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Opinion: The Beauty Of Foolishness

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By Hope Eghagha

Wole Soyinka threw the Nagasaki bomb: “Those who expunged History from our schools should be taken away from history”

Foolishness, defined as lack of good sense or judgment, or stupidity can be beautiful sometimes.

Everyone, including a fool, knows that that which is beautiful pleases the senses, eyes or mind aesthetically thereby giving joy and happiness.

Foolishness is especially beautiful when it is displayed by an arrogant and stubborn person of power, a person in power – economic, political, religious or cultural.

Of what use or benefit is the foolishness of a fool or of a man who reputed for foolishness? Our elders warn that the kings of the land should not dance naked in public; in other words, our elders, kings and leaders should not behave foolishly. We do not ask our kids not to grow long teeth as long as they grow lips long enough to cover the teeth, our elders say. The reality however is that kings, leaders and great men are not always wise; indeed, some of them are outright foolish. Which is tragic!

Some women can be wickedly beautiful. Is this derogatory? A professor once described his wife in a public gathering as ‘shamelessly beautiful’. A man in the audience then commented that the professor was ‘wickedly kind’ about the comments on his wife! In the course of sounding out ideas for this essay, somebody said to me that cows are ‘benevolently destructive’ to grass and crops. I am still grappling with the meaning of ‘benevolently destructive! While in this state of suspended animation Chief Olusegun Obasanjo came out with a lecture in which he said Nigeria was on the verge of being ‘Fulanised’.

The contradiction tore me apart. How may an Urhobo who eats fish and swims in water man be ‘Fulanised? I gave up on the subject when Baba Iwe himself, Professor Wole Soyinka threw the Nagasaki bomb: “Those who expunged History from our schools should be taken away from history”! Here I go again! I started off with the beauty of foolishness, but here I am espousing the beauty of intelligence and education. The religious scoundrels of Boko Haram must not hear this! Hear? Yes; because they do not read words written in English!

To be sure the foolishness of a powerful man could, indeed would look beautiful to outsiders who believe that the buffoon should be taught a lesson in life.

Our elders say that mad men are good for the community but not for families! Insiders or close family members would not enjoy the spectacle of their principal dancing foolishly in the communal square, causing everyone to laugh at him in derision.

So, without attempting to dabble into the artistic beauty of an extended pun, let me say that the beauty of foolishness can only be appreciated by the beholder from outside! Beautiful foolishness! Can you beat that? The very idea of beautiful foolishness! Sounds captivating and confusing! It goes without saying therefore that there is ugly foolishness as well. That, however, is subject for another day.

I am sure readers by now have seen through the contradiction in terms, either in the title of this essay or in the thematic thrust of the first and subsequent paragraphs.

How can that which is foolish be beautiful? I am not going to reduce the profundity of this discourse by contending that a beautiful woman or a handsome man could be perpetually and inherently foolish. This is because a counterpoint could arise: it is not the beauty or handsome man or the woman in question that is foolish. The carrier of a virtue or a vice can, could be foolish but not the virtue itself.

The truth however is that it is the foolishness displayed in public that is usually visible. A beautiful woman may just pass by without being noticed or associated with anything extraordinary; but once she shows foolishness in public that will be the account that will enter the books.

An elder can, could be foolish without knowing that foolishness resides in their actions. Blissful ignorance is a good cover for the foolish who do not comprehend the gravity or otherwise of their actions. The good book says that great men are not always wise.

In other words, men who ordinarily could be considered great could become foolish in their actions. I know a sixty-year old Nigerian man who married a teenager and started doing foolish or ridiculous things.

Well, foolish to people of his generation because he started listening to music with I-Pods and ear piece and started wearing tight fitting clothes, going to clubs and behaving the age of new wife, walking clumsily like the proverbial he-goat who returned from a visit with his in-laws!

I encountered a foolish king in literature through the immortal works of William Shakespeare. King Lear behaved foolishly when on account of mere declaration of love he portioned out his kingdom to two of his daughters, excluding the only daughter who genuinely loved him.

Was it not foolishness that made Saddam Hussein attack Kuwait, daring the entire world including the American war machine? What else could you say made fly accompany a corpse into the grave? Why did the biblical pharaoh ride with his men into the divided Red Sea in pursuit of the departing Jews if not foolishness? Was it not foolishness that made one-time Liberian President Sergeant Doe refuse to leave the presidential mansion while the invading forces were close by? And when the rebels arrived what did they do? They cut off his ears for not using them! Did you watch the movie, with Doe sitting on the floor before this ex-president was sent to the other world? Did you not relish the consequences of foolishness?

The beauty of foolishness! It is foolishness that makes a judge say that personal interest is not enough for another judge to withdraw from hearing a matter and yet the judge proceeds to withdraw from the case.

Beautiful foolishness! It is foolishness that makes a man tell his master that he is indeed happy that he (the master) did not compel him to follow his religion.

What an infinitely ‘sycophantish’ and foolish thing to say! The sad thing is that if elders surround themselves with foolish people we would be tricked into behaving foolishly too. We are therefore happy that in our land, we do not celebrate foolishness, the king can see through foolishness and the foolish are fewer in number than the wise. Is this a foolishly comforting thing to say?

 

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Pa Sam Amuka-Pemu: Celebrating a Media Titan at 90

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By Eric Elezuo

President Bola Tinubu, on June 12, a day before the birthday, set the stage for what was going to be a grandiose 90th birthday reception of one generally reputed as a media guru, titan and a solid force to reckon with in the business of pen pushing, Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, known in many quarters as Uncle Sam, or Sad Sam, in referenceto a columnhe pioneered. That day, Tinubu lavished words of endearment on him, bestowing on him the National honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and referribg to him as “a living testament to the power of the press to shape nations and hold power to account.”

The president had further noted that “Mr. Amuka-Pemu has devoted most of his life to journalism. It is to his credit and managerial acumen that Vanguard is alive today, 41 years after its founding, despite the crisis in the media industry. Uncle Sam remains a shining example of dedication, resilience and integrity within the media industry.

“Today, he is not just a leader of the profession; he is a doyen. His leadership, from the altar of journalism, has influenced the media landscape and extended to his role as a respected leader in Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone, making him an elder statesman.

“On the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, I conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in profound recognition of his significant contributions to the country and his exemplary leadership in the field of journalism. I urge the younger journalists to emulate this highly respected publisher and leader.”

On the d-day, the combined forces of Nigeria’s media, economic and political heavyweights gathered at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, to celebrate the 90th birthday of the journalism icon. The event set for 6pm already had a capacity fill hall as at 5pm with the carpet buzzing with excellent and gorgeous attires by dignified Nigerians also making the way to the hall. Uncle Sam, who is the Founder, Newspapers, comes across as one, who has professionally paid his dues in full even as he is paying.

The event drew an array of respected veterans from across every calibre of the newsroom, including notable dignitaries from all walks of life; all under one room, expressing glowing remarks to the man, who has been fearless to the core in the practice of a craft, he loves so much.

The event, which was an avenue of reconnection, networking and reunion, was another moment to share and relive decades of journalism history among veterans.

Expressing his appreciation at the kind words and encomiums showered on him, an emotional Uncle intoned that “from all these, it appears that I’m already dead; just waiting to be buried”. The iconic journalist was speaking against the background that such goodwill messages are mostly heard when someone is already dead, basically at the person’s tribute night, adding he was privileged to be alive to hear his.

“From all these tributes, it seems that I’m already dead, waiting to be buried. I thought it was a night we would come together to merry and dance with the musicians ready, but…,” he reeled out emotionally.

It would be recalled that earlier, a pot pourri of eulogies, encomiums, goodwill messages and outright praises have flowed from the dignitaries to the living legend, whose contributions to the field of journalism cannot be overemphasized.

Leading the array of encomiums and goodwill messages, President Tinubu, speaking through his representative, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, noted that Sam Amuka has etched his name in “the conscience of our people, and his voice has long served as a compass and conscience for the Nigerian nation.

“Today, we celebrate the legacy of patriotism without blemish, which makes Uncle Sam one of the most enduring voices in Nigeria’s media and democratic revolution. He is the institutional memory of Nigerian journalism, with fingerprints on iconic newspapers like the Daily Times, Punch, and Vanguard Newspaper.

“These newspapers are not just publications; they are chronicles of our national life, reflecting our hopes, struggles, and trials; behind these murals stood a man of immeasurable principle and courage.

“He is not just a journalist, but a guardian of our national conscience, a centurion of our democracy, and a titan of press freedom in Africa.

“Without voices like Uncle Sam’s, our journey to democratic governance might have taken a darker path. We celebrate him as a warrior who fought with facts, not fists, and with principle, not propaganda.

“At 90, Uncle Sam remains arguably the oldest practising journalist in Nigeria. Still curious, still committed, still standing, we honour him not just with words, but with our commitment to a free, fearless, fair, and responsible media.”

Also eulogising the distinguished pen pusher, Chairman of ThisDay and Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, who were part of the brains behind the organization of the 90th birthday soiree, observed the long number of years they have known the veteran. While Obaigbena said the idea of the party was muted 30 years ago, Osoba said he has known him for a whopping 60 years.

“It’s been an honour to host this celebration for Uncle Sam today. Interestingly, the idea for this party was first conceived 30 years ago, when I mentioned to Uncle Sam that we would be hosting an evening event, and he jokingly replied that he wouldn’t be around by then,” Obaigbena said.

On his part, Osoba noted that “Today, we’re celebrating Uncle Sam’s special day, but I must admit, he didn’t want a big fuss. He preferred a low-key, informal gathering with plenty of music and dancing.

“I’ve known Uncle Sam for over 60 years, and I can attest that he’s a complex and multifaceted individual. Beneath his calm exterior lies a whirlwind of energy and strong opinions.

“As the Guild of Veterans, we wanted to honour Uncle Sam in a way that would make him happy. So, I visited him at home and we had a lively discussion, exchanging playful jabs and jokes. Eventually, he agreed to our plans, on the condition that the celebration would be informal and fun-filled.

In his message on X, Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Mba, said in part, “I celebrate an icon and a perfect gentleman, who is not only a media giant, but has also nurtured giants through his mentorship. His establishment of Vanguard with a motto of a better life for the people was for him a continuation of using the media space to enthrone good.

“For a man who refuses to celebrate himself despite the opportunities available to him, it is only proper that those whom he has positively affected have chosen the occasion of his 90th birthday to celebrate his positive passion for mankind.”

Others, who lent their voices to express great regards for the nonagerian included the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Publisher of the Guardian Newspaper, Dame Maiden Ibru; former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, Prof Wole Soyinka, Guild of Veterans,  Guild of Editors, ThisDay Alumni Association and others.

The night, beyond speeches, was also a meeting point for good music, led by ageless maestro, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, sumptuous dishes of local and intercontinental standards and outright fun as superinded over by Dare Art Alade as the anchor.

The role call of dignitaries at the event include the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; Chairman, ThisDay and Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme; former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka; and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi

Others included former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Afenifere Leader, Chief Bode George; Former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Dr Donald Duke; former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola; founder, Business Day Newspaper, Frank Aigbogun; Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu; Former INEC REC, Muhammad Kudu Haruna; Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, and Publisher, Guardian Newspaper, Maiden Alex Ibru.

THE MAN, SAM AMUKA-PEMU 

The media icon was born on June 13, 1935 born in Sapele, Delta State, southern Nigeria, into the family of the late Pa Amuka-Pemu and Madam Teshoma Amuka-Pemu, both of whom died in May 2014.

A journalist of repute, columnist and publisher, Uncle Sam as he was came to be known, founded the Vanguard Newspapers, growing it to become one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers. His journey to establishing Vanguard in 1983 was as a result of a soured relationship with his colleague, the Aboderins, after they co-founder of The Punch, in 1971 one of the most widely read newspapers in Nigeria.

Earlier, he served as the Editor of Daily Times of Nigeria, and the first editor of the Sunday Punch before he established The Punch with his friend, the late Olu Aboderin, in 1971.

Owing to his demure and classy practice, Amuka-Pemu was described as a “Gentleman of the Press” by President Muhammadu Buhari on his 80th birthday. He was also described as an icon and a leading light in Nigerian journalism by Nduka Obaigbena, President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria.

Today, he is revered as the oldest practising media professional in Nigeria, and has been cited by peers. A book entitled From 1939 to the Vanguard of Modern Journalism written by Kola Muslim Animasaun, who also trained under him, acknowledged his immense contributions to journalism in Nigeria.

On this 90th birthday, the media world rises in unison to raise oa toast to one of the very best the industry has produced, Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu.

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Soyinka Advises Tinubu to Probe Unresolved Killings

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Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately launch a probe into the strange circumstances that led to the deaths of some Nigerians, including the likes of Dele Giwa, Bola Ige and Kudirat Abiola, for the sake of giving some closure to the matter.

While speaking with selected journalists in Lagos on Saturday, the renowned author said some Nigerians around the world have and could provide clues to the killings.

Soyinka has been speaking on the occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, which was marked on June 12, 2025, where President Tinubu addressed the joint session of the National Assembly and awarded national honours to some of the heroes of the struggle.

While he praised the national honours, he said there were several omissions of heroes on the list, adding that he believed the honoured participants were a representation of the rest of the people in the struggle.

Soyinka revealed that he will be dedicating his honours to the memory of Late Beko Ransom-Kuti, who he described as a defender of human rights, champion of good governance, and campaigner for democracy, who was detained and jailed several times by the Nigerian military.

He warned that no one should make light of the weight and importance of the June 12 struggle, as many people died, and many others were greatly injured by the military junta, which killed, tortured, and imprisoned Nigerians at the time.

Soyinka’s plea comes after the presidency on Saturday denied it awarded national honours to human rights activist Aisha Yesufu and 35 others.

Names of the heroes of democracy were announced by President Tinubu on Thursday, June 13, as part of the activities marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration. Only 66 awardees were announced at the joint sitting of the National Assembly in Abuja.

Among the posthumous awardees were a former Chief of Staff, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua; a former NEC Chairman who oversaw the 1993 elections, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu; and the wife of MKO Abiola and martyr of the June 12 struggle, Kudirat Abiola.

The President also granted a posthumous state pardon to renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the rest of the Ogoni Nine, three decades after their controversial execution by the Sani Abacha-led military regime.

The nine other activists were also acknowledged for their sacrifices in the struggle for environmental justice and democratic ideals in Nigeria.

“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State,” he said.

Each of the eight was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, while Ken Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.

This marks the first time a Nigerian President has officially acknowledged the role of the Ogoni Nine in the national democratic journey and taken steps toward state-led rehabilitation of their legacy.

The Ogoni Nine were prominent members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), which campaigned against environmental degradation in the Niger Delta caused by oil exploration. Their execution drew global outrage, including Nigeria’s temporary suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations in 1995.

Those honoured alongside Saro-Wiwa include Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, all executed in 1995 after a military tribunal found them guilty in a trial widely condemned by international human rights groups as flawed and politically motivated.

Source: Channels TV

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Tinubu Denies Attempt to Turn Nigeria to One Party State, Mocks Parties in Disarray

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By Eric Elezuo

President Bola Tinubu has denied insinuations that he has plans to turn Nigeria into a one-party state following massive defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from other political parties.

Tinubu said this while addressing the nation via an address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly with many other national figures in attendance on Thursday.

In his speech, Tinubu categorically said that reports he had plans of turning Nigeria to one Party State were false, adding that “I’ve never attempted to alter INEC’s registration list.

While throwing jabs at the opposition, Tinubu said that while a one party state is not in the offing, and will never be, but he and his party would not “close our doors to all those willing to join the APC”.

He welcomed Sheriff and Eno among others that have joined the APC

To the PDP and other parties still going through political upheaval, the President said, “I will not help you put your house in order. It’s a pleasure to witness you in such a disarray.”

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