All we have of freedom, all we use or know –
This our fathers bought for us long and long ago.
-Rudyard Kipling
In the comity of states in Nigeria, Rivers, the colourful Treasure Base of the Nation, is primus inter pares. It was from her waters, 50 years ago, that the historic course of state creation, as a worthy replacement for the regional system -in place long before the attainment of political independence- was ferried upcountry: first to Dodan Barracks, the then seat of military power in Lagos, and then to Kaduna, the North’s political headquarters, on orders of then Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, for consensus.
Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, Sage of the Niger Delta and patriarch of Nigerian minority rights activism, led the charge, essentially, as a logical continuation of the collective agitation for the protection and survival of minority nations, based, mainly, on ecological reasons, at the Lancaster constitutional conference of 1957 which birthed the Willink Commission Report the following year.
But 1967 was a different year – 10 years since Lancaster, and so much had changed. Independence, even if nascent, was well aware of its own presence at seven years of age plus, holding in its hands, two of Africa’s bloodiest coups, even to this day. The climate dictated its methods; new methods, indeed.
Widespread agitations bothering on the belongingness of geopolitical blocs – themselves products of colonialism’s revisionisms- and tone-deaf power-sharing incongruities became a national crisis that presaged a three-year civil war.
Nobody, as it were, thought outside the box.
But one man knew better. Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, whose name hardly appears in any major text on history in Nigeria today, sought out audience with Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, with a map of the South already divided into six states!
He later recalled the events of those days: “So, when I was carving out the states of the country for the south, we carved out Lagos, the Western, the Midwest, Rivers, South- Eastern, the East-Central states. And so, if any person wanted to make any claim he was made to confine it to his own area. And of course when I brought forward the issue of states to Gowon, he said well Chief go to the north and if your friends agree with you come back I will create it immediately. So, at this time, I had proposed twelve states – six in the South and six in the north.”
Dappa-Biriye’s unwavering clear-sightedness on the agenda of a distinct Rivers Identity dates back to his days as a student at Kings College in Lagos. Graduating in 1941, he recalled: “So, when I returned from Kings College in 1941 December, I found out one important thing…we did not have a platform or bridge for collective action. I told my father and his age group that they should try and organise a front that could act as a platform for the Ijaws. So, my father’s age group formed what was called Ijaw Rivers Peoples League (IRPL)….and he was the President-General of the League. A man called Ebenezer Opuogulaya was the deputy president. He was from Okrika.”
These words capture, in vivid language, the process of conception which, after a gestation period of nearly three decades, culminated in the birthcry that was General Gowon’s Decree 14 of May the 27th, 1967.
Since that delivery, half a century ago, Rivers State has stood tall and peerless, not only for leading the way into Nigerian stateism but because, in every sense of it, it has justified, quite enviably to this day, the ideology that defined its creation.
Rivers State is, without fear of contradiction, Nigeria’s best object lesson in the stabilising power inherent in delineating geo-cultural identities as a mandatory minimum of justice, in guaranteeing a satisfying ventilation of divergences on the road to national unity.
Like Nigeria, but much better than it, there is no dominant indigenous language, no established ultra-domineering political superpower bloc, but boundless tides of opportunities and countless achievers who, true to being dolphins from the ocean, have doped out of the deep (apologies J.P. Clark) with shining successes at home and abroad.
The singular fortune of Rivers State’s emergence from the womb of its founding fathers’ agitation has been the defining joy for its people and their aspirations across generations.
Adokiye Amiesimaka, Agbani Darego-Danjuma, Obi Wali, Joseph Yobo, Elechi Amadi and Minere Amakiri are names which, taken as mere sampler, need no introduction in their fields anywhere in the world.
Its capital, Port Harcourt, is Nigeria’s Garden City, the first of its kind to pioneer a green ambition in Africa. Thanks to the legendary vision that gave birth to the original Port-Harcourt City master plan, unrivalled in the country. Thanks too, to His Majesty, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff: the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass and first governor of the state (1967-1975). Noticeably, the epilepsy that has afflicted its faithful execution, having been tended more by total outsiders (9 out of 16 governors) than by its own sons and daughters, appears to be its share of the ailments that have plagued Nigeria itself.
Today, it is to the example of Rivers State that all other states that have become expressions of minority nationalism owe their inspiration, with its daughter state, Bayelsa, as exemplum.
As capital of the Niger Delta, Port Harcourt’s multicultural feel has afforded a point of convergence to her immediate and distant neighbours with its allure of an aquatic paradise and cosmopolitan finesse, bar, of course, what is unattained on account of decades-long environmental injustice rising from oil wealth distribution politics.
Strikingly, having started out at 24, Queens Drive, Ikoyi, in the then Federal Capital city of Lagos owing to the tense heat of the civil war back home, the government, under the young but visionary leadership of 25-year-old Naval Lieutenant Commander Alfred Diete-Spiff as pioneer military administrator, relocated to Port Harcourt on September the1st, 1968.
The journey has only come so far as it has, with so much more on the plate, if we seek to make the next 50 years even better. I will suggest that security as well as education be brought on the front burner of core policy initiatives, the same manner in which we pioneered Nigeria’s first university of science and technology as well as the numerous scholarships given to deserving sons and daughters over the decades.
Some of our founding heroes –seni-apu Harold Dappa-Biriye, Ebenezer Opuogulaya, Melford Okilo, Godfrey Kio Jaja Amachree, Emanuel Aguma, the Graham-Douglases, P.G. Warmate, Thomanuel, the Revd E.T Dimiari, Kenule Saro-Wiwa and His Majesty Francis Alagoa Mingi X of Nembe may not, in the final analysis, capture every monument in the pantheon of delta warriors whose valour reshaped the course of history for us but they do, in every sense, convey the justice and honour due to an era.
Hence, those of us who now tread in their wake, the path they have so illustriously bequeathed to us, carry the peculiar burden of braving the tides of the challenges imposed by these times. We must sail without fail –and for those coming- to obtain more than was handed us by our forebears.
In a strategic move to foster growth and elevate the quality of service delivery, the Management of Adron Homes and Properties is thrilled to announce the appointment of exceptional staff members who have exemplified remarkable professionalism and have significantly contributed to the advancement of the Adron brand. We proudly introduce our newly appointed leaders: Adenike Ajobo as Managing Director, Olubunmi Akinfe as Deputy Managing Director, Ihuoma Azuru as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Lagos Nigeria), Barbie Ette as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Northern Nigeria), Odunola Ogundapo as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Western Nigeria), Olasumbo Oguntoye as Assistant Managing Director of Housing Nigeria, and Haastrup as Director General of Customer Service. Together, they will drive our mission forward and ensure continued excellence at Adron Homes.
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, the Chairman and Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, has issued an important directive to the newly appointed directors of the company. He emphasized the critical need for quality delivery in all aspects of their work. Aare King highlighted that each director must align their actions and decisions with the overarching vision and mission of the organization. He urged them to remain committed to the company’s goals and to foster a culture of excellence, ensuring that their contributions not only meet but exceed the expectations set forth by Adron Homes.
Adenike Abosede Ajobo stands out as a highly regarded authority in the fields of corporate branding, public relations, business repositioning, and organizational strategy. She holds a degree in Linguistics from the prestigious University of Ibadan and has further enhanced her expertise with an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Marketing from The Polytechnic of Ibadan.
Her dedication to professional growth is reflected in her memberships with esteemed organizations, including the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (MNIMN), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Nigeria Institute of Personality Development and Customer Relationship Management (NIPD-CRM-dsgnt). These affiliations illustrate her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and excellence within her industry.
Adenike’s professional journey with Adron Homes commenced in January 2024 when she took on the role of Group Company Secretary. Her exceptional leadership skills and strategic vision quickly propelled her up the ranks, and she soon became the Deputy Managing Director of Southern Nigeria. Her impressive performance has now garnered her a well-deserved promotion to the position of Managing Director at Adron Homes, where she is set to steer the company toward a promising future, leveraging her insights and experience to craft innovative strategies for growth and development.
Akinfe Olubunmi Omolara is an esteemed leader and achiever, recognized for her dedication to maximizing her potential in every role she undertakes. She is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife, Osun State, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. Her career journey at Adron Homes and Properties, reflects her remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. She has progressed through a range of pivotal roles, from Deputy Group Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, and Deputy District Sales Manager to Deputy Group Customer Relations Officer, Regional Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. Her leadership and strategic acumen continued to shine through her promotions as the Director of Sales and Marketer and later promoted as the Director General of Sales and Marketing. She has now been promoted to the position of Deputy Managing Director , where she will drive growth and operational efficiency for Adron Homes.
Ihuoma Udodirim Azuru’s journey is a testament to exceptional leadership and dedication. Her academic prowess shines through with a B.Sc in Accounting, M.Sc in Business Management, MBA in Human Resources and currently studying Law at the Leadership City University, underscoring her commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. Her career with the company began as Group Head Admin and HR, where she showcased her adaptive leadership style. Subsequently, she transitioned to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing (Southwest). Moreover, she was promoted to the prestigious role of Director General for Sales and Marketing at Adron Homes. Her exceptional leadership, dedication, and strategic vision within the organization leads to her appointment as the Assistant Managing Director Lagos Nigeria.
Odunola Ogundapo is a highly regarded sales and marketing professional, celebrated for her steadfast dedication and strategic insight, which have contributed to her impressive track record of success in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she developed a strong foundational knowledge of earth sciences. Further enhancing her expertise, she earned a Master’s degree in Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology from the prestigious University of Lagos, a program renowned for its rigorous approach and focus on the energy sector. This combination of academic credentials allows Odunola to meld deep scientific understanding with strategic business acumen, enabling her to deliver exceptional results in her professional endeavors.
Odunola embarked on her career in 2017 at Adron Homes and Properties Ltd, starting as a Business Executive. In this role, she quickly demonstrated her innate talents and passion for sales and marketing, employing a goal-driven approach that not only set her apart but also paved the way for her rapid advancement within the company. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to forge strong relationships with clients and stakeholders led to her recognition as a rising star in the organization.
Currently serving as the Assistant Managing Director, Odunola plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing innovative strategies aimed at driving growth and enhancing the company’s market position. Her forward-thinking mindset and comprehensive understanding of market dynamics allow her to identify and seize new opportunities effectively. Under her leadership, the team is not only motivated but also encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries, resulting in increased productivity and morale.
Odunola’s leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of optimism and resilience, which fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment. She prioritizes the development of her team members, nurturing their potential and empowering them to become future leaders in the organization. This commitment to mentorship and professional growth among her staff has created a culture of excellence that thrives on teamwork and innovation, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the company’s vision and goals. Through her unwavering dedication to her work and her ability to inspire those around her, Odunola Ogundapo continues to make a significant impact in the sales and marketing realm.
Aminat Olaniyan Haastrup is an inspirational customer service specialist, deeply committed to creating exceptional service experiences. With a strong educational background in Estate Management and Customer Experience, she earned her degree from Yaba College of Technology. An Associate Member of The Association of Business Practitioners (ABP) in the UK and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management, Aminat’s journey began as the Director of Customer Services. Renowned for her dedication to customer-centric strategies, she passionately pursues unparalleled service excellence. Through transformative initiatives across the company’s customer relations landscape, Aminat has inspired those around her and achieved her new role as the Director General of Customer Service.
- 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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