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Meet Paul Jeremiah, a multi-talented IITA-trained farmer making the difference 

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

As millions of Nigerians groan under the current economic hardship, foisted on us by the sudden, rash removal of fuel subsidy back in May 2023 with the spin – off effects of high inflation rate, spiralling into the escalating costs of transportation, food items, sundry consumables and services, there are a few young entrepreneurs defying the odds to succeed as problem – solvers. We need to glean a lesson or two from them.

 

One of such is the 29 year-old Paul Godswill Jeremiah.In a recent encounter he revealed some facts about his professional background, what he currently does and his vision for the future. As the wise ones say, it is always good to hear from the horse’s mouth. He has therefore, responded to related questions. The taste of the pudding is really savoured in its eating. So, enjoy the conversation, in his own words:

 

On his background he stated that: “I’m from Akwa Ibom, but based in Lagos. I’m a student running a part – time programme at the University of Lagos, Distance Learning Institute (DLI).currently at the 300-Level studying Public Administration. My professions include photography, solar power gadgets installation, poultry farming as well as a marketer.

 

With specific regards to poultry farming he stated that: “My experience at the training was that I learnt to be a problem – solver as an entrepreneur, based on what to produce, how to produce it and who to produce them for.

 

“I learnt on how to become a successful poultry farmer, how to take care of the birds such as broilers, layers and cockerels. I also learnt of how the pen – house must be kept clean, which is going to be a daily routine. In the course of this training the platform became an eye- opener of what I did not know. But now I know and I understand what it takes to be an agribusiness poultry farmer. “

 

Furthermore , he shed more light of what he gained during the period of his IITA training program. Said he: “In the course of the training we were asked to write down our weaknesses and our fears, so as to face them, of which I did. I penned it down saying that ‘I can’t stand the smell of the faeces. But working on it helped me to overcome that challenge.”

 

Giving insight into what the IITA Training Program is all about he explained that: ” It is a youth empowerment program where we have department which is classified into three. We have the *Poultry class, the Aquaculture* and the Horticulture.”

 

When it comes to some relevant lessons he learnt, not just for production but that of sales he explained that: ” The number one key weapon to be a successful farmer is that one must have a good customer relationship which would lead to very fast and reliable services. Also, one must treat the customer as king. In fact, customers are very important to me because I place my client as the top priority.”

 

He decided during the training to focus on just poultry farming for now. But he needs government ‘s financial support to push his vision forward. As he stated : ” I need capital to expand the poultry business so I can put to use on what I have learnt “

 

On what the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, means to him, he has this to say: “IITA is more than an institution to me. It is a beacon of hope and progress. To me, it represents a place where knowledge, innovation, and passion for agriculture come together to create real impact. My time with IITA has opened doors to new perspectives, inspired a deep appreciation for research-based solutions, and strengthened my commitment to transforming agriculture in Africa.

 

” It is a community that nurtures growth, encourages collaboration, and empowers individuals to be part of something bigger than themselves. IITA has not only shaped my career path but has also instilled in me a sense of purpose and pride that is in contributing to sustainable development.”

 

 

On his piece of candid advice to the younger generation he highlighted that: “My advice to the Nigerian youth is this: First, discover your purpose and don’t wait for opportunities to come over to you. Try and create them by yourself. It is also important to learn a skill and mix wit the right people.”

 

On his plans for the future, he stated that: “Looking ahead, my goal is to grow both personally and professionally. I aim to continue developing my skills, embrace new learning opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to my community and country. I plan to pursue a career that aligns with my passions, whether in agriculture, entrepreneurship, or social impact, and use that platform to create solutions and empower others.

 

“In the long term, I hope to be a role model for the next generation—someone who not only achieves success but also uplifts others along the way. My future is driven by purpose, guided by values, and fueled by a deep desire to make a lasting difference.”

 

All said, it has become necessary for young Nigerians to reshape their vision away from fraudulent and frivolous lifestyles of yahoo yahoo, engaging in ritual murders for come-quick naira or getting involved in drug trafficking, to that of full focus, learning skills, resilience to succeed against all manner of challenges and standing tall to achieve success, as Jeremiah is currently doing. A word should be enough for the wise.

Who Is Ayo Oyoze Baje?

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Ayo Oyoze Baje is a distinguished Nigerian media professional, writer, and public commentator known for his insightful analyses on national development, governance, and social issues. With a career spanning decades, he has contributed significantly to Nigerian journalism and literature.

Career and Contributions

Baje has worked with several prominent Nigerian media outlets, including The Guardian, The Punch, and The Nation. His writings often delve into topics such as education, agriculture, and national unity. He is also recognized for his literary works, including novels, plays, and poems that explore the complexities of the human condition. His book, Drumbeats of Democracy, a collection of opinion essays spanning over four decades, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the power of the written word. His achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Vanguard Poetry Award and the Golden Pen First Prize Award from Friesland WAMCO/Campina .

Advocacy and Public Engagement

Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Baje is an advocate for various causes. He has written extensively on the importance of education, emphasizing the need for quality learning opportunities for Nigerian children. In his piece, The Future of Nigerian Children, he highlights the contributions of unsung nationalists like the late Professor Eyo Ita, who played a pivotal role in the educational development of Nigeria’s youth .

He has also been

CELEBRATING “BRO EHIGIE” AT 70

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By Tunde Olusunle

He turned 70 on Monday May 5, 2025. A thanksgiving service and celebration of the landmark, however, have been scheduled for early June 2025, in Benin City, capital of Edo State, his birthplace. The city is a peculiar cosmopolis steeped in very rich history, confounding myth, even curious mysticism. For those of us who come several decades down the calendar of time with him, his latter day appellations and honorifics are novel to us. The job mobility of my parents precipitated the relocation of our family from Kaduna, capital of the primordial “North Central State,” to Benin City, capitol of the old “Midwestern State,” back in 1972. My father headed the Kaduna branch of “Livestock Feeds Ltd,” which was then a subsidiary of the primordial “Pfizer Nigeria Ltd.” My mother was a nurse and midwife in the employ of the “North Central State Health Management Board.” Our first address was at “Second East Circular Road,” Benin City.As our family grew, we sought bigger residential facility in the “New Benin District” at the time. Mid-1975, we moved over to “Eresoyen Street,” adjoining “Oziegbe Street” into a property owned by the Uzamere family. The world was a much better place, the Uzameres received us not as lessees of their property, but as extensions of the clan. For *Iye,* Madam Izegbuwa Lucy Uzamere, matriarch of their dynasty, my siblings and I, were as well her children. *Iye’s* eldest child, Osaheni Uzamere, seasoned administrator and subsequently attorney was the head of the family. He took to me specifically because he was an alumnus of the revered Immaculate Conception College, (ICC), Benin City, where I also had my secondary school education. The Uzamere family was predominantly populated by boys. Albert, the youngest of *Iye’s* children was my direct contemporary. We proceeded apace in our various secondary schools. Immediately above Albert was George, who was next to Ehigie. L

ong settled out there in the United States of America, (USA), was Ehigie’s immediate elder brother, John, (now of blessed memory). Humphrey and Wellington, half brothers to Ehigie were regularly around. Ehigie was something like the unofficial “head boy” within that space. We all deferred to him which culminated in our christening him *Bro Ehigie.* Despite our sociocultural diversities, Ehigie Uzamere showed leadership amongst us the boys in the house. He was interested in our academic performances and regularly sought updates about our tests and examinations. He would usually call for our answer sheets and report cards. He spotted my proficiency in English language and Literature-in-English and would admonish us on knowledge-sharing. Bro Ehigie soon joined John Uzamere in the US and swore to convince my parents to allow me join him once he was settled. To be sure, he secured admission for me at the State University of New York, (SUNY), not too long after, on the strength of my academic transcripts. I later posted a Division One performance with distinctions in the West African School Certificate Examination, (WASCE) O’Level which I wrote at age 15. My parents feared I was too young to live out of their sight, all by myself at that age, if I was allowed to go abroad. Ehigie Uzamere visited home fairly often. From his luggage whenever he came, we gleaned the albums of new and current foreign musical releases. My first physical and auditory encounters with the works of many foreign artists those good old days were from Bro Ehigie’s collections.

These include releases by *Ray Parker Jnr;* *Diana Ross; Al Hudson and One Way;* *Sugarhill Gang;* *Bill Summers and Summers Heat;* *Brothers Johnson,* “Stomp;” *Prince,* “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” *Michael Jackson’s* “Off the Wall” and so on. Usually when he holidayed in Benin City, he was hosted to a few gigs by his friends. We the younger troupe would dress our best and tag along with him. My parents were ultra-strict with the rules, especially those years when one was still a precocious early teen. Bro Ehigie’s name, however, could avail you some latitude. In 1980, my family relocated to Ilorin in Kwara State. After several years in the “diaspora” within the Nigerian context, my parents thought we should gravitate homewards. Telephony was not anywhere as sophisticated as it is today, but somehow, I kept in touch with Benin City. Across the road from the Uzamere’s, were the Ehigators, a family very close to ours. Osabuohien Ehigiator, (may his soul rest in peace) was my very good friend and schoolmate. Through him and members of his family, I was able to stay in touch with our mutual friends in Benin City. After qualifying as an architect in the US, Ehigie Uzamere went against the grain. Whereas many Nigerians who had the opportunity of foreign sojourn opted to stay back in the countries where they schooled, Uzamere returned home. He believed he could contribute to the development of his home country, despite the privilege of dual citizenship. He underwent the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) with the Bendel Development and Property Authority, (BPDA), which retained his services upon the completion of the exercise.

Not too long after, he opted for self-employment and established a chain of private firms with interests in architecture and building; procurement; medical and pharmaceutical hardware; water processing and broadcasting. He ventured into politics and was elected Senator representing Edo South in 2007, and reelected for a second term in 2011. He made history as the first parliamentarian to be elected on the platforms of two different political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN), in Edo State. During his stint in the federal parliament, he helped reposition his senatorial district at the core of national politics. No more the sidelining, the intentional marginalisation of Edo South in the national scheme. Working with amenable political leaders from his catchment, he galvanised support for the appointment of one of his constituents as Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. It was the very first time in the life of the institution. He equally anchored the recognition of one of his own as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, (NIFOR), which is domiciled in his senatorial district. In all of these, Uzamere remains renowned for his politics of civility. Not for him the lawlessness, thuggery and violence which typify our politics in parts. You needed to experience his connectedness with the grassroots, the way he was adulated one of those days he picked me up from the airport in Benin City. He is known by a large percentage of the commuter operators in the place and seamlessly code-switched to *Bini* language as he engaged with them.

Don’t be surprised when Ehigie Uzamere and I converse in particular ways in pidgin English. We have peculiar expressions understood only by initiates.Uzamere’s greatest source of joy, happiness and fulfilment is his beautiful family. He has been married to his very homely wife, Iriagbonse Irowa, for 43 years. The union has been blessed by God with many children and grandchildren. He has a pet name for each of his children even as he eternally dotes on his grandchildren. He never misses any opportunity to have his family congregate under one roof, in his homes, in Benin City, Abuja or Atlanta, especially during festivities. He would spontaneously set up photo shoots for his grandchildren. Contentment and gratitude are typically writ large on his visage. You get the feeling that he would most happily build an expansive palace, bordered by the same perimeters so he could wake up each morning and tour each family unit to see just how everyone is faring.Uzamere’s loyalty to friendship is phenomenal. In rain or sunshine, he sticks with you.

Despite suspicions of the serial subversions of popular will by the nation’s foremost electoral midwife in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, he has stuck with his preferred candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through thick and thin. When he is not on Atiku’s entourage, Uzamere would be on the delegation to receive Atiku at the airport, irrespective of the time of the day. He is not given to prevarication, he’s never on the fence on issues. He takes a position and stays with it. He will remind you that at his age and stature as an elder statesman, it is far too late for him to play the chameleon. I savoured a meal of home-made rice for dinner with him on one of my visits. It came, wrapped in green leaves, restating Uzamere’s uncommon earthiness, despite his established cosmopolitanism. As I ran out of stew for my meal, he simply picked up my serving of the rice and moved the content into the stew. He remarked in pidgin English: *When soup no plenty again, just transfer the food inside the soup bowl,* he lectured me with an accompanying smile. Uzamere is in the constant business of self-development. He once told me, not too long ago, that he had registered for a masters degree in business administration. I asked why he went back to school. He reminded that former President Olusegun Obasanjo who I worked with, returned to the classroom after being the nation’s leader for two terms, in his 70s.This is celebrating with a longstanding brother, Ehigie Edobor Uzamere, as he joins the privileged ranks of septuagenarians and wishing him many more years in good health.

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja*

I Had Double Promotion To Lieutenant Then My Thumb Was Cut Off, Bullet Went Through My Leg—Ugochukwu

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Chief Onyema Ugochukwu has shared a story from his time as a soldier during the Nigerian Civil War. He disclosed that he was quickly promoted, from under-officer straight to full Lieutenant but soon after that, he was badly injured in combat.Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily Trust TV, Ugochukwu said he got shot, lost his thumb, and took a bullet in his leg. He said the injuries were serious enough to take him off the battlefield for some time.

However, even though he hadn’t fully recovered, his battalion still chose him to serve as the adjutant Ugochukwu said that while the role of adjutant is mostly administrative, it still involved responsibilities close to the front line In Ugochukwu’s words: “I had double promotion from under-officer to full Lieutenant and then I got shot, my thumb was cut off and I had a bullet through my leg and things like that. That took me out of action for a while, but even before I had fully recovered, the battalion appointed me adjutant of the battalion. So I had to go back, but adjutant is more administrative but it also could give you some functions in the forward line”

Dr Bolajoko Olusanya elected a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences

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By Ebinum Samuel

As Nigerians continue to search for remarkable heroes in virtually all the fields of human endeavour, as their beacon – bearers in the dark tunnel of mass ignorance, it is indeed a piece of heart-warming news that one of our own is making
the nation and indeed the African continent proud in the challenging world of academics. She is none other than the erudite paeditrician, Bolajoko Olusanya who was elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences( AAS). And going by her outstanding achievements the prestigious honour is all well deserved.

Described as an exemplary scholar, disability inclusion advocate and social entrepreneur, Olusanya is actively engaged in globally impactful researches outside the traditional university/academic setting. That sets her apart as she stands head and shoulders above her peers. It is therefore, necessary for us all to glean from her vast and varied experiences in the global medical field.

With regards to her proud academic pedigree she is a graduate of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria (MBBS1977 – 1982)
Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital & Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
/FMCPaed (1987 -1998 Paediatrics). Others include the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, ( UK, FRCPCH 2004 Child Health)and the University College London, UK for her PhD in 2008, specializing in Child Health & Audio-Vestibular Medicine.

Based on her feats in medical -related researches she was elected in 2023 as a Fellow of The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and announced in April 2025: (News| AAS Fellow).

Worthy of note is that Dr. Olusanya is the Centre Director of the Healthy Start Initiative (HSI). The Nigerian/UK-trained developmental paediatrician with PhD in Child Health/Audio-Vestibular Medicine from the University College London is also the co-founder of the Centre for Healthy Start Initiative, Nigeria (an Organisation in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council).

Interestingly, she is the Medical Director of First Years Medical Centre and Phonics Hearing Centre in Nigeria and a Senior Collaborator with the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). She is involved in the study based at the Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation (IHME), Seattle, USA as well as being the coordinator/co-founder, the Global Research on Developmental Disabilities Collaborators [GRDDC].

She is a passionate and evidence-driven advocate for children with disabilities, accountability and decolonisation in global health.

Within the academic landscape she has authored or co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles with over 120,000 citations spanning paediatrics, otolaryngology, audiology, general/rehabilitative medicine, maternal and child health, and international health policy.

Of great significance is that her scientific work is inspired by her personal experience of inclusive education with congenital hearing loss and is uniquely focused on community-oriented management of developmental disabilities. That is including early detection and intervention programmes, as well as the prevention and management of the associated risk factors. She is academic reviewer for over 100 Medline-indexed scientific journals and serves on several editorial boards including BMJ Paediatrics Open, International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, International Journal of Audiology, PLOS One, Frontiers in Public Health, Frontiers in Pediatrics, and the Christian Journal for Global Health.

It should be highlighted that Dr. Olusanya pioneered the largest hospital-based and community-based universal newborn hearing screening programmes in Nigeria/Africa from 2003 to 2008 (UNHS Nigeria). And she was a leading contributor to the current WHO classification system for hearing loss. She is the lead local investigator for the first and only randomised controlled trial on the use of filtered sunlight phototherapy for treating neonates with severe-to-hazardous hyperbilirubinaemia globally.

She is a Fellow/Member of several professional associations, including the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Royal Society of Medicine, the European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability, the International Epidemiological Association, and the American Psychological Association. She received the 2018 Aram Glorig Award by the International Society of Audiology, in recognition of her contribution to global hearing healthcare. She is listed among the world’s top 2% highly-ranked scientists and has been awarded a lifetime highly ranked scholar status in hearing loss and developing countries in the field of public health by ScholarGPS.

Outstanding is the fact that she is ranked as the leading researcher in paediatrics in Nigeria and among the top 5 in Africa. She is Co-Chair, The Lancet Commission on Hearing Loss and Member, The Lancet Commission on Disability & Health.

BOOK REVIEW OF’DEAD JOURNEY

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BOOK REVIEW OF
‘DEAD JOURNEY
(Pre-Marital and Extra-Marital Sex)

AUTHOR:
Friday Eshioramhe John

PUBLISHER:
Shalom Publishing House, a subsidiary of Morakinyo Life Fulfilment Ventures, Abuja
(c)2020

ISBN: 978-978-911-310-1

FOREWORD by Pastor E.O.Matthew,
Senior Pastor,
The Choice Bible Church Int’l, Abuja, Nigeria

CHAPTERS :
Seven

NUMBER OF PAGES:
104

REVIEWER:
Ayo Oyoze Baje,
Journalist, Analyst.
Chairman/CEO, Oyoze Creative Concept,Lagos

The first attractive factor of the book, ‘ Dead Journey’ is the alluring cover design with the photograph of a sunset, capturing the silhouette of the Cross on top of a mountain. The sky adorns a typical sunset in orange colour while the mountain is in black. The fact that the word,’Dead’ is in red signifies danger obviously portraying the dangers inherent in illicit sexual intercourse! Ordinarily, the word ‘Journey’ painted in white would have been a sweet, peaceful and memorable one. But it has been cut short, due to the evil and sin which the book warns the reader about.

This introductory feature on the cover design is to break the generally accepted notion that a book cannot be judged by the cover. This one does. And going to the rich, revealing and the ever-relevant thematic focus on the dangers and dire consequences of illicit sexual intercourse, the book conveys the message.

That is especially so with regards to both the pre-marital and extra-marital sex which the author vividly captures with apt quotes, mostly taken from the Holy Bible.

While Chapter One is titled: ‘In the Beginning ‘, Chapters Two and Three are on ‘Purpose of Sex’ and ‘What is Illicit Sex?’. Furthermore, Chapters 4 and Five deal with ‘Causes of Illicit Sex’ and ‘ Why on Dead Journey’. On their own, Chapters Six and Seven shed brilliant light on the ‘Dangers of Illicit Sex’ and ‘How to Avoid Dead Journey’ before the Conclusion.

As highlighted in the Foreword by Pastor Matthew reading through the book should encourage the reader the insight into how to develop moral values. In the Christian’s pilgrim journey faithfulness to God will ensure victory over sudden death traceable to illicit sex. That calls for personal righteousness, purity, moral sanity and a life of ” no spiritual nonsense”.

It was such a personal decision on righteousness that gave Joseph,a ” true child of destiny” divine favour from God that opened the prison’s doors for him, as well as his elevation by Pharaoh that all happened in a foreign land. That is much unlike Samson that capitulated to the whims and caprices of Delilah and ended his life’s trajectory in a bitter manner.

Illicit sex is therefore, as described in Proverbs Chapter 14 verse 12 that:” There is a way which seemeth right into a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”.. This is reflected in the Prologue by the author. That explains why he warns against people treading the paths of ignorance, carelessness, worldliness and the ways of sensuality and flesh-pleasing.

Copious quotes are taken from Proverbs chapter 5 verses 1-3, Romans chapter 12 verses 1 and 2 and John chapter 17 verses 1 -17 to bolster the warning that though “we are in the world but we are not of the world”. And giving example of the lasciviousness of King Solomon who loved many strange women, because of which God tore the kingdom from his hand and gave to his servant we all have to learn to stay away from all manner of temptations from different kinds of women. Righteousness is the best way forward.

The different features of what makes up Lust and that of Love are to be found in the table on page xvviii. That takes us to Chapter One that enlightens the reader on the history perspective of sex, from before the Mid 1900s through moral value, sacredness to what it has metamorphosed to from the Mid1900s till date. He warns against our appearances not to be seductive.Advertisements should keep to high moral standards. Warnings against incest and mating with animals are also given in the chapter.

Quoting from Hebrews Chapter 13 verse 4 it states that: ” Marriage is honourable, and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge”. From Song 7 verses 1 -10 emphasizes that God’s people should keep to the tenets of sexual intercourse.

Further to this Chapter Three talks about kinds of sexual abuse to include homosexuality, polygamy ( in his own view), lesbianism, as well as widow inheritance and unmarried woman concubinage.

The causes of illicit sex are traced to bad friendship, quoting from Samuel Chapter 13 verse s 3-5 about Annob and Jonadab. Over familiarity is another listed factor.

Listed as the causes of Dead Journey are the harsh economic situation, quick money syndrome, social promotion and laziness all in Chapter Five.

The Dangers of illicit sex include premature death, HIV, curses,loss of love and affection barrenness and destruction of the soul. But how do we avoid the Dead Journey’? That is treated in Chapter Seven.

To do so we need God’s help, investment in God’s word, avoiding words that send wrong signals and staying away from over familiarity with others of opposite sex. We should also avoid sleeping alone in a hotel room, visiting pornographic sites, indecent dressing and one should be satisfied with one’s spouse.

As highlighted in the Conclusion, 2nd Corinthians Chapter 5 verse 17 states that: ” Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new”. It means that we should do away with all forms of the factors that lead to illicit sex and avoid a ‘ Dead Journey’.

POSITIVES about the book

The message of abstaining from illicit sex is timely, more so now that the standard of morality has ebbed low; and with people in high places accused of one wrong or the other.

It was written with courage and deep research. The biblical quotes are relevant and insightful. Good enough, the dangers are highlighted in the chapters and the steps to take to avoid them are well discussed.

The presentation is commendable with the deployment of simple, easy – to – read and understand format.

THE MINUSES

Some typographical errors such as ‘Pharaoh hold’ ( instead of holds) the title ‘…on page vii and ‘ There are so many reason ( instead of reasons ) on page 56 should be corrected.

Also, the pages on ‘ ‘What people are saying about Dead Journey’ from page iv to vi should be placed after the Conclusion of the book

RECOMMENDATIONS

This one – of – a – kind book,:with a timeless message of high moral standards is well recommended to parents, educationists, pastors, preachers, worshippers and motivational speakers who interact with the younger generation of Nigerians. Based on the dire consequences of illicit sex which have become pervasive in our society, it is going to generate heated debate on its practicability under the harsh economic realities on ground in the country. But it is a must -read for each and everyone of us.
Price:
N3,000 for hard copy
N1.500 for soft copy
Big kudos to Friday John, the author

Celebrating Olusunle: A mystery mentor turns 60, impacting lives from afar

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As we all roll out drums to celebrate Prof. Tunde Olusunle, a man who has impacted his generation in many ways, I just realised that I have never met him in person.Yet this man has changed my perception, my reasoning, and my views about life in general. He has also impacted my views about politics and politicians in many ways.How could a man that I have never met impact me so much? What’s thick about him? How did I become one of his fans?It all started with a phone call a few years ago…. “Hello, Seriki, I got your number from your editor, Tunde Rahman, and your MD, Eni B.“I had discussed with them about a job offer that you may like. So, I got your number from them to enable me to reach you.

After this call, I will be sending you two email addresses. Please send your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to them, and I will get back to you later.”Of course, I was taken aback. How could a man whom I have never met discuss a job offer for me with my bosses? How did he know me? In these difficult times, if a man has job offers, I thought he should first think about how to get them for his little brothers and cousins, I queried within myself.But the voice that spoke with me sounded too sincere to be that of a fraudster, and the details he gave me about my MD and my editor convinced me that he was out to manipulate me.And if there’s a job for me, should he have called my employers to discuss it with them? Does he want them to sack me? The questions were endless, but I needed to act.I immediately called my wife and told her about my encounter with the strange man, and she advised that I call my MD to confirm and that I should be discreet about it.With nervousness, I picked up my phone and called the MD.

Mind you, my MD is a man of few words. “Sir, a man called me and told me that he had discussed me with you. He asked me to send my CV. Is it true, sir?” He simply answered ‘yes’, and that was all; no further information. Haba!I wasn’t satisfied with that, so I called my editor. His words are not as few as those of the MD. I expected to hear more from him.”My editor, sir, a man called and asked me to send my CV to him. He said he has discussed it with you. His answer, too, was “yes, send.” I tried to ask further questions, but he hung up. His words became few that day.

Well. I took the “risk” of sending my CV to the unknown man, who later turned out to be my advocate.He reconstructed my CV and sent it back to me, and it was like, Wow! The same CV I sent was now looking different and better.I later got to understand that it is a name in Nigeria, especially in the media world. He had worked with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a special adviser. Had also worked with military and civilian governors in the past.The government of Governor Idris Wada in Kogi State at the time needed to engage someone to work with His Excellency, and Prof. Olusunle was contacted, and it was I that came to his mind, a boy he had never met and indeed has not met even today.He didn’t just submit the CV; he pursued the job for me and kept updating me with every development. The rest is history.But this bulged my mind. How could a man I have never met do this? Who could this man be, and what’s his interest?But that is him, a man with a large heart. He does that for people. He doesn’t have to know you.

I have made several attempts to meet him, but that has not happened yet. But he has continued to share his thoughts and suggestions on salient national issues with me. He has shaped my views on several issues.Reading his articles has also groomed me to write better. A couple of times, he has sent me some cash to help my life.How do I celebrate such a good man as he turns 60 today? My family and I have prayed for him. He can only grow bigger and better. A man who seeks the good of another can never go down.Happy 60th birthday to a man with a heart of gold.

Happy 60th birthday to a man with a heart of gold.

Meet Dr. Abdul Karim Bangura: Africa’s Most Educated Man

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Dr. Abdul Karim Bangura is a Sierra Leonean-American scholar, researcher, author, and scientist, widely regarded as one of the most educated individuals in the world. He holds five PhD and speaks 17 languages.He holds the following degrees: B.A. in International Studies – American University (1982), M.A. in International Affairs – American University (1982), Fil. Mag. (Master’s equivalent) – University of Stockholm (1983), PhD in Political Science – Howard University (1987), M.S. in Linguistics – Georgetown University (1989), PhD in Policy Sciences – University of Maryland at Baltimore (1990), PhD in Linguistics – Georgetown University (1992), PhD in Computer Science – Columbus University, New Orleans (2001), PhD in Mathematics.

He speaks 17 languages, including English, Temne, Mende, Krio, Fula, Kono, Limba, Sherbro, Kiswahili, Spanish, Italian, French, Arabic, Hebrew, German, Chinese, and Swedish.He has served in various academic roles, including American University – Professor of International Relations, Researcher-in-Residence, Coordinator of the Islamic Lecture Series, Howard University – Adjunct Professor and Lecturer, Georgetown University – Schiff Summer Program Professor, Bowie State University – Assistant Professor of Political Science, Founding Director of the Center for Success, University of Sierra Leone – Advisory Board Member for the Center for Development and Security Analysis, Brookings Institution – Research Assistant in Middle Eastern Affairs, Atlantic Council of the United States – Academic AssociateDr. Bangura is a prolific author, having written or edited 35 books and over 250 scholarly articles covering topics in political science, linguistics, computer science, mathematics, African studies, international relations, and Islamic studies. Some of his notable works include Multilingualism and Diglossia in Sierra Leone, Black Political Thought, Chaos Theory and African Fractals, Islamic Peace Paradigms, and United States-African Relations: The Reagan-Bush Era.His research has been published in prominent journals, including the Journal of Third World Studies, Africa Today, and the International Journal of the Sociology of Language.

He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the African Journal of Languages and Linguistics and the Journal of Research Methodology and African Studies.Dr. Bangura is a member of numerous academic and professional organizations, including the African Studies Association (Chair of Research Methodology and African Studies Section), Association of Third World Studies (President, 2001-02; UN Ambassador, 2002-04), American Political Science Association, Linguistic Society of America, Mathematical Association of America, Policy Studies Organization, Awards and RecognitionsDr. Bangura’s contributions have been widely recognized with numerous awards, including: Distinguished Scholar Award – Middle Atlantic Writers Association (1995), African Excellence in Scholarship Award – African Studies and Research Forum (2001), the Dubai International Award (2006), Outstanding Scholar Award – Association of Third World Studies (2006), Multiple grants from the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation.

Anambra seals church over ritual practices

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The Anambra State Government has sealed a popular church known as “Children of the Light Anointing Ministry” run by Pastor Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as “Onye Eze Jesus”, over alleged involvement in controversial “Oke-ite” traditional practice.

The church located in Amafor village, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state was sealed by operatives of the state security outfit, “Agunechemba” during their visit to the premises on Sunday.

During the visit to the site, some substances including containers and other items were found at the premises.

This was disclosed in a post on the Anambra State government X handle on Sunday.

This development, it was gathered marked the third high-profile crackdown on “quick riches” spiritualists in Anambra, following the crackdown and arrests of popular native doctors and individuals engaged in “Oke-ite” practices.

The state authorities also sealed some of their shrines for engaging in such activities.

It was gathered that “Oke Ite” is a concoction made from human parts, animals, and herbs mixed in a mud pot and used for money rituals and the state authorities have identified it as a fraudulent scheme used by native doctors to deceive unsuspecting victims.Related News

Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser to the Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, on Community Security, also announced the closure of the church while leading members of “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” to the site.

Emeakayi stated that the action was taken in response to public complaints and a video where the pastor allegedly admitted to practising “Oke Ite” and other dubious rituals.

He said, “The state government will conduct forensic tests on liquid substances found at the ministry. While the state government does not oppose any religious practice, it will not tolerate those that promote a ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality.

“Additionally, forensic experts will analyse samples from River Bethsaida, where the spiritualist, also known as ‘Aka na Asa Uchu’, is said to conduct baths for individuals.

“The investigation aims to determine any potential health hazards associated with the practice. The Anambra State government remains committed to curbing fraudulent religious and ritualistic practices in the state.”

The spiritualist was said to have gained popularity for his style of taking followers to a river in Nkpor.

Ikenna Obianeri

Why I kept my twin boys’ birth private – Chimamanda Adichie

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Globally acclaimed and award-winning Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, has revealed that she gave birth to twin boys in 2024, adding to her family, including her nine-year-old daughter.

In a recent interview, Adichie spoke about the intense curiosity surrounding her life, the profound losses she has experienced, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her writing career.

Adichie, who has kept the details of her private life under wraps, revealed that she was always cautious about revealing too much, particularly when it came to her family.

“I want to protect my children,” she explained. “I’m OK with having them mentioned, but I don’t want the piece to become about them,” she shared.

She was said to have further expressed her resistance to sharing personal details with the public, stating that for a long time, people didn’t even know she had a husband, Ivara Esege, a hospital physician, whom she married in 2009, but kept that information largely out of the media spotlight.

Explaining why she keeps her private life hidden, Adichie was quoted as saying, “So, here’s the thing, Nigerians are… they want to know about your personal life. Because of that, I am resistant. I very rarely talk about it.”

At the age of 47, which she reportedly described as a “grand old age” and that “I always forget how old I am. I’m not even joking,” Adichie juggled the pressures of motherhood with the demands of finishing her long-awaited novel—a task she had not anticipated taking so long.

Her return to fiction with Dream Count features the interconnected lives of four women and explores themes like the immigrant experience, the relationship between Africans and African Americans, and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood and marriage.

Reflecting on her decade-long break from fiction, Adichie reportedly opened up about how motherhood caused a creative block that left her feeling disconnected from her writing.

She was quoted as saying, “I didn’t want to leave such a long gap between novels. When I got pregnant [with her daughter], something just happened. I had a number of years in which I was almost existentially frightened that I wouldn’t write again. It was unbearable.

“There are expressions like ‘writer’s block’ I don’t like to use because I’m superstitious. But I had many years in which I felt cast out from my creative self, cast out from the part of me that imagines and creates; I just could not reach it. I could write nonfiction, and that was fine. But that’s not what my heart wanted.”

The breakthrough reportedly came when she was writing Notes on Grief, her memoir about the death of her father in 2020.

“When her father died of kidney failure, she was in her fiction-not-being-available-to-me phase, but as she struggled for the language to write Notes on Grief (2021), she noticed that something had loosened,” the report read.

It continued, “There was a willingness to let go, she says, to surrender control; a feeling similar to the way she’d felt writing fiction. She wasn’t doing anything different – not physically, at least.

“She was still “scrunched up” with her laptop on her ottoman in the corner of her bedroom. If anything was different, it was how much wiser she felt; how “hyper-aware of how fleeting life is. It makes you think about your own mortality, but also, ‘What do I care about? What matters?’”

Adichie was said to have been initially unsure if she could write about her mother, who passed away in 2021 as “there was nothing,” when she tried it head-on.

However, as she worked on Dream Count, she gradually realised that the novel was a tribute to her late mother.

“Only when I was almost done did I realise, my God, it’s about my mother. It wasn’t intentional. I’m happy that it’s not a sad book. She wouldn’t want a sad book dedicated to her,” Adichie was quoted as saying.

It was reported that Dream Count is scheduled for release on 3 March 2025 as the highly anticipated new work will be published in the UK and the Commonwealth by 4th Estate, and in the US and Canada by Knopf.

Chimamanda Adichie