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Friday Sermon: Biggest Crisis in the World

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By Babatunde Jose

“Contrary to the way most people think today, the biggest crisis in the world is not climate change, political divides, deforestation, water pollution or any of the other global threats that make the headlines these days. The biggest crisis in the world today is the lack of really effective leadership” From Donald Trump in America to the thieving leadership in Congo, to the formless leadership of Boris Johnson in the UK, it’s the same problem. There is need for a new paradigm in leadership; need for a ‘conscious leadership’.

Conscious leadership is leadership that is not only skilled and competent but is embodied in someone who is self-aware and mindful, someone who practices some form of self-examination and constantly seeks to expand their awareness. When leadership becomes conscious and more self-aware people embrace it and our institutions will begin to recognize how dysfunctional they have become and the mediocrity their cultures have come to expect from them. It is only then that we can have meaningful change.

Social scientist Willis Harman observed that we are at a point in our history when security for some can’t be achieved until everyone feels secure’; that is, when the well-being of everyone becomes more important than the ambitions of a few.

Our current and past crisis are all evidentiary of a leadership that is bereft of vision and mission; a leadership that has lost its bearing and is tottering without direction or a clue to solving the myriad problems confronting us as a people.

Take for instance the issue of fuel and our refineries and the untold cost and hardship wroth by the importation of a commodity which we ought to be exporting. It has taken us 25 years of carelessness and lackadaisical attitude towards the national economy to arrive at this juncture: The only major oil producer importing refined petroleum.

Another area is the power sector which has remained an impediment to progress for everyone. Yet, other nations have found solutions to this problem. It is definitely rocket science to provide stable electricity to our people; but not in this clime where the leadership is clueless and the people acquiesce and accept ‘living in darkness’ as a way of life. The docility of our people is not only legendary but has made some analysts to come to the conclusion that suffering might, after all, be self inflicted. When a people fail to shake off the yoke of suffering imposed on them by their leaders, they might not deserve pity.

We therefore requires a new consciousness; a shift in the quality of leadership that is capable of leading us to the Promised Land and out of this morass. At the same time we also require a shift in the paradigm of the followership; a change in the culture of political departicipation and unquestioning attitude to one of  disposition to protest at every infringement  and abuse of fundamental rights: In short, a culture of protest and if possible defiance.

For how long can we sustain this African drama is a question no one can answer.  Yet we claim we have leaders. Hmmm!!! We are all suffering because of the greed and avarice of a few: And our acceptance of that abnormality.

The cost of becoming a conscious leader is quite trivial when compared to the cost of continuing to deal with one crisis after another – like political disharmony, global warming, deforestation, genocide, floods, Fulanism, Deltaism, Kidnapping and terrorism.

Conscious leadership does not rely on a person’s title or position of authority. It can be adapted by anyone who sees a need for leadership and is willing and courageous enough to take a stand for change. Again, it is a lifestyle for which one volunteers.

Why not give it a try? What harm can come from all of us consciously evolving beyond our adolescence and maturing as more conscious leaders and followers?

The need to be responsible for our actions, either good or bad, was the central theme of a Friday sermon by Imam Muiz Zubayr of the Faith Unite Muslims, Lagos. Ustaz Muiz, in his sermon, emphasized that the decay and poverty in the country were as a result of failure of leadership. He quoted from Quran where Allah says:   Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because of the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.  (Quran 42:30) “Therefore, the agony, evils, misfortunes, pains, economic instability, stagnation and backwardness being experienced in the country today are as a result of failed leadership. And we might as well add, ‘failed followership’.

Therefore, our misfortunes and sufferings are definitely not from God, but from ourselves,” said Ustaz Muiz. He identified justice as a dynamic characteristic of a leader. According to him, a just leader will, at all times, serve and prioritise the interests of the followers and not his own interest. See Quran 5:8

It is therefore imperative to remind our leaders: Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; and when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice: Verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! For Allah is He Who heareth and seeth all things. (Quran 4:58)

Let me end this piece with ‘words on the marble’ by Babafemi Ojudu in his piece: When did the Rain Start Beating Us?: “No one has cared to tell our governors that unless and until they mobilize the energy, talent and creativity of their people, the thousands of youths who roam about aimlessly and listlessly, will remain the way they are and get worse progressively. When the centre refuses to hold, things fall apart.”

“In their disconnect, we remain a people without respect, drifting in the ocean without compass. The rain has become a deluge and the flood, right before our very eyes, is washing our youths, our future away.”

“I dare say that it is going to be a long night, unless our local leaders are able to take a lamp to the darkness and make way for their people out of this long tunnel. That starts with diligence in choosing those who lead us. Not taken by appearances but digging dip for men of character: Dignity in integrity. This is the only magic wand.”

The progress and development of this country is therefore a joint responsibility from which we cannot run away.

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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