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OGUN 2019: QUEST FOR QUALITY LEADERSHIP.

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It is a well known fact that elections are here and quite a number of intrigues in form of banters, mockery, criticism, mudslinging, verbal attacks are expected among the candidates and members of opposing political parties all in the name of winning votes. It must be noted that Intrigues of this type must however be observed with decorum devoid of character assassination, outright abuse, fallacies and blackmail.

A scenario of such came to fore recently at the occasion of Akesan Day Celebration in Iperu, a town in Ogun State where the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR and a PDP gladiator, Hon. Ladi Adebutu met.

Coincidentally, both of them hail from the town and therefore, the venue was expected to be tense and heated. With the trio of Hon. Ladi Adebutu of the PDP, His Royal Highness, Oba Idowu Basibo; the Alaperu of Iperu and Prince Dapo Abiodun of the ruling APC on the podium, Adebutu, son of business mogul, Sir. Kesington Adebutu grabbed the microphone, observed protocols and started reeling out his father’s achievements in philanthropy and community development. Not done yet, he narrated how he has been living in Iperu town for an upward of twenty-eight years and his investments which were known to have been statutorily financed by his billionaire father. He now descended on the APC flag bearer with the salvo that all he (Abiodun) could point at as his investment in Iperu town is just one petrol station!

This of course, drew loud ovation from his (Adebutu’s) supporters and a sort of resentment from the non-partisan crowd but, all the same, all were waiting for a reprisal missile from Prince Abiodun – and they were disappointed.

The APC gubernatorial hopeful after greeting the dignitaries present in their order simply refused to fire back at Hon. Adebutu but rather submitted that everybody should use the occasion to talk on salient issues and how best to develop the town of their birth, Iperu.

The response; mild, short, civil and logical made nonsense of the former remark in all its entirety. Maturity, Experience, Civility, Decorum and Humility came to play and pundits were quite to discern who really exhibited quality leadership trait.

In the past many factors have militated against the electorate in the choice of their leaders as no standard yardstick was employed to evaluate the personal attributes of the candidates nor the people insisted on minimum standard for the leaders. As a result of this, a reluctant candidate can become the President, a governor can be voted for because he is a moneybag, a conman senator and a spoilt federal lawmaker can find themselves in the hallowed chamber if they contested on the platform of a popular party and a council head may emerge because it is the turn of his ‘zone’ to produce the chairman. It is pathetic.

This apparent lack of attention to the substance of the person to vote for has opened the political kingdom to novices, fortune hunters and above all, misfits who can buy and bribe their ways into the highest of offices.

Truly, everybody has this fundamental right to aspire for any post he or she so desires but it should be made known and quite clear that nobody has the right to reduce the very serious job of governance and leadership to an object of abject mockery! Governance is a very serious business, not for beginners, apprentices and 419ers’. It is, without being immodest, a job for the fittest.

In the chequered history of our environment. We have seen how best and how worst we have been governed by those who have business in being in government and those who do not have an inkling of what governance is. We do not need to mention names; personality is one essential ingredient that is central to leadership.

Let it be known that the gravity of responsibility of office brings with it humility. Humility here refers to the modesty and grace to recognise the limitation of oneself and power itself. This is an essential ingredient of leadership.

Therefore in the quest for leadership of Ogun State come next dispensation, we must find every possible way to restore sanity to the office of Mr. Governor. We must impose integrity as a minimum condition for leadership. Our responsibility as electorate make it more grave by the fact that Ogun State, with abundant human and natural resources is far more sophisticated to be entrusted in the hands of novices who seek office just for the appellation – His Excellency.

The old order must change and old assumptions dethroned. Our search for leadership, this time around, should be based on merit and not money, experience and not ego, humility and not harassment, preparedness and not prejudice.

Between the two gladiators analysed above is one; a self-made man and the other still tied to his father’s apron. Both are blessed in their own ways of course and both are from the same environment but that is where it stops. The searchlight needed to be centred on some other salient traits that make a leader.

– Blessing Emetem.

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General Buratai to deliver University of Ilorin’s distinguished personality lecture

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

General Buratai to deliver University of Ilorin’s distinguished personality lecture

 

​The Department of Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Ilorin has announced that a former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Lt. General (Rtd) Tukur Buratai (CFR), will deliver its prestigious Distinguished Personality Lecture.

 

​The lecture is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, at the University Auditorium by 10:00 a.m. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), is expected to be the Chief Host, while Dr. Monsurat Isiaka (Ph.D.), Head of the Department, will serve as Host.

 

​Buratai, who brings a wealth of unmatched experience from his military and diplomatic service, will be speaking on the critical theme: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and National Security: The Youth and National Aspirations.”

 

​The lecture aims to foster critical conversation about Nigeria’s future security landscape, the pivotal role of the armed forces in national stability, and the interplay between national aspirations and the country’s youth population.

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From Global Stages to Public Service: Media Mogul Fidelis Duker Officially Joins House of Reps Race for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South

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From Global Stages to Public Service: Media Mogul Fidelis Duker Officially Joins House of Reps Race for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South

 

CALABAR, NIGERIA – Renowned media practitioner, veteran filmmaker, and global cultural ambassador, Fidelis Duker, has officially declared his intention to run for the Federal House of Representatives, representing the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency.

In a definitive move that bridges the gap between international enterprise and grassroots governance, the Henshaw Town-born pioneer has successfully picked up his Expression of Interest (EOI) form under the platform of the NNigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Duker’s entry into the legislative race brings an unprecedented level of global exposure and professional pedigree to Cross River State’s political landscape. For over three decades, he has stood as a towering figure in Africa’s creative economy.

As the founder of the Abuja International Film Festival West Africa’s longest-running film festival, and the Regional Secretary General for the Federation of Pan African Filmmakers (FEPACI), Duker has consistently flown Nigeria’s flag at prestigious international fora worldwide. From presenting the brilliance of African storytelling at the legendary Cannes Film Festival in France to driving strategic industry dialogues across Europe and Africa, his extensive global travels have positioned him as a master of international relations and resource mobilization.

“Our constituency does not suffer from a lack of potential; it suffers from a lack of structured, globally competitive representation,” Duker stated following the collection of his nomination documents. “My career has been defined by creating wealth, building platforms, and placing Nigerian talent on the world map. I am stepping into this race to deploy that exact same global network, corporate discipline, and innovative leadership to bring sustainable development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure to Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South.”

Duker’s visionary campaign is backed by an elite, multi-disciplinary educational background curated from top-tier local and international institutions. He holds credentials from the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism and Crawford University, alongside advanced professional training from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His world-class expertise in broadcasting and mass communications was further sharpened at the globally acclaimed BBC Training Academy and the Deutsche Welle Training Akademie, complementing his academic roots at the Cross River University of Technology.

As the Chief Executive Officer of FAD Media Productions—the powerhouse behind FAD 93.1 FM Calabar, FAD FM 101.3 Abuja and FAD 360 TV, Duker is already one of the largest private-sector employers of youth in Cross River State. His legislative blueprint vows to replicate this success on a macro scale by introducing bills that will be tech-driven youth development projects, positioning bills that will attract foreign direct investment to the constituency’s coastal assets, and ensuring uncompromising transparency in the execution of constituency projects.

The NDC leadership and various community support groups have warmly received his candidacy, describing it as a breath of fresh air and a critical step toward elevating the constituency to international standards of governance and economic growth.

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Ileya Tonic : King Saheed Osupa Announces New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis

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Ileya Tonic : King Saheed Osupa Announces New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

 

Veteran Fuji musician King Saheed Osupa is set to release a new 2-in-1 album titled Acapella & Metamorphosis on May 26, 2026.

The announcement was revealed through promotional materials shared across the singer’s official social media pages, where anticipation has already started building among longtime fans of the Fuji icon. The artwork for the project presents Osupa in a calm and regal setting, matching the mature image he has maintained throughout his career.

While full details about the tracklist and featured artists are yet to be officially released, the title of the project has already sparked conversations online. “Metamorphosis” suggests a new phase or evolution, while “Acapella” hints at a more raw or expressive musical direction. Together, both titles point toward a project that may combine classic Fuji elements with a refreshed sound and message.

Over the years, Osupa has remained one of the most respected voices in Fuji music, known for his deep lyrical style, cultural storytelling, and loyal fanbase across Nigeria and beyond. Even as the music industry continues to evolve, the singer has maintained strong relevance, especially among audiences who appreciate traditional Yoruba-rooted sounds blended with contemporary production.

The decision to release a 2-in-1 album also stands out at a time when many artists are focusing on shorter projects and singles. For established acts like Osupa, larger releases often serve as a statement of longevity, consistency, and artistic confidence.

Fans have continued to react positively to the announcement online, with many already counting down to the release date. The project is expected to arrive on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, Boomplay, YouTube Music, TIDAL, and Deezer.

With the official release now scheduled for May 26, listeners will be watching closely to see what King Saheed Osupa delivers on Acapella & Metamorphosis and whether the project marks another defining moment in his long-running career.

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