The Nigerian Army has declared that it will soon publicly name those it called political collaborators of the Boko Haram even as it denied that the Chief of Army Staff was ambushed by the terrorist gang in the Northeast. A statement by the Director of the Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman said that the Army is closing up on the political Boko Haram terrorists and their collaborators. “They will soon be exposed and the law will take its course against them.” The statement, which expressed dismay of the military over an online media publication that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, was wounded in an alleged ambush by Boko Haram terrorists at an unnamed location in the North East, said that the soldiers are currently dealing decisive blows on the Boko Haram Terrorists in the Lake Chad area. “Over 60 of the terrorists have either been captured or neutralised in the last 3 days.” It said that the Chief of Army Staff has not been involved in any ambush and that there was no any recently reported ambush against any of the troops anywhere let alone in the North East. While advising members of the public to disregard the ambush story as it is fake, the statement said that the Chief of Army Staff is currently “hale and hearty and conducting his official duties diligently. “We wish to use this opportunity to thank the teeming Nigerians that called and showed concern over this unfortunate fake news. “We wish to assure you that no amount of mischief or campaign of calumny under any guise will distract the Chief of Army Staff from his determined efforts of leading a responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its Constitutional roles.”[myad]
Chairmanship hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the party’s national convention slated for today, Saturday as a criminal arrangement by those he referred to as ‘little men.’ George, in a short message withdrawing from the race, said that the party is set for self destruction. The embittered contestant who is not new to crisis in the party said: “I entered the contest on a micro-zoning principle, which has been thrashed by little men who have compromised. It appears the PDP is bent on self-destruction. The chairmanship position has been sold to the highest bidder. I cannot be part of this criminal arrangement. I hereby withdraw from the fraud.” Similarly, High Chief Ray Dokpesi, and Mr. Jimi Agbaje who were also vying for the chairmanship of the party withdrew from the race also in apparent protest. [myad]
“As a nation, we are grateful for your numerous interventions in the political space to ensure peace, stability and secure a future of one nation for our children.” These were contained in a letter which President Muhammadu Buhari personally signed and delivered to the former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma as he turns 80 tomorrow, Saturday. President Buhari started by recalling the meritorious roles which retired General Danjuma played during the Nigerian civil war, stressing that his birthday is even unique and memorable for the life he lives in constantly looking out for the weak and vulnerable among Nigerians. Such gesture, Buhari said, had inspired the TY Danjuma Foundation, and more recently, his acceptance to serve as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on North East Initiative. “I share in the grace and joy that comes with this special day, having keenly followed your leadership trajectory over the years in selfless service to the nation, courageous military career and building a versatile business empire.” President Buhari said sends warn birthday felicitation to the retired General on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, his (President’s) family and all Nigerians. Buhari wishes Danjuma God’s blessings of good health and longer life to continue in the service of humanity.[myad]
“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” ― Ben Carson The first time I came in close contact with General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.) was February 10, 2010 at the Protea Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja. It was on the occasion of the NGO consultative meeting organised by the TY Danjuma Foundation. It was the first substantive interaction that the Foundation would have with actors from across Nigeria. As politics editor of THISDAY newspaper in Abuja at the time, I had the privilege of attending the event, which report was given front page window treatment obviously because of the ramifications of what he said. He read from a written text and also spoke ex-tempore on his wealth and the motivation behind the setting up of his Foundation. What he read out was as instructive and important as what he said extemporaneously. The text of his speech reads in part: “The theme of this meeting is a crucial one for our country. Nigeria is currently going through a series of trials but most urgent are the abject poverty facing the country’s citizens and the weak state of our social sector, particularly the education and health sectors. “The Nigerian government, no matter how noble its intentions, cannot address these challenges on its own. In fact, in all developed countries, the implementation of social projects is never the sole responsibility of government; there are often strong collaborations between governments, Non-Governmental Organisations as well as the private sector. More so, the philanthropic sector in such countries is thriving, as wealthy individuals believe it is their duty to apply their wealth in supporting development projects. “In Nigeria, this is not the case. Structured philanthropic giving is in its infancy and some will argue that it has not commenced at all. This is unfortunate as Nigerian culture is rife with examples of benevolent giving at the community level. What we need to do now is look at how we translate what exists in our culture into sustainable practice. “Many people have asked me why I started a Foundation. I am now in my 70s and could have simply enjoyed retirement quietly; rather I have decided to embark on a new endeavour. The truth is, I have served Nigeria all my life in different capacities; and, late in my life, when I became a very wealthy private citizen, I decided to also serve my country through the channel of philanthropy. “Following my decision to establish a grant making philanthropic Foundation, I visited the Unites States, on a study tour of successful Foundations. Having no prior knowledge of Foundations, I was intrigued by the structure of these Foundations and how they operated. They were well organised, accountable, and credible. Most importantly, I observed that they were very influential and had succeeded in contributing significantly to the lives and wellbeing of their beneficiaries….” The above was newsworthy. But what he said ex-tempore was more newsworthy. It was, to me, the real McCoy. He said that after selling his ten percent stake in an oil bloc to a Chinese company, he became very wealthy. He claimed to have been confused initially, not knowing what to do with the money. And, for him, there were two things that he would not want to happen after his death: one, he would not want his children to fight over his wealth; and, two, he would not want the banks to steal his money. He said the Foundation provided one of the ways through which the money could be ploughed back into society for human and societal development. The Foundation started out with intervention projects in Taraba and Edo states especially in the health and education sectors. It is to his eternal credit that he has engaged so far in other acts of generosity: donating to education causes, religious bodies, community development and even individual empowerment. The second time I had a close contact with him was in the home of a very prominent Nigerian in Abuja. He came in gaily dressed. With his face shining and his eyes almost characteristically popping out of their sockets from behind his pair of medicated glasses, his gait confident and still military-like, he was ushered into the living room of his host. Thirty minutes later, he was done and seen off to his car by his host. He is said to be business-like in his interactions. He is said to attend to issues without much of ceremonies, always short and sharp like an Angel’s visit. Apart from subsequent “contacts” with him through media reports of his activities, at least two prominent Nigerians, who are multi-billionaires in their own right, have narrated to me how they had, even in their Olympian heights, benefitted from Danjuma’s eleemosynary. He could be described in some parlance as a rich man who takes delight in blessing other rich people. I understand he does that obsessively, not wanting any reciprocal gesture. That raises a question about his kind of capitalist who, rather than continue to amass wealth without giving back to society, has decided to give, give, and give in all manner of ways. Methinks Danjuma is an archetypal godfather. He does not want to owe anyone a debt of gratitude. Rather, others should owe him, but not that he cares about being appreciated for his good gestures. I was told by a friend and big brother how he requested for a favour from Danjuma through his wife, Senator Daisy Danjuma. He said that even though he made available his private jet to fly the general down to Abuja to intervene for him at a meeting with some powerful persons, he (Danjuma) insisted on paying for the cost of the aircraft movement from Lagos to Abuja and back to Lagos. Who can beat that? And for my friend and big brother, Danjuma and Daisy are Angels in human form. Interrogating his act of generosity may not be a comme ci comme ça enterprise. It may require the rigours necessary to understand the innate humanity that motivates and propels him within the context of our social–political and economic complexities. But the truth is, Danjuma may have the wealth of a Croesus; he has, thus far, not splashed his wealth with the sybaritic indulgence of the late Saudi Arabian international businessman and billionaire, Adnan Khashoggi. Danjuma has the discipline and character to spend his wealth on good causes; yet he is not the richest Nigerian, despite giving out money as if he is the richest Nigerian. He is perhaps heeding the admonition of Mother Theresa: “Give, but give until it hurts.” Now, it does not appear that it is hurting Danjuma yet, as he continues to give of himself to the service of humanity and God. And, it may not hurt him in his life and times, or put succinctly, in the remaining years that he has to live on earth, given the fact that, as a shrewd businessman, he is perfectly on top of his game. What should, therefore, be done is for people who crave the act of charity to up their ante so that, together with Danjuma who turns 80 on December 9, 2017, they can build a society that thrives on human and communal compassion. Many happy returns, General!
Ojeifo, Editor-in-Chief of The Congresswatch magazine, sent this piece via ojwonderngr@yahoo.com [myad]
Igbos in the Southeast of Nigeria have been asked to vote for a Presidential candidate in the 2019 election, who will work for the emergence of an Igbo Presidency in 2023 when the next general elections will be held. The leader of the Ohanaeze, an umbrella body for the Igbos at home and in Diaspora, Chief John Nwodo, said that it doesn’t matter which political party the candidate for the 2019 is coming from so long as he will agree to do a term that should terminate in 2023. Chief Nwodo, as President General of the Igbo group was responding to questions from news men on contemporary developments in the nation’s body polity at a reception organized in his honour by the Enugu State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Saying that Ohanaeze is not partisan but meant to project and promote Igbo values, Chief Nwodo said that the yet-to-be-identified 2019 presidential candidate with Igbo interest would reach a truce with the Igbo nation that he or she will only serve for one tenure so as to avail the nation the opportunity of producing a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction in 2023. The Igbo leader, who just returned from the United States of America (USA) where he inaugurated the North Carolina chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said the pan-Igbo group would take deep look into manifestos and programmes of candidates in 2019 presidential poll. “Whoever wants to be president will assure us that he will not stay in office more than one tenure. Igbo will get presidency in 2023. This neglect will be worked out. We will look at who will protect the interest of Ndigbo.”[myad]
The screening committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cleared all the nine national chairmanship aspirants and certified them fit to take part in tomorrow, Saturday’s national convention of the party. Chairman of the committee, Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, today, Friday, presented certificates of clearance to the aspirants at the party secretariat located as Zone 5, Abuja The aspirants are Prince Uche Secondus, Chief Gbenga Daniel, Jimi Agbaje, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Professor Tunde Adeniran, Chief Olabode George, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Aderemi Olusegun. Ize-Iyamu said that the list of other aspirants cleared for other offices would be displayed at the party’s secretariat. Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, who is also the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, congratulated the aspirants.[myad]
At least, 27 people were confirmed dead yesterday, Thursday, as a result of an explosion at an illegal refinery, also known as “Kpofire” along Kolo Creek in Okaki, a boundary community between Rivers and Bayelsa states. It was gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours, was on account of combustion from the equipment being used by illegal refiners. Information had it that the equipment is substandard and susceptible to combustion. This was even as it was also believed that the explosion was caused by a female worker, who lit a match around the oil spill on the ground of refinery site. “The one at Kolo Creek, I learnt, was caused by a lady who lit a match to prepare noodles and the gas that came with the crude oil enveloped everybody,” an eye witness was quoted as saying. The eye witness said that at least 27 persons died even as many others got burnt beyond recognition. It is feared that the death toll could be a lot higher. The eye witness confirmed that explosions occur more frequently than is reported. “I learnt that every day, there are unreported cases of deaths as a result of the explosion there. Business is brisk and many people, including the security agents, make huge cash at Kolo Creek.” A Police source, who confirmed the incident, told newsmen that the exact casualty figure is not yet known, adding that the details are scanty.[myad]
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has made a wake-up call on the implementing Agencies collaborating with the CBN on the Financial System Strategy (FSS2020) to do more in ensuring that Nigeria meets the set strategic vision of being the safest and most diversified financial system among emerging markets supporting the real economy by the year 2020. Emefiele spoke yesterday, Thursday in Lagos as he declared open, the 10th Anniversary of the Strategic Review meeting on the Financial System Strategy 2020. The CBN Chief said that the strategy review meeting was geared towards an appraisal of FSS2020 accomplishments in the past 10 years and to chart overall strategic direction for the next three years and beyond with a view to strengthening Nigeria’s financial system to meet the unfolding challenges in both domestic and international market. He acknowledged that much have been achieved in the areas of payments system, mortgage; financial market, Pension, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Insurance and Mortgage sectors; and creating linkages in the financial system, even as he said that a lot still needed to be done to ensure financial inclusion and the overall growth of the financial system. Emefiele said that some Bills have been initiated by FSS2020 to strengthen and deepen the financial system including the Financial Ombudsman Bill for consumer empowerment. Hee said that the FSS2020 would re-submit to the National Assembly, a Bill for the establishment of specific financial consumer ombudsman to address the challenges of protection of consumers of financial services as well as the protection of the integrity of the financial system He said that the next three years are expected to provide the collaborating implementing agencies opportunities to do more to include people in the financial sector, stressing that the goal remained to get 80 percent of Nigerian adults included in the financial system. He said that though demographics favoured Nigeria but that the nation’s population, with a growth rate of three per cent per annum could be an albatross if nothing concrete was done to provide for the future. He challenged the collaborating agencies to work closely together to achieve the strategic themes of the project which are to: Strengthen and deepen the domestic markets, enhance integration with the external financial markets and Promote sustainable economic development. He particularly tasked the agencies to assess what had worked well for the implementation of the project and identify what must be done to ensure the success of the project. “This cooperation includes funding support, capacity building and making FSS2020 an animal of its own.” The CBN Governor used the occasion to pay tribute to the Coordinator of the FSS 2020 Office and CBN Deputy Governor in charge of Corporate Services Directorate, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, whose tenure as Deputy Governor ends in December 2017, for his dedication to the project in spite of the enormous challenges. Earlier in his opening remarks, Alhaji Barau said that all the implementing agencies agreed that despite being positioned as one of the top 25 economies in the world, in terms of GDP, the Nigerian economy and financial sector were not yet where the agencies desired them to be. He said that the collaboration of the different implementing agencies to forge a common objective for the financial system was a major achievement of his tenure, considering that agencies hitherto worked in silos. He advised that more should be done to achieve the targets set for each of the various financial service areas. Representatives of all the various implementing agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Finance; Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC); Financial Reporting Council (FRC); Debt Management Office (DMO); Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN); Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE); National Insurance Commission (NAICOM); Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Pension Commission (PenCom) were in attendance at the two-day meeting.[myad]
No fewer than 24 egg-heads were at a dinner with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo last night, Thursday, where he delivered a lecture that concentrated on the virtue of merit and humanities. Vice President Osinbajo, himself a Professor, kick-started his lecture by saying: “Permit me to reflect briefly this evening on two strands of thought with which I have been occupied for a while, but which the events of today brought to the fore: The importance of merit, and the centrality of the humanities.” The roll-call of the egg-heads in attendance, all of who are holders of the Nigeria National Order Merit (NNOM) are: 1. Professor E. M Essien 2. Professor (Mrs.) Paulina K. Makinwa-Adebusoye 3. Professor Tanure Ojaide 4. Professor A. O. Anya 5. Professor B. O. Nnaji 6. Professor Hilary Inyang Inyang 7. Professor E. J. Alagoa 8. Professor Ayo Bamgbose 9. Professor J. P. Clark 10. Professor A. O. E. Animalu 11. Professor P. O. Ebigbo 12. Professor Oyewale Tomori 13. Professor A. F. Oluwole 14. Professor B. A. Osofisan 15. Professor Oladipo Adamolekun 16. Professor C. E. Nnolim 17. Professor A. O. Esogbue 18. Professor U. B. Ahmed 19. Professor T. O. Odugbemi 20. Professor Idris Mohammed 21. Professor J. K. Olupona 22. Eze (Professor) V. C. Ike 23. Professor L. A. Banjo 24. Professor S. C. Ohaegbulam According to the Vice President, the greatness, fame and glory of a nation largely rely on the hard work, creativity and service of its best talents. “And this is the best case that can be made for the promotion of a culture of merit and for policies that as a rule prefer the best and then make provision for quotas for the disadvantaged by reason of geography, gender or other factors. “The best in our midst in their individual fields, in sports, science, technology, the professions, academia, the arts, and entertainment are given to societies to provide services and insights that only they can. In them lie the keys to the leaps from one level of knowledge to another.” Professor Osinbajo swore that any society that favours exigencies of any kind over merit has chosen to function at its sub-optimal level and greatness must, by the force of principle, elude it. He stressed that high attainment, whether it be for individuals or nations, is a function of the priority given to merit, “which brings me to the other issue, the growing tension amongst policymakers, some who take the position that our emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math should mean discouraging the humanities and arts. “Indeed, at a recent meeting of policymakers, a distinguished academic argued that private universities should not be registered to offer courses in the humanities and arts, but to focus on STEM. While it is sometimes easier to see the contributions of scientists to development, it may require deeper introspection to recognize the arts as a rampart of the human spirit, and the bridgehead to meaning and understanding that it truly is. “Understanding, said Drew Faust, derives from both what is measurable and what is unmeasurable – it is enhanced by scientific insights and mathematical proofs, by philosophical puzzles, and by literature and art that transform the heart as well as the mind.” Osinbajo insisted that education must encompass all of these because it seeks to fashion, not just employees and employers, but human beings who can help create a better future for themselves and for the world. Professor Osinbajo rationalised that science and technology go farther on the wings of the refined thinking, imagination, visioning and disciplined, introspection of the humanities, adding: “we are on the threshold of turning around our economy and polity irreversibly. “For me, the incredible revelation of the past few years is the realization that if we can deal with corruption and abuse of power we would have resolved the most malignant our problems. There is no way that a nation whose resources are looted by its custodians can succeed.” He stressed that as the government of Muhammadu Buhari is tackling the issue of corruption, it would continue to follow the process, saying: “the truth is that the easiest part is the arrest and apprehension of persons who have committed crime against the state. “The more difficult part of it is in reforming those institutions that have been corrupted by years and years of neglect and the promotion of impunity. It is those institutions that we must strengthen and it is those institutions that are important in being able to carry forward all of the reforms that we are putting in place, that is by far a more difficult exercise.” He assured Nigerians that President Buhari is completely committed and determined in ensuring that this country’s fortunes are turned around irreversibly. “In conversations with him, he has said that it all that he has devoted the rest of his life in doing, and I am completely convinced that God spearing his life, we will see this turn around.”[myad]
Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun has vowed that she would not be intimidated by the controversies trailing the suspension of the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo. In a statement today, Friday, by her Media Adviser, Oluyinka Akntunde, the minister insisted that the decision to suspend Gwarzo was in order. The statement states thus: “The attention of the Honourable Minister of Finance has been drawn to some misleading and mischievous media reports regarding the suspension of the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir H. Gwarzo. “Mr. Gwarzo has alleged that his suspension was due to “his refusal to stop the forensic audit of Oando Plc. “The Minister would not have ordinarily responded in view of her responsibility for the approval of the Constitution and Terms of Reference for the Administrative Panel of Inquiry into the allegations against Mr. Gwarzo. However, given the degree of speculations and the potential impact on the capital market, there is a need for the Minister to set the record straight as follows: “The integrity of the capital market is vital to the growth of the Nigerian economy and must be managed in an orderly and transparent manner to ensure investors’ confidence. Its leadership must maintain and be seen to maintain the highest standards of integrity. “That the original decision taken by SEC on October 20, 2017 to suspend the shares of Oando Plc and conduct a forensic audit, was approved and endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Finance. The SEC team, led by Mr. Mounir presented adequate evidence to the Minister of Finance and her team, that Oando Plc had a clear case to answer with regard to infractions of the ISA. “No contrary evidence has been presented and thus, the investigative work on Oando and all other ongoing investigations being undertaken by SEC in the discharge of its statutory functions have continued. Indeed, our information is that the forensic auditors have resumed at Oando. “For the avoidance of doubt, there was no directive whatsoever to discontinue investigation into Oando and this was reiterated to the current SEC leadership at the formal handover meeting. The fact that the investigation has continued further corroborates that this is the Minister’s position. “The Federal Ministry of Finance would like to place on record that Gwarzo’s suspension is in line with the Public Service Rules (PSRs), to allow for an unhindered investigation of serious allegations of financial impropriety against him. Some of the allegations with documented evidence include the awards of contracts to companies related to him and members of his family. “It should be noted that Gwarzo was queried by the Ministry on 3rd November and he responded on 7th November,2017. His response to the query was deemed unsatisfactory and further investigation was ordered. “Based on the evidence from that further work and creditable reports that documents were being unlawfully removed from SEC, as well as consultations with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the decision was taken to suspend Mr. Gwarzo. “At the meeting on Monday, 27th November 27, Mr. Gwarzo was asked to clarify some of his responses to the query issued, which were not consistent with documentary evidence. From that interaction, Mr. Gwarzo became aware of the strong likelihood of his suspension. It was thereafter that Mr. Gwarzo prepared the memo, which has been circulated in the media. “It is instructive to note that Mr. Gwarzo personally delivered the memo using SEC staff seconded to the office of the Minister, in breach of normal procedures for the receipt of mail. “The copy of the memo in the possession of the Minister was delivered with a message that any action against Mr. Gwarzo would result in same being leaked to the press. It was this threat of blackmail that strengthened the resolve of the Minister to suspend Mr. Gwarzo and allow the Administrative Panel of Inquiry to proceed with its probe. “The Minister restates that the insinuation of an instruction to discontinue with the Oando case is false and this can be corroborated by the other parties at that meeting and by subsequent events.”[myad]
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Igbos in the Southeast of Nigeria have been asked to vote for a Presidential candidate in the 2019 election, who will work for the emergence of an Igbo Presidency in 2023 when the next general elections will be held.
The screening committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cleared all the nine national chairmanship aspirants and certified them fit to take part in 
At least, 27 people were confirmed dead yesterday, 
Celebrating TY Danjuma’s Consistent Philanthropy At 80, By Sufuyan Ojeifo
“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” ― Ben Carson
The first time I came in close contact with General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.) was February 10, 2010 at the Protea Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja. It was on the occasion of the NGO consultative meeting organised by the TY Danjuma Foundation. It was the first substantive interaction that the Foundation would have with actors from across Nigeria.
As politics editor of THISDAY newspaper in Abuja at the time, I had the privilege of attending the event, which report was given front page window treatment obviously because of the ramifications of what he said. He read from a written text and also spoke ex-tempore on his wealth and the motivation behind the setting up of his Foundation.
What he read out was as instructive and important as what he said extemporaneously. The text of his speech reads in part: “The theme of this meeting is a crucial one for our country. Nigeria is currently going through a series of trials but most urgent are the abject poverty facing the country’s citizens and the weak state of our social sector, particularly the education and health sectors.
“The Nigerian government, no matter how noble its intentions, cannot address these challenges on its own. In fact, in all developed countries, the implementation of social projects is never the sole responsibility of government; there are often strong collaborations between governments, Non-Governmental Organisations as well as the private sector. More so, the philanthropic sector in such countries is thriving, as wealthy individuals believe it is their duty to apply their wealth in supporting development projects.
“In Nigeria, this is not the case. Structured philanthropic giving is in its infancy and some will argue that it has not commenced at all. This is unfortunate as Nigerian culture is rife with examples of benevolent giving at the community level. What we need to do now is look at how we translate what exists in our culture into sustainable practice.
“Many people have asked me why I started a Foundation. I am now in my 70s and could have simply enjoyed retirement quietly; rather I have decided to embark on a new endeavour. The truth is, I have served Nigeria all my life in different capacities; and, late in my life, when I became a very wealthy private citizen, I decided to also serve my country through the channel of philanthropy.
“Following my decision to establish a grant making philanthropic Foundation, I visited the Unites States, on a study tour of successful Foundations. Having no prior knowledge of Foundations, I was intrigued by the structure of these Foundations and how they operated. They were well organised, accountable, and credible. Most importantly, I observed that they were very influential and had succeeded in contributing significantly to the lives and wellbeing of their beneficiaries….”
The above was newsworthy. But what he said ex-tempore was more newsworthy. It was, to me, the real McCoy. He said that after selling his ten percent stake in an oil bloc to a Chinese company, he became very wealthy. He claimed to have been confused initially, not knowing what to do with the money. And, for him, there were two things that he would not want to happen after his death: one, he would not want his children to fight over his wealth; and, two, he would not want the banks to steal his money.
He said the Foundation provided one of the ways through which the money could be ploughed back into society for human and societal development. The Foundation started out with intervention projects in Taraba and Edo states especially in the health and education sectors. It is to his eternal credit that he has engaged so far in other acts of generosity: donating to education causes, religious bodies, community development and even individual empowerment.
The second time I had a close contact with him was in the home of a very prominent Nigerian in Abuja. He came in gaily dressed. With his face shining and his eyes almost characteristically popping out of their sockets from behind his pair of medicated glasses, his gait confident and still military-like, he was ushered into the living room of his host. Thirty minutes later, he was done and seen off to his car by his host. He is said to be business-like in his interactions. He is said to attend to issues without much of ceremonies, always short and sharp like an Angel’s visit.
Apart from subsequent “contacts” with him through media reports of his activities, at least two prominent Nigerians, who are multi-billionaires in their own right, have narrated to me how they had, even in their Olympian heights, benefitted from Danjuma’s eleemosynary. He could be described in some parlance as a rich man who takes delight in blessing other rich people. I understand he does that obsessively, not wanting any reciprocal gesture. That raises a question about his kind of capitalist who, rather than continue to amass wealth without giving back to society, has decided to give, give, and give in all manner of ways.
Methinks Danjuma is an archetypal godfather. He does not want to owe anyone a debt of gratitude. Rather, others should owe him, but not that he cares about being appreciated for his good gestures. I was told by a friend and big brother how he requested for a favour from Danjuma through his wife, Senator Daisy Danjuma. He said that even though he made available his private jet to fly the general down to Abuja to intervene for him at a meeting with some powerful persons, he (Danjuma) insisted on paying for the cost of the aircraft movement from Lagos to Abuja and back to Lagos. Who can beat that? And for my friend and big brother, Danjuma and Daisy are Angels in human form.
Interrogating his act of generosity may not be a comme ci comme ça enterprise. It may require the rigours necessary to understand the innate humanity that motivates and propels him within the context of our social–political and economic complexities. But the truth is, Danjuma may have the wealth of a Croesus; he has, thus far, not splashed his wealth with the sybaritic indulgence of the late Saudi Arabian international businessman and billionaire, Adnan Khashoggi. Danjuma has the discipline and character to spend his wealth on good causes; yet he is not the richest Nigerian, despite giving out money as if he is the richest Nigerian. He is perhaps heeding the admonition of Mother Theresa: “Give, but give until it hurts.”
Now, it does not appear that it is hurting Danjuma yet, as he continues to give of himself to the service of humanity and God. And, it may not hurt him in his life and times, or put succinctly, in the remaining years that he has to live on earth, given the fact that, as a shrewd businessman, he is perfectly on top of his game. What should, therefore, be done is for people who crave the act of charity to up their ante so that, together with Danjuma who turns 80 on December 9, 2017, they can build a society that thrives on human and communal compassion. Many happy returns, General!
Ojeifo, Editor-in-Chief of The Congresswatch magazine, sent this piece via ojwonderngr@yahoo.com [myad]