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THE POWER OF LOVE – By Azuka Ogujiuba

Published

3 years ago

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We never really know the strength that lies inside us, until such time as we are challenged, pushed, cornered, and or tested. When everything we own and or hold dear is threatened. When everything we stand for and or believe in is offended by those who for whatever reason, choose to take us for granted or choose to underestimate the enormity of that strength that lies within us.
That strength becomes a rage and a wave of anger so visceral we can almost taste it and yet which, the ill-informed, the arrogant, and those who seek to undermine us, can never ever understand. While hell may have no fury as a woman scorned, love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination and as Dr. King teaches us, power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands for love
On April 26th, 2020, Dr. Joseph Ademola Olutosin Ajayi (Doc) passed away. It is not for any of us to say any death is untimely but after twenty-five years of marriage, built on love, friendship, wisdom, and mornings, days, and nights of often raucous laughter, Doc’s passing away left an unfillable hole. The family home would never be the same and that seat at the head of the table will remain forever vacant. It will serve as a salient reminder, that yes, the man really has gone.
With him, till the literal end was Helen, his dutiful wife, partner, friend, confidante, and the X to his Y. Theirs, remains a remarkable yet very private story, the strength of which, outsiders will only now begin to see and understand, is fueled by the power that is love.
A wife loses her husband after 25 years of marriage. A wife loses both her husband and father to her children. Ordinarily, we the civil and respectful would give her space to mourn. Give her space and solace to gather herself. Give her space to articulate her story to her children. Give her space to somehow ease through that pain of loss. Give her space to grieve and cry. Give her the space that all of us will one day, also need. Yet, the blow that would kill a civilized man or woman seems to heal the naked wounds, energize, and serve as a delight to the savage. So it was, then rather than let her mourn, others thought it best to try to attack and pillory Helen Ajayi in the naïve belief that they would somehow muzzle, subdue and or suppress her. They would somehow airbrush 25 years of marriage and attempt to replace that bright narrative a tired and dated story peddled through the delusions of a woman dumped a quarter of a century ago by her then-husband and who today has a face etched with bitterness, jealousy and sadness.
Yet Dr Ajayi deserved so much more. Deserved, so much better and so, enter the power of love. Enter a woman doing what she has to do. Enter a woman doing everything, the depth of her family history has taught her to do. Enter a woman doing everything her husband of 25 years would expect her to do. Enter a woman doing everything her children would expect of her. Enter a woman whose courage and determination were not forged yesterday. Enter the power of love. Enter, Mrs Helen Ajayi.
Yet should anyone be surprised. Those who chose to doubt Helen’s resolve, should simply have taken a step back. If they had, they would have saved themselves a lotof the money they were forced to borrow. They would have saved themselves from the near universal humiliation they have now received. Saved themselves from the opprobrium now so easily and readily dumped on their heads.
They would have saved the blushes of an acting and serving Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You see, this Helen, is Helen Prest? Spelt P -R – E – S -T. In 1950 her grandfather and Anthony Enahoro founded the Mid-West Party. The Mid-West Party became part of the Action Group in 1951.As deputy leader to Obafemi Awolowo. Fearless, Prest, Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Anthony Enahoro and others fought for Nigeria’s independence.
Helen is the same person, who became our most remembered Miss Nigeria and still found the time to qualify as a Barrister and then secure her master’s in law at Kings College London. Helen’s late Father, was one of the closest influences to Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari GCFR, Nigeria’s first democratically elected President of Nigeria, after the transfer of power by military head of state General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979? More recently, after a five-year herculean battle, it required the full might of twelve supreme court justices of the United Kingdom to hold their noses and cause an uncomfortable systemic review of an 1896 Company Law principle, simply to thwart her younger brother’s attempts to seek justice.
The simple point is, Helen does not look for anybody’s trouble but challenge, push, corner and or try to test her and her rich family history should tell you, that she will fight back. That family history taught her that whilst you may not always win, people will remember that you fought and you fought with dignity because you knew it was the good flight to fight.
Dr Tosin Ajayi had deliberately shielded Helen from the ugliness that is often a part of each of our lives. He’d showered her with love. He hadn’t suppressed or subdued her. She knew the nature of that (private) ugliness and the source of much of his anguish and so focused in twenty-five years of marriage, on giving him the space to press the re-set button. Time moves on, people move on, people grow. Our lives are textures of rich chapters each having their own time and place. Dr Ajayi had moved on.
Everything about him said so. After the torture of a solitary life living alone at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos from 1986 – 1996, it was in March 1996 that he phoned Helen whilst he was on a business trip in London. Her then secretary, Lola bears witness to this. This Dr Ajayi had called from London and had confidently declared that they were to be soul mates. He was going to marry her. Marry her he did and together and one beautiful daughter later, they remained entwined in each other’s lives until his time came on April 26th, 2020 at St Nicholas Hospital, Lagos
You don’t make up this type of story. You don’t rob a man of that part of his life. You don’t rob a wife of that? You don’t rob a child of that? That wonderful, beautiful story, that begun with love and to this day is powered by that same love. Who are you to take your pernicious hand and try to destroy that? Helen didn’t know you and now may choose not to know you. It might have been so so different if you had joined us her to mourn and joined herto celebrate a great Man. Celebrate a man too generous to a fault.
Helen had waited to greet you, she had waited to join hands with you to give her beloved Husband the right and befitting last outing and the one we all know he deserves. Yet you didn’t do that. Instead, consumed by jealousy, you removed your mask and revealed the real you and unleashed what you thought would be the calumny brewed in the dark corridors of those with greedy minds. You tried to unhinge something that you did not create. Something you never created. You deeply scorned another woman, who, as God would have it, created the same with ease and aplomb. Why? Ask yourself why? Why would you choose the savage path when the alternative and dignified path was yours, so easily to take?
Today we can announce that Dr Tosin Ajayi will be buried just as Helen had wanted. He will be buried just had Helen had fought so hard for. He will be buried with the minister preceding over the affairs just as he wanted. His daughter will speak of her Father with her head held high and whilst her voice may be choked and tears may flow, her tears will be tears of joy, tears full of pictures ofsmiling happy faces, tears full of whispers of father advice, tears full of dreams and ambitions spoken fondlyabout when he Father was with us. Tears that tell the real story of how her Mother fought and battled so that this day, February 11th 2020 will be her day and will always be her Father’s greatest outing.
Never underestimate the power of love.

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Just In: EFCC Arrests Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika Over Alleged N8bn Nigeria Air Fraud

Published

9 hours ago

on

April 23, 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an ongoing N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe.

The indicted former Minister of Aviation arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, The PUNCH is reporting.

Our correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, observed the embattled former minister’s arrival at the anti-graft agency’s Abuja office.

Following his arrival at the command, Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Impeccable anti-graft sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, because they were not authorized to speak, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday.

“Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source revealed.

Another source noted, “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”

In February, It was exclusively reported that the EFCC was investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry under former Minister Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

A credible source who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday revealed that the anti-graft commission is investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

Others are criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during Sirika’s tenure in office.

 

The sum is said to be for four aviation contracts from the former minister to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Apart from being listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar is said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts, domiciled in Zenith and Union Banksy.

It was further revealed that the ex-minister’s younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, has been arrested and detained by the commission in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 paid to his company, Engirios Nigerian Limited’s, bank account by the former minister.

It was noted that there is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

The source said Abubakar Sirika, who was arrested on Sunday, February 4, has since been assisting the commission in its probe of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during Mr Sirika’s tenure.

The EFCC investigator said, “We’re investigating an N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering case linked to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.

“Hadi awarded contracts to his brother Abubakar, knowing that the latter is a civil servant, a deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he has been working since 2000 till date.

“The first of the contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was on August 18, 2022, for the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, at a cost of N1,345,586,500.00. The second was awarded on November 3, 2022, for the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, valued at N3, 811,497,685.00.

“The third contract was on February 3, 2023, for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at the cost of N615,195,275.000, while the fourth was awarded on May 5, 2023, for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, at the cost of N2, 296,897,404.00.

“Out of the total contract sum, the ex-minister paid out N3,212,258,930.18 to his younger brother’s Engirios Nigerian Limited, who, upon receipt of the payment, transferred it to different companies and individuals. There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

“Abubakar Sirika is currently in our custody at the Headquarters, and he is providing us with more useful information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry under the supervision of his older brother, Hadi Sirika.”

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Olota, Oba Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, visits rainstorm-affected areas in Sango-Otta

Published

1 day ago

on

April 22, 2024

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In the wake of a destructive rainstorm that struck Otta and its environs on Sunday, April 21, 2024, His Majesty, Kabiyesi Olota, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege, has demonstrated exemplary leadership by conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.

 

Residents of Sango Otta awoke to a scene of chaos and distress as fallen power poles littered the roads, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike.

 

Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, the Olota wasted no time in mobilizing efforts to provide support and relief to the affected communities.

 

In a statement released by Afin Olota Ile Awori and signed by the Olota’s personal assistant, Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi, His Majesty expressed deep concern over the plight of those whose properties and livelihoods were impacted by the storm.

 

Describing the situation as “worrisome and sad,” particularly in light of the prevailing economic challenges facing the nation, the Olota extended his heartfelt sympathies to all affected individuals and families.

 

Furthermore, the Olota urged the government to take immediate action to address the aftermath of the storm and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

 

Emphasizing the importance of swift intervention, His Majesty called upon relevant authorities to prioritize the restoration of essential services and infrastructure in the affected areas.

 

Acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, notably the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), and other stakeholders who promptly responded to the crisis, the Olota expressed gratitude for their commitment to assisting the affected communities.

 

The referred monarch also offered prayers for divine intervention, invoking the mercy of Eledumare for those directly and indirectly impacted by the disaster.

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Build a fabulous, all-year round wardrobe without breaking the bank – By Kunle Bakare (KB)

Published

5 days ago

on

April 19, 2024

By

Let’s begin with Brioni today. And learn from the hugely successful Italian brand established in 1945 by two friends. The fashion house coveted by style cognoscenti has one of the most apt slogans we know: ‘to be one of a kind’.

 

‘To be one of a kind,’ unique and uncommon are the attributes of all human beings (when we deploy the traits that differentiate us, like our fingerprints prove).

 

And for style, those who constantly upgrade and elevate their duds and accessories acknowledge the importance of creating an exceptional, distinctive (but not flamboyant and loud) dress sense.

 

They fill their wardrobes with extraordinary winners that give them immeasurable pleasure. Their garments and all the pieces that elevate them heavenwards are objects of desire that amplify the best version of themselves.

 

So, to build a wardrobe that fits your personae, presents your best version, credits your account with regular dividends and high returns on investment is a meticulous and painstaking process. Forever appearing well-put-together—at work and at play, at home or out and about—demands a lot of smart thinking and action. Like the elongated shadow behind the luxury label Sofisticat, Mr Lanre Ogunlesi—whose role as a forerunner who cleared, toiled and paved the path legions are proud to prance on—constantly proclaims, ‘dressing well requires a lot of preparations.’

 

And here are some of the ways you can build a remarkable wardrobe without spending a fortune:

 

1. First, acknowledge and note the activities that are important to you.

a. How and where do you spend your week?

b. What’s the dress code at work?

c. How do your most successful partners, associates and colleagues dress?

d. How do you spend your evenings and weekends?

e. Which other activities dominate your calendar?

 

2. Priotise these activities.

Which engagements are crucial, that are important and improve your earnings (in the long run), dispense the greatest pleasure, boost your well-being and promote your mental health?

 

3. Analyse the one that takes up the most time.

Which engagement takes up the highest percentage of your time?

 

4. Now list the apparels that should populate the most engaging activities that improve your earnings and multiply your pleasure.

 

To build a special wardrobe demands enormous time, energy and resources. And the passion and will that surpass distraction and disappointment.

 

What you do—your profession and how you dress to earn your living—is paramount when you are building a wondrous wardrobe. The uniform of your occupation, the dress code permitted for your livelihood takes the prime spot. Since this engagement dominates your week (from five to six days), your wardrobe should be mostly filled with work clothes that should last for two weeks, at least—far more if your means permits—without repetition. If you master how to mix and match and coordinate, it’s possible to stretch the same items for many more days.

 

Also consider engagements that litter your evenings and weekends. The events you attend and places you worship, socialize and unwind. For these activities, start with a dozen ensembles, which you build gradually, and then expand later.

For these solemn moments, lively soirées and exciting shindigs you will require top notch attires that best represent who you are. More so, your worship ensembles—whatever faith you profess or conviction you cherish—should be the best you can afford in formal mode tilting to high elegance in consonance with what your leaders recommend.

 

For very special occasions, it might be best to make (get) new attires.

 

Before you begin assembling these togs, you should also:

 

*Decide where you want to perch on the style ladder: of course, towards the top of the Richter scale of elegance!

 

*Decide the style that warms your bosom, agrees with your persona and fits your pocket: from minimalist to the exuberantly joyful (without the gaudy factor)!

 

*Carefully pick tailors, designers and outlets that serve your style best. Take time to research and locate them in your town or farther afield.

 

Once you are clear about where you are going, do an audit of your current wardrobe and retain only items that fit your plans and aspirations. Discard everything else!

 

Choose clothes and accessories that work together (as interchangeable separates), complimentary colours and styles—and acquire heartwarming and exciting pieces for the wardrobe that will serve you for years.

 

Your wardrobe—to serve your objectives and take you far—should represent the slow fashion ethos. Classic, durable, ethically produced and sustainable fabrics in modes devoid of trends and what’s in vogue. And Brunello Cucinelli—the 70 year-old flag bearer of quiet luxury whose restoration efforts in Solomeo (Italy) is a ‘tribute to human dignity’—readily comes to mind.

 

Note: it takes time to build anything worthwhile (even if money was no object). Test what works unhurriedly, step by step and settle for what fits your future self. Upgrade as your knowledge increases and your pocket swells.

 

What’s more, you should take good care of your apparels. They will serve you better and longer. For example, don’t iron wool and delicate fabrics directly. Buy the most functional steam iron you can afford. You should also own a garment steamer. Don’t wear shoes two days in a row. Rotate! Stock shoe care products and use them.

 

Get a good, dependable and experienced dry cleaner and laundryman. Your clothes will thank you and serve you for years.

 

And don’t forget: dry clean your garments occasionally. The chemicals used in dry cleaning damage clothes. Instead, rotate, air, iron, steam, buff and polish your clothes and shoes— and keep them in breathable bags in cool spots.

 

You may also consider stylists or wardrobe consultants (they will save you time, energy and money eventually).

 

-Kunle Bakare for Omoluwabi by KB (19.04.2024)

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