tinubu@60 -a birthday with a difference

For a week the Nigerian political space was lined up with series of activities for the birthday of the former Senator, Bola Tinubu.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu

The Lagos state council leaders commenced with days of tributes to the outstanding leadership qualities of Tinubu, the house of assembly followed with an extra ordinary legislative session.

Speakers of the Lagos house of assembly, members, the Lagos state governor and other political leaders reeled out litanies of achievements of the former Lagos state governor to the admiration of the people.


It was a double celebration as thousands of well-wishers thronged Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the Wednesday programme to felicitate with the former governor and leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.

As he turned 60, and also launched a 317 page book titled “Asiwaju Leadership in troubled times,” eminent Nigerians and well-wishers poured encomiums on the politician for his tremendous contribution to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
Some Nigerians described him as an icon and a living legend.

The Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku who chaired the occasion of the book launch said that such gathering was a way to tackle Nigeria’s challenges which includes economic growth and development.

He stressed that “no one can deny the fact that there are major challenges of insecurity, decline in health and education standard” which he said should be addressed.

Anyaoku described Tinubu is “an effective advocate of federalism and a dedicated activist for the return of democracy in Nigeria.”


the federalism question

Leading the pack of those, who answered and raised more national questions was the Chairman of the occasion, former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyoku, who informed the audience at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel that he accepted to chair the occasion because of what Tinubu represents.

Unlike other fora, where much time was expended on praising the person in whose honour the event was convened, Anyoku avoided entertaining the audience with Tinubu’s achievements.

Rather, the first class diplomat delved into pertinent issues of national significance, which had lately constituted threats to the corporate existence of Nigeria.

Holding the audience spellbound, Anyoku observed that if Nigeria must survive its current multifaceted crises, the current 36-state structure must give way for a federating nation of six regions.

“I do believe that rather than our present system, current unitarist federalism will better promote peace, stability and development in Nigeria’.

Tinubu...ACN leader

“To return to true federalism, we need a major restructuring of our current architecture of governance. We need six federating units instead of our present 36 states which only sustains an over dominant centre but also compels the country to spend less than 74 percent of its revenue on the cost of administration’ he said.

He stressed that, “if the existing 36states must be retained, they could be made developmental zones with minimal administrative structures within the respective six federating units. I do not believe that we can successfully tackle the serious challenges currently facing our country on the basis of our existing constitution and architecture of governance’’.

For this to be possible, Anyoku suggested fundamental changes in the 1999 constitution. He said, “without far-reaching changes to the 1999 constitution and present governance structure, our quest for peace, stability and development will remain elusive. And to effect such changes, we need a national consensus which can only come from a dialogue among representatives mandated for that purpose by the citizens of this country.

“I must hasten to say that my support is for a national conference without the epitaph sovereign. This is because we already have in place an elected structure of governance that includes the presidency in which the citizens have for sometime vested the sovereignty that truly belongs to them”.

“In other to give it legitimacy and better chance of enduring, the outcome of the national conference must be submitted to a referendum of the population of the country and to those who feel that a national conference at this time would lead to the break-up of the country. I would say that the benefits accruing to the country and all its citizens from its size and strategic location are sufficiently weighty and obvious to outweigh any temptation to dismember the country”

First republic four regions

Going down memory lane, Anyoku observed that, “there was no doubt that Nigeria was making more progress in national development in the early years of its independence when it practised a true federalism of four regions with more extensive powers devolved from the centre to the regions, those were the days of the significant export of groundnuts, hides and skins and the tin ore from the North, Cocoa from the west, rubber from the mid-west.

There were also the days of such achievements of free universal primary education and introduction of television in Chief Awolowo’s western region’.

Anyaoku however stated, ‘We need to convene a national conference of appropriately chose representatives of the six geopolitical zones to dialogue on how to face these serious challenges. I believe that if we are to recapture the zeal with the then regional premiers and their electorates, we should aim at getting national conference.”

Also revisiting the national question, an elder statesman Alhaji Maitama Sule, regretted that he does not know what is wrong with Nigeria.

He however, hailed Tinubu’s leadership qualities, just as he urged others to emulate him. Sule said Nigerians should strive to raise leaders and not looters.

Other highlights of the programme were the launch of a book, entitled: “Asiwaju Leadership in troubled times”, edited by seasoned journalists; Tunji Bello, Sam Omatseye and Segun Ayobolu; cutting of the anniversary cake by the celebrant, and introduction of the ‘Tinubu Institute of Policy and Governance’ to the public http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifc.

The book was reviewed by a frontline journalist, Kunle Ajibade and the occasion was also used to introduce the Tinubu Institute of Policy and Governance to the public.

Tinubu agreeing with Anyaoku on national conference said there was no alternative to it. He described it is the main issue staring the country in the face.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the option and thanked all for honouring him.
The former governor spoke on the value of team effort, stressing that it is crucial in public administration.


A birthday with a difference
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifColloquium—From left: Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of House of Representatives; Chief Bisi Akande, ACN National Chairman; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Celebrant and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and chairman of the occasion, at the 4th Bola Tinubu Colloquium- 'Looking Back, Thinking Ahead'- to commemorate his 60th Birthday yesterday in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

His tenure as governor

Reminiscing on his two-term tenure as governor, Tinubu said:

“Those days were trying period. Any captain can steer the ship in a voyage, but it takes exceptional leadership and cooperative team to chart a new course. With procrastination, there will be no result. Without a team effort and team spirit, there will be no success. I learned team spirit from the private sector.”

Roll call




Dignitaries present were former Chief Justice of Nigeria Mohammed Uwais, former governors Lucky Igbinedion (Edo), Diepreye Alamieseigha (Bayelsa), Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), Aremo Segun Osoba (Ogun), Chief Bisi Akande (Osun), Abubakar Audu (Kogi), Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Aregbesola (Osun), Fashola (Lagos), Aliyu Babangida (Niger), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Dr Doyin Abiola, former Punch chairman Chief Ajibola Ogunsola and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

Also at the event were House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Prince Bola Ajibola, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmadu, Senators Ganiyu Solomon, Gbenga Ashafa, Segun Obadara, Sani Abu, Femi Lanlehin, Ajayi Boroffice, Abba Buka Ibrahim and AyoAdesegun.

Others were former presidential candidate of the ACN Nuhu Ribadu, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Alhaji Yakubu Balogun, Justice Christopher Segun (rtd) Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, Ayo Opadokun and rights activist-lawyer Femi Falana.

The dignitaries also included Osun State Deputy Governor Grace Laoye-Tomori, Alhaji Yusuf Ali, Mrs. Oprah Benson, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, Mr. Moruf. Akinderu-Fatai, Apena Kaoli Olusanya, Pa Adebayo Faleti, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Chief Fred Agbeyegbe, Mrs. Abba Folawiyo, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Dr. Adebayo Adewusi, Mr. Ayo Adewale, Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Ambassador Segun Olusola, Mr. Ayilara, Mr. Demola Seriki, Alhaji Mutiu Are, Chief Funso Ologunde.

Others are Prof. Ropo Sekoni, Afeez Ipesa-Balogun, Mr.Awodeyi Akinsehinwa-Apata, Iyiola Oladokun, Sir. Pius Akinyelure, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, Prof. Wale Omole, Prof. Adebayo Williams, Dr. Jayeola Ajatta, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, Ademola Sodiq, Pa Abiodun Sunmola, Olorunfunmi Basorun, Rotimi Obadofin, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, Louis Odion, Shettima Yerima, Chris Ekwilo, Femi Gbajabiamila and Babatunde Adewale Jimoh.

Senate President Ike Ekweremadu yesterday described former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tibubu as a committed democrat who fought even the military for the return of democracy in Nigeria.

In a goodwil message to the national leader of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, on his 60th birthday anniversary, Ekweremadu who noted that Tinubu is another gift from the Senate, stressed that he has contributed immensely to the growth of democracy and good governance in the country.

accolades from political soul mates

Tinubu is a committed democrat – Ekweremadu

According to a statement signed by the Deputy Senate President Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, the Deputy Senate President said the sexagenarian will always be remembered for his dogged and selfless struggles at the height of military impunity and dictatorship in the country.

Ex-Nigerian governor pleads guilty to graft - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Ex-Nigerian governor pleads guilty to graft - Africa - Al Jazeera English

New evidence casts doubt in Lockerbie case - Africa - Al Jazeera English

New evidence casts doubt in Lockerbie case - Africa - Al Jazeera English

the future of journalism in nigeria

Media Organisations and Stakeholders must invest in the capacity building and technology to meet up with the media challenges in the 21st century.

A Cross Section of Media Practitioners made this demand at the end of a one day forum on the future of journalism in Nigeria held at the school of the media and communication Pan African University, Lagos.

A Senior Fellow,of the School , Mr Richard Ikiebe told VON Correspondent Qasim Akinreti that the media of the future should embrace the social media platforms.

As one of the immediate solutiond to the challenges ahead journalism practice in nigeria, a centre for media leadership has been set up by the Nigerian Guild of Editors and School of media and Communication Pan African University.

According to Mr. Richard Ikiebe the media centre was put together to train visionary leaders in the Nigerian who can be role model for young journalists.

Ikiebe said the centre would also bridge the gap between the academics and the newsroom with a view to enhance professionalism and integrity in the Nigerian media.

nuj president receives gift from edn von

nuj president receives gift from edn von

nuj president committed to journalists welfare

The president nigeria union of journalists,mallam garba mohammed has reiterated his committtment to the welfare of journalists by ensuring that media workers get a better salary structure.

The president of the Union, Mr Mohammed Garba, gave the assurance while addressing some members of the union in Voice of Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria.

Mr Garba and some of the union’s executive members are on tour of councils across Nigeria to discuss issues ranging from improved insurance programme, salary structure and the increment of weigh-in allowance of media workers among others.



Issues ranging from a better media salary structure, improved insurance programme and ensuring that fake journalists are punished have become of great concern among journalists in Nigeria.

The visit of the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ president was an avenue for members to air their views and concerns.


At the meeting, it became clear that the approval of the much awaited media salary structure would not come soon, as it would require the deliberation of the National Assembly.

While media workers await the approval of the media salary structure, the union had been able to reach an agreement with the Salary and Wages Commission, the Ministry of Information and Labour for a twenty-two per cent increment of media workers weigh-in allowance.

The President of the Union, Mohammed Garba, expressed optimism that media workers would soon enjoy the twenty-two per cent increment, as the consolidated salary has been approved.



Earlier, in a meeting with the Union’s president, the Executive Director of the News Directorate, Voice of Nigeria, Mr Okey Nwachukwu, empasised the need to sanitise the media.

EY/eVMcLkQ1VIg/s320/nuj%2Bpresident%2Bat%2Bvon%2Bnewsroom%2Bflanked%2Bby%2Bnat.%2Bsec..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712048153777755426" border="0">

The speedy implementation of the approved consolidated salary would bring relief to media workers in Nigeria, whose reportage contributes to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

Need for leadership training in Nigerian schools

Discussants at the MBA Ameen resource center at the Ahmadiyya Muslim jamaat complex in Lagos have called for the introduction of leadership training into the school’s curriculum for Nigeria to have visionary and resourceful leaders.
Rising from a one day policy dialogue on the removal of fuel subsidy and the leadership question: The Islamic perspective, the speakers observed that the president demonstrated lack of insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians for removing the oil subsidy at that particular time, as discussions on the issue were ongoing.

According to them the “timing was inappropriate, needleless and a callous act meant to punish the people rather that addressing corruption in the oil subsidy saga”.

Missionary and barrister Robiu Uthman, said leadership entails being sensitive to the plight of the people in the formulation of policies that would add value to the lives of Nigerians. He also stated that a good leader must be ready to listen to the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens.

Missionary Uthman explained that under an Islamic system, the leader must listen to suggestions from the people through a consultative assembly-the shoora.

Going by the revelations from the oil subsidy probe, personal assistant to the lagos state commissioner for transport, shina loremikan submitted that government can only restore confidence in Nigerians ,if it sanctions officials and oil contractors indicted in the fuel subsidy probe.



Barrister and lawyer Bashir Badru equally noted that while the oil probe has become almost a circus show, the startling revelations have revealed the high level of corruption in the oil sector which has made Nigerian s to pay for ineptitude of public officials.

Executive Director, Social Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, Tokunbo Mumuni bemoaned loss of confidence in government due to rampant corruption in all spheres of Nigerian lives.

rekindle the soul of jacitad

indeed it was a new begining for ict journalists and other stakeholders in the most lucrative sector of the nigerian economy-the telecoms, as Shina Badru signed a social contract to lead and inspire hope for ict journalists under the umbrella of joint action committee for ict awareness and development,jacitad.

he won a landslide election on tuesday 21st february at new horison plaza.according to him

" i will declare a full road map for the group soon and rap it up in the next three months. the website of jacitad will be up and runing, prifiling of ict journalists will commence immediately.for me it is a new begininig for jacitad"

.

jacitad is a unifying platform for ict journalists. in the words of shina badru jacitad must take its pride of place as a critical stakeholder among the body of stakeholders in the ict industry in nigeria,africa and beyond.

to accentuate this chought, leading ict journalists across board attended the epoch making meeting among them are bayero agabi of ait,don pedro,jonah boma of etisalat, bimbola tooki, segun oruame of the nation newspaper qasim akinreti, nigeria's foremost online journalist.

shina badru pedigree speaks volume. he stated ict reporting with thisday newspaper and later founded technology times. check him out on twitter-@shyna and beep him on bbn 26bd13ba.

Upload your video - YouTube

Upload your video - YouTube

Von newsdirectotare new year party 2012 2

Von newsdirectotare new year party 2012 2

von news directorate party 2012 1.3GP

muhammed ameen foundation lecture 1.3GP

Inside Story - Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram?

making history-the femi akinsanya art collection

Bringing African Art Collectors into the Global Art Space

Making History: African Collectors & the Canon of African Art is a ground breaking new book featuring some of Nigeria’s most outstanding traditional art works from the Femi Akinsanya African Art Collection (FAAAC). Making History was written by respected international art historian, Professor Sylvester Okwunodu Ogbechie of the University of California Santa Barbara, and was launched today at a private event at the Wheatbaker hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos. The 278-page critical analysis of African art collection practices in Lagos Nigeria features museum quality traditional art pieces with stunning photography by celebrated Nigerian photographer, Kelechi Amadi Obi.

Making the History



The book was launched alongside the opening of an art exhibition in which 23 FAAAC artworks of impeccable provenance were presented, for the first time ever, to a keen group of art critics, curators, collectors, journalists, private sector investors and art enthusiasts. The book was launched by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Achebe, Agbogidi Obi of Onitsha, a custodian of traditional Igbo culture, and a recognized art collector in his own right.

Making History is a celebration of over 200 unique masks, sculptures and other important artworks of Yoruba, Igbo, Urhobo, Cross River, Benin & Benue River Valley origins, which were collected by Femi Akinsanya, a Nigerian investment banker, who has spent the last 30 years collecting African art. Making History was the culmination of a three-year collaboration between Akinsanya and Prof .Ogbechie, who authored the book and argues that African collectors and their collections have been totally marginalized in the global art community.

Invisible Art?

According to Ogbechie, African art collectors in Africa and specifically in Nigeria are unknown because their collections have not been exhibited, researched, photographed, authenticated and written about. He explains that between 1970-2005 the journal African Arts, one of the world’s leading scholarly publications on the arts of Africa, documented over 2000 exhibitions that promoted collections of African Art owned by European and American collectors. None of the exhibitions highlighted art owned by an African or located on the continent, despite the fact that there are many impressive collections of African art in Africa.

As the author explained,

“Making History therefore sheds light on a neglected constituency of African collectors who are currently marginalized in discourses about their own cultural heritage”

. The book refutes the general misconception that since Africa’s richest cultural treasures were pillaged during colonialism, nothing of much value still remains in Africa. Making History also shows that African artworks were not only exported to the West, but their intrinsic equity and economic value was also transferred from its African producers to the Western collectors promoted in most publications on the subject to date.

Antiquated Laws

Making History is a unique, valuable, well delivered, scholarly work by Nigerian art historian Ogbechie, which will add a lot of value to museums and university collections across the world,” said Mr. Mayo Adediran, retired Director of Museums, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, who reviewed the book. “It also clearly points to the fact that Nigerian museum laws, which prohibit citizens from buying and selling antiquities, need to be updated, so that individuals, communities, local governments and even universities can begin to partner with government to protect and exhibit our best cultural artifacts.”

“Our elected leaders have often acted as if arts and culture are alien luxuries that developing countries could ill afford. But our ancestors prove such perceptions are wholly misplaced as shown convincingly by the antiquity, quality, quantity and diversity of traditional art in the Akinsanya Collection and many other collections in Africa,” commented His Royal Majesty, Igwe Achebe, Agbogidi Obi of Onitsha, who launched the book.


“I call for an urgent review of our National Policy on Arts and Culture and its implementation with a view to achieving greater relevance and sustainability such that our art and culture will become key development resources,” the monarch said.


Making History is presented in collaboration with The Collectors’ Series, a new Nigerian art initiative spearheaded by Sandra Obiago, an award winning film maker and art collector, who is determined to showcase the groundbreaking work of art collectors in Nigeria.

“Making History not only demonstrates that we have world class collections which can rival any in the British Museum or the Louvre in Paris, it will also challenge art patrons to professionalize the art management process by investing more in researching, documenting and exhibiting their private collections locally and internationally,” she said.

“There is need for more openness and transparency in the mechanics of the market of African Art,” added Femi Akinsanya, whose FAAAC collection also includes a rich selection of modern and contemporary art. “We need to reform our archaic laws and work towards enabling the transfer of legal rights of title for current holders of artworks. Making History also provides an important platform for art dealers who source these works for collectors, by recognizing their important contributions to the development of African art collections, which will hopefully help move the trade of traditional African art out of the shadows.

Making History was published by 5 Continents Editions, the Italy-based foremost international publisher of books on African art and is available from leading local and international bookshops.



The exhibition of Making History, was curated by Prof. Ogbechie and supported by the Wheatbaker. The Exhibition was opened to the public at the Wheatbaker Hotel from January 27th to February 1, 2012.

visit www.akinsanyaart.com

winning streak by segun odegbami

segun odegbami- nigeria's former national caption given a pep talk on winning strategies to succecd in life. ace fotballers

fasola's riot act on army of occupation

For me this is not a matter for the military. The sooner we rethink and rescind this decision the better and stronger our democracy will be.

Dear Lagosians,



For the past few days, I have monitored the developments related to the public protest against the increase in the pump price of petrol.

During that period, I have at the invitation of my colleagues in the Governor’s Forum responded to an invitation from the Presidency.


My role since last Monday till date has been to find a ground of compromise that stabilizes the polity, protects our democracy and prevent any loss of lives.

Inspite of these efforts, we were not wholly successful in preventing the loss of the life of a young Nigerian, AdemolaAderinto who was sadly shot.I am truly saddened by that ugly development. While I condole with his family, I pledge the commitment of our Government to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice.

I have decided to address you today in view of the very disquieting developments that occurred overnight especially the deployment of soldiers across Lagos .I have the highest respect for members of our military, especially because they have made a contract with all of us that they will willingly lay down their lives whenever it becomes necessary to do so, in order to protect us.

This covenant is instructive, because soldiers did not sign up to stop us from expressing our grievance about things that we are displeased about.

It is not disputable that the citizens who have gathered in several parts of Lagos like Falomo, Ikorodu and Ojota to mention a few have largely conducted themselves peacefully, singing and dancing while they expressed their displeasure at the way that we have taken decisions that affect them.

That in my view should not offend those of us in Government. The majority of these people who represent diverse interests have not broken any law. If they have, it is my opinion that in a constitutional democracy, it is the police that hasthe responsibility for restoring law and order if civil protests threaten the breach of the peace.

This is not justification for sending out soldiers to a gathering of unarmed citizens. Every one of us, or at least majority of us who hold public offices danced and sang before these same people when we were seeking their votes.

Why should we feel irritated when they sing and dance in protest against what we have done?For me this is not a matter for the military. The sooner we rethink and rescind this decision the better and stronger our democracy will be.

If anything, this is a most welcome transformation of our democracy in the sense that it provokes a discussion of economic policies and this inevitably may result in political debate.

I therefore urge the reconsideration of the decision to deploy soldiers and implore the President and Commander-in-Chief to direct their withdrawal from our streets, I must also emphasize that the rights of free speech and protest is not absolute. They impose the duty not to break the law, breach the peace, endanger human life or destroy property whether public or private.

They also impose the duty to respect the rights of others not to support our protest and indeed to support what we oppose. At the end of the day, it is a contest of ideas in which the most persuasive will get the endorsement of the majority of the people we serve.

I am convinced that our democracy is mature enough to accommodate this. We must do our best to ensure that it does.

God bless you all.

BabatundeRajiFashola, SAN

Governor of Lagos State

Monday, January 16, 2012
Peoples reactions

FOI Act on mobile phones -qasim akinreti

Application to enable mobile phone users to download the entire Freedom of Information Act 2011 to a mobile phone has been launched by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

The easy-to-navigate format Named FOI App, the Application was developed by Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) for Media Rights Agenda with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through a grant from Pact Nigeria.

MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, said:

“with over 93 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria, the FOI Apps is a powerful tool to help make the Freedom of Information Act available to the vast majority of Nigerians at no cost and for them to always have the provisions of this important legislation constantly available at their finger tips.

Blackberry phone users as well as Nokia and other Java-enabled mobile phone users can download the Act by logging on to: www.mediarightsagenda.net/foiapp/ on their phones. Once downloaded, the Act is then stored in the phone and can be read at any time.

In addition, the Application contains a mobile phone number through which people can get more information or clarification about the Act by voice calls or SMS as well as a contact email address for obtaining more lengthy information.

With the Application, there will be dramatic improvements in the level of public awareness of and familiarity with the provisions of the Act which should hopefully translate into a significant increase in the number of ordinary people using the Law to seek information from public institutions and private entities covered by the Act.

Nigerian government cut price of petrol-qasim akinreti,lagos

The Nigerian government has announced a cut in the price of petrol from 141 naira to 97 naira per litre in response to the agitation of Nigerians calling for a reversal to 65 naira from 140 naira.
President Goodluck Jonathan announced the cut in the pump price of petrol during a national broadcast.
According to him,

the new pump price of petrol was in line with the outcome of exhaustive deliberations with the labour unions and other stakeholders.

He also said while the government is fully committed to the deregulation of the downstream sector, petroleum importers found to have engaged in over invoicing and other corrupt practices will be prosecuted.
President Jonathan appealed to Nigerian workers to resume work as government is ready to provide adequate security for them.
The Nigerian leader assured that the proceeds from the oil subsidy removal will be judiciously used as enunciated in the Subsidy reinvestment intervention programmes.

Write up/Qasim