Bolaji,
You are misunderstanding me; I HAVE NOT QUESTIONED YOUR ACTION ON THIS ISSUE; there is no basis for it; I don’t have any facts outside of what I have read from you and other on this issue; in fact, and in tune with my tendency on several of your great initiatives, I actually accentuated your call for pledges and extended the publicity beyond where you had taken it. The FACTS of my action will support the above statement.
However, when Prince KC Asagwara raised 2 salient issues, regarding the time of the photograph and the possibility that the statue had been repaired, I felt there was an URGENT NEED to update the situation. And in doing that, I still interpreted my statement to mean that I was calling for an update and NEVER questioning the motives or validity of the restoration exercise (which I supported whole-heartedly!). I was actually making the call for an update because I didn’t want us to be dancing where the music had stopped playing; it would be ridiculous! That was my point.
Let me know whether this clarification has disabused your mind of what you thought I meant by my call for an update on this issue and what prompted the response you gave below. I wouldn’t want this misunderstanding to be a distraction on this or other related issue in future. Take care. JUI
From: NIDOA@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NIDOA@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mobolaji ALUKO
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 10:16 PM
To: Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCPDCID)
Cc: OlaKassimMD@aol.com; Ken.Asagwara@gov.mb.ca; valojo@md.metrocast.net; NIDOA@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NaijaPolitics e-Group; USAAfrica Dialogue; OmoOdua
Subject: Re: NIDOA | RE: UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in Onitsha
Joe Igietseme:
How did Asagwara and you know that the picture that I took was in 2006? Please read what I wrote much earlier, at the very start of this enterprise:
QUOTE
That picture that The Awka Man from Guangzhou showed was taken in 2006 or so when I toured the South-East, including Okija. I did take more pictures around the very disrepaired Zik Mauseoleum. I don't know whether that head is back on or not. If it is not, then it is likely that all else will fail to put it back on - unless the Diaspora raises funds for the project. Zik just does not appear to be a priority in that neighborhood.
Consequently, I pledge $100 to the effort to restore the Zik head at Onitsha. Count me in as a foundation member of the Zik Head & Mauseoleum Restoration Committee, Chairperson: Azuoma Anugom of Orlu.
UNQUOTE
So why do you think that you, Joe Igietseme, do not wish to disseminate stale news, but that I, Bolaji Aluko, wish to do so? Why do you think that you are so reluctant to lose credibility, and I am so fast to lose it?
Abeg, please understand that all that we have done is MAKE PLEDGES so far. We have not even provided the address to which those pledges should be sent for redemption.
I have now sent word to my contacts in Onitsha to have some people confirm whether the Zik head is back on or not - four years on. Under normal circumstances, as a visitor I should NOT have met a headless Zik statue at all - it should not have been there for even 24 hours! In any case, that information (of the true condition of the statue) one way or the other will be presented to us all once we know it - possibly with a dated picture - in which case the "Mausoleum Restoration" portion remains, because I know that the Mausoleum is still in disrepair [See: http://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-488326.0.html "Zik's Final Resting Place in Ruins"] in addition to the alleged condition of his first son [See: http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/main-square/22716-ziks-son-lives-penury.html "Thread: Zik's Son Lives in Penury"]
Whoever does not wish to contribute IF the Zik head is back on there is welcome NOT to send the pledge, but I hope not, because the Mausoleum still needs help.
But let us NOT pre-empt matters yet. Let us NOT allow disinformationists - if any - to get into our way. I think that Azuoma Anugom was too hasty in depending on one source on the information she sent out initially, which Ken Asagwara has now repeated as gospel truth.
And there you have it.
Bolaji Aluko
PS: We have now raised almost $1,500 in just one day (including an anonymous donation in Naira from Nigeria). That is outstanding!
On Mon, Aug 16, 2010 at 8:18 PM, Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCPDCID) <jbi8@cdc.gov> wrote:
“”””The photo that Bolaji Aluko took in front of the damaged statue of the Great Zik’s was in 2006 and the statue has been repaired since then.”””Unquote Prince KC Asagwara
Bolaji Aluko and Azuoma Anugom:
It is important to confirm the 2 vital issues in Prof Asagwara’s update on Zik’s statue; that first, it was a 2006 photograph; and second, the statue has been repaired since then. We can then thank Everybody and Discontinue the pledges. As I indicated previously, I copied my earlier response to some leaders of UNN-USA Alumni Association. I don’t want to make a fool of myself by disseminating stale news. This is an easy way to lose credibility. Take care. JUI
From: NIDOA@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NIDOA@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of OlaKassimMD@aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 8:03 PM
To: Ken.Asagwara@gov.mb.ca; valojo@md.metrocast.net; NIDOA@YahooGroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@YahooGroups.com; talknigeria@YahooGroups.com
Subject: NIDOA | UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in Onitsha
"Your gesture and that of the others to contribute to its repair were that to be the case is very much appreciated. Your irredentist nuisance at times not minding, are you not our Yoruba Brother-in-Law?
Once again, thank you all. The dead and living Nigerian leaders that fought for our political independence from Britain should be respected, appreciated and honored. You may have forgotten that some of us were offended when the statue of the Yoruba sage, Awo was destroyed by political hooligans in Ibadan more than a year ago. It is my recollection that I disapproved of such disrespectful action.
Cheers."--------------Mazi KC Prince Asagwara
KC Prince Asagwara--reminding us that in laws, not minding the unavoidable
episodic intra-family quarrels, remain what they are --our family members.
Dr Ojo is not only contributing for being an in law of the late sage Pa Azikiwe,
by doing so he is assisting in the preservation of half of his children's legacy.
So the next time Dr Ojo gets into a quarrel with his in laws--sometimes over
the non completion of the required dowry payment, we must remind the in laws
that Dr Ojo contributes in many other ways--amounting more than
the dowry amount stipulated by traditional marriage rites-- including the
accumulated interest..
One way or the other Dr Val Ojo will pay what he owes:)
It is gratifying to note that the statue has now been repaired. Let us
now direct our attention and resources to ensure the completion of
Pa Nnamdi Azikiwe's Mauselium.
Ho much will it cost to complete the building?
Bye,
Ola
-----Original Message-----
From: Asagwara, Ken (EDU-ECY) <Ken.Asagwara@gov.mb.ca>
To: valojo@md.metrocast.net; All NIgerians In Diaspora <NIDOA@YahooGroups.com>; NIgerianWorldForum@YahooGroups.com; talknigeria@YahooGroups.com
Sent: Mon, Aug 16, 2010 7:37 pm
Subject: RE: NIDOA | UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in Onitsha
“Where are KC Prince Asagwara, Ode Ara Igbo, Dominic Ogbonna, Joe Attueyi, OMO, Chukwuma Agwunobi, Vincent Modebelu, Wharf Snake, etc.?” Val Ojo
“Can they also put their money where their mouths are, or are they only good at running their mouths and attacking the Yoruba in Cyberspace...?” Val Ojo
Dr. Val Ojo My Troublesome In-law:
Please stop hyperventilating over this none issue. Bolaji Aluko as I keep saying is a Shit Disturber. The photo that Bolaji Aluko took in front of the damaged statue of the Great Zik’s was in 2006 and the statue has been repaired since then.
Your gesture and that of the others to contribute to its repair were that to be the case is very much appreciated. Your irredentist nuisance at times not minding, are you not our Yoruba Brother-in-Law?
Once again, thank you all. The dead and living Nigerian leaders that fought for our political independence from Britain should be respected, appreciated and honored. You may have forgotten that some of us were offended when the statue of the Yoruba sage, Awo was destroyed by political hooligans in Ibadan more than a year ago. It is my recollection that I disapproved of such disrespectful action.
Cheers.
Mazi KC Prince Asagwara
From: NIDOA@YahooGroups.com [mailto:NIDOA@YahooGroups.com] On Behalf Of Dr. Valentine Ojo
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 5:11 PM
To: All NIgerians In Diaspora
Subject: NIDOA | UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in Onitsha
Dr. Joe Igietseme:
Nice gesture!
However, please allow me a few procedural suggestions and observations.
1. You should not have simply added your own name to the List of those making pledges. You should have come out like everyone else to announce your pledge, and let's leave the tabulating to Dr. Bolaji Aluko.
That could lead to confusion.
And this suggestion applies to those who may still be willing to step up to make pledges...it would be neater that way, rather than anyone simply adding his or her own name just like that.
2. What is Azuoma Anugom doing to set up a formal Committee to oversee the entire process, and thus we can see how far we can go with it?
3. All the reservation being raised by Dr. Ola Kassim that this is being done the Nigerian way without proper planning, or the proverb as to "Omo onile te ile jeje..." should be discountenanced. This is typical Nigerian cop-out, and merely an excuse to do nothing!
Does Ola Kassim seriously expect that we should first conduct a "research" as to why the statute of Zik was left in a state of disrepair before we make any attempts to see if it can be restored...?
Try that, and the entire project dies - like most Nigeria well-intentioned projects!
Changes can be started spontaneously without all this rigmarole.
How much "research" did Ola Kassim carry out before NIDO was launched? How many Nigerians residing abroad did he consult with or interview...?
Alainikanse oba you know where...won ni ki o da toro, o ni o kere ju. Won ni ki o da sisi, o ni odi ipari osu!
[Roughly transliterated: The king of X who plans to do nothing! He was asked to contribute a Naira, he said it was too small. Then he was asked to contribute 10 Naira, he said wait till the end of the month!]
4. And here you asked a very pertinet observation: "JUI (wondering where all those Praise-singers of Gov Obi are now!"
Add to that this question:
Where now are all the Ndi-Igbo Internet air-heads and windbags, when now people from various sides of aisle are now thinking of doing something concrete, albeit a small gesture in the BIG ROT called Nigeria?
Where are KC Prince Asagwara, Ode Ara Igbo, Dominic Ogbonna, Joe Attueyi, OMO, Chukwuma Agwunobi, Vincent Modebelu, Wharf Snake, etc.?
Can they also put their money where their mouths are, or are they only good at running their mouths and attacking the Yoruba in Cyberspace...?
Of course, not everyone will participate here, but let those who refuse to participate or cannot participate (people have various constraints and reasons for acting or not acting, and those who don't now, may do so for another cause) - whatever their reasons hold their dirty tongue-wagging, and gree man hear word o jare!
This is where we can distinguish between REAL MEN, and BOYS with arrested development who have refused to grow up!
Bolaji Aluko, please be kind enough to continue the TABULATION.
And Lady Azuoma Anugom, when is your Committee going to swing into action and take over the overall coordination...?
After all, you "gave birth" to the idea, no be so...?
Na your "baby"!
And it would seem to have taken a life of its own - people are responding!
Dr. Valentine Ojo
Tall Timbers, MD
On Mon 08/16/10 11:42 AM , "Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCPDCID)" jbi8@cdc.gov sent:
Joe Igietseme is making a pledge of USD$100, making the pledges so far as follows:
Aluko,.M.......$100
Ojo, V.............$50Ojedokun, O....$40 (BP25)
Nwakanma O. $100
Madu A. $50Kolawole, S... $200
Ogundimu, F...$100
Edosomwan, C.$100
Joe Igietseme USD$100
------------------------------
Total so far.....$840
Besides, I have "blind-copied" this message to some leaders of the UNN-USA Alumni Association (University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Assoc, USA Branch); and they may "independently or collectively" do something or say something about this shameful neglect of a Great Man's relic as well. Take care. JUI (wondering where all those Praise-singers of Gov Obi are now! Note that OGD wont let this happen to Awo's statue Ho Ha!)
From: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Mobolaji ALUKO
Sent: Mon 16-Aug-10 11:18 AM
To: NaijaPolitics e-Group; NIDOA; naijaintellects; OmoOdua; NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NigerianWorldForum
Subject: [NaijaObserver] UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head and Mausoleum in Onitsha
AUGUST 16, 2010
Dear All:
The pledges so far are as follows:
Aluko,.M.......$100
Ojo, V.............$50Ojedokun, O....$40 (BP25)
Nwakanma O. $100
Madu A. $50Kolawole, S... $200
Ogundimu, F...$100
Edosomwan, C.$100
------------------------------
Total so far.....$740
This is impressive so far, on Day 2 of Azuoma Anugom's intimation of this Restoration project. Hopefully by September 1, we would have raised $1,000, and by November 1, raised $5 - 6,000 (almost N1 million) in time for November 16, which would have been Zik's 106th birthday.
Please be generous, all your misgivings notwithstanding. Your money will be in good hands.
I thank you all in advance.
Bolaji Aluko
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SOME BACKGROUND
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Zik's Headless Statue in Onitsha, Anambra State
On Sun 08/15/10 2:14 PM , Mobolaji ALUKO alukome@gmail.com sent:
Azuoma:
You wrote:
QUOTE
Anyway, if all fails, I don't mind facilitating the fundraising for the repair and maintenance of this statue. If all diaspora will agree to donate towards this project then I, Azuoma Anugom, will make sure that the statue is repaird and maintained in the name of Nigerians/Igbos in Diaspora. We can set up a committee as well as a account for this project if everybody is agreeable. What do you guys say?
UNQUOTE
That picture that The Awka Man from Guangzhou showed was taken in 2006 or so when I toured the South-East, including Okija. I did take more pictures around the very disrepaired Zik Mauseoleum. I don't know whether that head is back on or not. If it is not, then it is likely that all else will fail to put it back on - unless the Diaspora raises funds for the project. Zik just does not appear to be a priority in that neighborhood.
Consequently, I pledge $100 to the effort to restore the Zik head at Onitsha. Count me in as a foundation member of the Zik Head & Mauseoleum Restoration Committee, Chairperson: Azuoma Anugom of Orlu.
And there you have it.
Bolaji Aluko
Of Ode-Ekiti, Anambra State
---------------------
Azuoma Anugom wrote:
Start a lawsuit against who? Repairing this headless Zik statue should be a good PR for ! Gov Obi. Where is Mazi Odera and Valentine Obienyem (spelling?) and ASA-USA---can you guys do something about this, since you appear to have the attention of Gov Obi?!?! This statue is in Onitsha, Anambra State. If Nnamdi Azikiwe's family and Onitsha folks, who by the way, are well educated, highly placed---(occupy positions of power and authority) don't care; if the LGA where this statue is erected don't care abou the state of the statue----then the state government should care. Even if some folks may have a misgiving about the real worth of Zik's contributions to ndi-Igbo, since he was said to have a wider vision ---pan Africanism , pan Nigerianism----he is still an Igbo icon and should be accorded the respect due to him. Heck, where is Dora Akunyili? Who is in charge of Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism? Btw, why is Ohaneze interested in jumping into endorsing politicians so fast without being interested in maintaining Igbo icons?
An! yway, if all fails, I don't mind facilitating the fundraising for the repair and maintenance of this statue. If all diaspora will agree to donate towards this project then I, Azuoma Anugom, will make sure that the statue is repaird and maintained in the name of Nigerians/Igbos in Diaspora. We can set up a committee as well as a account for this project if everybody is agreeable. What do you guys say?
Azuoma Anugom
~~AdaejiagambaLife shrinks according to one's courage. Dare to be remarkable.
-----Original Message-----
From: Enyimba1ofAba@...
To: IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, Aug 15, 2010 9:14 am
Subject: Re: [IgboEvents:Live] Headless Zik? Re: [IgboWorldForum] PICTURE OF THE WEEK;ALUKO WORSHIPPING AT ZIK,S FEET IN ONITSHA
Azuoma my sister, start a law suite immediately. This is an insult to Ndi Igbo nile.
Enyimba
-----Original Message-----
From: Azuoma AnugomTo: IgboWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; IgboEvents@yahoogroups.com; igbo_forum@yahoogroups.com; WorldIgboCongress@yahoogroups.com ; imostatecongress@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, Aug 15, 2010 10:47 am
Subject: [IgboEvents:Live] Headless Zik? Re: [IgboWorldForum] PICTURE OF THE WEEK;ALUKO WORSHIPPING AT ZIK,S FEET IN ONITSHA
But what happened to the head of the statue? Where is Gov Obi? Ohaneze NdiIgbo, ASA-USA and others? Who erected the statue? Shouldn't this statue which ought to be a national monument be fix/repaired? Was this a true representative of Zik? I mean how can we have a headless Zik statue? This is really embarrassing.
Azuoma Anugom
~~Adaejiagamba
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