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2023: Bola Ahmed Tinubu, For The Nigeria Of Our Dreams In Our Time – Teju Ajayi

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For many politicians, leadership is a choice. It is something they choose to do simply because the circumstances are right or the stars have aligned to put them in the path of leadership.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu can in no way be lumped into that category with the many politicians that vie for office today. This is because based on his history, struggles, trajectory, and spirit of persevering service, it has become obvious that he was born to be a leader.

The Nigeria that we have today, whether many will admit it or not, was a Nigeria that many people had fought for. The Nigeria we live in today was won by sweat, blood, and patriotic spirits. Whatever her failings, Nigeria is still our country and the one place we call home.

Any historian worth his or her salt cannot in good faith write the history of Nigeria, especially the southwest, without a mention or two of the man we all know today as Asiwaju.

It bears recalling that Asiwaju returned the eyes of the world to Lagos State as the true pinnacle of Nigerian excellence. As a two-term governor from 1999 to 2007, he probably had the most difficult tenure, piloting the affairs of a special state like Lagos, fresh from the throes of military rule.

During his eight years in office, he made large investments in health, transportation, tourism, and education as the number of out-of-school children reduced tremendously.

The avalanche of roads he built, repaired and remodeled as the case may be helped in no small measure to open up Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial nerve center. Under his watchful eyes, new businesses sprang up and thrived in the newly conducive environment of Lagos.

He won the trust of the people so much that only candidates recommended by him were marketable in the state and the country at large.

His financial dexterity and gift of developing human capital are unparalleled. As of 1999 when he was elected into office, Lagos State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was N600million, but within the first four years, he raised it to N20billion monthly without inflicting additional hardship or a tax burden on the people. That was the bedrock of successive administrations’ achievements.

Beyond his ingenious handling of the affairs of Lagos State in those eight years, Asiwaju has also demonstrated an exceptional ability to spot talents and surround himself with an irrepressible army of intellects who are poised to bring new hope to Nigeria.

These intellectuals from different walks of life have impacted the southwest and Nigeria as a whole. Of a truth, these are the markings of a man of sound mind, one with a discerning spirit, a well-maintained and medically-fit body, an ability to unite the country through selfless decision-making, and provision of right leadership at all levels.

Based on his leading and leanings, Lagos, and the greater part of the southwest, has grown in leaps and bounds to become a metropolitan city that other states like Kano appoint commissioners and special advisers to study and emulate.

On a grander scale, if that method were applied to the greater Nigeria will that not take the country light years away from her current position?
Several detractors have complained that age-wise, Asiwaju Tinubu is not a fit leader. But a look at countries piloted by the older generation is a testimony of the stability and strength of mind that only age can bring.

The United States of America is no baby in the comity of nations, and their incumbent president, Joe Biden is 79 years old. Interestingly, he has declared to run for a second term, meaning that he would be well above 80 by the time he runs for office again. Former President Donald Trump, at 75, is equally older than Asiwaju. For the former and incumbent American presidents, their ages had no impact on their abilities to lead their country.

The wisdom of youths they say are like bright lights that flash across the sky like meteors; they eventually fizzle out. But the wisdom of age is like the fixed stars that shine so unchanged that it is available and dependable for all who need them. I believe that if we are to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams in our time, Asiwaju should be given a chance to replicate the tested and result-oriented strategies he had deployed for the growth of the southwest.

There is an old Biblical saying that the labor of a foolish man wearies all those around him because he does not know how to get to the city. Asiwaju knows the way to the city, knows the layouts, and even built the city, should he not then be given a chance to lead his people to that promised land?

The Nigeria of our dreams is not as far away as we think, but if it is to be achieved in our lifetime, it begins with Asiwaju, a trusted and tested leader and kingmaker who lives for the people.

With the recent confirmation of his intention to run for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023, Nigeria is on the precipice of taking a leap into the future of our dreams; that is if we choose right and follow a man who knows just what he is doing.

As a member of the ruling party, APC, which is focused on the collective growth of Nigeria, this is my call on the first declaration.

Teju Ajayi is a Lagos-based Practicing Architect.

BIG STORY

BON Awards Release Line-Up Of Activities Ahead Of November 24

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  • Kwara First Lady To Join Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo Others For Book-Reading

As the Nigerian film industry gets set for the annual pan-Nigerian Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 24, at the Sugar Factory in Ilorin, Kwara State, the organisers of the travelling awards have released a line-up of activities, alongside other highlights of the 16th edition.

This year’s event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a variety of engaging activities, including a book reading session and the unveiling of new award categories.

A key highlight of the pre-award festivities will be the welcome party scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd in Ilorin. This will be followed by the Book of the Year reading on the morning of November 24, showcasing “Do As You Are Told, Bani” by the acclaimed author Lola Shoneyin.

Esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of Kwara State and well-known Nollywood actors like Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo, Kemi Adekomi, Cynthia Clarke, and Chioma Okafor, will participate in the reading. This session aims to inspire and engage the youths, specifically a select number of school children from Ilorin, Kwara State.

Also, the 2024 BON Awards has been revealed that four of its major award categories have been endowed by notable figures and organisations. The endowed categories include:

Best Indigenous Movie – Endowed by Oba Saheed Eleguishi, a distinguished traditional ruler and arts patron. Best Use of Food – Endowed by Abundish Limited, an agricultural product wholesaler cum grocery market in Lekki, Lagos.

The Best Actress category is also endowed by the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Moji Ojora, a well-known philanthropist and public servant dedicated to women’s empowerment. While the movie with the Best Social Message is endowed by Hon. Toke Benson, the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and a prominent advocate for social issues.

According to the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, these new endowments promise to enhance the awards’ prestige by taking it to the next level and also offer greater recognition for excellence in these fields.

As the seven-day countdown to the 2024 BON Awards begins, and the excitement is building, Feranmi Olaoye, the Executive Director of the awards has promised that this year is not just another gala night but a getaway weekend for hardworking Nollywood practitioners, and others within the Nollywood community.

With the awards’ unique blend of celebrity-filled events and meaningful high-impact initiatives, this year’s ceremony is poised to leave a significant mark on the entertainment industry and the wider Nigerian cultural scene.

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BIG STORY

“Twin Warrior”: Paul Okoye Accuses Peter Of Song Theft, Vows To Release ‘Original Version’

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Paul ‘Rudeboy’ Okoye, the Nigerian singer, has accused Peter ‘Mr P’ Okoye, his twin brother, of alleged intellectual property theft.

Mr P recently released the single ‘Winning’ — just a few months after the brothers confirmed that Psquare, their shared music group, was no longer active.

However, in a recent Instagram post, Rudeboy claimed that the song was his, stating that it was meant to feature on his upcoming album. He further alleged that the producer hijacked the track.

“Written and sang by Rudeboy. Produced by same producer. Now how come? Now am I supposed to release another version? Mr Producer, your case is for another day,” he wrote.

“Just a simple thing, bring 6 songs, let me bring 6 songs. I submitted 6 songs to the so-called management. Why re-singing my own song? word for word. Song that was supposed to be in my album next year June.”

In another post, the singer vowed to release “original versions of any copied songs,” adding that “the days of manipulation are over.”

“The days of manipulation are over. And to the management, make I hear any song wey na only me sing, I go release the original version. Oloriburuku! Music is not that hard,” he wrote.

Psquare split in 2017 following a feud between Peter Okoye and Paul. Though they reunited in November 2021, their reconciliation was short-lived.

Paul recently revealed another fallout, accusing Peter of orchestrating his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Peter, however, denied the allegations and accused Jude Okoye, their older brother, of diverting millions of dollars from their joint account into a secret company.

Paul also expressed frustration over his past role in the music group. He claimed to have done most of the work while others benefited.

Mr P has yet to respond to his brother’s recent allegations.

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BIG STORY

UPDATE: Bobrisky Finally Departs Nigeria After Two Failed Attempts

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Bobrisky, a social media celebrity crossdresser, has finally travelled out of Nigeria after two failed attempts.

Last Thursday, the crossdresser was re-arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials while attempting to leave Nigeria. A video shared on Instagram showed airport officials dragging him off the plane.

The commission also confirmed his rearrest. Last Friday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said that Bobrisky was taken into custody to assist in investigating bribery allegations against the agency.

“It is just for him to come and establish the basis and write a statement to that effect and he will be released,” Oyewale had said.

On Monday, the social media celebrity took to his Instagram stories to share videos of herself on a plane.

Though he did not disclose his destination, he boasted about “purchasing first-class tickets three times, totaling over N30 million”.

“See you soon, Nigeria. This girl bought a first-class ticket three times; that’s over 30 million. Raise the bar for this girl,” he wrote.

The crossdresser has been in the eye of the storm since activist VeryDarkMan shared a purported audio conversation wherein she claimed that she paid some EFCC officials N15 million to drop money laundering charges against her.

Bobrisky denied the recording’s authenticity and threatened legal action against VeryDarkMan.

The social media celebrity was also arrested at the Seme border a few weeks ago for allegedly attempting to flee the country.

The crossdresser, the EFCC, and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) are under investigation by a house of representatives committee over bribery allegations.

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) also recently condemned the lifestyle of Bobrisky.

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