Obasanjo’s Introspection on Zakaria’s Night

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The Nigerian subsidiary of the Indian telecoms giant, Airtel, last Sunday night brought internationally acclaimed scholar, Fareed Zakaria, to Lagos to share his thoughts on “Political Economy of Africa: the Challenge of Leadership”. Tagged a “Night of Influence”, Zakaria spoke to our failings as a nation (and a continent) as well as to the promise tomorrow holds if we begin to do the right things. But in a rare public moment of introspection, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his remark after the lecture, tacitly admitted to leadership mistakes within the continent.

Onogoruwa, DG BPE Sacked

BPE Director General, Mrs. Bolanle Onagoruwa

By Muhammad Bello

The presidency Tuesday sacked the Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Mrs. Bolanle Onagoruwa.

Although no reason was given for her disengagement, THISDAY learnt that it may not be unconnected with the call by the National Assembly (NASS)  for her removal a month ago.

And Four Other Things...

Simon Kolawole Live!: Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

And Four Other Things...

Cheerful Givers
My faith in this country was strengthened by the response to my last week’s article on the flooding disaster that ravaged 20 states. Nigerians are not bad people! Many have expressed their willingness to give, the only problem being how to get the materials across to the victims and avoid all the government “bureaucrats” (read: thieves) and many marauding NGOs.

Jonathan, Don’t Drop the Ball

Simon Kolawole Live!: Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

Increasingly, it appears two major things will eventually define the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan: the power sector and the anti-graft war. Don’t misunderstand me – we need massive infrastructural development, a sound educational system, healthy hospitals and agricultural revolution. Jobs and jobs and jobs will be a natural consequence. But look at those things closely: they take time and require more than Jonathan to achieve. States and councils are empowered to build roads, run schools, equip hospitals and promote agriculture. That means all tiers of government must play their roles for us to see results.

Jonathan: Nollywood's Nigeria’s Greatest Ambassdor

President Goodluck Jonathan

By Muhammad Bello

Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry has been described  as the country's greatest ambassador, which projects its culture to the world in a manner that is positive.

President Goodluck Jonathan gave the description when a group of actors under the auspices of G20 paid him a condolence visit over the death of his brother who died last week at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The president observed that “these are the people who market this country positively in African countries and even outside Africa and even in the Carribean, where they appreciate Nigeria because of Nollywood.”

And Now That We’ve Hit Rock Bottom…

The Wig & Skirt, By Funke Aboyade, Email: Olufunke.aboyade@thisdaylive.com

Last week, the EIU (Economist Intelligence Unit) released its 2013 Where-to-be-born index (http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/eiu-rates-nigeria-worst-country-to-be-born-in/131476/). Out of 80 countries surveyed, Nigeria ranked 80th. Accordingly, Nigeria is presently the worst place for a baby to enter the world – assuming of course that baby actually makes it into Nigeria or having made it, survives its first year. 

Graveyard Where the Living Relax Among the Dead

Graveyard entrace

Funke Olaode during her recent vacation to Aberdeen, Scotland discovered a graveyard where the living relax among the dead

What comes to mind when you hear graveyard or cemetery?  You cringe in fear.  But for St. Nicholas graveyard there is nothing to worry about as it has become a haven for fun-seekers and those seeking a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the shopping area. It is also a meeting place for lunchtime workers when the weather is good.

Plateau Killing: CDS Charged to Investigate Soldiers

Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim

By Seriki Adinoyi

As the death toll from the Monday night attack on a beer parlour in Heipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area hits ten, the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, has been charged to investigate the alleged involvement of soldiers in the incident.

Etiaba: My Entry into Politics was Unplanned

Etiaba: My Entry into Politics was Unplanned

Dame Virginia Etiaba

Dame Virginia Etiaba, the former deputy governor of Anambra State, has made her marks as a teacher, politician, and mother. She made history in 2007, when she was inaugurated as governor of Anambra State, as her boss, Mr. Peter Obi, was controversially impeached by the House of Assembly, thus, making her the first female state governor in Nigeria. In this interview conducted in Nnewi by Emeka Osondu, Etiaba speaks on her life, family and politics. The former deputy governor, who marks her 70th birthday with a ceremony today in Abuja, says her position as deputy governor and governor of Anambra State were a privilege and a divine call to service.  Excerpts:

SIMON KOLAWOLE: AND FOUR OTHER THINGS

And Four Other Things...

No INEC
Something always baffles me about the American elections. Every state conducts the presidential election by itself. There is no national electoral body like our own INEC. In fact, it was more or less the broadcast media that announced the results, not any Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).