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Wole Soyinka: The Man Who Lives Against Oppression at 90

Published

3 months ago

July 14, 2024

Eric

By Lekan Alabi

No doubt, Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka is a big elephant in a forest of hope to generations of men and women across the globe. The part of the elephant you touch depends on what he stands for and against in a social political setting. To the pre-colonial generation, Soyinka “was anti-elitism and anti-colonial mentality,” with a deliberate message against a cultural reorientation and indoctrination that lazy minds largely tag as cultism. To the post-colonial generation, Soyinka was a torn in the flesh of pseudo-democratic rulers, military dictators and their civilian collaborators. To the generation of the apartheid regimes, Soyinka deployed all his God-given gifts against these regimes that socialised and related to others on the basis of skin colour. The whole essence of Soyinka, right from the Ake era till date is justice and humanity.

In celebrating Soyinka at 90, it will not serve any useful purpose to regurgitate Soyinka’s odyssey, which has been over-flogged in books, seminars, plays, music, lectures, symposia and literary criticism by cultural activists, policy makers, scholars and students alike.

“The Mystery Gunman,” through his roles in history, particularly in the political turmoil of the defunct Western Region of Nigeria, in the First Republic, which resulted in Operation Wetie that enveloped the West, displayed an uncommon courage against the fascistic tendency of the political class. The singular act of demystification of the instrument of state, created young agitators against the election riggings and riggers, political violence and repression.

It is historically correct to state that Soyinka is a man of conscience who sees humanity as one without a toga of ethnic colouration. This position was noticeable during the Nigerian Civil War. While some revered scholars became megaphones of the war, Soyinka took to the path of humanity and decency by rigorously campaigning against the war mongers on both sides, which led to his incarceration by the military junta. Of course, the unusual life threatening but noble venture encouraged his followers of the possibility of another force/movement which mobilised against the war.

It is not a hyperbole to call Soyinka the Pride of Africa, as he has been leading from the front against the abuse of power, military dictatorships and ‘sit tightism’ of African rulers, alongside human rights abuses, and the struggle against racial discriminations in some African countries. This service to humanity has led to generations of the old and young, who look up to him as their role model.

It is important to state that Soyinka was the arrowhead of the struggle against the liquidation of the military dictatorship in Nigeria. He took the de-annulment of the 12 June 1993 election to the global limelight, with all the risks involved. No wonder that Henry Louis Gates, jnr. says that, “If the spirit of African democracy has a voice and a face, they belong to Wole Soyinka.” I couldn’t agree more.

His scholarly exploits in literature was crowned in 1986 when he became the first African Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. The significance of this award was an upsurge of youths and young persons in Nigeria who developed the love for literature, human rights activism and the campaign for an open society.

The institutionalisation of the essence of Wole Soyinka is the best way to appreciate his sacrifice for a just cause on earth. It is highly commendable to note that the promoters of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, among other public-spirited organisations taking on the identity of the man of all seasons, are paying the debt on our behalf.

At 90, the son of “Wild Christian” stands tall, fit as a fiddle, and lives the life of a colossal crusader against oppression in any part of the world.

Lekan Alabi is a legal practitioner and consultant.

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A Peep into the World of Nollywood Acctress, Judith Iwu

Published

1 day ago

October 10, 2024

Eric

Name: Judith Iwu

Age: 42 years old

Place of Birth: Sokoto State, Nigeria

Partner: Ogechi Nwanekwu

Children: Bayo Iwu, Kizito Iwu, Angelica Iwu

Height: 6 feet tall

Award: International Media Personality Award

Career:

Judith Iwu is a renowned Nigerian actress with a distinguished career in Nollywood. Her exceptional acting talent has made her a standout performer in the industry, known for taking on complex roles that captivate audiences.

Notable Movies:

Judith Iwu has starred in several notable movies, including:

“House of Trouble”

“Priceless Woman”

“Nicest Gifts to Men”

“Evil Household”

“Virgins on Fire”

“Agony of Love”

“The Tigress”

These films have showcased her versatility, earning her respect from both peers and fans in the entertainment world.

Award:

Judith Iwu received the prestigious International Media Personality Award, highlighting her contributions not only as an actress but as a key figure in the media space. Her work continues to inspire upcoming talent within the industry.

Ended Marriage:

Judith Iwu’s marriage ended in 2006. After this, she faced the challenge of raising her three children—Bayo, Kizito, and Angelica—singlehandedly. Despite the personal difficulties, she balanced her responsibilities as a mother with her thriving acting career.

Current Partner:

Judith is currently in a supportive relationship with Ogechi Nwanekwu, who plays a significant role in her life. Together, they navigate their shared life while Judith continues to pursue her passions in the entertainment industry.

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Dele Momodu Bags NAOSNP Media Icon of the Decade Award, Thanks ‘Colleagues’

Published

1 day ago

October 10, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Veteran and celebrated journalist, who is the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu, has been named the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) Media Icon of the Decade for his contribution to the field of journalism as well as lifting budding journalists to reach their desired heights.

The award was presented by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the occasion, assisted by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Onikan, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, President of NAOSNP, Samson Oki and a host of other dignitaries present, at the 2024 National Security Conference of the Association, held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, on Wednesday.

In her remarks at the presentation, the Honourable Minister praised the Ovation boss for his continuous to journalism, projecting African business and political leaders as well as other Nigerians in a positive light.

“We thank you Mr Ovation for all you do and continue to do. You deserve the award, and I happily present it to you,” the Minister, who reminisced with gusto the season Ovation covered her event, said.

In his response, an elated Dele Momodu, expressed gratitude to the executives and members of NAOSNP, whom he modestly described as ‘colleagues’, for considering him for the award, saying that it is always a thing of joy when your own constituency acknowledges your good works, and shows appreciation.

“I thank the members of this association for this award. It is fulfilling when your own colleagues remember you, and support you with an award of thus type. I thank the honorable minister for being available to present it to me. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said with a sense of patriotism.

Born on May 16, 1960, in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Chief Dele Momodu, a distinguished African Journalist of high repute, fulfills the dictates of impeccability in credentials, testimonials and track record.

A publisher, businessman, philanthropist, and more, he runs the highly rated Ovation International Magazine, a member of the Ovation Media Group, that has given publicity to numerous personalities. Others in his line of publications are Ovation Television and The Boss Newspaper.

Momodu has redefined negative perceptions of Africa, profiling positively African personalities, using his X, Instagram and more, where his followership runs into millions.

A former presidential candidate, Momodu has a degree in Yoruba, from the Obafemi Awolowo University and Doctorates (honoris causa) from various universities, with multiple traditional titles.

He is well traveled, and has visited over 69 countries of the world.

He is married, with four children.

Featured

Kyvatron Revolutionises Arbitrage Trading in Nigeria

Published

3 days ago

October 8, 2024

Eric

Bayo Chisom Iwu, Founder/CEO of Kyvatron, a multinational arbitrage trading company, is changing the face of investment in Nigeria. Established in June 2022, Kyvatron specialises in sourcing commodities and currencies cheaply in bulk and reselling them at a profit.

Iwu’s vision for Kyvatron began as a solo endeavor, but he soon realised the need for a more professional approach to attract major investors. Today, Kyvatron boasts an impressive portfolio, with operations spanning the US, UK, China, and Nigeria.

The company’s focus on arbitrage trading eliminates risks associated with traditional investments. By sourcing currencies and commodities in bulk, Kyvatron capitalises on wholesale rates and resells at retail prices, generating consistent profits.

Kyvatron’s innovative approach has attracted numerous investors seeking to combat inflation and financial insecurity. The company’s stable trading profits have positively impacted many lives, with returns reaching up to 23% per month.

“We specialise in Yuan Arbitrage trading, sourcing Chinese currency in bulk and reselling for profit,” Iwu explained. “Our profit comes from sourcing things in bulk, and with cryptocurrency, we can move billions of naira quickly and efficiently.”

To mitigate risks, Kyvatron deals with established brands and reputable partners, ensuring secure transactions. The company’s use of stable coins like USDT, pegged to the US dollar, protects investors from market fluctuations.

Kyvatron’s expansion plans include establishing more offices in Nigeria, with a focus on creating awareness about the benefits of arbitrage trading. Iwu aims to make the platform more robust, enabling users to pay suppliers directly and facilitating international trade.

“We’re filling a gap in the market, providing a secure and profitable investment opportunity for Nigerians,” Iwu said. “Our goal is to make Kyvatron a household name, synonymous with trust and reliability.”

With its innovative approach and commitment to investor satisfaction, Kyvatron is poised to revolutionise Nigeria’s investment landscape.