Onaola's Blog

Your actions WILL affect others; do it anyway!

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Once upon a time, when the Sun announced his intention to take a wife, the Frogs lifted up their voices in clamour to the sky. Jupiter, disturbed by the noise of their croaking, inquired the cause of their complaint. One of them said, "The Sun, now while he is single, parches up the marsh, and compels us to die miserably in our arid homes ; what will be our future condition if he should beget other suns?"

Absurdity! Imagine the impudence of said frogs.

Should the sun stay unmarried because his offspring might one day bring discomfort to the frogs? This just reminds me of the a story I once read of a 40 year-old man. His parents died while he was still a teenager and various relatives had seen him through school. On leaving school, he was given a room in the family house and instructed by family members to act as caretaker for the family property till an official envoy could be employed. For 15 years, the family refused to employ anyone and this young man waited in vain to move on with his life.

Eventually, he got a well-paying job and met a young lady who agreed to marry him, but insisted they get a place of their own outside the family house. Then the family decided that the young man was an ingrate. What right did he have to want to marry and move away, leaving the family property unattended and at the mercy of tenants. My question is that is it too much to want a life of your own, unaffected by the untamed wishes and caprices of selfish relatives? Your actions, good or bad, will impact others; it is no excuse to be stagnant. Make a move!

No Work, No Food!

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 12:00:00 +0000

A Blacksmith had a little dog, which he loved and kept as his constant companion. While he hammered away at his metals, the dog slept; but when, on the other hand, he went to dinner, and began to eat, the dog woke up and wagged his tail, as if requesting for his share of his meal. His master one day pretending to be angry and shaking his stick at him said, "You wretched little sluggard! What shall I do to you? While I am hammering on the anvil, you sleep on the mat; and

when I begin to eat after my toil, you wake up, and wag your tail for food. Do you not

know that labour is the source of every blessing, and that none but those who work are

entitled to eat ?"

Imagine you have this annoying brother who lives with you.
He stays up late at night watching unending seasonal movies he downloaded illegally online with your data and on your laptop. At 6AM while you prepare to leave home, he is still snoring like no man's business, and when you arrive home after a hard day at work, he is out of the house playing ball with neighborhood layabouts. Of course you get to cook dinner and he gets to eat. The cycle never ends... at least for the first six months.

After six months, you put your foot down and insist that he either find work or he stops eating the food you cook. Is it too much to ask a grown man to work for his daily bread or is that too harsh for his obviously indelicate sensibilities?

I am a writer not a walking-talking dictionary!

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 09:53:00 +0000

Imagine walking down the road at mid-day, late for a press conference and the annoying guy down your street who has made it his life's work to be your wannabe boyfriend walks up to you and says 'Baby! Thank God I saw you, I tried your number yesterday but I couldn't get through. My friends and I were arguing about something.' With a disdainful glare, you look at him and decide you might as well wait and listen since doing otherwise would provoke more catcalls from his jobless friends. 'Baby, Shebi you said you are a writer? Oya tell my friend that adolescent means someone that is like this our age, 25 to 30 years. He said it is when you clock 21. Oya tell him.' He urges. I don't know about you, but at this point I was furious.
'For Christ's sake consult a dictionary. That's what people do when they need to know the meaning of a word!' I thundered in response 'But you studied English in school na?' The wannabe boyfriend whined in response. 'Baby no fall my hand o, I don tell them say you be correct "Efiwe". No come dey do like "Olodo" o.' I stormed off throwing two words back at him, angry at myself for waiting to listen to his drivel.

I'm sure many of you have experienced this before, probably in another variation. The moment people hear you are a professional in a particular field, they automatically have something they want you to do. A doctor is immediately besieged with scores of questions on why one arm is a little bigger than the other. Another wants to know if the pimple on his back is actually a cancerous cyst. A lawyer on the other hand is immediately expected to answer questions on landlord - tenant relationships, however peculiar that particular relationship is. A politician is expected to know why the road on a particular street has remained untarred for the past 10 years while the street next to it has been tarred. An artist is expected to produce paper and pencil and immediately prove he can draw by sketching something.

Professionalism is not a hat trick you pull out like magic to fix problems or wow people; that's what Google is for. Biko folks, stop asking me the meaning of words when you see me or I'll just give you the same answer I gave the annoying street dude - 'Ask Google!'

Fashola addresses Lagosians

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:00:00 +0000

PUBLIC ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN TO LAGOSIANS ON THE APRIL 11 2015 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS

Dear Lagosians,

First let me thank you all for turning out to vote on the 28th March 2015 and for doing so peacefully to make history by electing the All Progressives Congress candidates in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Once again, I must address you as we approach Saturday’s elections, when you will be electing a Governor who will continue after me and consolidate on the progress we have built together.

You will also be electing members of the State House of Assembly who will make laws on your behalf to assist the Governor and his team in the Executive arm.

Although your votes will be cast for one political party or the other, let me remind you that you will actually be voting for your wellbeing, security, prosperity and future.

You will also be voting for the future of your children. You will be choosing candidates and a party that you will entrust your lives to.

Think hard, think clearly, think deeply. Ask yourselves a few questions.

Who has shown a better record and example of protecting and securing you between the political parties?

Which of the parties cares more when disasters happen?

What is the record of the parties as it relates to the promises they have made to you in the past?

Which of the parties do you see regularly and which one do you see once in a while?

Which of the parties do you see when your life or property is threatened by epidemics like Ebola or by unfortunate accidents like plane crashes?

Which of the parties is showing that you can become home-owners without knowing anybody?

Which party has responsibility for providing electricity for you, and which one is taking up the responsibility to light up your streets and communities at night?

Which of them cares more about your children and their safety?

Indeed ask yourself; which of the parties threatened you with thugs on that sad Monday of March 16th and which is seeking to protect you by supporting the police; with patrol vehicles, fuel and other equipment?

Ask yourself when last you saw the Federal Fire Service in Lagos. The proud men and women of the Lagos State Fire Service have taken over admirably.

Ask yourself who should be supporting the police and who is actually doing it?

Dear Lagosians, your choice of who to vote for will be easy if you answer these questions within yourself honestly.

Indeed, you have clear choices to make between parties that use your resources to develop your society and community on the one hand, and the party that chooses to bring money to you for distribution when election beckons.

So you can choose between schools for your children, hospitals for your community, roads for your transportation or in the alternative, you can choose to have these services monetized once in four years.

Remember, that choices have consequences and your vote will decide the choice that shapes your lives.

Dear Lagosians, it is tempting to take the right and opportunity to vote for granted. It is tempting to think that it is too much trouble.

I agree that the process can be made much easier. But it is no excuse to refuse to vote.

Out of 5.8 million registered voters and 3.8 million PVC collections, only about 1.5 million turned out to vote, on the 28th March 2015.

Think of all the pain, the effort, the sleepless nights it took to get the PVCs to you. Think of the best way to show that the effort was not wasted or in vain.

It seems to me that the best way is to have all these 3.8 Million voters come out to vote.

By refusing to vote, you surrender decision making to a few and you will be bound by the consequences of your choices.

By refusing to vote, you do a great disservice to many who have lived before you, who fought very hard at great personal costs to themselves, to earn you this right.

By refusing to vote, you dishonour the sacrifice of patriots before you who fought for the right to vote.

Remember that when they were fighting for the right to vote, they were not fighting for yesterday, they were fighting for today and tomorrow.

They have handed today to you and I, can we secure tomorrow for the next generation?

Remember that since the capital of Nigeria was moved from Lagos 24 years ago in December 1991, Lagos has been abandoned by the Federal Government.

Ask yourself when the last major new road in Lagos was built by the Federal Government. It was the 3rd Mainland Bridge completed in 1990.

The assets the Federal Government left behind almost became a burden but for our resilience to maintain them. Today the Federal Government is owing Lagos N51 Billion which remains unpaid.

This is not in accord with the spirit of the promise made to Lagos when the Federal Government first declared Abuja as the capital in 1976.

The Head-of-State at the time, the late Gen Murtala Muhammed, said then and I quote him:

“…Lagos will, in the foreseeable future, remain the nation’s commercial capital and one of its nerve centres. But in terms of servicing the present infrastructure alone the committed amount of money and effort required will be such that Lagos State will not be ready to cope.

(But we have coped at great sacrifice)
“It will even be unfair to expect the state to bear this heavy burden on its own. It is therefore necessary for the Federal Government to continue to sustain the substantial investment in the area. The port facilities and other economic activities in the Lagos area have to be expanded.
“There is need in the circumstances for the Federal Government to maintain a special defence and security arrangement in Lagos which will henceforth be designated a special area. These arrangements will be carefully worked out and written into the new constitution. Kaduna and Port Harcourt are to be accorded similar status and designated as Special Areas…”

Sadly, no Federal Government and indeed not the PDP Government has done anything to redeem that promise for the 16 years it was in power or to protect Lagos.

Instead of assisting Lagos, they attacked her. If you remember FERMA, in 2006, the same PDP seized your Local Government money and resisted the attempt to bring Government closer to you by creating more local Governments.

On Monday 16th March 2015, the same PDP continued in their tradition of assaulting Lagos. Their supporters took over a major road in Lagos and threatened your peace and security.

On Wednesday 18th March 2015, the President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari came to Lagos and said Lagos will receive compensation for the role she has played in maintaining Federal Government Assets.

Yesterday on Tuesday the 7th of April 2015, he was here in Lagos in his first political engagement since he became President-Elect and he reiterated his commitment to support Lagos.

This is what I will vote for. This is what I urge you to think about as you vote on Saturday.

This is the place that every Nigerian calls his home. It is the home of displaced people. It is the place where the homeless arrive and are made welcome.

It is the place where generations of Nigerians have arrived without knowing anybody but have, through the opportunities and inclusion, become somebody.

This is the place where the Late Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya and Owelle Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe consummated the handshake across the Niger and played politics without bitterness.
Tell those who try to divide us that our greatest strength has always been our diversity.

Tell them that you feel safe here, and that I have continuously assured you of your safety as the basis of our mutual co-existence.

Tell them that our waterways have been assets of prosperity and sustenance, for transport, recreation and fishing and they will remain so.

Let nobody now attempt to re-write that history for you.

When they reel out false statistics about Lagos, please ask them the statistics about the places they governed for 16 years.

When they reel out statistics, please remind them that those statistics don’t stand in isolation, they are the burden of a whole nation and many parts of West Africa that Lagos state bears.

When they promise you heaven and earth, remember their broken promises on power, security and many more.

Ask them to show you a plan, if they can produce one, which is doubtful, ask them whether they have implemented it elsewhere.

Tell them that you have seen the Lagos Development plan for 2012 – 2025, that the Lagos Light Rail Project, the Adiyan Water Works Phase II of 75 Million gallons a day, the solar power for all schools and many more which are part of the plans for you and your children and which are already being implemented.

Tell them that you will vote to keep a plan that you can see, that is already working, instead of a plan that you have not seen.

Ask them what happened to Vision 20:20, to the 7-Point Agenda and to Transformation.

Tell them that your bird in hand will not be traded for a dozen unseen birds in the bush.

Tell them that this election is not about money, tell them that it is not about ethnicity and it is not about religion.

Tell them that this election is about the place you call your home, the place you earn your living and the place where your investments are the safest.

Tell them that you will not play ethnic or religious politics with your survival. Tell them that you will not vote with anger.

Tell them that you will vote with common sense and for experience.

Tell them that you have seen Lagos survive without Federal support, and you wish to see her flourish with Federal support.

That will be the most historic thing you will have done, putting Lagos in the centre with your votes.

History and tomorrow beckons. Don’t turn your backs.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State.

Readout of the President’s Calls with Nigerian President Jonathan and President-Elect Buhari (April 1, 2015)

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:53:00 +0000

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C. | April 1, 2015

President Obama today spoke with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and separately with President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari to commend them for their leadership during Nigeria’s recent election. The President applauded President Jonathan for putting Nigeria and its people before politics by conceding the election and calling on his supporters to accept the outcome peacefully. President Obama congratulated President-Elect Buhari on his victory and thanked him for repeatedly urging his supporters to help ensure the election process remained calm and peaceful.

President Obama encouraged both leaders to work together to unify the country and sustain Nigeria’s strong partnership with the United States to tackle the critical challenges facing Nigeria and the broader region. The President highlighted the need for Nigeria and its regional partners to build on the recent progress against Boko Haram and pledged that the United States will continue to support those efforts.

Fayose allegedly jittery

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:28:00 +0000

According to a group called the Monitors in a message sent to Onaola's blog, Gov. Fayose is allegedly worried
Below reads their message:

'What awaits Governor Ayodele Fayose in the next few days is becoming clearer as the Ekiti helmsman moves personal property out of the Government House. This emerged as‎ the State Police Command and State Directorate State Services (DSS) withdrew their operatives from the security outfit of the factional Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dele Olugbemi. Signs that the governor would have problems keeping his job emerged few days ago when President Goodluck Jonathan refused to see Fayose on his visit to the Aso Rock.
PDP sources said the President is angry with Fayose over mismanagement of campaign cash and image problem the governor caused him by his relentless attacks on the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari‎, which soared support for the retired General while diminishing the profile of the President. Security sources said Fayose compounded problem for himself while condemning President Jonathan for not using soldiers for the election. "Security officers were holding a meeting with the governor and he was told to ensure adequate security to douse tension. Carelessly, the governor said he was not sure whether "that stupid President will agree like he refused to do during the presidential election". "Unfortunately, Fayose did not know that he was being recorded‎. The tape was sent to the President who after listening to it decided to leave Fayose to his fate. Second day, the Speaker's security aides were withdrawn and Speaker Omirin's security aides were restored while the state was secured for APC lawmakers to hold a sitting preparatory to Fayose's impeachment," a source explained. News about Olugbemi's security withdrawal had been rif‎e since news broke that the police and DSS had restored their officers to the service of Dr Adewale Omirin as his security officials. Olugbemi himself on a morning live EKTV programme Ee Jii Re Bi today confirmed that his security aides had been withdrawn, explaining that his pleas with the commissioner of police to restore his security aides fell on deaf ears. In the programme, Olugbemi spoke clearly about the cracks in Fayose's government. He accused the governor of his one-man show style, even as he also accused the governor of starving the Assembly. "The governor does not take me along in governance even though he knows that I am a stabilizing factor in this government. If am impeached today, that is the end of Fayose's government. But he likes taking out his deputy governor, Chief of Staff, commissioners and other aides while he leaves me out. This pains me a lot and it is better the governor is told to stop practising it. He likes to talk on my befalf and I hate representation by proxy because it is not a good thing. "I am supposed to have seven aides but I can only manage to employ three aides who I pay out of my personal purse. I fuel and maintain my cars from my personal purse," he complained. A police headquarters source also confirmed this evening that Olugbemi's security aides had ‎been withdrawn. Also this evening, government sources said Fayose had removed almost all his property from the Governor's Lodge. Early this morning, the governor sent four hilux vans moving his personal effects from the Governor's Lodge‎ to his Spotless Hotel. Each van made four trips. Two weeks earlier, there were reports that the governor carted some beds to his Afao and Ibadan homes. Another source said Fayose's behaviour betrayed his intention in recent times, citing his last week secret journey out of Ekiti State and today's recorded broadcast‎ to Ekiti people. "He likes loud life, but his behaviour recently suggests he is greatly troubled. He sneaked out of Ekiti State last week and quietly entered. Today, he presented a recorded broadcast to the people as a live broadcast. Something is wrong with oga. The way he is moving his property out of the Government House confirms he is up to a game that is known only to himself," the source said. THE MONITORS

The difference between JK and Ambode

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:43:00 +0000

It is interesting reading the opinion of both sides. Really it's a tough call, but Lagosians need to make a choice.
Below is the opinion of a nearly 70 yr-old man, who has had the chance of knowing both JK and AA.

JK was our (group of then AC supporters) choice in 2007, but BRF was the choice of the powers that be. We have seen what BRF did in Lagos. Do you think if BRF was aligned to the Federal government, he would not have performed better?

AA was my student in UNILAG. His record is very hard to beat - straight As in both WASC and HSC, topped up with a 1st class B.Sc degre in accounting, M.Sc also. By the way, he graduated at 21, and at 24 he was already chartered, etc. I was already a HOD at UNILAG when he got his B.Sc in 1984. AA worked for both BAT and BRF without blemish (forget about any campaign of calumny against him, they are not true). AA was the one who saved Lagos State financially when OBJ was seriously making Lagos financially handicapped etc. In fact BRF did not want AA to go when he wanted to retire.

In short, both AA and JK are good, but AA is miles ahead, cortical and administrative considerations.

AA had been Accountant at Lagos State Water Dev. Board; Treasurer at Badagry, Alimosho, Mushin, & Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Governments; before being appointed Auditor-General for Local Governments at 37. In 2005 he was appointed PS of d Finance ministry. By the following year he became Accountant General/Permanent Secretary. He voluntarily retired in 2012 at 49 (most likely because he had his eyes set on 'higher grounds'). JK on the other hand, had only managed two pharmacies before.

Please consider the above, in addition to the points raised by yourselves and vote AA/APC.

Pro. Olatunde Makanju

Nigerians' 10 point agenda for President-elect, GMB

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 19:27:00 +0000

FUNNY MESSAGE TO BUHARI

‪#‎BabaNowThatYouAreThere‬

1) Dont come-up with 36-points agenda. Just give us Light and security. Others will fall in place.

2) Replace petrol subsidy

3) Make Fashola a minister with 10 portfolios. He can handle it.

4) Baba, the number of fish in each tin of Titus sardine used to be 8 in 1999. Please do something about it.

5) Shut all borders. Our jail candidates must not be allowed to escape to Cotonou.

6) Don't Use One billion Naira to Eat. No Be Food We Say Make U Go Chop.

7) Secure jobs for graduates and Please arrest dat lady that says our call credit is low please recharge!

8) Stop jumbo salary for the politicians & pay dem like civil servant to discourage rogues from our politics.

9) Don't use all our money to buy shoes and private jets. Use your old military boots and okada if necessary.

10) We want NTA to be clear like CNN, BBC, Aljazeera and so on.

This was culled from the facebook page of friend. Indeed, looking through, i wouldnt change anything but add more.

Musings of Oriade

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 12:43:00 +0000

WHEN I TOOK THAT WALK

So, I decided to take this walk to clear my head. I merely wanted to walk around and take a breath of GOD given fresh air that I'm not supposed to pay for.

And what did I see?

I saw them.

I saw many of them.

I saw them in diverse hues and heights.

Those who managed to stay awake in spite of all the oddities.

Those who were awake and alert. Those who were awake and waiting for others to slumber.

Those who were dead awake and even those who woke up dead.

I saw them all.

Hushed and meshed in misery, loud and crooked and scheming.

I saw them all.

Then I saw the irresponsible lot who are responsible for all the chaos and miseries.

In the midst of these lot too, I saw a negligible daring few who remain unrepentantly stoic in their stance to light their little candles in their little corners of the world.

Their sparks put to shame the choking darkness.

I saw those making feeble attempts and hoping for the best.

I saw those who are silent in their anger.

I saw those who make merry and flaunt indecency in the midst of scarcity.

I saw the age grade that made roads, built towns and ward off external aggression, now insolent and perpetually high on every available poison. They were there too.

Some of them were engaged in heated arguments over the club that deserves the cup.

The rest were thinking of how to acquire their next bling-bling.

I saw the scantily dressed (It seems to me like the more we 'advance' the less we cover of what should be covered). Boys o, girls o.

All bent on 'making it' with or without fixing things.

I saw school children milling to school to be taught how:

Mr. Mungo Park 'discovered' River Niger.

Sister Mary Slessor put an end to the barbaric killing of twins in our land.

The seasons in a year being autumn, spring, summer and winter in our land o!

I heard parents boast 'My children don't speak vernacular. They speak Queen's English'.

Some of them cursed their daughters for refusing to date the dandy or fly to Italy and 'make it big' like their neighbour's daughter.

I saw what couples do when their partners weren't watching.

I heard the preachers from East and West.

I saw caution flying in the wind, dignity begging to be fed and values sold for nothing.

I saw this, I saw that and when I checked my mirror, there I was, in the midst of it all!

By Segun Adefila (March 2015)

And Crown Troupe bares it all

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 12:54:00 +0000

For those who have never witnessed Crown Troupe of Africa in action, it just goes to say that they are missing a vital part of the essence of theatre itself. Theirs is not a mission just to entertain, it is a mission to tell of the realities of today's world; a pedagogic mission geared toward bettering the society from which it draws its inspiration.
Over the years, I have been an avid student of the theatre and my experiences have only been enriched by the Segun Adefila led Crown Troupe of Africa. On the first of March, these ardent purveyors of theatre treated a select audience at the Ethnic Heritage Centre to realism in Nigeria as written by Isi Joy Bewaji. A compendium of articles, the performance titled 'Chronicles of the Nigerian' was simply explosive. No topic was considered sacred as Crown Troupe's interpretation bared it all.
Needless to say that Crown Troupe constantly raises the bar in its delivery of its fresh kind of theatre. Some who have no inkling as to why I keep going on and on need to understand that this is not just an encomium for talents found in Crown Troupe, but a recognition of the hard work that goes into the honing of that talent. Talent alone is never enough. If it were, many today would be famous and successful.
With the 2015 elections approaching, Crown Troupe packaged a truly inspiring performance which I first witnessed at Oba Sonuga's 70th birthday cultural fiesta at Freedom Park. Follow the link below to take a sneak peak at these maestros at the drawing table where it all begins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvTbYYtiOuw

Alayeluwa Fadesewa of Simawa, Oba GbadeboSonuga, marks 70th birthday with Art and Theatre aficionados

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 10:54:00 +0000

Lagos APC Senatorial candidate, Yayi’s office burgled

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:42:00 +0000

With the approaching elections, tempers are fast rising and Senatorial candidates are not left out of the election brouhaha. Thugs believed to be sympathetic to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the weekend attacked the campaign office of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Lagos West, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

The office at No 32, Adeniyi Jones Ikeja was around about 7:15pm attacked by some unknown thugs. Shots were reportedly fired into the office.

The bullets, according to the Media Adviser to Adeola, Chief Kayode Odunaro, in a statement, damaged the rear windscreen of the candidate’s Toyota Land Cruiser and the exterior of the office room of Adeola’s office.”

Odunaro was reportedly quoted to have said that the PDP’s senatorial candidate for Lagos West, Segun Adewale, led the thugs and some policemen on the attack.

“The attack today is a brazen assassination attempt as both the vehicle and personal office of Adeola were hit by bullets fired by PDP aspirant who came in his branded campaign vehicle to carry out the attack,” Odunaro further alleged. When contacted, Adewale denied neither he nor his supporters carried out the attack.

He said: “What happened was that I was driving by Yayi’s office and stopped at the gate to lodge a complaint to Yayi through the mobile policemen on duty.

“How can I go to someone’s office and be shooting? For what?”

Adewale also accused Adeola’s supporters of destroying his billboards and posters, allegedly vowing to retaliate such moves.

“Henceforth, it is tit-for-tat. If they destroy one car or billboard, I will destroy one thousand. Please quote me. He has his billboards everywhere; no one is destroying them. Why should mine be different? I don’t fear him. I only respect Governor Fashola, who has appealed to me to maintain the peace. Recently one of my campaign vehicles was destroyed. The car is still at Area M police command. I have lodged a complaint with the Police and SSS. Yayi should call his people to order.”

Onaola's February Stage - Chronicles of the Nigerian...

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:20:00 +0000

Chronicles of the Nigerian...

It’s going to be a long February. Elections are looming and Valentine's day seems choked.

You have just one weekend in February before the political activities eat up your life and after that it's the rigmarole of a busy life.

So to spice this February up, watch our lives play out before us in a fun, creative, witty and hilarious performance- the way only Segun Adefila and the Crown Troupe of Africa can interpret.

This I heard from a reliable source is a deluxe edition that seats only 30 people. So get your tickets, arrive early and let the fun boat take you on a luxury trip.

U.S Secretary of State, John Kerry makes his thoughts on Nigerian elections known

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:54:00 +0000

The world indeed is watching. This i can confirm from the comments made by the United States of America Secretary of State on his visit to Lagos Nigeria twp days ago. The United States ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle took to the embassy's facebook page to welcome United States Secretary of State, John Kerry to this marvellous country, Nigeria.

In a speech, the secretary said “It’s imperative that these elections happen on time as scheduled, and that they are an improvement over past elections, and they need to set a new standard for this democracy. That means that Nigerians have to not only reject violence but they have to actually promote peace.” - Secretary Kerry in Lagos, Nigeria.

This statement by the Secretary of State is both insightful and auspicious, since it's coming at a time when there are factions asking for a postponed election.

SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon, everybody. I am really delighted be here in Nigeria. And I was just admiring the extraordinary view and this wonderful location. I’m particularly pleased to be here at this particular moment, just a few weeks before one of the most important elections that this country has held. And this will be the largest democratic election on the continent. Given the stakes, it’s absolutely critical that these elections be conducted peacefully, that they are credible, transparent, accountable, so that the people of Nigeria can have faith and the world can have faith in the government that flows from it.

So I came here today to deliver a very simple message, and I met with both major candidates in order to underscore that the international community is paying very close attention to this election and that the international community is deeply committed to working with Nigerians going forward with the hopes that they will have an election that is free of violence and capable of instilling confidence in the future.

I was at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this weekend where I delivered a speech about the need for a long-term, comprehensive global effort to combat violent extremism, and to address the underlying causes before that extremism takes root. The unfortunate truth is that Nigerians know as well as anyone how desperately that kind of effort is needed. Day after day, the group that calls itself Boko Haram continues to kill scores of innocent civilians and attack villages and military installations in places like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The United States condemns these attacks which have escalated in recent weeks. And we extend our deepest condolences to the thousands of families that have been impacted, and we deeply regret the toll that this violence has taken on the Nigerian people. We will absolutely continue to support the Nigerian military in its fight against Boko Haram. And as I said in Davos, all of us must work together to advance a strategy that will not only stop groups like Boko Haram, Daesh, and al-Qaida, but that will address the environment from which these groups emerge.

We were very happy to see the Government of Niger host a regional security ministerial meeting last week to discuss how to better coordinate counterterrorism efforts. This is exactly the kind of thing that I suggested is necessary in the comments that I made a couple of days ago. It is very important that the world cooperate more in helping countries where they want to and where they don’t the full capacity to be able to step up and take on lawless terrorist entities.

That is precisely why President Obama has announced that next month in Washington we will host an international summit on combatting violent extremism around the world. It will be held at the WH and at the State Department, it will be at the ministerial, and we hope to bring people together who have been engaged in these fights against the Boko Harams and other entities so we can share best practices, so that we could hear from people about what they need and what they think is necessary in order to be able to summon an even stronger global response.

The fact is that one of the best ways to fight back against Boko Haram and similar groups is by protecting the peaceful, credible, and transparent elections that are essential to any thriving democracy, and certainly, essential to the largest democracy in Africa. It’s imperative that these elections happen on time as scheduled, and that they are an improvement over past elections, and they need to set a new standard for this democracy. That means that Nigerians have to not only reject violence but they have to actually promote peace.

I met with President Jonathan earlier today and separately with General Buhari, and I was encouraged to hear once again from both men that this is exactly what they intend to do to try to press for an election that can be held with the credibility the people of Nigeria want and deserve. As President Jonathan said in his New Year’s message, none of our political ambitions is worth the blood of any of our countrymen, women, and children. And as General Buhari recently tweeted, electoral violence is unacceptable, and every Nigerian life is sacred. Both candidates have also signed on to the so-called Abuja Accord, which commits them to running exclusively issue-based campaigns, refraining from violence before and during and after election day, and speaking out against any violence that does emerge.

These are commitments that we need to see from everyone and they are commitments that need to be kept. Many people are stepping up. For example, Chairman Jega and the thousands of independent national election commission employees are taking concrete steps in order to guarantee that this election is successful. We also urge all of Nigeria’s governors to call for peaceful democratic engagement among their residents, and we ask all parties and all candidates to do the same.

And I would say to everybody that no matter what the outcome, if you have a question, if you have a doubt, if there is someplace where issues may have arisen, it is absolutely vital that whatever differences may exist be resolved through legitimate channels, through the legal channels, which are fundamental to the democratic process. And I urge all of Nigeria’s candidates to do what is best for their country no matter the outcome on election day.

I want to emphasize that for the United States, Nigeria is an increasingly important strategic partner. Nigeria has a critical role to play in the security and prosperity of this continent and beyond. We are committed to helping the electoral process succeed, and last week we sent an electoral security advisor in order to support INEC’s efforts to advise on security concerns and to help develop a risk mapping tool to prepare for any violence that might emerge.

So let me be clear: Anyone who participates in, plans, or calls for widespread or systematic violence against the civilian population must be held accountable, including by ineligibility for an American visa. Violence has no place in democratic elections, and I can guarantee you that the perpetrators of such violence would not be welcome in the United States of America. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and one of the world’s largest democracies. It is blessed with some of the planet’s most valuable and abundant natural resources. Conducting accountable, credible, peaceful elections will help put the Nigerian people on a path to prosperity and regional leadership that is needed in order to address a wide range of challenges in this part of the world, including, obviously, violent extremism.

With this election, Nigeria has an opportunity to put an indelible stamp on the kind of future that Africa wants to see and most importantly that Nigeria wants and deserves. I want to reiterate what President Obama recently said, that he, I, and the American people stand with you as Nigeria’s great democratic exercise unfolds. And we stand ready to work with the Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian people, and whomever they elect next month continue – to continue building on the important partnership that we share.

And with that, I would be delighted to take a couple of questions.

MODERATOR: Our first question comes from (inaudible).

QUESTION: Could you give us a bit more of a response to these attacks by Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria and how concerned you are about this (inaudible)?

QUESTION: And can you also give us a bit more of a sense of what concrete steps the U.S. is prepared to take with the Nigeria to fight Boko Haram? Because it has been a concern within the Pentagon about the capability or the commitment of the military to fight Boko Haram. And finally, could you give us sense from here that Boko Haram’s kind of spreading to other parts of Africa and aligning (inaudible) the Islamic State or other terrorist groups?

SECRETARY KERRY: Well, let me take the last part of your question first. There’s no specific declaration by Boko Haram of an affiliation with Daesh, but there is evidence that Daesh is making an effort to spread its tentacles throughout a number of countries in the northern part of Africa, and it is obviously a concern that they may try more aggressively to try to spread to countries in the center and southern and other parts of Africa.

The United States is deeply engaged with Nigeria. And I’ve seen the articles that refer to some of the problems with respect to that engagement. Everybody’s heard certain criticisms that have been made. Some of them are just flat-out inaccurate. For instance, we do continue to share intelligence with the Nigerian military and intelligence folks. We do cooperate in many ways. We don’t believe that the level of support provided by the United States or the international community is the limiting factor in the Nigerian Government’s ability to fight Boko Haram.

And with respect to the military assistance that we’re delivering, we are currently helping the Nigerian – helping Nigeria to increase the capability of its military; to improve its counter-incident explosive detection and civil-military operations capacity; and to carry out responsible counterterrorism operations. Now, does it always well as work – work as well as we would like or as well as the Nigerians would like? The answer is no. There are developmental issues in that relationship and in those efforts. But the United States maintains a very significant level of military cooperation with various elements of the Nigerian security forces.

And we’re also providing law enforcement assistance, including by training Nigerian law enforcement officials on counterterrorism investigations and post-blast investigations and crisis management. Right now, we have a team of Nigerian Government crisis management officials in the United States who are participating in a senior crisis management exercise. We have provided equipment and training for the Nigerian intelligence fusion center. And most recently, we’ve worked with Nigeria’s neighbors Cameroon, Chad, and Niger to develop institutional and tactical capabilities that will increase the joint efforts between our countries in order to be more effective.

So bottom line, we want to do more. And that was part of my message to both President Jonathan and General Buhari today. We are prepared to do more, but our ability to do more will depend to some degree on the full measure of credibility, accountability, transparency and peacefulness of this election. And one of the principle reasons that President Obama asked me to come here at this moment is to reinforce to all Nigerians the desire of the United States to be able to engage even more so in the effort to push back against Boko Haram or any other violent extremist group, but the quality of the democratic process is important to contributing to our ability to do so. And that’s exactly why I’m here today.

MODERATOR: Our last question is from Victor Asije of the News Agency of Nigeria.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) and welcome to Nigeria.

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you.

QUESTION: Are you confident that President Jonathan and General Buhari can be held to their promises – promises they made to you, (inaudible), credible elections, (inaudible) that the U.S. (inaudible)? The other question is this: Now, even after the (inaudible) that the U.S. (inaudible) to discriminate against people from West Africa (inaudible)?

SECRETARY KERRY: Can you repeat the last part? The U.S. is likely to discriminate?

QUESTION: That the U.S. is likely (inaudible) to discriminate against people from West Africa who are (inaudible)?

SECRETARY KERRY: No, I – let me answer that first. I’m personally very proud, and I think every American is very proud, of the extraordinary efforts the United States has made in order to combat the Ebola disease. President Obama made a remarkably courageous and critical decision right up front, when people didn’t know all – publicly, certainly – all of the potential dangers. But when he, by virtue of his briefings and his understanding through his medical advisors, had a strong sense of what was possible, the President committed 4,000 U.S. troops to go to Liberia immediately in order to begin to build the capacity to fight Ebola. We worked extremely closely with our friends and allies, the French and the British particularly, but with many other people – Japan, China. Many countries stepped up as we came together at the United Nations in September, summoned more response, sent people over here, many workers, as you know, who have come back to the United States, and a few of them who came back with Ebola and they were treated, one of whom who died and others who were cured.

We have confidence in the ability of people to be cured. We have confidence that this is – that we are gaining in our capacity to control this; we’ve made enormous strides, and I can guarantee you there will be no discrimination against people from anywhere because this is a disease from which people can be determined to be either cured or free in the first place from any infection. As long as protocols are followed, as long as the screenings are taken, I don’t think anybody has to fear any form or any nature of discrimination. I think the efforts of the United States, frankly, speak volumes against that possibility.

On the first part of your question about the promises of the two leaders, let me make this clear: I think the real question ought to be will the Nigerian people be able to count on the president, whoever it is? The promises to the people of Nigeria – and to the world really, but principally the people of Nigeria – and I think it’s up to the people of Nigeria to make the judgment about whether they’re confident that any particular person or candidate is going to live up to their word. It’s not up to us to make that judgment. The proof will be in what happens in the days ahead.

But I’m here today because President Obama and the American people and the world are looking at Nigeria in this extraordinary exercise of democracy, in this important country in Africa, with the largest democratic election on the continent – and it matters. And that’s why we’re here: to emphasize to everybody, nobody gains by violence. Nobody gains by turning a political disagreement into a killing spree or some other kind of violence. And our hope is that Nigeria will set a remarkable example for the world in this election, and that that will give whoever is President coming out of this election the momentum that he needs in order to be able to define the future that the people of this country so want. And the proof will be in the actions that are taken in the course of the election and afterwards.

So thank you all very, very much. Appreciate it.
Source: U.S Embassy Nigeria website

More on Onaola's January Stage

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 18:08:00 +0000

Maybe Tomorrow

“When two long-lost friends who had fought side by side during the Civil War suddenly reunited, a police interrogation room is surely not the best of venues for such an encounter; especially when one is the suspect and the other is the chief interrogation officer. Find out how the interrogation went in this drama MAYBE TOMORROW – a highly suspenseful, high-paced drama that speaks about our past, our present and ….”

Onaola's February Stage

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:42:00 +0000

'Piece Off' by Crown Troupe of Africa

'That of circumcision is a hard appointment.' So says a popular Kikuyu proverb.

Some call it circumcision, others call it mutilation Crown Troupe calls PIECE OFF.

This is simply the age long practice of female circumcision which is today Female Genital Mutilation (FMG). It comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons (WHO). There are no proven health benefits to FGM and it is recognised internationally as a human rights violation.

'PIECE OFF' explores the ritual removal of some or all of the external female genitalia in Africa, the myth behind it and the social impact of the practice on the girl/woman and by extension, the man.

Female circumcision otherwise known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comes under scrutiny in this work by the Segun Adefila led Crown Troupe of Africa titled 'PIECE OFF' expressed in mixed media art. Currently scheduled for the 6th of February, 2015, Onaola's blog promises to keep you apprised of the venue for the show.

THE STATE OF THE THEATRE AND THE NIGERIAN STATE

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:15:00 +0000

By Segun Adefila

A nation without a theatre is a nation without a voice, I once read somewhere. Therefore, it may not be overtly out of place to delve into the functional and aesthetic values of the combined arts called theatre before the necessary interrogation of its present state in this state.

It should however be noted that this attempt is by no means an exhaustive one but a mere cursory glean.

Theatre, the melting pot of all other arts such as literature, music, dance, drama and visual arts has been and is still a communal human activity. A veritable tool of expression, theatre is as old as the need for man to communicate, beautify and document. It comes in handy in moments of celebration and tribulations. From the griots to the bards, the masquerade to the sculptor, the arts have been a voice hard to ignore by all, even among the common and the crown. The king is not spared the scathing tongue of the arts if he steps out of order. Theatre also moves with its practitioner so that any space becomes a stage, an altar of creative expressions. I here refer to African (Yoruba) theatre.

However, theatre has got its 'diverse peculiarity' too. Theatre being a culture and hence a product of a people is practised in accordance with the people's ethos. Where it finds roots through the people, it germinates, sometimes robustly and not too infrequently, thinly. It mirrors the society realistically or distorted(ly) . It thrives in favourable climes and is also defiant in unfavourable ones too.

The practice of theatre like most forms of human endeavours could be precarious in unfavourable climes as earlier observed.

Dwindling appreciation, economic constraints, security concerns, political uncertainties, lack of or inadequate infrastructures etc being the bane of the the practice of the arts of theatre (like most other human endeavour o), its existence and essence becomes threatened once it confronts these ills. Live theatre is the focus here.

The peculiar nature of this art however, is that these situations also, ironically, give wind to its wings. Theatre thrives sometimes better in the midst of such hostilities giving birth to a robust creative outburst even from the least expected corners!

In our case (Crown Troupe), what we have decided to do is to be as flexible as we can in our works and interpretative expressions. This is a resort to the classical practice of earlier theatre makers. Why, theatre had no fixed and dedicated space for performance before colonial intrusion. So for us live or living theatre takes its breath from the people and the space.

This is an essential move also aimed at ridding the theatre of its newly adorned elitist toga for as with other people oriented endeavours like cinema, education and healthcare, theatre in its dire desire for sustenance is also gradually leaving the domain of the masses for a select group of privileged individuals. Whereas you could find cinemas for instance in almost every communities back then in places like the city of Lagos, cinemas have disappeared and are resurfacing in highbrow areas.

Same with education, where standard basic learning is now beyond the reach of public schools. Theatre, to sustain itself has turned to what a senior colleague tagged Champagne Theatre where tickets for tables are sold and you find VIP, VVIP tickets like in a musical concert!

Unlike what obtains in the the major direction Nigeria tends to look towards for development-the United States-where Hollywood did not 'kill' Broadway, cinematic art (especially Nollywood) is a threat to Live Theatre not because it is a better art but mainly because it offers security and easier access.

The response to this (un)welcome development is to evolve a theatre form that is proactive, spontaneous, exciting and stimulating enough to give the audience their effort's worth.

To find this, I think as suggested earlier, contemporary theatre practitioners need look inward. The monodirectional approach towards mainly western aesthetics may not be the lifeline theatre needs.

A deeper search for a theatre that speaks to the indigenous people in a globally amenable tone should be the collective quest if live theatre must get back its life!

SEGUN ADEFILA (Jan. 2014).

NCC picks a side in presidential elections and Fashola opens up

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:16:00 +0000

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as at this morning shut down the Short Messaging Service (SMS) platform which the Buhari-Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Fundraising Committee launched two days ago to raise funds for its campaign.

Gov. Fashola, the Director of the Committee in a press conference opened up today on the issue. He stated that the party launched 5 platforms for party members to donate to its campaign fund on Tuesday January 20th, one of the SMS codes is 35350.

He further divulged that immediately after the party announced the launch of the platforms, NCC issued a letter to telecoms operators “not to carry political messages” thereby shutting down the SMS platform.
Quoting Governor Fashola:

"It is with very deep sadness that I address you all today, because I never expected that I will witness in Nigeria some of the very distasteful and disgraceful conduct that the Federal Government, the PDP and the President have embarked upon, by way of repression of freedoms. I mentioned the commercial nature of the transactions we had with the businesses who were partnering with us and the benefits to the economy. I also stated very clearly that these businesses had no partisan relationship but are providing professional service. I said so, in order to protect their businesses because of the increasing intolerance we were witnessing from the Jonathan and PDP Presidential campaign and some Federal Government agencies that have taken a partisan position”, the Governor explained.

"Dear compatriots, there are dark clouds gathering, but I remain optimistic that they will yield to a glorious dawn. The promise of Nigeria is greater than the ambition of one man or a political party" he said

Buhari vindicated as Katsina college releases his certificate

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:14:00 +0000

The academic credentials of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, have finally been released and therefore put an end to the controversy. Buhari's class photo in 1960

PREMIUM TIMES obtained copies of the records, including Buhari’s secondary school results, and confirmed that the military duly noted that Mr. Buhari obtained the requisite WASC qualifications.

It also obtained and published a print out from the University of Cambridge.

In a story last night, SaharaReporters reported that while Nigerian Army spokesperson Brigadier General Olajide Laleye was addressing a press conference on Tuesday to announce that the army could not find the general’s school leaving certificate in its records.

Premium Times sources also confirmed that while Laleye was addressing the media, the Department of Military Secretary had despatched to Buhari his academic records, which had been requested by the retired general.

See copy of certificate: http://media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2015/01/buhari-Statement-of-Result.pdf

My thoughts on the Bishop Vining Debate of Lagos Gubernatorial candidates.

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 11:41:00 +0000

The debate which was an initiative of the Church of Nigeria couldn't have been set up at a better time or better place. Candidates at the beginning were advised to ensure they keep to the 10 minutes each allotted at the beginning. Professor Dapo Asaju further instructed that candidates should make it a clean fair debate due to the fact that they were in the house of God. He advised that they should refrain from pointing fingers and casting aspersions but only intimate the animated audience with their various plans for Lagos.

In many people’s opinion at the end of the debate which began at 11:00AM and ended at 4:30PM, the caliber of candidates who rolled out to contest are seasoned politicians and statesmen versed in their various fields and not novices.

Jimi Agbaje of the PDP spoke admirably in the opinion of many people. Some however were overheard saying he was contesting on the wrong platform and this they allegedly believe is a unique game changer for him. Keeping to the laid down rules, he displayed dexterousness that can only have been achieved by a professional. He portrayed brilliance in his speech and soon had many in the audience on their feet cheering him on. Agbaje laid figures down proving that he had done ample research before signing up to become governor. Asides his truly moving vision for Lagos which he stated in clear terms as recorded earlier in my published candidates' speech, he was able to hit the nail on the head and answer questions thrown at him during the questions and answers session.

Akinwunmi Ambode of APC while outlining in clear terms his plans was seen as a man of few words. Nevertheless, he enviably delivered his mandate with unique eloquence and a kind of deep set understanding that comes from truly knowing. When it came to answering questions, he expertly fielded the posed questions with unique dexterity and succinct expressions of his opinions. Certainly loved by the audience, what he lacked for in verbosity, he made up for in clarity and concisely crafted ideas. Of course, his speech was followed by thunderous applause, a sign of his being accepted like the man whose shoes he’s contesting to step into, Ambode managed to reaffirm the people’s confidence in his party.

Another candidate who managed to capture the audience with his enthralling words was the AD candidate, Bolaji Ogunseye. He stated that the party was formed based on the principles of Obafemi Awolowo, therefore they do know what they are doing. Asides being well spoken, Bolaji Ogunseye spoke of a plan majorly designed for the youths. He had good ideas and the audience certainly was impressed. A truly adroit man, his brilliance speech ensured he was seen as a strong contender for the Lagos State Gubernatorial seat.

Michael Abiodun Popoola, the first candidate to speak was considered another strong contender in the race even though being the running mate; he was representing Dr. Olulana of the Labour party. Michael Abiodun Popoola is reported to have worked with the World Bank as a Senior Specialist General Services, several other banks at topmost levels and different multinationals. He is the group head, public sector for an insurance company in Nigeria from Lagos to the South West. He stated that he is standing to represent a teeming majority of Nigerians who have been suffering under the yoke of politics. He opined that while many Nigerians of his generation enjoyed free education, that is no longer the case. Like a true politician, he rendered a moving tale of the realities of today’s Nigeria and for certain, Onaola’s blog can state that he lost no votes at the time. He spoke of dead visions that did not see the light of the day because people work in darkness. He’s a zonal pastor of MFM. He however must have lost a couple of votes when asked of his plan for Lagos State University and funding. He reportedly stated that the professors in LASU should be ‘flogged’ for asking government for money to run their school. A number of people in the audience allegedly frowned at his statement and considered him insensitive to have said that especially since professors of the university could have been in attendance.

Another striking candidate was Comrade Ayodele Akele of Gani Fawehinmi’s NCP who simply pointed out the reported mismanagement of Lagos by the ruling party. Due to the fact that he came on as an activist, his speech and rendition, while entertaining, reminded many in the audience of their school days. He certainly must have forgotten the initial instructions by the moderator as he went full out to criticize the ruling party.

Victor Adegboyega Adeniji of KOWA party turned things around in the Question and answer session when he countered a question by the representative of the Chief Imam of Lagos. The Chief Imam acknowledged Mr. Jimi Agbaje for being at the mosque the day before and also thanked Mr. Ambode for his acceptance to be in attendance the following Saturday. Obviously, the remarks irked KOWA Party candidate as he asked in clear terms why himself and the other 14 candidates were not invited. He went on to state that they are equally candidates and no one should trivialize their candidacy by ignoring them. He ended it by stating that he ‘will be’ the next governor of Lagos State.

This election promises to be as entertaining as well as competitive judging by the number of candidates and their versatility. In all Onaola’s blog can categorically tell you that Lagos is and will continue to be in good hands especially with the present cadre of candidates.

Candidates speech

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:18:00 +0000

Candidates were awarded 10 minutes each to air their views and give reasons why the electorate should vote for them.
1. Labour Party: Dr, Olulana the candidate was unavoidably absent and his running mate, Michael Abiola Popoola took the stand. He stated that there is no profitable creativity in this country. He went on to say that this is a situation that can be remedied by education and this is exactly what the party wants to look at. He stated that teaching aids that help discover talent and creativity in children will be provided for all government schools so that one day, these students can become innovators. He further said that insurgency that is ripping the north apart will be looked into at state level to ensure a safer and secure Lagos.
2. Action Alliance: Ishola Aregbesola a PCRC member stated that he didn't receive an official invitation, but he heard candidates were gathering and he decided to show up since he was a Boy Scout (Be prepared). Born in Mushin, he stated that he had access to education because his mother was a christian and he was opportuned to attend a Catholic School, St. Paul Idi-Oro. Today, that is no longer enough. Since Awolowo's death, dividends of democracy is gone. He opined that he will look into providing free education and affordable housing.
3. Alliance for Democracy: Bolaji Ogunseye opined that his party has ruled Lagos the longest and this is the reason they need to continue. He promised that his party will look into SME, Education, Health, amongst others. He regaled the audience with his professional history, As at 4 years ago, he was the Senior Adviser to Chairman Shell, worked in the past with U.N and several other notable posts in key organizations. His first agenda as governor according to him is to work with the youths. He said that Inner cities in Lagos are being taken over by hooligans and local mafia gangs. Nothing can be taken into a street or area without young men harassing and demanding rights. This is because too many youths are still unemployed. He stated that he will create 25,000 new micro businesses that will create at least 100,000 jobs. Housing, health, transportation, accommodation, will be improved. 85% of people in Lagos rent and these prices need to drop drastically and he promised to work on it. He stated that if not for the Jakande scheme, a face me i face you house rent will go for about 200 to 250,000 naira.
4. Mega Party: Nicknamed the star party. Pastor Kayode Jacob stated that the party have a STAR agenda. Standard Education - Total health delivery - Affordable Housing and Security - Road Network Expansion. Every child of school age must be in school, and those unable to progress academically will progress vocationally and technically. He further revealed that when patients are taken to emergency rooms in government hospitals, they survive, but when they are moved to the ward, they die. This means something is wrong. Housing in his opinion will be made free if Mega party is in power.
5. APC: Akinwunmi Ambode. Without much ado, Akin stated that he has served Lagos for 27 years. He started as an accountant at the age of 27 in Lagos and rose to become the youngest Permanent Secretary at the age of 37. He stated that he retired at the age of 47 to give room for others to grow. He promised a safe, clean and more prosperous Lagos, a Lagos that works for its people. He said that having served under the last 2 governors, he understands what needs to be done and how to go about it. Agenda Lagos is L-Leadership A- Accountability G- Governance (People having a voice, a government of inclusion) O- Opportunity S- Service. He revealed that he is the perfect candidate because he has the experience, character and capability.
6. NCP; Comrade Ayodele Akeye. He said he belongs to a party built on the ideals of Gani Fawehinmi and his tenets. He began by saying that Lagos is surrounded by water yet there is no good drinking water which results in typhoid. He went further to state that the traffic situation is terrible even after 16 years of the same party government, yet that government is busy harassing market women and petty traders. He further said that Lagosians are not slaves and government needs to stop treating them as such especially in sanitization exercise, illegal towing of vehicles and toll collecting. He promised that his government if elected will provide 50,000 buses and rail road systems.
7. PDP: Jimi Agbaje. He began with his business history as a pharmacist with a small business that eventually grew into a large pharmaceutical company. He stated that he understands what it means to own a small business. His vision for Lagos is an educated, healthy, skilled, individuals residing in a secure environment. The state will bring opportunities to the people irrespective of tribe, religion, gender, or socio-political background. Education today must be about creativity at the level of basic education. He opined that the foundation is the most important and if government is only allocating 3% of education budget there, then that is just lip service. only 1.5% is allocated for skilled and vocational education, then that can never build leaders of tomorrow. If a welder is skilled enough, oil companies would not need to use thousands and millions of dollars to fly in welders from outside the country while our own government trained welders are busy doing only burglary proof. Lagos in actual fact is in most parts a slum, and that is because we have not gotten housing right. We need to build en mass and not in ones and twos any longer. Project SHELTER is his vision. S- Schooling H- Housing E- Education L- Leadership...
8. IP: Akinola Badmus. He commended the outgoing party for a job well done, but insisted that there are obvious lapses which he intends to look into if elected.
9. Victor Adegboyega Adeniji. He stated that the state needs to come back to social values and bring governance and government for the people. He believes that we need to stop stomach infrastructure and provide welfare for the people. He stated that we need to decentralize business and bring it to every area especially because Lagos Island is the major business area in Lagos. this needs to change so it reduces the need to travel round in search of work.
Many of the candidates are quite competent. see more after the cut.

Moderator's comments

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 10:47:00 +0000

The moderator Prof. Dapo Asaju also Bishop Theologian, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion advised that all, candidates and witnesses carru themselves with respect and allow the fear of God to reign in their hearts.
He stated that Noigeria as a whole is in pains, since the passing of great men like Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikwe, and Awolowo Obafemi there has been no true leader each tribe or people can point to. The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is doing its bit to bring these prospective governors to interact and tell the people what they will do. He asked that candidates sell their own product. Something new and different and not castigate other candidates. He asked that they tell the truth before God and not lie or embelish and ensure that they hold true to these oaths they are making.

Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 10:40:00 +0000

Lagos Guber Candidates list

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 10:17:00 +0000

17 candidates in all for Lagos Gubernatorial seat at Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral.
The debate is currently on at Bishop Vining.

Adeniji Victor

Olujimi Agbaje

Akele Ayodele

Akinwunmi Ambode

Mr. Badmus

Mr. Igbinoba Festus UPN

Mr. Aregesola Ishola

Mr Izuchukwu Odion

Pastor Kayode Jacobs

Omoshola Lawal Mr

Godwin Mayor Mr.

Bolaji Ogunseye A.d

Rotimi Olulana labour

Olatunde Olusesan

Mrs Onitiri modupe abiola

Mr. Ademola Razak.

Lagos Gubernatorial Candidates debate @ Bishop Vinning tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Onaola) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 12:29:00 +0000

Come tomorrow the 15th of January 2015, all roads will lead to Archbishop Vinning Memorial Cathededral, Ikeja at 11:00AM for the Debate organized by the Anglican Communion for the Lagos Gubernatorial candidates.
For every general election year, this has been the norm when gubernatorial candidates will visit the church for a debate where the would air their thoughts on what needs to be done and how to go about it.
While it's an open event, I advise that interested persons get there before 11:00AM when the candidates will be admitted.