society
INTERVIEW WITH TOHEEB DELE-BALOGUN; A CREATIVE ADVERTISING EXPERT AS HE TELLS HIS STORY ABOUT HIS RECENT BOOK PROJECT ~BY CHINEDU NSOFOR
INTERVIEW WITH TOHEEB DELE-BALOGUN; A CREATIVE ADVERTISING EXPERT AS HE TELLS HIS STORY ABOUT HIS RECENT BOOK PROJECT
~BY CHINEDU NSOFOR
Please can you start by sharing a bit about yourself and your background? What led you to pursue your current field?*
My name is Toheeb Dele-Balogun, and I’m a Nigerian based in Lagos and in the UK. I work in the creative side of advertising, where I tell stories for brands. Currently, I am Partner at The hook Creative Agency. My role involves creating impactful brand ideas and communication strategies for private and public institutions. I have always believed in the power of storytelling to shape individuals and society at large.
So how have you been telling these stories over the years?*
I was copywriter for along time. I did campaigns for most of the top brands in Nigeria and won lots of industry awards. I still tell brand stories now but my role has evolved. I consult for brands as a Partner at The hook. And I am currently exploring other forms of storytelling, particularly, fiction. I have a book coming out later in October 2024. It’s called Don’t Tell these stories. In fact we just did a pre-launch show at Creative Bloc Carnival.Interesting. What were the highlights at the Pre-launch show?*
Creative Bloc Carnival is an annual event. I used the carnival to preview my book. The reaction to the book project was massive. “Don’t Tell These Stories” is a thought-provoking collection featuring about 70 short stories. These include stories on child marriage, moral decline, patriotism, politics among others. Each story addresses a different human issue, and the book is an artwork in its execution. It is unique and rare in its format.
See, I wanted to rekindle the passion for reading by presenting the book in ways that attract the modern reader. You will pick it up if you see it, it’s irresistible. The cover will immediately attract you. Once you start a story, you will finish it because it’s short. We’ll produce copies in different forms; for instance, one version will be entirely black with white text, limited to only 10 copies. Then, there will be burnt copy. These ones will have visible burnt scars on them and impactful visuals inside, it will be available at the exhibition later this month and will be sold in Art galleries across country. Lastly, we will have the basic copy, it’s text only. It will be available in bookstores across Nigeria and, globally, on Amazon.com and their kindle platform.
What inspired you to write this story?*
About ten years ago, I stumbled on this six-word story written by Ernest Heminway, For sale: baby’s shoes. Never used. Tt’s about a pregnant woman who bought shoes for her future child, but tragically, the child never got to wear them. The story is really brief and profound. So I gave myself a challenge to write something similar. This project started as that, six-word story. With time I discovered that some stories couldn’t retain their profoundness within the limit of six-words. I became more flexible with the number of words I used but I as still committed to using the least number of words possible for as long as the story is profound. In Don’t Tell These Stories you will find stories that are just six words and other that are more, in fact most of the stories can be described as very short stories, not six-word stories. I didn’t want to box myself with number of words. I followed my muse.
*Q: Why very short stories?*
Times have changed. We live in the most distracted era ever so literature as we know it needs to evolve as well to keep performing its function in shaping the consciousness of society as large. I am writing for the distracted generation. Thomas Hardy wrote Tess of the d’Urbervilles for people without Television, radio or digital entertainment. He wrote for people that will queue to read the news bulletin. His writings were accessed by most people that could read then. Literature and fiction, as a genre, were the mainstream entertainment. So people that could read had their consciousness and morality shaped by the works of these great authors. Overtime, literature has been struggling to have that kind of influence because of the influx of other active entertainment platforms. Most people that could read now don’t see literature as the go-to entertainment. The percentage of literary audience among the large literate population is decreasing every year. We need to do something about it.
I’m writing for a people with fleeting attention span. I want to do fiction that will actually be read by most people that can read and I hope to have profound effect on their consciousness using the least number of words possible. All the feedback I have had on this project have been exciting. “I will totally read this”, I have heard that from countless number of people during preview sessions.
How do stories shape the society?*
We are shaped by things we experience. If people are exposed to low-thought materials on social media it will influence the how they think and perceive the world around them. There’s no vacuum in nature. Literature and its long form structure have struggled to keep up with the evolving reading audience. That needs to be fixed. Literary works are not just stories, they are philosophical gems delivered in stories. I aim to improve the quality of thought and conversation with my work. The stories in my book might be short but a lot thought went into writing every single line.
Can you give a general view of what the book is book?*
The themes I explored are today’s: the external pressures on relationships, the daily conflict with conscience, japa, race, morality, traditional values that we need to regain and those we need to lose among others. There’s a story that I really like, it’s titled Viral Hugs:
John’s depression tweet got 30,000 likes, 10,000 shares. And zero phone call.
The story is really short but it’s gained traction among younger audience that are living in the dual reality of digital vs physical worlds.
Looking ahead, what upcoming events are you most excited about?*
I am most excited about my upcoming exhibition on the 27th of October, which will take place in Lagos, Nigeria. It’s an exclusive event to launch my project. The exhibition is set to fully explore the multi-modal nature of the book, Don’t Tell These Stories. We’re creating a space for people to not just read, but experience these stories and make memories off it.
What is your long-term vision for these project? How do you hope they will evolve in the future?*
My long-term vision is to take my exhibitions beyond Lagos. I plan to host book shows and exhibitions events in various cities across world. After I’m done with Lagos, London is next.
There’s a universal aspect to my stories and I think the world should experience it.
What challenges did you encounter while writing this book, and how did you overcome them?*
Honestly, I didn’t face many external challenges, but I did struggle personally. There were moments I had doubts on proceeding on a story because of its sensitive nature but I remind myself that that’s the whole essence of the book, Stories that shouldn’t be told.
The stories are thought-provoking and addresses themes that some might find uncomfortable. I have pushed through that internal struggle and defied self-doubts to finish the project. I was able to pushcthrough because of the support of family, my partners at The hook and my creative sparring partner, Ayo Ishola. They have all made these project a reality.
What impact do you want your project to have on the world?*
To make the world a better place: from the level of the individual to the world at large
Thank you for making out time to have this conversation*
Thank you for having me.
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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