society

Yinka Odumakin: the storm is over! By Abiodun KOMOLAFE

Published

4 years ago

April 10, 2021

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has mourned the death of the spokesperson of the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, describing his death as "painful". Odumakin was reported to have died in a Lagos hospital on Saturday morning. But Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, declared that the southwest has lost a courageous human rights activist and fearless public commentator. The governor noted that Odumakin, while alive, championed the cause of the southwest and promote the ideals of the late sage and Premier of the defunct Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo, which were held dear by the Afenifere. Abiodun, who said the late journalist would be remembered for his timely response to national issues, particularly, ones that affected the southwest, added that Odumakin lived a good life and fought a good fight. "For those of us who have followed Odumakin's trajectory in journalism and activism, he lived a good life and fought doggedly to defend the defenceless. He and his wife were always at the forefront to protest against oppressive government policies. "As the spokesperson of the Afenifere, he discharged his duties diligently and defended the cause of the southwest passionately. He never hid his passion for the Yoruba people and was never timid to speak against any policy that would affect the generality of the nation. "Though, the activist has gone to the join his Maker, his humane and altruistic activities while on Earth will remain indelible in our hearts. "I commiserate with his immediate family, especially his wife and 'Siamese twins', Joey Odumakin, the Afenifere and indeed, the southwest. I pray that his soul finds comfort in the bosom of the Almighty God. We shall all miss Odumakin. Goodnight, Yinka!", the statement concluded.

Yinka Odumakin: the storm is over! By Abiodun KOMOLAFE.

‘Abiodun, stop crying; the storm is over!’ Those were the exact words of Peter Oluyinka Odumakin to me at Saint James’ Anglican Church, Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti State, on November 5, 2009. It was on the occasion of my wedding to the-then Miss Oluwafunmilola Awosusi.

For obvious reasons, it was to be a day of joy for me; and, truly, it was! But, midway into the programme, thoughts, particularly, of the physical thistles and the psychological inflexibility of a journey, which had, at one time or the other, tended to dilute my faith, overwhelmed me, and I became drenched in my own tears. The man fondly called Yinka Odumakin understood the mood of that moment, seized it, walked up to me, patted me on the shoulder, and whispered into my ears: ‘Abiodun, stop crying; the storm is over.’ That was vintage Odumakin!

I remember receiving a telephone call one fateful afternoon in 2008. The other party was Odumakin who … offered to pay me a visit. Of course, I rejected the offer – of a big man paying a courtesy visit to a ‘small man.’ It ought to be the other way round. So, I chose the latter option. The rest, as they always say, is history! As the pioneer Administrative Secretary of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), yours sincerely worked closely – and, tirelessly, too – with leaders like Olawale Oshun, Ayo Afolabi, Kayode Fayemi, Jimi Agbaje, Bisi Adegbuyi, Lai Oyeduntan, Babafemi Ojudu, Olutola Mobolurin, Pastor Akin Adeoye, the late Dipo Famakinwa, and Odumakin to nurture ARG into a global brand.

Our ideological differences thereafter notwithstanding, Odumakin and I remained brothers till he breathed his last on Friday, April 2, 2021. For instance, the week preceding his death, I had, in what has over time become the practice between us, sent SMS messages to him, and his wife. But, while I was doing that, little did I know that death was already nearing him by the eyelids!

A popular Yoruba proverb goes thus: ‘odo to ba gbagbe orisun re yio gbe’ (a river that forgets its origin will dry up). In so numerous ways, Odumakin touched lives while he lived on Planet Earth. Mine was no exception. For example, though God used Archbishop Olukayode Akinyemi and Bishop Matthew Kukah to discover my talent, the Strength of Israel used Odumakin as the rung of the ladder to whatever height I have attained in life. I also know, for a fact, that he assisted many others to realize their dreams.

Ask what I knew about Yinka Odumakin and I will say that this departed soul was a man of very sound character who dared to dream; he dared to be different. He was as gentle as a lamb but equally as wise as a serpent. Odumakin was one calm dove who never suffered fools gladly. Jimi Agbaje, aka JK, once told me that the late wordsmith was one individual who’s fond of deploying all the weapons in his arsenal into fighting whoever he believed has crossed his path. Well, what Agbaje failed to add was that, if this Moro, Osun State-born humanist also promised to lend somebody a helping hand, he would neither sleep nor slumber until a source of lift-up was found.

Odumakin was a man of conviction who took no prisoners. Once he believed in a cause, he would fight to the last. You might not like what he’s saying but, once he stood on it, that would remain his bible. But, again, the trouble with such Odumakins is that, if they are wrong, they will be fatally wrong; and, if they are right, they will be like essential saints. So, the challenge lies with those who deal with them: you have to win them over at the level of ideas.

Yes, Odumakin may no longer be with us, but we can learn one or two things from his life and times. In every society, we need people like this gentle giant because, in a society where thugs and bandits are running riot, needless to repeat that ideas, logic, philosophies and deep thinking have taken flight. So, where is the hope for corrections, renewal, or rebirth? The truth of the matter is that Odumakin occupied some space in our societal structure. He did not just show up like one nincompoop on the street. He toiled for it; and he made his voice heard. Whether the people like it or not, some of his moves shattered certain myths and instilled fears in the minds of the so-called high and mighty in society.

Matter-of-factly speaking, the society where the Odumakins of this world can thrive will be one where people reason! In a society where rabble-rousers now dictate the tune of things, Nigerians are bound to miss the contributions of Brother ‘Yinka, who would rather approach any issue in discourse from a compellingly rich angle. Whether it is a philosophical principle, or an economic theory he believed in, or a socio-cultural matter, to which he devoted his life, something was always the anchor of his convictions. Of course, this tells us something about the workings of his inner mind. If only we can have a hundred Odumakins in our midst, who knows, things might be better. But, if everybody would just ‘sidon look’, who, then, would challenge the rogues who have strayed into positions of authority in the country?

As for Sister Joe, Odumakin’s widow, she must take heart and remain strong, so that Abraham, the son left behind by her spouse may appreciate what the struggle his father lived and died for is all about. Death is the terminal end of all mortals; but, herein lies the essence of truth: even, if Odumakin had lived for 100 years, he would surely die, one day! No! This isn’t the time for Comrade Joe to cower to the dictates of sorrow or blankness. It is not so much about what the political class; even, any culture-influenced tribute expert is prepared to give her in terms of sympathy or solidarity. It is much more about the legacy of her late husband; and her ability to look inwards to the inner convictions that threw her up as an activist in the first place.

In the immortal words of Marion Howard, life “is like a blanket – too short. You pull it up and your toes rebel. You yank it down and shivers meander about your shoulders. But cheerful folks manage to draw their knees and have a comfortable night.” If death is a necessary end, then, Odumakin has fought a good fight and he has hung his sword. So, the storm is over! Whoever thinks he has not used it justifiably can pick it up and continue from where he stopped.

Yes, the storm may be over for Odumakin. So, I say to him: ‘rest on, brother; and, goodnight!’ To the remaining genuine activists, however, it’s ‘good morning.’

Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, rest the soul of our departed brother and comfort the family he left behind!

*KOMOLAFE writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, State of Osun (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk; 07087941459 – SMS only)

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society

The Last Quarter: Reflections on Life’s Journey Through the Seasons

Published

4 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Sahara Weekly

The Last Quarter: Reflections on Life’s Journey Through the Seasons

By George O. Sylvester

Introduction

Life, in its most poetic essence, is a journey of seasons, a passage from innocence to wisdom, from vibrancy to vulnerability. In the first quarter, we are driven by passion and purpose, in the second by ambition, in the third by responsibility and in the final quarter, by reflection. This last quarter is not merely the closing act; it is the grand culmination of the experiences, choices, triumphs and regrets that define a lifetime.

The musings on youth and old age, once viewed as distant abstractions become real, visceral truths. As beautifully captured in the prose we reflect upon: “When I was young, I found it difficult to wake up. Now I am old, I find it difficult to sleep.” This paradox highlights not only the physical shifts but the profound philosophical transformations that occur over time. This article seeks to explore the deeper truths embedded in the lived experience of aging, armed with facts, powerful expressions and timeless wisdom.

The Shifting Concerns of Life

Our priorities, fears and values evolve in tandem with our years. Youth is often obsessed with appearance ie pimples, muscles, beauty and validation; but in old age, these concerns give way to more sobering reflections: wrinkles, health, companionship and mortality. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association found that anxiety about appearance peaks during adolescence but gradually gives way to concerns about health and loneliness after age 60.

This is poignantly expressed in the lines:
“When I was young, I was waiting to hold someone’s hand. Now I am old, I am waiting for someone to hold my hand.”
This inversion is not merely poetic, it is statistically supported. A 2020 World Health Organization report revealed that over one-third of the elderly population globally suffers from social isolation, a leading cause of mental and physical health decline.

The Illusion of Time and the Surprise of Aging

Perhaps the greatest trick life plays is convincing the young that they have all the time in the world. A 2019 Pew Research study found that people in their 20s tend to underestimate how quickly time will pass. But by age 60, many express astonishment at how fast life moved.

“I remember well, seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me… Yet, here it is!”
This bewilderment reflects what psychologists call “telescoping,” a cognitive bias where past events seem closer than they actually are. What seemed distant in youth is suddenly here and with it, a host of unexpected realities: aching joints, greying hair and nostalgic memories.

The Power of Memory and the Weight of Regret

In youth, we celebrate moments; in old age, we cherish memories. It’s a painful irony that by the time we understand the true value of time, we have so little of it left. Neuroscientific research from Harvard shows that the human brain prioritizes emotional memories in later life, particularly those tied to family, love and purpose.

“Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done; things I should have done.”
Such confessions are echoed by millions in their twilight years. Bronnie Ware, a palliative nurse, documented in her bestselling book “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying”, that the most common regret was, “I wish I had lived a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”

Health is the Real Wealth

Too often, people chase money, status and possessions only to find that none of it matters when their health fails. As the writer notes:
“It is health that is the real wealth and not pieces of gold, silver or printed notes.”
This is no mere opinion; the World Bank reports that countries with higher life expectancy and health quality index also experience greater individual happiness, regardless of GDP.

Health in the later years becomes both a blessing and a burden. While youth takes mobility for granted, the elderly find triumph in tying a shoelace or walking unaided. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that by age 75, 85% of individuals suffer from at least one chronic health condition.

The Gift of Perspective

What once seemed urgent now feels trivial. Old age brings perspective, clarity and often a new appreciation for the ordinary.
“When I was young, I admired beautiful things. Now I am old, I see beauty in things around me.”
This philosophical shift is not weakness, it is wisdom. In fact, the concept of “positive reappraisal,” a coping mechanism developed more robustly in old age, helps the elderly find joy in small things and gratitude in the everyday.

As Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote:
“In the sunset of life, the meaning of existence becomes clearer and the trivial loses its grip on the soul.”

Living with Purpose, Even in the Final Stretch

The so-called “last quarter” of life must not be viewed with fear, but with reverence. It is the harvest of a life lived imperfectly, perhaps but lived nonetheless. It is a time for legacy, for reflection, for storytelling and for loving without pretense.

“Don’t put things off too long…you have no promise that you will see all the seasons of life.”
This call to action is both urgent and universal. The brevity of life should compel us to live boldly, to forgive swiftly and to invest time in relationships over possessions.

Rabindranath Tagore once said, “Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death like autumn leaves.” There is dignity, beauty and purpose even in decline, if only we choose to see it that way.

Resolution: A Life Fully Lived

Rather than calling this the “conclusion” of life, let us embrace the term resolution. For it is in this final phase that the pieces of the puzzle finally make sense. The patterns, the missteps, the pain and the joy. They all merge into one coherent whole. And though the body weakens, the soul, if nurtured, finds strength in wisdom and peace.

The writer says it best:
“Old is good. Old is comfortable. Old is safe. Old songs. Old movies. And best of all, friends of old.”
This is not the end. It is the grand finale, the calm after the storm, the soft, golden glow after a long day’s sun. And in this gentle dusk, we find that what mattered all along was not the pace but the path, not the achievements but the affections.

So to those in their first, second or even third quarter of life, heed this wisdom. Live now. Laugh often. Love deeply. And prepare not with fear, but with faith, for that final quarter, where everything finally begins to make sense.

news

Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

Published

21 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

– The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has removed Nigeria from its list of debtor countries.

– Country now better placed to strengthen fiscal credibility, says presidential aide, O’tega Ogra

In a report titled: ‘Total IMF Credit Outstanding – Movement from May 01, 2025 to May 06, 2025,” obtained on the multilateral institution’s website yesterday, Nigeria was not listed among its debtors which has a total of 91 developing and least developed countries owing the Fund a total of $117,797,656,224 as at 6th of May 2025.

Total IMF credit outstanding refers to the total amount of unpaid and outstanding principal due to the Fund from its member countries. This includes both outstanding loans under current arrangements and those that have expired.

When contacted on the development yesterday, a top IMF official in Washington DC, who pleaded to remain anonymous, told THISDAY they were trying to confirm the reports, pointing out that Nigeria borrowed a rapid finance loan during the pandemic.

However, StatiSense, a data company which also confirmed on its X handle yesterday that Nigeria was no longer listed on the list of countries indebted to IMF, revealed that as at July 28, 2023, Nigeria was owing the Fund $1.61 billion, this was reduced to $1.37 billion as at January 5, 2024; $933.03 million as at July 10, 2024; $472.06 million as at January 8, 2025, before it was finally settled this month.

It was learnt that the value was converted from Special Drawing Rights (SDR), an international reserve asset created by the IMF to supplement the official reserves of its member countries, to US dollars.

In a post on his X handle, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy, and New Media, O’tega Ogra, said the development was a signal of discipline, reform, and strategic reset by the Tinubu-Shettima administration in restructuring “our finances to enable us to be better placed for a prosperous future.”

He added: “As Nigeria closes the chapter on these legacy debt obligations, we are better placed to strengthen our fiscal credibility and show the world, and ourselves, that Nigeria is serious about managing our economy with responsibility and vision.

“Does this mean no more business with the IMF or other foreign lenders? No! Nigeria still remains a member of the IMF and can approach it at any time if the situation demands. This is definitely not a door slammed shut.

“Why? Because global partnerships like the IMF remain valuable allies, especially in a world defined by volatility and uncertainty. The difference now is that any future engagement will be proactive, not reactive, and will also be based on partnership, not dependence. Debt clearance today, reform momentum tomorrow.

“President Bola Tinubu will continue to prioritise long-term reforms with sound financial management for the benefit of our country and generations yet unborn. Nigeria is rising with clarity, capacity, and credibility, and this is why you should take a #BetOnNigeria.”

The IMF recently commended Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as bold measures that have helped stabilise the economy and laid the groundwork for future growth.

The IMF, in its recent 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission to Nigeria, last month, by a team led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. These reforms have put Nigeria in a better position to navigate the external environment.

“The macroeconomic outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy.

“Macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, reduce inflation, and support private sector-led growth.”

Schimmelpfennig in the statement had noted that the cessation of deficit financing by the CBN, the removal of costly fuel subsidies, and improvements in the foreign exchange market were major policy shifts that signaled a commitment to reform.

He stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. The financing of the fiscal deficit by the central bank has ceased, costly fuel subsidies were removed, and the functioning of the foreign exchange market has improved.”

Education

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

Pretoria – May 5, 2025

In a vibrant and heartwarming celebration held at the University of Pretoria on Monday, May 5, 2025, Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia proudly graduated with an Honours degree in Public Administration and Management.

Dressed in academic regalia and beaming with pride, Hlavutelo walked across the graduation stage to thunderous applause from her family, friends, and fellow graduates. The event was a joyful culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Her parents, visibly emotional and proud, described the moment as one of the happiest of their lives. “We are overwhelmed with joy,” said her mother. “Watching our daughter achieve this milestone is a dream come true.”

The colourful ceremony, filled with music, traditional attire, and jubilant celebrations, marked a significant chapter in Hlavutelo’s academic journey. She expressed gratitude to her family, lecturers, and peers for their unwavering support, adding that she hopes to use her qualification to serve her community and contribute to ethical governance in South Africa.

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia’s achievement stands as an inspiration to many young South Africans, reminding them that with determination and support, anything is possible.