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Fayemi’s Book presentation turns campaign ground as royal father prays for him to lead Nigeria

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***Ganduje stokes debate on intellectualism and politics

***Gambari, professor Olukoshi disagree with Ganduje

A book launch on Thursday by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State in Abuja virtually became a launching ground for his Presidential ambition.

The book titled ‘Unfinished Greatness, envisioning a New Nigeria was presented in Abuja  at the NAF Conference Center.

From the inscription such as ‘A new Nigeria is possible’ on the banners to the colourful decorations adorning the entrance to the dancers and the array of dignitaries, the NAF Conference Center venue of the book presentation was fully set for declaration of his ambition veiled under the cover of the book launch.

To set the tone for the campaign for Fayemi’s interest the chairman of Ekiti State traditional council, his royal majesty Adejuwon Gabriel Ayodele told the story of Joseph the dreamer who interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and was drafted to implement the dream.


He said,
“I congratulate the Governor, I want to liken his case to the case of Joseph in the Bible who interpreted pharaoh’s dream, that period they ask who will now implement the interpreted dream, he now said Joseph you are going to be the one that will implement it.

“I pray that the vision will come very soon when the writer would be called upon to implement the new dawn he has for this country.


Also, President Muhammadu Buhari represented by his chief of Staff, professor Ibrahim Gambari also said, He has the highest regards for Dr. Fayemi for many reasons, “first Dr  Fayemi was his minister for Mines and Solid Mineral Development and he was a trailblazer because he brought into that office vision, energy and commitment.

“Fayemi has also been part of the team that helped to bring President Buhari to power and was part of the transition from the previous Government to the present one.”

“Congratulations to you both and best wishes to all those who are here to join the author in helping him to achieve the reality of the vision he has so carefully articulated in his book.”

The Governor of Kano State who spoke on behalf of the Nigerian Governor’s forum threw up a debate saying intellectuals in governance do too much analysis which can lead to paralysis
In his words,
“Indeed this is a very important occasion and it is an occasion where we witness intellectuals in governance, intellectuals in politics because we are talking of trailblazers, the role, active participation if academician in governance. 

“There is no doubt this is a welcome development. It is always important for intellectuals to take active participation in politics because they are always great thinkers, they are always very focused.

“They analyse conflicting issues and try to find out the areas of convergence and the areas of divergence in politics and governance there is always conflicting variables so I congratulate him. 

“Some people are advocating that governance should only be for intellectuals but it is contrary to democracy but we have seen how important it is. 

“Unfortunately in developing countries intellectuals are afraid of Governance, and delving into active politics because they regard politics as a dirty game, but politics is not a dirty game. “Also some think intellectuals when they delve into politics they resort into too much analyses but sometimes people say too much analyses leads to paralyses. 

“I wonder if there is correlation between intellectualism and good governance.”

However the chief of staff to the President Professor Gambari who represented Buhari disagreed with Governor Ganduje saying,
“It is very important to state and Governor Ganduje has made the point that sometimes it is being said that academicians are not fit to be in Governance because they are too much terrestricians and I think Ganduje made the point that too much analysis can also lead to paralysis. “However, practice and politicking without a vision may also become unproductive for a country that needs to move forward. 
“So it is a combination of people of vision, intellect and practice, experience, record of achievements in public service that in my view qualify people for leadership.

“Plato in the famous book ‘The Republics’ said a society is doing justice to his people when those who are specialists in particular trade are allowed to express themselves to the fullest extent of their abilities and therefore felt philosophers should be king in other words intellectuals in a sense should be rulers.

“That is a perspective but that is a question of choice between practitioners and intellectuals but a combination of vision for a society, a combination of experience, of people who have demonstrated a capacity in articulating the needs of a society 

“It is Presidents view that the more people with experience, people of vision write about the future of the society, the better the society. They leave books, articles, and chart a course for the society as it has to be articulated from the background. “Fayemi has been Governor twice, he has also led a group of people who made it their daily business to attend to the needs of the people, so we need more books, more articles, more discussion on the future of our country.

“Coming back to Nigeria, it is true that the vision of our founding fathers have not been realize but it is a work in progress. 

“That is why I think it is important that this book should be read, this book be practicalised, this book should be used as a pointer and obviously I congratulate Fayemi for being another trailblazer not only in the ministry of mines and solid mineral development but also in the governance of this country.”

The keynote speaker Professor Adebayo Olukoshi said,

“After listening to Ganduge I was a bit frightened because I am going to lead you into paralysis because of analysis but actually I have been rescued partially by Gambari, in his response to you, Ganduje and I am sure you didn’t disagree as somebody yourself who has been in high chambers of knowledge with a doctorate.

“That ctually for the transformation of nations we do need at all times to find ways of harnessing what the former US secretary of state’s Cordel Hull refered to as the diplomacy of thought and the diplomacy of action because it is in the combination of thought that helps us to get out a vision for ourselves and our future that we then begin to frame action and through thought critique action in order to improve in the quest for even greater form of perfection”

The chairman of the occasion General (rtd) Yakubu Gowon in his opening speech said

“The notion of greatness is evolutionary though the pace can be made to go a bit faster 

“Unfinished greatness therefore speak to a determination to remain focused on our goal of building a great nation where peace unity, justice and security reigns.

‘The second notion of envisioning a new Nigeria addresses the leadership question , the country might not have gotten it right for much of our 62 years as an independent nation but I think we have all done our best but this should not undermine our search for a quality for quality leadership. 

“We come with a mind set that sees further than even the 21st century that is for you younger ones. We speak of leadership that will made our unity in diversity work. 

“We speak of leadership that makes our borders internal and external safe for everyone. We speak of leadership with determination to eradicate poverty disease and ignorance in the land.
“We speak of leadership that is concerned with making democracy work in a manner that make citizens to truly enjoy democracy dividend broadly we speak of leadership that makes Nigerians extremely proud of their green passport.

 “I suspect that Governor Fayemi must have been moved to ponder these issues from his vantage position as a two term Governor of his state and chair person of the Nigerian Governor’s forum.”

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Refrain from dragging Nigeria through the mud, Tinubu admonishes religious leaders

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President Bola Tinubu has admonished doom and gloom merchants who denigrate their own country in the guise of religious sermons as leaders to refrain from such forthwith

Speaking during Ramadan Iftar with traditional and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday in Abuja, the President emphasized the important role of reiterated leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions.

President Tinubu also declared that his administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into opportunities for prosperity.
He declared that no terrorist can defeat the collective will of Nigerians, no matter how hard they try to prey on innocent citizens.
The President further urged traditional and religious leaders to forge a strong bond with the government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the country.

”Yesterday in Abuja, I attended the burial of the 17 soldiers killed in action at Okuama, Delta State. I saw their pregnant wives and little kids.

”The love of the nation is in your hands. Pray for our country. Educate our children. The sermons we preach to the members of our churches and mosques are important.

”Do not condemn your own nation. As a Yoruba man and as our fathers will say, ‘No matter how slippery the bottom of your child is, you must leave the beads there.’

”Leave the beads there. This is your country; do not condemn it in sermons, do not abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for change.

”Yes, this leader is bad, fine. Wait until the next election to change him, but do not condemn your country. Do not curse Nigeria. This is a beautiful land.

The President, who acknowledged the birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him on the occasion, reminded the leaders that his birthday on March 29, 2024, coincided with Good Friday.

”I have earned the honour of having my birthday fall on Good Friday, and I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, you all shall return to your homes safely. May God guide and keep you and your families in good health, and lift your spirits,” the President prayed.
Various speakers at the dinner expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to come together in the spirit of Ramadan to share a meal with the President and renew the bonds of friendship that unite the nation.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima reiterated the pivotal roles religious and traditional rulers play in promoting peace and unity, as he urged them to continue to ‘‘build bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.’’

The Vice-President expressed delight that the nation’s economy is on a rebound with the strengthening of the naira against the dollar.

”The President means well for the nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership.

”For many years, fuel subsidy was an albatross. The President took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the economy is turning the corner,” the Vice-President said.

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, assured the President of the unwavering support of traditional rulers and commended the government’s efforts to address the hike in food prices and the security challenges.

”You are not alone, Mr. President. The prices of food items and goods are gradually coming down. You are doing your best on security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your vision for the betterment of our nation,” the Ooni said.

Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, empathy, and unity.

On the security situation in the country, the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of NSCIA, expressed optimism that the country will return to peace and stability.

”I am happy to see representatives of Muslim and Christian communities in this room. I pray God Almighty blesses the President for him to do more to take the country to the Promised Land,” the Emir prayed.

Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), noted that the Ramadan dinner with religious and traditional leaders, coincided with Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

The General Secretary, who delivered the address of CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended President Tinubu for fostering a harmonious relationship between the State and the Church.

”We are encouraged that your administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of kidnapping and banditry and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

”We shall continue to show our support to your administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the nation,” CAN General Secretary said.

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Senator Natasha felicitates with Christians, Nigerians, preaches peace, love at Easter

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
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The senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
has sent a message of felicitation to Christian faithful and all Nigerians as they mark Easter Celebration

The Senator who lauded the selfless love of Christ for humanity, urged Nigerians to emulate His virtues, and live in peace and love.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by her Chief Press Secretary Arogbonlo Israel.

The statement quoted the senator to have admonished Nigerians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace and harmony in Nigeria.

“Let us emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by impacting the lives of those around us and contributing to the growth of Kogi Central and Nigeria at large.

“We should strive to embody the virtues of humility, compassion, and undying love that were demonstrated by Jesus Christ. May the blessings of Easter and the power of the resurrection reignite our faith in both God and humanity. I wish you all a joyous celebration.”

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Don calls for international appreciation of northern Nigerian Literature

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Professor Abel Joseph,
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By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Professor of African and Post Colonial Literary Studies, Abel Joseph, has called for International Appreciation of Northern Nigerian Literature for global literary canonisation in view of its contributions to the literary world and historical antecedence.

The Don who is of the Department of English and Literary studies, Federal University Lokoja, disclosed this while delivering the 17th Inaugural lecture series of the university on Thursday in Lokoja.

Speaking on the topic: “Weaving the tapestry of northern Nigeria fictional imaginaries from the provincial to the pluriversal”, the professor described Northern Nigerian literature as a treasure trove of voices and narratives.

He said that in order for the Northern Nigerian literature to find its space within the global literary canon, there must be strategic, deliberate and sustained efforts in terms of collaborations involving authors, publishers, translators, educators, and policymakers.

He advocated for the introduction of Northern Nigerian literature and cultural studies into educational curricula of tertiary institutions if not nationally, at least in the Universities in Northern Nigeria.

“In practical terms, regional literature modules or Courses can be introduced and integrated into existing literature programmes in the Departments of English and Literary Studies.

“Through this, students would be exposed to works from the region to provide a richer perspective of what constitutes the Nigerian literature” Prof. Abel hinted.

He advocated Investments in translation initiatives or projects to make the literature accessible to a wider audience adding that translating works for indigenous languages can break down language barriers and enable global readership.

He also called for organization of literary festivals and events to encourage participation in international literary festivals, book fairs, and events.

“These platforms provide opportunities for authors to present their works and engage with imternational audiences and network with publishers, translators and fellow writers.

Prof. Abel Joseph also called fort the establishment of a Centre for Nigerian Cultural Studies in Federal University Lokoja to midwife a project to canonize Northern Nigerian writers.

He stressed that the FUL could live up to the general and statutory expectations of a “Centre of Learning aware of, and vibrantly responding to emerging ideational values and their nuances for research, Pedagogy, and innovation.

“In this center, scholars can research on significant historical and archaeological aspects of Nigeria’s fast disappearing cultural ethos”, he said.

The Don held that the Center would further secure for the University that capacity for knowledge production and the possible canonisation of Northern Nigerian literary writers.

“Same in much the same instances that, for example, Universities of Ibadan, Lagos, Nigeria (Nsukka), Benin, Obafemi Awolowo, have succeeded in canonising Nigerian writers like Achebe, Clark, Soyinka, Okigbo, Okpewho, Osundare, lyayi, Ojaide, and a host of others.

“It would help rein in other gifted but neglected Nigerian Writers from within the immediate valance of central Nigeria and beyond”, he said. (Ends)

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