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.
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
The leadership of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), has congratulated Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King as he clocked 50 years.
Speaking on behalf of the Association,
President & Chairman of Council, Prince Akintoye Adeoye, celebrated Emmanuel-King’s passion and dedication, which continues to inspire the real estate sector.
Below is the detailed statement:
It is with great pleasure that I, Prince Akintoye Adeoye, President and Chairman of Council of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), on behalf of the entire Association, extend my warmest birthday wishes to you.
As you celebrate your birthday today, we recognize your outstanding contributions to the real estate industry. Your visionary leadership in making homeownership accessible and building Adron Homes & Properties into a leading brand sets a high standard for excellence. Your passion and dedication continue to inspire many of us in the real estate sector.
Today is not just a birthday; it is a celebration of your remarkable achievements, wisdom, and the abundant grace of God. From a visionary start to shaping the future of affordable housing in Nigeria, your leadership in the real estate sector has been ground-breaking.
REDAN is proud to recognize your invaluable contributions to the real estate sector and our association. As you step into this new age, may you be blessed with continued success and even greater accomplishments in all your endeavors.
Turning 50 is a momentous occasion, offering a time for reflection on the many successes and cherished memories that have shaped your journey. At REDAN, we wish you continued good health, wisdom, and divine grace as you keep contributing to the advancement of the real estate sector and our beloved nation.
May this year and the ones ahead be filled with even greater achievements, joy, and fulfillment.
Once again, happy 50th birthday, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King.
