society

When We Ought To Beat The Drums By Dr. Tony Osakpamwan

Published

5 years ago

November 7, 2020

Nigeria with a soaring population of nearly 200 million people is blessed with so much talents. Over the years, the harnessing this huge talent pool has been the bane of socio, economic, political and national development. The world over, men and women of Nigerian descent ‘hold their own’ in sports, music, arts, science, business, technology and other sphere of human endeavor.

There comes a time in the life of a people that a consensus is reached for a change of the status quo. The barometer to measure this change comes from a variety of arithmetics ala societal values, mental psychometrics of the people, human re-engineering and the driving propulsion of government.

It is against the backdrop of the foregoing that the ‘apathetic’ silence that greeted the recent awards to sixty distinguished Nigerians who have made huge, stupendous developments to the Nigerian film and movie industry comes to mind. This was part of the activities to mark 60 years of the country’s independence from the colonial masters early in the month of October. The award was entitled, “60 ICONS THAT HAVE SHAPED THE NIGERIAN FILM AND VIDEO INDUSTRY. It was delivered by the Federal Government of Nigeria via the National Film and Videos Board, NFVB.

The dead silence was toxic, sickening and a very bitter pill to swallow for most well meaning Nigerians. For many of us, the growth of any nation is not always measured in financial or monetary terms. There are other moral and value-base imperative requirements for nation building. Let us not be deceived, we can preach unending until ‘karanamoda’, nothing will change in our society if the fundamental tripod of behavior is not in place. These are values, role models and mentoring.

It is pertinent to note that Edo State is arguably the cultural capital of Nigeria. Proudly saying that as an Edo man nothing minding whose ox is goored! On the strong 60 awardees list, Edo state had two of our illustrious son’s. They are Sam Loco Efe (of blessed memory) and of course the movie Czar, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. It is shocking that there has been no mention or recognition for these worthy sons of Edo. Sam Loco Efe is extra terrestrial, but Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen is very much with us. Bringing out the drums to celebrate the achievements of these dynamic duo has huge ‘moral generator power’. It is intrinsic.

As a people burdened with vices such as crime, thuggery and agberoism; an award like this is an opportunity to leverage and promote sound moral rectitude for our teeming youths and upcoming generation. In their citations, the NFVB stated that men like Sam Loco Efe and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, “have broken new grounds, and continue to do so and open doors of opportunities, and have made indelible marks that have molded the Nigerian film and video industry”. They have brought honour, dignity and respect to the motherland. Such monumental achievements ought to be celebrated. The drums ought to be rolled out to herald these men and women of repute who have transverse our landscape like a colossus.

For Edo state is currently on a strategic transformation under the dynamic leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki. The zooming lens which our beloved son, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen has brought on Edo is an added impetus. We can look no further for a motivation or inspiration for our teeming youths and children. A proud Edo son of the irk of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen needs to be celebrated. Herein lies the challenge for the Edo state Ministry of Youths, the Ministry of Arts and Culture, our print and electronic media in Edo state, and the Uhunmwode local government council where our illustrious son hails from. Na where all of una dey? Where lies the moral regeneration that we all preach? Is it just mere lip service? Are we really serious about the value paradigm shift we crave. We cannot always put the blame of our shortcomings on a Governor or President alone. Yes, they are culpable at times, but each of us has a role to play in the moral redirection of our society.

The likes of Sam Loco Efe of blessed memory, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and other Edo state sons and daughters who have put our state on the global map should be celebrated. We are gradually reducing our existence to a four year cycle of political campaigns and elections while other important aspects of our lives dwindles. We cannot afford to remain this way. There’s still ample time to correct this anomaly. The various agencies of government at all levels must be alive to their responsibilities proactively. The glory of distinguished edolites like Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen should be harnessed to inspire a new generation. A movie czar like him is an evidential role model who can mentor upcoming Edo sons and daughters.

So let us roll out the drums and let the music begin.

Dr Tony Osakpamwan Agbons writes from U.K.

society

NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

Published

20 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Sahara Weekly

NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.

This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.

The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.

According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.

Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.

According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.

She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.

While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.

She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

society

Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress

Published

20 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.

He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.

According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.

Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.

He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.

Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.

society

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK

Published

1 day ago

January 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK

In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.

In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.

The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.

In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.