ACHIEVEMENT PROFILE OF GOV. TAMBUWAL IN TWO YEARS By Imam Imam

CHANGING FACE OF EDUCATION IN SOKOTO   ACHIEVEMENTS OF GOVERNOR AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR

1.     Declaration of state of emergency in education
2.     Establishment of a technical committee on state of emergency and charged with the responsibility of developing a framework for the proper implementation of the emergency declared.
3.     In 2016 budget, education got N34.5 billion, the highest budgetary allocation of 29%
4.     In 2017 budget, education maintained its top position in sectoral allocation when it got N38.4 billion allocation. This represents 27.3 percent of the total budget outlay.
5.     The sum of N2.2 billion has been paid as scholarship to Sokoto indigenes from May 2015 to date.
6.     Right to Education Bill: Sokoto became the first state in Nigeria to introduce the ‘Right to Education’ bill when Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal sought assent from the State House of Assembly for passage. The bill provides for free and compulsory education, to be paid for by public coffers, for all children between ages six and 18. It also criminalises refusal to send children to school, and parents will be liable to criminal prosecution if they stop their children from attending school.
7.     Only LGA in Nigeria without senior secondary school gets one: Building of Government Secondary School, Balle, Gudu LGA, the only local government area without a senior secondary school in Nigeria. In 2016, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal released the sum of N1.2 billion for construction work for the new school to begin. Apart from providing opportunity for the LGA’s 200,000 inhabitants, the new school will operate a dual curriculum of English and French, and will serve citizens of Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic.
8.     Construction of 54 new secondary schools: From September 2015 to date, 54 new secondary schools have been built. The number includes 35 new junior secondary schools and 19 new senior secondary schools. In total, government intends to build 160 new primary and secondary schools across the state by the end of 2017.
9.     Creation of Agency for Girl Child Education which will supervise and implement targeted policies aimed at assisting female students to achieve their potentials in life.
10.  Disbursement of N158 million to 10,564 families to enable them allow their female children to attend classes.
11.  In 2015/2016 academic session, 1,200,000 new pupils were admitted into schools for the first time. A similar target has been set for the current 2016/2017 academic session.
12.  Sponsorship of 250 female teachers for specialized training at the State College for Education. They will be posted back to their communities to serve as role models for girls.
13.  Renovation of 1500 primary schools, 180 junior secondary schools and 200 senior secondary schools with more than 80% of the number completed.
14.  Approval, in principal, to build 40 new model secondary schools in the state. The new model schools will serve as pioneer centres of excellence across the three senatorial zones in the 23 LGAs. The work will go hand in hand with renovation of existing schools currently going on.
15.  Upgrading the Department of Higher Education into a full-fledged ministry.
16.  Introduction of the approved Consolidated Salary Structure for lecturers in all tertiary institutions in Sokoto State.
17.  Training of 3,143 teachers in new teaching techniques. Done with collaboration of NEI+
18.  Training of 165 teachers on Quality Assurance assessment and Jolly Phonics
19.  Recruitment of 1000 new teachers for secondary schools, including science and technology teachers
20.  Sponsoring of about 300 lecturers to various trainings at home and abroad
21.  Building of 230 blocks of 3 classrooms and two blocks of 6 classrooms in various Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the state
22.  Renovation of more than 300 blocks of classrooms state-wide.
23.  N93,600,000 used for procurement and distribution of JAMB forms to 13,000 Sokoto indigenes in two years.
24.  N603,409308 expended on construction of 60 office complex and modern library at Sokoto State University
25.  Establishment of College of Basic and Remedial Studies, Sokoto

TAMBUWAL'S ACHIEVEMENTS IN AGRIC SECTOR:

1.    140 fish farmers, made up of mostly women and pensioners, supported with grants and starter-packs of tanks, fish feeds and fish seeds. N19,000,000 expended on their training
2.    9 Grazing reserves approved and developed to enhance meat and milk production, and to end farmers’/herdsmen clashes
3.    Conduct of baseline survey to capture irrigable land, farmers date, farmers groups and clusters for easy planning and investment promotion
4.    300 Sokoto indigenes trained by Henan University of Technology via a partnership with the Umaru Ali Shinkafi (state) Polytechnic, Sokoto on grain/food security
5.    981,000kg of rice seeds procured and distributed to farmers free of charge at the cost of N294,490,000
6.    6,000 bags of 100kg of wheat seed procured and distributed to farmers free of charge at the cost of N161,700,000
7.    Promotion of private sector drive outgrower programme with Dangote Rice at Goronyo and Middle Rima Valley
8.    1000 farmers engaged for the 2017 dry season farming with 500 hectres committed to the project as a pilot scheme
9.    15,000 units of water pumping machine were procured and sold to farmers at subsidized rate of N10,000 per unit
10.15,000 tube wells drilled across 23 LGAs for use by farmers
11.In 2016, 600 trucks of fertilizer were procured at the cost of N2.4 billion and sold to farmers at subsidized rate for the 2016 wet season farming
12.15,000 mt of fertilizer procured under the Federal Government’s fertilizer programme
13.Resuscitation of Kware Irrigation Scheme abandoned for nearly 90 years
14.4,000 farmers to benefit from the reconstruction of Wurno Dam to be executed in collaboration with the World Bank. N1.2 billion has already been released by state government as counterpart fund
15.15,000 litres of pesticide procured for the control of both field and domestic pests
16.Establishment of Sokoto State Agricultural Data Base.
17.65,000 farmers with 125,000 hectres of land captured in the first phase of the state agric data initiative
18.482,386 farmers benefitted from the state’s collaboration with IFAD/CBARDP
19. The IFAD partnership created 27,166 jobs, provided 875km of access roads and provided 3000 water points for the use of humans and livestock across the state
20. From 2016 to 2017, land use for upland and lowland areas increased from 3200 hectres to 6000 hectres.
21. 12,065 farmers, facilitators and rural women have been trained in collaboration with World Bank’s Fadama III scheme. 
22.So far, 15,885 business plans for both wet and dry season farming for 2017 has been approved, with an area covering 13,801 hecres across 180 production clusters
23. N598,000,000 released as counterpart funding to sustain the Fadama III programme for the year 2016 and 2017
24. N35,956,575 released for feasibility study/design and purchase of survey equipment for the new 500 hectres solar-powered irrigation scheme at Muza
25. N1,690,000,000 expended in the purchase of 1000units of hand tiller machines for farmers in the state
26. Government signed letter of intent for an agricultural cooperation with the Henan Province of China to construct an agricultural science and technology demonstration park.

MINING, COMMERCE, INDUSTRIES AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION

1.      N2,000,000,000 set aside by the Sokoto State Government and the bank of Industry (BoI) as intervention fund for the development of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the state
2.      N3,300,000,000 Investment attracted to Sokoto State in 2016 through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company for the expansion of critical infrastructure in the power sector
3.      N250,000,000 new organic fertilizer plant constructed in the state in partnership with IML Nigeria Ltd
4.      The new factory will produce 15,000mt of organic fertilizer annually and provide employment direct and indirect job opportunities to 20,000 people. It is expected to come on stream in December 2017
5.      Resuscitation of Sokoto Investment Company Limited with the appointment of a new management team
6.      Under a PPP arrangement with Hijrah Ltd, a new Textile Factory is now under construction at Kalambaina. Work has reached 80 percent completion
7.      Establishment of Leather Industrial Cluster in Sokoto with the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
8.      Resuscitation of the Technology Incubation Centre. So far, access roads, 300kva transformer, borehole with overhead tank and utility vehicle has been provided to the centre
9.      Partnership agreement entered into with Turkish investors to revive the moribund Sokoto Furniture Company
10.   Government had earlier paid N1.5 billion to AMCON to clear the company’s debt and retake possession
11.   Establishment of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) through Sokoto Mining Company to facilitate the State Government’s participation in the mining sector.
12.   Takeover of Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals’ Mineral Buying Centre in Sokoto State to ensure quality control, value addition, beneficiation and generation of IGR
13.   Off-taker Agreement with Dangote Fertiliser to facilitate exploration and exploitation of phosphate in the State
14.   Collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council of Nigeria (RMRDC)
15.   Promoting the establishment of Kware Cement Factory at Kware under PPP arrangement with Brewtech of Germany and Saboo of India
16.   Recruitment of 60 geoscientists and supporting staff for the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to strengthening human capacity.

As submitted by Mallam Imam Imam, SA Media to the Governor.

PUBLIC TRIBUTE TO MY MENTOR; DR. ONAOLAPO SOLEYE

PUBLIC TRIBUTE TO MY MENTOR; DR. ONAOLAPO SOLEYE

Like my closest friend would say; I have many fathers. Many of them are my leaders, some elders that are old enough to be my father and few are mentors in particular areas of my aspiration. Though Dr. Onaolapo Olusegun Soleye always introduces me as his friend but I know that's just one of the ways of making me feel comfortable around him and his contemporaries (like the proverbial joke, if Alake wears shortnickers about, that doesn't make him the same class with mere Kings).. I am very proud of him as my mentor in public life; a good husband, loving father, teacher/leacturer, financial educator, public speaker and exhorter., former minster of Finance (in the Buhari military regime), someone that fears and works for God.
When I decided to run for the Federal House of Representatives in 2007, sometimes in early 2006, I knew I needed a mentor with national exposure, experience and integrity. Many names came to my mind but I narrowed them down to two; Dr. Gamaniel Onosode (now late), and Dr. Soleye. I have read how important accessibility is in mentoring, so I settled for Dr. Soleye. I engaged my mother, who happened to be the first person to ever mention the name and how he bluntly says the truth to anyone, even to her elderly cousin, Chief Obasanjo. The rest is history.

FIRST ENCOUNTER AND LESSON:
I put a call across and fixed the appointment, it was a Saturday evening. One of my fathers, Pa. G. O. Majekodunmi (now late) accompanied me on this trip. Straight to the point: he came, greeted us familiarly and we sat down with other guests in the garden of his red brick house at Ibara Housing, Abeokuta. He quickly attended to a lady who needed a job. He asked how many places she has applied to and she could only mention two. He was disappointed and said: "I expected you to have a list of about 30 places, then I will check  which of the organizations I have influence. I keep telling you guys that job searching is job on it's own and you must do it diligently". Gbam- it sank. Then he asked for pen to write behind his complimentary card but the lady has none. He showed disappointment again and turned to me; thank God I had one with me, though anyone that knows me knows that i go about with pen. The lady left very happy despite being disappointing, my turn came and he got to know us better. After all the introductions and pleasantries, I gave him my handbill and he fell in love with my nickname, Ojasope. So, that day, I learnt that job searching is a serious job for those who really desire one.

DISCUSSION ABOUT MY VISION AND THE LESSONS:
Again, with Pa Majekodunmi, I went again to see him in November 2006. Now in his living room and on a working day. He asked why I am in politics, because he doesn't like politics. I explained to him how much I want to be an agent of Change, how I believe we must have more upright people in it to have a better polity. He appeared impressed with my explanations but he disagreed with "agent of change". He told me pointblank that I can't change anything and that's a lofty dream. " Focus on being the difference instead, make a difference in every opportunity you have. That's a better way to effect positive change, without exhausting yourself ". That changed my orientation and perspective for life. Ever since then, I make sure I am a different kind of politician and I think he's proud of me in that.

ONE OF THE OUTINGS AND THE LESSON:
Before now, I have read from Mike Murdock that the greatest asset your mentor can give you is access and never take it for granted. So anytime I am opportuned to see him, I always have a list of question on sundry public and national issues. Even his wife (Mummy) will just excuse us, while I draw from this fountain.. This day, I put a call across, he missed it but later called back in the evening. As usual, since we got close, he has a special way of emphasising my nickname. I was just checking on him but he invited me to join him for the 50th birthday of the Provost of the College of Education, Osiele Abeokuta. I went from Ibadan to meet him at home and we left together in his car. The program was to start at 11am but we were in the hall by 10:52am. The two of us were the first guests and we sat in the pew, talking about politics. Someone must have told the Provost that Dr. Soleye has arrived, he appeared with some of his staff and requested to take him to the house since the program has not started but he declined very politely. He introduced me as his friend (but the Provost looked at me, wondering how come) and he told the Provost to hurry up. He went to the piano and started playing hymns. Punctuality is very important to him and he taught my that through demonstrations. Many leaders prefer to arrive last at functions but he strictly follows the time on the invitation. To him, the leader should get there first and show good example with time management. I can't forget that lesson I learnt from him; time management is life management.

HUMILITY AND HUMOUR:
Dr. Ona Soleye is very humble and accommodating to people around him. His drivers, domestic staff and protégés. He's blunt and factual but hardly uses harsh words on anyone. I just marvel how someone so high can be so lowly. He jokes a lot and likes to share anything he considers funny with others. Even when talking about serious national issues, he will still like to joke about some naughty attitudes of our politicians in the corridors of power. We will laugh together, then he will turn to me and say; "sebi you know you politicians?" Dr. Soleye is simply a mobile anecdotes diary. When he teaches or counsels you, you will leave his presence laughing. All friends that had ever followed me to him always have unforgettable experience. The Olowu of Owu, when introducing him at a function and not comfortable to just call him Dr, introduced him as the Ilesanmi Dunjoye of Egbaland because he turned down all chieftaincy offers. Dr Ona Soleye share the jokes that come from pressures to get chieftaincy titles. All his contemporaries in Ogun state are chiefs, the category they call High Chief in Ibadanland. He would tell me he doesn't need any title. That's simplicity and humility.

PROMOTER OF CULTURE: He is one of the very educated Elders fighting for the cultural Heritage of Yoruba. Several times, he will tell me why if care is not taken, the "vanishing generation" (that's what he calls his generation) would have done more harms than good to posterity through negligence of our culture in the way they raise children. As an active member of Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE, his friend and my father in-law too is member), he always want anyone that cares to listen to know the posterity of our heritage is beyond wishful thinking, takes vision and serious planning. Apart from Church activities and family matters, it's culture that catches his attention, particularly anything that showcases the beauties of our  culture and how the tribe will not be left behind or cheated. He celebrates made in Nigeria products and gestures that promotes patriotism.

Time and space will not permit me to give details of how he linked me to serve in campaign committee with Late Prof Dora Akunyili in 2007, how he helps me to book appointments with Chief Obasanjo (my Uncle, imagine), how he took me to a reception in honour of the former President and said I should just follow him closely, ignore the tight security and greet every guest the same way he does. See me hugging all the national leaders on the front roll and high table with Chief Obasanjo. Off course, we joked about the security and the politicians later, they are ordinary people who like to "form" too. It was not the time of Facebook paparazzi, otherwise, I would have taken plenty pictures. Lol. Indeed, it's great fun learning at his feet.

November is your month and because I know you don't like making noise about your birthday, I planned this to just be around the day. My wife and i give gratitude to God for your life and vibrant health, I consider it great honour to have you as Mentor and no doubt, you're a great asset to Ogun State and Nigeria. The Lord God grant you more years in vibrant health and unspeakable joy. Amen.

With so much love and admiration, I salute my true public life role model, father and Mentor.

WHY NIGERIA NEEDS STRONG AND PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP (Part 1):

WHY NIGERIA NEEDS STRONG AND PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP (Part 1):

It took a while to come to this conclusion but I have discovered that many Nigerians don't know the kind of President we need in Nigeria, we only crave for our religious brethren and tribal brothers in office. It is expedient we analyse past leadership, see how they erred, learn from their regrets and consciously look out for leaders who will correct and/or compliment past weaknesses.

This analysis can only start from about 1986, when I started showing interest in who leads me and how they do it. In 1985/86 as a secondary school student, it was obvious toughness can make Nigerians be more disciplined. However, a leader with such disciplines must come without favouritism and prejudices.

Ibrahim Babangida came in as a relief and softened the disciplines and encourage debates but nonetheless corruption strove and took roots Nationwide. IBB was fair in Federal character and encouraged innovations. He was a cheerleader but beneath was religious bigotry and cruelty. Too much bloodshed and corruption marred his administration and annulment of June 12, election was the last straw.

MKO Abiola (the best democratic President we never had) demonstrated that you can win elections in Nigeria across religious and ethnic divides. Despite the visions and mass movement, he trusted the wrong people and assumed they have common goals; he never became the President of "One Nation". 

I will omit Sonekan, Abacha and Abdulsalam.

Obasanjo came with the zeal and vision of someone who understood the problems and had experience to take us from where we are to where we ought to be. He had to fight throughout the 8 years. He was tough, agile and very hardworking but an authoritarian who felt he's the only solution to the problems of the Nation and the idea of third term scuttled everything. His toughness and very strong will helped us get things right and started institutions. What we needed was younger leader with traits like him, to continue, not him or sick Umoru.

YarAdua was presumed to want the best for the nation but was sick and there was limit to how his personal aides could conceal his health status. He declared that the election that brought him was questionable. YarAdua made us realise the gap between VP and President and that effective and efficient performance are beyond good intentions. The nation suffered and ended up having a man that never wanted to be President on the seat.

Jonathan had a very strong team of result producers but he (himself) was weak; he couldn't check many individuals in his team; he couldn't read between the lines. He saw things strictly as either white or black. With Jonathan, we learnt that it's great to have a good team but you must be strong and alert enough to put them in check always. He paid for it and he sounded his regrets recently.

Buhari came in with the greatest expectations from Nigerians, it appeared he knew the problems but obviously didn't know Nigerians, who are the main ccauses of our own problems. He repeated few of same mistakes he made in 1985.  He approached Nigeria's problems strictly from the perspectives of corruption only and he's a lone fighter in it. To make matters worse, he became so sick and often unavailable for the cumbersome and demanding state matters.

Watch-out for what we need in the concluding part.

WHY TOMORROW NEVER CAME.

Reloaded...

WHY TOMORROW NEVER CAME.
Unlike most of my write-ups, it’s with great burden and deep sense of responsibility that I write this piece. No doubt, if you can read this piece, you would have heard severally that “the Youths of today are tomorrow leaders” and if you are almost out-growing your youthful days like me, you should wonder what kept the famous tomorrow away.
Nigeria, my beloveth Country and fatherland has nothing worthwhile attributable to the old men and women compared to the youths. Even our old celebrities of today made money and fame as youths. All sport glories are gotten by the youths and all enviable records in any field outside the shores of this country were gotten by our youths. However, despite consistent glory and achievements, the vanishing generation (like Dr Onaolapo Soleye, my Mentor calls them) have consistently refused the emergence of youths as leaders through different systematic suppression.
The likes of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Pa Anthony Enahoro, Chief Bola Ige, Prof Wole Soyinka, Chief Segun Odegbami, Prof Chinua Achebe, Chief Bola Ajibola, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Sen David Mark, etc led as youths and no flaw or regrets attributed to their youthfulness. Chief Obafemi Awolowo for example built the Cocoa House, founded the Premier University, the free education policy, the Odu’A conglomerate etc as a young man and without notable mentor. My friend, Diran Akindele wrote about the Jet Age, and that made me wonder more; WHO HAS BEWITCHED OUR YOUTHS?
When any Youth has this opportunity, you can put a bet on it that is the recycling of the old families; such are many around us. Interestingly, most of these ‘children’ don’t understand the plights of the present youths and never made exceptional impact because they didn’t represent us.
General Yakubu Gowon became the Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the age of 29years and as a bachelor. He led and ruled us during the greatest challenge of our nationhood; the 30 months Civil War, Nigeria did not break and there was no misadventure attributed to his youthfulness as a leader. If a 29 year old could lead in a generation when some of his contemporaries were in HSC or Colleges; how much more now when such age group are CEO, Directors, Professors and Captains of industries? Sadly, the only thing we are deprived of is taking charge of our destinies; the political powers, in fact, they’ve made it almost like an abomination.
Most annoying is the facts that many youths now collaborate with our present leaders to suppress emerging youth leaders. Many of our present leaders now make us serve their children, hinder our educational development so that we cannot compete with their children and they make the gap between the haves and have-nots wider. Frustrations and aggressions are very common among youths now but often misdirected. They further deceive us by calling employment; empowerment for youths. Tell me, what is empowering in a N10, 000 salary job for a graduate; standing in the sun from 8am-6pm?
That famous tomorrow will continue to elude us when we continue to cooperate with their suppressions and oppressions. That tomorrow will never come as long as majority of our elected officials are old enough to be our parents and always intimidate us with the age difference, like one serving Governor. That tomorrow will never come as long as Retirees are more appealing to us than those in their prime ages. That tomorrow will continue to be a mirage as long as we are waiting for tomorrow. Yesterday leaders (former youths) are ruling us today and telling us to wait for tomorrow; they must be enjoying themselves, knowing how gullible Nigerian youths are, looking but never seeing.

The children, wives and in-laws of Tukur, IBB, Tinubu, Lam Adesina, Richard Akinjide, Segun Osoba, Segun Obasanjo, Saraki, Danjuma, David Mark, Royal fathers, Bisi Akande, Ajimobi, Abacha, etc are warming up to take over where their fore-runners stopped; while we continue to wait for tomorrow.
Let those who have seeing minds see what I have revealed to the youths of my generation. We are more than them, we are stronger than them but I can only ask: ARE WE READY TO TAKE CHARGE?
TOMORROW NEVER CAME BECAUSE WE ARE TOO TIMID TO TAKE CHARGE OF TODAY. I rest my case.
Leadership Quote: “It is not the wickedness of evil men that brings destruction to a generation; it is the silence of the good ones” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

DESTINY BECKONS; POSTERITY SHALL RECKON.

God has blessed Nigeria, long live my fatherland.
Adeniyi Rotimi Johnson (Ojasope)

THIS SEASON OF IMPUNITY By Femi Ladapo Femolad

THIS SEASON OF IMPUNITY:
Democratic governance is about the people. It is propped up on the tripod of Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. The three are supposed to be equal or else the platter of state will tilt and spill.
In this season, after two years of winning election and forming government, the total disconnect between the three is alarming and threatening the polity.
Rule of Law is jettisoned
Judgements given by courts of law. The Executive at all levels chose which rulings to obey.
Judges are accused of corruption, their houses are burgled by agents of state who take them to court and end up unable to prove anything.
Presidential aides are accused of corruption and Oga says IT DOESN'T MEAN A THING.

The National Assembly finds Magu not suitable but the president insists on having his way.
Fulani herdsmen are now above the law.
A clash between an Hausa community and their hosts leads to arrest and arraignment of only the hosts.
Now back home, the State Assembly screened prospective caretaker chairmen in Oyo. Two were disqualified. The Governor still went ahead to swear them in.
One of those cleared was even replaced without regards for the legislature.
All these are happening and the citizens are just ogling, complacent.
This season of impunity, where did it all begin? where will it end?
Something somehow sometime will have to give.

By Femi Ladapo Femolad

THE IKOYI MONEY AND THE CORRUPTED CHANGE

THE IKOYI MONEY AND THE CORRUPTED CHANGE:
Since yesterday, there has been worrisome news about $50m found in an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos;
1. Sahara Reporters for the first time admits "dead end".
2. That NIA claims the money is for covert operations".
3. No ownership of such hug amount in about 4 days after discovery.
4. RUMOURS of Rotimi Amaechi's ownership

This kind of nonsense is only imaginable in Nigeria where our leaders are perpetual liars, where the populace are docile and there's no clearcut vision to any reasonable destination.
1. Sahara Reporter's claim of dead end only means the smart patriotic outfit doesn't want to be seen as fighting against the national security establishments.
2. If such huge sum could be used for covert operations without the knowledge of EFCC and Presidency as REPORTEDLY claimed by NIA, then how are we sure it's not the same currencies EFCC is moving about to indict some people and claim it's through Whistleblowers? That makes all the initial claims of Money discoveries through whistleblowers questionable and further condemns the sincerity of this administration in fighting corruption.
3. Refusal to disclose the ownership of this particular discovery to the public after about 4 days only confirms the pathetic operations of our intelligence and focus and recordless system. Reliable Intel led you to the apartment and huge funds discovered as claimed by whistleblower, owner (former) of the building discovered, then how can the owner of the flat be contentious? Even a N1,200 room at Ekotedo has a documented tenant, how much more multimillion naira apartment?
This is the most ridiculing exposure of our security establishments in Nigeria.
4. Amaechi (or other top Minister) ownership of the money sounds reasonable and that explains the recent dilemma of the security agencies. This goes to confirm that Buhari's statement of belonging to no one a big hoax, just like I said the statement doesn't make sense at all to me; how can you SINCERELY claim to belong to everybody and no one?
The whistleblowing policy of this present administration is another inconclusive project.
Good morning and have a great weekend

i-SEE; OUR ATTITUDES AT THE ZEBRA CROSSING SIGNS

i-SEE; OUR ATTITUDES AT THE ZEBRA CROSSING SIGNS:
During my first trip to Ghana about 5yrs ago, I had to cross a major road with my guide and a driver stopped his vehicle as soon as we stepped on the Zebra lines. I was so grateful to the driver and I was surprised at the expression on the face of my guide, who appeared indifferent to the driver's gesture and saw my gratitude as weird. I explained to him that as a driver, I can't remember if I ever stopped for anyone at the Zebra sign but stopped severally for children, even if not on pedestrian designated crossing. We laughed about our different attitudes but I never stopped thinking about our cultures and how we can improve on some. I changed since then but it amuses me how other drivers feel irritated and impatient when you stop for pedestrians at the zebra lines.

Just four weeks ago in Abeokuta, I wanted to cross at the zebra sign but no driver stopped for me and I complained to my brother and his friends on the other side of the road but he said "since you're not Zebra, it's Zebra that are supposed to cross there".
So today, we will see the average Nigerian driver attitude towards pedestrians crossing at the zebra sign, draw our conclusions and make amendments as applicable to individuals.
Remember, I was like that until about 5yrs ago too and this live streaming is not to paint anyone black but just to let us see reasons for change of attitude at Zebra sign.
The live streaming is 2pm, here on this Facebook timeline.
i-SEE; Observations for positive changes.
Good morning and have a blessed day.

 

CORPSE ON THE ROAD; REALLY ANNOYING

CORPSE ON THE ROAD; REALLY ANNOYING:
There is this corpse in the middle of the road, along Basorun - Idi Ape, in front of CAC HQ and RCCG Mega Church, before BCOS.
The corpse, suspected to be knocked down by a hit & run driver was found on the road early yesterday morning, around 7am, on my way to Church. However, by 9:40am when I was on same route, I found men of the police force at the scene and i was very happy at the prompt response but it's so annoying that by this morning, the corpse is still on the road. It is expected that the Police would have contacted the relevant agencies but why is the corpse still in the middle of the road?

Very annoying is the fact that last night's rain has scattered the demarcations around it, washed the corpse further down the road and makes it more of an eye soar.
This is not targeted against anybody in particular but that's who we are in Nigeria; we just don't value lives enough. The rain that fell would have floods and erosion running through many residence of poor drainages, percolate into their shallow wells and find ways into their body systems. That's different from the flies that will land on mangoes and other not well protected fruits and food stuffs in this rainy season.
No wonder THEY say our life expectancy is low in Nigeria.
Please we beg the concerned agencies of govt and ministry of Environments to help evacuate this corpse soonest.
Thanks.

OSINBAJO: IN THE FURNACE OF POLITICAL AFFLICTION

OSINBAJO: IN THE FURNACE OF POLITICAL AFFLICTION:

I have had cause to argue politics with a lot of people, many of whom are elites, religious leaders and I have come to realize that their basis of argument are news reports and "koko inu iwe irohin". There's nothing bad in that but politics is far deeper than that and suspicion is the greatest asset in analyzing issues; that is, never take things at face value.

The main drift today is the lamentation of some APC guys and many of my friends about " Coordinate" and "Change of VP security details" in the last few days. I smiled now because I warned them that things are never to be taken at face values but they insisted Buhari loves Osinbajo and because he's a Pastor. In Nigeria, the gap between VP and President (also Governor and Deputy) is so much that the Principal can render the other completely redundant. Also, the rivalry and strife between the Principal's staff and second in command is next to none. The power play can be so bad that governance can be hindered, laudable projects are abandoned and sometimes lives lost in this very dirty power play of people of same party and in the same administration.

Meanwhile, my study of leadership reveals that the subdue tussle between the Principal and the Vice depends on how brilliant and self sufficient the Principal is, that is, if he doesn't feel insecure and if the Vice is not too "attention-seeking at the expense of his Principal". Therefore, an intelligent Vice will definitely have problems with the personal aides of the Principal because he becomes a threat to their relevance in many ways and he must be caged, the Principal opinion notwithstanding.

Prof Yemi Osinbajo is so favoured and no doubt there's an unseen hand working in his favor. Otherwise, I can't explain how a Professor of Law and renowned Pastor can survive as Vice President of Buhari till now, before major crises. No doubt, Prof Yemi Osinbajo came into office fully prepared, he paid his dues and divinely connected.

Whether Acting President or Coordinating VP, people shouldn't expect noticeable positive performance from Prof Osinbajo during this particular President's absence because they are determined to make him unelectable and not praiseworthy. That's the game and you don't have to be a Cabal in corridor of power before you can get nominated into that army of " clogs in the wheels of progress " of the nation, thinking they are checkmating Prof Osinbajo.

So many other things are playing out but concealed from our prying eyes and social media attention; importantly, Nigeria politics is not arithmetics and deeper than taking things by face values. The deep calls unto the deep and that explains why spiritual fortification is the first thing political office holders seek, whether divine or diabolic. Interestingly, like my spiritual mentor, Rev Michael Oludipe would say; a good soldier isn't trained on the battle field, you go to battles to display what you've learnt.

I agree with those saying we should pray for Osinbajo but we must pray for Nigeria first because saying this country is sick is an understatement, it's terminally sick.

I hope we learn from this game and make sure the mistakes are not repeated.  Pathetically, Nigerians are good at repeating mistakes.

Ojasope cares!

FANI KAYODE AND WHY BUHARI MUST NOT DIE

ON FANI KAYODE AND WHY BUHARI MUST NOT DIE:

I read his articles, though I think they are too lengthy. This particular one caught my attention specially because I felt he wants Mr President to live for the wrong reasons; so that Nigeria won't explode. I used to have such impression before but it's too far from reality.

I was in Ilorin in 1998 when the news of Abacha's death rent the whole city into spontaneous jubilation and I was excited too. Alas! I saw a revelation at night and I was by a woman carrying a baby on her back that announced to me that "they have killed MKO Abiola too". I was confused and at the same time, eager to share with  believers around me what God showed me. Lanre condemned me and the revelation in very strong terms, that Nigeria will explode and it's impossible. Mr. Orok was a staff of NNPC at Ilorin and colleague at Post Graduate course, he said I should not repeat it again, for security reasons and that it's not possible. I kept quiet in my confusion. As at then, I didn't know I had to seek God for what to do with what he showed me.

Gbam! Abiola died and Lanre ran from his office to come and break the news to me, panting for breathe and wondering if war will start. The rest is story. I would have loved war to start then too and Nigeria break into fragments but that was not the plan of God for this ailing Country. There were tensions but Nigeria didn't explode.

I have always told political colleagues that it's in their interest to make sure no one kills you because if you are eliminated, life goes on, irrespective of circumstances surrounding your death. Your spouses and siblings might be compensated with appointments if they are interested but your strongest associates would be the first to sell out and switch camps.

Claiming some few elements who call themselves or are called cabals will run this country to a halt is just magnifying the devil and his agents. Buhari is alive now and the Cabals are getting weaker already and confusion among them. Buhari shouldn't die now but it's not because of some unscrupulous elements around him but because the death of another serving President portends a bad omen for the Villa and the Nation in general.

When it's time for God to move, the so called Cabal would be made as nought (like the Bible would put it) before anything will happen. They will lose both their voice and influence and help to destroy one another.

We shall keep praying to God to sort Nigeria out and put us on path of greatness beyond ethnic and religious bigotry and we must PRAY FOR THE RIGHT REASONS, otherwise, it's praying amiss.

God bless Nigeria and happy worker's Day

THE WOBBLING AND FUMBLING LEADERSHIP

THE WOBBLING AND FUMBLING LEADERSHIP:

Sometimes I don't know whether to give  scornful laugh or just cry for what is going on in my country; those who want to pacify and deceive themselves say things are getting better but the truth is that they are degenerating but in styles.

When I saw people brandishing pictures of President Buhari at Juma'at service yesterday and their excitements, I shook my head in bewilderment and at their ignorance. Our preoccupation since the beginning of this year has been: President Buhari ate dinner with Tinubu & Akande, Senate President visits Buhari, Trump calls Buhari, Buhari appears in pyjamas to receive bla-bla, Buhari goes to Juma'at, Buhari walks to office etc.

Today is the 6th day of May and the Budget has not been passed and Minister of Information says we are out of recession in weeks, though inflation rate is now at about 20.0. Goods are getting more expensive everyday and workers are not being paid but interestingly, no strike actions against none payment of salaries.

The Senate has taken a tactical step to clamp down on the press by limiting approved media at the chambers and there are news of missing budgets documents. This administration, the more you hear the less you understand.

The whistle blowing policy was received with excitement by people like me until this same administration made us doubt the sincerity of the policy because if there are no convictions and we can't lay claims to how the money retrieved benefitted the people, then how are we sure it's not the same currencies they are moving about people's houses and courtyards?

We complained about past clueless administration but this is just a visionless one that's desperate to hold on to power. 2 years already into this administration, the party in government is still campaigning and we are yet to see the manifestations of positive changes.

What I know is that poverty has no gender, religion or tribe; one day, we shall rise against those who have oppressed this nation for this long and that day, the political party and region won't matter. That day, the masses who are the vast majority will rise in unprecedented movement against tyranny, oppression and suppression and that day, the laws enforcement agents would have to choose whether they belong to the masses or the ruling class that have subjected them to modern slavery and ridicule.

The day is imminent, the masses action shall be triggered by unplanned and unprecedented reactions borne out of frustrations and despair.

The oppression you don't resist shall persist; even God enjoins us to resist the devil, not negotiate or plea with him.

Try and have a pleasant day my friends