Coronavirus and the Politics of Life

Since the Coronavirus pandemic has taken over the world like a raging storm with over five million confirmed cases worldwide. The disease which started in the later part of 2019 in Wuhan, a town in the Hubei province of China is said to be a respiratory disease and has claimed more than two hundred thousand lives in the world. It is a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) and in its contracted form, it is COVID-19. The disease has made the world's economies to be on a standstill as most countries are either partially or totally locked down.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the virus a pandemic which needed international attention. A new name for the disease, COVID-19 was announced by WHO on February 11, 2020. Nigeria confirmed its first case of the disease on 27 February, 2020 when an Italian citizen in Lagos was tested positive for the virus. Since then, Nigeria has experienced a rise of the disease. As at May 7, Nigeria had a total of 3526 confirmed cases with 601 discharged cases and 103 deaths across 34 states and

the FCT

Right from the confirmation of the first case in Nigeria, government officials and politicians alike showed signs of irresponsibility. Many politicians started off playing politics with the virus without cares that the time was not right for any form of politicking going by the happenings in countries with far more developed health systems. Politicians downplayed the presence of the disease in Nigeria, simply calling it a hoax and that it was a well coordinated effort of the government to embezzle public fund. Days later, another case was confirmed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). 

As the cases rose, it began to scare well informed Nigerians, but the rise didn't stop these politicians from inciting the public against the government with plenteous rubbish. People, believing in the 'madness' of these politicians started demanding for the pictures of the Italian and others who were confirmed infected with the disease. This continued until Muhammad Abubakar, the son of the former president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar was tested positive for the virus.

As the World's Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the virus a pandemic with information and guidelines as the virus could be transmitted from person to person, one of the standard prevention procedures was that anyone who had visited any countries with confirmed cases of the virus should self isolate for 14 days upon return to their countries. Around early March, the Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari returned from his Germany's official trip. On his return to the country, he was supposed to self isolate, but he didn't do so. He instead attended theKogi state governor's mother's 3-day Fidau prayer the next day. Some days later, it was reported that he had tested positive for the virus. Also, at the time when the virus had gained momentum in Lagos, PDP  held a rally in Ibadan, Oyo State where Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State governor was  quoted to have said that the PDP members were immuned to the virus. Three days later, a case of the virus was confirmed in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State and many days after, the governor himself confirmed he has tested positive for the virus through his social media handle.  This means that if we assume that he was a ticking time bomb when the rally was held, then, we can not doubt the reality of having a thousand cases in Oyo state at this moment to grace.

While the Sanwo-Olu Lagos State Government and the administration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) increased their testing strength as a way to curtail the spread of the disease, the northern states except Kaduna and Borno states did practically nothing to prepare for the advent of the virus in the state. The Kano state governor didn't lift a finger except closing the state's border, a move that was quite ineffective until the deaths in the state became alarming. Concerned corners thus raised questions at the time  as regards the lateness before actions were made.

Government and politicians once again showed cold hearts in the distribution of relief materials and palliatives which were intended to help reduce of the effect of the lockdown declared in the country. Lagos was first to roll out its plan to distribute palliatives which was  'hijacked' by politicians. Streets with over a hundred dwellers were given small sacks of rice, few tubers of yam and loaves of bread in the most ridiculous manner. The same happened in Osun state where a household was given a cup of rice and far as a governor who asked his citizens to buy 'gaari' if they didn't have the money to stock their homes. 

With 774 local government heads, 36 state governors (including the ministers of the FCT), 109 senators, 365 house of representative members and 36 state assemblies, shouldn't there be concerns about the welfare of those who elected them?

Nigeria has a track record of having one of the worst health systems in the world despite billions of naira that is being pumped to it every year. Instead of improving the health systems, government and politicians busy themselves with funds to embezzle. The Coronavirus has highlighted how weak our health systems are. Truth is, with the present health systems in Nigeria, we will be overwhelmed by the virus way before we reach ten thousand confirmed cases.

On a final note, the Coronavirus has shown how inhumane and incompetent our politicians are. It shows politicians are only interested in sharing the national cake. The coming of this virus should be an eye opener for leaders in power corridors and politicians alike to plan ahead for future possibilities.

Biography of Asiwaju Dr. Oluwaseun Fakorede

Honourable Asiwaju (Dr) Oluwaseun Temidayo Fakorede was born on May 22, 1992 and hails from Ibarapa, Oyo State, Nigeria. He is a Nigerian entrepreneur, speaker and politician. At the age of 27, he became the youngest Commissioner in Nigeria's history when he was appointed Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State in August 2019.

 

 

From his appointment as commissioner in 2019, Hon. Seun Fakorede has made great impact by revolutionising the face of excellence in leadership in Nigeria's Political Space while leading a vanguard of young history makers to do exploits wherever they find themselves.

 

Read also: Biography of Actress Kehinde Bankole

 

Asiwaju (Dr.) Oluwaseun Fakorede is active on social media. You can connect with him via his official handles on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

Opinion: Nigeria- A Fulfilment of What?

If you are scared of the truth, turning back at this point may be the best thing to do. In reality, the truth is a bastard while the Lie has a father.

Growing up many years ago, I remember my home lesson teacher's assignment. The home lesson itself was a punishment, much more the assignment. This home lesson came not because I was "unbrilliant" but because I was practically stubborn
This day, my aunt had me write in my lesson note:
"Write an essay on the topic: Nigeria, an empty giant of Africa."

 

This was a strong and wide topic for a boy of ten years- I was about rounding off my primary school education. Obviously, I barely knew about life in my family, much more Nigeria save for the fact that things have changed in comparison to now- living conditions and standards.

Till today, that topic rings a bell. I choose to remember that there was anomie in the Nigerian state back then. Now, it's worse.

At a point, I felt nothing could be done to change things. This was not because of pessimism- I've always been optimistic as relates to Nigeria.

Now, thanks to change. I see something making that proposition in my lesson note invalid, thanks to the present administration. However, I believe that her campaign slogan was too wide... Change is nice, change is wanted but change is gradual...

Shout out to PMN. He is a wise man, going after the principle of "tell them what they want to hear."
However, I choose to utter: "Cursed be anyone who lies to the masses in the want of Votes"
and
"Cursed be anyone who for the taste of pottage, sells his birthright"

This piece is coming at this point in time because everywhere near me, an election would take place- My Faculty, my department, my University, my state and Nigeria as a whole. Let Nigerians make open their stand, don't be gullible, yet be wise.

In the words of my Father:
"Go to the ants, consider their ways and be wise".

"This piece seeks to address salient issues as concerns politics. However, any resemblance in the nominal is not purposeful."

Biography of Alex Otti OFR

 Economist, Banker, Investor and Philanthropist. 

In 2023, Alex Otti won the Abia State Governorship elections under the umbrella of the Labour Party

Alex Otti is active on social media. You can connect with him via his official handles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Advocacy for Youth Involvement in Governance puts much Emphasis on Age, not Capacity - Ekpa Stanley Ekpa

Ekpa, Stanley, Ekpa a practising lawyer and Director of the Development Watch Initiative shares in this interview, his thoughts on youths, governance and leadership
 

NNI: Can we meet you?

Guest: My name is Ekpa, Stanley Ekpa. I am a lawyer and a Master’s in Leadership Studies student at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. I specialize in Development Law. I am currently the Editor-in-Chief, Nigerian Corruption Cases Law Report, and Nigerian Democracy and Development Report. I serve as the Executive Director, Development Watch Initiative. I have peculiar interest in Good Governance, Leadership, Development Law, Social Inclusion and  Nation building.

NNI: What defines social development and impactful leadership for you?

Guest: Social development is achieved when people become the primary factor in a society or a nation’s development processes. The promotion of the inclusion of all components of the society – empowering  the poor, vulnerable, minorities and giving hope and opportunities to the  voiceless citizens. While impactful leadership is the ability to translate collective aspirations and priorities into significant and sustainable solutions for the development of our  community, people and the world.


NNI: In building a society where the quality of things we do defines us, how responsible is leadership?

Guest: Everything revolves around leadership, from building strong and efficient institutions to building infrastructures, leadership is the undercurrent that provides the water of hope and opportunities for creating the equilibrium for the quality of things that define us both as a people and as individuals. Unfortunately, you cannot get quality leadership unless you have quality citizenship. Good citizenship that works through the entire circles of development of the nation – upholding the right value system, ensuring that the right leaders are elected, and holding the leaders accountable. This is the easiest way to prompt responsible leadership and ensure social development.

NNI: How have you managed leadership positions with other duties?

Guest: Leadership, or rather taking responsibility for my immediate communities has always been everything about me. Yes I have. Though in most cases it is very tough, but in all the cases, it gives me a unique opportunity to understand the diversities that the two tasks presents in proffering personal and social solutions from two dimensions.


NNI: It is usually said that a leader must be a follower. Is this realistic?

Guest: It is a truism that has it’s realistic result in practice. A good follower is passionately committed and deeply involved, giving him the chance to develop empathy,  compassion and keen interest in the common situation and need of the people, community or organization. When such follower transcends to leadership position, it becomes easy to make significant impact given his or her understanding of the need of the community and his or her imbued leadership savvy. More importantly, such leader leads sometimes from behind, by positioning and delegating responsibility to others and supervising their works, results and impact.

Read also: Biography of Actress Kehinde Bankole

NNI: Is leadership a mix of different skills? What exactly makes up complete leadership?

Guest: Leadership is a mix of infused skills and discipline for impact. Great leadership is about the creative balance between visions, strategic planning, collaboration and inclusion, performance and results, accountability, disciplined character of excellence, tolerance, and communication.

 

NNI: What inspired your book, Youthocracy, ''Leadershift'' for Development?

Guest: The advocacy for youth involvement in socio-political governance and cultural revolution was taking  an unnecessary emphasis on age and not the capacity of the emerging leaders to proffer creative and sustainable solutions for the world’s complex challenges, particularly in Africa, hence, I felt the need to champion a new thinking in the desire to usher in a new generation of leaders.

For the past three decades, African leaders have failed to build a continent that provides the opportunities for inclusive prosperity and security.  If the Africa Agenda 2063 would be actualized, it means that it is the young people whose future the agenda seeks to protect that can build it, not the generation that failed the continent for the last sixty years.

Hence, the crux of the discourse and philosophy of the book is on how to identify, build, galvanize and leverage a new generation of leaders for the development of their communities. How to get involved, win elections and do the work you elected to do right other critical issues that the book addressed.

NNI: By global trends, there is a call for youths to take leadership. How best can a youth position himself to be worthy of leadership?

Guest: First, leadership is not a tea party particularly if you are out to solve problems and make impact through leadership. But positioning yourself as a worthy option for for leadership consideration is even more challenging in developing electoral climes like Nigeria. However, to every problem there is always myriads of available solutions.

To me, building capacity either by learning or participation starts by  building your personal leadership brand, building creative values of social solutions, building a strong network of like minds,  being a problem solver no matter how small the solution, and working through the ladder to strategically position for great leadership.

On a more practical note, one can either position for leadership by leaning on the shoulders of great leaders through positive god-fatherism, or disrupt the political space to make a way for himself. The latter is more difficult a means, for it requires working beyond the limit line.

NNI: What is the measure of good leadership? Do you think social impact  can be measured?

Guest: Good governance is measured on the scale of social impact. The aggregate dividends of your leadership as enjoyed by the people. It is easy to measure  leadership impact because it is about the people and the community. The result of your leadership can be felt either negatively or positively by the people. Though social impact takes time to materialize sometimes but it is never hidden when it finally arrives.

By measuring good leadership I do not mean state sponsored billboards and media propaganda, no, I mean an impactful result that can be felt by the deaf, and seen even by the blind.  I would have loved to use such economic indicators like GDP, inflation among others but in the end analysis, when the people are hungry and  left behind without social security, we have failed the society.

 

Read: Family Plays a Great Role in Language Appreciation - Olagunju Modupe

NNI: What do you do at the Development Watch Initiative?

Guest: We are a citizen sector initiative that is committed to engaging the citizens to make inputs in the development processes of their constituencies and holding their leaders accountable. We promote citizens’ participation in monitoring the implementation of Nigeria’s developmental projects, budgets and policies from the local government level to the national level. Currently we are working on the COVID-19 REPORT, which is a comprehensive insight and report on Nigeria’s response, policies, palliatives and impact.

We have other programmes running, like our  ”Enterprise Clinic” which exposes students across Nigerian academic institutions to job, entrepreneurial and leadership skills and opportunities. Our next training circle is slated for Sokoto, Oyo, Lagos, Kano, Anamabra, Rivers, Abuja and Cross River. We also have the Get Involved Challenge, Constituency Development Town Halls, among other projects.


NNI: What is your view on Global Youth Development and growth? Do you think we are making progress?

Guest: Yes, we are making progress. The United Nations has continued to create broad opportunities for the involvement of young people in actualizing the SDGs 2030. Domestically, the Not Too Young To Run Act 2018 has given much impetus and limited  opportunity for young people to participate in the political space, as the huge financial requirements and commercialization of our politics continue to hinder their chances. Notwithstanding this, the 2019 general elections witnessed an increase in the number of elected young people to local governments, state assemblies and federal Parliament. Many young people have been given appointive positions both in the political and corporate sectors.

So, to me I think we are making progress, it is now within our arms as young people to get strategic and position ourselves through creative common council of like minds, support ourselves and collectively make our societies work for the next generation.

NNI: How did you achieve the fusion of your  personal brand name ''Ekpa Stanley, Ekpa'' into your love for promising leadership and sustainable development?

Guest: I realized early in life that there is an inseparable relationship between law, leadership and sustainable development. This prompted my interest to study law even when I didn’t understand the proper places of these concepts and factors in social development. It was however my late mother that taught me the value of a man’s name. Ever since, I have tried my best to approach everyday of my life with sincere commitment to how my work (law, community organizing and leadership) would significantly impact my community, country and humanity.

I cherish my brand “Ekpa, Stanley Ekpa” so much that I work everyday to grow, improve and leverage it as a reliable source and Centre for national inclusivity, development solutions, cultural revolution and an ideological stand point for Nigeria’s future generations.


NNI: What is your advice to fellow young individuals?

Guest: My advice is very simple – young people must have the sense of ownership of their communities, be creative, resilient, and resolved to succeed against all odds and challenges. It is a tough and difficult world, but if you remain on your lane and timeline without comparing yourself to other people’s standards for success, your chances are high that you will become even more the person you aspire to be.


 

NNI: What should we expect from you in the near future? Any intention to go into full time politics? Any bigger plans?

Guest: (Laughs) Well, I am a very intentional person. I know that the only way to build the kind of country we aspire for is to get involved politically, and I know for certain that I will go into politics. And if by full time you mean committing and applying myself to my constituency and humanity without compromise, then I can assure you that I will do that full time without regret.

I believe this is my time to prepare myself for competence, leadership savvy and excellence in statecraft. I am confident our generation will turn things around but we must be prepared for the great task, for we must not fail Nigeria and the next generation of Nigerians. We are called to fix and provide hope, opportunities and direction for the new Nigeria.

Barr. Onitayo Joseph Olayemi Felicitates with Speaker, Members of Osun State 8th Assembly

Dear Honorable Speaker and esteemed members of the State House of Assembly, on behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Ifedayo Local Government, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your recent inauguration as the Speaker of the House of Assembly, as well as to the other newly sworn-in members. It is with great joy and pride that I offer you these words of congratulations today.

Your election to these esteemed positions is a testament to your outstanding dedication, leadership, and passion for serving your community. I am confident in your abilities to lead with integrity and courage and to work collaboratively to make meaningful contributions to the development of the state and its citizens.

I am especially pleased to note that you have taken on this important role at a time when the state is faced with several complex challenges. As you work together to address issues like health, education, security, and economic development, I urge you to remain committed to the ideals of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in your decision-making. 

Once again, please accept my sincere congratulations on your recent inauguration. I look forward to seeing the great strides you will make in your service to the people of the state in the coming years. 

Best regards,

Barr. Joseph O. Onitayo.

08167931804

[email protected]

Barr Onitayo Joseph Felicitates with Christians on this Year’s Easter Celebrations

The Aspiring Youth Leader for the Osun State Executive Position of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Onitayo Joseph felicitates with Christian faith to be in the right standing with God as they celebrate this Year's Easter.

Speaking with News Men in Osogbo on Thursday, he charged Christians to emulate the virtues of sacrifice, togetherness, forgiveness, kindness, love, peace, and patience which were attributes and practices of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by His ministry on earth.

 

Read: Everything You Should Know about Female Genital Mutilation

Recalling the essence of Easter, Barr. Onitayo noted that God sent His only begotten son to lay down his life, to save humanity from everlasting condemnation. He thus admonished the Christian community to ensure that the chord of brotherhood is never broken. In his words, "let us remember that the Peace and Development of the state lies in the unity and love we show to one another."

He further urged the Youths and all PDP members to see his ambition as a Clarion Call to liberate the Youth and build a desirable future. He noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke is God sent to the state and he needs a viable candidate like him to promote Youth Agenda.

He is confident that his emergence will bring about Progress to the State at large.

Opinion: The Child Who Did Not Cry

It was the day of my birth. I watched them silently as they hit me with great force. They slapped me on my chin, back and buttocks one after the other as an expert drummer would ram his konga drums, making sounds, unrhythymical.

I thought they were catching fun at my expense. I felt injury and pains. It was terrific. If this was how the sons of men were to treat me, then I would prefer to remain where I was accepted. The slaps increased.

I am a new born. At my birth, I had refused to drown in my own waters. Times before, I had visited here but left hurriedly; probably because I wanted to punish my family here or there, or wanted to check on this planet. There I was, a child of two worlds, I belonged to both.

I had lost count of times I'd journeyed through heaven and earth. This time, the midwives had slapped me over and over, making sure I cried to ascertain me alive. I refused to, I was not dead though. I looked into the eyes of the chief midwife... I was sure she was unfamiliar but could not saw if she was experienced or not- she must have seen the lines on my left foot.

Much wonder she knew little that I was an "ABIKU"

I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
From thence till this while
I've given my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

 

My first day on earth was terrible and the first week, hell, courtesy of every person I met from the occasion of my delivery. No thanks to them..

The medicine man placed the herb to the ground. He looked down into the small mirror placed opposite the bed where I laid. Then, He picked the local pencil in his left hand and a small knife in the right.

Loud cries proceeded from my mouth. He had made the first cut on my right cheek and rubbed the coaled ink off the pencil edge into the hole, drying up the blood and carefully making sure it dripped into a small calabash.
He soon made the second cut and another series of cries rolled out... I could not help it. Amidst tears, I watched him channel the drips of blood down to the small calabash.

“There are five things you need to know”, he told my mother. “Before we send him out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and he will remain with you till the day he wishes to die”

The next thing I heard was silence...

I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
Who gave my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

Fifteen years later...
My past has been plagued, my present, blasted and the future, opaque and bleak. I had just been released from prison... No! Not what you think- the government prison. It was actually a family prison, personal; the prison of my heart, where I was caged by the raging claws of consanguinity...
As freedom is slavery, I just did not know that I had come into a new rope. Probably this would tie me down into hell. In the last fifteen years of my life, I have been made into a young boy, excelling greatly amidst my peers and a seeming family of five children, all males. There was this peculiarity- we came in succession and after the order of history.
Obviously, I was a mysterious child; only little did know and I neither bothered to tell any who seemed ignorant.

15th September
Culture is the spring that has it's bounce, the proverbial ball that goes up and surely lands on people- it's remote victms. Today, I had my initiation ceremony... Not into a cult but into manhood. This very day was my circumcision. I felt lifted. Little did I know that...
I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
Who gave my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...