2023: Arisekola Charges Journalists On Professionalism

Wole Arisekola, pub­lisher of Ireland-based journal, The Street Journal Magazine, has called on media practitioners in Nigeria to be objective in their reportage and always adhere to the core ethics of the profession. 

The highly reputable publisher, who also doubles as Chairman of Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AMPON) made this call in his new year message he personally signed and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

In the message tittled "Mogaji Wole Arisekola 2023 New Year Message To Nigerian Journalists", Arisekola admonished journalists to avoid being used by politicians through unprofessional conducts that could manipulate voters to make wrong electoral choices in the forthcoming poll.

The message reads: "In my capacity as Chairman of Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AMPON), I say happy new year to all our colleagues, mentees, friends and mentors who are in the business of information dissemination whether in the print, electronic or digital media, may 2023 usher in blessings and pleasant surprises for us as we continue to play our constitutional roles in informing, investigating  educating and also in entertaining our numerous target audiences. 

At this new dawn of reflection and renewal, media practitioners are expected to recommit to our primary mission which is journalistic excellence. This is a time of keeping close tab on our government and other critical stakeholders that drive our economy and other national interests, it is also a time for promoting truth and fairness through the news, opinions and stories we publish, conducting investigative journalism, beaming searchlights on toxic atmosphere of disagreement within various ethnic groups, reflecting on divisions throughout the country and building discussions that can attract workable solutions.

Media professionals should brace up to the challenges ahead, especially since we are expected to participate in the process of social reconstruction and democratisation. While discharging our duties, journalists should not deviate from the ethics of the profession because this will not auger well for the nation.

Unethical media reporting may as well give rise to abuse or irresponsible journalism that pursues sensationalism, biases, prejudices, plagiarism or even blackmail, as the case may be. Manifestations of unethical media reporting are particularly dangerous in the context of highly contested electoral processes in which objectivity and balance are compromised to suit the narrative of a superior interest. We must do everything possible to disconnect ourselves from such misconduct to protect the integrity and sanctity of the very noble profession.

Meanwhile, journalism anywhere in the world has gone past the stage in which all a reporter does is to report what a man says at a function, the responsibility is now huge and more technical to fit in to the contemporary realities, most of which are now ICT-based. You must upgrade and update your knowledge base, go for more research and training to always be on top of your game and be seen to be seasoned at what you do.

Don't be subservient to any politician or those with socio-economic influence in the society, because when the chips are down, the same people will call you out, ridicule you, soil your name and possibly ruin all you ever worked for in your career without recourse to decency, decorum or propriety.

That is their way, therefore never fall for their antics or shenanigans, eschew covetousness, be satisfied with what you have and let your life style be moderate within the measure of your income. 

However, as we all know 2023 is an election year in Nigeria, media practitioners must often understand and digest political candidate’s speeches and see if they are pertinent to the needs of the country, as well as, probe and interrogate the electorate’s reactions to issues, then do a follow-up to ensure enforcement and accountability so as to continue to gain public’s trust and commit to sharing the truth no matter whose ox is gored.

At at time like this, I also urge journalists in Nigeria to credibly wield their power gracefully to fulfill the promise the constitution imposes on the Fourth Estate of the Realm. They must strengthen their commitment to ensure that voters in Nigeria know the weaknesses and strengths of the candidates, their resilience and temperament and the character of their advisers. No greater time was the agenda setting role of the media more important, than the time of elections.

The information emanating from media sources are not only important for the citizens to make informed choices on voting, but also very critical in determining citizens’ participation in the process. As such, there is the need for the media professionals; journalists-reporters, editors and media managers to understand the imperatives and mechanisms that will make us to be more professional, more conflict sensitive, more gender-supportive and indeed be more public interest/issue oriented in our coverage of the electoral and political processes.

Thanks to each of you for your continued efforts and commitment in adding value to the ideal and enviable profession and please kindly accept my best wishes for a year of good health, happiness, abiding achievements and peace.

Once again happy new year!"

Popular Actor Yomi Gold Announces Separation From Wife, Meenah

Nollywood actor, Yomi Gold, has announced separation from his wife, Meenah.

The actor made this known via his Instagram page on Tuesday.

He revealed that his soon to be ex-wife doesn’t deserve a man like him and will make a loving partner to be a better person.

Gold wrote, “Me and meenah decided to go our separate ways..I want all our families and friends, fans to understand. This is no time to judge anyone.

”When love dies in a relationship. No one should force it ..” I want to use this time to thank everyone who has been very concerned and supportive. 

"Meenah is a good person.. she doesn’t deserve a man like me. She will make a great and loving partner to a far better person than me.

”I am not perfect.. I will work on myself and be a better person.

"This has to be published because we want everyone who knows about us to be aware of our decision. Time will be good again.”

Credit: vanguard 

2022: We Thought We Saw "Shege" | By Wole Adejumo

I didn't know Ibadan's famed On Air Personality, Abraham Ogunleye until someone shared a video of his "Eti Oba" programme with me. In that particular edition, Ogunleye sympathized with everyone going through a lot and encouraged them to keep going through it. His words, "and this is for everyone going through one thing or the other at the moment, please keep on going through it. You go still see shege (hardship) self". His standpoint was based on the submission that "everybody would go through a lot" and therefore, no one should expect motivation from anybody. 

Of course, very few people would disagree with him. Thanks to the fact that Nigerians by reputation are incurable optimists known to have highly functioning coping mechanisms. The "e go better" spirit is what has been keeping many of them going. Those who would not stretch their endurance any further have however switched to the "já pa" mode by relocating abroad. Who would blame them? 

Those who thought with COVID-19 and the EndSARS protests, 2020 would go down as "annus horibilis" changed their opinions before December, 2021. And now, we are already comparing prices of goods and services to what obtained in 2021. We really thought we had seen shege in those years. 

It had never crossed anyone's imagination that a dollar would exchange for over N 700. When the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol was increased the other time, the scant consolation was the availability of the product. We never knew we would still queue up at fuel stations to buy petrol at an unprecedented N 250 per liter. 

One other event that showed Nigerians shege in 2022 was the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike that went on for eight months. The Federal Government and the Union simply chose to be obstinate while the time of enrolled and prospective university students ticked away by the second. 

Lagosians and Nigerians generally were jolted to the marrows when news broke that a female bus passenger, Bamise Ayanwola was raped, viciously thrown down from a moving bus and left to die. 

And in terms of security, the hitherto impossible happened! In what seemed like a scene from a commando movie, gunmen stormed St. Francis Catholic Church, Ọwọ, Ondo State during a Morning Mass and with bursts of their automatic rifles, killed 42 people.  Never had the kind of fear that gripped Nigerians in 2022 been felt in Nigeria's Federal Capital. Though the government denied and tagged media reports of an impending attack on the seat of power as misleading, it's agents arrested suspected terrorists who were plotting attacks! 

The abduction of Professor Adigun Agbaje, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan on the ever busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway further loaded the cloud of doom many feared was hovering over the country. It drove the point home that the terrorists southward movement as reported was not a ruse after all. 

While Nigerians were eagerly waiting for a peaceful end to a tumultuous year, some officers put the already distrusted Nigeria Police Force in the news for the wrong reasons. A young man and a pregnant lawyer were felled by police bullets on the Lekki-Ajah expressway within three weeks of each other, thereby increasing the Force's potential for controversy. . 

For Olanrewaju Omiyinka, fondly referred to as "Baba Ijesa", 2022 would be a year that shouldn't have come. His peak performance in movies notwithstanding, he was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment on charges bordering on child molestation. 

And by the time the governorship election in Osun State was concluded, the scale tilted in favour of Senator Ademola Adeleke. He and his late elder brother, Isiaka Adeleke have since earned themselves a place in the record books as the first set of siblings to be elected as governors. Some people attributed Governor Oyetola's loss at the poll to the rift between Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. It was in 2022 that it became obvious that the latter duo was no longer together. 

One of the surprises of the year was the pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere's open declaration of support for Peter Obi's presidential aspiration. Not a few people had thought the Afenifere would support a Yoruba candidate. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continued its war against corruption with the arrest and prosection of fraudsters, culminating in conviction of many. The Commission would however make a corollary show of strength with the invasion of former Governor Rochas Okorocha's residence. Videos of a visibly terrified Okorocha reciting Bible verses as EFCC operatives broke in through his ceiling soon emerged on the internet. The former Governor had apparently shared the videos online while the operation lasted. That was however not enough to stop it; an indication that shege comes in varying degrees and is not a respecter of status.  

The former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu happened to be another Nigerian politician that had it rough last year. He recovered well from the Yam Festival brouhaha of 2019 and his respect as Ikeoha in his community was never in doubt. That he spent Christmas and New Year in a British jail was however one of the most unexpected events of 2022. No one saw it coming. 

Nigerians who fondly referred to the Pound Sterling as "Owo Iya Charly" (Charly's mother's money) will have to find another sobriquet for the currency under reference, especially now that the face of King Charles III is on the British Pound.  

Some deaths shook Nigeria in 2022. The Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji transited on the second day of the year. Nine days later, he was joined by former Head of Nigeria's Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adéyemí III joined his ancestors in April. His burial, especially the earlier part was ample proof that core Yoruba tradition was gradually fading away.  Mohammed Barkindo, the Oil and Petroluem Exporting Countries (OPEC) President passed away barely 36 hours after receiving a presidential commendation in Abuja.  Christians were particularly jolted by the death of Osinachi Nwachukwu whose song, "Ekwueme" is popular Gospel hit. Allegations that her death was domestic violence-related made it the more saddening.  Perhaps a rather shocking one was that of Sammie Okposo. Fans were still reacting to his post on social media when they heard of his demise. 

As the year was rounding off, Demola Seriki, Nigeria's Ambassador to Spain died in Madrid. It is believed that his death may affect part of the political equation in Lagos, his home state ahead of the 2023 polls.  

Perhaps 2022 was not shege all the way; at least new vocabularies were added to Nigeria's Political Dictionary with "O Lulẹ, Eleyi and Emi Lo Kan" gaining prominent usage. The term "Obidient" was also coined in the course of the year. 

Like his predecessors; Derin Ologbenla, Abewe Ila and Adelekan Olubuse I who made history for different reasons, the current Ọọni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ọjaja II proved his mettle as an epitome of grandeur. While many men have adduced "Buharinomics" and the economic situation of Nigeria to their refusal to get married, His Imperial Majesty the Ọọni married five new Oloris within a month! 

Well, away from the gloom that characterized the year; Nigerians had things to cheer about. Tobi Amusan broke the 100m Hurdles Commonwealth Games and World Records in 2022. She ended the year as Africa's Best Female Athlete, courtesy of the Confederation of African Athletics. 

Some are however afraid that the real shege may be ahead, since the Federal Government has announced that fuel subsidy will end in June, 2023. Nigerians will therefore need to brace up for a hike in the price of petrol. Be that as it may, personally, I see 2023 as a year of "Open Doors" that will herald new opportunities. Shege or no shege, Nigeria will have a new President come May, 29, 2023 and a maybe not entirely new set of people will run the affairs of the country. 

While those who can "ja pa" are gleefully doing so, those who cannot are preparing for whatever is to come. One can only hope and pray that this time next year, we will not look back and say we thought we saw shege in 2022, not knowing that 2023 would be tougher."

 

Why Ile-Ogbo People In Osun State Don't Joke With Idi-Oore Tree

Have you been to Ile-Ogbo in Osun State before? Did you know there is a tree called Idi-Oore in this town? If your answer is no, then let's quicky tell you about the sacred Oore tree and why people of this ancient town don't joke with it.

Though the lifespan of Oore tree couldn't be established but history has it that it was located around 1840. The tree is said to be older than the first settlers of the town. In fact a traditionalist, popularly known as 'Baba Awo' in the town, who spoke with this reporter, said Oore tree is symbolic to creation of Ile-Ogbo.

The tree, according to him, was discovered following a spiritual consultation with oracle by Prince Kuseela, the only surviving king from the war between Fulani and Ile-Ogbo in 1822. Kuseela was said to have consulted oracle for a new abode after they have lost the battle.

It was further revealed that the oracle instructed Kuseela and his entourage to stop where ever they find a tree tied with white cloth. It was divined that he (Kuseela) and his people shall organize a prosperous kingdom.

Kuseela approached the tree, weeded its surrounding and settled near it at Akinmoyero's compound. He invited other people from far and near and the number later grew to about 82 compounds.

The immense growth and prosperity recorded thereafter, for the people of Ile-Ogbo, didn't only confirmed the spiritual potency of Oore tree but also shaped the tradition and culture of the town. That also explains the origin of Oore festival, an annual festival which attracts sons and daughters of Ile-Ogbo from all over the world. 

History also has it that Oore tree is manned by Baba Abore, a male and Iya Abore, a female, appointed on the advice of the king. One of the past Iya Abore from Olukoun’s Compound nicknamed the tree Alhaja Jarawu. The name is not unconnected with the female spirit the tree is said to shelter. Oore tree is believed to be a great protector against any havoc or external forces in Ile-Ogbo. Another interesting fact is that the tree does not shed its leaves under its shade.

Ore (ileogbo Ilu ore, omo arepo panda) said to be the protector of ileogbo citizen both home and abroad.

Ile-Ogbo is the headquarters of Ayedire Local Government in Osun State. It is 42 kilometres to Osogbo, Osun State capital and 44 kilometres to Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Ife and Gbogan are located to the East of Ile-Ogbo.

Historically, the name Ile-Ogbo came from an old Yoruba folktale that the people in the town had a very long life span. Ile-Ogbo means the land of the old. The settlers used to have a saying, “Ile-Ogbo mi ni mo de yi,” meaning, “I have reached the place where I will live till I am very old.” The name was later shortened to Ile-Ogbo.

The reigning king of Ile-Ogbo is Olu of Ileogbo, Oba Abeeb Adetoyese Agbaje (aka Kadara) Arowo Okun Joye 11. Who celebrated his 10th year anniversary on the throne sometimes in January 2022.

Apart from Oore festival, other festivals that Ile-Ogbo indigenes also cherish are Egungun and Igbo festivals.

Egungun festival (masquerade) is an event that draws people from other towns and cities to Ileogbo. Some of the most popular Egungun in the land are Obadimeji, Apatapiti, Sodo and many more

During Igbo festival young and old, men and women, boys and girls loyal to the festival, especially those with ancestral Origin of Ejigbo, will be flogging themselves publicly in the city center.

Some prominent indigenes of Ile-Ogbo include Chief Rapheal Nafiu, the Asiwaju of Ile-Ogbo; Chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance and governorship candidate of Accord Party in the last election, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi; Hon. Justice Sakariyah Oyejide Falola of Osun State Judiciary and many others.