Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun iii, has conferred the chieftaincy title of ‘Are Balogun Agba’ of Owu-Kuta Kingdom on former chief of army staff and Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd. According to the letter of conferment sighted by our Correspondent, Olowu said; “Besides my long-standing excellent inter-personal relationship with you, your qualification as an icon worthy of being bestowed with High Chieftaincy titles of Owu-Kuta is superlative.
Olowu explains that since he assumed the throne of his forefathers on the 15th September, 2012, he has developed three main concerns as primary objectives in Office, which include peaceful coexistence, socio-economic development and qualitative leadership.
He said ; “Confernment of this title on you by the Owu Kingdom is a further testimony to the fact that people appreciate what you have done and the ones you are still doing for the country. This long-earned title should further reinvigorate you to do more for posterity.
“After due consultation with the Olowu-in-Council and the entire Royal Family, I hereby confer on you the High Chieftaincy title of: ‘Are Balogun Agba’ of ‘Owu-Kuta’ Kingdom.
“Please accept our congratulation with the highest royal esteem! The installation will take place at a later date.
As guest lecturer at a recent symposium on National Security, organised by Arewa House in Kaduna, former Chief of Army Staff and current Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, pitched for negotiation as a resolution option with armed non-state actors. Louis Achi examines the new recipe.
For three tough years, Rome had besieged the City of Carthage which was the only existential threat to the Roman Empire thereabouts 142 BC, until the coming of the Vandals several centuries later.
As the battle-hardened Roman General Scipio Africanus who took the city finally in 146 BC watched it burn in complete destruction, he suddenly broke down and wept. It was a shocking spectacle for his troops to behold. Crying for a defeated enemy or pitching for some benign accommodation was an indulgence unknown in that era.
Scipio’s emotional reaction to this particular conclusion of a historic, bloody campaign stemmed from a deep philosophical apprehension that all cities, nations, and authorities must, like men, meet their doom.
In a fundamental sense, General Scipio’s tough exploits and later philosophical sentiments about the enemy echo that of Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and current Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai. By boldly proposing an alternative engagement modus with non-state actors who have actively sought and are still seeking to bring the nation to her knees and fracture her sovereignty, General Buratai presents a compelling case deserving specific interrogation.
It could be recalled that following his appointment in July 2015 as COAS by President Muhammadu Buhari until he exited in 2021, Lt. Gen. Buratai had besieged the Boko Haram terrorist group and other potent armed non-state actors who posed considerable existential threat to the nation. He led from the front, amidst grueling, multifarious challenges and left with head held high.
Lt. Gen. Buratai had on June 11, 2022, called for dialogue between governments and armed groups, saying a growing practice of engaging in dialogue with all parties to a conflict had emerged since the mid-1980s. He observed that there must be concerted efforts that there are no ungoverned spaces in the land.
He urged state and local governments to establish their presence in their areas of responsibility. According to him, negotiation and dialogue are integrated approaches that can end insecurity by involving traditional and religious leaders, media, security and intelligence agencies.
The former Army boss spoke as a guest lecturer at a one-day symposium on National Security, organised by the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Centre for Historical Research and Documentation, Arewa House Kaduna, with the theme ‘Politics and Insecurity in Nigeria: Way Forward’.
Significantly, he further noted that he aligned with the approach being promoted by a revered Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, seen by many as controversial. His words: “This is where I commend Sheikh Gumi for his initiative. One-third of the fight is military; others should be non-kinetic, through dialogue. We must get this solution and this is the right time to get it done.”
Buratai further suggested the revitalisation of the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria, better welfare and equipment for police, as well as the establishment of a national border force as done in other parts of the world.
According to him, the issue of the carrot and stick approach can be used to explore ways to end some of the conflicts confronting Nigeria, counselling the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to collaborate and employ all means to block off supplies to terrorists.
He also held that “the ongoing reforms of the Nigerian Police, procurement of modern platforms for intelligence gathering, and effective control of Nigeria’s porous borders will go a long way” in curbing various forms of insecurity in different parts of the country such as insurgency in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in the North West, agitations in South East and crude oil bunkering in South-South.”
The one day event was graced by heads of military and paramilitary organisations, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar who was represented, university dons, religious leaders, serving and retired military office and prominent Nigerians from diverse walks of life.
Is it conceivable that General Buratai’s diplomatic tour of duty may have mellowed the tough soldier’s appetite for frontal confrontation, or on the other hand, tweaked his philosophy of engagement? Big question!
According to Italian-American Professor of International Relations, Angelo M. Codevilla, “By their very nature, diplomacy and military force are means to the ends of statecraft as well as channels by which governments press their agendas on others. Neither is inherently more or less useful than the other.
“Far from being antithetical to one another, diplomacy and military force are complementary insofar as they serve the same political ends. “What are we after? What are they after?” These questions are as central to warfare as to diplomacy.”
In dissecting General Buratai’s new recipe of caging bloody insecurity, it needs to be stated that current armed conflict in Nigeria is characterised by an abundance of non-state armed groups who compete with the state for control over people, resources, and territory. The composition, areas of influence, and alliances of these groups tend to be fluid and subject to rapid change. This essentially captures the strategy of Boko Haram insurgents.
Beyond this, the internal dynamics within them are often opaque, providing limited opportunities for outsiders to develop an understanding of their interests and to identify opportunities for negotiation. Humanitarian actors, diplomats, and mediators must nevertheless engage these groups if they are to succeed in reducing levels of violence, bring an end to the conflict, or provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.
Before these negotiations can begin, however, opportunities have to be found or created to bring armed groups to the negotiating table – whether literal or figurative. But then these groups need to be first incentivized.
The most effective incentive for armed groups to negotiate usually relates instead to legitimacy. But careful analysis is needed to ensure these groups enter negotiations in good faith rather than being content to simply appear to negotiate. Opportunities are likely to be scarce for engaging armed groups that derive their legitimacy by violating international norms. Armed groups may also be compelled to negotiate over their desire for humanitarian assistance to substitute for their own responsibilities.
Positive inducements, then, are usually a more effective means of getting armed groups to the negotiating table. The most effective incentive for armed groups usually relates to their need for legitimacy. Many armed groups serve as de facto governments often overseeing a range of government-like services, such as health or education departments. Others have even established putataive sub-national governance structures and often aspire to hold post-conflict leadership positions.
In a significant sense ‘conference diplomacy,’ a term coined by the defunct League of Nations, can contribute to conflict prevention by providing a forum for negotiation over the terms of a conflict’s conclusion, as well as laying the ground for the development of sustainable peace.
As part of the diplomatic toolbox, it allows focused attention to the issue at hand, brings together all relevant actors – ideally in a neutral setting and by a trusted convener – and fosters both momentum as well as a clear deadline for action.
At press time, it cannot be disputed that the nation badly needs an end to the current bloodletting, brazen banditry and kidnapping daily going on. Today, food insecurity, direct fallout from the rampaging banditry, is glaringly real. Is Gen. Buratai the man who saw tomorrow?
Could the tough Roman General Scipio Africanus’ fleetingly gripping insight into the core of the human condition have influenced his Nigerian counterpart, General Buratai, eons later, to reconsider the traditional kinetic engagement with enemies. Has General Buratai, peering into the twilight zone of his eventful life, morphed into a statesman or become a soldier-statesman? Time will tell.
For every blessing that comes down from the throne of God, billions of hands ought to be raised in gratitude and worship. Many people may be unaware of this fact, but not the grateful people of Christ Royals Apostolic Church.
In a few days, their praise conference will begin and it will be a delight and a wonder for those who have never attended.
The Christ Royals Apostolic Church, Ogun State, is currently making preparations for hosting its members and the general public for its praise conference. This year, the theme of the conference is PRAISE TO DELIVER, taken from Psalms 103:2 which instructs people to bless the LORD and never forget all His benefits. And with the caliber of ministering guests, it is certain that every individual that attends the conference will not forget any of God’s benefits.
Of course, the host is none other than Pastor Olabode and Prophetess Fola Emmanuel, the servants of God that have strengthened the church since its founding in Ogun State. And among those that have been invited to minister to God’s people with them are Evangelist Bose Adeiwa, Olamide Gold, Vickky Sax, and Saxoluwafemi, all great people that love God.
Now, regarding the event itself, the praise conference will be held at the church’s headquarters in Ogun State. Specifically, the conference will be held at CoolRoom Unity/Oke Odo, off Unity Street, Arigbawonmo Mowe.
Naturally, this year’s edition of the praise conference will set a mark in the heart of God’s people that will not be erased by time in the years to come.
So, all is set at the venue. All that remains are the people of God who recognize His many good things in their lives
Nigerians living in Poland, on Monday, gathered to celebrate the heroic exploit of August Agboola Brown during the invasion of Warsaw by the Adolf Hitler controlled Nazi German soldiers between 1939-1944.
August Agboola Brown, according to history, was the only African descent and a Nigerian who fought on the side of the Resistance Army of Poland with the codename "Ali" during the World War II to put the German soldiers in check. About 200,000 Polish were said to have perished in this brutal uprising.
The event said to have been sponsored by Afro Euro Investment and International Afryka Shop Warszawa, Poland among others had in attendance Nigeria Ambassador to Poland, His Excellency, Christian Ugwu, Dr Tade Omotosho, NIDO Poland President, Prince Adekunle Adebayo Ayoola, Mrs Patience Okiyi and Dr Emmanuel Kalejaiye from Nigeria Embassy in Poland.
Others are Mr. Krzysztof Kopytko of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sub-Saharan African Division, Mrs. Iwona Woicka-Zuławska (Director of Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Lucyna Żbikowska as well as Izabela Janiszewska among other Nigerians resident in Poland.
Leading Nigerians to join Poland to mark the 78 years anniversary of the World War II in Warsaw on Monday, Dr. Lateef Erinfolami from the Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora Organization, Poland (NPIDOP) and the Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the programme said that the event was an opportunity to salute the sacrifice and bravery of Mr. Agboola Augustus Brown while also paying tribute to all the heroes and victims of the Warsaw uprising.
Thanking the Polish government for allowing the construction of cenotaph for the late war veteran as well as commemoration of his heroic feats every first day of August when Warsaw Uprising anniversary is marked, Dr Erinfolami said the government of Poland should further immortalise Agboola by naming streets around Poland in his name and establishing a Science and Art Foundation
for young Africans in his remembrance.
Dr Erinfolami said "we the Nigerian diasporan in Poland appreciate all the people and Historians who brought to us the life and history of Agboola Brown and his heroic contribution to the Warsaw uprising.
"We thank the "Freedom and Peace Foundation” and the City of Warsaw under the presidency of Mr. Rafal
Trzaskowski for the recognition of Mr. Agboola which has made our commemoration possible today.
"In the name of all African association and African residents in Warsaw and Poland in general we say your fight is our fight, your Hero is our Hero just as we enjoy the comfort and welcoming friendship of the polish people.
"Today, as we commemorate the sacrifice and bravery of Mr. Agboola Augustus Brown, we pay tribute, by bending our heads, to all the heroes of Warsaw Uprising, both the anonymous ones and those remembered in historical documents, we pay tribute to the memories of the heroes and victims of World War II and the victims of Nazi genocide.
"Additionally, we recognize the multitude of African men and women who are making their mark daily to promote the good image of their mother nation and the adopted Land of Poland. We recognize you for your sacrifices and dedication".
Mr. Agboola was said to have been born in Lagos, today Nigeria on 22nd July 1895 to Father Mr. Wallie and Mother Jozefina daughter of John who is believed to be of Polish origin.
However, much is said not to be known of Agboola's Polish lineage as it still couldn't be proved and this is even said to be contrary to how he was referred to in the press after his marriage as an authentic black man marrying an authentic white woman. It is generally safe to say Agboola was an authentic African man from today Nigeria.
Agboola after his secondary education was said to have joined his grandparents on the farm but later opted for adventure to the new world on a merchant ship as a Sailor.
In England, he was said to have joined a touring Jazz group, playing around Europe from where he later landed in Poland in 1922.
From several publications and archival records; Mr. Brown lived at Złota Street in Warsaw. He was a professional Jazzman and worked in clubs. His first album was recorded in 1928 which was historic as he was possibly the first African musician to have achieve this in Europe at that time.
Agboola reportedly got married in Krakow to a Polish woman in person of Ms Zofia Pykówna, they had two sons – Ryszard (Richard) in 1928 and Aleksandra (Alexandra) in 1929. His friends and neighbors were said to have remembered him as a very intelligent, courteous person, and a polyglot (he spoke six languages).
Unfortunately, in 1939 Poland became the first victim of Nazi declaration of War on Europe. Warsaw was occupied, Agboola was said to have volunteered to use his knowledge and insight within the city as an asset in the ranks of the resistance Polish Home Army, the biggest partisan force in World War II.
Since every resistance soldier is referred by his/her Alias, Agboola Brown chose the nickname “ALI” and he daringly toiled, defending the city of Warsaw alongside the brave men and women of the Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa) notwithstanding the ruthless Nazi German occupation force until its final hour.
As confirmed in several archival documents, where one can read:
"Home Army -1st District "Radwan " - Sub-District "Sławbor" - Battalion "Iwo". His immediate commander was Corporal Aleksander Marcińczyk code-name "Łabędź" [- Swan].
Among the memories, one can also find the testimony of Jan Radecki code-name
"Czarny", who confirms that he saw "Ali" "at the command post at 74 Marszałkowska Street,
and fought together with him, shoulder to shoulder, in August 1944 ".
The end of struggle came, when Hitler ordered the annihilation of Warsaw, killing over 200 000 people with total destruction of Warsaw infrastructures and buildings. Fortunately, Agboola survived the war.
Although, there is said to be little reliable information on his life after the war. It was reported that he worked in the Department of Culture and Art of the City of Warsaw around 1949.
It was also learnt that he played an episodic role in 1953 Polish propaganda movie “Żołnierz Wolności”
(„Soldier of Victory”) about the life of communist general Karol “Walter” Świerczewski.
Agboola later emigrated to United Kingdom in 1958. There he lived anonymously for almost two decades and passed away 8th September 1976.
The month comes with a fresh start and an opportunity to plan new goals, leave your comfort zone, and try new activities.
As the home of non-stop entertainment, GOtv will be providing its customers with a wide range of entertaining programmes including reality TV shows, comedy, soap operas, local dramas, and live sporting action to keep you glued to your screen.
Wondering what to watch or where to start? We have got you covered.
Here’s a list of all the hot and super entertaining shows to guide you through this week on GOtv.
1. Big Brother Naija: The house is slowly warming up and sparks have started flying, Tune in to GOtv (Channel 29 and Channel 8) to catch up on what the housemates are up to in Big Brother’s house, their daily tasks, and also vote for your faves who are up for possible eviction this week.
2. Bling Lagosians: When it comes to lavish spending, and luxurious displays, no one does it better than Lagos elites. Catch up on the popular Nollywood blockbuster movie, Bling Lagosians which tells the story of the “who and who” that matter in the city of “Eko”.
As each member of the Holloway family work to solve their problems, they prepare for Mopelola's party, clearly to become the year's biggest society event. But the buzz about the party compels the Asset Management Corporation to foreclose on St. Ives, the family business, after the death of the God Father, Baba Eko, who had been protecting Akin Holloway. He must then fight a bigger battle - getting Mopelola to cancel her party and maintain a low profile to get them off the radar, while he tries to save the business. Showing this Wednesday on ROK (Channel 17) at 6:15pm..
3. Cheaters: Explore the world of real-life dramas and documentaries this week, as American reality TV show, Cheaters, showcases a team of private investigators who are on a mission to help those that suspect their partners are being less than honest to them. Grab your detective hat because the show promises to take you on an exciting ride. Tune in this Wednesday on CBS reality (Channel 22) at 9:30 pm.
4. Garage Squad: Car enthusiasts aren’t left out on this one. Follow up with the reality car show, Garage Squad, which focuses on a group of mechanics who rescue killer cars and trucks and bring them back from the “great beyond”. Showing this Thursday on Discovery Family (Channel 50) at 10:15 pm.
5. Island Life: It’s no doubt that we crave and fantasize about the freedom of living on the island and the beauty of living away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Island Life centers on tropical dreamers who are shown island properties that fit into any budget, from ultra-affordable to totally outrageous. This show highlights everyday families in search of their own slice of paradise and proves that fantasy can be a reality. Follow up to enjoy this Wednesday on Real Time (Channel 12) at 8:15 pm
6. Being Maryjane: If you have watched Hollywood classics like Girlfriends, and The Game, then this drama series, Being Maryjane, will meet up to your expectations. It follows the life of Mary Jane Paul (Gabrielle Union), a cable news reporter from Atlanta who goes through failed relationships in the quest for love while growing her career and contending with family drama. Airing on BET (Channel 21) this Thursday at 9:45 pm.
7. Tottenham Hotspur VS Southampton: The new football season is upon us and officially starts this weekend. It gets more exciting for football lovers as they watch Tottenham Hotspur clash with Southampton this Saturday. Airing live on SS Select 2 (Channel 2) at 4pm.
A leading expert in the integrated marketing communication (IMC) and CEO of McEnies Global Comms, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan has identified strategies that could be explored by practitioners to revitalise the industry and meet contemporary standards and clients' demands.
According to her, practitioners must begin to deplore IMC tools that would help their business out of the economic difficulties brought upon it by pandemics and other challenges, instead of resulting to self-pity.
She made this disclosure during her monthly media engagement with some brand correspondents at her corporate head office on Monday, August 1, 2022.
Omolaraeni who is equally known as a guru in event planning (Perfect Clicks Signature; McEnies Events and Protocols) added that practitioners must have excellent ability and creativity to easily connect with customers at an emotional level, build trust and develop relationship with relatable, relevant, believable, memorable, emotional, engaging and authentic brand stories among others.
Olaosebikan said: “Integrated Marketing Communication is a game of mind and in marketing, perception is a reality. Moreover, practitioners in this industry are expected to be proactive and ahead of every storm. It is also their duty to always offer relevant professional expertise in order to keep their clients' business alive no matter the enormity of the challenge.
For example, COVID 19 pandemic was a shock like no other, involving simultaneous disruption to both supply and demand in an interconnected global economy. Some of our colleagues couldn't stand the heat of those dark days occasioned by the pandemic, but the few of us who stood firm used our professional prowess and passion to deepen IMC as a veritable tool to keep many business alive for both clients and their respective target audiences.
We successfully met the demands of the so-called new normal that was never anticipated, professionalism significantly played out. Like I usually say, this job is not a walk in the park and neither is it for quacks.” she added.
Omolaraeni further explained why premium should be placed on integrated marketing communication. In her explanation she said:
“As a core professional, an integrated campaign helps you provide customers with information in the format they prefer. Consumers and business customers can specify if they want to receive product information via email, direct mail, text message or telephone.
Clients that you do not reach directly can still benefit from your campaigns by viewing your print ads or hearing your radio and TV spots. Integration ensures that customers and potential customers receive the same information in all communications.
“You can also meet the needs of customers who search the internet for product information by integrating for example, your website design and content with other communications. Above all you must keep your integrity intact as well as the ethical standards.” she said.
When asked if local firms have really maximised the benefits inherent in marketing communications, Omolaraeni cuts in:
“Which Nigerian brands do you know of in the area of consumer goods? And that’s what we need to do. We need to quickly turn these products into brands. For now, there are products all over the place; we need to convert them to brands. It is when we succeed in doing that, that there can now be a connection between the consumers and the brand. And that’s what will bring about volumes that we are looking for; bring the wealth that we are looking for; and save us billions of dollars that we don’t have. And it is possible.
“You are talking to me; you work for various news outlets, and these are Nigerian companies that have Nigerian brand with their respective names. It is indigenous; it is good. Isn’t it? We need to see a lot of that in the area of manufacturing so as to accelerate growth and maximize profit internally and reduce poverty and enhance human capital development” she stated.
Highly placed individuals have pooh-pooed the allegation that the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tayo Ayinde, was involved in a N500 million land grabbing scandal.
It will be recalled that some people went to the media recently, alleging that Chief Ayinde was involved in gross impersonation and assault over a landed property belonging to Chief Adetunji Omisore and one Tajudeen Mohammed, at No. 4, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA Ikeja.
The rumour peddlers had claimed “that Ayinde, in a bid to forcibly obtain the land, worth N500million, destroyed properties worth millions of naira, by using the police and other security forces to assault the landowners.”
The rumour mongers had also alleged that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA) served the owner and developer of the said property a seven-day demolition notice on Friday, July 15, 2022, but that without waiting for the 7 day notice to lapse, on Tuesday, July 19, the agency moved caterpillar and Black Maria to the site to begin demolition of the over N500million investment as early as 6am in the morning, barricading the property while the workers were assaulted.”
However, according to investigation, the complainant only has a letter of accommodation given to him by Federal Government to be a tenant in the said property.
Again, the said owner has been accused by the government of “illegally going into joint venture with a developer to build on the land for which he was paid the sum of N25 million.
Interestingly, when government officials approached the site, he offered money to the officials. The money offered, was rejected because there was already a demolition order on the illegal structure that has no plan nor building approval.
Not deterred by that, the complainant however found favour with another Agency of government which illegally assured him that he can continue building despite being served demolition notice.
This medium was informed that the purpose of the demolition is for road expansion contrary to the allegation that the Chief of Staff was in the know of the matter.
According to our source, “it was just coincidental that the Chief of Staff lives on the same road as the land in question. That is the man’s only involvement on an issue he knows nothing about. What I am telling you can be verified through records. You can find out if the Chief of Staff has anything to do with this issue,” our source said.
