By Adeyemi Adeleye
Former Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and other notable Nigerians have proffered ways to ensuring good leadership and governance especially in times of economic crises.
They spoke at the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF)’s 2024 Leadership Colloquium and Award: Chapter 8, with the theme: “ Economic Asphyxiation – The wisdom of Authentic Leaders” held at Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi, on Monday.
The Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) is a non-profit, non-religious and non-political organization. It was set up to leave a leadership legacy in Africa by strengthening capabilities in today’s leaders and build a pipeline of ready future leaders by 2035.
Ambode said the current hardship being experienced in the nation did not start with President Bola Tinubu’s led administration.
He said that Nigeria’s problem had a long history and needed a courageous President like Tinubu to fix them frontally.
“It (challenges) has nothing to do with the singular person called Mr President; but if we don’t understand the fundamental, we will start doing the blame games.
“We need to face our problems frontally.
“The major issue is that we are even tired of not fixing our issues,” he said.
The former governor, however, said there was need to make executive reforms on the coordination circle around the president.
Ambode urged Nigerians to stop blame games but be supportive, resilient and patriotic about the country.
He added: “Until we decide ourselves to say that we should unite for the common cause called Nigeria, the security issues will not go.
“We are all in a position to actually support Mr President, let us start to look at it from a different prism.
“We don’t have to wake up in the morning and talk ill of Nigeria. We get what we profess about Nigeria.”
He said that what Nigeria was facing had been staring at the nation for 300 years, tracing it to slave trade with what he described as “the divide and extract strategy”.
He said that Nigeria needed self-awareness strategy to fix problems in the post COVID-19 era.
“We must think out of the box. We have to feed ourselves.
“When we start to think by ourselves and resolve the issues concerning Nigeria, we will smile,” he added.
Speaking on Authentic Leadership, Ambode said that no matter how weak the followers were, Nigerian leaders must stand in front and continually show confidence that tomorrow would be all right.
“You must stand in front and show them that you are in the challenge with them. You must show them empathy.
“It (authentic leadership) is more about the emotional intelligence that actually understands the frustration of the followers. What is going on around them?
“The issue is, we cannot afford to play propaganda because something is bad but we keep saying that it is not bad,” he said.
Talking about his leadership in the state as a governor, Ambode said that he had come to realise that his background was a reflection of his character and values.
He said that he knew how the ordinary resident feels and this empathy reflected in many of the decisions taken while in office.
“I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I recognise the fact that I was just opportune to be a leader and I am actually part of them,” he said.
Ambode said that authentic leaders should encourage the people, get their sympathy and provide them hope that “whatever they were going through would go away.”
“My sense of empathy brings a bigger sympathy from followership,” he said.
R-L : Mrs Olatomiwa WILLIAMS,CEO Microsoft; H.E Mr Akinwumi AMBODE,Former Governor of Lagos State ; Pharm Akinjide ADEOSUN,Founder The Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) ; Pharm Jimi AGBAJE, Founder Jaykay Pharmacy ; Hon.Adejoro ADEOGUN,Former Member HoR and Pastor Tolu ODUKOYA,The Fountain of Life Church, at the 2024 Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF)’s Leadership Colloquium & Award-Chapter 8, in Lagos.
He said that if the leaders showed empathy to the people and carried the people along and, the people as followers must start to sympathy.
Ambode urged the government to communicate their difficulties and what they were going through effectively, stressing the need for community information.
Speaking on the theme of the event, Pharmacist Akinjide Adeosun, the Visionaire of AAF, described Asphyxiation as a state of being deprived of oxygen.
Adeosun is also the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ST.RACHEAL’S™Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited.
Adeosun said that such could cripple activities, and even if not managed, will ultimately lead to death, “exactly as it is being currently experienced in present day Nigeria”.
Adeosun emphasised the need to be transparent, upright, empathetic, even in the face of economic and social challenges.
Also speaking, Mr Kelvin Emmanuel, Co-Founder, CEO at Dairy Hills, who spoke on Strategies to navigating the difficult times that Nigerians are facing presently, emphasised that things were indeed tough.
He proffered strategies to sailing through hard times such as these but hinged on the need for physical federalism in Nigeria, whereby state would be able to manage their economy.
Prof. Ayodele Coker, a Psychiatrist, advised that in all of these economic challenges, good mental health remained paramount.
He emphasised the importance of good mental health, also as a driver in governance and leadership.
“This will help reduce incidences of illnesses, make one happier, help to build better relationships, build stronger stressor mechanisms among others,” Coker said.
In terms of technology, Microsoft Country Managing Director (Nigeria and Ghana), Ola Williams, said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) had come to help us to be more productive.
According to her , AI provides a new pathway for a lot of people to come into new job opportunities.
She said there was also the need to build AI responsibly and support strategies on AI, “as the power, if properly harnessed, can drive positive changes in health, education, security among others.
According to her, indeed, AI will boost global GDP by 2030 up to about 14 per cent or 15. 7 trillion dollars.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Pastor Taiwo Odukoya received the 2024 AAF Award for helping to provide hope for the lost, when he was alive.
His daughter, Toluwani Odukoya, received the price in honour of Odukoya. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Pastor Gift Lemuels, host of a radio programme, “Tell Your Story”, has said that forgiveness was a key virtue toward ensuring a successful marriage.
She stated this at the inaugural “Tell Your Story” live radio event held in Abuja on Monday.
Lemuels, who is also the Pastor of Cloud Global Revival Ministry, said that marriage was an institution ordained by God and as such, its success should be guaranteed by both parties.
She said that the capacity to seek and grant forgiveness was one of the most significant factors contributing to marital satisfaction.
The cleric added that individuals planning to get married must identify their purpose before tying the knot or else there could be regrets from either of the parties after marriage.
“A lot of people just feel like once I find love, I go. But it’s very difficult to sustain such a relationship.”
Lemuels urged couples to try all they could to guard against divorce, especially when children were involved.
“Shine your eyes before marriage. But if there are issues, challenges that come up, you must find a place to work together especially when children are involved. Resolve the matter and forgive for the sake of the children.”
She also advised women to contribute financially to marriages to ease the burden men carry.
“Women need to add value to the relationship. A woman can be whatever she aspires for,” Lemuels said.
She further said that the “Tell Your Story” programme is aimed at providing an avenue for people to tell their stories and experiences of their lives to encourage others.
“We believe that everybody has a story to tell. We believe that everybody, whether young or old, has something to say. It could be stories of pain, joy and testimony.”
Also speaking, Co-presenter of the show, Mr Kenny Idedevbo, urged couples to live with each other in an atmosphere free of rancour.
“Couples should have a forgiving heart; examine things in a balanced way; live an exemplary life devoid of rancour.”
He, however, said that the yard stick of what the society called marriage was “nothing to write home about”.
“Our marriage system should not be money driven but should be based on the core values of trust, love, patience, perseverance and forgiveness.” (NAN)
The Supreme Bakers and Confectioners Association of Nigeria, said on Monday that it would not embark on strike as proposed by some other baker’s associations in the country.
Comrade Edmund Egbuji, Acting National President of the association, said this in a statement he issued in Abuja.
Egbuji said that national executive of the association saw the proposed strike as unpatriotic especially at this time of food scarcity and difficulties in the country.
“Embarking on strike is not an option, rather the government through its relevant ministries should call for a round table discussion to cushion the effects of food scarcity.
“All members of the supreme bakers are hereby directed tọ go about their business of feeding the nation as any contrary action will add to the pains of the overstretched citizens,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that another association, the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria had directed its members to embark on nationwide strike from Feb. 27, should the Federal government fail to implement the agreement it entered into with the association in 2020. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Ijaw National Congress (INC), has advised President Bola Tinubu to lift ban on employment by Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and combat insecurity as part of channels to fight hunger and poverty in the country.
The INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, further urged Tinubu to step up the fight against insecurity nationwide.
He said INC had keenly observed the rising cost of food items in the country and the efforts being made by the Federal Government to address it.
“It is the strong belief of the INC that lamenting food insecurity in isolation of the general insecurity in the nation amounts to dealing with the symptoms and leaving out the fundamental problem of general insecurity.
“That there is hunger and deepening economic hardship in Nigeria is an incontrovertible and socially menacing fact nationwide.
“It is curious that the shout of “ebi’npawa” (we are hungry) is louder and more strident in the Yoruba area of the South West where President Bola Tinubu comes from’’, he said.
He said it was unfortunate that food shortage, which prompted the federal government to order governors to release grains from strategic reserves cut across, was affecting even the largest food producing parts of the country.
“Why would there not be hunger in the country, where subsistence farmers are maimed, killed daily and violently chased away from their farmlands for malicious and criminal reasons“, he asked rhetorically.
The INC president, therefore, called on the federal government to redouble its efforts in dealing with bandits and marauders ravaging, killing and maiming farmers nationwide.
“The INC calls for the same military operations meted out to oil bunkerers and resource control agitators to also be visited on bandits and other criminals causing hunger across Nigeria“, he said.
He called for equity in the distribution of federal government appointments, adding that where there were perceived injustices, such should be remedied in line with the country’s constitution.
“We, therefore, demand immediate correction and equitable spread in appointments. We remain unequivocal in our unwavering advocacy for justice in our federation. A stitch in time saves nine”, Okaba said. (NAN)
The Al-Habibiyyah Charity and Endowment Foundation on Saturday in Abuja distributed startup items worth N9.3million to vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony, the National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Centre, Imam Fuad Adeyemi said that the gesture was initiated as part of the commandment of almighty Allah to give charity to the needy in the society.
He also said, this was part of the foundation’s efforts to combat poverty
among vulnerable groups in the society.
NAN reports that this is the organisation’s thirteenth public zakat disbursement and third National Zakat Day with the theme: WAQF; Combating Poverty among citizenry.
NAN also reports that some of the items distributed include refrigerators, sewing and grinding machines.
Others are generators, carpentry tools, gas cookers and barber tools.
Adeyemi said the foundation set aside every second of Sha’aban, that is the ninth month in the Islamic Calendar as “National Zakat Day’”’
The day, he said, is set to create awareness and remind muslims about the importance of the most neglected pillar of Islam with a Theme; “Waqaf; Combating Poverty”.
”You know zakat (Charity) is the third pillar of Islam and if is executed well is enough to make the entire country not only the Muslim community better and it can the status its beneficiary.
”We realised that people are not paying their zakat correctly.
”As a religious organisation, the essence of religion is to cater for the needy to ease the pains of the poor especially at this critical time of our nation” he said.
Cross section of dignitaries at the 13th Public Zakat Disbursement of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society.
Also speaking, the representative of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Mr Mustapha Alkali, stressed the importance of giving zakat to the vulnerable groups.
He said, giving charity to the needy will go a long way to reduce poverty and hunger in the land.
”If we come together to share what Allah has blessed us with, we will not be having these challenges of banditry, kidnappings and other vices.
”When we give, people will have what to eat, because hunger is something that knows no religion, no tribe” Alkali said.
Earlier, the guest lecturer at the event, Imam Abdulrahman Alalubosa enumerated the significance of charity in Islamic perspective encouraged wealthy Nigerians to prioritised alms giving.
According to him, giving charity is the surest way to enter paradise.
Alalubosa whose lecture centred on WAQF which is an Arabic word that mean to prevent poverty by giving zakat.
The guest lecturer urged the participants to imbibe the spirit of love and sharing.
”One of the essence of the existence of mankind is to leave a legacy behind, ensure that you do not exit thos world without leaving a legacy behind through charitable activities ” he said.
Some of the items distributed as startup tools to beneficiaries of Al-Habibiyyah Charity Foundation in Abuja.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to NAN expressed their appreciation to the foundation for identifying with them in their moment of needs.
Mr Sunday Ajibode, one of the beneficiary who got barbing materials expressed gratitude to Al-Habibiyyah Foundation.
“When I was asked to fill a form, I didn’t believe that I will get the items because of my faith but now I have confidence that Al-Habibiyyah does not discriminate.
”I promise to utilise this opportunity to better my life going forward ” Ajibode said.
Another beneficiary Miss Hadiza Adamu, who got sewing machine said:”I pray that this foundation will continue to go higher and higher in the name of our dear lord.”
NAN reports that Zakat is an Islamic financial term.
As one of the pillars of the faith, it requires all Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth to charity.
Muslims must meet a certain threshold before they can qualify for zakat.
The amount is 2.5 per cent or 1/40 of an individual’s total savings and wealth.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).
Mrs Joy Amore, Nigeria Country Chair for G100 Global Networking Wing, has tasked governments at all levels to close the gap of gender inequality in the legal profession.
Amore, who is also the Founder, Leadership Circle made the call in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.
She stressed the need for governments to take urgent action in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for female professionals, not only in the legal field but across all professions.
Amore raised concern over the gap in leadership roles within the legal profession in spite of the presence of women in various professional capacities.
She cited cultural norms, societal expectations, unconscious bias and lack of mentorship and family-friendly policies as contributing factors to the disparity.
To address the challenges, Amore advocated for the implementation of initiatives such as mentorship and sponsorship programmes, with flexible working arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of female legal practitioners.
She pointed out the importance of raising awareness and challenging stereotypes through advocacy campaigns.
Amore also called for proactive measures from policymakers and legal institutions, including the establishment of gender quotas and the enforcement of policies supporting work-life balance and parental leave for both genders.
She underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to achieve gender equality in the legal profession, emphasising the importance of addressing systemic barriers and cultural norms.
According to her, by fostering inclusivity, promoting diversity in leadership and challenging existing biases, a more equitable and inclusive legal profession can be realised for future generations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Idris Abdulrahman
A U.S.- based Philanthropist and business tycoon, Dr Magdalene Agada, has lauded the charity programmes of Erelu Adeleke, wife of Osun Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke.
Mrs Magdalene Nwaka Agada, is the President and Founder of Open Hands Amazing Charitable Organization New York USA and UK.
Her endorsement of the Erelu Ngozi Adeleke’s charity programme, “Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation” was conveyed in a statement on Saturday in Asaba, Delta.
Agada gave the endorsement, while commenting on the recent inauguration of a transformative skills acquisition programme for young women in Osun by Erelu Adeleke’s Humanitarian Foundation.
“I wholeheartedly endorse the transformative skills acquisition programme for young women in Osun State launched on Feb. 14 by Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation, the pet programme of Her Excellency, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, wife of Osun Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke.
“I heartily congratulate the Osun First Family on the successful launch of this laudable programme aimed to train and empower 30 young women in various vocations, providing them with essential tools for success”.
Agada, who also doubles as President and Chief Executive Officer, Star Global Marketing Limited, pledged her unalloyed support for the Esther
Humanitarian Foundation.
According to Agada, the Erelu Adeleke’s philanthropic projects, will always be supported, especially the empowerment programme for 30 young Osun women, which will not only impart important skills but also provide them with start-up funds to launch their businesses.”
“This will enable the beneficiaries to be able to contribute positively to their families and communities.
” It will also pave the way for a more prosperous Osun state where both the men and women are meaningfully supported to take the state to the next level of prosperity and development”.(NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)
Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye says the ministry’s partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other organisations are needed for an inclusive and equitable society.
Kennedy-Ohanenye said this during a high-level multisectoral meeting on women and girls programming in Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.
The event was organised by the UNDP in partnership with the UNWomen, at the request of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
She said that the meeting was an opportunity to collaborate, inspire, and drive positive change for women and the girl-child in Nigeria.
She said: “Together, I am confident that we can generate innovative solutions and chart a course towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
“I am particularly pleased that this meeting will provide a platform for direct engagement between stakeholders and the Ministry.
“Your insights, expertise, and perspectives are invaluable as we work together to develop strategies and initiatives that will drive meaningful change in the lives of women and girls across Nigeria.”
The minister explained that the meeting represented a crucial juncture in the ongoing efforts to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls in the society.
She said: “Your presence underscores the collective commitment to addressing the challenges and barriers that hinder gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Our meeting today is not merely a gathering of minds; it is a testament to the Renewed Hope Initiative commitment to catalyze positive change in the lives of women and girls across our nation.
“This is an opportunity for an in-depth understanding of the ministry’s work-plan, and will also allow the ministry to learn about the work and initiatives of partners in the various thematic areas covered by the ministry’s mandate.”
Onyinye Ndubuisi, Gender and Human Rights Programme Lead, UNDP, stressed the need for the agency and the ministry to work collectively, seal partnerships and streamline projections towards a new beginning for women and girls.
Also, Dr Chukwuemeka Onyimadu, Lead Economic Empowerment, UN Women, expressed appreciation to the minister and stakeholders for the meeting, citing needs for progressive advancement in gender issues.
“We will deepen this collaborative agenda by working with the ministry and other stakeholders to get things done.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together donors, development partners, civil society organisations, and knowledge-based stakeholders to discuss issues relevant to the ministry’s mandate. (NAN)
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Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Ismail Abdulaziz
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described a foremost Nigerian Dermatologist and Literary icon, Emeritus Prof. Anezionwu Okoro, as the “most patriotic Nigerian”.
Obasanjo made the remarks in his tribute at the funeral of Okoro, the author of “One Week, One Trouble”, at the All Saints’ Anglican Church, Ndi Aniche Uno, Arondizuogu in Imo.
Okoro, 94, who died on Jan. 20, was renowned for his contributions to the growth of medicine as the first West African and Nigerian dermatologist, as well as his contribution to literary and educational works.
“Anezi, who is now in a windowless, doorless box had been a very good old friend of mine for almost 60 years.
“If there has been a Nigerian I had met, Anezi Okoro was one of such.
“He was a Nigerian, nationalistic, patriotic and absolute lover of this country,” Obasanjo said.
The former president, who recalled his personal relationship with Okoro, said “for our country Nigeria, if we have critical mass of people like Okoro, this country will be a paradise on earth.”
The Chairman, Ideato North Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Ndubuisi Kanu, also described Okoro as a patriotic Nigerian who was well known in his community for his peaceful disposition to issues.
Mr Ben Anachebe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, described him as “one of the finest academics in black Africa”, saying that he impacted seriously in his community and the nation.
“We celebrate today because he laid a solid foundation and touched many lives generally,” he said.
Earlier in a sermon, the Bishop of Ideato Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Bishop Henry Okeke, admonished Nigerians to establish a good relationship with God.
Okeke advised Nigerians to apply wisdom in preparation for their departure from earth.
The bishop noted that Nigerian leaders tend to pursue salient things without remembering the maker and urged leaders to exhibit the fear of God and shun corrupt tendencies to better the country.
According to him, the heart of man is naturally desperately corrupt and wicked, but it is only the fear of God that can make a leader to shun corruption,” he stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Okoro was also renowned for his contribution toward research on dermatology with special focus on albinism.
Some of his literary works included the translation of some Shakespeare’s works into the Igbo language, his novel tilted “One Week One Trouble (1973), The Village School (1966), The Village Headmaster (1967)
Flying Tortoise, Dr Amadi’s Postings (1975), Febechi series (1971), Pictorial Handbook of Common Skin Diseases (1981), among others.
Okoro was also an accomplished poet whose poetry earned him a life patron of the International Society of Doctors in Literature. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The US Government, in collaboration with Exchange Alumni, has trained 50 girls from 10 schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills.
Tech Women Alumni, Stella Dennis-Uzochukwu, in a statement on Saturday said the programme was with the sponsorship of the U.S Department of State through the Alumni Ties programme and facilitated by World Learning.
She said it has been a beacon of innovation and empowerment for the talented young participants who joined them for an enriching five days at the FCTA Science and Technology camp.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day programme delved into innovative aspects of digital making, including 3D printing, augmented reality, laser machines, and digital making for goods.
She explained that the virtual and augmented reality platforms were utilised to connect the students with women in tech and STEM leadership positions, addressing the underrepresentation of women’s stories in the field.
She shared insights into the programme’s focus on encouraging more girls in STEM, providing them with 3D printers and equipment to replicate the learned skills.
She noted that the facilitators were recent secondary school graduates who had undergone training through internships.
“Through this innovative approach, the participants had the privilege of interacting with accomplished women in the field, drawing inspiration from their journeys, and understanding the vast possibilities that lie ahead.
“Your creativity, coupled with these newfound capabilities, has the potential to reshape the landscape of technology and make a positive impact on society.”
She also highlighted the significant impact of similar programmes, having trained over 10,000 girls since its inception in 2014.
A representative of the FCT Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mrs Funmi Jemisenia, reiterated the programme’s objective to inclusively involve girls in STEM activities and ensuring they stay abreast of new technologies.
Regarding government involvement, Jemisenia explained the FCT’s commitment in providing accommodation for the programme and emphasising girl-child education through specialised schools and participation in STEM competitions.
The alumni coordinator and US Embassy representative, Hannatu Sadiq, congratulated the participants, expressing the embassy’s dedication to women’s empowerment.
She encouraged the girls to embrace the opportunities ahead, assuring them of a supportive community.
NAN reports that the STEM initiative equipped young girls with essential skills and also addresses gender disparities in the tech and STEM fields. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
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