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2023: Datti, the Future and Fulani Advantage.

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*2023: Datti, the Future and Fulani Advantage.

By Bolaji O. Akinyemi.

 

 

 

 

The invincibility of Fulani in our political space is far more than what can be seen and measured. From the conquest of Sokoto and northern Nigeria till date, their expansionism and entrenchment hasn’t abated. That is who Fulanis are, and Datti is one of them! The younger brother of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed on whom I wrote: *”Northern Elders and Their Mouth from Mauritania”.*

 

2023: Datti, the Future and Fulani Advantage.

 

 

 

 

 

Reminding me of Datti’s Fulani identity is needless. Our experience with the tribe might have been generally not pleasant, but no tribe is entirely bad and none is outrightly good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Datti, I hope will be the good report of Fulani in leadership. Realist me, however, good or bad is prepared, the future will happen! If history is the panacea to the future, it won’t be out of place to take caution based on history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The frenzy of the Obi-dients shouldn’t be beclouded by the reality of what lies ahead. Datti is first a Fulani man, a 2nd generation one at that. Even the Bible supports Datti’s possibility of favoritism of his family of faith!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gal 6:10 (NET): “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.”

 

 

 

 

Islam no doubt is a generous faith. It has given undue advantage to immigrants while indigenous Muslim citizens are being compelled by Northern Elders to step down. Their Christian counterparts begged for Vice presidency yet weren’t given.

The scale of balance in the north is pivoted on one pillar, Islam and the dynamic swings in the direction of 2 Muslim tribes, Fulani and the Kanuri, every other tribe and religion will pick the floor for whatever the scale pan couldn’t hold.

That is the reality we are compelled to rationalize against by civilization but 99.9% of Fulani are primitive and uncivilized, living in the forest and watching the back of their elites corps who in turn ensure they are protected by policies and actions whenever and wherever needed!

Should Obi be suspicious of his Fulani running mate: “seeing what Atiku did to Obasanjo? Atiku nearly topedoed Obasanjo, despite that OBJ was a very strong personality and former military head of state”!

A brother and friend, a pen warrior who rose to become an editor of one of the leading Newspapers in the country wrote in reaction to my article; *2023 Election: Fulani Versus the rest of Nigeria* thus:

_”Can Obi survive where Obasanjo nearly perished? The same Obasanjo was reduced to a figurehead military head of state by his deputy, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a Fulani! Beware of the Fulani!_

_Eliminating the Fulani from the 2023 election equation is a task that must be done!_

_Hence, the PDP and LP tickets must be avoided like a plague. Only Tinubu’s Yoruba/Kanuri and Kwankwaso’s Hausa/South South tickets should be considered. A word, they say, is enough for the wise!”_

His counsel seems armless when viewed from the prism of politics, but reality must tend politics, informed by history and prevailed upon to chat a new path to the future. While we can’t deny the tendencies of each component tribe that make up the house of Nigeria based on historical antecedents, denying the rights of individual to elect and be elected is nothing but a campaign of calumny and manifest democratic ignorance. Bare faced tribal hatred that must be avoided!

Ours is a democracy and its tenets must inform our thoughts, guide of decisions and initiate our actions!

A lesson in politics taught me by Bishop Theophilus Ajose, PFN DPG Director for Lagos state is the need for us as Christians to be in every political party where primary decisions are made for secondary voters’ decision. This is the Fulani advantage. We must be strategic going forward, like Fulani a tribe of less than 5 million people overwhelming a nation of over 200 million, we must be everywhere!

In 2015, I was on the side of Nation Builders. I knew Goodluck was better than Buhari, partisan politicians thought otherwise and fell prey to the Oligarchy plan!

In 2019, the choices were between Fulanis’ devil and the deep blue sea.
Nation Builders knew Atiku was a Better Fulani man than Buhari who was half Fulani and half Kanuri. With all due respect to Ijebu and Ijesa people, do permit me to use this uncharitable reference of an adage; ijebu o dara, ijesa o sun won, enikan lohun ijebujesa! That is the summary. Fulani/Kanuri leadership provided by Buhari. But partisan politicians in hope of “Emi lokan” thought otherwise, hence we are here!

Burdened with 77 trillion and in search of an amount over that in alleged stamp duty fraud!

2023, we are not stranded facing the blue sea while the devil is in chase of us. Today we have a third force birthed not by us, but the high-handedness of PDP. Within the context of our exigencies, all Nation Builders should agree with me that Obi is the best among the LEADING four! Partisan politicians are saying otherwise in defense of their parties and candidates!

In priority of our needs; if fighting insecurity is the premium, check Obi’s record of Anambra before his administration and during his administration.

If checking political elites and legislative corruption is of any importance to us as a nation, check on Obi’s administration efforts as Governor of Anambra state. He was impeached for this purpose, all thanks to the hope of the common man, the judiciary!

If education is the foundation upon which all great nations are built, check Obi’s achievement in Education!

On the economy – we must never be tempted to measure by the hidden channels of greasing hands and lining pockets under infrastructural developments – which the wellbeing of the state as it provides opportunity for the well-being of individuals within the state. What then was the economy of Lagos and Anambra under Tinubu and Obi as Chief Executives of their states?

Obi has promised consumption to production. Tinubu has promised to reduce purchasing power and to widen tax net. Each of them has personally proven their capacity in these areas. Obi is a stingy man consuming little and producing so much! His expenses doesn’t look like what can threaten his wealth, it never did Anambra in 8years, he rather left billions without any loan burden whatsoever. Is it bad to take loan? No! But can we afford to add to our overburdening? Growth is possible without loan, Malaysia has taught the world!

Tinubu widened the net of tax collection in Lagos and for as long as Lagos exists, his unborn children can never lack. This is the choice before us!

Obi is not a saint and we can’t find any, anyway. Within the context of our urgent need to keep Nigeria together as one and purse the 4 agenda mentioned; insecurity, corruption, education and the economy, Obi is my choice and honestly should be for anyone who truly love Nigeria!

In conclusion; we can’t deny Datti or any other man of any tribe their legitimate rights as citizens but we all as tribesmen can protect our interests by sending true representatives of our communities to the national assembly! Under the APC administration of one Fulani President and one Yoruba Vice President between 2015 and 2023, how come things have fallen so bad, are all our Senators and House of Representatives Members also Fulani?

This situation Image-Nation is seeking to confront and provide solution to, God willing with the cooperation of Nigerians at the Blue Chamber, on the 18th of February 2023 decisions will be taken in favour of a united Nigeria and in protection of our ethnic nationalities!

Blue is the colour of love, our Green and Red Chambers must draw their mandate from our Blue Chamber, blue being the colour of LOVE must lead us to this election.

Green speaks of a new beginning, of growth and the productivity it must birth!

Red speaks of Sacrifice, courage and justice!

Let’s make it a new beginning of productivity and justice at the BLUE CHAMBER, a people’s driven “National Assembly”. Where worthy representatives of the people to the Green and Red Chambers of our National Assembly in line with the values of sacrifice, courage, justice for new beginning of growth and productivity will be decided and endorsed for the new Nigeria!

Will PDP Senators and House of Reps Members be comfortable in an Obi led Presidency? May be, and may be not! APC Senators and House of Rep members are just the other side of the same coin, a legislative gang up can’t be ruled out given Obi’s determination to lower cost of governance and push for cuts in legislators’ allowances! We must decide NASS composition away from political party tradition. Those who have proven themselves worth in the 9th Assembly, we will work and walk in their constituencies to return. New Legislators on tickets apart from APC and PDP should be given opportunity.

A new Nigeria can only be birthed in the chambers of the National Assembly.

Our Senators and House or Reps Members are far more important than who becomes the President in the dynamics needed to reset Nigeria!

*Legislative Revolution Network, LRN* is the only way to make it possible!

Be Honourable! Join us at the Blue Chamber for Image-Nation!

Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder, President Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener, Apostolic Round Table.
08033041236
[email protected]

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Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

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Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

 

Majority of Deltans are unanimous in their submissions that the name of
Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, a celebrated top civil servant and retired permanent secretary in Delta State Government House has been recorded in the good side of history.

Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

As he clocked 60 today, family members, friends, associates and well wishers have been falling over themselves to pay tribute to a kind hearted and jolly good fellow.

 

Edwin, a scion of the famous Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, a family noted for producing top bureaucrats and influential public servants.

For 35 years until he retired in January 2024, he added values to Delta State civil service, deepening its positive nuances and was one of the people that nurtured the civil service of the young state upon creation in 1991 to its now enviable heights, setting it along with others on a trajectory that has made it one of the best in the country.

Gbegbaje’s story is far from the proverbial rags-to-riches . He was born into comfort and high society, but suddenly lost his affluent parents in his first and third years at the University of Jos, but with good counsel and guidance of relatives who were bureaucrats, Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje made a career choice that saw him becoming a permanent secretary at 46, a very rare feat in those days.

In an interview conducted three years ago to celebrate his 57 years, he offered a glimpse into his life, challenges and triumph. “I come from the larger Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. We have quite several branches of the genealogical tree. We have the Abesan. The patriarch of the family is Chief Gbegbaje Dasone.

“We have Oloyo Gbegbaje and Ogidi Gbegbaje. My parents were civil servants like myself. My mum was a social welfare officer who rose through the ranks.During the late Ambrose Ali administration in Bendel State, she was appointed permanent secretary. My father was a medical doctor.

“He was the first radiologist in the defunct Bendel State and second in the country. My father was the chief consultant radiologist in Bendel State. I also have an uncle, Mr. K Gbegbaje who was a permanent secretary. When he retired, he became the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission. I have an uncle who was the first Accountant-General of Kwara State. He was in the northern civil service in the 60s.He later became Chairman of National Oil. I am from a family of bureaucrats. I attended Emotan Primary School in Benin.

“I proceeded to Edo College. When I left Edo College, I had the desire to leave Benin. Even when I was admitted into UNIBEN to study Economics and Statistics, I wasn’t enthusiastic. So, I got admission to study Political Science in Jos in 1981. Prof Emovon from UNIBEN was the Vice-Chancellor in Jos at the time. As I was entering, Jos ceased being a campus of the University of Ibadan. I was there from 1981 -1985. I graduated before my 21st birthday.

“Unfortunately, I lost my dad as I was entering the university in 1981. When I was just getting into my third year, I lost my mum.

It wasn’t easy being the eldest among my siblings. In fact, I was encouraged to come for Christmas holiday in Benin without knowing that the evening of my arrival in Benin was the period of my mum’s service of songs.

“I didn’t have an inkling that such a thing had happened. I didn’t even hear that she was ill. I was shocked when I saw canopies in my compound at Ovie Whiskey Avenue close to Ekhewan Campus. A prominent Jos-based businessman from Ughelli encouraged me to visit home for Christmas.

“I graduated in 1985 and taught at a secondary school in Iko-Eket, Cross River State. Just as I was finishing, there were some advertisements for jobs. I didn’t see the one for NNPC early enough.Towards the end of 1988, my uncle who was the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission, said since I couldn’t get a private sector job, I should participate in extended interviews, especially since I had sat for ASCON examination.

“He advised me to start a career in the civil service. By the end of 1988, letters of appointment were out. I wasn’t conscious of the fact that the person who resumes first becomes the senior in service. I didn’t resume early. My uncle said I was supposed to have resumed instead of waiting to resume in the New Year. A few of my friends who were conscious of it had resumed and they became my seniors in service. I resumed on January 3, 1989.

“That was how my career started. We were supposed to come in as administrative officers Grade 7, but at that time there was a decree. So, by the time we came in, we were designated as personnel officers. We were regarded as the special class.

“Upon the creation of Delta State on August 27, 1991, we all had to move to Asaba. In fact, the movement was swift.
We were all not fully prepared for the swift movement. There was a surge of human beings into Asaba with the state creation. A lot of us couldn’t get accommodation in Asaba when we came. In fact, I stayed in Ibusa for nine years. It was when I met my wife that we moved to Asaba. A lot of my colleagues were sleeping in the offices then.

On his retirement, the Delta State governor praised Gbegbaje’s contribution to the growth of the state.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the retirement thanks-giving service of Gbegbaje, urged civil servants in the state to emulate his virtues.

Speaking at a grand reception in honour of the celebrant at the Events Centre, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described Ogidi-Gbegbaje as an intelligent, humble, diligent, transparent, process driven, selfless, accountable and compassionate bureaucrat.

While congratulating the retired Permanent Secretary for his diligent and patriotic service to the state, Oborevwori said Ogidi-Gbegbaje was very helpful in the last seven months of his administration.

According to him, “a lot has been said about Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje and I also have a personal experience about him while I was Speaker and in the last seven months as Governor of Delta State, we have worked very closely and he helped me to settle down quickly.

“Sir Ogidi-Gbegbaje played his role very well, he is diligent in his duties and was always giving good and useful advise wherever he worked.

“Your service to humanity is something worth emulating and I must say that I enjoyed working with you. I congratulate you for 35 years of unblemished and meritorious service to the government and people of Delta State.

“We are going to miss you, the civil service will miss you, the machinery of government will miss you, you are retired but you are not tired, and your service is still needed.

“I want other civil servants to emulate your commitment to duty. So my message to other civil servants is that they should emulate Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje.

“If you look at his journey in the civil service from Bendel to Delta, you see his commitment to duty. Today, he has finished strong and we rejoice with him and his family”.

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, congratulated the celebrant for a successful retirement from service and urged other civil servants to emulate his kind virtues and commitment to duty.

From all indications, Edwin Ogidi-Gbagbaje is worth celebrating, he has touched numerous lives in the last six decades.

At the cusp of his 60th anniversary, the social and the civil service landscapes pulse with milestones he has achieved thus reasserting his worth as a rare force of nature. As family and friends join him in celebrating his 60th birthday, the image that pops into head is that of his genius and the passionate intensity he possesses, literally squizing water from stone as far as the public service is concerned. His brilliant performance as a permanent secretary, Delta State Government House, has earned him another appointment. He is currently the Chairman, Delta State Bureau for Pension and has been giving a splendid account of himself.

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“In All Life’s Hardships, Keep Your Smile” By Prudent Ludidi

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"In All Life's Hardships, Keep Your Smile" By Prudent Ludidi

“In All Life’s Hardships, Keep Your Smile” By Prudent Ludidi

Let’s talk about a powerful tool that can help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence, resilience, and hope. That tool is your smile.

 

Life can be tough. It can throw us curveballs, test our resolve, and push us to our limits. But in the midst of hardship, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We forget to smile, forget to laugh, and forget to live.

"In All Life's Hardships, Keep Your Smile" By Prudent Ludidi

Your smile is more than just a facial expression. It’s a symbol of strength, courage, and determination. It’s a beacon of hope that shines brightly, even in the darkest moments.

When life gets tough, it’s tempting to frown, to cry, or to give up. But I urge you to do the opposite. Smile. Smile through the tears, smile through the pain, and smile through the struggles.

Smiling doesn’t mean you’re ignoring your problems or pretending everything is okay. It means you’re choosing to rise above, to find the silver lining, and to focus on the good.

Your smile has the power to transform your mindset, inspire others, diffuse tension, and heal emotional wounds. It’s a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and fear.

Think about it. When was the last time you smiled? Really smiled? Not just a polite smile or a forced grin, but a genuine, heartwarming smile?

Smiling can:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Boost your mood and energy
Improve your relationships
Increase your resilience

So, how can you keep your smile shining bright, even in the face of adversity?

Find the humor in difficult situations. Laughter is a powerful way to shift your perspective and lighten the load.

Practice gratitude daily. Focus on the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem.

Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with people who uplift and support you.

Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and prioritize self-care.

Remember, your smile is contagious. It can light up a room, brighten someone’s day, and change the atmosphere.

In all life’s hardships, keep your smile. It’s a reminder that better days are ahead, that you’re stronger than you think, and that you’re not alone.

Your smile is your superpower. Use it to overcome obstacles, to uplift others, and to create a ripple effect of joy and positivity.

Don’t let life’s challenges steal your smile. Keep shining, keep smiling, and keep pushing forward.

You are stronger than you think.

You are braver than you feel.

And you are capable of overcoming anything that comes your way.

So, smile. Smile with confidence. Smile with courage. Smile with hope!

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Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

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Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

 

The Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS, Nigerian Army) and Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador (Lt General rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR has said that Lagos State has all the qualifications of a modern city and is one of the most populated cities in Sub – Saharan Africa. He went further to affirm that Lagos is also indicative of the degree to which Nigeria’s economic, political, social, and cultural landscape is deeply embedded within the global system.

 

Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

He made this assertion on Wednesday 20th November, 2024 as the keynote Speaker at the Second Edition of the Lagos State University of Education Security Summit, with the theme: Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai, while delivering the lecture in a paper titled: Lagos in Nigeria’s National Security and Defence Architecture: An Analysis.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai postulated in his paper that, “The presence of strategic military installations, the verse Atlantic Ocean and extensive coastline has placed Lagos State on the strategic defense map of the Armed Forces of Nigeria”, He said further that, ” While the sea provides a strategic economic status it could also be vulnerable to external attacks across the ocean”.

 

In his paper, Ambassador Tukur Buratai reiterated that the Lagos State government should begin to look at the options and implications of having its own security.

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also emphasized the urgent necessity to bolster our nation’s troop level to 800,000. He said a larger and more robust force will enhance operational readiness, improve our country’s capacity to respond to various contingencies, and strengthen our alliance on the international stage.

 

 

He also called for the establishment of a Marine Corps for the Nigerian Navy to be strategically stationed in key regions such as Lagos, Borno, Cross River, and Port Harcourt.

 

 

He also raised the pressing issue of the persistent lack of stable power supply in Lagos. He asserted that the Lagos State Government must urgently prioritize the development of independent power generation.

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also lauded the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategy regarding security in Lagos, which provides an example for governor’s throughout Nigeria. He said the governor recognizes that genuine security transcends mere physical presence or reactive measures. He commended the governor’s innovative approach, which has redefined the urban governance, and has also set a benchmark for other states to follow.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also recalled that during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff, he had the distinct privilege of witnessing the fruitful collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Lagos State under the leadership of Former Governor Ambode and now Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

 

 

Ambassador Buratai, during the lecture, also appluaded the Lagos State Government on its infrastructural development in Lagos State, especially the Red and Blue Railway lines.

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also commended the Federal Government interventions in the development of Lagos State, while applauding the construction of the Lagos to Calabar Highway, he adviced the Lagos State and Federal Government on the security implications of opening up the high way, he suggested to the government to be proactive by early planning for its security when opened and becomes operational.

 

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education, Prof B. B Lafiaji-Okuneye welcomed Ambassador Tukur Buratai to the institution. In her words, she said, ” The great warlord and global peace ambassador is visiting our great institution for the first time. Sir, we appreciate you and what you stand for. Your desire for a Nigeria that is peaceful and safe, where the citizens and residents are free and are given every opportunity to prove their worth and contribute to the growth and development of the nation is evident “.

 

 

While making his contribution during the summit, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Lagos State, appreciated and commended Ambassador Buratai for adding value to the security summit and more importantly adding value to the Lagos State University of Education. The Commissioner also drew the attention of the participants of the summit to parts of Ambassador Buratai’s paper, where he elaborated on the strategy of social inclusiveness rather than the use of force to curb insecurity.

 

 

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Barr Tolani Sule on behalf of the Lagos State University of Education, presented a Plague of Honour to Ambassador Buratai for his role in nation building.

 

 

Other discussant at the Summit included, HRM, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, (Arolugbade 11, the Oloja of Epe Land and the Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs), HRM, Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa ( The Aladi of Ijanikin Kingdom), HRM, Oba (Dr) Aina Josiah Olanrewaju ( IKUYAMIKU 1, the Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom) and HRH, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP ( ALADESHOYIN, the Paramount Ruler of Odo – Noforija Kingdom), all of whom spoke on the theme :Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.

 

 

The event which was attended by various Traditional Rulers, Members of the Governing Council and Senate of the Institution, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education in Lagos State, Barr Tolani Sule, Captain of Industries, Security and Para Military Chiefs in Lagos State, various invited guests and the students.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai’s delegation to the summit included, Lt General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd), Former Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army, Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (rtd), Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, Alhaja Toyyibat Adeosun, Alhaji Isa Dogo amongst others.

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