Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Portuguese youngster Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP, with the winger set to join the Blues in 2026.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Friday via X, the deal, finalised after a swift negotiation process, will see Quenda sign a seven-year contract with an option to extend for an additional year.

His medical has already been completed, paving the way for his future move to Stamford Bridge.

Quenda has reportedly given his approval to Chelsea’s project and the plans of new manager Enzo Maresca.

Romano stated: “Chelsea agree deal for Portuguese top talent Geovany
Quenda—here we go. Medical done for Quenda after secret blitz, he will join Chelsea in 2026. Club-to-club agreement completed with Sporting, and Quenda said yes to Chelsea’s project and Enzo Maresca’s plans.

“Geovany Quenda’s contract at Chelsea will be valid for the next seven years, all agreed last night. There will be also an option to extend the agreement for +1 year.”

[Punch]

A Nigerian man claiming to be the father of singer Asake is seeking financial assistance from the public due to what he described as “health struggles”.

In a now-viral video, the aged man identified as Fatai Odunsi revealed he has been suffering from a stroke since 2022.

Odunsi alleged that he has not seen Asake since his stroke and claimed that the singer has consistently ignored his calls.

“I am the father to Asake who is singing. The last time I saw him was when this thing happened to me on March 29, 2022,” he said.

“He does not pick up my calls anytime I call him. Now I have become tired. I have been looking for this my brother and I recently met with him.”

Asake’s acclaimed father calls for help, alleges neglect pic.twitter.com/ZxcsL5uYdV

—WuzupNigeria (@WuzupNigeria) March 14, 2025

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In the video, Odunsi was accompanied by Sonibare, who claimed to be his brother.

Sonibare explained that he had sought Odunsi’s permission before sharing his story on social media. He also appealed to Nigerians to come to their aid.

“As I said earlier, his name is Fatai Odunsi. He is the one who gave birth to Asake whom every one of us knows as Ololade Mr Money. We need the help of Nigerians because he is now broke,” Sonibare said.

“I have done the best I could as a person. That is why I am coming to you Nigerians to come to our aid. Whatever amount you can give, even if it is N1 please help him out. I do not want him to die young. We all will not die young too.

“I am not just doing what I am doing. I sought permission from him before doing it. He has been looking for me for a while to put him on social media.

“We needed to come to the public to ask for help because we no longer have the money.”

Odunsi’s claim has not been verified. Asake has also not publicly responded to the allegations.

[TheCable]

US Vice President JD Vance shared the Trump administration’s position on key issues like deportation, immigration, border security, economy, and trade during an interview on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle" on Thursday.

Green Card Holders and Deportation

Vance addressed the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and green-card holder, recently arrested for allegedly spreading pro-Hamas propaganda. Vance said, "A green card holder... doesn't have an indefinite right to be in the United States.

He added, "This is not fundamentally about free speech. Yes, it’s about national security, but it’s also more importantly about who we, as an American public, decide gets to join our national community." He indicated that the Trump administration is ready to act against student visa holders or other non-citizens involved in activities considered a threat. "I think we’ll certainly see some people who get deported on student visas if we determine that it’s not in the best interest of the United States to have them in our country," Vance said.

Immigration and Border Security
On immigration enforcement, Vance highlighted the Trump administration’s focus on reducing illegal migration. He said migrant crossings at the southern border have dropped by "well over 95%" since Trump returned to office in January. With border security in place, Vance noted that the administration is now focusing on increasing deportations. "We’re building that capacity up," he said.

Vance also criticized the Biden administration for underfunding immigration detention facilities and weakening Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He said, "Joe Biden underfunded migrant detention facilities and destroyed ICE, leaving the Trump administration with a hole that we have to dig out of." Vance praised Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and "border czar" Tom Homan for implementing self-deportation policies. "We’re going to encourage a lot of people to self-deport. We don’t have to knock on your door. Before that happens, why don’t you get on a plane and go home yourself?" he added.

Economic Outlook
When asked about a possible recession, Vance said, "You can never predict the future." However, he noted, "I think the fundamentals of the economy are actually quite strong right now, and we will see how this unfolds. I think by increasing businesses' investments in American workers and reshoring some of those supply chains, we are going to make this economy stronger over the long haul. That is the President’s ultimate goal."

Trade Policies and Tariffs
Discussing trade, Vance defended tariffs imposed under Trump’s "America First" approach. He said, "The EU has in some ways been the worst on American workers and American industries of anybody. They impose ridiculous tariffs and they say they are our most important ally and, of course, we care about European security, but they don't treat us like an ally when it comes to economics." He added, "The president wants to bring jobs and investment back to the US, build more here, invest more here, raise wages here—and you won’t have to pay these tariffs at all."

[economictimes]

It is with this profound reverence that I celebrate the illustrious 90th anniversary of my beloved mother, Chief (Princess) Christianah Monisola O. Ajulo (née Adedeji). She is not merely a matriarch; she is the very fabric of my being, the divine architect of my destiny, my unwavering compass through life’s storms. Her existence is my greatest blessing, her love my eternal shield, her wisdom my guiding light through the labyrinth of life.  

There has been a song that, when sung, feels as if it has existed since the dawn of time: "Iya ni wura iye biye, Iya ko se f’owo ra" (A mother is precious gold, priceless beyond measure). This song unveils its deepest meanings as one journeys through life within the boundless, glowing care of a mother, the first Òrìṣà, the unshakable pillar of existence, the child's safest haven in a world of uncertainties. A mother’s love is a fortress, unseen yet invincible, soft yet stronger than the weight of mountains.  

As I reflect upon the remarkable life of my mother who is 90 years old today, I am filled with immense gratitude for the guiding light she has been in my journey. She is my angelic guide, a master strategist, and a beacon of wisdom and strength, illuminating my path with her unwavering love and support. Indeed, as Proverbs 31:26 reminds us, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Her words, like soothing balm, have healed my wounds. Her voice, like a clarion call, has stirred me to greatness.  

From her modest but eventful beginnings, Maami has captured the hearts and admiration of all who are privileged to know her. She embodies the very essence of humility, grace, and warmth, her elevated sense of style a true reflection of her modesty and decency. She is a rare gem, a queen robed in dignity, a woman whose presence alone commands reverence and admiration.  

Though her formal education may have been limited, she remains my greatest educator, my first and most influential teacher. As a lawyer with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I owe my foundational understanding of law, ethics, values, and the profound significance of being an "Omoluabi" to her nurturing guidance. Indeed, Maami is my first law lecturer. She taught me law and justice long before I studied law, instilled integrity in me long before I swore any oath, and shaped me into the man I am today.  

Her unwavering faith in God has always been her greatest source of strength. Whenever trials arose, she would remind me of Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." In difficult times, when doubt clouded my vision, she would echo the words of Matthew 17:20: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." These words, spoken with conviction, have been my anchor in life’s storms.  

She always reminds me that I’m deliberately named, Abraham and that should sink to my head that as the father of faith, there lies my strength. Faith, as she has taught me, is the foundation upon which great lives are built. As Mahavira once said, “Faith is the foundation of all good deeds and the root of all wisdom.” And in those moments of uncertainty, when I have questioned my path, her presence has reminded me of Guru Nanak’s words: “He who has faith has the world.”  

As I reminisce, vivid memories of her firm yet loving discipline arise. I recall the gentle squeezing of my ears, a testament to her steadfast commitment to shaping my character. Through her nurturing, I learned the virtues of courage, generosity, tenacity, and respect for others. A trained seamstress, she transformed her vocation into a thriving career as a textile merchant in Gbagi Market, Ibadan, and later as the esteemed proprietor of TI OLUWA NI ILE BOOKSHOP (NIG) LTD. This establishment became a cherished haven for knowledge seekers across the Southwest of Nigeria. 

Maami’s admiration for great figures such as Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, Hubert Adedeji Ogunde, Akinwande Wole Soyinka, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti left a profound mark on me. Many of these distinguished personalities, along with others of great influence, were among her esteemed customers at the bookshop. She saw in me a leader, an actor, a scholar, and an activist, an ambitious vision that continues to shape my aspirations. Her stories of resilience and determination instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and an unwavering desire to contribute meaningfully to society. Even in my childhood, the books in her shop were my most cherished possessions, and it is within that nurturing environment that my lifelong love for learning took root.

Her unshakable trust in divine guidance has shaped her every decision. She often quotes Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This principle has been my guiding philosophy, a lesson I learned at her feet. Even in moments of despair, she reassures me with Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  

Throughout my life, Maami has been my unwavering supporter, encouraging me to embrace my aspirations without apprehension. She has often reminded me that "impossible" is merely a word. Her love knows no bounds; no one can understand or inspire me as she does. In the spirit of the Quran, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Quran 2:286), her intuitive understanding of my struggles has been a divine gift. Her prayers, whispered in the quiet of the night, have been the foundation of my victories.  

Today, as I celebrate her 90 years of life, I also honour the profound impact she has had on our community. As the Iya-Ijo of Christ Anglican Church in Ifira-Akoko, she has been a pillar of strength and wisdom for her congregation. Her active role in civic matters exemplifies her commitment to uplifting our society, tirelessly supporting initiatives that foster community growth. She is a mother not only to me but to many, a nurturer whose embrace has sheltered more souls than she will ever know.  

Despite her physical frailty, her determination to fulfill her civic duties, especially during the recent gubernatorial election in Ondo State, was nothing short of inspirational. I recall how she insisted that I drive her and her friends to the polling booth, where I physically carried her to ensure she could cast her vote. Her unwavering spirit serves as a powerful reminder that neither age nor health should ever hinder one’s commitment to democracy and civic engagement. As Romans 10:17 states, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." Maami does not merely preach values, she lives them.  

Princess Christianah Monisola O. Ajulo, my “Iya Ni Wura”, in letters and spirits, is a woman of substance, a mother not only to her family but to the nation, a truly extraordinary individual whose legacy will endure for generations. She has an uncanny ability to sense the decisions I face, both the ones I share and those I keep to myself. I vividly remember when a recent moment of decision arose on whether to accept an appointment; Maami called to advise me not to reject it, foreseeing its success, but warned me not to place any conditions whatsoever on the offer. This is not her first time of giving such advice, there’re some mouth watering briefs that come my way, from nowhere my mother will call, to offer her usual advice on what to do and sometimes she may come with that word, “Ma Gbowo” that means I should do the brief ex gratis. This wisdom has proven invaluable, and I have no regrets. She sees beyond the present, speaks into the future, and guides with an intuition that borders on the divine.  

In every lesson she has taught me, I see echoes of ancient wisdom. Buddha once said, “What we think, we become. With our thoughts, we make the world.” And in my mother’s voice, I hear Thich Nhat Hanh’s words: “Faith is like a seed; if you plant it in the right soil and nurture it, it will grow.” She has taught me that true greatness lies in effort, not just in rewards, much like Bhagavad Gita 2:47 states: “You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.”  

As I commemorate this significant milestone, I fervently pray for her continued health, joy, and resounding victories. Confucius reminds us, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” My mother has moved mountains with her faith, love, and relentless strength.  

Happy 90th birthday, Maami. Your life is a testament to love, resilience, and dedication. Today, I honour you with all the affection and admiration you so richly deserve. You are my first light, my unending song, the rhythm of my soul. You are the masterpiece that God painted into my life. You are love in its purest form. And for all eternity, I will remain grateful for the gift of being your son.

-Dr. Olukayode Ajulo OON, SAN

My dear mentor, principal, and father figure Dr Doyin Okupe was, in many respects, the very embodiment of a renaissance man—a physician, a political raconteur, and an indefatigable champion of nation-building. Born on 22 March 1952 into the illustrious Agbonmagbe royal lineage, his early life foretold a destiny not only marked by regal distinction but also by a penchant for trailblazing innovation and wry commentary. His journey, from the hallowed halls of Igbobi College and the University of Ibadan to the bustling corridors of Lagos’ political and medical spheres, reads like a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

In his medical career, Dr Okupe was more than a practitioner; he was a visionary who co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre and launched “Life Mirror”—Nigeria’s inaugural health-focused newspaper. These endeavours were not mere professional milestones but veritable declarations of his belief that enlightenment and healing must go hand in hand. His approach, often laced with subtle wit, served as a clarion call to both his peers and the public, affirming that serious work need not be devoid of humour or human touch.

Transitioning seamlessly into the realm of politics, he became an influential force in shaping modern Nigerian discourse. As the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention and later as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr Okupe demonstrated that, in a country where political rhetoric frequently bordered on theatrical farce, one could wield words as both sword and salve. His acerbic wit and incisive commentary not only cut through bureaucratic red tape but also redefined the very essence of political communication.

Dr Okupe’s career was not without its trials. He weathered legal storms and public controversies with the same aplomb that characterised his public service. Each challenge—be it a courtroom battle or a media skirmish—served only to refine his resolve and sharpen his already prodigious intellect. His victories were not merely personal triumphs; they were contributions to the fabric of a nation striving for excellence in both its political and educational sectors.

On a more personal note, I had the distinct and singular honour of serving as his aide since 2016 until his demise. In that time, he transcended the conventional boundaries of a professional relationship, regarding me not merely as an employee but as a son. His paternal warmth and mentorship imbued my life with a sense of purpose, underscoring his unique ability to blend leadership with familial care.

The void left by his untimely departure—a loss felt deeply across the political and educational arenas—is as poignant as it is irreplaceable. His death did not merely signal the end of an era; it left a gap in the national discourse, a silence where his witty repartee and sagacious insights once resonated. Nigeria, a country indelibly shaped by his influence, now mourns the passing of a man who transformed governance into an art form.

As we reflect on the multifaceted legacy of Dr Adedoyin AJIBIKE Okupe, we remember a man who defied convention and whose very presence was a testament to the transformative power of intellect, humour, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His life was a brilliant interplay of challenges met with victories, setbacks overcome with grace, and a career that, quite literally, changed the country.

I will greatly miss you sir. Until we meet to part no more.

Yours sincerely,

Banwo Mayowa. 

Fmr Personal Assistant to the Late Dr Doyin Okupe .

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has scheduled promotion examinations and interviews for 19 senior police officers seeking elevation from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to Commissioner of Police (CP).

According to an internal police wireless message dated March 13, 2025, spotted by SaharaReporters, the selected officers have been invited to participate in the examination and interactive session on Monday, March 17, 2025.

The session will take place at the Hon. Chairman’s Conference Room, 6th Floor, PSC Corporate Headquarters, Plot 64, Cadastral Zone, Jabi, Abuja.

The examinations and interviews are scheduled to commence promptly at 10:00 a.m., with all invited officers expected to be present and prepared for the process.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the following DCPs to attend the interview as scheduled: Usman Tahir, Sunday J. A. Okoebor, Ayodeji Faniyan, Saka Adewale Ajao, Omole Ola, Hope Urunwa Okafor, Ajo Geofrey Ordue, Olufunke Adeayo Ogunbode, Stephen Olubunmi Ogedengbe, and Iyabode Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja.

Others are Adebowale Lawal, Ojo Adekimi, Yemi John Oyeniyi, Obasi Mary Okereke, Moses Ashu Ottah, Felix Akoneme Nnebue, Gazali Alade Abdul-Salaam, Fidelis Ndubisi Ogarabe, Olubode Ojajuni.

The commission advised the officers to review and refresh their knowledge.

In a related development, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has scheduled promotion examinations and interviews for 26 senior police officers seeking elevation from Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

According to an internal police wireless message dated March 13, 2025 spotted by SaharaReporters, the selected officers have been invited to participate in the examination and interactive session, which will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

[NaijaNews]

The political landscape in Nigeria has been abuzz with speculations and debates over the future of the Labor Party (LP), given the increasing signs that Peter Obi, its most prominent figure, might soon exit the party. While some die-hard supporters still hold on to hope that Obi will stay and continue his political journey within the LP, those who have followed Nigerian politics long enough understand that it is no longer a matter of “if” but “when” he will leave. The real question, then, is: What happens to the Labor Party when Peter Obi finally leaves as been speculated by political pundits?

Before Peter Obi’s arrival, the Labor Party was a fringe political organization, struggling to make any meaningful impact in Nigeria’s political space. For years, it was merely an alternative platform used by disenchanted politicians seeking an escape route from the two dominant parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party had little national presence, barely any structure, and lacked the financial muscle required to make a significant impact.

Out of the blue, that all changed in 2022 when Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and a 2019 vice-presidential candidate under the PDP, defected to the Labor Party. Obi’s entry into LP electrified Nigeria’s political atmosphere, particularly among young Nigerians and urban voters who were disillusioned with the established political order. The “Obidient” movement was born, a passionate, mostly youth-driven political force that saw Obi as a beacon of hope in a country plagued by corruption, insecurity, and economic mismanagement.

For the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history, the Labor Party became a real contender in a presidential election. The party also saw an unprecedented number of lawmakers elected at both state and federal levels. It was a Cinderella story, one that demonstrated the power of people’s yearning for change. But was the success truly the Labor Party’s, or was it simply Obi’s influence?

Despite the successes recorded in 2023, it was evident that the Labor Party was never truly built for the kind of national movement that Obi ushered in. The internal wrangling within the party, the court cases over leadership, and the allegations of corruption against some of its top figures all pointed to a house divided against itself.

The party has been in perpetual crisis mode, with factions battling for control. In April 2023, a leadership tussle erupted between the Julius Abure-led faction and the Lamidi Apapa-led faction, leading to public drama that only exposed the weaknesses of the party’s structure. Even Obi himself had to distance himself from the internal chaos, a clear sign that he was beginning to realize the limitations of the platform he had adopted.

Another major issue is the ideological inconsistency within the Labor Party. Unlike other Labor parties worldwide that are built on strong socialist and workers’ rights foundations, Nigeria’s LP lacks any clearly defined ideological stance. Many of its members are defectors from the APC and PDP, bringing with them the same old political mentality that Nigerians have grown weary of. The party became a vehicle for Obi, not necessarily a party built on strong values and principles.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not a misnomer to express the fear that the departure of Peter Obi from the Labor Party, whenever it happens, will undoubtedly leave a gaping hole in the party’s fortunes. The “Obidient” movement was not built around the Labor Party; it was built around Peter Obi. The voters who rallied behind the LP in 2023 were not necessarily drawn by the party’s policies or leadership but rather by their trust in Obi’s personal credibility and governance record. If Obi leaves, does the party have a backup plan? The honest answer is no.

As been speculated by political pundits, there would be mass exodus of supporters. This is as  a significant portion of the Labor Party’s supporters would likely follow Obi wherever he goes next. The youth-driven movement that transformed Nigerian politics in 2023 is loyal to Obi, not LP. The moment he declares for another party or even forms a new one, there is no doubt that most of the Obidients will abandon LP without hesitation.

In a similar vein, the structure of the party would collapse.  Without Obi’s presence, the LP would struggle to maintain its newfound national relevance. The party’s infrastructure remains weak, with leadership infighting already tearing it apart. Many of the elected lawmakers who won under the LP banner may also start defecting to more established parties in search of political stability and personal advancement.

Also in a similar vein, there would be loss of political momentum. This is as the energy that Obi brought to LP will dissipate once he exits. The party lacks any other nationally recognized figure with the same appeal and credibility as Obi. Unless a new charismatic leader emerges, which seems highly unlikely, the LP may quickly revert to its pre-2023 irrelevance.

Also, internal implosion of the party is not unexpected as the leadership tussle within the party will only worsen once Obi leaves. With the main unifying factor gone, the battle for control will intensify, leading to further legal disputes and factionalism that will weaken the party even more.

The harsh reality is that Nigerian politics is driven by strong personalities rather than institutionalized political structures. Without Obi, LP risks falling back into the shadows, where it will once again become a minor party with little electoral significance.

Some political analysts believe that Peter Obi’s departure will expose the deep-rooted weaknesses within LP. Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, a political scientist argues that the Labor Party has failed to transition from a movement-based party to a structured, ideology-driven political entity. “If LP had used the momentum from the 2023 elections to build a strong national presence, Obi’s exit wouldn’t be such a big threat. But right now, the party is still fragile,” he said.

On the other hand, there are optimists who believe the party could survive without Obi if it takes proactive steps. Some argue that if the LP leadership can rally around new figures and build alliances, they may have a chance. However, this remains a tall order considering the depth of factionalism and internal disunity already plaguing the party.

At this juncture, it is not a misnomer to ask, “Is there hope for the Labor Party?” The answer to the foregoing question is yes and no.  If the Labor Party hopes to remain relevant in Nigerian politics post-Obi, it must undergo a total transformation. The party must build strong internal structures, define a clear ideological stance, and develop leaders beyond Peter Obi. It must also work towards genuine grassroots mobilization rather than relying on one individual’s popularity.

However, history suggests that such transformation is unlikely. Nigerian political parties, except for the APC and PDP, have struggled to survive beyond the influence of their founding figures. The Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and even the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) have all faded into political insignificance due to weak structures and lack of enduring leadership.

Peter Obi’s departure from the Labor Party is only a matter of time, and when it happens, the party will be left in a precarious position. Without Obi, the LP is like a house built on sand, bound to collapse under the weight of its internal contradictions. If the party does not take drastic steps to reinvent itself, it risks becoming just another footnote in Nigeria’s political history.

The Obidient movement may live on, but it will not be through the Labor Party. Its survival will depend on Obi’s next political move and whether he can provide an alternative platform that captures the aspirations of Nigerians longing for real change. The Labor Party, meanwhile, faces a bleak future, one that may see it fade back into political obscurity, just as quickly as it rose to national prominence.

As the saying goes, Nero fiddles while Rome burns. This aptly captures the situation in the land today. Barely three months ago, the National Bureau of Statistics sent cold shivers down our spine with its revelation of the state of insecurity and the heavy toll it has taken on the nation. Predictably, the media, print and digital, gave the revelation generous coverage. No report, in my view, has painted the picture the report seeks to convey more vividly than the British Broadcasting Corporation pidgin version. The BBC pidgin version reads: “Di Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday publish dia 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey.

“Di report show say approximately 2.2 trillion naira na im Nigerians pay to kidnappers as ransom money betwin May 2023 and April 2024. Dat na about 1.41 billion US dollars or £1.16 billion pounds, and e pass di 1. 64 trillion naira wey di goment budget for defence in 2024.

“According to di survey, Northwest rank highest both for di prevalence of kidnapping and di actual number of kidnap incidents. Out of di ova 2.2 million kidnapping incidents wey happun for di Nigeria during di period of di survey, more dan half—1.42 million incidents—happen for di North-West region.”

Newspapers and online publications reported the grim and chilling security situation between 17 and 23 December, 2024. It is in the grip of this grim situation that the Senators pre-occupy them with trivialities of who makes passes at one woman or who is being re-allocated a new seat. This is where I find in my reflections how much we reporters, we in this business of writing, miss our boss on the beat. I am referring to no other than celebrated columnist Sad Sam. He had his characterisation of Nigerian politicians in biting satirical style. Sometimes he could resort to crafting his comment in pidgin English as well to bring the language down for the grasp of every reader, the man on the street as well. Take this for instance, his sizzling views of Nigerian politicians with the headline in pidgin:

“Monkey dey work, baboon dey eat.”

Published on 06 May, 1962, the column reads as follows: “M.P.s who won’t sit in Parliament make me angry. One thousand pounds a year we pay them to serve us earnestly for less than 90 days a year. So they come to Lagos for a session in fine, fine cars and live in fine, fine flats at Victoria Beach.

“But in the day time, some go about their business—outside the House. And for the most time, the House cannot form a quorum—like during the Budget Session. At night, some have good times with the butterflies that abound. “Monkey dey work, baboon dey eat’” These politicians promise you all God’s Kingdom when they seek your vote; elect them and they let you down. Their good intentions in practice are at a discount because they are professionals—only amateur politicians are consistent. But beware amateurs.”

In 1970, there was this acrimonious divorce case in court between a couple in Lagos. The man was claiming paternity of the child between them, but the wife said the child did not belong to him. The man insisted the child was his. It was long drawn. Sad Sam felt he had to intervene and he did, partly in Queen’s English and in pidgin: “Who told you? No bi di woman wey born baby wey know di father?” It was not the age of DNA. Although the first production of DNA was in 1972, its first use was in 1986 in the United Kingdom. And it was Akinwumi Ambode’s Administration that completed the construction of high-powered Forensic Laboratory, the first, in Nigeria, in 2017.

So when the feud in the Senate broke out, my mind raced to the master, Sad Sam, how in his inimitable column and bow hat he would have reacted. With all the grim reports of insecurity in the land, inflation that has refused to be tamed and the gathering storm in Rivers State all the Senate regarded as the most pressing was the re-allocation of seats and who has made passes to which woman member of the Parliament. Consider it, in the face of thickening forces for conflagration staring the nation in the face and threatening to engulf first Port Harcourt and like petrol tanker explosion spill to other parts of the country. And when it comes to electricity supply it is all sound and fury, signifying nothing. You wake up at 5a.m. to go to work at 6, it is all darkness. You return in the evening, it is into darkness. When asked if there was no power supply in your absence, members of the family left at home tell you the power outage was interrupted only briefly. And this reminds me of yet another of my erstwhile bosses. Allah-De of blessed memory.

Dabbling into this issue of electricity, he wrote on 15 March, 1969: Captioned “The miracle and the ECN”, the piece reads: “I was not present when the miracle at Kainji was performed, but that does not prove my inexcitability about prodigies. I am interested in the Kainji Dam if only for my own selfish end. My interest in the dam stems from my curiosity about the business of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria, to which I pay warm tributes this morning for its promptness and efficiency in thrusting electricity bills into my garage door month by month.

“It is the only corporation that possesses the power to declare peremptorily to its customers: ‘Let there be light’ and there shall be light; or ‘may darkness fall upon this household’ and, of course, there shall be darkness upon such household. And so the father and the mother, and the children, the servants and all that dwell therein shall trip on the staircase and fall one upon the other.

“If you know of any other piper who is capable of displaying such magic at the dictates of his mood to the annoyance of those who subscribe to his pay packet, I would like to be informed.”

This was 56 years ago! And you ask yourself: what has changed? Yes, ECN has been unbundled, split into three organizations, but what has changed? We now have the Generation Company, GenCo; the Transmission Company, TCN; and the Discos; and Adebayo Adelabu, the new Mr. ECN, has been going up and down, getting to nowhere in particular. The annoyance Allah-De referred to was on display last week by men of the Air Force! Adelabu has an enviable pedigree. He is the grandson of the nationalist, the icon, Adegoke Adelabu, of peculiar mess fame (Penkelemesi). Adebayo Adelabu himself has climbed high the rungs of economic and social ladder before this call to service. He was deputy governor of Central Bank before he decided to get into political arena following in the footsteps of his grandfather. By 11 December, last year, this newspaper reported that the National Grid had collapsed 12 times. In 10 years the grid collapsed 105 times despite the hefty loans of $1.4billion expended on it.

I can’t but share my unabating fascination for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth When I think of lack of humility of some of our political leaders even when I don’t agree with certain conceptions portrayed in Macbeth’s enrapturing poetry which arose from the painful demise of his wife. But I find the poetry on the whole sobering when I think of goings-on in Port Harcourt and Lagos, the unremitted struggle for political and economic control, and for public acknowledgement! Hear Macbeth:

“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty face from day to day,

To the last syllable of recorded time;

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury

Signifying nothing.”

And I ask myself upon reflection on the poem: Where does my path lead me after my earthly life? It is a question for each and every one of us, even for Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin, Ben Netanyahu, Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas—for all mankind. Billions of human beings living in ignorance do not know that God, the Almighty Father does not need mankind; it is man that needs Him. It was they that supplicated to be permitted conscious existence, and consider it, man has turned this part of His Creation, our earth into an asylum! They do not realise that every action, thought and speech has consequences. They believe you just say a few words asking for forgiveness while on the death bed and that would be all, the sins are forgiven! Yet we are told: God cannot be mocked!

So, back to the pressing matters in the land: Security. Whether the reports by the media are couched in Queen’s English or in pidgin, the security situation is chilling. According to one of the national newspapers for example: “The insecurity in Nigeria is getting more serious. Many families are paying hefty ransoms to free their kidnapped relatives. Would the increased budget for security and defence in the 2025 budget change the rhetoric? We keep our fingers crossed.

“It is simply troubling that a nation that is not at war would be having such a staggering number of abductions in one year.

“Many Nigerians were flabbergasted Tuesday when the latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) became public.

“The NBS told the world that Nigerian households paid a total of N2.3trn as ransom over the last 12 months between May 2023 and April 2024, and that an estimated number of 51.89 million crime incidents were recorded within the stated period, leaving many citizens tongue-tied.

“It is not surprising that the North west was mentioned as leading chart in the NBS report. The seven states of the zone (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara have always been the hotbeds of bandits’ activity. These are also where hefty ransoms are being demanded and paid.

“Of the budget, N1.7trillion was allocated to defence. It means that the amount (N2.23trn) paid as ransom was higher than the year’s budget to fight insecurity in that year.”

Another newspaper report stated: “Major Opposition parties in Nigeria have knocked the Federal Government and security in the country, saying they were not doing enough to stem the tide of kidnapping. The concerns were raised following the revelation in the data released on December 17 by the National Bureau of Statistics which revealed that Nigerians paid a sum of N2.23trn as ransom to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024. According to NBS, 2.2 million Nigerians were kidnapped while 614, 937 were killed in the same year.”

Reacting, the National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, lamented that random abductions of innocent persons was allowed to fester into a booming business in Nigeria. Ifoh, in an interview with Saturday Punch, stated that the NBS’s report showed how high insecurity had impacted every household in the country.

He said: “The NBS statistics said it all. In a population 230 million, at least one person in every hundred has been kidnapped in Nigeria. It is incredible and bizzare. It means that insecurity has already come to everybody’s doorstep. This is happening despite the humongous amount of money budgeted for security, including police and defence. Our farmers are no longer safe on the farm because and it is only when we keep the farmers safe that we can produce food”.

As of March last year, everyone, the authorities and stakeholders seemed persuaded after years of perilous foot- dragging that the establishment of state police is the answer to the insecurity debacle bedevilling our country. Since then, what has happened? It was after this raising of hope that the National Bureau of Statistics came up with its shocking and depressing report that, indeed, the situation has gone worse, I believe following our accustomed lethargy. Applauding the meeting of minds on the vexed issue, I wrote exactly a year ago today, 14 March, 2024, the following: Captioned “Security: Time is of the essence”

“It is enheartening that the Federal and State Governments are hearkening to our outcry: They have given nod to the establishment of state police. It is a decision that must be given bite immediately. It is quite a pity that it has taken such a shockingly long time to see that the solution to the insecurity bedeviling our land is the establishment of state police. Something so simple to see and so commonsensical to perceive! Because of the lackadaisical attitude of certain past leaders because they lived in a fortress, all manner of dare-devil criminals was let loose on the country. Citizens were and are still exposed to mindless attacks and destruction of properties. It will soon be 10 years since 276 Chibok school girls in Borno State were kidnapped; no fewer than 95 remain in captivity till date!

“The sign of a renewed legislative thinking was foreshadowed in the House of Representative agenda upon reconvening from Christmas/end of year recess. Perturbed Speaker Tajudeen Abbas did state that the issue of security and the concomitant imperative of the establishment of state police would receive priority attention of the House. Within the last one week the nation was driven to a fresh rude awakening causing alarm to warrant bringing the matter to the front burner again. A new wave of kidnapping began in Borno State when about 400 persons were kidnapped. It was followed by the abduction of 257 school children in one go in Kaduna State. And to muddle the situation, on Tuesday, 60 more persons were kidnapped in the already menaced axis of Kajuru, bringing to more than 300 kidnapped in that state within a week. Sokoto had its own share in the earlier wave of an attack in which two persons were killed.

“With the Federal and State Governments now on the same page, it should go without saying that the National Assembly should realise that time is of the essence. They should permit no distractions now, but speed up whatever processes are required to facilitate the establishment of the State Police in the country.”

For purposes of emphasis, it is necessary to state that practically every day, someone, somewhere is being shot or kidnapped. Gunmen, marauders, bandits, kidnappers, cultists and sundry criminals have for years been let loose, laying siege on the country with alarming impunity. In towns, in villages most Nigerians go to bed with their eyes half closed. People travel with baited breath, feeling relieved only when they reach their destination. Prayers are said at motor parks before drivers turn the ignition key to put their vehicles on the road.

All these have been borne out by the National Bureau of Statistics survey. Added to these is the combustible situation in Port Harcourt waiting only for a careless cigarette end to set off a conflagration. These should be what pre-occupies the attention of the National Assembly not frivolities. The primary purpose of government anywhere in the world is security of the citizenry, protection of life and property. It is to facilitate freedom and movement of citizens without let or fail. After all, Senate President Godswill Akpabio himself in burning rage took on a former predecessor, His Excellency Bukola Saraki protesting the allocation of his seat when he was only an honourable member of the Red Chambers.

I’ve never liked being called Mommy in business settings. Whether it’s a driver, a junior colleague, or even domestic staff, something about it has always unsettled me. I know it’s cultural. I know it’s often meant as a sign of respect. But over time, I’ve come to realize that it’s also a way of subtly defining power dynamics —of placing you in a role where you are expected to nurture, protect, but never truly challenge the status quo.  

It’s the same discomfort I feel when mentorship relationships cross the line into pseudo parental ownership. I have four children, and in our home, we encourage independent thought. We debate actively—about politics, leadership, and everything in between. No opinion is off-limits. My late father, a Federal High Court judge, shaped that mindset in us. I still remember a heated argument between him and my two mothers (he had two wives at the time). My siblings and I didn’t automatically take his side just because he was the head of the home. Some of us aligned with him, others stood with our mothers. He allowed it. And looking back, I realize that was a defining moment—it taught me that respect and deference are not the same thing.  

That’s why Senator Ireti Kingibe’s statement, “She’s like my daughter,” about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan struck such a nerve. A fellow Senator—a democratically elected official, a peer—framed as ‘a daughter’? In one breath, an entire career, an entire hard-fought political journey, was reframed as something requiring guidance, control, and correction. It reminded me of the way men in our communities say, “She’s our wife.” A phrase that, on the surface, sounds like a declaration of belonging but, in reality, often means “She has no rights.”

THE PROBLEM WITH TOXIC MENTORSHIP

Nigerian politics is built on godfatherism —a system where power is not earned but handed down through patronage. But what happens when the same suffocating model extends to godmotherism? When mentorship is not about empowerment, but control? 

Too often, I’ve seen women leaders mentor younger women only to expect perpetual deference in return. To expect them to remain daughters rather than evolve into peers. The moment these mentees assert themselves—perhaps grow in influence, find their own voice, or challenge outdated norms—they are cast as rebellious, ungrateful, too ambitious. The expectation is that they should stay small, obedient, and never outgrow the shadow of those who once guided them.  

But real mentorship —the kind that truly builds legacies —demands something different. It requires the humility to raise others up without feeling diminished by their rise. It means guiding but not gatekeeping. Leading but not lording. Nurturing, but never owning.

WHEN SENIOR WOMEN BECOME GATEKEEPERS

That is why Senator Ita Giwa’s recent remarks were equally troubling. In an interview on Arise TV last week, after rightly correcting the anchor for referring to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as “Senator Natasha” instead of her full official title, she then proceeded to repeatedly call her “that girl.”

That girl? A ‘sitting Senator’, a woman who fought a brutal election battle to secure her seat, reduced to “that girl”?

The dismissal was jarring, not just because of the casual belittlement of a fellow elected senator, but because of what it signaled to younger women watching: Even at the highest levels, women can still be diminished, disregarded, and disrespected—sometimes by their own.

What message does this send? That even in power, women must be “grateful” for their presence? That they must wait for permission before speaking up? That their authority is conditional?  

This is not about one woman. This is about the dignity of women in leadership. It is about ensuring that the strides made since the Beijing Conference do not take a backseat in a world where impunity has taken center stage. It is about refusing to let senior female leaders, knowingly or unknowingly, give permission for men to demean and undermine women.

As a lawyer, I have no interest in engaging in armchair legal debates about a matter before the courts—that is for the judiciary to handle. But what I am deeply concerned about is the message being sent to the next generation of women leaders. When senior women in politics fail to decisively stand up for decorum, respect, and fairness, they make it easier for those in power to treat women as second-class participants in leadership.  

Thankfully, a few women, like former Ekiti First Lady, Mrs. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi and organizations like WIMBIZ, have addressed this issue with the clarity and respect it deserves. But we need more voices. More decisiveness. More women in power who do not hesitate to use that power to protect—not police—other women.

It is also encouraging to see Cecilia Umoren, a leading voice in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, lean into shaping this discourse. In her recent International Women’s Day message, she raised the pressing question: “When will women in leadership truly be heard?” Her words reflect a larger reality—beyond politics, beyond party lines, beyond individual cases. They speak to a systemic issue where women are tolerated, sidelined, or gaslit instead of being acknowledged as equal stakeholders in leadership.

WHAT MUST CHANGE?

If we want more women in leadership —whether in politics, business, or any sphere—we must actively dismantle these toxic power structures. We must replace mentorship rooted in control with mentorship rooted in courage.  

– Women supporting women must mean just that —not women controlling women. We need an ecosystem where power is shared, not hoarded. Where mentees are encouraged to outgrow their mentors. Where mentorship is about expansion, not limitation.  

– Political leadership must evolve beyond the ‘family’ model. Women in leadership are not daughters or wives to be managed, accommodated, or spoken for. They are leaders in their own right, deserving of full recognition.

– We must challenge toxic language that infantilizes women. “She’s like my daughter” and “She’s our wife”must be called out for what they are: tools of suppression dressed up as terms of endearment.  

– We need decorum across the board. The way public officials—male or female—speak about their colleagues matters. Words set the tone for how women are treated in leadership. And frankly, many of our leaders need to learn the art of public speaking. This issue has shown just how lacking it is.  

THIS IS WHY WE DO THE WORK

This International Women’s Month, as we celebrate progress and highlight the work that remains, I am reminded of why we do what we do. For the past 15 years, through Inspired Women of Worth (IWOW) and more recently through the Power Woman Leadership Academy, we have worked to shift the conversation and raise women’s awareness of their true power.

Our mission is not just to place women in positions of leadership —it is to ensure that when they arrive, they step into those roles fully, without limitation, without unnecessary deference, without the burden of belonging to someone else.  

Because the true test of leadership is not in how much control you have, but in how much power you give away.

This is just part one. There is still much more to unpack. But for now, let’s sit with this:  

When will we stop treating women in leadership as daughters, wives, and dependents—and start treating them as the equals they have fought so hard to become?

•Udo Okonjo is CEO Fine and Country WA; Founder, Inspired Women of Worth (IWOW) & Power Woman Leadership Academy. She is also a transformative business leader, independent board director, Berkeley-certified executive coach, and advocate for women’s leadership, wealth, and legacy. As the founder of Inspired Women of Worth (IWOW) and the Power Woman Leadership Academy, she has spent over 15 years equipping women with the mindset, tools, and networks to lead boldly and shape their economic and leadership destinies. A Forbes Business Council member and sought-after speaker, Udo is passionate about dismantling limiting power structures, fostering authentic leadership, and ensuring women don’t just have a seat at the table—they own the space and redefine the future.

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