Sports minister, Solomon Dalung has given a detail of how President Muhammadu Buhari challenged him to ensure that Nigeria national football team does not go for the World Cup competition in Russia this year as spectator. He said: “he (President Buhari) challenged me to ensure that nigeria does not go to Russia a mere spectator.” The minister who briefed the President on the preparation of the Super Eagles for the world cup torunament and other international sports engagement by Nigeria this year, to news men that the president encouraged him to sustain, in 2018, the tempo of the successes recorded so far in2017, especially with the World Cup in Russia. He said that part of the measures his ministry had taken to address some of challenges on the way is that by March this, all the players should be paid their match training and camp allowances upfront. “But for the bonuses, it is in terms of progression according to performance at the World Cup. He desribed 2018 as a sports year, saying that right from February to August, there is no dull moment. “Right from CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) to African Youth Champion in wrestling taking place in Port Harcourt, to Commonwealth Games scheduled for Gold Cost, Queensland. Australia, between 4 and 15 April 2018, to Basketball, the World Cup in June and the African Championship of the Athletics Federation In Asaba. “We need the support of the president as usual and funding as it is required to enable our teams succeed.” Dalung said that for the commonwealth games, his ministry has all the budgetary allocations released and that they are on course. “The athletes are in camp, they are training. We have athletes in Port Harcourt while others are in Abuja. “The challenge basically has been lack of training facilities. As we all know training facilities has to do with infrastructural deficit in sports because of long time neglect. “The visit I made to Lagos the athletes are in high Spirit and are maximizing the available facilities on ground to do their best but we will cap it up possibly with our budget support with foreign camping. “After reviewing what is available to us If we can Guaranteed it then we can export some of our areas of comparative advantage we will send some of our athletes to foreign countries.”
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kogi has directed its members begin what it called total and indefinite withdrawal of their services from hospitals across the state tomorrow, Monday over an alleged failure by the state government to meet their demands.
The Chairman of the association, Dr. Godwin Tijani, said in Lokoja that the inability of the state government to pay the doctors’ full salaries was unacceptable, adding that all the doctors’ associations and union dues as well as members’ cooperative society contributions were not remitted in full whereas 100 per cent taxes were deducted from their salaries.
According to Tijani, even some doctors are yet to be paid, saying: “Congress, therefore, resolved that all its members across the state should resume total and indefinite withdrawal of healthcare services from all hospitals in Kogi, with effects from 12:00 midnight on Sunday, Jan 7, 2018.
“We want government to give a definite time line for the full implementation of adjusted CONMESS (new salary structure) for doctors in the state civil service and the accrued arrears since January, 2014.
“Congress will reconvene once the state government responds appropriately to the aforementioned demands.”
Tijani, however, expressed appreciation to the commissioners for Health and Finance and others, who were at the congress to douse tension and ensure peaceful resolution of the matter. He also commended members for their patience and understanding.
The Kogi NMA had recently suspended a strike over the demand on June 22, 2017, following the state government assurances that it would meet their demands.
It gave the government up till December 31, 2017, to meet the demand or face strike.
The final rites for the installation of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland has been scheduled to begin on January 10. Gani Adams had been engaged in several processes since he was designated as the Aare Ona Kakanfo in 2017 by the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi II, leading to his installation on January 13 at Durbar Stadium in Oyo. Information from the Media Office of the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate said that on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and Founder of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), will be in seclusion in Oyo town. The statement said that the schedule of rites, which will end in the wee hours of Saturday, had been drawn up by the Palace of Oba Adeyemi. Also on the schedule of programme for the installation is a press conference to be addressed by the Oyo State Government to unveil the details of the installation ceremony on Saturday and provide guests and users of the ever-busy Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso Road with traffic diversion and parking arrangements. Among the several dignitaries expected at the ceremony are the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and the Ooni of Ife, Oonirisa Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Also expected are Obas of the six South West States and those of Yoruba speaking areas of Kogi and Kwara States; captains of industry; and the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria and representatives of foreign governments. Gani Adams, who succeeds late business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, was appointed by Oba Adeyemi on October 16, 2017. As a human rights activist, Gani Adams was involved in the struggle for the return of Nigeria to democracy after several years of military rule and has defended the rights of the underprivileged.[myad]
A 45-year-old carpenter, native of Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa Sate, John Ulaha has confessed that he impregnated his wife’s mother but said it was the devil’s work.
“I have regretted what happened. It is not in my character and the shame this very act has brought to me, my wife and the entire village as well as those who know me is unbearable,” he lamented in a chat with Saturday SUN.
John said that he had deeply offended God as well as his wife for going too far by sleeping with his mother-in-law to the extent of getting her pregnant, adding that the pregnancy won’t stand as he will do his best by pleading with his wife to accept aborting it.
“Since my wife leaked this out, I have not been comfortable and have lost appetite for food. I have been pleading with her to forgive me because it is the devil’s work.”
It all started when the carpenter’s wife, Victoria asked her mother , a widow to come over and help her husband harvest their farm produce of yam and guinea corn as she was very busy with her shop business in Lafia where she stayed and manages a provision store.
In the course of time, sometime in mid-September 2017, John and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Ashetu Igbasue, 42, relocated to Awe in order to fast-track their harvesting, where the daughter’s husband manages a fairly large farm.
Three months after, Victoria was shocked to know that her mother was heavily pregnant for her husband.
“I’m distressed, I don’t know how to handle this matter. I got married to my husband nine years ago. The marriage is blessed with a baby girl and my mother used to come around to spend some time with us especially when she lost her husband.
“But this time around, I personally requested that she should come and help us do some work on the farm. Since then she had been in the village with my husband helping on the farm, though both of them used to come to Lafia regularly to pick supplies and go back because they were determined to evacuate all crops from the farm to the house before herdsmen could come to destroy them.
“There was a time my husband came to Lafia to get some cooking ingredients and I asked him whether they were feeding well. He told me lightheartedly that my mother’s cooking was more delicious than mine. I did not suspect anything bad. I believed my husband. And, moreover, the woman in question is my mother, not a rival.”
“The last time my mother came to Lafia from my husband’s village, she shockingly told me that she did not see her period for the first and second month running which implies that she is pregnant and said that my husband is responsible for it. She said she wants it aborted because it would be a shameful thing for her to be pregnant at her age when her husband is not alive.
“I invited her to come and assist me to take care of our farm work since Fulani people have been destroying it, but I did not know that my husband had established a love relationship with her. She confessed to me that my husband was responsible for her pregnancy,” she said.
Expressing her disappointment at her husband’s behaviour, Victoria remarked: “It would have been better for him to get a second wife who will be stationed at home or even look for a girlfriend to satisfy him in my absence rather than going into a love affair with my own mother; it is a very shameful thing and an abomination of the highest order; it is wrong.”
The mother-in-law, Mrs. Igbasue, on her part said that it all started in the farm during a joke which led to sex later in the night when they returned from the farm.
“I agreed to his demand for sex and thought it was just to satisfy his sexual feelings, but somehow, it became a daily thing.
“I never thought I could get pregnant due to my age. I told my daughter the truth so that we can get a solution to it and out of anger she went public with it. I have since regretted my action. My intention is to find a way and abort it. My daughter earlier agreed to look for somebody to abort it for me because I can’t keep it. The whole thing was temptation and I completely regret it. I have pleaded for forgiveness from her,” she added.
An elated Aisha, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly wrote an appreciation letter to a team of doctors and Nurses that were put together to treat her son, Yusuf, who was involved in bike accident in Abuja a couple of weeks ago.
In the letter, Aisha listed the doctors one after the other, beginning with the minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunsho Adewole who chaired the medical team.
The team of neurosurgeons is led by Professor Temitayo Sokunbi. Others are Professor B.B. Shehu, Dr. Biodun Ogunbo and Prof. M. Raji Mahmud,
The team of Orthopaedic Surgeons is led by Dr. Felix Ogedengbe with Dr. Akinola assisting him.
There are also intensivists Dr. Simon Esangbedo, the Personal Physician to the President, Dr. Suhayb Sanusi, Aisha’s personal physician, Dr. M. Kamal.
Also involved is the CMD of National Hospital Abuja, Dr. Jaf Momoh and his team.
The team of Nurses was also led by Nurse Eze Doris Eberechukwu of Nisa Premier.
Aisha was said to have extended her “special thanks to the team of doctors and specialists who have worked tirelessly to ensure that my son Yusuf remains stable.
“On behalf of my family, I will like to thank well-meaning Nigerians for their prayers in the past weeks.”[myad]
The Nigerian Army has alerted residents of Kano and Jigawa States to be on the lookout for members of Boko Haram fleeing from the Lake Chad region as their enclaves came under intense onslaught of the military.
The Deputy Director of the Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement today, Saturday in Maiduguri, said that 1,050 insurgents had surrendered to troops in Lake Chad and Monguno general area of operations.
The army spokesman said that some of the insurgents fleeing from the ongoing offensive were senior and junior commanders of the Al Barnawi faction.
“The insurgents are attempting to melt into communities in and around Kano, Geidam and Gashua axis unnoticed. One of such fleeing commanders is Bana Bafui.
“Members of the general public, particularly in Kano, Geidam, Gashua, Hadejia and northern part of Jigawa State are therefore enjoined to be vigilant, watch out for strange faces in their communities and report same to security agencies.” [myad]
On December 5, 2017, three wise men came from the East. They had come to see me at the State House, Abuja. Who were they, and what message did they bear? Surely, it’s not gold, frankincense and myrrh. Those are gifts for Divinity. The three men were Igwe Cyprian Madu Nevobasi, Igwe Omeluenyi of Aguneese, Ezeani 111 of Mmaku Kingdom, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Emmanuel Okeke, and Hon U.S.A Igwesi, a former member of the House of Representatives.
Of the three people, Hon Igwesi was the only person I’d known, right from his days as a Federal lawmaker. Soon, the Igwe unfolded the reason for the visit. He would be celebrating the 14th anniversary of his coronation with a grand Ofala Festival on January 2, 2018, during which some people would be conferred with chieftaincy titles. One of them would be my principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the other would be myself.
Shock is a very mild word to describe what I felt. Chief. Who, me? We all have dreams, desires and aspirations in life. But for me, being a Chief is not part of it. Not at all. Chief. Who, me? It was incredulous.
The Igwe handed me two official letters of invitation. One for the President, and one for me. He said I could always represent the President, since state matters may not permit the country’s number one citizen to attend personally.
Why me? As the question was running through my mind, the Igwe explained: “My traditional cabinet nominated you, because we have been watching how you serve the country, and our President with passion. President Buhari is God-sent, to bring enduring change to our country. And from the way you serve him, we believe you are deserving of a title from Mmaku Kingdom.”
My visitors left, and my dilemma began. Chief. Who, me? I am a church person, and may play greater roles in the Lord’s vineyard in the future, as God gives the grace. Can you combine that with chieftaincy? But the Igwe had told me it was purely a ceremonial affair, with nothing ritualistic involved. And before he left my office, he had even prayed. It was a Christian, and not a traditional prayer. Encouraging.
And then I remembered! On June 1, 2015, when I resumed as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, I’d met President Buhari at Defence House, which was then his temporary abode, before he moved to the Presidential Villa. How did he welcome me? Jocularly, he had said: “Chief Adesina, welcome to Sambisa House.” We both laughed. Chief? Well, just some fun. That was what I thought.
Then, in October 2015, we had travelled to India. And as he does in most of his official trips, the President found time to meet with the Nigerian community in that country. As he recognized members of his entourage, the President called me “Chief Adesina,” and we all laughed. He was to repeat the same thing a couple of times in the next two years, all lightheartedly. Now, come has come to become. Didn’t know President Buhari was also a prophet.
I began consulting. The first person I expected to baulk was my wife. An Akure princess herself (she is nee Adesida), I expected her to say a resounding no, based on Christian convictions. If she rejected it, ‘who born me’ to accept the title? Our women are often our bosses. But curiously, she only raised one or two qustions, and seemed satisfied with my answers. The Igwe’s prayers had worked!
Next, the Adesinas, both at home, and in the Diaspora. No dissenting voice. And next, my local church pastor, at the Foursquare Gospel Church. He was very practical about it: “Whether we like it or not, you have become a political figure in the country, and you may not be able to avoid things like this. As long as there are no rituals, and it is purely a ceremonial title, you may take it.”
The final consultation was with the President. The visit of the three wise men from the East and the chieftaincy nomination had been widely published, and the President, an avid newspaper reader, was well aware, before I met him. The glow in his eyes when I told him about the event gave him away. He gave his blessings. He also gave me another blessing, which I won’t disclose here, lest some people ask for their share. Lol.
Every Christmas, the President encourages all Christians round him to take time off, and be with their families. He bade me goodbye, saying till after the New Year holiday, since the event was billed for January 2.
On New Year day, I prepared to leave Lagos on an afternoon flight, with my prospective Lolo (that’s the title for wives of chiefs), her younger brother, Dr Niyi Adesida, and my childhood friend, Tayo Oladapo. Others were to come on morning flights the next day, from Lagos and Abuja, respectively. And then, a spanner was almost thrown into the works.
When we checked in for Enugu, the airline officials had shaken their heads. Flights had not gone to that city for about a week, they said, because the weather had been consistently bad. My son, an airline pilot, had also hinted me about it the previous day. But we hoped the weather could have a change of heart, seeing it was the first day of a New Year.
Two hours after the scheduled time, the flight to Enugu was eventually cancelled, due to poor weather. Every airline did the same. The next alternative was to go through Owerri, and do three hours journey by land. But all Owerri flights had left for the day. The potential Chief was about to be stranded in Lagos.
My Secretary at the State House, Rosemary Ezeugoh, had gone ahead to Enugu on December 30. I phoned her, and she contacted the ADC to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, an old friend, who had also promised that he would be fully involved in the ceremony, and be my host. The ADC, Nnadozie Peter, who turned out to be a very decent and cultured police officer, encouraged us to proceed to Port Harcourt, and that he would meet us with a security convoy.
We changed our tickets to Port Harcourt, landing by 4.10 p.m. Journey to Enugu would normally be about five hours, but with the outriders and escorts, we made it in three hours, and ten minutes. Of course, you know where our hearts were throughout the journey. In our mouths! But God was gracious and faithful.
Gov Ugwuanyi (fantastic man, I must add), hosted us to dinner. Don’t mind that he is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, he also invited Mr Osita Okechukwu, a core Buharist and Director General of Voice of Nigeria, who came with his wife. Perfect display of politics without bitterness.
D-Day. January 2. Mmaku is about one hour drive from Enugu. The governor insisted that myself and my entourage must ride in his convoy, as he would attend the ceremony. It was a God-ordained decision from the governor, as all those who were to have accompanied me had been stranded in Lagos and Abuja. Delegation from my former office, The Sun Newspapers, made of Steve Nwosu, the deputy managing director, Abdulfatah Oladeinde, editor of the Sunday paper, Femi Babafemi, editor of the Saturday paper, as well as my old friend, Shola Oshunkeye, waited hours on end, till their flight was cancelled. The same happened at Abuja end, with many would-be guests going back home in disappointment. The only guest who made it from Abuja was my friend, Mohammed Akwu, who had driven all the way with two others. Can’t we have what aviators call Instrument Landing Systems at Enugu Airport, in which case planes could land in the most severe weather? Something to discuss with Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of State in charge of Aviation. Nigeria must keep pace with the rest of the world.
Mmaku was agog. The Igwe was resplendent in his traditional regalia and accoutrements. I had also dressed in Igbo attire. I didn’t look bad in it, or what do you think? Many movers and shakers of society were at the Ofala ground. A red letter day for Mmaku, if ever there was one.
First to receive us earlier in the day was His Royal Highness, Eze Barrister Igwesi Obi Igwesi, Chinwaeze 11 of Obuoffia and Omuoha 1 of Omuoha, in his own palace. He and his traditional cabinet treated us to an impressive reception, during which he applauded President Muhammadu Buhari, and the change he is bringing to the country. His words:
“Before now, we Igbos were suspicious of President Buhari, but we have now seen his programmes, and have no choice but to embrace him. I urge other Nigerians to support him beyond 2019, if he intends to seek another term.” Beautiful! I tell you, wise men still come from the East.
All the way from Osun, my state, was the Alaagba of Agba Kingdom, Oba Rufus Ogunwole, who added his royal touch to every place where I was received. He came with his chiefs. May the Oba reign for long. Amen.
Installation time. President Buhari was given Isi Mmiri Mmaku, which, freely translated, means, Fountain of Support. I received the insignia of the title on his behalf. Then, my wife, Adenike, was made Lolo, and shortly after, entered the Nwanne Di Namba (A Brother from Another Land). And that was your’s truly. It still sounded like a dream.
I thank all my friends from the East who came to honour me. Deputy Senate President, Dr Ike Ekweremadu, Elder Ekeoma E. Ekeoma and his wife, Ngozi, who came with three other friends, Ezinne Ojukwu, who represented her father, Chief Ojukwu of Ekesons Motors, Rev Austin Epunam, who represented Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, Dr Kelechi Nwagwu, Ichie Tony Onyima, former managing director of The Sun Newspapers, Ismail Omipidan, Chidi Nnadi, Uche Nnamani, Marcel Alozie, Bethel Obioma, all of The Sun, (Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, Publisher of Sun and New Telegraph had given me two full pages of congratulatory adverts), Chooks Oko, Oge Nnenne Edoh, Ifeoma Ogukwe, and many others I can’t mention for space constraints. I appreciate you all.
About a month ago, the thought of ever being a Chief never crossed my mind. So, why am I one today? Because it is good for our country. The fact that the offer came from outside my Yoruba ethnic stock was very significant. It is good for national unity and cohesion. Nigeria will remain one country, where in the words of our National Anthem, peace and justice shall reign. Again, though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we shall stand.
Also, the title was offered by a kingdom that recognizes the good job President Buhari is doing for the country. I was honoured because I am deemed to be serving him well. It would have been both impudent and imprudent to have said no.
And finally, the title was unsolicited. I never met Igwe Nevobasi, till he visited my office. And the fact that such a prominent figure came personally to inform me of the nomination, was humbling and remarkable.
My final words. Be careful what people call you. It may as well come to pass. President Buhari had always called me Chief. It has become prophetic. Also, I worked at The Sun Newspapers for 13 years, starting as founding editor, and rising to become Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief. I had always written to defend the cause of the Igbos in Nigeria. When they seemed to be making political mistakes, I had also pointed out the danger. It got to a time that a number of newspaper readers from the East began to address me as Nwanne Di Namba. And what title have I got today? The same. I had opened my mouth in amazement when the title was eventually unfolded by the Igwe. Mind what people call you. The biblical Nabal was foolish, because his name meant foolish. Simon meant a reed, an inconstant, untrustworthy fellow, tossed about by the wind. Jesus changed the name to Peter, which means The Rock. He became a pillar of the early Church. Mind what you are called. It may well come to pass.
.Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity. [myad]
Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has wondered where masquerades would spend the N2 million he was alleged to have given to them recently.
The governor asked rhetorically, when he fielded questions from news men at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, Friday: “I don’t know how a masquerade will go and spend money? Is it in the grave? They are supposed to be spirits and I don’t know how masquerades will spend money.”
Governor Yahaya Bello responded to a question as to what was the rationale behind giving masquerades N2 million and vehicle each for which he was criticized.
The governor responded: “I think I’m just hearing that for the first time. But let me just tell you that in Kogi State, first we promote culture, two we don’t give millions to masquerades. In our culture, masquerades are ancestors. There is nothing of that nature at all.”
On what he thought about President Muhammadu Buhari contesting the 2019 election for his second tenure, Yahaya Bello said: “I’m sure you are following us as we are receiving decampees from PDP and all other political parties.
“And any time we hold any decamping rally in any local government, you will see the mammoth crowd that turns out.
“So, Kogi State has already endorsed President Buhari for second term. We are just waiting for the time to come.
“You are going to see the votes that will come out of Kogi State. It will dwarf that of Katsina State, I can assure you.” [myad]
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has won the Africa Man of the Year 2017 Award for his personal commitment to anti-insurgency war in Nigeria and West Africa sub-region.
He won the award also “for being a rare officer, a real gentleman, whose patriotic zeal in executing the war against Boko Haram is exemplary.”
The Nigerian Army also won the Best Institution of the Year 2017 for their supreme sacrifices and relentless efforts to clear the country of not only the Boko Haram insurgents but all forms of criminal elements for citizens to coexist peacefully.
The confirmation of the honour on the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army was announced in Abuja by the Pan-African amalgam, the Coalition For Governance and Leadership in Africa.
According to a statement signed by the group’s Award and Privileges Committee Chairman, Okpokwu Ogenyi, the coalition said that as an infantry officer, Lt. General Tukur Buratai’s “professional approach to operational planning to fight insurgency is highly plausible.
“For us, the successes so far made in the war against terrorism in Nigeria came as a combination of good leadership enhanced by motivation through enhanced troops morale by the land forces under General Buratai.
“Records available to to us show that, General Buratai’s personal sacrifice, commitment, zeal, and determination towards eradicating insurgency in Nigeria, and by extension the whole of West Africa, have not only resulted in the defeat of Boko Haram in Nigeria but has promoted regional peace and stability across African Nations”
The group said that “Pockets of attacks by degraded and fleeing Boko Haram insurgents not withstanding, the Nigerian military as an institution, have made unquantifiable supreme sacrifices and given their all to ensure that we all coexist in peace and harmony in the year under review.”
The Coalition For Good Governance and Leadership in Africa said that the winners emerged after its Award and Privileges Committee “considered numerous nominations from various organizations and individuals across Africa, disclosing that after a tedious screening exercise, the two nominees came tops.
The leadership award is an annual Honour bestowed only on two African Leaders or institutions that have distinguished themselves in promoting regional peace, infrastructure, wealth creation, food security, education, and health, among others.
Some eminent Africans who have received the honour in the past included Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Atta Mills (late), Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Monday Riku Morgan, to mention a few. [myad]
Soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole have chased Boko Haram insurgents into the Republic of Niger Defence Forces, following the Amnesty granted the insurgents by the Government of that country. The soldiers, during a sustained artillery and aerial bombardments of the insurgents’ enclaves in the Lake Chad region, wounded a major factional leader of the terrorists group, Mamman Nur. A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu said that the fatally injured leader and his sub-commanders had fled from the onslaught. The statement said that several of the foot soldiers of the injured leader were killed while many of them have surrendered.[myad]
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Sports minister, Solomon Dalung has given a detail of how President Muhammadu Buhari challenged him to ensure that Nigeria national football team does not go for the World Cup competition in Russia this year as spectator.
A Handshake Across The Niger, By Femi Adesina
On December 5, 2017, three wise men came from the East. They had come to see me at the State House, Abuja. Who were they, and what message did they bear? Surely, it’s not gold, frankincense and myrrh. Those are gifts for Divinity. The three men were Igwe Cyprian Madu Nevobasi, Igwe Omeluenyi of Aguneese, Ezeani 111 of Mmaku Kingdom, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Emmanuel Okeke, and Hon U.S.A Igwesi, a former member of the House of Representatives.
Of the three people, Hon Igwesi was the only person I’d known, right from his days as a Federal lawmaker. Soon, the Igwe unfolded the reason for the visit. He would be celebrating the 14th anniversary of his coronation with a grand Ofala Festival on January 2, 2018, during which some people would be conferred with chieftaincy titles. One of them would be my principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the other would be myself.
Shock is a very mild word to describe what I felt. Chief. Who, me? We all have dreams, desires and aspirations in life. But for me, being a Chief is not part of it. Not at all. Chief. Who, me? It was incredulous.
The Igwe handed me two official letters of invitation. One for the President, and one for me. He said I could always represent the President, since state matters may not permit the country’s number one citizen to attend personally.
Why me? As the question was running through my mind, the Igwe explained: “My traditional cabinet nominated you, because we have been watching how you serve the country, and our President with passion. President Buhari is God-sent, to bring enduring change to our country. And from the way you serve him, we believe you are deserving of a title from Mmaku Kingdom.”
My visitors left, and my dilemma began. Chief. Who, me? I am a church person, and may play greater roles in the Lord’s vineyard in the future, as God gives the grace. Can you combine that with chieftaincy? But the Igwe had told me it was purely a ceremonial affair, with nothing ritualistic involved. And before he left my office, he had even prayed. It was a Christian, and not a traditional prayer. Encouraging.
And then I remembered! On June 1, 2015, when I resumed as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, I’d met President Buhari at Defence House, which was then his temporary abode, before he moved to the Presidential Villa. How did he welcome me? Jocularly, he had said: “Chief Adesina, welcome to Sambisa House.” We both laughed. Chief? Well, just some fun. That was what I thought.
Then, in October 2015, we had travelled to India. And as he does in most of his official trips, the President found time to meet with the Nigerian community in that country. As he recognized members of his entourage, the President called me “Chief Adesina,” and we all laughed. He was to repeat the same thing a couple of times in the next two years, all lightheartedly. Now, come has come to become. Didn’t know President Buhari was also a prophet.
I began consulting. The first person I expected to baulk was my wife. An Akure princess herself (she is nee Adesida), I expected her to say a resounding no, based on Christian convictions. If she rejected it, ‘who born me’ to accept the title? Our women are often our bosses. But curiously, she only raised one or two qustions, and seemed satisfied with my answers. The Igwe’s prayers had worked!
Next, the Adesinas, both at home, and in the Diaspora. No dissenting voice. And next, my local church pastor, at the Foursquare Gospel Church. He was very practical about it: “Whether we like it or not, you have become a political figure in the country, and you may not be able to avoid things like this. As long as there are no rituals, and it is purely a ceremonial title, you may take it.”
The final consultation was with the President. The visit of the three wise men from the East and the chieftaincy nomination had been widely published, and the President, an avid newspaper reader, was well aware, before I met him. The glow in his eyes when I told him about the event gave him away. He gave his blessings. He also gave me another blessing, which I won’t disclose here, lest some people ask for their share. Lol.
Every Christmas, the President encourages all Christians round him to take time off, and be with their families. He bade me goodbye, saying till after the New Year holiday, since the event was billed for January 2.
On New Year day, I prepared to leave Lagos on an afternoon flight, with my prospective Lolo (that’s the title for wives of chiefs), her younger brother, Dr Niyi Adesida, and my childhood friend, Tayo Oladapo. Others were to come on morning flights the next day, from Lagos and Abuja, respectively. And then, a spanner was almost thrown into the works.
When we checked in for Enugu, the airline officials had shaken their heads. Flights had not gone to that city for about a week, they said, because the weather had been consistently bad. My son, an airline pilot, had also hinted me about it the previous day. But we hoped the weather could have a change of heart, seeing it was the first day of a New Year.
Two hours after the scheduled time, the flight to Enugu was eventually cancelled, due to poor weather. Every airline did the same. The next alternative was to go through Owerri, and do three hours journey by land. But all Owerri flights had left for the day. The potential Chief was about to be stranded in Lagos.
My Secretary at the State House, Rosemary Ezeugoh, had gone ahead to Enugu on December 30. I phoned her, and she contacted the ADC to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, an old friend, who had also promised that he would be fully involved in the ceremony, and be my host. The ADC, Nnadozie Peter, who turned out to be a very decent and cultured police officer, encouraged us to proceed to Port Harcourt, and that he would meet us with a security convoy.
We changed our tickets to Port Harcourt, landing by 4.10 p.m. Journey to Enugu would normally be about five hours, but with the outriders and escorts, we made it in three hours, and ten minutes. Of course, you know where our hearts were throughout the journey. In our mouths! But God was gracious and faithful.
Gov Ugwuanyi (fantastic man, I must add), hosted us to dinner. Don’t mind that he is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, he also invited Mr Osita Okechukwu, a core Buharist and Director General of Voice of Nigeria, who came with his wife. Perfect display of politics without bitterness.
D-Day. January 2. Mmaku is about one hour drive from Enugu. The governor insisted that myself and my entourage must ride in his convoy, as he would attend the ceremony. It was a God-ordained decision from the governor, as all those who were to have accompanied me had been stranded in Lagos and Abuja. Delegation from my former office, The Sun Newspapers, made of Steve Nwosu, the deputy managing director, Abdulfatah Oladeinde, editor of the Sunday paper, Femi Babafemi, editor of the Saturday paper, as well as my old friend, Shola Oshunkeye, waited hours on end, till their flight was cancelled. The same happened at Abuja end, with many would-be guests going back home in disappointment. The only guest who made it from Abuja was my friend, Mohammed Akwu, who had driven all the way with two others. Can’t we have what aviators call Instrument Landing Systems at Enugu Airport, in which case planes could land in the most severe weather? Something to discuss with Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of State in charge of Aviation. Nigeria must keep pace with the rest of the world.
Mmaku was agog. The Igwe was resplendent in his traditional regalia and accoutrements. I had also dressed in Igbo attire. I didn’t look bad in it, or what do you think? Many movers and shakers of society were at the Ofala ground. A red letter day for Mmaku, if ever there was one.
First to receive us earlier in the day was His Royal Highness, Eze Barrister Igwesi Obi Igwesi, Chinwaeze 11 of Obuoffia and Omuoha 1 of Omuoha, in his own palace. He and his traditional cabinet treated us to an impressive reception, during which he applauded President Muhammadu Buhari, and the change he is bringing to the country. His words:
“Before now, we Igbos were suspicious of President Buhari, but we have now seen his programmes, and have no choice but to embrace him. I urge other Nigerians to support him beyond 2019, if he intends to seek another term.” Beautiful! I tell you, wise men still come from the East.
All the way from Osun, my state, was the Alaagba of Agba Kingdom, Oba Rufus Ogunwole, who added his royal touch to every place where I was received. He came with his chiefs. May the Oba reign for long. Amen.
Installation time. President Buhari was given Isi Mmiri Mmaku, which, freely translated, means, Fountain of Support. I received the insignia of the title on his behalf. Then, my wife, Adenike, was made Lolo, and shortly after, entered the Nwanne Di Namba (A Brother from Another Land). And that was your’s truly. It still sounded like a dream.
I thank all my friends from the East who came to honour me. Deputy Senate President, Dr Ike Ekweremadu, Elder Ekeoma E. Ekeoma and his wife, Ngozi, who came with three other friends, Ezinne Ojukwu, who represented her father, Chief Ojukwu of Ekesons Motors, Rev Austin Epunam, who represented Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, Dr Kelechi Nwagwu, Ichie Tony Onyima, former managing director of The Sun Newspapers, Ismail Omipidan, Chidi Nnadi, Uche Nnamani, Marcel Alozie, Bethel Obioma, all of The Sun, (Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, Publisher of Sun and New Telegraph had given me two full pages of congratulatory adverts), Chooks Oko, Oge Nnenne Edoh, Ifeoma Ogukwe, and many others I can’t mention for space constraints. I appreciate you all.
About a month ago, the thought of ever being a Chief never crossed my mind. So, why am I one today? Because it is good for our country. The fact that the offer came from outside my Yoruba ethnic stock was very significant. It is good for national unity and cohesion. Nigeria will remain one country, where in the words of our National Anthem, peace and justice shall reign. Again, though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we shall stand.
Also, the title was offered by a kingdom that recognizes the good job President Buhari is doing for the country. I was honoured because I am deemed to be serving him well. It would have been both impudent and imprudent to have said no.
And finally, the title was unsolicited. I never met Igwe Nevobasi, till he visited my office. And the fact that such a prominent figure came personally to inform me of the nomination, was humbling and remarkable.
My final words. Be careful what people call you. It may as well come to pass. President Buhari had always called me Chief. It has become prophetic. Also, I worked at The Sun Newspapers for 13 years, starting as founding editor, and rising to become Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief. I had always written to defend the cause of the Igbos in Nigeria. When they seemed to be making political mistakes, I had also pointed out the danger. It got to a time that a number of newspaper readers from the East began to address me as Nwanne Di Namba. And what title have I got today? The same. I had opened my mouth in amazement when the title was eventually unfolded by the Igwe. Mind what people call you. The biblical Nabal was foolish, because his name meant foolish. Simon meant a reed, an inconstant, untrustworthy fellow, tossed about by the wind. Jesus changed the name to Peter, which means The Rock. He became a pillar of the early Church. Mind what you are called. It may well come to pass.
.Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity. [myad]