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Tag: Tribute

  • TRIBUTE: Jibril Aminu (1939- 2025): A Star Departs

    TRIBUTE: Jibril Aminu (1939- 2025): A Star Departs

    By  C. Don Adinuba

    With the death on Thursday, June 5, of Jibril Aminu, former Minister of Education, former Minister of Petroleum, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, former Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) President, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), former University of Maiduguri Vice Chancellor, former Professor of Medicine at Howard University in Washington, DC, and a former senator of the Federal Republic,  Nigeria has lost one of its brightest and most liberal citizens. I lost a friend and confidant.

    When former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, a versatile intellectual, was running to get the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in the late 1990s, I strongly recommended Aminu to be his running mate because of his intellectual acuity and moral integrity. People who write about Aminu being the best medical student in Ibadan in 1965 may not know that while a medical student he won a national essay competition dominated by arts students, many of whom later became distinguished academics in English and other disciplines in the humanities. Despite the high public offices he occupied for decades, his lifestyle was modest. In any case, Aminu was a prominent member of G-34 which Ekwueme led admirably and sat by his side at the All-Politicians Summit at Eko Hotel in Lagos which government security agents disrupted because Dr Ekwueme and his group were known to be fiercely opposed to Abacha’s plot to be a life president.

    Yet, for many years I almost loathed Aminu. When David Ogbodo, then his Special Assistant who was to become the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group General Manager, requested Okey Ndibe and myself in Orji Uzor Kalu’s office in Apapa, Lagos, in 1986 or 1987 to meet the Minister of Education with the flattering words of “he will certainly like you for your brilliance”, we were aghast. The press was projecting Aminu as a jihadist, a regional Troubadour, a Fulani irredentist, a dull minister, a hater of southern progress in modernity, etc. When we narrated to Goddy Nnadi, then The Guardian Education Correspondent, of our invite to meet the minister and he made a spirited effort to present different image of the minister, we were disillusioned. It was years before we realized we were casualties of conditioned imagination.

    It took Ogbodo’s persistent effort for me to change my mind and meet Aminu. The meeting was scheduled to last for not more than an hour in his Park View Estate residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, but it went on for over four hours as we discussed practically everything under the firmament, including international affairs. I queried him on all kinds of issues based on preconceived notions, and he was not just brilliant but also candid. I saw someone who thought little of Sani Abacha, then Nigeria’s military ruler. He spoke against the system in the North which was keeping millions of people in poverty and ignorance, saying he recognized the system the first time when he was a pupil and an attempt was made to deny him a scholarship at Barewa College, despite his stellar record, because he was from an unknown family. He railed against this system years later when we went to see a former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Gambo Jimeta, who was also from Adamawa State, in his office in Abuja. He was in a hurry to see the North modernize and develop fast but met a lot of obstacles.

    Aminu, a medical professor, was distraught to see Dr Datti Ahmed, who was a year ahead of him at medical school in Ibadan, lead the false, dangerous but popular and effective propaganda in the North that polio immunization was a strategy by the West to depopulate the Muslim community. Aminu was alarmed that the future of a generation of Northerner children was being destroyed. He tasked me with a strategy to counter the anti-immunization campaign without hurting his political and social standing before the mass of the people who were being led by the nose by a self-serving elite. He jumped at my proposal when I submitted it, and people like Simon Kolawole, a patriotic, selfless Nigerian and sound professional who was then editing Thisday, The Saturday Newspaper, helped with the implementation. The strategy was effective, as immunization against the deadly six child diseases resumed in the Northwest and Northeast during the time of President Olusegun Obasanjo who spared no effort or resources to end polio and other diseases that paralyzed mostly children from poor homes.

    Aminu liked the Yoruba for their sense of justice and social activism, and admired the Nnewi people in Anambra State for their accomplishments, ranging from education to manufacturing to entrepreneurship to their sense of community and to their love of motherland. He cherished his traditional sobriquet of Oyimba Nnewi, Friend of the Nnewi People, perhaps more than any other. His knowledge of Nnewi’s history and even that of neighbouring towns was amazing.  At once humorous and profound, Aminu once turned to me, after a discussion on the Igbo and their strategy of self-development, and said: “You must help Ebonyi stop being the North of the Southeast!”

    He was distressed that even though Adamawa State at a point had so many sons in strategic positions like the Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff and others during the military regime, it was not developing rapidly. The elite there liked to live in Kaduna and later Abuja; from there they would fight themselves viciously, thus leaving their home in a state of arrested development. Apart from Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako who built a humungous farm in the state, Aminu brought almost every other thing that made Adamawa State have some economic base in the 1990s.

    When he intimated me of his plans to sponsor Nyako to become the next Adamawa State governor, I encouraged him. In 1997 when Bart Nnaji, then holding a big professorial chair in engineering at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, was receiving an honorary doctorate from the Federal University of Yola, he, General Ike Nwachukwu, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and myself drove in the same car from Abuja to Yola while Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, the Enugu State immediate past governor, and Professor Julius Onah, the Enugu State University Vice Chancellor, drove in another to Yola where we were received by Nyako who the next day took us to his magnificent farm. We were awed.  We marvelled at his innovative abilities. So, when Aminu sought my opinion on his plans for the erstwhile naval chief, I didn’t hesitate to support them.

    Yet, no sooner he became a governor than Nyako, as Aminu lamented, began to behave like another Nigerian politician. Nyako’s deputy, Bala Ngalari, a bright Christian lawyer who used to practise in Maiduguri, became the governor when Nyako was impeached. Like most people from the Northeast, he has tremendous respect for Aminu.

    Aminu’s political star was almost dimmed in 2007 for supporting former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida to succeed President Obasanjo. Vice President Atiku, a fellow Fulani from Adamawa who wanted to become the president, felt bad, and so began a recall process against him. Aminu tasked me with a counter strategy. The courts still had integrity, and I suggested a court action which Olisa Agbakoba, founder of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), would lead because of not just his professionalism but also visibility and political astuteness. The senator quickly ran to the judiciary which saved him the dubious distinction of being the first National Assembly member to be recalled if his traducers had succeeded. For some reason, Agbakoba did not handle the case.

    Aminu served with aplomb. That’s why he held numerous offices. As the NUC Executive Secretary, for instance, he was instrumental to the emergence and rapid rise of Nigeria’s second-generation universities at Benin, Port Harcourt, Jos, Calabar, Maiduguri, Kano and Sokoto. Under his leadership, the NUC grew from a one-room office to a major national institution. As the petroleum minister, he started the process of indigenizing the petroleum sector in a concrete way by awarding marginal field oil licences to Moshood Abiola, Mike Adenuga, Arthur Eze, and many others. Edoreh Agbah, who was to retire as an NNPC General Manager, summarized Aminu’s tenure with this understandable hyperbole: “Before Aminu, there was no Minister of Petroleum, and there has not been since he left the office”. He was the only former petroleum minister invited to speak at oil and gas meetings. A liberal Nigerian enamoured of talent, his closest confidant was David Ogbodo, a lawyer from Enugu State who stood with him to the very end, and even after death.

    May the Almighty grant mercy to Aminu, a most accomplished Nigerian who related with all and sundry with dignity regardless of their status, creed or place of birth.

     

    Adinuba was the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment from 2018 to 2022.

  • Ex-presidents, govs, others to attend Clark’s tribute, prayer in Lagos

    Ex-presidents, govs, others to attend Clark’s tribute, prayer in Lagos

    Former presidents, governors, traditional rulers, eminent Nigerians are expected to attend a tribute and prayer for the Niger Delta leader, late Chief Edwin Clark slated for Thursday in Lagos.

    This is contained in a statement by Mrs Baroong Tony-Uranta, on behalf of the Organising Committee, Lagos Tributes for Clark on Tuesday.

    Clark, who was the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Ijaw National leader, passed on in February at 97 years.

    According to the committee, the tribute for the deceased will be attended by Clark’s widow, associates and friends, celebrating the life and times of late Niger Delta leader.

    “The event is being put together at the instance of EK Clark’s widow, Dr (Mrs) Abisola Shodipo-Clark in collaboration with associates of the Niger Delta leader.

    “This is in recognition of the huge network of friends and associates of the former federal Commissioner of Information and second Republic Senator, who served the country from Lagos in the 70s and 80s respectively.

    “The event expected to host eminent Nigerians, statesmen and women, including leaders of ethnic nationalities and the Civil Society from across Nigeria, will hold at the Lagos Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja from 2.00 p.m. on Thursday.”

    Highlights of the programme include a short tribute lecture on True ‘Federalism and Resource Control in Nigeria’ to be delivered by Prince Fafaa Dan-Princewill.

    According to the statement, the Songs of Praise and Prayers will be conducted by The Trinity House led by a renowned Christian Leader in Nigeria, Pastor Itua Ighodalo.

    The statement, however, listed some key associates and political leaders invited to the occasion to include, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and wife of Chief Emeka Anyaoku.

    Others are, the Chairman of PANDEF, Godknows Igali, acting leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, General. Ike Nwachuckwu(rtd), Obong Victor Attah, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, Sir Kensington Adebutu, Chief Nike Akande, Chief Maiden Ibru.

    “Chief Goodie Ibru, Chief Wale Babalakin, governors of the six Southwest states, key traditional rulers in the Southwest and prominent Niger Delta leaders and groups in Southwest, among others,’’ the committee said.

    The statement further said Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, Chief Paxy Alakeme, High Chief John Odeyemi, Mrs Barong Uranta, Mr Olumide Ajayi and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, would serve as officials of the organising committee.

    “The widow of the deceased will be the Chief Host,” it added.

  • Funso Aiyejina: Tribute to a Global Quester – By G. G. Darah

    Funso Aiyejina: Tribute to a Global Quester – By G. G. Darah

    By G. G. Darah

    Funso Aiyejina belongs to the generation of the Nigerian literati who believed that literature and the arts could heal the wounds of a nation where things had fallen apart. This utopian imagination was cradled in the hearths of academic institutions in the immediate aftermath of the 1967-1970 Nigerian civil war.

    Many of the questers for this “paradise regained” nestled in the University of Ife in the cultural heartland of the Yoruba country of Nigeria. Funso’s was a resonant voice in this forest of a thousand radicals and dreamers. Many of us whose hearts were burnished in the furnace of post-war experience nestled at Ife from the 1970s.

    Born in the hill-festooned  community of Ososo north of the famous Benin civilisation, Funso had the advantage of a multi-lingual and liberal upbringing. Ife was the ideal ambience to nurture dissident and iconoclastic thought and humanism. Wole Soyinka, the veritable Kongi of this community of alternative thinkers led the pack in drama, theatre and African languages. With him were Kole Omotoso, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Akinwunmi Isola, Olasope Oyelaran, Karin Barber (British) and Eileen Wilson (African American, in Educstion).

    The Literature department had Biodun Jeyifo, Ropo Sekoni, Funso Aiyejina, Adebayo Williams, and G. G. Darah who subscribed to the Marxist credo of literature for revolutionary change. Desmond Hamlet (Caribbean) Benedict Ibitokun, (Republic of Benin) and Robert Fost (USA) were our global partners. Oyin Ogunba, the doyen of oral literature studies was the supreme deity who moderated and indulged our restless and insurgent spirits.

    Lynda, Funso’s spouse merged seamlessly into this academic house of Biswas and noisy Londoners. Lynda worked in the library and her  ideological baptism was helped by the University Librarian, Sesan Dipeolu, also a socialist avatar like his close associate, Segun Osoba in History. Omotoso’s spouse, Margaret from Barbados was an architect in the planning department. It was in this boisterous environment that Funso honed his voice of humanistic instincts.

    Funso’s contribution to Nigeria’s alternative tradition of writing and criticism was manifest in these encounters. He earned the copywright of the phrase “alter-native tradition” in Nigerian letters. This refers to the trend of writing and criticism which rejects and supercedes the colonial and Ox-bridge worldview and style associated with the generation of early Soyinka, Christopher Okigbo, and Michael Echeruo in Nigerian Literature. The approach favoured by Fundo and his fellow travellers advocated the tradition of writing that was critical, idiomatically profound, yet accessible and relevant to the masses of the people for whom artists create and dream.

    The Nigerian ark of idealists and radicals in which Funso voyaged also hosted Femi Osofisan, Niyi Osundare, Odia Ofeimun, and Harry Garuba at the University of Ibadan and other freelancers like Femi Fatoba. Other town criers of literature for liberation were Okot p’Bitek and Robert Rubadiri from East Africa. In the early 1980s, Amos Tutuola of the “Palmwine Drinkard” fame regaled students with his folklore-infused tales of wanderlust and magical realism.

    Chinua Achebe’s theory-fostering essay “The Truth of Fiction” was delivered at Ife during the period. Ultra-Marxist exponent, Geoffrey Hunt (British) was hunting from the frontiers of Philosophy, along with Dipo Fashina and Femi Taiwo. Soyinka memorialised this ideological market place with his combative neologism “Leftocrats”

    The Ife and Ibadan literary sojourners had regular academic interactions where Funso’s pedigree shone luminously. His lantern of erudition was hoisted on Earl Lovelaces’s works, particularly “The Dragon Can’t Dance”. Through this we were all enamoured and enlightened about the creative genius of Caribbean literature and arts. In a sense, we were felicitiously ferried across the geo-cultural wide sargasso sea that links Africa and its Diaspora peoples as a consequence of the holocaust of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. I think this consciousness of a common African cultural backcloth inspired Funso’s maiden poetry volume, “Letters to Lynda and Other Poems”. And like Akaraogun, the brave hunter- quester in Fagunwa’s “The Forest of a Thousand Daemons”, Funso followed Lynda to the Afro-Caribbean universe of creativity, love and humanism.

    All of us, their utopian companions are fulfilled that Funso crowned his academic mission by earning the halcyon title of Emeritus Professor. We celebrate his accomplishments, we rejoice in his “alternative” heritage of exemplary life, love, literature, and revolution.

    G. G. Darah, Nigeria

  • Tribute: Letter to my son – By Mike Nzeagwu

    Tribute: Letter to my son – By Mike Nzeagwu

    By Mike Nzeagwu

    Dear Ifeanyi,

    Happy 27th birthday Ify.  Though you are no longer with us, this day will always remain special as the day you came into our lives and filled it with joy and laughter.  I remembered taking your mom to the hospital in Ikorodu  Lagos, very early that morning as we saw signs of labour. Out of ignorance, I left her in the hospital for my office then at GRA Ikeja. I only  knew of your birth when I came back in the evening. This was pre- GSM era when telephone was a luxury.

    Today, you are celebrating and dancing with the Angels as you did with your mom on the joint celebration of your 25th birthday with her as she clocked 50 in May 2022. Watching that dance -the pride of a husband and father welling up in me- I   also thought the  steps were a form of rehearsal for  your wedding day whenever you were ready to take a wife. Little did I know it was your last ceremonial family  dance on earth..

    It’s hard to believe but it is  almost a year since that Black Monday, July 10, 2023, when we received that call from your colleague in the  office in Victoria Island. They told us you had collapsed in the canteen  and was rushed to the hospital. I did not read much meaning to it and was preparing to hit the road to Victoria Island when another cold, uncaring,  un-empathetic  call came from a doctor to say “ we tried to revive him but we lost him”. That day changed our lives forever.

    Maybe with the power of your celestial being, can you go back to that incident and give me a clearer picture of what happened.  Let me ask: what really happened? Because nobody in your office has been able to give us a real account of what happened. They only told us it was a cleaner in the canteen that alerted them of your condition as people don’t usually go  there to eat until afternoon. But you went early to early to eat because you were hungry.

    Did you collapse as you entered the canteen clutching your food flask  or you choked while eating? Some of your colleagues who saw you that morning on your way to the canteen told us you were in high spirits listening to music from your phone with the ear device. Little did they know that death was lurking in the canteen.

    It is a paradox that the job you loved so much lost you; you didn’t lose the job as you were won’t to ask your mom: “ do you want me to lose my job?”. That the incident that led to your untimely death happened in the office showed that you were not only physically but also spiritually intertwined with the job. You loved brand management and you always introduced yourself as a brand strategist.   You gave it your all like you did in the previous employments.

    Since you left us, the chemistry of the house has not been the same. Your mother, your younger siblings, and I miss you terribly. The pain we feel is overwhelming. The void you left is unfillable. We think of you every day, wishing you could knock on the kitchen  door and walk in like you do when coming back from the office.

    Your passing caused an unprecedented wave of mourning, not just within our family, but globally. It was  a pleasant surprise to see such an outpouring of love and respect for someone so young, especially considering we are just ordinary people. You were loved by so many, and it was obvious that your life had touched countless hearts. Your friends miss your “ how far now” greetings on the phone followed by a brief laughter.  Some said you spoke to them that Monday morning. Your friend Daphne said you called her but she was in a High Court in Ikeja and  sent you a  message that she would return the call later. She did at about 1pm unknown to her that you had  passed on two hours earlier. Shocking. Albert and David, two of  your closest  friends came from the UK to pay us condolence visit. Numerous others  and your former colleagues at Fidelity Pension Managers were all united in grief.

    I often look back to the wonderful memories we shared, like your holiday in Atlanta with your mom and younger sister shortly after your graduation. You were so excited being your first trip outside Nigeria.  You had wanted to stay behind, but I insisted you come back to complete your NYSC program before heading back for your master’s degree. Those were happy times, full of promise and hope for the future.

    I also recall with great nostalgia our trips to Babcock University during your undergraduate days when we all sit in the car to eat the jollof or fried rice( these were your favourites) brought to you by your mom to complement the “meatless” food served at Babcock canteens.  The fried chicken bowls were special treats as you had enough to share with your roommates. I remembered the great reception we organised in our home as friends and neighbours joined us  to celebrate your graduation in 2018. Not even the heavy downpour that Sunday afternoon could dampen the joy that we all felt as a family.

    Did you by chance watch the English Premier League there? If not let me fill you in. In the just concluded season   there was an epic match between Chelsea( my club)  and Man United( your club).  Chelsea beat Man U 4-3 in that match. I would have taunted you with the hail of “Up Man U” to which you will smile and go ahead to analyse why Man U lost the match they were leading just five minutes to the end.  And just on Saturday, against all odds, Man U beat Man City at Wembley to clinch the 2024 FA Cup and book a spot in the UEFA Europa League even though you people finished 8th on the table. Chelsea will play at Conference League haven finished 6th on the table. Imagine!  Book makers and indeed football fans,  never gave Man U a chance considering the gulf in class between the two Manchester teams in recent years. Up Man U!

    I miss our professional discussions on brand management, consumer behaviour, digital marketing  among others. And even our disagreements, like the ones over your long beard, which you insisted on keeping despite  my protestations . The reality of your absence is something we face every day. I miss your interventions in my  laptop glitches at night when I am stuck not knowing what else to press. We miss   your calm presence .  Your 25th birthday, celebrated alongside your mom’s 50th, now feels like a farewell dance. You were so full of life, as if you knew your time was short.

    We find solace in the belief that you are comfortably ensconced at the bosom of the Lord away from hassles and  wahala of Lagos especially the daily traffic of  commuting to work and back. Some of your friends have told us that you appeared to them in their dreams reassuring us that you are in a better place. Just last week, your mom said you appeared to her, telling her not to be depressed because it was God’s will. But why? Didn’t the Bible say that God will satisfy us with long life and show us his salvation? Or that the blessing of the Lord makes rich and add no  sorrow? Your mom  has managed to stay calm through the help of the Holy Spirit but this past week has been very challenging for her and indeed all of us as your birthday drew close.

    You were a  quiet and gentle soul, almost taciturn, bearing your challenges with religious equanimity.  I never expected your journey to end so soon. We had so much plans together especially on your career trajectory. Recall I was always nudging you to get your own apartment so you can start life as a man.  But you have ended your journey.  So abruptly.  Such is life. We cannot query God.

    We are establishing the Ifeanyi Michael Foundation for youth empowerment and career counseling to keep your memory alive and impact humanity.

    Happy 27th birthday once more, Ify. Until we meet on the resurrection morning, you will always live  in our hearts.

    With all my love.

    Your dad,

    Mike.

     

    Mike Nzeagwu , PR Consultant wrote in memory of his late son who died last year at the age of 26

  • TRIBUTE: Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom marks 22 years as compassionate king – By Gabriel Omonhinmin

    TRIBUTE: Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom marks 22 years as compassionate king – By Gabriel Omonhinmin

    By Gabriel Omonhinmin

    Uwanno Kingdom is the bustling riverine town of Agenegbode in Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The traditional ruler of this largely fishing and commercial town is His Royal Majesty, Dr George Oshiapi Egabor, OON, Omoaze 1, the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom.

    Okumagbe turned 82 years old on January 7th, 2024. He ascended his ancestral throne at the matured age of 60 years after excellent records in the private sector of the economy as a trained accountant. For the twenty-two years he has reigned as a king of Uwanno Kingdom, he demonstrated quality leadership, which has distinguished him from other kings in Edo State and other parts of Nigeria.

    Five rare qualities stand him out among his peers. Number one is the immense display of wisdom in all that he does. As a very wise king, Okumagbe has been able to make sound judgements and decisions, even under pressure. He is able to see the big picture and understand the long-term consequences of his actions. Hence, his deliberate efforts never to hurt anyone no matter the provocations.

    The Okumagbe of Uwanno has at all times demonstrated the rare qualities of courage when it comes to matters bothering on the welfare and wellbeing of his people. As a courageous king, he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, even when it is unpopular. He is willing to make tough decisions and take risks when necessary. Okumagbe exhibited this rare quality during the Adams Oshiomole’s administration as the Civilian Governor of Edo State.

    Oshiomole, who never tolerated any opposition throughout the 8 years of his regime, later punished him severely for standing on his principles as a king. His stands and beliefs became vindicated immediately Adams Oshiomole vacated office as Governor of Edo State. He has since told whosoever cared to listen that he habours no ill-feelings nor bitterness against anyone over what happened.

    He has continued to demonstrate to all the people that encountered him, that a strong king is not only physically strong, but he is also mentally and emotionally strong.

    Okumagbe is able to withstand adversity and setbacks, and he never gives up on his goals. His drives and determination have helped in no small way in the development of Agenebode town to a modern city and Estako East Local Government Area as a whole.

    Now, why Okumagbe is so loved and cherished by the Uwanno people, is because as a humble king, he has never allowed his power as a king to go into his head, as most first-class kings do these days. He readily agrees that as a human being, he is not perfect and he is always willing to learn from others no matter how young or inexperienced you are.

    The Okumagbe’s compassion is unquantifiable. I say this, with all sense of responsibility, that I am alive today to write this piece, is all part of Okumagbe’s personal efforts to save my life while on my sick bed. He did what most friends, brothers and children could not do for me. It is extremely difficult to find a king in these modern times that is as compassionate as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom.

    He is a just and fair king, who treats everyone with respect. He cares about his subjects and allows them to do everything within their powers to improve their lives.

    As a personal testimony to these rare and sterling qualities of a king in the 21st century, yours sincerely on January 18th, 2024, in one of the leading hospitals in Lagos, had a prostrate surgery.

    Before this particular surgery, Okumagbe was one of the persons I confided in. Right from the time I was wheeled to the operation room throughout the four and half hours I went under the knives, he made sure he monitored every moment of what was happening to me, an ordinary Nigerian, who is not related to him, nor one of his subjects. For the benefit of people not too familiar with Edo State, Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, is an Etsako man in Edo North while I am an Esan man from Edo Central.

    Our only connection was that I met him in the course of carrying out my journalistic assignments and he has since then remained one of my cherished mentor in life.

    Okumagbe did not only stop there, but had since my first surgery on January 18th 2024 had other two major surgeries. After my second surgery, there was a drug that was not initially listed on the list of drugs, that I was supposed to have bought or provided before the commencement of my operation.

    Immediately, I was wheeled out of the theater, according to what my wife, who was with me in the hospital told me, hours after I had regained consciousness, “the Consultant asked her to hurry to the hospital Pharmacy and immediately buy the drug or drip that will be added to other drugs available to aid my gradual recovery or more appropriately my coming back to life. At this point, we have virtually exhausted all that we had in our bank account.

    While my wife was desperately cracking her brain trying to see who to contact that could be of help. She then decided to pick up my phone and check the numbers of one of my friends or brothers, who will be willing to help immediately, that was when an alert pop up on my phone, it was the Okumagbe, who had again decided to do something without any prompting.

    As it has turned out to be the King’s habit, he just sent in an amount that covered the drug, that she was expected to buy for my recovery. She was formally downcast, not knowing what to do, under those circumstances, but immediately brace up and rushed to the hospital Pharmacy to buy the drug prescribed and handed it over to the Nurses, who were taking care of me. This was how my life was saved by the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom.

    Hours after my recovery, she quietly asked me in a very low tone, “Who is Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom? Mind you that my wife is a Yoruba woman from Ibadan in Oyo State. She said, please call him to thank him, God mysteriously used him to save your life.”

    She then excitedly narrated her experiences during those very difficult times in full. As if this was not enough show of affection and good gestures toward me, the Okumagbe at one point or the other during these excruciating pains and experiences, played a role or two in ensuring that I bought all my drugs promptly, which have become too expensive and out of reach of the common man.

    Despite the huge inconveniences my admission in the hospital had caused him financially, he had never shown a sign of being tired of helping me. He is the first to call me, if he has not heard from me for sometime, to ask, “Gabriel, how are you doing today. I hope your health is now improving?”

    What else could I ask from a good man like the Okumagbe. How do I ever get to pay him back or thank him sufficiently enough other than, this public acknowledgement of his assistance and care towards me when I needed them most?

    Under the watch of Okumagbe in these past 22 years, the entire Uwanno Kingdom had witnessed massive infrastructural and human developments.

    The higher institution, that was almost ruined and closed down, just because he decided to be his own man, when he was being punished by the former Edo State Governor, is now functional and bustling with students from all over the country. Thanks to Governor Obaseki’s administration.

    As an administrator, he has been able to navigate the monkey waters of bitter rivalry from a fellow king and politics but still maintained the much-needed peace in his domain. The peace his people needs to continue to survive in this very hard time as an agrarian community. At the height of this personal provocation by an uncouth king of a neighbouring community, the Okumagbe refused to allow himself to be soaked into unnecessary crises and provocation.

    He maintained a dignified level of headedness saying, “Gabriel, there is nothing like peace. I will never encourage my people to breach the peace and take the laws into their hands. If I do that, I will not be showing a good example as a king. I would have therefore failed my people and the Edo State government.”

  • Tribute: Johnson Adjan, the Ogburine @ 80

    Tribute: Johnson Adjan, the Ogburine @ 80

    By Sunny Awhefeada

    The usual end of year ritual of evaluation and resolutions preoccupied my mind as I tried to draw a connection between the dying year and the new one. My mind took to memory lane as it ambled between the year 2000 and the present moment.

    What assailed me were a huge void and then a stream of disillusionment in view of where we are as a nation.

    The killings in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria, the deepening poverty and general ambience of hopelessness easily indicated that we are a nation steep in depression. This is despite the usual admonitions telling us the people to make sacrifice, be patient and hopeful in anticipation of a better tomorrow.

    Methinks such words should be directed at the ruling class whose mindless extravagance was crassly put on display by President Bola Tinubu as depicted in his convoy to the mosque in Lagos last Friday. The people have made more than enough sacrifice and they have been too patient for too long. It is now the turn of those who rule and ruin the nation to make sacrifices and embrace the ideals of patriotism. Only this will take Nigeria out of the doldrums and engender “renewed hope”.

    The New Year pondering showed that there has been no reprieve for the people in the last twenty-four years. We have been swindled by one mountebank after the other. So, we are marooned in hopelessness.

    It was in the foregoing mood that I heard that the Urhobo music maestro, Johnson Osetejovwore Oyibode Adjan, was eighty years old on 2nd January, 2024! I was thrilled and the gloom that often characterizes thoughts of Nigeria was displaced by the excitement of not just knowing that Johnson Adjan has made it to eighty, but also by the memory of the unique and enchanting aesthetics of his pulsating and profoundly philosophical music. I don’t know how he spent the day, but it was an exciting moment for me as I played his songs most of that day and the next. I also told a few friends I interacted with that day that it was Johnson Adjan’s birthday.

    Adjan caught the imagination of my generation in the early 1980s when we were still primary school pupils. The meaning of his songs at that age was lost on us, but the beauty of its lyric, its capacity to make you want to sing along or do a jig, the clarity and sonority of his voice were unparalleled. From Ibadan to Evwreni, which my childhood straddled, the songs of Johnson Adjan dominated the music diet in every Urhobo household. Growing up and becoming adults, able to look the world in the face and interrogate its many oddities, the songs of Johnson Adjan made meaning to us. We embraced its philosophy, memorized its poetry, relished its lyrics and danced to its beats. The many proverbs, legends and myths which populate his songs lit up our paths in the quest for Urhobo indigenous knowledge system. His songs validated the philosophical integrity of Urhobo worldview.

    The Igbe religion, of which Adjan is an adherent, is central to his person and music and this is reflected in the invocative “Onime me ra suare”. Ever beholding to Uhaghwa and Aridon, the Urhobo gods of inspiration and memory, Johnson Adjan’s music can be viewed as a creative rendition of Urhobo culture. Embedded in this are features which attest to the existence of a rich loric repertoire spanning poetry, philosophy, psychology, sociology, history and more.

    My earliest academic evaluation of the music of Johnson Adjan was as a subaltern don in 2002 when I supervised a Bachelor of Arts degree project by one Sohwo whose first name I cannot now remember.

    I was excited at the topic focusing on Adjan’s music and we went to work. I had to endlessly play his tracks to ascertain if they were worth critical evaluation.

    The songs proved to avant garde in many ramifications.

    Besides their thematic aptness which speaks to almost every aspect of Urhobo life, the songs were enlivened with satirical insinuations, metaphors, imageries, ironies, hyperboles, euphemism, puns and other sound devices. His voice was enchanting and his diction was rich, profound and insightful.

    Motifs in Adjan’s songs include marriage, friendship, wealth, envy, death, change and other vagaries that define the human experience. Morality remains the grand theme of his music. And I must confess that much of my education and knowledge of Urhobo derives from Adjan’s music.

    Many of Adjan’s songs are admonitory and offer counseling to people.

    I think his song that I first heard was “Somodudi” where he cautioned against reckless drinking and its consequences. Although, in another track “Idi Me”, Adjan positivized drinking and encourages good drinking habit among children so that at one’s death the children’s friends would celebrate by drinking. In “Wosoma Olorogun” he satirized the rush to acquire chieftaincy titles by those not materially prepared for it.

    That album contains “Iroroturi” which raises ontological questions challenging the essence of destiny and wealth.

    The crooner laments and questions why the poor man remains poor even after putting in the same effort into the same task as the wealthy man.

    In “Omoromuoseje” the singer mocks the lover who gets the praise of the mother-in-law to-be even though he got indebted buying gifts for the girl’s family.

    There is also “Aye me nu vwobo” where Adjan touches the problem of divorce and its resolution.

    The tracks “Mr. Onororakpene” and “Madam Oti” are two love songs in one which lament the death of Joseph Onororakpene from Okurekpo near Okpara-in-land. Of significance in the elegy is the love and devotion of Madam Oti.

    In “Ilovu gbo we Ishani”, Adjan privileges the theme of love in its sublime essence. His songs, if properly curated, should number more than a hundred and they have attained archival status. And the fact that each of them is a hit attests to his musical genius.

    At eighty, like many culture exponents, Johnson Adjan appears abandoned and struggling to survive on the periphery.

    The massive fan base that was enchanted by his songs in Urhoboland, Ibadan, Lagos, Kaduna, Accra, New York, London and anywhere Urhobo people were found is fast diminishing as the present “miguo” generation neither speak Urhobo nor appreciate his songs. Nevertheless, Adjan has been lucky for two reasons.

    His songs ruled the waves and peaked for more than three decades at a time when Chiefs Michael Ibru, James Edewor, Edward Esiso, the business moguls, could sing and dance to them; when Professors Peter Ekeh, Onigu Otite and G. G. Darah, redoubtable scholars, could ponder over their historical, philosophical and aesthetic merits, and Chiefs Patrick Bolokor, Felix Ibru and James Ibori, political heavyweights, could identify with his songs and do the needful. Adjan has also lived long and in good health.

    Those before him and his contemporaries were not so lucky with long life and sound health. Adjan, resident in Ughelli, is probably the second oldest Urhobo musician after Chief Diamond Icheghe.

    Johnson Adjan later took on the honorific of Professor and he became Professor Johnson Adjan the Ogburine (song-warrior). An indigene of Ofuoma-Ughelli, he was born on 2nd January 1942 at Afiesere his maternal community.

    His family lived at Orhoakpor and he followed his parents to the Igbe-Ame sect where the rites and songs of worship influenced his music. Adjan admits that Chiefs Omokomoko Osokpa and Djanere, foremost Urhobo musicians, were his mentors.

    The internationalization of his bardic calling began in 1970 when he visited London for the first time to perform before an Urhobo audience. Adjan’s name and music oeuvre is making inroads into academe.

    Much of Dr. Peter Udi’s recent University of Ibadan doctoral thesis focused on the psychotherapeutic essence of Adjan’s songs.

    Let us salute Professor Johnson Adjan, the Ogburine, and Urhobo treasure, at eighty! As we do this, let us reach out to him and support him. Isi wadooo….iyaaa….!

  • Sir Paul Nwosu pays tribute to late Anambra governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju

    Sir Paul Nwosu pays tribute to late Anambra governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju

    Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju served as the Governor of Anambra State from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2003. He sadly passed away on April 11, 2023 and will be given a State Burial.
    Born on June 14, 1945, he was elected on the platform of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and was sworn in as Anambra State Governor at the return of civil rule on May 29, 1999. As the first elected Governor of Anambra State upon the return of civil rule in 1999, Mbadinuju had to confront many teething challenges such as setting up the bureaucracy, developing necessary infrastructure, guaranteeing security and so on.
    He was fondly called Odera, and was quite charismatic and jovial in his lifetime. A native of Uli in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, he started his education at Mgbidi Central School, Oru, in Imo State in 1955. He did not have a formal secondary education. He was self-taught to pass the General Certificate of Education (GCE) in flying colours at both the Ordinary and Advanced levels. He attended Bishop Lasbery Teachers’ College, Irete, Imo State from 1959 to 1962.
    Mbadinuju earned a scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the State University of New York. A determined pursuer of knowledge, he obtained a degree in Law from the University of Southampton in England and was called to Nigerian Bar in 1979 when returned to Nigeria. He equally took a doctorate degree in Government from Cornell University in New York. He was then appointed an Associate Professor of Politics and African Studies at the State University of New York.
    After his return to Nigeria, he was from 1977 to 1978 a lecturer at Times Training School, Lagos, owned by the largest media company in Nigeria, the Daily Times Group. He was appointed the Editor of Times International magazine. Transferring his services to the old Anambra State, he was appointed the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Star Printing and Publishing Company Limited, Enugu, publishers of Daily Star in 1979. A devout Christian, Dr Mbadinuju has reputedly written 10 books on Christian spirituality.
    Mbadinuju served as a Personal Assistant to the then Governor Jim Nwobodo of old Anambra State from 1979 to 1980. He later returned to Lagos and served the Federal Government from 1980 to 1983 as a Personal Assistant to former President Shehu Shagari.
    Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju was the Governor of Anambra State from 1999 to 2003 on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). He established the Anambra State University at Uli. He also tackled the issue of insecurity by signing into law the bill that created Anambra Vigilante Services. The challenge of security which he addressed with the unorthodox Bakassi Boys eventually became controversial, even as he initially won a handful of national awards for his stemming of insecurity in Anambra State.
    In his youthful days, Mbadinuju was a keen sportsman. He was a remarkable athlete in track and field events at Bishop Lasbery Teachers’ College, Irete in Imo State. He was also a redoubtable footballer who excelled in his undergraduate days in the United States where represented his college in various competitions. He was a talented organist.
    Mbadinuju was married to Mrs. Nnebuogo Mbadinuju, and the marriage is blessed with five children.
    The arrangement for the State burial of ex-Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju are as follows:
    November 22: The Anambra State Government (ANSG) will receive the body at the Government House Courtyard by 3pm for Lying-in-State.
    November 23: ANSG will hold a Commendation and Thanksgiving Service at the International Convention Centre, Awka by 11am. Tributes will commence immediately after the Service.
    Praise/Worship and Tribute Sessions in his honour will follow later in the day (by 5pm) at his Country home, Uli, Ihiala LGA.
    November 24: At 10am there will be Interdenominational Burial Service at his country home, Uli, and Interment will follow immediately.
    November 26: There will be an Outing Service as planned by the Family.
    Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju served Anambra State to the best of his ability. While bidding him a befitting farewell, it is only fitting to re-echo his famous slogan: “It Shall Be Well With Anambra State!”
  • Chief Louis Onwugbenu @70: A life of selflessness, sheer enterprise and fulfillment

    Chief Louis Onwugbenu @70: A life of selflessness, sheer enterprise and fulfillment

    By Emeka Obinwa

    As he clocks 70, Today, Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu, KSG, the multi-billionaire Chairman of Louis Carter conglomerate, remains one personality that is supremely and divinely moulded to conquer, no matter the circumstance.

    For Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu, and of course with his God, the word ‘impossibility’ is not for him. He radiates a self confidence and courageous aura that have always left his detractors or traducers at the receiving end.

    Louis Carter as he is fondly called by numerous admirers, overcomes and conquers every onslaught and landmines set by adversaries to slow him down.

    Despite the challenges, society watchers still place him in the bracket of first top ten billionaires produced by the famous industrial town of Nnewi, renowned for its commercial hub and industry. His mind-blowing philanthropy that has gained tremendous momentum over the decades speaks volume of a trailer-blazer God has supremely planted for a course.

    The story of Louis Carter is highly illuminating as it is intriguing, having come from a humble background. Sir Louis Onwugbenu was born in 1953 into the family of the Late Mr. Augustine Onwugbenu and Mrs. Cecilia Onwugbenu of Ndi-Ojukwu village in Uruagu Nnewi. His date of birth was unique, because it coincided with the Assumption date (15th August); a day regarded as sacred among Catholics, when the body and soul of Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, was assumed into the glory of heaven.

    The famous Irish missionary priest Rev. Fr. Louis Kettles, who was working in Nnewi at that time was like a Prophetic Simeon who forfold the future full of hope for this new born child as he baptized him, three weeks later (13th September, 1953) and gave him the name Louis. The memory of this famous missionary inspires Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu till today.

    When the young Louis came of age, he was enrolled at St. Philip’s (Ezeagaba) Nursery and Primary School, Okpunoeze, Uruagu and subsequently had primary education at St. John of the Cross Primary School Egbo, Uruagu, Nnewi.

    He was quite a brilliant young lad, intelligent and smart. This was evident while he was fielding questions during catechism classes which led to his qualification for the reception of First Holy Communion and Confirmation at a very tender age. He subsequently became a Mass sever (Alter Boy) serving both the Irish and indigenous priests at the time. Among the Reverend Fathers that he worked closely with were Reverend Fathers, Duncan, Baylon and Basil Onwuasomba respectively.

    After the civil war, Louis Confirmed to serve in the mission under the then parish Priest, Rev. Fr. B.C Onwuasomba who contributed immensely to what Louis is today.

    His quest to draw his academic career to its logical conclusion was, however, truncated midway in his secondary school due to the prevailing economic, political and social factors at that time, including the Nigerian Civil war of 1967 to 1970.

    After the war in 1970, the horrible experiences some teenagers of his age had during the war discouraged them from furthering their education.

    Rather than being dejected and despondent by the unpleasant turn of events, which really gave him little or no chance to activate his intellectual potentialities, he became more positively encouraged and took the bull by the horns. He rapidly understudied the auto parts business through close interaction with friends and cousins who were already doing well in auto parts business. As an apprentice, he slept in the shop with his colleagues and it was there he joined Block Rosary.

    In 1972, Louis launched himself into the world of business. His line of business then was servicing auto spare parts, like plugs, filters, bolts and nuts and later graduated to selling pistons, engine blocks top gaskets among others which today are the predominant trade of Nnewi people.

    The initial start-up capital was provided from the little savings of his hard-working parents who were still into red oil milling. This initial capital was meager compared with what the motor spare parts demanded. But Louis was never intimidated or dissuade from venturing into business. His prayerful life and closeness to God gave him good energy and great motivation to succeed. He would pray assiduously every morning, play Christian music before setting out for the day on a high positive spirit. He had the conviction that God’s grace was with him and that he was born to win, so the world was at his feet to explore, exploit and conquer. He usually played Jimmy Cliff’s track “Born to Win” as a motivating music to keep him focused in his activities.

    Between 1973 and 1976, Louis had already started distinguishing himself in the business world, shuttling to and from Lagos two or three times a week in order to buy and sell his goods. Louis watch words were honesty, hard-work and determination; the qualities earned him the favour of many who came in contact with him.

    Gradually but steadily, the business began to flourish, Hence, the young Carter expanded and diversified the frontier into other lines of trade that much later metamorphosed into manufacturing Agriculture, Food Processing, Estate Management and General Merchandise.

    Like a divine providence, what he lost academically, he gained handsomely in business.

    By 1977, Louis was already longing for a life partner. The yearning of Louis’ heart later found its satisfaction in the home of Sir Anthony and Lady Roseline Ojukwu, the then Catechist of St. John Cross Egbo, Uruagu, Nnewi, where Louis mother’s eagle eye captured the Central Catechist daughter Pat, in the humble family and would not opt for any other but her. God approved of this proposal and both were joined in marriage on the 21st day of October, 1978.

    The marriage is blessed with 2 boys, 6 girls and over 14 grandchildren.

    With the marriage blissfully progressing, Louis pursued his ambition with high determination. He was touring the world, searching for and indeed grabbing business opportunities. Today, Louis Carter is solidly established globally. It was at this stage also that Louis rooted home in Nigeria, the subsidiary companies that sum up “THE LOUIS CARTER GROUP CONGLEMORATE”. So in the game of business, Louis is a utility player, combining very beautifully, sharp thinking and swift execution of ideas.

    As his business grew, even when he was under thirty, he surprised many with his big heart for philanthropy when he undertook one of the four endowment projects of the University Teaching Hospital for then Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH). The impact of these endowment projects catalyzed the University upgrading by then military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babagida, to a Federal University in 1991.

    Louis felt happy with the success and developments orchestrated by the project (he was one of the four foremost Nnewi Billionaires who undertook the gigantic projects) this spurred him on to more philanthropic acts to humanity. Chief Louis has settled hospital bills for more than seven indigent parents of quadruplets and quintuplet children adopted and offered them scholarships from nursery to University levels, as well as many other families who were in need. He has trained and continued to train children of the poor, to University level, Priests and Religious men and women in addition to the houses he built houses for the homeless. Every 15th August and 24th December, he gives out aids to assist people celebrate the birthday and season.

    To commemorate his 50th birthday celebration and 25th years wedding anniversary, he had built and handed over to the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, the Church building, the St. Louis Catholic Church, Father’s house, Church Hall and Chapel of Adoration (Built in memory of his late parents, Late Augustine and Cecilia Onwugbenu).

    It is worthy of note that the renaming of the church building to St. Louis was at the instance of the then Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Hillary Odili Okeke, who got the clearance from the Catholic Pontiff to rename the parish from St. Bartholomew Parish to St. Louis Parish, only a few days to the dedication of the church building. He also built multi storey structures for Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools at St. Louis Catholic Church premises that are managed by the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi.

    On the 15th day of August, 2013 during his 60th birthday celebration, he got an inspiration to float a foundation that will wipe tears away from underprivileged families. For the passion he has for education, Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu founded the LOUIS CARTER FOUNDATION to alleviate the suffering of the less privileged in our society and provide support in human capacity development, skills acquisition and empowerment to youths. From the inception of the foundation in 2013 till this very day, thousands of students are beneficiaries of Chief Sir Louis Carter Onwugbenu foundation both in Secondary School and Universities within Nigeria and beyond respectively. Some have graduated and are gainfully employed. Despite the economic meltdown in the country, Okpata Ozua Ora Nnewi kept adding more students annually to the foundation.

    As Louis turns 70 today, and in line with his passion for education , he proposes to establish an Ultra-modern University in collaboration with foreign partners from world class Ivy league schools in Canada and America to bridge the educational gap in Nigerian Schools. Chief Louis Carter Onwugbenu believes that on completion and commencement, the objectives for the establishment of the schools will impact positively on our communities and by extension the underprivileged youths who are brilliant will have the opportunity to further their studies abroad through this collaboration and his scholarship scheme. Louis Carter has given hope to numerous students in Anambra State. His generosity knows no bound. His kindness and generosity earned him the well-deserved sobriquet “OKPATA OZUA ORA NNEWI”. (His Wealth touches all).

    Today, as he marks his 70th birthday anniversary, Louis Carter will sponsor all the Block Rosary Centers in the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi made up of more than 5000 young children of God. There will also be the presence of over 70 Charity and destitute homes at the occasion billed at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, Egbo-Uruagu Nnewi. The event will also witness the presentation of purses to the various Block Rosary groups and the Charity homes.

    Despite his absence at the celebration, the celebrant has pulled all strings to make his 70th birthday a memorable one for guests. There will be quiz and cultural competitions among the zones and various prizes to be won to encourage them because that was how he started his life.

    One would rightly say that Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu is a child of destiny. His meteoric rise and remarkable business accomplishments are not without challenges. But he would always surmount and overcome.

    The turning point in his life was on April 10, 2020, (Good Friday) when Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu and his family members had close shave with death when they were hit by the deadly Covid-19 Pandemic. As he was being rushed into the Intensive Care Unit of the Reston Hospital Center in the United States, his last daughter was already in critical condition but God’s grace and intervention prevailed and they survived the scare.

    To Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu, if the family could survive the dreaded Covid-19 Pandemic, then he remains indestructible in the sight of man. Despite intrigues by his detractors to ruin his business, the calm looking Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu remains unruffled and unperturbed, knowing well that God has control over his life.

    He still continues to count his blessings as a man “BORN TO WIN”.

     

    Scripted by Emeka Obinwa, veteran journalist and analyst

  • Ifeanyi: a catharsis and memorial – By Mike Nzeagwu

    Ifeanyi: a catharsis and memorial – By Mike Nzeagwu

    By Mike Nzeagwu

    The globally recognized measurement for distance is either mile or kilometre depending on the country. It is logical that the farther the distance, the greater the mileage. This universal truism was tested Monday July 10, 2023 when I found out that the distance between Ikeja and Victoria Island both in Lagos State was “farther” than driving to my village in Delta State.

    My long journey started with a call from my wife some minutes to 11am that Ifeanyi, our first son who had gone to work that morning had collapsed in his office in Victoria Island and was rushed to a hospital where he was being attended to. She said she got a call from his office. She sent me the number of the caller and said I should follow up to confirm his state.  I immediately called the number and the voice at the other end identified himself as Kazeem, Ifeanyi’s colleague at Fidelity Pension Managers. He gave me the address of the hospital in Victoria Island. I thanked Kazeem and told him I will be on my way to the hospital shortly. I quickly saved the work I was doing on my laptop and shut down.

    My wife had dropped off Ifeanyi very early in the morning to join a senior colleague who has an official car and a driver. That was a daily routine. Mother and son had talked as they rode together. Ifeanyi alighted from the car when he got to the spot where he will join his senior colleague. They bade each other goodbye with the hope of re-uniting in the evening. Unknown to both, that was their final goodbye until resurrection morning.

    Kazeem called back about 10 minutes after the first call as I made my way out of my office to the reception area.  “Speak with the doctor”, he said.  “I am told you are Ifeanyi’s father”, the doctor spoke, half asking, half confirming.  “He was brought here this morning from his office. He was conscious and we were trying to get some information from him on his medical history but he had a cardiac arrest and we lost him”, the doctor said in a cold voice. You lost who? I shouted into my phone. But the line had gone dead. How doctors manage to remain calm or should I say casual, when delivering   these morbid messages beats my imagination. Is it by training or that they have seen too many deaths to kill the human empathy in them?

    The world stood still for me. I could not take a further step. The sun had set at noon.  I went into some pantomime of no defined pattern: dropped my bags (food and laptop) on the floor, beat my head with both hands, ran back to my office to use the toilet but nothing came out. I called out to Christy, my dedicated staff of over 15 years. She stood in front of me but I could not tell her anything. Tears rolled down my cheeks in torrents. Christy would have been wondering what made her boss to weep early Monday morning a sight  she had not seen since working with me.  I told her squeezing her violently in the process for support.  I composed myself, put a call to my wife that I was on my way to the hospital. I dare not show any emotion that would alert her that the worst had happened.

    But how do I drive to Victoria Island from Ikeja in my state?. I called Pastor Austin Okocha, my brother in-law who lives at Egbeda, a Lagos suburb. I told him what had happened and made two requests: organize your prayer team to start praying for Ifeanyi and join me immediately for the journey to the hospital. I called my brother and business partner Celestine Achi to join me at the hospital. I called Emman Udowoima a friend and Pastor at RCCG to organize his prayer warriors to intercede for Ifeanyi. I was already waiting in the car when Pastor Austin arrived. I wanted him to drive but he was not with his driver’s license. We could not risk him getting behind the wheels without a driver’s license. In Lagos that is a “capital offense” if you are caught by FRSC or VIO.

    So I drove the car. Somehow the road was free as it was mid-day. I pressed down on the accelerator. Pastor Austin cautioned me to take it easy. Easy? Not today. The distance was as if I was driving to Sokoto even though it took about 30 minutes to get to Faithcity Hospital, off Bishop Oluwole Street in Victoria Island.  Some staff of Fidelity Pensions were huddled together outside the hospital, about 10 or so in number, when we got to the hospital. I had hardly turned off the ignition before I jumped off the car with Pastor Austin in tow.   Once they saw me they knew I was Ifeanyi’s father. Perhaps my look and the way I jumped out of the car gave me out. They swarmed around me like bees to honeycomb, empathy and sympathy etched on their faces.

    Inside the hospital I was ushered in to see the doctor who delivered that deadly message. He repeated the same thing. I asked where my son was kept. I was ushered into a doctor’s consulting room where he lay on a bed, covered with a white sheet. I opened the sheet, saw Ifeanyi ‘sleeping’ but no breathe. He was handsome, looking radiant in a well cultivated hair and beard as he had gone to the barber’s on Saturday. His eyes were sharp with the pupils intact. This is my first son, 26 years lying here. I spoke to him: “Ifeanyi you are not dead, but sleeping”. So we went into intense prayers, Pastor Austin and I. We were soon joined by Celestine and later Ebube, Ifeanyi’s immediate younger brother who lives in Ibadan.  I had told him what happened earlier that morning and asked him to ‘be a man’ and hit the road to Lagos but very strict instruction not to betray any emotion in case his mother or younger sister called. He kept to the script.

    After two hours of prayers, we hired an ambulance and drove Ifeanyi from Victoria Island to the Redemption Camp on Lagos Ibadan Express way. In our 27 years of being workers at RCCG, we have heard several testimonies of dead people coming back to life once prayed for or just being driven to the camp ground. I was optimistic that my family would be the next to testify during the annual convention of the church this August.

    We got to the camp ground around 4.30pm. We met several men of God at different locations on the camp ground who prayed for Ifeanyi including our General Overseer, Pastor Adeboye who was away on a retreat in Osun State. Somehow a sister in the church who knew Daddy G.O’s driver was able to connect to him around 10.30pm. He prayed on the phone. After the prayer Ifeanyi’s body which maintained a reasonable warmth all these while went cold.  To me it was a “confirmation” that God Almighty wanted him and He was aware of his sudden demise. Reality dawned on me. I looked up the heavens for last minute miracle but none came. So we left the camp some minutes past 11 pm and took Ifeanyi’s body to a morgue in Ikeja.

    Meanwhile my wife has been bombarding me with phone calls, messages wanting to know how Ifeanyi was faring in the hospital. I told her he was fine but was on drip. She asked if he had opened his eyes and I answered “yes”. “Can I do a video call?” was the next request. I told her it was not allowed in the hospital. She did not know that Ifeanyi her first son, her birthday mate (they are separated by just two days, May 28 and 30) had died at 11:06 am that fateful Monday July 10.  At about   11:45pm I walked into our compound with Mr and Mrs Udowoima our family friends of over 20 years following. She was still downstairs making calls when we walked in. I had left my car with those who went to the mortuary and we took bike home.  And seeing our couple friends who last visited about seven years ago when we moved into that house at almost mid night, she knew the worst had happened. We practically carried her upstairs. She was inconsolable. But how could she? A child of her youth, born when she was 25. Her womb ‘opener’.  A boy she dropped off in the morning with the hope of reuniting in the evening now gone forever. Not by road accident. Just a fall in the staff canteen as we were told and death came suddenly.

    Ifeanyi was buried at RCCG Memorial Garden Tuesday July 18 after a church service. It was an emotional service. Tears flowed uncontrollably from the four corners of the fully packed church auditorium. My wife collapsed in a heap as the pall bearers wheeled the casket inside the church. People rushed to her. I signaled to them to leave her on the floor to pour her heart out. It was a time for catharsis.  She had insisted on coming to the church service to ‘confirm’ that Ifeanyi was indeed gone. Ifeanyi’s younger siblings who have been calmed all these went into uncontrollable spasm of weeping.

    My wife and I are yet to come to terms with the demise of the first fruit of our marriage. His birth in May 1997, exactly 12 months after our wedding brought so much joy to the family. I recalled how elated I was seeing the first efforts from my loins. He was tender, handsome and completely white.  His younger siblings had also followed in quick succession. We all grew up together as it were, a close- knit family. We shared the same password for our phones, debit cards, whatever. There was no secret.

    Ifeanyi was calm, almost taciturn. He was fiercely independent and believed he could handle any situation. He was dedicated to friends and passionate about the jobs he did. While waiting for NYSC mobilization after his graduation from Babcock University, he traveled with his mother and youngest sister to Atlanta in 2019 on a short vacation. On arrival he joined their host in his house painting and interior décor business. He so distinguished himself within a short period that the man thought he had had previous experience in house painting. The man wanted him to stay back beyond the six-weeks they were due to come back to Nigeria but I insisted he came back for his NYSC. What if he had stayed back, would death have come so early? What if he did not go to work the day he collapsed in the office, would he have died? What if, what if? Why did he die at such an age when he had begun taking giant steps up the career ladder?  Questions!

    As Christians we serve a God who is wiser than the wisest; the all-knowing God. He is the unquestionable God.   In our grief we have found great support in neighbours, church, relations, friends, Ifeanyi’s friends and colleagues and even from total strangers. The mourning has been global as our phones have been ringing with calls from all over the world praying for us and encouraging us to hold on to God. Condolence visits (did we not consistently prayed against this during family prayers and in the church?) have been overwhelming. We draw strength from their prayers and counsel. In the midst of the crisis and pain that fateful night Monday July 10 that Ifeanyi passed to Tuesday morning, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit gave my wife a line: “if it pleases God, it pleases me”. That has galvanized us as we jointly bear our loss with religious equanimity. We also believe in the word of God in Nahum 1:9 that affliction will not arise a second time. Ozoemezine!

  • Tribute to my brother, Senator Pius Ewherido – By Francis Ewherido

    Tribute to my brother, Senator Pius Ewherido – By Francis Ewherido

    Today makes it exactly 10 years since my brother slipped through our fingers and left for the great beyond. Today, I reminiscence on some of the magical years, especially the early years, we spent together. It goes back to Ughelli, then Ozoro, Effurun and Warri. At Effurun, he introduced me to reading of newspapers in 1980. When we were in Ozoro in the 70s, my father always bought Daily Times and Nigerian Observer, but I had difficulty reading them. I would see a headline, “FG…” Govt….,” or SMC…” I did not know the meaning of the abbreviations and acronyms; they were not part of the English we were taught in school, so they were not in my vocabulary.

    In 1980, we relocated to Effurun. That was when my brother started buying newspapers and tasking all of us to save money for newspapers. Newspapers were between 20 kobo to 50 kobo then (I am not sure anymore). He was the one who rekindled my interest in reading of newspapers and helped me to cross the hurdles of the acronyms and abbreviations: FG, GOVT, and SMC. He was obsessed with the National Concord. On Sundays, he bought New Nigeria Newspaper because of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (then Rev. Fr. Matthew Hassan Matthew Kukah). He was a firebrand columnist and my brother loved his column. He would send my younger brothers out as early as 6am to 7am to wait for the vendor. Concord was hot cake then and you could only get it if you came early. In the case of New Nigeria, few copies were sent to the Effurun-Warri axis. It was printed in Kaduna and was generally seen as a Northern Newspaper. Arguably, only Kukah’s column made many people to buy the paper on Sundays in our part of Bendel State (present Edo and Delta States) to the best of my knowledge.

    It was also during this time that his interest in politics became apparent. He followed the events of the second republic diligently until it was truncated by the Buhari/Idiagbon coup on December 31, 1983. His interest in newspapers spurred mine and made me to opt for Mass Communication when I wanted to write JAMB exam in 1983, but there was a problem. Only four universities offered Mass Communication: University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Lagos, University of Maiduguri and Bayero University, Kano. All were considered too far from home. The only university my father was comfortable with was the University of Lagos, his alma mater, but there was a snag. It only admitted direct entry students for Mass Comm. I did not want to spend two years doing A’ Levels. So my brother advised me to choose Theatre Arts, which he explained to me was close to Mass Comm, in the University of Benin. I did and scored 279. My name was second on the list, but I was denied admission because I did “not write English Literature in JAMB Exam.”

    I was devastated and temporarily relocated from Effurun to the village where my father was the school principal. I did not come back to Effurun until after I finished writing JAMB Exam in 1984. This time around, I reasoned with my brother that it must be Mass Comm, my initial choice. I chose Mass Comm, UNN. UNN was dreaded then because the competition to get admission to UNN, especially Law, Mass Comm, Accounting, Medicine and Pharmacy, was stiff, but I was encouraged by my 279 score in JAMB in 1983. My brother was also there encouraging me. I wrote JAMB again in 1984 choosing Mass Comm, UNN. I scored 284 and my name was fourth on the list. That was how I started my journey in the media world before adding insurance and other endeavours.

    Meanwhile, my brother also did not get admission to study law at Uniben, so he left for Ife to study philosophy where he emerged the best graduating student in his class. He went back to Uniben later to get a degree in law. We believed we were denied admission partly due issues my father had with someone, but that is in the past. Law was always his first choice and philosophy was second. He was preparing to do a master’s degree in Philosophy at the time he died.

    During our stay in the university, we compared UNN and Ife. I said UNN was better academically. He was not really interested in being drawn into that argument, but he was emphatic that Ife was more beautiful. There was no basis for comparism. UNN was not even beautiful then. We exchanged letters regularly and compared notes. During holidays, we (himself, Ufuoma, my immediate younger brother and myself) would coil up in bed and talk about the future. We discussed our plans, dreams and aspirations. There was a burning desire to uplift the family name and circumstances.

    When my father died suddenly in 1988, he jettisoned his plan to take the offer of a graduate assistant at Ife, by virtue of being the best graduating student, and using the opportunity to pursue his master’s degree. My father had set a target of minimum first degree for all his children. Three of my youngest brothers were still in secondary school. He felt that everyone had to get their first degree first in line with my father’s wish. Not only that, the salary of a graduate assistant was N500. He felt that he would not be a participant, but a bystander, in the education of his younger siblings with that salary. He opted to do audio/video business to enable him earn more income. The business did very well and enabled him not only to support our youngest siblings, but boost the entire family’s finances. Later when he went into politics and became the deputy speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly in 1999, his distractors called him “ordinary DJ” and “disc jockey.” I was very pained and amused at the same time. They did not know the sacrifice he made for my family. Ignorance is a disease, and ignorance of history is a tragedy.

    Much later, when my personal life was in disarray, my brother saw my despair. He intervened and linked me up with my wife. We are in the 25th year of marriage. Continue to rest in peace. I will love and cherish you all my life. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.