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Jakande buries them in shame By Tunde Odesola

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Jakande buries them in shame- History, like Ekiti’s Ikogosi springs of warm and cold fountains, embodies profundities. Either for good or bad reasons, history always cascades down the confluence of discovery, depth and truth, meandering into the past.

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Whenever history repeats itself for good, cymbals accompany resounding ovations – like the joy of a soccer cup game win. But, oftentimes when history catches man on the wrong foot, grief trails destruction – like the outstanding incompetence of the retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s regime in securing lives and property.

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Buhari’s colossal inability to deliver on any of his electoral promises reads like the devil’s scripture.

Eagle-eyed, silent and deadpan, history is the unblinking secret camera watching and recording events, not for God, but for man and the future called posterity, in the global village called humanity.

While unsmart nations writhe in pain as history rewrites unpalatable events, smart nations write in joy, historic accomplishments of epic proportions, on the glorious sands of time.

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Giant in size but dwarf in reasoning, the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government, in the first decade of the millennium, yanked History off primary and secondary schools curricula as a core subject even as the Buhari regime that has promised to restore it as a core subject since 2017, has yet to fully do so.

It’s scandalous that multi-billion-dollar security funds could develop wings and disappear while the self-acclaimed ruling Africa’s largest party was unmindful of the wisdom in the saying that a people without history are on the path to extinction.

That the PDP could even toy with the idea of expunging History from school curricula was a corroboration of the fact that successive national governments since 1999 didn’t have an understanding of citizenship rights and education.

If Nigerian leaders made citizens’ welfare the cornerstone of service, they would know that History is yesterday’s searchlight, beamed on today for man to understand the present and prepare for the future.

For the sake of the up-and-coming Nigerian generation which has been denied the knowledge of History by subsequent governments, I shall embark on a journey to Katsina in a history-driven vehicle.

While in Katsina, I shall teleport to the tomb of former Nigerian President, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, at the Dan Marina Cemetery, Katsina, to pay obsequies to the memory of a true Nigerian nationalist who wasn’t an emotionless, tight-lipped nepotistic bigot. At the Dan Marina Cemetery, I shall compare and contrast the achievements of Yar’Adua with those of Buhari in order for Nigerians to see who the patriot is among the two Fulani sons.

I will also visit the Ilupeju residence of the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who passed on to eternal glory last week at 91, and compare him with the civilian governors that had led the state of aquatic splendor after him.

I decided to embark on this route of historical juxtaposition in order to be fair enough to Buhari, whose awful spokespersons, always make the life patron of Meyeti Allah cattle breeders look like the victim, who’s doing all in his power to make life better for an ungrateful Nigerian nation.

Being a former university lecturer, Yar’Adua appeared more cerebral than Buhari. Yar’Adua addressed journalists freely and neither engaged in characteristic verbal miscues nor relied solely on prepared speech before addressing some local and international audiences.

Yar’Adua was the one and only Nigerian president till date, who publicly declared his nearly N1bn assets and liabilities, completely unlike Buhari, who vowed to publicly declare his assets while campaigning for votes, but reneged when he got to power.

Despite coming from an illustrious family and being younger to Buhari, Yar’Adua didn’t foist his Fulani ethic nationality over other nationalities even as he granted amnesty to Niger Delta militants, reflecting true nationalism.

Not one to be beclouded by political vindictiveness, Yar’Adua taught former President Olusegun Obasanjo some lesson in leadership fairness when he released the N10bn allocation accruable to Lagos State, but which Obasanjo had seized and refused to release despite a Supreme Court ruling.

Appointments by Yar’Adua into the leaderships of the Armed Forces, executive cabinet and government parastatals weren’t tilted in favour of the North just as he matched his word up with action, implementing the N18,000 minimum wage promised to the electorate.

A Master’s degree holder in Analytical Chemistry from the Ahmadu Bello University, Yar’Adua, who was the Matawalle of Katsina, didn’t open fire on innocent protesters while he was president for three years.

Also, he didn’t turn Aso Rock into a barracks for warring family members, wife, children and security aides.

The Nigerian leader, who died at 58, was in firm control of his household as there was no reported case of infighting among family members, yet he didn’t claim to champion any War Against Indiscipline.

Yar’Adua wasn’t a pretender, who owned choice properties, and yet wanted Nigerians to see him as spartan and frugal. Also, he didn’t indulge his children by laying at their feet the fleet of presidential jets for running errands and photoshopping trips.

On the watch of the great Katsina General, Nigeria is not Golgotha. It’s an abattoir littered with skulls, limbs and blood of insecurity. It’s the hell where death snacks on the slow-moving chameleon and snaps up the reckless frog jumping about dangerously. It’s the riddle of the caring father that turns the gun on his harmless children who complained at the Lekki tollgate, threatening to squish more children in a promised second-coming blitzkrieg.

On Jakande’s 90th birthday in 2019, I wrote a tribute, “Lateef Jakande and the Lathieves,” in my PUNCH newspaper column on July 29, 2019.

The article reads in part, “Baba Kekere, as he was popularly called, was elected on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria on October 1, 1979 and just five months after his inauguration, he built 11,729 schools, whereas a latter-day democrat cuddled the list of his cabinet members for six months!

“Visionary and incorruptible, Jakande saw tomorrow and was prepared to carry his people along with him into it. Jakande embarked on the construction of a metro line before the mallam led khaki boys to strike and terminate the monumental project. Jakande was subsequently probed and cleared of corruption charges.

“He changed the lives of his people through genuine developmental strides, establishing the Lagos State University, Radio Lagos and Television, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, numerous housing estates, genuine free education and opening up Ikotun, Ajah and Jakande never named any of his landmark achievements after himself.

“He only wanted to live in the minds of his people forever. His children attended the public schools he built. His wife, Abimbola, neither operated as First Lady nor spent taxpayers’ money on personal whims called pet projects. While in power, LKJ never traveled out for medical check-ups or vacations.

“For him, no state assignment was so urgent to make him fly a helicopter though Lagos was rich enough to buy 10 copters. He never needed to buy bulletproof SUVs nor built a mansion on the island. Jakande lived among the people in Ilepeju with Oshodi as his next-door neighbor.

“Born in the Epetedo area of Lagos State on July 23, 1929 to parents who hailed from Omu Aran in Kwara State, Jakande rose through the dint of discipline, hard work, commitment and perseverance to become the Editor of Tribune newspaper and later founded the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

“He never had a university education but he had the love of his people at his heart.

Since Lagos fell on the laps of self-acclaimed democrats in 1999, all the billions of dollars they expended on infrastructure cannot match the achievements Jakande produced in four years with little resources.

LKJ’s achievements litter the landscape. Where are their achievements? If you ask me, na who I go ask?

Adieu, Baba Kekere!

This column goes on a four-week break – starting from next week. All work and no vacation… Cheers!

Email: tundeodes2003@yahoo.com
Facebook: @tunde odesola
Twitter: @tunde_odesola

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Fashion/Lifestyle

Queen Lovelyn Is A Year Older

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Queen Lovelyn Is A Year Older

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Delectable queen and model, Lovelyn is a year older. Queen Lovelyn who is an aspiring international model is set to celebrate her birthday with pomp and pageantry on Thursday, November 7, 2023.

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PoshGlow Skincare Boss, Folasade Agbeluyi Goes Into Food Business, Launches FOLASH FOODS & FOLASH TASTE

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PoshGlow Skincare Boss, Folasade Agbeluyi Goes Into Food Business, Launches FOLASH FOODS & FOLASH TASTE

 

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In a remarkable expansion of her entrepreneurial portfolio, renowned beautician, Folasade Agbeluyi, CEO of PoshGlow Skincare, has successfully launched a new business empire – FOLASH FOODS. This venture specializes in exporting a diverse range of Nigerian raw foods in large quantities to the UK, US, and Canada.

The dynamic entrepreneur has not stopped at FOLASH FOODS but has also introduced FOLASH TASTE, an innovative online restaurant where delightful and mouthwatering dishes are delivered to customers anytime, anywhere. This dual-launch marks a significant milestone for Folasade Agbeluyi, creating a synergy between global food export and convenient online dining experiences.

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FOLASH TASTE, as an online restaurant, promises a culinary journey filled with delectable choices for customers. From traditional Nigerian cuisine to modern twists, the menu caters to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring a delightful experience with every order.

Currently, the company is actively promoting its affordable hampers, extending a heartfelt invitation to politicians, families, friends, and churches to partake in this initiative. The aim is not only to showcase the richness of Nigerian cuisine but also to encourage the spirit of giving and love.

Folasade Agbeluyi’s foray into the food industry demonstrates her commitment to diversification and innovation. The seamless integration of FOLASH FOODS and FOLASH TASTE reflects a strategic approach to meet the growing demands of the global market while ensuring accessibility and convenience for customers.

With this 2-in-1 business launch, Folasade Agbeluyi is set to leave an indelible mark on the food industry, offering a taste of Nigeria to the world and redefining the online restaurant experience. As FOLASH FOODS and FOLASH TASTE gain momentum, they are poised to become significant players in the culinary landscape, presenting a flavorful blend of tradition and modernity.

For those eager to explore the rich tapestry of Nigerian flavors or indulge in a delightful culinary experience, FOLASH FOODS and FOLASH TASTE stand as the go-to destinations, promising a feast for the senses and a celebration of Nigerian culinary excellence.

 

PoshGlow Skincare Boss, Folasade Agbeluyi Goes Into Food Business, Launches FOLASH FOODS & FOLASH TASTE

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Fashion/Lifestyle

Ghana Takes Center Stage In Russia At Nana Tamakloe Is Set To Speak At BRICS+ Fashion Summit

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Ghana Takes Center Stage In Russia At Nana Tamakloe Is Set To Speak At BRICS+ Fashion Summit

Ghana Takes Center Stage In Russia At Nana Tamakloe Is Set To Speak At BRICS+ Fashion Summit

Nana Tamakloe, the face behind Accra Fashion Week and Africa’s leading fashion blog, FashionGHANA.com, has been invited as a notable presence at the ongoing BRICS Fashion Summit in Moscow. The summit, hosted by Moscow Fashion Week, kicked off its proceedings on November 28 and is set to wrap up on December 2.

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Tamakloe, known for his influence in reshaping African fashion, has been turning heads with his creative international approach. His journey from launching the continent’s premier fashion blog in 2012 to curating the celebrated Accra Fashion Week has been marked by trendsetting moments.

Last year, Tamakloe found himself on the international stage and being invited to and honored in USA at the Memphis In May Festival in the USA, sharing the limelight with figures like King Otumfou, Stonebwoy, and Okyeame Kwame. This global recognition speaks volumes about his impact on Ghanaian culture, and now, he’s bringing that influence to Russia to the BRICS Fashion Summit.

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Organized under the umbrella of Moscow Fashion Week, the BRICS Fashion Summit has become a gathering of fashion elites. Editors, event organizers, representatives from major publications, clothing specialists, bloggers, instructors, and emerging designers from various corners of the globe have converged to create an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration.

Originally synchronized with Moscow Fashion Week, the BRICS Fashion Summit is more than just a stylish rendezvous; it’s a strategic endeavor to cultivate the ethos of the BRICS Fashion community. Stemming from the BRICS—an intergovernmental organization uniting Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—the fashion community aims to redefine the industry’s dynamics.

The summit goes beyond national boundaries, boasting participation from over 30 countries, from the streets of China to the landscapes of Nigeria. The BRICS Fashion Summit is positioning itself as a global hub for sartorial excellence.

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Tamakloe’s role at the summit is more than just attendee status; he’s on a mission to ensure Ghana doesn’t just participate but actively shapes the narrative of the BRICS Fashion Summit. His goal is to play a decisive role in steering the creation of the BRICS Fashion community, putting Ghana at the forefront of global fashion discussions. Other guest from Ghana also include researcher Makeba L. Boateng and Nana Brenu.

As the spotlight intensifies on Moscow, Nana Tamakloe’s active presence becomes a symbol of Ghana’s growing prominence in the international fashion scene. The BRICS Fashion Summit isn’t just about trends; it’s a platform where cultures meet, and Tamakloe is steering Ghana’s fashion story into the global limelight.
This year, Accra Fashion Week is poised to welcome representatives from 17 nations to the vibrant city of Accra. This spectacular event is slated to unfold against the iconic backdrop of the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, from December 13th to the 17th, 2023. The anticipation is further heightened as delegates from the BRICS Fashion Summit are set to grace the occasion, amplifying the international flair.

Adding an extra layer of significance, the African Fashion Summit, scheduled for December 15th, 2023, promises to be a pivotal moment. This special day will feature an exclusive update on the happenings at the BRICS Fashion Summit, creating a nexus where global fashion conversations seamlessly converge. Accra Fashion Week is poised not only to showcase diverse styles but also to serve as a dynamic platform fostering international collaboration and discourse. Save the dates for a week of sartorial splendor and cross-cultural connections.

Ghana Takes Center Stage In Russia At Nana Tamakloe Is Set To Speak At BRICS+ Fashion Summit

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