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Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees member, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, in this interview with TOBI AWORINDE, speaks on the need for a new national constitution, among other issues There is persistent insecurity all over the country and a lot of people point to Nigeria’s structure as the problem….

Interview

Bucknor-akerele

Dictator

Lagos

Wealth

Era of dictator amassing wealth to get his way   in Lagos coming to an end –Bucknor-Akerele

Flying Eze

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, speaks on the objection of the Federal Government to the proposition by governors of southern states to ban open grazing in their region, among other things, in this interview with OLADIMEJI RAMON What do you make of the Asaba gathering of southern states governors, across party lines,…

Adegboruwa

Buhari

Burning

Inec Offices

Tenure Extension

Buhari shouldn’t contemplate using INEC offices’  burning as excuse for tenure extension –Adegboruwa

Air Commodore Abayomi Balogun (retd), who was a pilot at the Nigerian Air Force, gives an insight into what could be responsible for the frequent NAF plane crashes, among other issues, with JESUSEGUN ALAGBE As a retired NAF personnel, are you worried that the force has lost over 30 personnel in six crashes in just…

Balogun

Nigeria

Private Military Contractors

Retired Naf Pilot

No point feeling too big, Nigeria needs private military contractors –Balogun, retired NAF pilot

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Founder, Youth Initiative for Economic Empowerment, Emmanuel Isika, shares with TOBI AWORINDE the socioeconomic struggles that inspired the creation of his non-profit organisation and how he is leading other youths to create their own opportunities</h3>
Can you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Emmanuel Isika. I am a social entrepreneur and a problem solver who can’t stop transforming and impacting lives. I am also a growth hacker who believes in the power of youths in transforming the world. I founded the Youth Initiative for Economic Empowerment, a non-profit organisation, to tackle Africa’s biggest problem – unemployment and poverty – and also to digitise Africa. Through YIEE, I am bridging the gap between those who earn decent wages and those who do not; those who are employed and those who are not; those who have access to technology and those who do not; those from a traditional background and those from a non-traditional background; as well as entrepreneurs who have access to mentors, funds and opportunities and those who don’t.
We have helped over 20 youths get access to jobs and opportunities. We have raised our community to 1,000 youths and reached out to over 3,000 youths. We have also introduced youths to employees and recruiters working for top companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, AT&amp;T, the United Nations, TEDx, Facebook and a host of others. We create cultural diversity and inclusion by bringing together people from various continents. We also promote sustainable development for 5,000 youths through our programmes.
What inspired your passion for youth empowerment?
It emanated from my experience coming from an under-represented community. All that my community could offer in terms of youth employment was becoming a schoolteacher. I asked myself a sincere question: ‘Can I survive on a teacher’s salary, paying for social amenities, housing, food, clothing and  more?’ I realised that with a monthly salary of N25,000, I would live in extreme poverty.
This drove me to pursue a degree in Computer Science and put my best into it. I recall seeking an internship placement for a friend and submitting letters to various companies from Ogun State to Lagos State. I wasn’t even allowed by the gatemen to get onto their premises sometimes. Till today, none of the companies has got back to my friend. When the Federal University of Technology, Akure, which I attended, gave us internship letters to begin our search for internship placements, it affected my mental health negatively. I had no connection with anyone in technology companies and I got no one that would guarantee me a placement, unlike others. I felt doomed.
The 10-month Academic Staff Union of Universities strike and the COVID-19 break was a period of learning, developing capacity and emergence for myself. During that period, I began a thorough information search on successful individuals from under-represented backgrounds. I came across Jonathan Javier, founder of Wonsulting. I learnt about his success principle in terms of securing a job with good pay – creating an irresistible curriculum vitae, getting past the interview stage, salary negotiation and value addition to the company. After three months of learning, I landed an internship placement in two weeks. So far, I have interned with five companies that pay handsomely. Some weeks ago, I got a full-time offer from Foreign Admits, an international company in India. Amazingly, I am still a fourth year student. I discovered education is not an end but a means to an end. This means being educated cannot get you a job but can only give you an edge.
								
									
										
										
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What are your thoughts about the notion of “lazy Nigerian youths” made popular by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)?
There are two angles to the phrase “lazy Nigerian youths.” Nigerian youths are lazy in terms of information and opportunity search. I will say this is absolutely correct because Africans are being embedded with an entitlement mentality. Youths feel because they are Nigerian, they should get free housing, free food, free education and everything else for free. No government across the globe provides all these for free.
One of the main responsibilities of the government is to make opportunities available. It is the duty of the citizens to look out for these opportunities. Take the United States Government for instance. It provides loans to complete one’s education, which one repays after he/she starts working.
But if we’re looking at it from the angle of Nigerian youths being lazy in terms of hard work and resilience, I would say the President was wrong. Going back to the speech made by the President three years ago, he said, “Their claim is that Nigeria has been an oil-producing country so they should sit and do nothing, then get housing, health care, education free.” So, the President is referring to the first clause, which says Nigeria youths are lazy in terms of information and opportunity search.
The average Nigerian youth has the mindset that having a degree is equivalent to getting a job, which is totally wrong. They believe that when they are out of school, there will be a job waiting for them. Youths that don’t go out of their way to search for opportunities or add value to their lives by learning a skill that will keep them relevant for the future of work, and harness opportunities are lazy mentally, although they might be hardworking. Success in this century is not by hard work alone but by “brain work” too.
What do you think are the implications of the recent rise in unemployment to 33.3%?
According to QZ Media, we have over 500,000 graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions yearly; only 30,000 plus get jobs and the rest are left with nothing. The unemployment rate will be tripled by 2025 if nothing is done. A survey carried out by StearBusiness also shows that there is a higher rate of unemployment among those with degrees (bachelor’s, master’s and PhD) than school certificate holders.
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
Why is this? We are embedded with a mentality that immediately after school, we will get a job, but things don’t work like that. The mentality of Africans needs to change, that it is every individual’s responsibility to seek knowledge and opportunities that will lead them into getting a productive career.
Unemployment will not be defeated by the Federal Government initiative to create jobs. Although people are complaining that there are no jobs, a survey carried out by ManGroup shows that one in every 10 employers says getting a qualified candidate with the right skills is difficult.
One major reason for the lack of jobs is lack of ability to learn and harness information. When individuals know how to retool themselves, search for opportunities and turn these opportunities into jobs or harness them, then that very individual has learned the means to stop being unemployed.
You describe yourself as a hacker, which is often viewed through the lens of criminal activity in this part of the world. Can you shed some light on this?
Hacking simply means gaining unauthorised access to the system. It isn’t a criminal offence as people assume it to be. Companies in the telecommunications, technology, and software industries pay handsomely for security and protection from hackers by hackers.
There are three types of hackers. The first are the white hackers and these people perform system and unit testing to ensure maximum security. We also have the grey hackers who are external bodies or individuals that break into a system, and leak the faults or bugs to the company or intelligence agency for the purpose of strengthening the system because no system is 100 per cent secure. Finally, there are black hackers. These are the notorious set of hackers that break into a system for the purpose of exploitations.
The #EndSARS protests saw thousands of youths taking to the streets and it has been the subject of much debate. What are your thoughts on that moment in time?
				
					
						
						
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We need to shift focus from whether it was laudable or extreme. Instead, our focus should be on “what did we achieve through the #EndSARS protest?” A lot was achieved. Those in the authorities that killed protesters were sacked; police salaries were increased when they were promoted; those unjustly arrested were released; and most importantly, solidarity was achieved.
The #EndSARS protest brought about a united youth. Everyone was with one voice but immediately the protesters were off the streets, communication ceased. One main reason for this is that there was no mechanism that brought together all Nigerians after the protest. Creating a community-based platform would have been a game changer for all.
COVID-19 has impacted the digital space significantly, particularly due to increased dependency on digital solutions such as payment services. Do you see this as a win or a loss for Nigeria?
Nigeria experienced a rapid boost in the digital space due to COVID-19. For example, e-commerce is projected to be a $75bn industry in Africa with Nigeria leading with a large percentage by 2025. This indicates that COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise for Nigeria’s digital economy. Various companies, not excluding YIEE, were birthed during the COVID-19 (pandemic) with the aim of helping others.
Nigeria’s economy continues to be driven by the oil sector. What are the implications of this, especially in a fast-evolving world?
Having a single income is not a good way to grow a business. The nation’s economy is a business and when a business has a single source of revenue with an increasing demand from employees, operation, recruitment and more, sooner or later, that business will fall. This is why there is a need for diversification.
There is an urgent need for Nigeria to diversify its economy to avoid the fall of the nation in subsequent years. More of the budget should be targeted towards diversification as a means to nurture and grow the economy.
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
Nigeria should invest more in the digital economy and ensure it takes its stand. When YIEE spoke to the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, he said, “In 2030, there will be 230 million jobs in Africa due to the digital economy, with decent pay that require 630 million training and billions of investment.”
 Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. 
Contact: <a href="mailto:theeditor@punchng.com" target="_blank">theeditor@punchng.com</a>

Founder, Youth Initiative for Economic Empowerment, Emmanuel Isika, shares with TOBI AWORINDE the socioeconomic struggles that inspired the creation of his non-profit organisation and how he is leading other youths to create their own opportunities Can you briefly introduce yourself? My name is Emmanuel Isika. I am a social entrepreneur and a problem solver who…

'covid-19'

Digital Industry

Yiee Founder

COVID-19 a blessing in disguise for digital industry – Isika, YIEE founder

A cattle herder in Egosi town, Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Hussein Olayinka, narrates to TUNDE OYEKOLA how kidnappers took his two sons away and killed one after he paid N3m ransom
What is your name and occupation?
My name is Alhaji Hussein Olayinka. I am a Fulani by tribe. I’m a native of Ilorin, Kwara State. I have a cattle farm at Egosi in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area of the state. I live at Gaa in Egosi. I have settled in the place with my cows and my family for a very long time. I have lived in the place for over 40 years.
We heard that you and your two children were kidnapped by some people; how did it happen?
It was the fifth day into the Ramadan fast. We had just finished the evening prayers. I was in my hut together with my family – that would be around 8.30pm. We heard some noise from the neighbouring huts; we didn’t know what was happening. Suddenly, I saw some men, numbering about five, they entered my hut and they spoke in Hausa. The meaning of what they said was that: “This is the person that we are looking for.” They asked me, “Where is your wire?” But I told them that I didn’t have any wire because I didn’t know what they meant by wire. It was later that I understood that it was phone that they were referring to as wire. They started beating me and my two sons. They were dragging us on the ground and threatening to kill us. I begged them not to kill my sons, and that they should kill me instead. After dragging me on ground for some time, they abandoned me when they got to a school but took my two sons away.
What are the ages of your two sons?
One of them was Saheed. He was about 30 years old and he was married to two wives and had children. The other one is about 19 years and he has yet to marry.
								
									
										
										
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What happened after they took your sons away?
As I was begging them not to kill us, they said that I should go and bring N10m. I told them that I had never seen such a huge amount of money. Later, they abandoned me on the school premises and they took my two sons away together with my phone. They later called one of my children’s phone numbers, which they didn’t see when they were torturing us. They told me to make available N10m ransom if I didn’t want them to kill my two sons. They also asked my sons to speak with me and plead with me to pay the ransom within three days. They were communicating with me in Yoruba and they also spoke Hausa language fluently.
How many days did your sons spend in the kidnappers’ den before their release?
They were with them for nine days.
Did you pay any ransom before they were released?
Yes, we paid N3m out of the N10m they demanded, but they released the younger one alive while they told me to come and take the corpse of the older one.
How did you pay the ransom?
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
They told us to bring the money to a place, which was far from where they kidnapped us. They also warned us not to bring policemen, threatening they would kill my sons if they sighted any policeman with the person bringing the ransom. The person who took the ransom to them went on a motorcycle; they took the money and told us to go and meet my sons somewhere else.
Did you know that they would kill one of your sons?
I didn’t know that they would kill him since we had paid them the ransom. Although, they were threatening that they would kill them if the N10m they demanded was not paid in full, we were begging them to reduce the amount, which they refused.
What happened after the payment of the ransom?
They called me to go and meet my son in a place very far away from the place where we live. They also told me that they had killed one of them since I refused to pay N10m. I didn’t believe that they had killed my son until I saw his corpse. My son was shot in the stomach. They shot him from the side and the bullet entered from one side and came out on the other side.
What was your reaction when you saw your son’s corpse?
I was sad. The act was callous and wicked, particularly because I already paid them N3m to save the lives of my sons. I know that everything is in the hands of God. There is nothing I can do but I know that Allah who is the ultimate judge will take revenge. The N3m ransom I gave to them was borrowed from friends and relatives, but they still killed my son.
				
					
						
						
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Did you report the case to the police?
Yes, we reported the incident at the police station.
What do you want the government to do for you?
I want people to know that we, Fulani herdsmen, are also victims of kidnap. We have been living with the Yoruba for a very long time and we live with them peacefully. Now, some youths have been destroying our properties, killing all our animals, destroying our farms and stealing our money unde the pretence that Fulani men are kidnapping their men. This is not true. Those that kidnapped me and my sons did not speak a single word of Fulani language. They were speaking Hausa and Yoruba language fluently. Since this thing happened and people burnt down our houses and killed our cows, we have not seen any government officials come to visit us. I want the Federal Government to probe all these injustices being perpetrated against Fulani herdsmen and bring those behind them to book. The government should also design ways of compensating those whose properties were destroyed and they should find solutions to the security problems in the country. As I am speaking with you now, some of our people are in detention at the police station in Ilorin, while some are in hiding, running for their lives and could not go about their normal businesses.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. 
Contact: <a href="mailto:theeditor@punchng.com" target="_blank">theeditor@punchng.com</a>

A cattle herder in Egosi town, Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Hussein Olayinka, narrates to TUNDE OYEKOLA how kidnappers took his two sons away and killed one after he paid N3m ransom What is your name and occupation? My name is Alhaji Hussein Olayinka. I am a Fulani by tribe. I’m a…

Featured

Kidnappers

Kwara Herder

For paying N3m out of N10m ransom, kidnappers killed my 30-year-old son –Olayinka, Kwara herder

Mrs Arinola Oloko is the woman captured in a viral video objecting to being called a ‘thug’ by Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the venue of the public hearing on constitution review. In this interview with KAYODE OYERO, Oloko, an educationist with a master’s degree in Public Health who veered into politics, speaks about her encounter with Mrs Tinubu
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Arinola Oloko. I am an educationist and a politician. I like to say that I am the new face of politics.
Can you explain what you mean by ‘the new face of politics?’
I’m a younger version (of politicians), a more vibrant version that brings transparency, accountability, responsibility, responsiveness to the table. I am not the version that tells people I want to empower them; rather, I want people to be part of the government, knowing that they are the ones in charge of governance. I want a Nigeria that we have not had in the past. Gone are the days when people have power and feel like they can do anyhow they want. So, I am the new face of politics; this is what politics is going to look like going forward. It is not going to be like before.
When you say you are the new face of politics, are you saying the faces we see in politics today are old faces and should be pushed out?
If they are not prepared to do things differently, they should start thinking about it because the world is evolving and right now, Nigeria is evolving. Nigerians are tired of the same thing; they are distressed. There is so much poverty in the land, so much insecurity, they are tired, and they want people (politicians) that are ready to represent them, people that are ready to serve them, and people that are interested in making a difference. Nigerians want people who are in touch with the reality. For instance, women and youths are the most valuable assets that we have but what are we doing with them?
								
									
										
										
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What was your intention for attending the Senate constitutional review hearing in Lagos?
I ran in the last election in 2019 and I know all the discrepancies and the things that we saw. I know for a fact that we are never involved in what is happening and that was what led me to the review. I made concerted efforts to be at the review with my colleagues so that we could present a paper to contribute to national public consultation on constitutional reform.
Can you tell us what really transpired at Marriot Hotel in Lagos between you and Senator Oluremi Tinubu?
Well, I do not want the issue to overshadow the major issues confronting us as a country. The issues we have in Nigeria are greater than what happened on Wednesday. It is not a personal thing. Let us leave it and let it go to sleep but we need to concentrate on the fact that every process must be thought out thoroughly. You cannot invite people to certain things and you do not sort it out; you need to make it (environment) conducive and accessible. If they cannot, on their own, manage it, they should have employed the services of those who do that for a living, to create and manage the process. Marriot Hotel was not an appropriate venue for a public hearing. 250 seats do not represent Lagos, Oyo and Ogun. It is a South-West hearing and not Lagos only. Even if it was Lagos only, Lagos has a population of 20 million people and counting and what percentage is 250?
What venue would have been appropriate for the hearing?
It was advertised as the TBS (Tafawa Balewa Square). It was at the last minute that it was changed to Marriot Hotel and the excuse for changing it to the place was that they were trying to observe COVID-19 protocol. I do not see how they were trying to observe the protocol when the seats were arranged closely, (with) no social distancing and the place was enclosed. TBS is an open place and we would have been able to observe social distance and it would have been better.
What did you do at the hotel that made Senator Oluremi Tinubu take you on?
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
Senator Oluremi Tinubu is my senator and I respect her as my senator. I have tremendous respect for authority. We were at the venue, standing in a queue, only for us to get to a point and they said registration had closed. They did not say from the beginning that they had a certain number that they were restricting the hearing to. If so, they should have made us register online, so that we would have known that on getting to the centre we wouldn’t bother trying to enter. Also, we saw (other) people coming in; senators were coming in, governors, local government chairmen, government officials and a few other people who came to present papers (were coming in) but it didn’t look like a proper representation of the people.
Everybody says the constitution is faulty. They (government)said we cannot get a new constitution; but we can get a review. Now, to present our contributions, we can’t. I was expecting a proper hearing for the Senate constitutional review. I was genuinely interested in the hearing. I was talking with those at the entrance, asking them to be fair and allow us to enter. I don’t know what happened but the Senator came out and started saying, ‘Call that woman! Come here!’
By default, I responded and went to her (Mrs Tinubu). I told her my name and told her I am in her constituency and that she is my senator and that we had been in the queue like forever.
I tried to recount everything that had transpired to her. In my mind, I thought she would say, ‘Oh, this is wrong and all of that.’ But she said, ‘Shut up! Shut up! Call the security to take this thug away.’ At that point, I told her, ‘Ma, I am not a thug; I don’t look like a thug. I am not being violent and I don’t look a criminal. That’s the qualification of a thug. That was all that happened.
What does your family think about the incident, particularly as a video of it went viral on the Internet?
They acknowledge the fact that I was not rude; I was only assertive. That stood out.
In the viral video clip some people at the hearing asked the senator to apologise to you but she said she was not going to apologise. How do you feel about this?
				
					
						
						
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Actually, you cannot make someone do what they don’t want to do. If she feels it is not necessary to apologise, it is really up to her. I know who I am and I know the way I was brought up. I know the right thing and I will do the right thing. It is a lesson for everyone to learn to be humble, to understand that even when you are in power, you are there to serve the people.
Has the senator reached out to you after that encounter?
No, she hasn’t. She has said she was not going to apologise.
Were you eventually able to make your contributions at the hearing?
No, myself and my colleagues were not able to make our contributions at the hearing on Wednesday. And I did not bother going the following day (Thursday). People were already calling me not to come. Some told me to lie low while some said I should have come and make my presentation, but I have submitted the document containing our presentation.
What is the content of the document you submitted at the hearing?
First (point) is that we do not believe in a review or an amendment. What we want is a new constitution that is borne out of true consultation with all Nigerians; we want everyone to be represented in the constitution, especially with respect to certain areas like power, accountability, universal right to basic education and we want the girl-child to be well-educated and that the government must respect the rule of law. These are some of the things in the document.
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
Do you feel threatened after that encounter with the senator?
Nobody has threatened me and I don’t want to be threatened. I feel I have not stepped on anybody’s toes; I only stood on my rights as a citizen and I have demanded accountability from those in government.
You said you are a politician. When did you start your political journey?
I joined politics in 2018. I am a member of pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere. I attend meetings and contribute my quota. Afenifere is non-partisan and not based on any political party; it is a group that wants the best for the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Afenifere is passionate about social welfare, education, amongst others.
After being a member for a while, I decided to put my money where my mouth is. It is just like watching a football match at home and you say, ‘Oh, that footballer didn’t kick the ball well,’ when you are not on the field. I registered with a party then but the registration was short-lived. I later joined the Social Democratic Party. After a year or so, I decided to pick up the ticket contesting for Lagos State House of Assembly, Eti-Osa Constituency 2 in 2019. I won at the primaries. I got the ticket but I didn’t win the election.
Why do you think you lost the election?
The 2019 election took almost everything from me; it was the most difficult thing I have ever done aside from childbirth. That is the problem with women and politics. The people are hungry and there is so much poverty in the land. People are ready to sell their votes for whatever it is. On the day of the election, people were saying, ‘Mama, even if it is N500, give me.’ I went from door to door during my campaign and rally. I met people and spoke with people. Throughout my campaign, I never gave anyone money and I told the people, until we change the narrative, our children won’t be able to contest election in this country. We cannot continue to use money to contest elections in this country because you do not stand a chance and your children do not stand a chance. So, I lost because I was not from the ruling party and because I didn’t give out money to the people.
				
					
						
						
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The mindset of the people is that election comes once in four years and they need to get all that they could get from you. Also, they can’t read your mind and they cannot differentiate between you and the others.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. 
Contact: <a href="mailto:theeditor@punchng.com" target="_blank">theeditor@punchng.com</a>

Mrs Arinola Oloko is the woman captured in a viral video objecting to being called a ‘thug’ by Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the venue of the public hearing on constitution review. In this interview with KAYODE OYERO, Oloko, an educationist with a master’s degree in Public Health who veered into politics, speaks about her encounter…

Arinola Oloko

Constitution Review

Lagos Politician

Remi Tinubu

I was advised to lie low after clash with Remi Tinubu at constitution review hearing  – Arinola Oloko, Lagos politician

<h5 style="text-align: justify;">After escaping being kidnapped in 2014 alongside over 200 pupils of Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, Joy Bishara was moved to the United States of American where she schooled on scholarship and recently graduated. In this interview with GODFREY GEORGE she speaks about how she dealt with the trauma from the experience, as well as her future plans</h5>
What was it like the day you escaped from Boko Haram terrorists?
It was very scary. My family and other families of the girls who were taken were outside the night I came back after having jumped down from the Boko Haram truck. The entire village of Chibok and the town of Wutanku were crying. Losing over 200 girls all in one night was not what anyone of them envisioned.  For weeks, we spent the night in the bush or nearby farmlands instead of our homes for fear of another attack by the terrorist group. We were all in a panic mood.
Did going to the United States to study relieve you of the trauma from that experience?
It was not easy for me at all. I had nightmares which scared me, and most times, interrupted my sleep for more than a year after I moved to the US. It did not help my healing process. But I am thankful to the people in the States who supported me emotionally and gave me all the love they could offer.
What was the experience like for you moving to the United States having spent all your life in Nigeria?
It was a good experience. I got to the US through the help of some Christians. A family which I would not like to name for security reasons accommodated me while I waited to get my passport and visa processed. They were so helpful. Jubilee Campaign had a huge hand in making sure that my friend, Lydia Pogu, who also escaped, and I got to the US safely. When we got to the US, other Christians who had heard our stories were always willing to help in all ways possible. A few churches donated towards our plans for a better life and other things.
What was your experience schooling in the US?
								
									
										
										
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I was on a scholarship and I was also working. I had an amazing boss, who made sure the best in me manifested. On my graduation, she baked me and Lydia a cake and we were so happy and felt loved.
When you were told you were going to the US, what was your reaction?
Honestly, I said no. I told them I was not interested. The Boko Haram terrorists warned every one of us that if we wanted to be alive, we must quit school, else they would find us and kill us, no matter where we ran to. I was so scared. The voice kept echoing in my head, telling me I was going to die. But I told myself that with God by my side, no stupid voice in my head had the right to crush my dreams. I am now a university graduate despite being told in the past that I was not smart enough. The greatest revenge is success.
You studied Social Works. What informed that choice?
I chose to study Social Work because I love people and I love to work with individuals and families who are facing challenges such as abusive relationships, loss of homes due to terrorism, poverty, in their lives. My aim is to assist them get their needs met and make sure they live healthy social lives.
I love to provide resources for those who can’t defend themselves. It is especially important that those who are vulnerable are taken care of by those who are privileged or in power. No one should be abandoned or left to suffer so much just to make ends meet. I want to be someone who fights against injustice and preserve the rights of the poor.
What advice do you have for young girls going through the same things you had to go through before help came your way?
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
Ladies, you have the power to change the world. Giving up or doubting yourself is not an option. God created each of you for a purpose. If I had given up the night I was kidnapped, then I would not have lived to become what God had kept in store for me. Even during danger and uncertainty, God has your back and will always make a way where there seems to be no way. Don’t allow anything stand in your way. You are brave, strong, beautiful and smart. You can be whatever you wish to be.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to be the voice of the voiceless and build my own agency where I will be helping those in need such as homeless people and persecuted Christians.
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After escaping being kidnapped in 2014 alongside over 200 pupils of Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, Joy Bishara was moved to the United States of American where she schooled on scholarship and recently graduated. In this interview with GODFREY GEORGE she speaks about how she dealt with the trauma from the experience,…

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For over a year after relocating to US, I had nightmares about Boko Haram – Bishara, graduate Chibok girl

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, who is also representing the Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, speaks with SUNDAY ABORISADE on the state of the nation and the way forward Three meetings of the National Security Council have been held in the last one month, what is your reaction to this and do…

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North, not liability to Nigeria, we have  resources like other regions –Ndume

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Senator Ademola Adeleke was the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Osun State in 2018. He tells BOLA BAMIGBOLA about his plans to re-contest against Governor Gboyega Oyetola in next year’s poll, among other sundry issues</h3>
You were almost becoming the governor of Osun State about three years ago. Some said you were robbed while others said you lost. What would you attribute your loss to?
There was no doubt about the fact that the 2018 Osun State governorship election was compromised. All election monitors and observers reported that the so-called rerun was a charade. It fell short of all known standards. We won outright at the first ballot anyway. The declaration of the election as inconclusive was a misnomer and preplanned to achieve an undemocratic outcome. This was the verdict of major national and international election monitors and it tallies with the views of majority of our people in Osun State. I have since moved on in life and our strategy this time will take care of rigging methods.
Some people were referring to you as a dancing Senator and that because you were not educated, it would be disastrous to handover the affairs of a state like Osun State to someone like you. How would you react to this?
Those who say so are either ignorant of what constitutes education or just being mischievous. I am by the grace of God a man given to the pursuit of knowledge and skills. Before politics, I had successfully managed businesses worth several millions of dollars. I was involved in turning around blue-chip companies and so I am eminently equipped to turn around the fortune of Osun State for good. My recent completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice should even put all doubts as to my academic records to rest. I am sure you know it takes more than being average to attain this feat. They are free to check my school records, they will marvel at my performance.
Why did you wait so long, at 60 plus, to enrol for a degree?
Is it ever too late to learn? I am a determined person when it comes to goals. I will continue to pursue knowledge at all times because that is how to stay relevant at all times.
There are insinuations that if you had been elected, you would just be a figure head governor while your brother would be the one ruling.  Have you been told of this and how would you react to those who think that way?
								
									
										
										
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I laugh whenever I hear this. Perhaps those who tout this do not know my brother well. Dr Deji Adeleke is one of the busiest human beings on planet earth. He has little or no time to dabble into issues of governance. While he, like many others, is interested in good governance as a tool for development, his only interest is that the people of Osun State live in prosperity and peace. When our elder brother was Governor late Isiaka Adeleke, I think Dr Deji Adeleke visited the government house once or twice. He is not the kind of a person who will leave his vast business empire and be involved in running government.
There is still an insinuation that Dr Deji Adeleke wanted you to be governor in 2018 because ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola offended him during the run-off to the Senatorial bye election that you won. Do you really think he is still keen on you becoming Osun State governor in 2022?
My aspiration for the governorship of Osun State did not originate from Dr Deji or even myself. It is a long story but the summary of it is that after I won the senatorial by-election in 2017, notable leaders of the party mounted pressure on my brother to compel me to run for governorship. For so many months, we resisted the pressure but it was becoming obvious that the party needed to leverage the pedigree of the Adeleke family, especially the record of service of our late brother and the momentum of the victory in the by-election. So, we agreed to run. So it was not about my brother trying to get back at anyone. We knew the APC was no longer wanted by the people of Osun State and the party needed someone who could neutralise their perceived strength in contest. The same dynamics remain true today so I am set to contest and win by the grace of the Almighty God.
Having come from a wealthy family, some of your supporters were shocked to know that you were not a graduate prior to the conduct of the governorship election in Osun state.  Tell us, why didn’t you go beyond the controversial secondary school?
Of course, I went beyond secondary school but not in Nigeria because I travelled out to join my brothers in the United States of America shortly before I finished my final papers in high school. My friends and classmates in the schools I attended are alive and have always attested to my good academic and moral standing in secondary school. While I enrolled in the Jacksonville University in the United States, I struggled between academics and business. It was while pursuing my studies there that my late elder brother, Isiaka Adeleke, took a decision to contest the governorship election of the then newly created Osun State. So I had to come back to Nigeria to support him. The flexibility of the American education system enabled me to resume that studies which I just completed with a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice from the Atlanta Metropolitan State College of Georgia.
Were you nursing political ambition before the death of your brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, or his death was just an opportunity for you to fulfill a dream?
Absolutely not! The death of my brother in April of 2017 was a major blow to our family. No one expected he would die that soon because Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke was a man filled with life. He was very active up till his last hours. He attended several social functions on the night before his demise so no one thought he would be no more so soon. I supported him as a brother and learnt a lot from him. I never nursed any ambition when he was alive.
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
It has also been said that you are only living on the large political image of the late ex-governor Adeleke. That as a person, you have not really been tested in public administration. What is your take?
If anyone says I am leveraging the record of my late brother, why should that bother me? He was a successful politician and statesman who remained the factor in the politics of Osun State for so long. What some people don’t know however is that I had always been with him, working together on several fronts. I had been involved in politics and administration at different levels even before my election as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am not a rookie in governance and that will be put to practical use as we work to develop our dear state.
Nigerians were surprised to see you in graduation gown a few days ago. What motivated your return to school?
The quest for more knowledge motivated me to enroll for a degree programme. I had enough time after the controversial decisions of the courts on the Osun State governorship election. I could not just be politicking so soon and so I decided to go back to school. It is a desire to be a better me and it was a worthwhile decision.
With the certificate, are you now ready for the next governorship election in Osun State?
I have always been ready but I can say now that I am even more ready to accept the call for leadership in Osun State. I know the problems of the state and I am well equipped to drive the process of solving them by the grace of God.
Would you be surprised if some people still doubt the genuineness of the school you said you attended and its certificate?
				
					
						
						
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(Laughs). What will a mischief maker not doubt? In this age of technology and digital platforms, is it too difficult to verify claims? Whoever doubts my degree certificate should honestly have his head examined!
What are the new things you learnt while in school?
That knowledge is not static. The things you knew five years ago are probably obsolete now. Again, the course I studied gave me a better insight into the administration of Criminal Justice and how to build a better society in Nigeria.
Your party, the PDP, is divided in your state. How would you be able to realise your ambition to be a governor with such a divided house?
The PDP in Osun State is not divided. We are one under the chairmanship of Sunday Bisi. The whole working committee, state executive,  party chairman at local and ward levels are  on the same page. No division whatsoever.
You were with the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, during the last South-West zonal election, but your group lost. How have you been able to reach out to the Governor Seyi Makinde group that won the election?
In intra-party politics, you don’t talk about winners and losers. The South-West PDP Congress was a family affair. Governor Seyi Makinde is my brother. We have come a long way and have a common goal. He is the only PDP governor in the South-West and that confers some leadership roles on him. Former Governor Fayose is also a formidable leader in the zone. We are all working to strengthen the party and make it a wining vehicle. We are all in constant communication and working for the success of the PDP.
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
Don’t you think this loss may affect the unity of the party in the zone and also negatively affect your governorship ambition?
Certainly not! We have put the congress behind us and we are moving forward.
Are your supporters still intact in Osun State?
Very intact and vibrant! We are actually getting stronger with defections from the SDP and the APC into our party almost on a daily basis. Wait and see what will play out in Osun.
The Police took you to court during the last governorship election in the state. Don’t you think the same case could be resurrected as soon as you show interest in the next election?
That case is dead and buried. The courts have discharged and acquitted me of all the charges. You can’t charge a man of the same offences he has been acquitted of. You all know it was politics. There was absolutely no ground for my arrest and prosecution in the first place. It was politics taken too far and I hope the Police have learnt their lesson to leave politics to politicians.
Some people also claimed that you jumped bail after court freed you to attend to your health in one of the cases regarding your certificate, what is the status of that particular case now?
				
					
						
						
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That is very untrue. I was granted bail to attend to my health. The prosecutor later dropped the charges against me while the court even ruled that I had no case to answer. The Court of Appeal also upheld our submissions and quashed all charges. As I said earlier, what happened was malicious prosecution that was politically motivated. We later heard all that happened and how the plots were hatched. Some of those who participated in the plots have confessed and begged for forgiveness.
The Ogunbiyi group is still formidable in the PDP in your state. Have you reached out to him after the last election and what was the outcome of your efforts?
Dr Ogunbiyi and other co-aspirants are important leaders of our party. There is no one we will ignore going forward. The only thing is that we must all put our party first and be 100 per cent loyal to the PDP. I respect all and have no grudges against anyone.
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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. 
Contact: <a href="mailto:theeditor@punchng.com" target="_blank">theeditor@punchng.com</a>

Senator Ademola Adeleke was the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Osun State in 2018. He tells BOLA BAMIGBOLA about his plans to re-contest against Governor Gboyega Oyetola in next year’s poll, among other sundry issues You were almost becoming the governor of Osun State about three years ago. Some said you were…

Adeleke

Osun

Those who say I’m uneducated, can’t govern Osun ignorant, mischievous –Adeleke

A police sergeant, Kabiru Isah of the Kano State Command’s Motor Traffic Division, recently returned a cash sum of N1.2m, which he found at an accident scene to the relatives of the deceased victim. He tells TUKUR MUNTARI the motivation behind his action, which has attracted wide commendation 
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Sergeant Kabiru Isah attached to the Central Motor Traffic Division, BUK Road, Kano. I hail from Borus in the Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Are you married and do you have children?
Yes, I am married to one wife and I have a daughter.
When did you join the police?
I joined the Nigeria Police Force on October 27, 2011.
								
									
										
										
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What were you doing before you joined the police?
I was a researcher at the Junior Secondary School Danku Wasagu in Kebbi State.
What motivated you to join the police?
I was motivated to join the police because my father was a policeman, but he has since retired from the Force. I loved seeing him come back home in his police uniform and I even used to visit and stay with him in the (police) station.
It was reported that you recently found a cash sum of N1.2m at an accident scene and took it to the victim’s family. Is it true and how did it happen?
Yes, it is true. When the accident happened we were asked to go to the scene. On getting to the accident scene, we took the victims to the hospital and then took the vehicles to the office. But, while conducting an analysis of the place (accident scene) I discovered the shoe box containing the money near the motorcycle of the deceased. I took it to the office from where it was later handed over to the relatives of the deceased.
What made you return the money rather than take it away?
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
As a Muslim and based on the teachings of Islam and my parents who always emphasise for me to be honest in whatever I do, I decided to take the money to the office from where it was handed over to the relatives of the deceased by our officer, OC Magaji Musa.  The amount handed over to them was N1,294,100.
Did you know how much the money was before you returned it?
No, honestly I didn’t know the exact amount contained in the shoe box until after I took it to the office and we counted it in the presence of the deceased’s relatives.
What was the reaction of the victim’s relatives when you returned the money?
They really expressed gratitude to us for returning their late brother’s money to them.
When you discovered the money, did you tell any of your colleagues about it before you got to the office?
Actually, I didn’t tell anyone until I reached the office because if I had announced it at the scene of the accident somebody could even beat me up in order to collect the money. So, that was why I kept quiet until after I reached the office. When I told my boss he thought the money was not much until it was brought out from the shoe box. My colleagues have actually commended me for what I did.
				
					
						
						
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What was the reaction of your wife and children when they learnt that you found N1.2m and returned it to the victim’s family?
When I told my wife she expressed happiness and prayed for my success.
Was that the first time you would do something like this?
That was the first time I would find such a huge amount of money but I used to come across a number of lost items, including money which I always made sure I took to the office for immediate return to their owners, families or relatives of accident victims.
Have you ever regretted being a policeman?
I have never regretted working as a policeman. I even consider this as part of the achievements I recorded in the service.
Copyright PUNCH.
						
							
								
								
									
									
								
								
								
							
						
					
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. 
Contact: <a href="mailto:theeditor@punchng.com" target="_blank">theeditor@punchng.com</a>

A police sergeant, Kabiru Isah of the Kano State Command’s Motor Traffic Division, recently returned a cash sum of N1.2m, which he found at an accident scene to the relatives of the deceased victim. He tells TUKUR MUNTARI the motivation behind his action, which has attracted wide commendation What is your name and where are…

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