News
Ochendo, the quintessential Leader at 73!
According to a sage who once lived in Africa, ‘If you are ten years ahead of your countrymen, you are a leader.’The above was said by nobody else but our Statesman of blessed memory, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
As a young person crazy about books, I savoured biographies of great and successful men as if I was taking exams on them. I was thrilled to discover that most of them were self-made and had very shocking barefoot days.
So were Abram Lincoln, the former president of America who split wood in a restaurant, a menial job of serious brawn content, just to get a meal on one rough day.
Nelson Mandela with his 27 years in jail that made him iconic or Mahatma Gandhi who sojourned to South Africa on harsh conditions and when back plunged into poverty alleviation, desegregation and caste system problems. Another great man, an author, orator of a towering height, Sir Winston Churchill, noted worldwide for powerful quotes and anecdotes like: you must be the change you wish to see in the world/the only thing we have to fear is fear itself/ darkness cannot drive darkness: only light can/well done is better than well said.
He had near death experiences in the service of nation and humanity. Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher first female PM of the British Government, never believed that a female could be Prime minister in her lifetime nor come close to No. 10 Downing Street are enriching tales.Do you know that Late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe of the Zik fame emigrated to America in a ship without a passport or visa as a stowaway called Japa today?
The good news is that he got good education and came back to lead the anti-colonial struggles.Obafemi Awolowo had one of the most frightening experiences where a court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria ordered the auctioning of his properties leaving him almost bankrupt but he didn’t give up but worked hard to revive himself and rejig his enterprises, became a trailblazing leader with most of his dividends still available and evident in men and material today.
The above caption and article were used by Awo in most speeches and articles to prove his leadership quality and achievements giving valid and solid examples.Supported by history, the first free primary education in Nigeria started in Awo’s Western Nigeria in 1955, the magnificent Mansion in the air, the Cocoa House was built in 1965, the liberty Stadium finished and came into use in 1965, the WNBC and WNTV which are radio stations and T V station came alive in the Western Nigeria for the first time, and Chief Awo exemplified these in defining what a leader and leadership should be or look like: that you have to be ahead of your countrymen in some ways.
No doubt, the elder Statesman was talking about vision which sparked the idea of this article when I read in the papers about the bill on the floor of the House of Reps by Hon Fremes Waive, Ugheli North/ South/ Idu Fed Constituency, the Sun Oct. 30, 2023.
A Bill for an Act to prohibit kidnapping, hostage taking and related matters.Judging by Awo’s definitions, Senator T A Orji as proven by many groups, journalist, awards, plaques, chieftaincy titles and more is an outstanding leader.
The present bill now debated in the House of Reps was sent to Abia House of Assembly over ten years ago when kidnapping reared its ugly head.Kidnaping was prohibited by law, branded a capital offence and many more based on an executive Bill dispatched to Abia House of Assembly by Governor T A Orji then. Mohammed Dikko, the former I G of police in acknowledging the gallantry of Ochendo exclaimed that Abia is a case study.
Many awards came, tumultuous praises from Abians rented the airwaves, avalanche of blessings by churches in one voice acclaimed Senator T A Orji, not excluding admirable testimonies from Royal fathers who were hitherto banished from their palaces by the rascals.
By all standards and measures, deeds and achievement, approval ratings from far and near coupled with dividends on the map of Abia state and the entire Nigeria with exceptional policies in gender and the deprived, not excluding the triumph of 8 years as a Senator, Ochendo let us remind you today, the 9th of November, 2023, that you are a leader and visionary of 24 concrete years evident in your public service, humanitarianism and still counting.
Eddie Onuzuruike writes from Abuja
Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.
At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”
Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.
“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”
“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.
In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.
“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.
Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”
These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.
Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”
Edo State Government has lashed at the factional chapter of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the appointed publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, for rushing to the press without first understanding the subject at hand.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin and made available to journalists said, Nehikhare’s latest press release was another embarrassing display of ignorance, completely missing the point Governor Monday Okpebholo raised.
The Governor was referring to the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki budgeted for The Observer Newspaper shortly before the 2024 governorship elections in Edo State, not the refurbished equipment bought from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu State.
Obaseki, a portfolio scam artist, who presided over the looting of Edo’s commonwealth, hurriedly siphoned $10 million, using The Observer Newspaper as a conduit, barely a few days to the governorship election in Edo State in late 2024.
Nehikhare’s desperate attempt to twist the conversation is not just misleading but exposes the habitual dishonesty of the PDP.
On the issue of the so-called “sophisticated machines,” Nehikhare conveniently ignores the real concern—these overused and inefficient machines now require billions of naira to function properly. Obaseki may have procured them at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up.
More troubling is Nehikhare’s confused outrage about the sacking of Observer staff. How does he expect those no longer employed to be available at the premises? His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends.
Instead of this laughable attempt at deflection, Nehikhare should explain why, in his final days, Obaseki found it necessary to allocate a staggering $10 million to a State-owned newspaper that is practically invisible on newspaper stands across the State and country—at a time when critical sectors like education and healthcare remained underfunded.
If Nehikhare wishes to debate the facts, he should do so with accuracy, not fiction. But then again, fiction seems to be the PDP’s favourite tool.
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