Ayo,It’s been awhile since I’ve penned a word or two in your still amazing Columns/ List.What then to say re "Oshadumo and your heart-rending postscript”?Well, despite all the horrific incidents that have happened—and many more that have been reported but not always validated—the “Nigeria Ship”, like this world's many other “National Ships”, continues to negotiate its course through ever-iceberg-infested waters.What’s happening in Nigeria, is thus not so different from what’s happening in the rest of the world.Most recently, the announcement by our world’s Gas and Oil oligarchs, that they have raised the price of Gas on the world markets by not 5, not 10, not 20, but 40%, has come as a massive blow to ALL commercial and domestic interests dependent on a reliable supply of Gas—and of course this timed to hit at the start of the cold season in most Western premier mass markets.Linked to this here in UK, is the sudden disappearance of Petrol from the nation’s Service Stations and from many other Distribution outlets Servicing Business and Commercial customers. This happening at just the moment when a new fuel derivative, has replaced existing petrol—a fuel which is not suitable for millions of UK vehicles, including my own. Furthermore, this petrol, due to envisaged "environmental benefits," will cost users an added 20% to existing price.And then there’s the UK’s once world-renowned NHS (National Health Service). It is now more or less fully privatised—with the Americans having moved in big-time—producing virtually total chaos for the bulk of the UK population, which remains in a state of shock/ up in arms. Forms/ Templates/ and Jack-Boot Administrators have taken over. Most Medics have vanished. Apptmts are possible—in 3-5 weeks’ time. How then to straighten out this Govt-guided mess? …Thing is, it’s been done. Little chance now of turnaround/ or modest modifications. Nor does modern Westminster politics offer much chance of correction. Our politicians are too busy fighting amongst themselves, let alone with “The Opposition”.And what Brit is being subjected to via the Master-Manipulations of Financial and Business interests; the experiences of Euro/ and America are little different. As most who peruse these Listserves know well: what is happening and will continue to do so along these lines, while on the instant a numbing shock, and generating a profusion of crises and breakdowns; it sadly does not come as a surprise. Tis merely another part of the dis-mantling of the "Liberal-Democratic” state, and the further easing forward of ever smaller replacement oligarchies largely unseen and unheard. No longer are the ultra-rich defined in terms of $ Billions, but now $ Trillions.How long has it been since ANY important issue has been brought forward for Parliamentary Debate and Decision? Mrs Thatcher had instinctive dislike for “Parliamentary `Process,” as did Tony Blair. Their American opposite numbers convinced them of the value of “Executive Presidency.” Use of Parliament as “rubber stamp” followed. It is the system now accepted and operative. PM Boris, former “ Convener” of London’s GLC, grew to appreciate the advantages of the “One-Party State”; and clearly has found the “Executive Presidency” concept and relevant structures and procedures useful in many different contexts.No longer effectively functional, the structures of Liberal-Democratic Government are now virtually obsolete, and an embarrassment. The way is now fully open for these small power centres steadily to grow in their power and influence. It is the way of this modern world at this moment in time. Parliament is virtually a museum piece. It is kept clean and well-polished. It will remain a premier Tourism Feature.So much for the Rulers of the Western World and other countries/ regions of “advanced" status.What then of Nigeria?Wherever we reside, we have mostly only the media to guide us in our views. And as most of our National Events/ Issues take place 100s perhaps 1000s of miles from our particular communal backyard, an informed and accurate account is not easy for most readers to formulate. We are therefore, very dependent on what it is the Media purveys to us. And professional media are not charities. Media are very much in business. And Media business is highly competitive. They greatly depend on a constant diet of sensation to sell their papers/ TV presentations/ Radio/ myriad other messages.So, bringing it down to cases: whether me in my pale skin (though referred to by many in earlier sun-burnt Nigeria days, as “Red Man”) would be at any greater risk travelling in people-packed towns/ metropoles and the vast open-spaces, whether in North or South amongst the country’s 200+ millions of folk; whether risk would be greater now than a few years ago, who can say?All folk must, as always, take care and be prudent; and use modern cyber-kit to best advantage. With The Creator’s Help and Guidance, you may survive not only the day, but also the next 50 years—if you’re amongst the more youthful—a time in my life long past.All this little prefatory preamble completed in this rather rough-shod manner, for which I apologise, let me turn to the message I felt timely to leave with you. It may enable you to depart briefly this “fiery crucible” of the present, and gain—perhaps have restored— a somewhat different and more positive perspective on life and hope as my friend Ambrose, the Zimbabwean Astro-Physicist, and I discuss what the future may hold. (SEE ATTACHED ITEM).A final comment: Though our splendid media is averse to admitting it: all is NOT Darkness. In fact, as here in UK and the more vibrant Tabloids, Darkness is usually focused on certain acts/ locales/ and/ or folk. And despite the best efforts of editors to ensure a high quotient of Darkness in offerings rendered, there is always quite a bit of Light about. Indeed you don’t have to look far. Kindness/ thoughtfulness/ consideration/ respect/ sympathy, and that wonderful Africa laughter remain strong elements in everyday Nigeria culture. Occasionally, it comes out in the journalism. And very welcome it is.I don’t know how modern hard times are affecting sale of Guinness, or indeed Star; and even if there IS diminution in some areas/ localities; there’s always the serious “dynamite”to which one can usually revert. I refer of course to “Push me; I push you.”I remember well my first encounter. It was one night in Warri. Not easily forgotten. Nor was the “morning after” hyper-hangover swiftly shifted or forgotten. Suffice to say, thereafter, I approached “push me” with care.” And after instruction, I came up with my own version of “Fruit Punch”. Very tasty.…Punch indeed.All best, Baba M
From: Prof Ayo OLUKOTUN <ayo_olukotun@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, 7 October 2021 at 10:32
To: Prof Richard JOSEPH <richardjoseph65@gmail.com>, Olatunji Ayanlaja <t.ayanlaja@gmail.com>, Adigun Agbaje <adigunagbaje@yahoo.com>, Adetoun Adetona <adetounadetona@googlemail.com>, Ashobanjo <ashobanjo@aol.com>, Abiodun Raufu <abiodunraufu@yahoo.com>, Adebayo Williams <adebayow@hotmail.com>, Oluwayomi D ATTE <david_atte@yahoo.com>, Prof Akin Mabogunje <akinmabo@gmail.com>, Adebayo Olukoshi <olukoshi@gmail.com>, Emmanuel Remi Aiyede <eaiyede@yahoo.com>, Niyi Akinnaso <niyi.tlc@gmail.com>, Margaret Ayansola <mdayansola@gmail.com>, Oluwatobiloba Daniel ADEWUNMI <odaadewunmi@gmail.com>, Idowu Olayinka <aiolayinka@yahoo.com>, Prof Toyin FALOLA <toyinfalola@austin.utexas.edu>, Prof Bayo ADEKANYE <profbayo_adekanye@yahoo.com>, "Prof. W.O. 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Subject: OSHADUMO: A HEARTRENDING POSTSCRIPT
OSHADUMO: A HEARTRENDING POSTSCRIPT
Ayo Olukotun
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out–because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out–because I was not a trade unionist...Then they came for me–and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Martin Niemöller, German theologian and poet.
These are obviously tempestuous times in Nigeria, notwithstanding that there are many living in denial. At Independence Anniversary Day last Friday, a renowned Nigerian professor based in Canada who featured on The Platform, a program of the Covenant Christian Centre, told the audience with discomfiture that even though he travels to Nigeria now and then, this time around, several friends and colleagues called him to be extremely careful so that he does not end up in a kidnapper’s den. Please note that no matter how awry things get, the apologists of convenience will always raise their voices to justify the state of affairs, even excoriate the critics.
When last week this columnist voiced a heartfelt prayer for Chief Julius Oshadumo who went to church a fortnight ago but ended up in the unlikely company of kidnappers, his wife shot by the same gang and left for dead; I had somehow hoped that the man, Pioneer Provost of the College of Education (Technical) Kabba, Kogi State, 78 years old, would somehow survive the terrible ordeal. His wife of many years, also a retiree, was, at the time and even up till now, being treated for wounds sustained from the bandits’ gunshots, and one could only pray and hope that Oshadumo would eventually make it back to normalcy.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the police had characteristically promised, “We will leave no stone unturned in rescuing the victims and bring the kidnappers to justice”. Two weeks later, nothing more was heard about this solemn promise. What reportedly transpired was that Oshadumo and the 70-year-old Abiodun who was kidnapped along with him were vegetating in the kidnappers’ den when a group of vigilantes in the Ogori neighbourhood stormed the bandits’ hideout in a valiant attempt to rescue the two retired high-ranking public servants. In the ensuing exchange of fire, Oshadumo was mortally wounded and bled till daybreak. Abiodun was wounded but not critically, and he is reportedly being treated at a hospital.
Oshadumo’s capture in church and his eventual death symptomize the level of depravity to which Nigeria has sunk with people who have served the country in one capacity or another forced-march to their graves by the increasingly pervasive so-called unknown gunmen. Let it be known that once the kidnappers have gained a clear foothold in the Yoruba-speaking area of Kogi State which shares boundaries with Ondo and Ekiti States, nothing stops them from probing further the underbelly of the rest of Yorubaland. If this happens, they will become increasingly audacious with the consequence that attacks on churches, mosques, markets and public places will become frequent.
This columnist condoles the entire family of the Oshadumos; in spite of his age, he was still quite active and vivacious until his death. Given his transparency, he remained a signatory of the Jege Development Association where he had served several years earlier with distinction as National President. A community leader, educationist with a well-modulated and sober lifestyle, Oshadumo was the last person one expected to fall victim of the kidnappers’ increasing foray into Yorubaland.
For those who believe that there is still time to hide ostrich-like in prevarications, dangerous half-truths and evasive lies, the opening quote drawn from German theologian and poet, Martin Niemöller, should serve as memorable warning. The time may come when there would be few people to speak or plead for the kidnap victims, not in a literal sense but in the sense that we may well reach a point, God forbid, where the republic of kidnappers may overrun the Federal Republic.
As we write, Anambra State is in turmoil from sporadic and irascible killings and one of the options being considered by the Independent National Electoral Commission is the postponement of the elections. Another one, though controversial, is the declaration of a state of emergency by the Federal Government.
This bloodletting must be stopped by those who we elected to govern us.
NIGERIAN TEACHERS: REWARD OR MIRAGE?
Tuesday, October 5, was World Teachers’ Day Anniversary; an event globally celebrated under the inspiration of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation since 1994. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery”. The anniversary and the accompanying parades and sound bites help to draw attention to the worsening plight of teachers across the world. This is moreso in countries like Nigeria where for far too long teachers are rhetorically celebrated but, in actual terms, are either derided or kept at arm’s length as far as the sharing of the proverbial ‘national cake’ goes.
Young men and women nowadays who graduate with education degrees consider it either a threat or a curse to be reminded that their profession is teaching or, for that matter, lecturing. This is so because successive governments have ensured that the teacher’s reward is confined to heaven and has nothing to do with earthly benefits. Of course, not all countries have been so short-sighted or allow themselves to sleepwalk into educational decay. Many will remember the battles that were fought by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, and Mr. Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, in heroic attempts to uplift the standard of teaching and the teaching profession.
If as many have said, an educational system is only as good as the quality of its teachers, then there is a need to double up in the national efforts to close the huge gaps in the quality of teachers we produce and sustain. In this connection, the announcement made by the Federal Government on Tuesday that undergraduates studying for degrees in education will be paid ₦75 000 while students of Nigeria Certificate in Education will be awarded ₦50 000 per semester, constitutes an effort to turn the tide in the direction of quality education. Questions arise, however, as to whether such a laudable, if insufficient, gesture will be properly and faithfully implemented.
Needless to say that one of our current problems is that many nice-sounding policies are sent to the graveyard in the crucible of implementation. So, it remains to be seen whether the proposal will end as another glittering promise or whether it will be pushed to the frontier of vigorous implementation with salutary effects on a rapidly declining career.
In a related vein, the promise to grant automatic employment to education graduates and holders of the NCE certificate needs a lot of executive energy, harmonious intergovernmental relations, and follow-through capacity for it to work. Sometimes, policies are announced to convey good feelings and elicit applause before implementation strategies are worked out. One can only hope that this is not another of such policies. Importantly too, such a nice policy should be complemented by incentives and payoffs that raise the morale and prestige of teachers, rehabilitate the learning environment and such gestures as were recently introduced in Lagos State where teachers with outstanding performance were rewarded with vehicles.
It is a long walk to a new dawn for teachers and the teaching profession but let us begin the journey now.
Professor Ayo Olukotun is a director at the Oba (Dr.) S. K. Adetona Institute for Governance Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.
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