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Show Of Shame At Imo Airport As Air Peace Staff Members Are Beaten For Screening Airforce Commodore

July 11, 2023

By Charles Igbo

But for the maturity of the Crew members of Air Peace Airline, flight operations at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, could have been disrupted on Monday, July 10, 2023.

Two members of staff of the Airline – Uneze Camilus and Mbajiogu Chimezie – suffered a humiliating raw deal in the hands of Airforce personnel for doing their job.

While Uneze was punched in the face many times, Chimezie had his medicated eye glasses which he was wearing at the time, forcefully snatched, thrown on the tarmac, and smashed, by an Airforce personnel who stomped on it.

According to shocked eye witnesses, it was a show of raw power and shame. A show of what can you do? The show of shame did not stop at the Airport. It caused, almost, a security breach at the Airport and along the road from the Airport to Owerri as all Airforce Personnel were, allegedly, ordered back to base by an “offended” senior officer.

Trouble started during boarding of the Airline’s first flight from Owerri to Abuja. The staff members responsible for screening passengers were at the tarmac doing the final screening before boarding.

Then, Air Commodore Idorenyen F Bassey arrived from the protocol lounge to board the flight. He was wearing his uniform. Mr Uneze who was screening passengers went to him to screen him. As the screening started, the Air Commodore walked away, and told Uneze that he was subjecting him to an embarrassment by daring to screen him. He went ahead and forced himself into the Aircraft without being screened.

Fearing he would lose his job if he is reported for not screening a passenger, Uneze went into the Aircraft and informed the Captain.

It was the Captain who called out the senior officer and explained to him that his rank and uniform do not exempt him from being screened.

The officer did not budge, instead, according to witnesses, his Orderly who was verbally attacking Uneze for daring to “embarrass” his boss by trying to screen him, placed a call to his colleagues.

Within minutes, six other Airforce personnel drove straight to the parked aircraft in a vehicle.

They ordered Uneze to enter the vehicle. He obeyed. According to a statement which he wrote at the Security Department of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN,where he was taken to, inside the vehicle, he was punched several times.

Air Commodore Bassey who also entered the vehicle, according to sources, said he was no longer traveling to Abuja. It took the Pilot and passengers who were afraid for the safety of Uneze, if he is driven out and taken to the Airforce Base to have him released from the vehicle, and instead, taken to the FAAN Security office.

However, while the pleadings were still on, one of the Airforce personnel identified Chimezie as one of those who embarrassed their boss. He forcefully snatched Chimezie’s medicated eye glasses, threw it on the tarmac, and stomped on it. In his statement at the FAAN Security Office, Chimezie said they did nothing wrong other than doing their job.

The ugly incident had consequences. Aside from the flight delay which it caused, the Air Commodore, allegedly, ordered the withdrawal of all the Airforce Personnel at the Airport and Owerri road. It took a call, it was alleged, to a superior officer for the personnel to return to their beats after about three hours.

The flight eventually left with the Air Commodore on board.

The incident took place at 08:35am. The flight number was P47151.

Edo Health Facilities In Shambles – NMA, Bemoans Members’ Sufferings

Ayodele Oni

July 11, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) assessed the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki as regards to state of health facilities and welfare of doctors in the employment of the state government and concluded that the administration is a failure.

The State Chairman of the association, Dr. (Mrs) Udoka Imoisili, spoke in Benin, at the opening ceremony of the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors under the Edo State Government Employment (ARD EDGE).

She commended the doctors for being able to organize their AGM despite harsh working conditions they operate.

Imoisili identified some the challenges confronting doctors under the state employ to include “The nonpayment of hazard allowance for almost a year now, the minimum wage not paid to only doctors in the state, and the disappearing residency programme.”

Others are “the refusal to ensure palliatives despite going to work everyday in the face of fuel subsidy removal, the crappy and miserable working conditions, little or no impress to run the hospitals” among others.

“His Excellency, the Governor, has refused us an audience for almost a year now despite these enormous challenges. We have written several letters requesting a courtesy visit, we have begged and lobbied with all channels humanly possible to table these challenges bedeviling our members, but to no avail.

“You cannot claim to be solving a problem for a people you are not in touch with. There is a serious disconnect between the leadership and the led.

“Most of our hospitals across the state is nauseating. There are no restrooms, dilapidated buildings, ragged furniture and fittings, no light source and devoid of water, the environment, only fit for poultry.”

According to her, their suggestion that state hospitals should be given some level of autonomy so that whatever they generate is plunged back into the system has been ignored.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Samuel Alli who was the Chairman of the occasion said that the Governor is doing his best for the health sector, and pleaded to be given a few months to interact with the Government to resolve the issues raised by the NMA.

It’s Unconstitutional For NASS Members To Fix Salaries – Obasanjo; Afe Babalola Faults Constitution Of Election Tribunals

Ayodele Oni

July 10, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said it is unconstitutional for National Assembly Members to fix their salary.

The two-term civilian President pointed out that it is the sole responsibility of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, (RMFAC) to fix salaries and wages of public office holders.

A report monitored on Channels Television stated that the former President said this on Monday while delivering a speech at the 60th anniversary celebration of legal icon Aare Afe Babalola’s call to the Bar held in Ado Ekiti.

He described the self-determination of lawmakers’ emoluments as immoral and unconstitutional, decrying that those who should uphold the constitution are “the ones who undermine it”.

According to Obasanjo, salary allocation for elected officials is the responsibility of the (RMFAC), which he said the lawmakers had jettisoned to fix salaries for themselves.

“Under Paragraph 32(a-e) of Part I to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the commission is saddled with determining the remuneration appropriate for political officeholders, including legislators, among other functions.

“The point in Nigeria which I have seen and which I can attest to is most of the people who are supposed to be operationalising or managing and seeing the constitution and democracy move forward, they are actually the ones who undermine the constitution.

“All elected people, by our constitution, their emolument is supposed to be fixed by the revenue mobilisation commission, but our lawmakers set that aside and they make laws and put any emolument for themselves.

“Even if that is constitutional, it is not moral and, of course, it is neither constitutional nor moral.”

He also complained that so many other aspects of the Nigerian Constitution such as the Federal Character were “absolutely ignored”, saying that the Federal Character Commission barely carried out its function.

The former President said that when the constitution is “continually breached like that”, the country’s democracy becomes one where anything goes.

The former Nigerian Leader commended Aare Babalola for his contributions to the development of the country, saying that he had made things he met in life better than he met them.

“You have met this world at a point, you have met your community at a point, you have met your family at a point and what you have done is that what you have met, you have made it better than what you have found.”

The Legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, in his remarks faulted the constitution of Election Petition Tribunals saying sitting Judges should not preside.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said Judges who preside over Election Tribunals should be separated from regular Court Judges to avoid the halt of cases unrelated to elections.

He suggested that Retired Judges and respectable SANs should preside.

“I have about three cases myself in respect of matters arising from the University.”

“For the past four years, these cases have been on. We have some judges here, the headquarters won’t be able to sit for many months because they are handling what they call election petitions.

“Election petitions should not be handled by sitting judges, they should be decided only by the committee set up consisting of senior advocates and retired judges in that case regular courts would not close down.”

Ondo: Group Fingers Ag Governor, Aiyedatiwa, Gov’s Aide In Plot To Undermine Akeredolu

Ayodele Oni

July 10, 2023

Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

The struggle for the control of government machinery in Ondo state following continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi has taken another dimension as a group accused the acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Olugbenga Ale, of fuelling the crisis.

The Group, Concerned Stakeholders (Senior Workers) in the Public Service of Ondo State accused Aiyedatiwa of doing everything possible to ensure that the ailing Governor Akeredolu does not return to his seat.

The Governor’s one month medical leave ended on July 7, but from his message to the people of the State few days ago, he may not return until advised by his doctors.

The Concerned Stakeholders, in a lengthy statement, stated that “Aiyedatiwa has become disloyal.

“His wish is for the Governor not to return, a plan that will surely fail. As acting Governor, his relentless attacks on Aragbaiye, an aide of the governor and the Finance Commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa, stem from his desire for unrestricted access to the state treasury without following due process.

“The claim that Aiyedatiwa is being deprived of funds and unable to attend functions outside the state due to this reason is baseless and unintelligent.

“The roles played by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gbenga Ale, are evident. He is actively supporting the Deputy Governor and encouraging him to confront those close to the Governor.

“To the Chief of Staff, Aragbaiye is considered a sworn enemy due to his refusal to allow them to misuse Government resources.

“The Chief of Staff holds grievances because the Governor did not trust him to assign to him sensitive roles and responsibilities.

“The acting governor and his own “cabals” have failed to provide evidence of any significant changes in Dare Aragbaiye’s conduct since the Governor went on medical leave.

“What has he done differently that he wasn’t doing when the Governor was around? Aiyedatiwa’s supporters should delve deeper and present a more realistic narrative.

“If Aragbaiye’s role in the Government has indeed changed during the governor’s absence, they should inform us. It’s not enough to pick on him as a convenient scapegoat. You cannot make him forfeit his loyalty to the Governor.

“Other recruits of Aiyedatiwa want us to believe that their paymaster is the victim in this recent released story on the Social media.

“However, they seem to forget that we live in an ecosystem where information spreads rapidly. Apart from their fabricated lies and mischievous tactics, it is widely known that Aiyedatiwa has become disloyal.

MASSOB Warns Ekpa Over Continued Sit At Home In South East; Says People Laughing At The Igbo

Ayodele Oni

July 10, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has sought for a more dignified and civil method to press for the release of leader of Independent Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, rather than continued sit at home.

MASSOB noted that the continued sit-at-home is destroying the economy of the people of the South-east.

It condemned what it called the sacrilegious acts of the unknown gun men which went viral on social media showing how school children and their teachers were beaten, traumatized and ridiculed for not obeying the sit-at-home order.

In a statement, signed by the National Director Of Information MASSOB, Edeson Samuel, it described as unfortunate a situation where the people who claim to be agitating for the emancipation of Biafrans will, at the same time, engage in activities subjecting them to hardship, poverty and destruction of economy of the same people .

“Torturing the school children and their teachers is as good as destroying the future of the children and the entire incoming generation of Biafrans.

“Instead of working towards the progress of Ndigbo and moving them forward, misguided and inconsequential actions are being used in dragging the economy of Ndigbo backwards.

“MASSOB wishes to make it clear that the continuous and mandatory sit-at-home exercise in Igbo land can never give us Biafra rather it will destroy our economy.

“It destroys the future of our young children, it creates more pains on our people and there is no difference between the way Nigerian government has been dealing with Ndigbo and that of the group that claims to be pro Biafra.

“MASSOB condemns entirety the actions of these unknown gunmen who went about destroying the farm produce and means of livelihood of the poor.

“It is evil in the sight of God and human. The land of Biafra will not support such acts of man inhumanity to fellow man.

“In as much as MASSOB condemns the act of the unknown gun men, we also demand the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“The South East governors and National Assembly members must rise and demand for the release of Nnamdi Kanu .

“MASSOB is calling on Simon Ekpa to have a rethink, evaluate the gains and losses Ndigbo have incurred in this period of time. Sit at home is not the only civil disobedience that can be used in this agitation.

“MASSOB reminds Mazi Simon Ekpa that our enemies are happy with the pains and cries of our people because these are what they wanted.

“The failure of an Igbo man and the destruction of our economy have been their dream, that was why they gave igbo man €20 after the civil war.

“Seeing an igbo man being progressive, industrious and creative is giving them a sleepless night.”

Zamfara Partners UNICEF, Calls For Support In Education, Health, Women Dev

Ayodele Oni

July 10, 2023

Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor — Governor Dauda Lawal

By Ayodele Oni

Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has restated his administration’s commitment to continue partnering with UNICEF more especially in the areas of Health care, Education and Women development.

A statement on Monday by Director General, Media and communications, Nuhu Anka stated that the Governor Lawal, made the promise when he hosted UNICEF delegation, led by Dr Maryam Sa’id at the government house Gusau.

The Governor maintained that it was the policy of the State Government to partner organisations that contribute in the development of the state and its populace.

He noted that his administration is ready to pay the counterpart fundings on projects that will touch lives of the masses, saying UNICEF needs to do more in the state and assured their safety and security in the state.

The governor, who thanked UNICEF for the visit, charged them to improve on the relationship and do better, considering the predicaments that bedeviled the state for decades, noting that UNICEF can do more for the state to cushion the problems.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the UNICEF delegation, Dr Maryam Sa’id had sympathized with the state government over insecurity that consumed many lives, saying they are ready to invest and support the state for development.

She expressed the readiness to continue working with Zamfara State Government and validation of the state development plan, revealing that UNICEF invested over N2 billion in the state last year.

“PDP Unfair To Me, But I Will Never Join APC” – Fayose

Akinwale Kasali

July 10, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

A former Ekiti State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chieftain, Ayo Fayose, has said that even though PDP has been unfair to him, he would neither dump the Party, nor defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Fayose spoke Sunday when he appeared in a Channels Television interview programme and explained why he worked against his Party during the 2023 February Presidential Election.

The former Governor worked against PDP’s Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in favour of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, who is now the President.

Fayose stressed he had no regret working against Atiku despite the fact that they are of the same Party.

The two-term Governor of Ekiti State added that he is not afraid of being kicked out of the party, for making the disclosure.

He said he supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, based on principle.

Fayose: “I worked against him (Atiku) 100 per cent. Nigeria is bigger than the PDP, APC and even Asiwaju (Tinubu) himself. Let us call a spade a spade. I am not a man that will hide my action. If PDP doesn’t need me again, they cannot say I cannot live.

“But I love the PDP even though the party has not been fair to me. I am a principled man. So, let me say to you, I never worked for PDP during the last election. I am not a liar and a pretender. I did not work for PDP.”

He said he remained a member of the PDP “except the PDP says ‘Fayose, we don’t need you anymore.’ Then they have set me free of the yoke. But in all sincerity, it is a party that I believe in, subscribe to and want to stay forever. I will never join the APC.”

Details Of The Govt Report Which Nailed Mmesoma

The Source

July 10, 2023

(REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EJIKEME JOY MMESOMA’S JAMB SCORE CONTROVERSY)

Recall Mr. Governor that with the recent release of scores of candidates who applied for admission by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and subsequent announcement of Nkechiyere Umeh as the candidate with the highest score of 360, Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma, a 19 year old student of Anglican Girls’ Secondary School, Uruagu Nnewi, from Enugu State, protested to the State Government that she scored 362 and ought to have been so recognised.

This has elicited interests and generated serious controversy and misgivings among the general public that the State Government in its wisdom decided to constitute a Committee of Inquiry to look into the underlisted terms of reference;

1) Review Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma’s JAMB Results and associated documents

2) Conduct interviews with relevant parties, including Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma, JAMB Officials and any other individual(s) involved in the process.

3)Provide recommendations based on the findings of the investigation.

The Committee invited Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma, the Principal of Anglican Girls’ Secondary School, and officials of JAMB for interactive session with the Committee.

JAMB officials led by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Head Public Affairs presented the detailed processes and procedures involved in JAMB admissions, the policy changes that have occurred in the release of UTME scores since 2021 and what specifically transpired between the candidate Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma with registration number: 20230639047FF in her quest to obtain her JAMB score.

JAMB revealed the different times that Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma made several requests to JAMB portal asking for her results at different hours, and each of these times (four in number), she received in her phone, same results from JAMB indicating candidate’s UTME Results to Wit: Eng: 64, Phy:54, Bio: 74, Che: 57 with a total aggregate score of 249.

JAMB disclosed that the candidate was well informed of her correct score from JAMB.

Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma had sent a request to JAMB with a different registration number showing a UTME result of aggregate score of 362, with Eng: 98, Phy: 89, Bio: 94, and Che: 81.

The results she sent differed substantially from the standard JAMB format where she got an appropriate rebuttal stating her real score of 249.

Besides, a number of red-flags was also highlighted by JAMB officials showing a different date of birth, different Registration Number, Notification of results template that has been discarded since 2021, amongst others.

It was also evident that even the centre name “Nkemefuna Foundation (Thomas Chidoka Centre for Human Development as it was known before now) used for the examination was also manipulated where the candidate used the old name of the centre (Thomas Chidoka Centre for Human Development) in her own manipulated result sheet.

In Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma’s submission, she owned up in the presence of her principal, and the Education Secretary that the narration by the JAMB officials was a true and correct description of what transpired.

She also admitted to have given a manipulated result by herself unaided, using same phone Airtel Number.

According to her, she proceeded to the cybercafé (Prisca Global Computers, Uruagu, Nnewi) where she printed the results she had manipulated.

The Committee tried to find out the motive behind her action, but Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma said NOTHING.

In their own submissions, the Principal Anglican Girls’ Secondary school, Uruagu Nnewi, and the Education Secretary — Diocese of Nnewi (Anglican Communion) expressed shock at what transpired where in their presence, Mmesoma admitted to have manipulated her UT ME results, deceiving the school, her immediate family and the State Government.

COMMITTEE’S FINDINGS

The results released by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board

(JAMB) with respect to the UTME score of Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma is 249

The results paraded by Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma with aggregate score of 362 is fake as buttressed by the. very significant and instructive variations in the registration number, date of birth, centre name and other infractions.

Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma admitted that she manipulated the fake results herself, using her phone.

The Principal Anglican Girls’ Secondary School — Mrs. Edu Uche and the Education Secretary, Diocese of Nnewi (Anglican Communion) expressed dismay at the conduct of Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma tenders an unreserved written apology to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the School (Anglican Girls’ Secondary School, Uruagu Nnewi) and the Anambra State Government. This should be done immediately.
Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma should undergo a psychological counselling and therapy.

All prospective candidates for JAMB Admission should adhere strictly to guidelines, processes and procedures of the examination body.

CONCLUSION

The Committee of Inquiry commends Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for their diligent handling of the matter and the information supplied about the interface with the candidate (see attached).

We hope that this unearthing of the truth as we have discovered will go a long way in correcting the sentiments, misconceptions and deceptions that have been in the public domain.

Finally, we thank Mr. Governor for setting up this Committee, and, for the confidence reposed in the committee.

Initial Evidences below:

Al QR and BAR Code Information in the presented result

11231597AC

Asimiyu Mariam Bolanle

Score 138

Number portal (Latest information at top, earliest at bottom)

2349042181632 Request :

UTME RESULT

Response :

Dear Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma, Reg Number: 202330639047FF. Your 2023 UTME Result: ENG: 64, PHY: 54, BIO: 74, CHE: 57. Aggregate: 249

Response Error :

Network :

airtel

Time Requested :

2023-06-25

Time Responded :

2023-06-25 Request :

Response :

Wrong Parameter 2349042181632 Passed. Send HELP to 55019 or 66019 Response Error :

Network :

airtel

Time Requested :

2023-05-09

Time Responded :

Request :

Dear Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma, Reg Number: 202330639047EE. Your 2023 UTME Result: ENG: 98 PHY: 89 BIO: 94 CHE: 81 Aggregate:362

Response :

Dear Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma, Reg Number: 202330639047FF. Your 2023 UTME Result: ENG: 64, PHY: 54, BIO: 74, CHE: 57, Aggregate: 249

Response Error :

Network :

airtel

Time Requested :

2023-05-04

Time Responded :

2023-05-04 Request :

Utme result

Response :

Dear Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma, Reg Number: 202330639047FF. Your 2023

UTME Result: ENG: 64, PHY: 54, BIO: 74, CHE: 57, Aggregate: 249 Response Error :

Network :

airtel

Time Requested :

2023-05-04

Time Responded :

2023-05-04 Request :

Utme result

Response :

Dear Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma. Reg Number: 202330639047FF. Your 2023 UTME Result is not released yet

Response Error :

Network :

airtel

Time Requested :

2023-04-30

Time Responded :

2023-04-30

Request :

NIN 24980760479

Response :

Dear Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma, Your profile Code: 1449245855 and NIN:

Visit www.jamb.gov.ng, Quick Links, then IBASS for

Back Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma 4th…

eBrochure. Buy UTME PIN with Mock N6700, without Mock N5700 and DE PIN N4700,

Response Error :

Network :

Time Requested :

2023-02-01

Time Responded :

2023-02-01

Request :

NIN 24980760479

Response :

No record found. Send email with NIN and Name to [email protected] try again in 4 hours.

Response Error :

Network :

airtel

Time Requested :

2023-01-28

Time Responded :

2023-01-28 Request :

24980760479 Response :

Wrong Parameter 2349042181632 Passed. Send HELP to 55019 or 66019

Response Error :

Network :

airtel

Time Requested :

2023-01-28

Time Responded :

2023-01-28

Request :

NIN 24980760479

Response :

No record found. Send email with NIN and Name to [email protected]. “lhen try again in 4 hours.

Response Error :

Network :

airtel

Time Requested :

2023-01-25

Time Responded :

2023-01-25

Ondo: Akeredolu Seeks Extension Of Medical Leave; Writes State Assembly

Ayodele Oni

July 10, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State House of Assembly has granted the request by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to extend his medical leave.

This request is coming few days after the Governor wrote to the people of the state informing them that he would join them as soon as his doctors certify him free to leave.

The Governor had requested in his first letter to the assembly to proceed on medical leave as from June 5 to July 6 to enable him attend to his health challenged.

He also transmitted power of an acting Governor to his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

There is, however, an uneasy calm within the State Executive Council with some appointees accusing Aiyedatiwa of attempting to step beyond boundaries.

A letter read on the floor of the House on Monday by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji states that “Following Doctor’s advice on the need to take adequate rest after recuperating, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, has forwarded the letter of extension on medical leave to the Ondo State House of Assembly.

“Receiving the letter on behalf of other Lawmakers, the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon .Olamide Oladiji said the Governor’s action is in line with section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended).

“According to the letter , his Deputy, Hon . Lucky Aiyedatiwa would continue to act as Governor until there is a written declaration to the contrary.

“It would be recalled that in the Governor’s letter of 5th June ,2023, he had earlier informed of his proceeding on medical leave and was expected to resume on 6th July, 2023.

“The Speaker who expressed appreciation to God for the speedy recovery of the Governor, expressed optimism that he would soon resume his duty.”

“Father, I Never Met You But I Carry Your Legacy” – Olusegun Awolowo

The Source

July 10, 2023

(Segun Awolowo pays an emotional tribute to his beloved late father – 60 Years On)

“With a heavy heart and tear-stained words, I offer this tribute, an emotional symphony born from a son’s longing. Though we never met, your absence, paradoxically, forged a profound presence within my soul. I carry your legacy as a torch, illuminating the path ahead, striving to be the man you would have wanted me to be, all the while being judged by a surname that is more valuable than gold.”

In the quiet depths of my soul, where echoes of the past reverberate, there resides a cherished figure I never had the privilege to meet—a father who left this earthly realm before my arrival, yet whose presence lingers in the strands of my being. Though time may have masked the pain, the void his absence created remains eternally profound.

From stories whispered by distant voices and sepia-toned photographs, pristinely preserved by those who love you, I glimpse the essence of a man who, in his brevity of life, imprinted indelible marks upon those he touched.

Your spirit, dear father, permeates my every breath, interwoven within the tapestry of my existence.

As I stand upon life’s threshold, the various aspects of who you were, resonates within my veins. The echoes of your virtues guide me through the labyrinth of this world. Though fate may have severed our earthly connection before we had the chance to physically meet, your love transcends time, steadfast and unwavering.

With a heavy heart and tear-stained words, I offer this tribute, an emotional symphony born from a son’s longing. Though we never met, your absence, paradoxically, forged a profound presence within my soul. I carry your legacy as a torch, illuminating the path ahead, striving to be the man you would have wanted me to be, all the while being judged by a surname that is more valuable than gold.

Six decades have passed since you departed, yet your absence reverberates through the corridors of my heart, forever etching your memory into the fabric of my being.

Continue to rest in perfect peace dear father, may your spirit find solace in the heavens, as mine finds solace in the love you left behind.

Let me pen off with the words of your own father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, upon hearing the news of your fatal car crash that took your precious life on 10 July, 1963.

The tragic news of your death was delivered to him in prison after his conviction of treason, and this is what he had to say,

“…I did not sorrow, because I have been taught that there is no death as such. In the fullness of our individual time, every one of us will be translated from this terrestrial sphere into the celestial realm. There will be what we call joy in the latter realm at the happening of this event. There will certainly be joy at least for the reason that the Soul of the translated will be freed from the shackles of the body and will merge with the Over-Soul which is the Mind and Consciousness of God. Man is a living Soul; and his body is only the instrument through which the Soul seeks to evolve its personality. At transition, the body returns to the dust from which it was formed, and the Soul, which is the essence of God in our being, returns to its Source from which it has never parted. Transition is a great, mystic, and mysterious happening at which the Hierarchy of Heavenly Hosts ineffably rejoice. Why then should we sorrow here? To put it in common parlance, the departed is not dead as it seems to us, he is only born into a new life. Here we miss him in flesh; there they welcome him in spirit.” Obafemi Awolowo , My March Through Prison

Fondly remembered by your children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.

Barrister Olusegun Omotunde Awolowo is a grandson of the late revered Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His late father was the sage’s first son

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