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Friday Sermon: Rascals in Paradise

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By Babatunde Jose

Those who are in authority are of two groups:

the scholars and the rulers. If they are upright, the people will be upright; if they are corrupt, the people will be corrupt.” Prophet Muhammad

Rascals in Paradise offers portraits of scandalous men and women, some famous or shall we say notorious, many infamous who operate under G and are not known to the wider public. A politically mutinous and rebellious bunch of citizens who are hell bent on ruining the commonwealth. Everything they touched they destroyed: The economy, socio political organizations and the entire fabric of society. These characters are infinitesimal compared to the country’s population of 190 Million: Counting from the chairmen and councilors in the 774 local government councils; the approximately 1,080 members of the state houses of assembly, the 469 members of the national assembly and the party apparatchiks, we might be talking of less than ten thousand if they were put in a stadium. Then we could add the odd 300 thieves who borrowed the equivalent of a national budget from the banks and refused to pay back. Looked at in retrospect, we have a band of merry men worse than the pirates of the Caribbean. These are the people who have been messing up our lives in this country and they will continue to do so unless we as a people decide to put a stop to their shenanigans.

Last week, they upped the ante when an election that had taken four years in the planning was ignominiously postponed in the dead of the night. As Reuben Abati succinctly put it: ‘the election was postponed Nicodemously in the middle of the night’. With this stroke of scandalous contempt for the sensibility of the general voting population, the country was thrown into a state of mourning and counting of loss.

As Simon Kolawole aptly opined ‘the postponement of the 2019 general election by one week; even if by one day, is yet another spectacular testament to the pathological incompetence ruining our country’. Yet elections in Nigeria consume humongous amount of personnel and cost. According to Former INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega  ‘elections required the assemblage of close to a million poll workers, party workers, security personnel and election observers’; apart from the over 400 million ballot papers, and deployment of a voter’s roll of over 80 million entries’. Note that the over 400,000 staff used in the exercise outnumbered the collective strength of the entire armed forces of the West African sub-region.

Furthermore; N189 billion approved for the 2019 polls far exceeds the total capital outlay of education and health in the 2019 national budget. When this is considered alongside the total sum of N242 billion granted for INEC and relevant security agencies for the conduct of the general polls, it will be realized that much goes into the conduct of elections in our nation.

Unfortunately, what INEC has done has become a familiar pattern; but it is not that simple. The economy was practically shut down because of the elections, just as it will also be this weekend. This is actually strange in the age of information technology and social media opportunities. Millions had travelled home to vote in their remote towns and villages as is the custom with many who only reside in the metropolis for business and commercial reasons. They would also have to repeat the exercise this weekend. Or they might become apathetic and engender a low turnout at the polls making a mockery of our fledging democracy.

All told, the cost in Naira and Kobo to the economy by that singular act of ineptitude and crass insensitivity can never be fully quantified; some have put it in the billions of dollar range.

Who did we offend that cursed us as a nation? Why have we become so shameless as not to be bothered that we have suddenly become the laughing stock of the Black Race? Apart from being the poverty capital of Africa, we are now the clueless headquarters of the continent. And to add pepper to the injury today has been declared a public holiday to enable people prepare for the election!

Yet, the God that created the efficient and prosperous Whiteman also created the Nigerian. The God that created South Korea and Dubai also created the Nigerian. The God that placed Gold and Diamond in South Africa also placed Gold and other precious metals in Nigeria. The God that turned the beaches of Acapulco and Copacabana into paradise also made our beaches and thousands of miles of coastlines potential paradise. However, unlike the human population of other climes who have enhanced and added value to their God given resources, our people have turned into a bunch of ‘Rascals in Paradise’.

Last Saturday’s postponement was not the first. In 2015, Nigeria’s Presidential election scheduled for February 14 was postponed till March 28 by INEC then headed by Professor Attahiru Jega. In 2011, similar elections were postponed in some states. Between 1991 and 1993 the government of General Babangida embarked on an orgy of postponement, disqualification, banning of candidates and eventual annulment of elections which he carried out in August 1993 and which led to his own political waterloo.

One is tempted to agree with Reuben Abati, when he said that: the postponement has achieved only four things and you can interpret each item positively or negatively depending on your inclination. One: it has deepened the Nigerian electorate’s suspicion, mistrust, angst and disappointment regarding what they consider to be the lack of independence of both INEC and other institutions involved in the management of the current electoral process. The people are convinced that there is something fishy about the postponement’. No doubt, tomorrow’s election is already tainted and only God knows what the outcome will be. However, as we go to the polls tomorrow, the country must come first – otherwise there will be a conflagration that our inept fire brigade will not be able to put out; burning both the rascals and the beachcombers.

Hadrat Ali, the fourth khalifah, in discussing the qualities of a leader said:

“O People! You know that it is not fitting that one who is greedy and parsimonious should attain rule and authority. . . and the laws and ordinances enforced among them, and also leadership of them. Furthermore, he should not be ignorant and unaware of the law, lest in his ignorance he misleads the people. He must not be unjust and harsh, causing people to cease all traffic and dealings with him because of his oppressiveness. Nor must he fear states, so that he seeks the friendship of some and treats others with enmity. He must refrain from accepting bribes when he sits in judgement, so that the rights of men are trampled underfoot and the claimant does not receive his due. He must not leave the Sunnah of the Prophet and the law in abeyance, so that the community falls into misguidance and peril.”

May we not fall into misguidance and peril; O God of Creation, grant our request; help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed.

Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend

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KFC Reacts As FAAN Shuts Down Its Operations in Lagos Airport

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The Management of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has reacted to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s move to shut down its branch at the Muritala Muhammed Airport, for violating laws protecting the rights of people with special needs.

The action was confirmed through a statement released on Thursday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.

The official statement, titled ‘FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at MMIA,’ highlighted that the closure was in response to the outlet’s breach of the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, specifically referencing Part C, Section 55 of the General Provisions on Discrimination.

Responding to the development, KFC posted on its official X account that it opposes bias and discrimination, stressing that the incident did not reflect its standards.

The organisation disclosed that it had embarked on efforts to address the situation and urgently implemented sensitivity training for all its employees.

The statement read, “KFC is unwavering in our stance against bias or discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of our values.

“However, this recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action. We have embarked on efforts to address the situation and extend apologies and deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest.

“In response, we are urgently implementing sensitivity training for all our employees. This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it.

“We are actively exploring solutions to equip our team members and establishments better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest.”

KFC had during the week, denied Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, access to their facility at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport  because of his disability.

Daniel had recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel.

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Ezekiel Bolarinwa Ajayi: Mentor, Philanthropist Revels at 80

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By Eric Elezuo

The ancient town of Ile-Ife was agog weekend, when Professor Ezekiel Bolarinwa Oladele Ajayi, a renowned educationist, accomplished mentor and elder brother of veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, pulled all the stops to mark a resounding entry into the octogenarian club, celebrating his 80th birthday with fanfare, pomp and class.

The event, which attracted family members, colleagues in the academic world, friends and well wishers, was another testament in the expression of influence, clout and connection.

Held at the Rock Rehoboth Cathedral in the centre of Ile-Ife, the event brought out the best in the Stanford trained PHD holder, as beamed with contagious smiles, absorbing accolades from a crowd of well wishers and dignitaries, most of whom traveled half  way across the world to felicitate with the newest octogenarian.

A lavished reception followed after heartfelt prayers were said for the celebrant flanked by his wife of many years, children and grandchildren. The reception witnessed guests savoring the best of continental and local delicacies as well as dancing happily to the old school tunes.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the gigantic cake by the birthday boy around whom were dotting family members.

As guests expressed their profound, hearty and sincere congratulations towards the octogenarian, whose event changed the landscape of Ife, many recalled how they have come a long way from their very humble beginning in Gbongan Olufi.

Fondly called Ladele, Prof Ajayi was born on March 23, 1944 in Gbongan, Osun State, where he had his earliest beginnings.

He statted his education at the Saint Paul’s School Gbongan, before moving on to Saint Judes School, Ebute Metta, and later to Saint Stephens School, Ile-Ife, where he completed his primary education.

After his elementary education, he was admitted into the Government College lbadan, where he was described as having  ‘passed out in exceedingly bright colours’. As many that knows him has confirmed that Prof Ajayi was a walking encyclopedia, and vibrated with intelligence while at school.

It was not therefore, surprising that he later proceeded to the United States of America, after his secondary education, where he attended various prestigious Universities including Stanford University. It is worthy of note that all his appearances for university education were on different scholarships. It was also at Stanford that he bagged his PhD honours.

On the completion of his PhD programme in Stanford, Prof Ajayi was recruited by the University of Ife, as it was then known, before its transmutation to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he later became a Professor of Physics, a position he jealousy guarded until retirement from active classroom duties.

According to a very close family member and confidant, Bola Adeyemo, who spoke glowingly about their fond relationship, Prof Ajayi “also became active in things of God. Like a proverbial gold fish, he has been recognized as a Pastor. Ladele played a mentoring role in the final years of school for my twin daughters who both graduated from the medicine program in the same University.

“The mutual fondness between Ladele and I remains very much intact. Ladele and l share common ancestry. His father who was the Otun Olufi of Gɓongan was a much older cousin to my mother and was fondly referred to as baba mi ile ASORO. They both had the same tribal marks. Ladele can be classified as belonging to the royal class as his father was the OTUN OLUFI while his mother was the daughter of the ÒOSA, first class chief in Gbongan.”

A life of Prof Ajayi without a mention of prolific publisher of the Ovation brands,  Chief Momodu, remains incomplete. It is worthy of note that apart from both sharing the same mum as siblings, the Prof was instrumental in shaping and mentally mentoring Momodu on the path of education. His 80th birthday was a reminder of how it used to be in times past as it marks a form of reunion for the Ajayi extended household.

Among those who attended were his daughter, Kemi Ajayi-Ingram, who flew in all the way from the United States of America, with her entire family; his niece, Yejide Ajayi among a host of others.

We wish the ebullient octogenarian a splendid birthday, and many ore years of splendid celebrations.

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Easter, Ramadan: Adeleke Releases March Salaries, Pension, Palliatives, Approves Promotion for Personnel

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the release of salaries, pensions and palliatives for the month of March for all public servants in the state, as well as approved the promotion of service personnel due for promotion from 2023.

Adeleke’s show of love for the entire workforce, is in spite of the fact that the State allocation from the Federation account is yet to be released, according to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina confirmed the approval of the March salaries, pension and palliatives, noting that the fast tracked approval covered all categories of state and local government employees including tertiary institutions in the State.

“I can confirm that Mr Governor has approved the March salaries, pension and palliative wage awards, including the usual payment of the outstanding half salary for retirees under the contributory pension scheme yet to obtain their bonds. Mr Governor requested for the file and granted immediate approval.

“Any moment from now, alerts will be landing in our peoples’ accounts. This is a preemptive step on the part of Mr Governor to meet the needs of our people”, the Head of Service explained.

Governor Adeleke who has been hosting inter faith leaders at the Government House said he approved the early payment to ease the burden of the workers ahead of the Easter period.

“As I wish muslim and christian faithfuls blessed fasting season, the early payment is a gesture of support for workers whose welfare remains the number one priority of our administration”, the Governor noted.

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