THISDAY NEWSPAPER
Akala Vs Awo's statue - Thisday Editorial
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
For the second time in recent years, the statue of Chief Obafemi Awolowo has been pulled down in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. This time, the statue has been replaced with the statue of an "unknown soldier". The Oyo State Governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala has offered some less than convincing explanations on why Awo's Statue had to be pulled down and replaced . It is difficult to understand the reason for the action, but it is hardly far from politics of mischief.
Were it not mischief, how can and why should the statue of Awolowo which has been there for years become a problem to Governor Alao-Akala?
It is amazing that of all the problems of development and infrastructural challenges facing the State including the despicable sanitation situation and poor labour relations, the interest of the governor is on how to replace the harmless statue of Awolowo, a man whose memory represents that of a father figure of the Yoruba race.
All over the world, statues of remarkable leaders are erected at strategic locations, if nothing else, to immortalize their names. It is in that understanding that Awolowo's statue are in several locations in most South West States, including Lagos.
It is doubly ironic that it is in Ibadan, which not only served as the Headquarters of the South West region, where Awolowo served as Premier, but a city where he left his greatest legacies , is the same city where his statue is now being knocked down.
Is Alao-Akala's motivation borne out of malice or is it that Ibadan is not deserving of Awo's statue?
And pray, between an Awolowo and a so-called "unknown soldier" who is more deserving of a statue in Ibadan? Is it not even sadder that Awo, a democracy icon will be replaced with a soldier, a symbol of jackboot dictatorship? Akala's action has re-awakened the notorious cliché that Ibadan is a military garrison. And if Akala is so disposed to a military statue, why did he not erect such a statue in any of the several round-abouts or strategic locations in the city? Must it be Awolowo's own that would be displaced?
Worse still is that all these anti-democratic acts are being perpetrated by one purportedly elected in a democracy. No doubt, the decision to pull down the statue is cheap and petty.
His god-father, Chief Lamidi Adedibu was fingered when the statue was first pulled down. It was rebuilt by former Governor Rasheed Ladoja.
That the same statue has been pulled down again when Alao-Akala is in power confirms that there is a deliberate decision to undo the irreducible status of Awolowo. But the truth is that even if all the statues of Awo in Nigeria were to be pulled down, Nigerians will not only remember him, but also will continue to appreciate his role in the birth of the nation and in instituting democratic culture in the country and implementing the welfare policies to the benefit of the people
Expectedly, the governor and his government have received rounds of public knocks from within and even outside the Yoruba nation.
For a government that is having problems with legitimacy and even the basics of governance such as clearing of refuse, it is a wonder that a governor worth his office should be bothering about the statue of one who laid the democratic foundation of even his political career.
It is perhaps pertinent to remind Alao-Akala that great nations are built by consolidating on what others have done. By deliberately courting this controversy, the Oyo State governor has elected to be the target of negative attacks. This can hardly be the desire of such a conservative politician.
No government so desirous of pursuing mischief and pettiness would be expected to do great things.
We call on Gov Alao-Akala to direct his efforts and attention to things that will make his name and tenure to continue to ring resounding bell, long after he would have served and left office. This can only be achieved through noble and altruistic actions not pulling down statues.
PUNCH
Tuesday, January 15, 2008Printer Friendly Version
(Between Generations Builders and Destroyers)
By Adeyeye Oyedokun
Nigerians have diverse ways of appreciating their leaders. So it is not easy to forget Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other nationalists who laboured and risked their lives for Nigeria's independence and survival as a nation. Some of the nationalists are remembered by governments and communities by having their photographs in the nation's currencies, naming of streets, institutions, airports and even stadia to immortalise them.
In spite of their inadequacies because of the complexity of the country, the trio of Sadauna, Azikiwe and Awolowo rendered selfless service for the rapid socio-economic and political development of Nigeria. If they had continued under trial and error without military intervention, Nigeria would have ranked as one of the strongest 10 economies of the world by 1975. And by 2020, Nigeria would have been one of the five strongest nations.
If it were Sadauna, Azikiwe or Awolowo, the money used for FESTAC '77 would have been spent on human development. After all, without petroleum, the three leaders still developed their regions through competitive healthy rivalry.
In the West where Awolowo dominated, he assembled the best brains and patriots to execute the Action Group's welfare programmes of free education, free health services, construction of Cocoa House, establishment of industrial estates, first TV station in Africa and agricultural revolution through the establishment of farm settlements, to mention just a few.
During the Second Republic, his party, the UPN, through his lieutenants –– Lateef Kayode Jakande, Olabisi Onabanjo, Bola Ige, Adekunle Ajasin and Ambrose Alli faithfully executed the cardinal programmes of the party. In addition, they established tertiary institutions in the five states controlled by the party. The Alliance for Democracy that was an offshoot of the defunct Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria controlled the South-West in the 1999 elections.
In Oyo State where Alhaji Lam Adesina became governor in 1999, apart from pursuing the AD programmes, a statue was erected in front of the Government House, Ibadan. The import of this strategic location was that coming in and out of the Government House, Adesina must see the statue of Awo and remember his political philosophy. All the AD governors: Bola Tinubu, Segun Osoba, Bisi Akande, Adeniyi Adebayo, Adebayo Adefarati and Lam Adesina secured the support of their people with the shout of Awo. Regrettably, they made verbal agreement with Obasanjo on the need for him to complete the eight years of the Yoruba as Nigeria's President in return for OBJ to guarantee free and fair election in the South-West. The governors, except Tinubu, matched their word with action through open support for Obasanjo's second term.
Was that tribalism or patriotism? Was that Awo's brand politics or an invented politics? In response, Obasanjo, a war commander, military diplomat and strategist, shortly after winning the reelection in 2003, launched 'guerilla warfare' against all the AD governors except Tinubu that survived it. The PDP captured the South-West except Lagos. It was, indeed, a sliding tackle that Obasanjo used.
Following the political disgrace of Lam and his co-travellers, the administration of Oyo State went to Senator Rashidi Ladoja of the PDP. Shortly after his swearing-in- ceremony, thugs demolished Awo's statue in front of the Government House. Long before then, a mad man had demolished a statue of Awolowo at the Allen Avenue Roundabout, Ikeja, Lagos. Lagosians could not challenge the mad man, but the then Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Alani Okikioposu, a bank and Tourism Ministry rebuilt and beautified the Awo statue. It still attracts tourist attention .
Obviously, the Lagos mad man believed that the statue could provide food, cloth, comfort and goodies of life. But the actors in Ibadan are not mad. They are sane. They were well educated, as they also took the advantage of free education of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Yet they demolished the statue of the late sage. We cannot blame them. They knew Awolowo stood for justice, fairness, honesty, transparency, egalitarianism and progress. For the statue to be in front of Government House, where 'unknown transactions' take place, the spirit of Awolowo would hunt them. Why not pull it down and allow Unknown Soldier to replace it? With the Unknown Soldier, all such unknown transactions would be passed into unknown accounts in unknown banks for unknown people.
VANGUARD
Awo's Demolished Statue
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala's replacement of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, SAN, and first Premier of Western Region's statue with that of an unknown soldier is an attempt to re-write history and diminish the significance of one of the nation's foremost nationalists. The statue during the era of Rashidi Ladoja as governor of Oyo State was pulled down by political thugs ostensibly on the orders of a notorious political figure in the State.
We had hoped that a more befitting statue of Awolowo will be made to replace the destroyed one. Governor Alao-Akala proved us wrong when he scandalously unveiled the statue of an unknown soldier at Agodi at the same point.
This decision is misplaced as it shows myopic understanding of history. The replacement shows Akala's administration as erroneously seeing Awolowo from the stand point of just another politician.
The late sage is more than that.He had vision, mission and political panache that rubbed off positively on, especially Western Region, and the nation in general. His era remains a reference point and for a long while this would remain so.
Awolowo changed the face of governance in the old Western Region as its pioneer Premier. He made the region a model to regions in other parts of the country. The first television station in Africa was established by him in the Western region. Cocoa House, Western House, Liberty Stadium, agricultural plantations, housing and industrial estates were all built during Awolowo's time.
The zenith of his achievements was the introduction of free education which permanently changed the fate of generations of people. The programme afforded both children of the rich and poor access to education. Many of today's names in politics, economy, law or academics benefited from Awolowo's free education policy.
Awolowo during his life time was the barometer through which several governments measure the acceptability of their policies. General Ibrahim Babangida, former military President, once described him as the "main issue in Nigeria's politics". At death, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu described him as the "best president Nigeria never had."
Such a high achieving man deserves respect even in death. The likes of him are role models worthy of emulation irrespective of their belief or political leaning.
The action of Alao-Akala is at variance with moves to immortalise national heroes. What he did portrays him as vindictive more so that he is from Ogbomoso the same town where Chief Ladoke Akintola, Awolowo's arch political rival came from. Is he trying to re-invent the bitter acrimony that existed between the duo?
Governor Alao-Akala can remove the statue of this Unknown Soldier in Agodi and return that of Awolowo. He would have admitted that he is human, and capable of making mistakes.
Ultimately, issues like this abound because of the arbitrariness that rules this society. The erection of statues should have laws backing them, such that another ignored issue – their maintenance – would have adequate provisions.
Joe I.:No problem, Joe! All is cool....I understand your point and you understand mine too now! We should just be aware of disinformation - Asagwara is an "information disturber" on this matter! :-)Moving on....So let's go on with the business of raising funds for the Zik Head and Mausoleum Restoration Project ("Zik 2010 Project") whose total scope is still evolving. [I have asked for pictures of the present state of affairs around the statue and Mausoleum.]By the way, you will be surprised that at the next update, the total might top $2,000 - third day!Best wishes.Bolaji Aluko
From: "Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCPDCID)" <jbi8@cdc.gov>
To: Mobolaji ALUKO <alukome@gmail.com>
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 <NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com>; USAAfrica Dialogue <USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com>; OmoOdua <OmoOdua@yahoogroups.com>; afenmai@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, August 17, 2010 3:59:27 PM
Subject: [NIgerianWorldForum] RE: NIDOA | RE: UPDATE 01: On Pledges for Restoration of Zik's Head andMausoleum in Onitsha
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 OjoDr. 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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