Kwarapanupo

KWARA: NEW DAWN ENDS A LONG TORTUOUS WALK

By

Wale Adeoye

For the people of Kwara, this season is unique. First, it is the holy month of Ramadan. For a state blessed with a huge population of Muslims, this is an auspicious moment. Most significantly, at the month’s tail end, the Ramadan will usher in a new government different from what the state has experienced for over half a decade in terms of form and content. A visit last week indicated a mix of enthusiasm and a fresh balm of some sort. In cafes, street corners and homesteads, the trend of whispers is the same: A dynasty once thought to be invincible had finally been vanquished. Young, old, men and women, even children discuss the political change in muffled tones. “We have never seen a thing like this before. We have been ruled by the same group of people for most of the past 50 years. Many people in their 50s have never seen a different political dynasty in power. Emi ni a o ni yo si-why wouldn’t the drums beat to our excitement?” a University lecturer and indigene of Ilorin said last week in Lagos, shortly before the Ramadan moon was sighted. No doubt, this May 29, a new momentum will swirl Kwara, a conservative state largely known for her allegiance to one political lineage. In the past, the names of the elected governors had always been different, but the kingmaker remained the same. However, on May 29, Kwara will welcome a completely new order, a fresh class of leadership and a new name without the old mask lurking behind, like an incubus beast. If there is a mask behind, this time, it will not be the ancient one that generations of Kwara people had known and on whose knee they duck in awe. Saraki also held the population spell bound with a veiled ritual of fear, threat and intimidation.

On May 29, modestly known Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq 59, will be sworn in as the new elected Governor of Kwara State following his victory at the March 9^th 2019 poll. Abdulrahman, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate scored 331,546 votes to defeat Abdulrazaq Atunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 114, 754 votes. Abdulrahman’s father was the first lawyer from Northern Nigeria who was known in the field of politics in the 1950s and 1960s, while his children rekindled it this year. Prior his emergence, analysts had contemplated a tough battle with the formidable Saraki dynasty which had held Kwara with a mix of cultural and political charm. The APC also enjoys a comfortable lead in the State House of Assembly which before now was an appendage of the dominant political force in the ancient colony. Ilorin, the Kwara State capital had erupted in a whirlwind of joy soon after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC announced the results that many felt had brought an end to what was akin to one man’s province. Since Kwara’s creation in 1967, the political culture had been dominated largely by the Saraki dynasty. It did not just emerge as destiny but as a consequence of a cleverly plotted manoeuvre orchestrated by the late Dr. Olusola Saraki who was a conservative.

Governor Abdulrazaq formerly took over on May 29, 2019

   A century before Saraki’s emergence, Ilorin had thrived in politics and economy characterized by intrigues and bitter horse-trading. The Islamic city, Ilorin is Nigeria’s 7^th largest city and the capital of Kwara state, created in 1967. The city has a rich history of peace and war which has been extended to recent political formations in the ancient state. Founded by a Yoruba war General, Are-Ona-Kakanfo Afonja in the 18^th century following a rebellion led by Afonja against the Oyo Empire of which Ilorin was a vassal state, Kwara had sustained a bizarre tradition of political hegemony held in the palms of an individual until the March 9^th 2019 elections.

Going Back to History

The 18^th century politics in Ilorin was filled with conspiracies backstabbing in the quest for power. Afonja who founded the city witnessed a rebellion aided by Alimi, a Fulani who was extending the Jihad initiated in 1804 by Uthman Dan Fodio. Alimi’s son, Abd as –Salam became the first Emir of Ilorin after Afonja himself had been ambushed and killed by Alimi. As a new power on the fringe of the Niger River, Ilorin’s combination of Afonja remnant soldiers and Alimi’s forces in 1837 destroyed Oyo Ile, (40 miles from the new Oyo),  the former capital of Oyo Empire. The Alimi group advanced towards the South West but was shamed by Ibadan victory in 1840. Ilorin thus became the bridge between two ethnicity and cultures. The people instead of their divisions along ethnic and religious lines sought a common solution to their afflictions but they were denied. Successive political interests rather exploited the crack. Instead, base sentiments were explored to further polarize and trample the people.

The emergence of Dr Olusola Saraki in the 60s saw the pre-eminence of a political trend that sought to consolidate a rent-seeking and parasitic political tradition without a conscious attempt to find a melting pot in a plural society that shared common history, fears and aspirations. The Saraki group rather played on the suspicion, allow to thrive and portrayed itself as the only alternative to the people’s travails. The strategy was perfected with ethos of distributing perks and crumbs that keep the people perpetually underground but with a messianic false sense of hope. Over the years, the Saraki dynasty dominated the region. It began with the resistance against the attempt in 1967 to name the area West Central State. Saraki played on the division for parochial political gains. He pitched his tent with one side of the divide, using religion and ethnicity as a trump card, depending on which would enhance his command. There were tales of how Saraki procured water for locals and established a bakery mainly to meet the needs of the poor, but not without expected political patronage in return. This had prompted the emergence of various resistance political tendencies, beginning from the formation of Ilorin Talaka Parapo, a political party that looked towards South West brethren for its freedom, but all of which had failed to wrest power from Saraki.

An Era of Grace

In spite of her tribulations, Kwara once flourished, ironically under the military. Her major market of millet, sugar cane, Sorghum, yams, cassava, rice peanuts had a glorious outing prompting the establishment of various factories like the Jebba Paper Mill, The Bacita Sugar Company, the Tate and Lyle Industry, soap manufacturing and iron firms. At a time, the environ looked up to the Fougerole project in Jebba as a major source of electricity. There was indeed a Life Camp built in Jebba as an industrial estate. In the 70s, Kwara emerged as a budding industrial hub. Later the state returned into representative government. The re-emergence of the same parasitic political powers in the state unfortunately saw the decline of Kwara’s growing industrial base complimented by a vain national ruling class committed to draining the economy following the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme, (SAP) in 1989.

The return to democratic rule has not raised Kwara from her stupor. The Saraki dynasty seized almost every space and time, imposing and deposing elected officials at will. It reached a complex crescendo in 2003 when, following the disagreement between Dr Saraki and governor Mohammed Lawal that he enthroned, the idea was mooted that his son, Bukola Saraki should throw his hat into the ring. His victory was predictable. However, a disagreement soon broke out between Dr Saraki and his son, Bukola, on who should succeed him after eight years. While Dr Saraki favoured his daughter, Gbemisola, his son favoured another rookie, Abdulfatar Ahmed. Dr Saraki was defeated by his own son. Analysts contend that the disagreement between the two was not on how best to protect the interest of the poor, but how best to keep them in chains. “The disagreement was on tactics of keeping the slave in the same plantation”, a top civil servant lamented. However, some two years ago, various forces began to realign with the sole aim of putting an end to a long standing impunity. The slogan was Otoge, the Yoruba phrase for enough of tyrany. The carefully crafted strategy involved a coalition of interests that brought down the Saraki domination.

Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi taking Oath of Office

New Dawn; New Tasks

The tasks before the new Governor-elect are as numerous as sand upon the ocean shore. He inherits a debt burden of N30,203,632,608.29. With monthly allocation that swings between N3.8 to N4 billion, the new governor has a herculean task meeting the needs of 3million residents. The 2006 population puts Kwara at 2,365,353 people. First, he needs to reunite a fractured people and give them a common sense of belonging. He needs to work with all interests, including those he may have humbled, seeking their view where such will lead to Kwara renaissance. There are suggestions that the new Governor needs to rally indigenes of the state for an economic summit to develop and nurture a new roadmap that will lift the state from her crestfallen position. Many observers think the new governor needs to prove that Kwara people have not come to remove a master only to replace with another master without eliminating the slave-master relationship that characterized the political-economy of Kwara State since the mid 1960’s. For one thing, humans have a way of reverting to an old order, no matter how excruciating, if their new found savior fails to offer immediate renaissance that show clearly to the people that the past had indeed been a nightmare. Doing things the old way is one step that can quickly cast a cloud of illusion, fueling public fear that the new regime lacks the capacity to salvage them.

      The tasks ahead are daunting. Abdulrahman will need to set up several technical working groups on the economy, political relationships, culture, education and above all industrialization which should quickly lead to job creation and elimination of long standing despair. Plagued by a rich but floating elite, Kwara has for long been denied of exploration of her potentials which had led to the state’s stunted growth. Abdulrahman needs to create a new thinking about fresh possibilities. He needs to explore the tourist potentials of the state, needs to safe Kwara from being seen as the axis of evil by taking steps to eliminate banditry on politics. He must go after the hatchet men, the cultists and men in dark goggles who were used to create an atmosphere of siege and a mentality of conquest. He must unite the people, tap their hidden potentials and ensure they own the process of governance. Above all, the interest of the people must be his optimum priority. He is fortunate, but unfortunately, he has less than two years to prove himself as another election will knock the door so soon.

THE MAN OF DESTINY: ABDULRAHMAN ABDULRAZAQ

By

Seye Adetunmbi 

Over the years, Kwara State has produced so many dignitaries and various kinds of people that have distinguished themselves in their respective areas of callings through dint of hard work, persistence and commitment to honourable ways.

Likewise some dynasties continue to standout for the legacies of their forebears and the sired children who responded favourably to the privileged education, impeccable upbringing, lasting family values wrought in every member of the clan and have all turned out to manifest their individual distinctions. It is also not every person that chooses a path based on personal convictions, natural inclinations and inner strength that eventually turnout excellently well to the delight of all. This is why it is very much in order to give it to anyone who exemplifies himself in this rare area of accomplishments. 

His Excellency, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has an impeccable pedigree and through the special grace of God, he worked hard to record the successes attributed to him. He has justified his choices with his enviable achievements to the glory of almighty Allah. He went into business very early in life and excelled.

He later ventured into politics towards giving his kinsmen purposeful leadership in order to entrench lasting good governance at all tiers of government. He first ran for the office of governor as the CPC candidate in Kwara State but lost to PDP’s Abdulfattah Ahmed in 2011. In the 2015 general elections, he ran on the PDP ticket for the Kwara Central senatorial seat. He won the keenly contested APC gubernatorial primary election in October 2018. His prayer to serve his people was answered with his election on March 9th 2019 as the twentieth governor of Kwara-State in Nigeria. Apparently he is a man of destiny. After several attempts in the progressive camp, he was elected to govern Kwara State and has recorded a first in his family and among the core Ilorin people.

     On the 5th of February 1959, Abdurahman was born in Zaria to the respectable family of Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Folorunso Abdulrazaq and Alhaja Ralia Amope Abdulrazaq of Ilorin West Local Government in Kwara State of Nigeria. Recording first runs in the family. It was started by his father who became the first person to be called to bar as a lawyer from the old northern region of Nigeria. Statesman, Alhaji A. G. F. Abdulrazaq SAN was a federal minister in Nigeria in the first republic in 1965 and a holder of prominent traditional titles: The Mutawalin of Ilorin and Tafida of Zazzau, Zaria. Inclination to public service also runs in the Abdulrazaq family. His elder brother, Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq contested for governorship in Kwara State at some points and he remains an active politician. His younger sister, Senator Khairat Razaq-Gwadabe was elected as the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory from 1999 to 2003, his immediate younger brother, Mallam Isiaka Abdulrazaq is a distinguished technocrat and tested top public servant in Nigeria, while his youngest brother, Alhaji Baba Abdulrazaq once served as a local government chairman in Ilorin.

     Rahman Abdulrazaq is a product of the famous Government College, Kaduna and has made mark in oil business as a successful magnate. He established First Fuels Limited and was the Chief Executive Officer. His oil business activities brought him fame after venturing into the importation of petroleum products at a relatively young age. Also when ExxonMobil wanted to export its first batch of condensate out of Nigeria he got the best international prices and buyers for the product. While his exploits in the oil sector lasted, he made positive impacts on the lives of many younger businessmen who are doing well in the oil business today in Nigeria. At some point he floated a football club known as FC Abuja, which recorded some modest success. He is now set to make an enduring impact under the progressive political party structure, APC. His Excellency, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is happily married with beautiful children who are flying the impressive family flag high to the delight of all.

     When he was asked for the reason why he took special interest in governing Kwara State he said: 

“To end the current political status quo in our state. The facts about Kwara State speak for themselves. As somebody from the private sector, I see the running of Kwara as being done as an anomaly. You can never have development that way. We have a government and functionaries that are only interested in being in charge of public funds and privileges of public office without any commensurate delivery of services to the public.”

“Between January 2011 and August 2018, Kwara State government has received roughly N300bn in federal allocations. In the same period, the 16 local governments have received more than N500bn. This means that the state has received an average of 40 billion naira annually from the federal accounts while the local councils have taken over 27bn naira annually between 2011 and 2017. Yet Kwara is poor in social infrastructure even as it is one of the front-line states. Teachers and pensioners are owed, local government teachers are not paid, and civil servants at the state level are not properly remunerated and often have their pay slashed for dubious reasons without being able to protest same.” 

“In Kwara, public funds are invested in projects which are converted to private estates. There is no other state in Nigeria where this impunity happens. There are several anomalies going on in our state to the extent that people outside Kwara often regard our people as second-class people. Among the six states created in 1967, Kwara has the second lowest internally generated revenue and this speaks to lack of creativity and economic activities in the state.”

“Despite the obsolete state of infrastructure, low development and non-payment of workers and pensioners of their dues, this state is indebted to the tune of N56bn as at December 2017, 30 per cent of it being external debt and 70 owed to local financial institutions. By this figure, and in spite of absence of commensurate development to justify it, per capital debt of the state stands   at N18,000 per indigene of the state who are already impoverished.”

He is set to do things differently as put in his own words thus: “We will do everything differently from the current system. We will end a culture of converting public funds to private wealth by dispensing a considerable percentage of the same funds through a very dehumanizing political patronage. We will use public funds to serve the public in manners that will restore the dignity of our people in the area of infrastructure, including road and other basic amenities. For instance, you will find that Kwara has repeatedly prioritized recurrent expenditure at the expense of capital spending and the result is clear in its infrastructure deficit. Worst still, there is hardly any diligent implementation of the capital expenditure over the years. In 2016, out of N67.4b capital expenditure, only N24bn was disbursed, representing just 35.6% of capital budget for that year. Similarly, capital budget performance for the education was just 19%! This has to change. Most parts of Kwara are ungoverned, as the only time our people feel any semblance of governance is during election period. Many schools and hospitals have been taken over by the respective communities to ensure the rest of the world doesn’t live them behind. But there is little these communities can do. There are communities where just one teacher takes all the subjects in a primary school. Most hospitals don’t have doctors. When we assume office, by the Grace of God and the cooperation of the good people of Kwara, we will spread development to all parts of the state. We will ensure that our mothers have access to qualitative maternal care. At the moment, Kwara has one of the highest cases of maternal death in the country. The state is poor in terms of industrialization and infrastructural facilities especially in education and health”. 

         His strategic approach on how to tackle the challenge ahead he reiterated as follows: 

“Industries or businesses cannot thrive where you don’t have basic infrastructure. Kwara has a comparative advantage in agriculture. But our farming communities don’t have facilities that will encourage investment. So we will concentrate, basically, on building infrastructures such as roads, health facilities, schools and opening up our communities to the world through stable electricity and internet connectivity. If you have basic infrastructures and amenities, investors will naturally come in because businesses succeed where the cost of running them is friendly and they have easy access to markets.”

He reassured Kwarans of protecting their long standing cherished interests as he is quoted here: 

“They said we want to take Kwara to the south west if elected. It was a wild and yet funny allegation. But it shows they lack any sense of history. Everybody knows the roles my father played to keep Ilorin in the Northern region. The facts are there.....Our priority programmes will revolve around providing basic infrastructure, reorienting our people on lost values and lifting up Kwara far away from poverty...”

“Things we will do first, will be determined by what resources are available. We will also be guided by available records on the state of things we meet on the ground. However, we will mobilize resources at our disposal, including from private investors to fulfill our campaign promises to our people across all the senatorial zones; in all corners of the state. And we promise to ensure fair, just and equitable development, having the fear of God at the back of our mind at all times....We will look into the welfare of teachers, health care givers, and boost small scale businesses.” 

“Kwara used to be a powerful center of commerce because it is the melting pot between the North and the South.. We will restore this glory by ensuring that our industries are revived in line with modern realities.”

“Basically, Kwara requires urgent dismantling of political mercantilism which stifles development, encourages laziness and thuggery and dehumanizes our people. This will free up resources to serve the people.”

     His campaign tours of the state exposed him to the huge infrastructure deficits in the state, especially in the northern district of Kwara in terms of development. All other things being equal, his administration will definitely lookout for every opportunity to have measurable impact in the senatorial area without ignoring development needs of other areas. His administration is set to justify people’s confidence in him and APC. Abdulrazaq is not unmindful of the huge expectations from the people, albeit his team would do their best to serve the possible best interest of the

majority, God being his helper.

     Congratulations to the highly favored Abdulrazaq family in Ilorin for the long awaited opportunity for lead the revolution that will turn things around in their beloved Kwara and do their patriarch and kinsmen proud to the glory of God and benefit of mankind.

Kwarapanupo Becomes Imperative

KAYODE ALABI: The Reputable Deputy Governor Elected for Kwara-State

By

Seye Adetunmbi

By their fruits you shall know them, says the holy writ in the good book. Whoever has good reputation has everything. When someone who has fear of God, consistently exhibits virtues of a caring heart, concern for the plight of the masses, looking out for the welfare of others, and has reputation for being trustworthy and reliable, inclination to hard work, performance and diligence in delivering measurable result, steps out to run for a public office, such a person is bound to get the support of well meaning people. All other things being equal, his constituents are going to rejoice if such a character is ultimately given chance and elected into public office. Over the years, Kayode Alabi has always manifested the virtues of a man of repute and it won’t surprise most people who know him well that he got the deputy governor ticket of APC in Kwara State and the mandate of the people at the general election.

God has a way of reminding all mortals that He is in charge of our affairs with the capacity to do anything and place anyone in position of authority, influence and power. Kayode Alabi set out to run for the senatorial seat in Kwara South. He didn’t get the party ticket in the primary election and remained a loyal party man by accepting the outcome of the result while looking forward to a victorious opportunity in future. By sheer providence, he was the chosen one because of his reputation, to emerge as the running mate of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

Kayode was born on August 1 1963 into the family of Mr Yahaya Samuel Alabi (1925-2007) of oro-Ago in Kwara State and 93 years old Mama, Mrs Ena Alabi. He is the third son and child of his parents with two elder brothers, Femi and Dele and a younger sister, Modupe. He attended St. Banabas’ Primary School, Ilorin and Offa Grammar School. He went to United Kingdom for further studies in Marketing.

He did his National Youth Service Corpsmen programme in Lagos in 1985 and later worked as a part-time Lecturer in the Marketing Department of Kaduna Polythenic between 1988 and 1989. From 1987 to 1989 he worked with Beba Consult (Marketing Consultants) in Kaduna. He was a sales representative for Bastone and Firminger, a British trading company in chemicals from 1991 to 1996. He later embarked on integrated marketing consulting services for various organisations and business concerns with his company, The Marketing Concept Limited. KA went into private business from 1996 to date. He established a flourishing water bottling company in Lagos. He is the Chairman of Vantage Heights Nursery and Primary School and Chairman of Little Tots School, both in Lagos. Alabi at various times worked as the Chief Executive Officer of Bayview Oil and Gas Limited and the Chief Executive Officer of Hotwings Foods and Investment Limited. He is a member of different professional associations of repute, one of them is the London Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Kayode Alabi is happily married to Mrs Abieyuwa Tokunbo Alabi and the marriage is blessed with two wonderful children that continue to do the family proud.

      He is noted for expressing his disdain for the way political affairs of Kwara State have degenerated and had been at the forefront of the fight for the liberation of Kwara from those who had turned the state into a family business. He is a passionate grass root politician who enjoys massive support from his people. He is an entrepreneur of repute who is now in the league of professionals in politics while he remains a faithful Christian and a servant of God.

AN OVERVIEW OF KWARA STATE

The Story So Far

At independence of Nigeria in 1960, Kwara State was part of the Northern Region, which existed as one of the three regions of Nigeria up till 1963, and as one of the four regions of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966. The regime of Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi was enthroned in 1966 and dissolved the regional structure to replace it with a provincial system. The four regions became four provinces and Kwara State was in the Northern Province.
On the enthronement of the regime of General Yakubu Gowon, the military government dissolved the provincial system and replaced it with twelve states structure and Kwara State was one of the twelve states created on the 27th of May 1967. The state is now one of the 36 states that make up the Federal Republic of Nigeria after part of the territory of the original state had gone to the neighbouring states. In essence, the size of the state has been reducing over the years, as new states were created within the federation.
On the 13th February 1976, the Idah/Dekina part of the state was carved out and merged with a part of the then Benue/Plateau State to form Benue State. On the 27th August 1991, five local government areas, namely Oyi, Yagba, Okene, Okehi and Kogi were also excised to form part of the new Kogi State, while the sixth, Borgu Local Government Area, was merged with Niger State.
Kwara State is located 454.9 km west of Abuja. It is bounded to the north by Niger State, to the east by Kogi State, to the south by Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States, and to the west by the Republic of Benin. The capital city Ilorin is situated 306km inland from the coastal city of Lagos and 500km from the federal capital, Abuja.
Originally the state was known as West Central State but the name was changed to Kwara, a local name for the Niger River. The state falls within the north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria with Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States. Kwara State consists of sixteen local government areas: Asa, Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Ilorin West, Irepodun, Isin, Kaiama, Moro, Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun and Pategi. The major towns include Ilorin, Offa, and Jebba, located on the Niger River. Other towns include Patigi, Erin-IIe, IIoffa, Adeleke Igbewere, Ejidongari, Osi, Lafiagi, Gure, Afon, Kaiama, Isanlu-Isin, Omu-Aran, Egbejila, IIota, Iponrin and Igbaja.
The total landmass of Kwara State is now 36,825 square kilometres. The state is known as ‘State of Harmony’ as a result of the peaceful relations that exist among its multicultural and diverse population of 2.5 million people. Devotees of the three main religious faiths in Nigeria, Islam, Christianity and traditional coexist in the state.
Agriculture is a major economic activity in the state and the principal cash crops include cotton, cocoa, coffee, kolanut, tobacco, beniseed and palm produce. Mineral resources in the state include gold, tamaline, tantalite, limestone, marble, feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz and granite rocks. Industrial activities in the state include Dangote Flour Mill, Lubcon Lubricant Company, Kam Industries Nigeria Limited, Tuyil Pharmacy Nigeria Limited, Padson Industries Nigeria Limited, Kwara Breweries, Ijagbo Global Soap and Detergent Industry, United Match Company, Resinoplast Plastic Industry, Phamatech Nigeria Limited, Kwara Textile and Kwara Furniture Company all in Ilorin. Others are Paper Manufacturing Industry, Jebba, Okin Foam and Okin Biscuits, Offa, Kay Plastic, Ganmo and Kwara Paper Converters Limited, Erin-ile. Others are Sugar Producing Company, Bacita, Kwara animal Feed Mall, Ilorin and the Agricultural Products Company.
Important tourist attractions in Kwara State include Esie Museum, Owu waterfalls, Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Ogunjokoro, Kainji Lake National Parks and Agbonna Hill Awon Mass Wedding in Shao. There is also Sobi Hill amongst others which is the largest landform in Ilorin, the state capital

Kwara has a federal university, the University of Ilorin, a state university, Kwara State University, two polytechnics, Kwara State Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic Offa, three colleges: the college of education, Ilorin, school of Health technology, Offa and college of Nursing, Ilorin. It is also home to three Private universities; Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Crown Hill University, Eiye N'korin, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin and Summit University, Offa. There is also a navy school and aviation college.

The Kwara State Government, like every other state government in Nigeria is made up of three arms: the executive arm, the legislative arm and the judicial arm. The executive arm of the Kwara State government is headed by an elected governor assisted by commissioners who the governor appoints to head the various ministries of the state government.
The legislative arm of the state government which convenes at the Kwara State House of Assembly is made up of 24 members elected by the people of the 24 state constituencies of Kwara State. The Kwara State House of Assembly is headed by a speaker who is the legislative head of the state government. The judicial arm of the Kwara State Government is headed by the Kwara State Chief Judge.
The 16 local government areas are grouped into three zones known as senatorial districts: Kwara North, Kwara Central and Kwara South. Kwara North senatorial district is constituted by these five local government areas: Baruten, Edu, Pategi, Kaiama and Moro. The five local government areas that constitute Kwara Central senatorial district are: Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Ilorin West and Offa while Kwara South senatorial district has six local government areas: Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Isin and Oyun. The 2006 national population census put the population of Kwara State at 2,365,353, with 1,193,783 males and 1,171,570 females.
Administratively, nineteen governors have ruled over the political affairs and government of Kwara State from 1967 to date. The first one was an army officer, David Bamigboye, an indigene while the twentieth governor was sworn-in on May 29th 2019 in person of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, a native of Ilorin. Thirteen of the governors were military men while seven civilians have governed to date.
The cumulative revenue allocation to the 16 local government areas in Kwara State from May 1999 -June 2017 is N327, 722, 196, 324.01. Meanwhile in March 2019, the Kwara State Government through the Commissioner for Finance said the current debt profile stands at N30.2 billion with a monthly repayment of N496m. According to him, the debt was N31,481,082,712.95 in 2017 and N30,751,665,421.83 at the end of 2018, contrary to the speculation of N50.2b in the social media.
In his breakdown of the current indebtedness, the commissioner explained that the N30.2b includes N15,325,541,483.03 as the balance of the Federal Government restructured loan, N4,002,948,667.07 as salary bail out, excess crude account loan outstanding of N9,324,613,607.52 and vehicle loan balance of N128,916,612.87. Others are the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) and Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) Agriculture Scheme with respective balances of N646,213,285.03 and N679,233,857.13 as well as International Aviation College loan balance of N96,165,095.64. He said the repayment of N496,367,109.08 is deducted from the state’s monthly federal allocation and the figure includes a monthly deduction of N39,632,016.56 as repayment for foreign loans obtained by the government in the 1970s.

Nevertheless, it is a matter of time, the incoming administration will carry out due diligence and the true picture will be made public. What cannot be disputed is that a huge debt is hanging and this will surely pose a challenge for the new government to be inaugurated on May 29th 2019 in meeting campaign promises. This calls for all ranks of stakeholders in the state to brace up with readiness to adjust appropriately towards turning around the fortune of Kwara, the state of harmony.

OTOGEISM AND KWARAPANUPO INITIATIVE

The “State of Harmony” epithet given to Kwara-State is apt, unique and very instructive to the discerning ones and progressive minds. The principle behind the name is essentially founded on the fact that many tribes with distinct characteristics came together in one state within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In African tradition, it is often said that people conventionally look at circumstances around the family or household before giving a new born baby a name. The Yoruba people would say “ile la nwo ki a to so omo l’oruko”. In essence, “state of harmony” is spot on as a soubriquet for Kwara State and the people have been living up to the name in their actions from historical perspective to a reasonable extent. Politically, the people are predominantly loyal democratically to their beliefs; this is why it had been possible for a political sect to hold sway for many years in Kwara State.
This distinct characteristic of Kwarans has a positive inclination which was demonstrated in the 2019 general elections when they collective decided to opt for progressive politics and elect Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as their new governor. In harmony, the people resolved to put a stop to a system they have been used to for many years by giving a fresh perspective a chance in their governance. The people bought into the “o to ge” (Otoge) movement.
Otoge is a Yoruba word that can be translated to mean enough is enough. The outcome of otogeism is the inauguration of APC government in Kwara State on May 29th 2019 to the glory of God and to the credit of all progress minded indigenes of Kwara and their friends and associates across Nigeria who share in the passion for positive change in the state.
Otogeism is a philosophy and school of thought that evolves from the common resolve of a determined people that reserve the right and have the franchise to elect who they want into office and consummate such remarkable decision for posterity. Otogeism in essence means enough is enough to anything not desirable, unwanted policy, bad government and any unpalatable situation that has prevailed for too long.
Otogeism could apply to individuals, families, and corporate entities, groups of people, communities, professional bodies, a state or a nation. Kwara State experience has inspired other places to give the way they play politics a rethink by exploring more fulfilling alternatives.
It is a group of people that came together to champion the cause of enough is enough in Kwara State. They didn’t just say it; they backed it up with action, their time, energy and hard earned resources to see it through. The Abdulrazaq family of the first northern Nigeria lawyer fame will go down in the history of the north central state in Nigeria as contributing immensely to what is being celebrated today in Kwara State.
Kwarapanupo in principle complements Otoge Movement. The name is coined from the principle of harmonizing thoughts of the well meaning stakeholders of Kwara-State for the common good of all. It is pronounced Kwara-pa-inu (mind/thoughts)-po. As a matter of fact, it is a group of well meaning people that came together to harmonize their thoughts (pa-inu-po) and work hard to see to the election of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as the governor of Kwara-State and Kayode Alabi as the Deputy Governor.
All other things being equal, Kwarapanupo initiative is expected to continue progressive thoughts on behalf of Kwara, the state of harmony at the point where otoge movement stops. There is so much work to be done beyond otoge, Kwarapanupo Forum (KF) provides a roundtable for the Kwara State intellectuals to put on their thinking cap and rub minds together for the good of their beloved people and the state in general.

In comparative terms, conceived ideas that manifest to grow beyond the imagination of their progenitors are mostly driven by a vision inclined to serve larger than skewed interests. Also contemporarily, most nations that have developed to the delight of the world didn’t happen by accident, it is as a result of actualizing the consistent efforts of great thinkers in the advanced environments.
Consequently, any state government that is desirable of making life more abundant for the people must make optimal use of its intelligentsia. It is this well educated class who mean well for the masses that will engage in the complex mental labours, critique, guide and lead in shaping the culture and politics of their society. This is what Kwarapanupo vision is all about. It provides an independent, vibrant and veritable platform for the intellectual community in Kwara State to interrogate integrated issues of common concern to the people and all ranks of stakeholders for the benefit of all. The debut of the indigenous intellectual roundtable became a reality in 2019 to complement otogeism and continue where otoge movement stopped.
Kwarapanupo Forum is going to be a veritable interactive platform for indigenes of Kwara-State, non-natives residents making a legitimate living in the state who are inclined to progressive politics, those related to Kwara and friends of indigenes who are all in support of a purpose driven government for the benefit of the majority. Political development in Kwara State is spirit lifting.
Therefore, to provide a platform to ventilate ideas of the progressives in Kwara State, Kwarapanupo magazine idea was born. It is a private sector initiative that subscribes to the “o t’ope” (otope) philosophy that manifested from the otoge movement. The periodical is set to promote progressive politics in Kwara and avail the government quality advice and suggestions emanating for the Kwara intellectual community as a going concern. This maiden edition is specially packaged as a memorabilia for keeps; it is loaded with timeless information and the package is refreshingly pictorial.
It is a natural occurrence for the elite to support government of the day through various socio-economic and political groups, which means that Kwarapanupo think-tank would not be an exception. On this note Kwarapanupo initiative and everyone who subscribes to the forum congratulate the newly elected governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and his Deputy, Pastor Kayode Alabi. May your tenure be fruitful and remarkable in the history of Kwara-State. You are wished the very best.

LONG JOURNEY TO VICTORY: O T’OPE

The “o t’ope” (otope) being said by everyone in Kwara State today was preceded by the word “o to ge” (otoge). No doubt a lot of water has passed under the bridge before we get to where we are today. Considering the reality on ground in Nigeria party politics with the agitation among the progressive minds in Kwara-State, there was no better time to sack the long frustrating torturous political structure in the north central state than at the time it was done because the chief priest of the sole beneficiary of the status quo has lost face among the progressive camp.
In all humility, Alhaji Rahman Abdulrazaq with a distinct pedigree as a son of the soil had been well poised to make the long expected paradigm shift to happen in Kwara. However, it was neither no-tea-party nor walkover thing to end a regime that has been so entrenched in the politics of Kwara State for over two decades. It was tough because the custodians of the incumbent structure were not ready to let go, yet the tide was not in their favour.
Indeed power is not served “a la carte”, those who desired change had to go all out! PDP deployed blackmail and campaign of calumny strategy of various shades to stop the emergence of Rahman Abdulrazaq and his deputy, Kayode Alabi. The wish of the majority prevailed in the end.
The beginning of the signs of victory being imminent manifested with the fact that Dele Belgore SAN and other aspirants of repute within APC stepped down for Abdulrazaq. This sent a strong signal to the status quo people that change is inevitable in Kwara. Also, it was the first time the incumbent political power broker went into general elections without the support of the federal government. What it then required was a strategic effective planning ahead, hard work, sincerity of purpose, determination and resources to see the agreed plans through while leaving the rest to God to take charge. Consequently, the progressive camp within and outside Kwara State put on their thinking cap, rolled up their sleeves and with eyes on the ball, went all out on the project to effect change without taking anything for granted.
The approach included creating heavy media presence for the APC candidate, Rahman Abdulrazaq on radio, news print, social media and television as much as possible. This was to bring him to the consciousness of the people within and outside Kwara State such that every might at the disposal of APC can be deployed appropriately to enable him coast to victory without much fuss.
It was imperative to have a systemic approach to endear Abdulrahman into the hearts of the electorate, particularly in the Kwara central, the strongest hold of Saraki political structure. It was easier to campaign against the monopoly of political power in Kwara South and every other area apart from the core Ilorin people at the central senatorial district. Once APC can defeat PDP candidate in Ilorin metropolis, victory in the state was inevitable.
In the course of looking for the catchy slogan that will resonate with the people and speak to the revolution about to take place, otoge evolved. It occurred to everyone that “enough is enough” of the manipulative one man political structure in Kwara State. Otoge worked like a magic, it was like a wild fire that has a life of its own. Everyone caught the bug, young and old, artisans, peasants, all ranks of formal sector and informal sector workers, the illiterates and the educated were not left out. Drivers of vehicles invented a hoot pattern that brings out the sound of the pronouncement pattern of the word O-TO-GE, pim-pim-pim (m.m.m.) when they pressed the car horn.

Various pressure groups sprang up in Ilorin and its environs. At some point some groups led a protest rally to the palace of Emir of Ilorin with otoge placard. Members of the rally did township procession and were saying that with Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, they have made up their minds to end the age long hold of Saraki in Kwara politics come 2019 general elections for national and state political offices in the state.
Nevertheless, the governorship candidate and his deputy made direct contact with the people that actually vote and not middle men alone that could double deal or may not be sincere but may short-change those targeted for empowerment by not letting good tidings made available, get to them. The candidate and his strategic supporters hosted Drivers’ Union (state and national), the representatives of the unions, all ranks of oniseowo in Ilorin and other necessary communities. When they saw him and heard him talk one-on-one with them, it went a long way to secure their loyalty and commitment to the project. They in turn went all out to tell members of their respective groups that the candidate is good and accessible.
Social media was made used maximally. Various WhatsApp groups made up of supporters of Rahman Abdulrazaq were created. An Electioneering Strategy Group was created by the Deputy Governor-elect, populated by elites from every local government area and major communities in Kwara State to compare notes together and brainstorm up till when the election was concluded. The members of the forum were people who actually believe that enough is enough with the one-man political structure in Kwara. Alhaji Rahman Abdulrazaq, the governor-elect interfaced with the indigenous Ilorin people at strategic community meetings in the respective quarters to reassure them that he is one of them and that they can trust him to take care of them even better than whatever offer they have had in the past.

A vibrant strategic campaign team was constituted to include representatives and coordinators for the adugbos in Ilorin. The extended campaign group met with him periodically and the outcome of all the efforts put into the electioneering yielded the desired result.
Kwara-State which was created in May 1967 had nineteen governors to date out of which were thirteen military governors and six civilian governors. David Bamigboye was the first military governor from 28th May 1967 to July 1975. Ibrahim Taiwo was the second military governor from July 1975 to 13 Feb 1976. George Agbazika Innih was the third military governor from March 1976 to July 1978. Sunday Ifere was the fourth military governor from July 1978 to October 1979. Adamu Atta was the first civilian governor from October 1979 to October 1983 and elected under National Party of Nigeria as the firth governor of Kwara State.
Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo was elected under Unity Party of Nigeria as the second civilian governor and was in charge from October 1983 to December 1983 as the sixth person to govern the state. Relatively he was the first governor to emerge from the progressive camp of Nigerian politics. The fifth military governor was Salaudeen Latinwo, from January 1984 to August 1985 and the seventh person to govern the state.
Mohammed Ndatsu Umaru was the sixth military personnel to serve as the eighth governor from August 1985 to December 1987. Ahmed Abdullahi was the seventh soldier to serve as the ninth governor from December 1987 to July 1988. Ibrahim Alkali was the eighth military personnel who became the tenth Governor from July 1988 to December 1989. Alwali Kazir was the ninth military officer who served as the eleventh governor from December 1989 to January 1992.
Shaaba Lafiaji was elected under SDP as the third civilian and the twelfth governor from January 1992 to November 1993. Mustapha Ismail became the tenth officer deployed as the first military administrator to serve as the thirteenth governor from 9th December 1993 to 14th September 1994. The second military administrator and the eleventh soldier to serve as the fourteenth governor was Baba Adamu Iyam from September 14th 1994 to August 22nd 1996. Peter A.M. Ogar was the third military administrator and the twelfth soldier deployed to serve as the fifteenth governor from 22nd August 1996 to August 1998. Rasheed Shekoni was the fourth military administrator and the last soldier to be the sixteenth governor from August 1998 to 29th May 1999. Mohammed Lawal was elected the fourth civilian governor under ANPP as the seventeenth person to govern from 29th May 1999 to 29th May 2003. Bukola Saraki was the fifth civilian elected under PDP as the eighteenth governor from 29th May 2003 to 29th May 2011 while Abdulfatah Ahmed succeeded him as the sixth civilian elected under PDP as the nineteenth governor from May 29th 2011 to May 29th 2019.

Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq made history in Kwara politics as the seventh civilian to be elected as the twentieth governor of Kwara State and inaugurated into the office on May 29th 2019 with Kayode Alabi as his deputy. Abdulrazaq’s emergence is divine and a spectacular one in the sense that it manifested under a collective effort for a paradigm shift in the way Kwara State governors are elected to office. He is also the first person to be elected under APC and the second indigene of Kwara – State in the progressive camp as the governor since 1983. This indeed calls for celebration, o to ope.

Akinyede

SIR LAMBERT OLUWAFEMI AKINYEDE (1928-2014): 
A Distinguished Legal Practitioner, Entrepreneur of Note and An Exemplary Philanthropist

By

Seye Adetunmbi, 9/1/19

In the Ekiti District of 1940s, only very few indigenes had the opportunity of attending famous and frontline secondary schools outside the old Ondo Province in the western region of Nigeria. One of the privileged few from Ekiti that attended St Gregory’s College in Lagos then was Chief Lambert Oluwafemi Akinyede. His forefathers were instrumental to how Catholic Church had strong foothold in Ado-Ekiti. His father, Chief Phillip Akinyede, the Asamo of Ado-Ekiti was the Baba-Egbe (the Lay President) of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ado-Ekiti. He was born by his mother, Madam Maria Oni Akinyede on April 19^th 1928 in Ado-Ekiti.

St Gregory's College Days of Chief L. O. Akinyede

Between 1933 and 1942, he attended St George’s Catholic Primary School, Ado-Ekiti. Brilliant Lambert continued his secondary education at St Gregory’s College, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos in 1946 and passed his final examination in flying colours in 1951.

It has to be noted here that Chief Akinyede was a keen sportsman in his secondary school days. He was the Captain of St Augustine’s House at St Gregory College in his final year. As a skillful footballer, he played in the center half of the school first eleven for four years during which the college won Lagos Schools Cup for three consecutive years. On the return of the national football team from a tour of UK in 1951, he was among the students selected to play the national soccer team. He also served as the Lawn Tennis Captain, the Table-Tennis Captain and Cricket Captain during his last year at St. Gregory College, Lagos.

In 1952 to 1953, he attended Regent Street Polytechnic on Oxford Street in London where he obtained A-Level certificate in Economics, History and British Constitution. He gained admission into University of Bristol, South West England in 1954 and obtained LL.B. degree in Law in 1957. While at the Regent Street Polytechnic and University of Bristol, he played competitive table tennis, lawn tennis and cricket. After passing through the Council of Legal Education, Chancery Lane, England, he obtained BL certificate in 1958 and became the first Ado-Ekiti indigene to be qualified as a lawyer.

On his return to Nigeria he was enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a Solicitor and Advocate on the 23^rd of December 1958. Between January and December 1959 he worked for Shell Company of Nigeria before going into private law practice. Hardworking and smart Chief L. O. Akinyede went into legal practice with Chief Olajide Esan as a partner in 1959. Esan, Akinyede & Co was a firm of legal practitioners and Notary Public; they had their office at 78 Murtala Mohammed Way, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. The law firm practiced extensively in the south western Nigeria handling cases relating to criminal law, civil cases and land matters. The partnership flourished from inception in 1959 to year 2000 to the glory of God. In his usual character, Chief Lambert Akinyede fondly remarked that he owed a lot to his senior partner, Chief Olajide Esan of blessed memory too.

Chief Akinyede got married to his evergreen heartthrob and beloved beautiful wife, Chief Mrs Florence Olufimilayo Akinyede, nee Osho. She was the first daughter of Mr Jonathan Oso of Baisaya family of Okesa quarter in Ado-Ekiti and her mother was Madam Alice Adepeju Oke of the royal family of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. The ever resourceful Chief Mrs Akinyede who joined saints triumphant on January 5^th 2019 was a fruitful educationist and a talented fashion designer for many decades. The marriage of Baba and Mama Akinyede was blessed with seven productive and successful children: Mrs Folusho Olatunbosun, Mrs Modupe Fakeye, Olori Monisola Alade, Tunde Akinyede, Mrs Yinka Olatunbosun, Dapo Akinyede and Muyi Akinyede. As at the time of the transition of the patriarch, there were 22 grandchildren in the family. Sir & Lady Lambert Akinyede made marriage beautiful with the imitable manner they carried on as husband and wife. They entrenched family values in all their children that continue to keep marriage institution sacred in their respective homes.

Chief Lambert Akinyede was noted for discipline, honesty, probity, steadfastness, respect for elders, honouring one’s parents, selfless service in the vineyard of God, philanthropy, investment acumen, prudence, accessibility, openness, prudence, courage and other salient family values. All these virtues attributed to him constituted his personal philosophy and principles that guided his relationship with people generally. These attributes had been encapsulated in the word “Lambertism” by his children and wards. His favorite quotes that also speak to his life style guided by lambertism include:

• Don’t leave until tomorrow what you can do today because you don’t know what tomorrow may bring”;
• “Though the beginning may be tough, hard and strenuous, but with determination, focus and rigorous pursuit of your ideas, joy and success will definitely come your way at the end;
• “An investment in knowledge will always pay the dividends, I therefore suggest that people should acquire more knowledge from time to time”;
• “Little drops of water make the biggest ocean. By this you must be saving consciously rather than embarking on extravagant spending. That is how you can be financially empowered”

Chief Akinyede was a kind hearted person. One of his longest serving loyal staff was his driver, egbon John who remained with the family after his transition. How benevolent a boss is can be seen in the way the workers are treated. He ensured that his driver has a personal house among other benefits he enjoyed over the years. He trained many members of his extended family in school and empowered numerous people among his kinsmen and others who moved close to him or approached him for various kinds of assistance.

The chief in his elements was a jolly good fellow. He was a founding member of Ado Inland Club and a member of Lagos Island Club. He contributed his quota to emancipation of Ekiti people though his membership of Ekiti Progressive Union in Lagos and Ado-Ekiti Progressive Union in Lagos. He was also a founding member of Obanikoro Club in Lagos. Sir Akinyede also served as the President of St George’s Society of St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti.

“A golden fish has no hiding place”. The good deeds of the distinguished Ekiti man, coupled with his distinct profile put him on the spot; this earned him recognition and awards from his kinsmen. In 1979 when His Royal Majesty Oba Olayisade, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti was marking 40^th anniversary on the throne, he was honoured with the title of Bobajiro of Ido-Ekiti. Also His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti honored him with the chieftaincy title of Akinmuagun of Ado-Ekiti in 1993. His exemplary roles in Catholic mission earned him the exalted Knighthood of St Gregory the Great.

Sir Chief Lambert Olu Akinyede passed-on, on the 22^nd of November, 2014. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace, amen.

Deji Omole

MY BELOVED FRIEND AND BROTHER: DEJI OMOLE (1963-2003)

By, Seye Adetunmbi

The family of Chief Solomon Aderemi Omole and Mrs Comfort Folake Omole of Aiyedun-Ekiti was blessed by God with a rare gift of Adedeji Alfred Omole on December 2, 1963. His arrival undoubtedly must have brought so much joy to the family being the 1st male child and for coming after his elder sister Mrs Bisi Adenigba. His privileged background among his peers was in the league of the best in the contemporary environment because he had a qualified medical nurse as a mother and a high ranking teacher and later turned civil servant of note as a father. His healthy upbringing coupled with natural body chemistry was evident in his likable endowed stature right from his teenage days which eventually earned him the pet name of Deji Agric from my mother who loved him so much and they were very fond of one another.

   After his primary education in 1968 to 1974 at St. Andrew’s School, he passed through the model and famous African Church Comprehensive High School, Ikere-Ekiti between 1974 and 1979. Industry and self sufficiency principle in which the school was rooted must have consciously or unconsciously rubbed on Deji’s attitude to work and life as reflected subsequently in his lifetime. He went for Higher School Certificate Course In 1980 to 1982 at Ondo State School of Arts & Science, Ikare Akoko. Between 1983 and 1984 he had a short stint with the Abuja Liaison Office of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as Assistant Executive Officer. Thereafter, he graduated with B.Sc. Economics from University of Ilorin in 1988 and did his NYSC with Total PLC. By the time he finished his National Youth Service programme with the LPG section of Total PLC in 1989 he had assumed the responsibility of looking after the welfare of his brothers, sisters, cousins, other relations and friends who moved close to him.

   An enterprising Deji was determined to be self sufficient and when a full time appointment was not forthcoming in time, he took up the job of a gas distributor with Total PLC between 1989 and 1990 during which he got the nickname of Deji-gas. He was always looking out for other legitimate businesses he could do with Total and earn some margin to further make the ends meet. His diligence and dedication to duty must have registered in the minds of the senior officials of Total and other people he associated with in the organization which earned him a lasting relationship. It was a good relief when his offer of employment finally came expectedly and he formally started his career with Total on 01/04/91. 

A natural hard worker who put his best through out the 13 years he worked for the multinational company. He assumed duty accordingly and got his first posting as the Zonal Sales Representative, coordinating sale activities of Total at Ibadan in 1991 to 1993. Between 1993 and 1995 his responsibilities was extended to cover Osun State as the Area Sales Representative. In 1995 to 1997, he served as the Area Sales Representative of Ijebu/Sagamu.

Adedeji Alfred Omole (1963-2003); Omo owa, omo ekun, igi rabata l’okun

His field experience was brought to bear as the Training Manager, Lagos Branch in 1997 to 1998 during which he organized Training Seminars and workshops for budding Sales Persons, Sales Representatives, Dealers and Station Managers. By June 1998 his coast was enlarged to the position of Network Control Manager at the Head Office. A highly result oriented person who benefited from several specialized trainings of Total in Europe and within Nigeria. A good mixer, salesmanship was his forte and was loved by his colleagues.

Until his transition at about 8.30am on Friday August 29, 2003 he was the District Sales Manager Mid-Western Region, Benin and was charged with the responsibilities of consumer and network sales. His conscientiousness won him the best Sales Representative award/prizes 3 times: 1994 (Western Region), 1996 and 1997 Lagos Branch respectively. 

   His high sense of responsibility made him to be chosen in 1997 as the representative of Total with PPMC to conduct audit of the outlets of marketers in the Western Region. He also headed 3-member Taskforce on Station Pumps nationwide audit, inaugurated by the Managing Director of Total in year 2000. Unequivocally, Deji indeed gave a good testimony of himself in his lifetime calling with Total PLC and the organization stood by him appropriately when it mattered most to him. Describing his death as a big blow, tragedy and a waste would amount to a gross understatement!

   It was tough accepting the responsibility when Akin Areola asked me to do the biography of Deji for the burial programme because ordinarily at the ideal time it should have been the other way round! As we know 'iku o l'eto' (death has no respect for order). It pleased God to let it happen this way! Moreover, I would ordinarily do anything humanly possible at my disposal for Deji either before or behind him provided it would make my very dear friend happy. This is why I had to end up paying tribute to my most beloved friend and brother. Humane and amiable Deji was like a childhood friend despite the fact that our path crossed each other in our teenage days. I had earlier known Bisi his elder sister because she had her secondary education at Ifaki-Ekiti, my home town and Akin Areola his intimate cousin during Christ’s School days. We had very little recreational activities in Ekiti where we grew up to arrest our restlessness as teenagers. Thus, it was a common thing during holidays for us to jump into every car at our disposal and dashed to the nearest place of abode of friends in the neighborhood. I remember the very first encounter when Deji in company with a friend of his, stopped-over in our house at Ifaki. He drove the white Datsun 180k of the Areolas with the plate number OD 4 L and that was how the relationship started.

It was indeed very exciting when we later met again at University of Ilorin in 1982 during registration. Our reunion suffered a temporary set back when he had to defer his admission and later came back to join us in 1984. Deji always claimed that I encouraged him to settle down during his degree till he graduated but to me I did nothing, rather, he had always been his brother’s keeper. We both loved and enjoyed good food among several things we had in common. 

   I preferred to refer to him as my twin brother, he later overtook me in size and height! Indeed I gained a true brother and confidant when I met him. I have since lost count of too numerous gifts he handed over to me all these years. It later occurred to me that on the day he passed on, I was putting on the wrist watch he gave me. Also when I checked through my wardrobe for a white shirt to wear for his funeral, it turned out that the only suitable shirt I needed was bought for me by Deji during one of his trips abroad. Though younger yet he was my big brother by disposition!

He never tolerated anybody or situation that would rubbish his friends. He stood by everyone around him at their very low periods. Whatever he had to do for people was done with all humility. Deji executed the 2nd guarantor’s form for me when I got a job in a bank. I could not match his good deeds to me, yet he never ceased to love me. All the gifts he gave me may wear off, but that mutual love we had for each other I cherished and will remain indelible in my mind till we meet to part no more. Great guy and a jolly good fellow. The epitome of a true friend. Very loyal and devoted. I certainly missed his kind, sincere and generous hearty laughter whenever he was in his elements. A down to earth person, very reliable, humble, cultured and of good nature.

    He had a unique sense of initiative and responsibility. He knew perfect and timely gift for everybody around him. He took good care of his parents and every member of his family extended members inclusive. I never heard him complained. That was why so many people lined up and were on standby for him when he was indisposed. Everyone made conscious effort to do their bit just to make sure that he was okay. He was always there for everyone around him and most willing to assist either solicited for or otherwise.

 

Very caring and romantic. Salewa his virtuous and dedicated wife will attest to this. Every opportunity he had for an outdoor outing was explored to the fullest. He sponsored a trip of few friends to Whispering Palms for Salewa’s birthday anniversary on September 26 1998. I am very certain that he tried his best enduring the pains of surviving his ordeal in order to stay alive and make his darling Salewa happy, take good care of his parents and other members of the family that may need his help. May God reward Salewa for taking superlative care of Deji.

How I wish God could restructure this irrevocable debt called death and save the very elderly ones, like the parents and older relations of my friend, the agony of witnessing resourceful younger ones like Deji dieing at their prime. He worshiped God with all his might and soul. In his last moments, Salewa confirmed that he cried to God mustering the little strength left in him and I quote; “Jesus, saves me” No doubt, the miracle God performed in his life in January 2001 further boosted his faith in Christ and every one of us who knew what happened. His favorite song was “Bami gberu mi Baba o, ki nle r’ona gbe gba a…….” Nevertheless, we all his loved ones may take solace in the belief that perhaps God takes away his chosen ones at the time he considered best for them.

To God be the glory for Omowale his only child and son who looks so much like him. Also, we thank God for his brothers and sisters Bisi, Dare, Dupe, Taiye, Kehinde, Tokunbo and too many relations and friends who cherished him so much. The best we can do is to keep the hope and aspirations of Deji alive. Our prayer is that whatever will be required to live up to the challenges of his transition may God provide in Jesus name. Amen.