possible support them financially .                                                                               

A lot of issues could come up just take things in your strides; I mean people will attack you but you should learn to develop tough skin to the attacks.

You can come to meet that you need N50,000 but if I take a look at my pocket and I discover I only have N30,000 I will not be able to help you and the person can verbally assault you but do not take that to heart as another person could come also with a need hence you will need to treat each individual on their own merits and with time they will sill sing praises of you.

 

Christmas is a period of sober reflection, not crimes, sexual immorality--Umenzekwe

Hon (Chief) Modestus Umenzekwe (Onwa Achina), a Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in this interview advises Nigerians to be modest in their quest for material acquisitions towards the celebration of Christmas. He also speaks on some critical national issues. Excerpt:

This is Christmas and the celebration is in the air, garnished with sweet harmattan breeze; it is indeed all over us. Basically what is your view of Christmas, how do you want Nigerians to celebrate it, especially in the face of presence of economic quagmire?

Thank you. Well Christmas is the period we thank God in a special way for the birth of the world’s Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is the greatest celebration we have in the world. During Christmas everybody, both Christians and non- Christians, men and women, participate, one way or the other, it goes with a lot of expenses, it goes with a lot of goodies, it goes with a lot of crimes, where people go out of their ways to measure up, to belong, but that is not what Christmas is. 

In as much as we are happy that Christ was born on the 25th December, we should be very careful in celebrating Him, in talking about him, and we should be very very modest, people must not go out of their ways to do all manner of things to raise money, to do one thing or the other, it is even a period to look at yourself, have I done well this year? Examine yourself, purge yourself, it is a period of what I may call, from my own judgement, spiritual cleansing and uplifting, to be close to God, but you see, people attach earthly things unnecessarily to it, to commit a lot of crimes. 

But in terms of hardship you are talking about, hardship has been there from time immemorial, and if there is no hardship, you will challenge God. In as much as I am not saying it must be, but if there is no hardship you will challenge God. Even now that there is hardship, you still see people saying there is no God. I had a professor friend, I stopped going to his house; he told me there is no scientific proof that there is God, and for me, that is a very deceitful ideology and it is baseless. And I wonder what he would be teaching his students.

So Christmas is a period for sober reflection, examine yourself, what have I done this year, have I done it well? Am I worthy to be part of the celebration, where did I get it wrong? That is the main thing to do in Christmas, but some people go out of their ways to do all sorts of things, to some people it is a time to commit serious sexual immorality, it is time to go to clubs to watch nude pictures and all that, some go to the beach and all that, to some it is the time they buy new cars, it is even a time women disturb their husbands, young girls disturb their boyfriends, and all that, so my advice is that it is a period of special prayer, to be happy in the inner mind in other to have a happier connection with God almighty.

As individuals we normally do what we call New Year resolution, what do you think should be the New Year resolution of the Nigerian leaders? Let our leaders make a resolution

I am not setting agenda for them, but I will advise that Nigerian leaders should pursue peace, because when you have peace, you have God, when you have God, every other thing shall be added unto you.

Six months of Tinubu’s administration, just recently his administration clocked six months, Chief, are you satisfied with this administration, where has he done well and what are those things he still has not done?

I will say that it is still young in the day to assess him. He is trying his best because most of those things were inherited, he didn’t create them. Let us give him some chance, the steps he is taking now, I believe, the results will soon start coming to ameliorate some of these situations, after all, when he started, the first month he started Nigerians were clapping that he was taking the right decisions, and he has not reneged on those decisions. So why not allow those decisions to permeate into the system in order to elicit the desired results?

Are you happy that 27 lawmakers defected from PDP to APC in Rivers State?

It is not a question of being happy or not being happy, defection has being there from time immemorial, not a question of being happy or not being happy because I don’t know the genesis of the problem in River State, and I find it very very difficult to go deep because I needed to get information from the lawmakers or the governor or Nyesom Wike. The only thing I can say is in terms of advice, whether they have defected or not, let there be peace. There are leaders in Rivers State, notable leaders in Rivers State; I know that a leader like Dr Odili is there. Coincidentally he is blessed with a cerebral wife that has been in the temple of justice; he should consult the president, because it is only the president, from the look of things, that can make a statement without being ignored, I want to appeal to Dr Odili particularly, because Rivers State sees him as a father, I equally see him as a father, the wife is a legal icon who has delivered landmark judgements in this country. I am appealing to him, to please consult Mr. President to know what is happening there, I don’t want to apportion blames to anybody. In as much as what is happening there is very very unfortunate and very very worrisome, so that it doesn’t escalate to anarchy.

There appears to be two major gladiators fighting for the soul of Rivers State, but many people are pointing accusing fingers at Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory.  Why do you think Wike is behaving this way, if ever he is involved in the crisis in his state?

I have never told you that it is Wike, I have never said that, so asking me why do I think he is behaving this way is putting words into my mouth, remember from the beginning I said, I cannot blame anybody now, because  I don’t have the details. I have not heard from Wike, I have not heard from Fubara, the governor or any member of the House of Assembly. And that is why I said that the president is in a position to quench that crisis. That is why I said the much I know about Rivers State, Dr Odili is respected in Rivers State, everybody in Rivers State has respect for him, he is a father, if it is Wike, he is his son, if it is the governor, he is also his son, all the members of the House of Assembly, are his sons and daughters, let him call all the elders, let them find out what is going on, then meet Mr President.  Asiwaju is somebody that knows how to quench fire; that is why he is still relevant till today, even before winning the election he has been relevant because he knows how to handle crisis, he did it in Ondo recently.

In all these states he is the only person that can handle it. Something is going on in Kano, Nassarawa and other states, it is only Tinubu from my own judgement, I don’t know about your own judgement; that can handle it. So let them give him chance to wade in, and I know in Rivers, Odili and Aswaju can handle that, once they talk, all parties must abide and that is where the role of elders we have been talking about comes in. So for me to tell you now that it is Fubara or Wike, no, I don’t judge people like that, if it is the governor, something is fundamentally wrong why he is behaving like that, if it is Wike, something is fundamentally wrong why he is doing that. So, until I hear from two of them; and it is only Mr President that can hear from them expressly for now. So I am appealing to our Revered Asiwaju to quench that fire in Rivers State so that we can have Peace.

I was talking with somebody, he said our elders are lying in the presence of their children, and the country is going down owing to the fact that our elders are no longer saying the truth; judgements are no longer rendered on the basis of law but on what they christened technicalities. Truth has taken a flight from the land; in fact the issue of japa, going out of the country, is emanation of the fact that the people can no longer bear the impunity, the state of lawlessness and ruderlessness. So chief, is there any light at the end of the tunnel in this country?

Let me borrow a word from the former Minister of Works and Housing, Dr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN, CON), in talking about your country, you don’t rubbish the whole system, as a leader, when you are leading the country or you want to lead, you don’t castigate the whole country. But do what you supposed to do as a person; that was the message he dropped, people go out there and run the country down; ever body must not japa, because I am hearing that language just recently, everybody must not go there. If all of us run out, who will stay here and correct the errors, let that correction start with us. Are you doing what you supposed to do in your family, in your kindred, in your village, in your town? Everybody is looking at the Federal Government, State Government, Local government, and all that, fine, they may have erred or got it wrong somewhere, but all of us that are condemning all of them completely, are we doing what we are supposed to do in our various vocations that would help those people, if I am doing it right and you are doing it right, the other man is doing it right, at a stage if the man at the head is not doing it right, he would change. So everybody is involved, both young and old, man and woman, boy and girl. In most cases you say politicians are bad, fine, but go to ministries, those civil servants, go there and find out what is going on. A politician would come and stay two, three, four years and go, all eyes would be on him or her, but go to those people that carry files, you would marvel. Nobody is talking about them. So outside here, we criticize, which is normal, a leader must be criticized constructively, but when some of us get in there, you would now see the rot. I was listening to a Television programme, where a Senator was being asked, Madam, where are we, she said, it is not easy oo. I have gone there and noticed that it is not easy. What we see outside is not what is inside there. She was very plain, very truthful.

So let us criticise constructively and leave the rest to God, after all, I can say that we are advancing, I said it somewhere and people started attacking me. I said why are you attacking me? Go and say your own. We never knew somebody would go to court to contest election but it is happening these days, people can get up and say, INEC, you have done this, you have done that, it wasn’t like that before. We never knew we would be out of the military to express our view, so these things are advancement in one way or the other.

Let that rebirth start with each and every one of us including myself talking to you.

 

Garba urges President Tinubu to ensure peace, remember uniform men in Nigeria

Commander of the Nigerian Anti Conflict Peace Keeping Service, Garba…has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinub to ensure hat is peace in the nation, even as he also pleaded with him to reward security agencies who are serious in fighting for peace and unity of the country.

Garba who commended President Tinubu for taking hard decisions aimed at repositioning the country, made the plea at the end of year party of the Service which took place at Agor Palace-way, Lagos, on December 16, 2023.

He said, “My advice as leader of the Nigerian Anti Conflict Peace Keeping Service to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that he should bring peace as a father, let him not delay in doing that. What I mean is that he should try to have a rethink, irrespective of the people around him, let him have a rethink, and again he should be ready to acknowledge the efforts of those who are wearing uniforms and they are very serious to make sure they support his government to put Nigeria right. Let him put Nigeria right, no time to waste because if it continues like this, fight and trouble will disturb his government. So let him try to give Nigerians what they desire so that peace can go to him before his tenure is over.”

Speaking on successes his organization recorded in 2023, Garba said that every glory goes to the almighty God for granting them to opportunities to overcome challenges even as he set agenda for 2024.“First of all I thank the almighty God for protection and guidance, a lot of challenges really came, a lot of trials here and there, but by the grace of God we overcame them. I didn’t even believe things were going to be like this, the year was a huge success. All and all I give glory to God. And we are still planning by next year, let’s call it next month, Anti Conflict Peace Keeping Service is going to do wonders that Nigerians have never seen with their eyes.”

He said the organsation came into existence May 2018.

When you said your men will be deployed next year, what do you mean by that?

He also appreciated God for remembering the body in special way after over five years of the existence of the organization “We are so lucky that God remembered this body because we, we have been patient, many of us have been crying for job, for government to give us assignment to do, and suddenly God touched the government, by handing over some places to guide and protect lives and property. Now as we are preparing this 2024, we are starting with joy and that is why I said that all of them will be deployed.”

He also advised the youth to desist from criminal activities, adding that his organization is ready to employ them to be useful to themselves and the country at large. “Killing people, kidnapping, raping, doing all manner of thing will not help this country. Let the youth run away from such a thing. And Nigerian Anti Conflict Peace Keeping Service is ready to recruit them into the system so that that spirit of violence, stealing, killing, will go away from their hearts, because it does not bring good things to this country. It damages the image of Nigeria and which Nigerian Anti Conflict will not tolerate the name of Nigeria to spoil. I advise them to resist and run away from bad things, they do not pay.”

Chief Tony Onye Esq., speaking on the activities of the Nigerian Anti conflict Peace Keeping Service said “I think the Nigerian Anti Conflict peace keeping service based on the name, which it was registered, has been active in doing that by ensuring that conflicts are settled amicably, peacefully. I think this is indeed an organization Nigerians need because there are a lot of crises here and there, both individual crises, organizational crises, and also crises caused by those who are not happy with the way things are going in Nigeria, because most of Nigerians have resorted in a way that if you cannot beat them you join them. And Nigeria needs peace so that things will move forward because where there is no peace things will not move forward. Therefore, Anti conflict stand for peace, they are here to ensure peace in the land,” Oye stated.

He further spoke on what makes Anti Conflict different from other security agencies and their modus of operation. “The difference between Anti Conflict and other security agencies like the Nigeria Police, the Army, Navy, Airforce, before these organisations were established, there was focus, there was purpose of which they were established, the Police is for peace also, the difference between them and this, is that this one does not only ensure there is peace, even if there is no peace they have to take it up and get it settled, that is why it is Anti Conflict. That is why Anti Conflict is different from other organisations. Nigerian Military is not just for settling of peace but they are meant to be at the borders.

“So the Anti Conflict we have today is an organsation that is lacking in Nigeria which by God’s grace has come to be. And they are active and effective’” Oye State.

 

 

Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai successfully delivers his Valedictory Lecture ...Urges members of staff to remain united, move LASU forward

Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma ANETEKHAI, Professor of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science delivering his Valedictory Lecture

L - R : Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, fnli, NPOM

L - R : University Librarian, Dr. Omawunmi Makinde, representative of the University Bursar, Mr. Emmanuel Sosu-Olaitan (Deputy Bursar, Faculty Accounting), Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, Valedictory Lecturer, Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, fnli, NPOM, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olufunsho Abayomi Omobitan and the University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. FANU

Was it intentional, or was it a coincidence that Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai delivered the first Valedictory Lecture under the able leadership of Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, on his birthday?

The Valedictory Lecture titled: "Aquapreneurship: The Pathway to Sustainable Marine and Blue Economy", was held at the 3-in-1 Building, Faculty of Education, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM in her welcome address, described Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai as "....a man of history who is making history on his historic day."

Professor Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, averred that the valedictory lectures are momentous occasions that go beyond simple farewell, as they encapsulate lifetime of academic dedication, mentorship and contributions, leaving lasting impact on the academic community..."hence, today's historic occasion not only celebrates the academic achievements of our very own Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai from the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, but also, signifies the collective dedication to knowledge and academic excellence within our University. Today, We are privileged to witness a profound sharing of wisdom and insights from a distinguished scholar", she said.

The Vice Chancellor further stated that Prof. Anetekhai's contributions to the academic community have been exemplary, shaping the intellectual landscape of the 40-year old institution, adding that his dedication to the field of Fisheries has not only elevated Lagos State University's academic standing but has also significantly contributed to the broader scientific community. 

Speaking further, she said "His journey reflects the core values of Lagos State University; a commitment to academic rigour, innovation and a pursuit of knowledge and excellence that extends beyond the confines of our classrooms".

The Valedictory Lecturer, Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma ANETEKHAI, in his 52-page lecture, extensively discussed the making of a Distinguished Professor; Continental Town And Gown Services; aquapreneurship and aquapreneurs; aquapreneurship development; marine and blue economy in Nigeria; the way forward; policy framework and reform strategy; fisheries and aquaculture value chain down-stream; environment value chain; swot analysis of marine and blue economy in Nigeria; implementation strategy for marine and blue economy; government role in sustainable development of marine and blue economy; private sector, public-private sector and civil society roles in the sustainable development of marine and blue economy; the role of marine and blue economy in addressing Nigeria's unemployment; monitoring and evaluation of marine and blue economy.

Prof. Anetekhai recommended, amongst other things, that the marine and blue economy, being a recent creation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, must be guided by a well-informed and all-inclusive policy framework and implementation strategies. He added that entrepreneurship must be developed in the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the marine and blue economy value chain with frictionless, intentionally competitive, and well-articulated start-up funding. While noting that successful implementation requires adequate funding, capacity building, strong political environment, he equally mentioned that monitoring and evaluation must begin right from inception and be continuously done throughout the life of the administration and beyond.

The retired but not tired Distinguished Professor highly commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, members of the University Management, Senate, staff? and world-class students of the University for the support he enjoyed while in active service. He thanked the Lagos State Government for supporting the University at all time.

Furthermore, he counselled the members of the university community to remain united and work for the continued growth, development, and progress of the University. "...Vice Chancellor ma, permit me to say this...you have surprised me , you and your team. I have stayed in LASU beginning from Prof. Folabi Olumide and I have seen it all. We are now with Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, in all of the Vice Chancellors I have worked with, none is bad...when there is peace, there is progress. LASU is going places." he concluded.

Good will messages were delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and current Chairman, Lagos  State Research Innovation Council (LASRIC), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, former Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State, and a Distinguished Prof. at Lagos State University, Distinguished Prof. Dapo Folorunsho Asaju and Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Shehu Latunji Akintola.

The Faculty of Science and Lagos State University Centre for Excellence for Sargassum Research presented gifts to the great professor.

The University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. FANU anchored the epoch-making event.

Other members of the University Management in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olufunsho Abayomi Omobitan, University Bursar, who was represented by Deputy Bursar, Faculty Accounting, Mr. Emmanuel Sosu-Olaitan and University Librarian, Dr. Omawunmi Makinde.

The well attended valedictory lecture was also witnessed by a former Vice Chancellor, Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, Prof. Amidu Sanni.

 

Nurses Across the Borders signs MoU with Delta State …As Nani, DESOPADEC Board Chair dedicates award to Okowa

Chairman DESOPADEC Olorogun Obukohwo John Nani bags Global Climate Change Advocate Award at the UNFCCC COP 28 Conference.  Here Pastor Peters Omoragbon Executive President Nurses Across The Borders International and UNFCCC Designated Contact Person handing over the Award to him.

Nurses Across the Borders International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) at the UNFCCC Cop 28 Conference holding in Dubai Expo city.

The event equally witnessed an Award ceremony where the Chairman of DESOPADEC was given the award as a Global Climate Change Advocate and the Governor with the Pioneer recipient of the Climate Change Champion.

The award which was handed over to Olorogun Obukohwo John Nani in faraway United Arab Emirates at the Dubai Expo City at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change-UNFCCC COP 28 Conference on December 11, 2023, by Nurses Across the Borders International was in recognition of his unflinching environmental sustainability activities in the state from his days as the Commissioner of Eniviroment.

Olorogun Nani in a show of gratitude dedicated his Award to his former boss, the Immediate Past Governor of Delta State, Senator Arthur Okowa. 

In his acceptance speech, Nani appreciated the immediate past governor of Delta State, Okowa who appointed him as Commissioner for Environment and provided him the enabling environment for him to function. 

Whilst he was Commissioner he was able to lay the foundation for the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in the state. 

The DESOPADEC Board Chairman expressed satisfaction, pouring encomium on the current governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, for sustaining the legacy left by his predecessor saying “The current Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has equally increased the tempo of the past governor with the support the state has given the DESOPADEC to carry out their community development initiatives. The current pervading peace in the state has in no small way contributed to the successes recorded so far by the commission in its community engagement.” 

In the end, the chairman of DESOPADEC appreciated the Nurses Across the Borders for the honour and pledged to ensure that with the MOU entered into with the commission, he looks forward to exploring both the expertise and international network of Nurses Across the Borders in building sustainable mitigation and adaptation strategies against the rampaging effects of the climate change in Delta State.  

Also in attendance and co-signing the MOu with the Chairman, was Olorogun Taleb Tebrite, the Executive Director, projects. 

From Nurses Across the Borders was Hon. Ganiu Adetola, Deputy National President, Nigeria, Nurses Across the Borders and Deacon Okezi Odugala-Deputy Director of Federal University of Petroleum Resources Centre for Sustainable Development signed the MOU as witness.