Personality in Focus
Insecurity, Aftermath of Craze for Money – Ojora of Ijora
The Ojora of Ijora, HRM Oba Abdulfatai Aremu Oyeyinka Aromire has hinted that the root of insecurity in Nigeria is the craze for money. Noting that there is a departure from the past in which there is peaceful coexistence, the royal father wants Nigerians to embrace unity. The former warder who regards himself as a no-nonsense man also complained bitterly about how young Nigerians in the South are not applying for roles in the Nigeria Police.
In his exclusive interview chat with the National President, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP, Mr. Oki Samson at the prestigious Ojora Palace, the royal father shared his thoughts.
NAOSNP: What was Nigeria like while growing up?
Oba Aromire: During the time of our forefathers, there is peaceful coexistence among Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and other tribes and even, non-Nigerians. We lived together as brothers and sisters and also intermarried. What is wrong today is the craze for money. Before the oil boom, we don’t even hear millions, only the Federal Government budget millions. Now, we hear trillions.
NAOSNP: What is different today?
Oba Aromire: The young ones of today don’t want to work. They want to make money and it has to be now. Everywhere now, it is Yahoo internet fraud. They complain ‘no employment’ but when you employ them, they say the money is too small. The police job is currently open but our children in the Southwest and Southeast are not applying. They have seen job in Yahoo. Even students who are still in school are involved.
NAOSNP: What do you think caused it?
Oba Aromire: Parents should blame themselves. We can’t put the blame of not caring for your children on government. If you see that your child is not following the footsteps, you call him to order. How many parents sit their children to talk to them, they say there is no time. Parents have to be very careful. Your child is still in school and is driving cars and you didn’t arrest him.
If your son or daughter misbehaves in Ijora and I can’t get him, I will arrest you and hand you over to the Police. The policeman that releases you is in trouble. I don’t take nonsense. I didn’t spoil my father’s name, I worked at it. I was once a warder here in Lagos. I didn’t say because my father is from a royal home, I will st and not work. One incident happened in which the parent hid the boy under the bed. When I got the information, I entered and dragged the boy out. If my son misbehaves, I will call the police to arrest him because I won’t allow him spoil my father’s name. How many people can do that?
NAOSNP: What role should traditional rulers play?
Oba Aromire: My advice is that traditional rulers have a work to do. Federal Government should involve traditional rulers because we are the grassroots. If anything happens, I have people that will inform me by which I can tell the LGA chairman and from there to the Governor. But as it is, I don’t think the traditional rulers have a role to play and it is affecting us. Traditional rulers should be empowered and included in the system.
Government should call traditional rulers to a meeting. I will tell you that before armed robbery happens, it will be hard because landlords will know the ones that go out in the morning and those who go out at night. Myself and late Seriki Mustapha used that strategy when we always see big cars parked every night. I asked people that when do the boys come back, they said it is around 4.30am. That’s how I monitored them and contacted the landlord. He said he doesn’t know where they work and I challenged him how he could get people into his house without knowing their source of income.
NAOSNP: What do you have to say to security officers?
Oba Aromire: Don’t compromise security. Don’t compromise your job. If you do, it may be your family tomorrow.
Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.
In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.
One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.
Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.
Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.
He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.
“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.
The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.
As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.
Personality in Focus
UBA Appoints Henrietta Ugboh Independent Non-Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from Group Board
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.
UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”
Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).
Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”
The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.
During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.
On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.
Personality in Focus
Tinubu Hails FirstBank’s Immediately Past CEO, Adeduntan on Exceptional Service
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the bank holds a splendid Sendforth party on his behalf for a meritorious service.
The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads in full:
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.
In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.
President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.
These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.
President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.
President Tinubu wishes Dr Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavours.
