Winners Emerge In Maiden Writing Competition of Saint-Olawale Jimoh's Literary Foundation for African Children

The Saint-Olawale Jimoh's Literary Foundation for School Kids, the first of its kind in West Africa has announced the winners of the just concluded writing competition among school kids in Ijebu North East Local Council Area of Ogun State. The competition/award is the maiden edition since the establishment of the Foundation by Saint-Olawale Jimoh, a literary enthusiast, published author and a multiple award-winning writer. Speaking about the award, Olawale says the Foundation is a self-funded project and borne out of his undying passion to encourage writing, reading and ignite the literariness in school children. According to him, the maiden competition is limited to a Local Government Area, out of the 20 Local Government Area in Ogun State because of limited resources available as at the time of birthing the idea, though efforts are already in place to make the subsequent editions spread throughout Ogun State and beyond. The 2021 edition was first announced on 2nd of June, 2021 and the organising committee headed by the Founder, Saint-Olawale Jimoh began receiving entries since the first week of announcing the competition online and on social platforms till the expiration of the deadline on 30th of July, 2021. However, only the selected winners were contacted and rewarded accordingly. The winners are: Ikuerowo Precious Ayomipo from Crystal Model College Ogbogbo-Ijebu who came first. Adelaja Iyanu from Brilliant Edge Elementary School Ilese-Ijebu emerged Second Position while Ashaolu Samuel from Bliss Nursery & Primary School Ilese-Ijebu and Toluwani Olawale Abigae came Third & Fourth respectively. Of the total of 209 entries submitted, 15 were outrightly disqualified based on judges’ decision while the selected best 5 entries emerged from the remaining 194 entries.

ERELU TINUADE MABEL ONANEYE: International Cultures Icon Turns 60. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

From the continent of Africa came a giant that wax great with each passing season, a veritable torchbearer of African traditional practices, a global custodian of Yoruba cultures, Erelu Tinuade Mabel Onaneye who turns 60 today. Turning 60 is not an unusual occurrence but for a woman variously described as an uncommon philanthropist, an icon of rare kind, a role model, a pathfinder, a woman with the heart of gold and a pillar of African traditional cultures, it's a big deal. Here's a woman whose epithets and stories of her good works could fill a house. Her mantra, centred around making life better for the people, has continued to resonate loudly across her State of origin and indeed beyond. Yes ago, one Ms Comfort Adefulire, one of the beneficiaries of the free health care services carried out by a team of medical experts from Texas, United States flooded social media with posts eulogizing Erelu Tinuade, who brought the team to Ms Adefulire's community in Irele, Ondo State. This and many others best captured the essence of Erelu-Oodua Tinuade Mabel Onaneye The said free medical service was first of it's kind and was fully sponsored by this US-based businesswoman and philanthropist, who decided to take up the challenge of bringing free medical experts to Nigeria with more concentration on Ikale and Ilaje people of Ondo State who have been marginalized for so long and denied the genuine dividends of democracy most especially in the area of health care delivery. She started this in 2012 and it went on successfully till November 2016. Every visit was a huge success with many beneficiaries shedding tears of joys seeing how the wonderful team cured their age-long diseases and sicknesses. It was just too good to be true as everyone witnessed these August events, unlike the fictitious ones Nigerian government only announced in newspapers but were never carried out. Asides the free medical services, there are several philanthropic gestures credited to this woman of virtue and substance. During Covid-19 lickdown, her relief packages for the aged and needies reached every home in her beloved Ode-Aye town and immediate communities. The Federation of Aye Students will remain eternally grateful to her for cash gifts to all indigenous students of higher institutions belonging to the association. We have equally heard of how she had consistently stood to render finacial assistance to other students at all levels who for one reason or the other couldn't pay their tuition bills. Sources close to Erelu have repeatedly maintained she usually frown at the idea of making her activities in this regard public. Her private life guiding principle lies in words of renowned English Author and Philosopher, Albert Pine which says, 'what we do for ourselves dies with us, but what we do for others and the world remains and it's immortal Her tenacity of purpose coupled with unquenchable thirst to leave the Nigerian society, most particularly her beloved Ondo people better than she met them is the reasosn her people would never stop seeking for her intervention anytime government failed them. It's a known fact that many whose paths have crossed that of Erelu may have cringed, recoiled or cried inside at one time or another when it suddenly would have hit them that this great philanthropist will not be around forever. Yes, nobody lives forever but footprints are forever. Her indellible legacies would never be forgotten. I wish more leaders and politicians will learn from this rare being, the beauty of selfless services and the imperatives of transcendental leadership. Dear Ma, you sacrificed so much, you have blessed so many lives, you have lived for others and haven't depised anyone. The world is watching you. Many have been inspired by you to live and to dare. To stand and to stand firm. To give and to give even more. To uphold lofty ideals and observe the priceless principles. On behalf of my family, my team at Observers' Reflection International and Metropolitan Mirror, I wish you a happy 60th birthday celebration. May God spare your life to do even more for humanity.

INELG 2021: Folusho Badejo, The Long-Awaited Answer.. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

In the last few weeks, I have read reactions from different quarters about how the two frontline political parties chose their chairmanship candidates for the on-coming Local Council election for Ijebu North East Local Government (INELG) from Ilese. Of all the reactions, the commentary from our towering patriot and a contributing stakeholder to INELG project, Otunba Kunle Kalejaye SAN stood out. Otunba demanded for the one who would push the interest of our immediate community better if the two candidates are placed side by side. But on a grander scale, I want a legacy builder, who will not only better our immediate community but set a standard in terms of economic growth and infrastructural development in Ogun East, whose records will become benchmark. This golden opportunity given to Ilese must not be taken for granted and that's why it's pertinent for us to support a competent candidate for the task ahead. One with hopeful insight into developmental issues. Who can inject new ideas and knows how to source finance to execute them. Foluso Badejo (BF) is a widely acknowledged private sector expert and capacity builder, focusing on private and public companies' financing, SME administration, project development and management, auditing of multinational establishments and financial institutions with experience that spanned over 27 years. Fact is, to set a standard means it won't be 'business as usual'. While anyone can boast of excellent delivery if given chance, we must also put on our thinking caps to evaluate situations based on the candidates presented. This article is not intended to bring anybody down but no matter how many years of experience one gathered in his local communities, he is still a local champion. Exposure count! BF is one Nigerian with multiple competencies. A well-travelled finance guru who has consulted for all many institutions and offered professional advice and recommendations that revived formerly dead companies. And to crown it all, he's humble to a fault, kindhearted and a good listener. He discards no opinion, but respects individual differences and love to be around his people. A vote for Foluso Badejo is indeed a YES to better, greater and quality representation and genuine governance.

Like Dele Momodu, Like Kunle Oduah.. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

I love people who relate and mingle effortlessly. They make life easier and unify the world. This generation has a whole lot to contend with but proud people would only add to the problem. Having a good human relations is indeed a huge asset and that's why those with this trait travel through all classes of the society without issues. This is the singular reason why the likes of Bashorun Dele Momodu will continue to soar higher. Someone once twitted, 'People can debate Dele Momodu's choices but for me, I admire his uncommon ability to keep friends and access to every level of society intact.' Fact is, no journalist has more access than Bashorun Dele Momodu. He's a king in the game. Almost all African leaders and Presidents are his close friends. He feels completely at home at almost all Presidential Villas all over Africa. He knows and have access to all the who's who in Nigeria and beyond. From Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Late Anthonio Fernandez, Adenuga, Otedola, Elumelu, Atiku to Tony Blair, Kuffor, George Bush, Clinton,Rabbi Aryeh Deri and many others. Closely following Momodu's footsteps is Lagos socialite and media personality, Adekunle Oduah. A proud Lagosian and untiring advocate of better Lagos. I first saw him at a function in Lagos where I covered for a new digital magazine. An event attended by the Lagos Governor and his deputy, our big brother from Ijebu Ode, Chief Lekan Osifeso, K1 De Ultimate and many others. Judging from his activities in the gathering, it was obvious he is one of K1's allies. Later I paid close attention to his online activities and found he's one of the very few media personalities who pays meticulous attention to all that has to do with Lagos. That he's gifted with a magic wand is an understament. He knows his onions when it comes to Lagos social circle. He has unrestricted access to many Lagos bigwigs. He is a respected visitor to the palaces of Oniru of Iruland, Oba Wasiu Lawal Omogbolahann, Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi and Eleko himself. He gets along easily with the company of the Akinshiku of Lagos, Chief Olamilekan Dosunmu, the highly revered Canadian-based Lagos socialite, Chief Ajani Bolaji Basia and the King of Fuji music, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal. By every standard, he's a classy man, sociable and polished. Well-known for his brilliance, admirable comportment and professionalism. Over the years, he has grown in leaps and bounds from small beginnings, toiling and rising in Lagos inner circle to become a Senior Legislative Aide to The Speaker of House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. In few years to come, Kunle Oduah might just become another Dele Momodu traveling through world social circle, winning and conquering.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Ladi Adebutu And The Machinations Of The 'Arijenimadarus'. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

For the benefit of my non-Yoruba readers, 'Arijenimadaru' is a Yoruba sobriquet and philosophical concept, used to describe a perfidious person who benefits from causing rancour and discord in any system. His gains and significance is directly proportional to the magnitude of trouble he is able to orchestrate. We have them all around and like I wrote earlier, we seem to have them in large number in Ogun than anywhere else. The magnitude of falsehood being dished out on daily basis by these attention seekers can ressurect the dead.

     

    A good example of such characters is the fellow who started the recent Ladi-Dapo greetings imbroglio and his co-travellers. The fellow, who claimed to be a national leader of National Association of Ogun state Students' (NAOSS) went as far as giving Hon. Ladi Adebutu stern warning and ultimatum to tender an apology for his 'rude' attitude. I followed the drama and ranting of those who shared his position on Facebook and I almost wept for them. When did a particular manner of greeting between two politicians become an issue in our dear State?

   Thank God for for the intervention of the above named association ably led by Comr. Saka Azeez Abidemi, who issued a press release, dissociating the association from the mess and stating in clear terms the association has always been at the fore front of putting the welfare of Ogun state first and that the body does not have any dealings with the impostor.
     

    By now, except our amiable Governor is not paying attention, he would have noticed a good number of these people who make noise over non-issue all in a bid to be noticed. They are quick to attack you as long as your view about the present government doesn't tally with theirs. But instead of attracting undue attention, why not come up with an idea that can move the State forward and you would be surprised how the Governor will like to see you. I have seen it happening all around us. During the regime of former President Jonathan, one Finland-based Nigerian student, Dipo Daramola and his friends made suggestions to GEJ on ways to fight insecurity and kidnapping using technology. Their ideas were plausible and genuine  and were promptly invited for consultation.

    Let's stop these distractions and focus on developing our dear Gateway State. Personally, I'm beginning to like Governor Dapo Abiodun for his silent works on areas I never expected and Hon. Ladi Adebutu on the other hand, has succeeded in setting a standard that may be too difficult for any unserious politician to meet up with. We therefore need the co-operation of these two giants and several others to make Ogun great.

Ogun oni baje o!

The Culture Of Decadent Opulence And The Future Of Nigeria. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

    In the past few days, I have followed and watched with disdain, the online competition of pasting #Thelist of Nigerian criminals convicted for various offences in United States and Dubai respectively. Those of Igbo extractions were pasting the list of the 23 convicted Nigerians facing execution in Dubai for drug related offences and who are majorly Yorubas. On the other hand, my Yoruba Facebook friends are equally sharing the list of 88 Nigerians convicted for internet fraud offences in the United States who are majorly Igbos. It was a clear show of shame and it has become so intellectual annoying seeing widely acknowledged bright minds home and abroad joining the bandwagon. I had to inbox one of them to pull the rubbish down.

  Fact is, what the world knows is Nigeria and not Igbos or Hausas. We all made this country what it is today. The North made the international community tagged Nigeria a 'Terrorist Nation', the Yorubas according to #Thelist, made us 'Drug Peddlers' while the Igbos made us to be labelled, 'Internet Fraudsters!'. So we all are collectively bad and have contributed to the defamation of Nigeria's image abroad. Let's give up tribalism and accept our fate.

  Regrettably, I blame the government and our leaders for all of these. So they didnt know it would get to this when they built a society that rewards incompetence? A system where people with integrity don't amount to anything yet celebrate men and women who rose to the top through crooked and dishonest means. A society that allow the worst to emerge to the top in many respects; a society where all issues are swept under the carpet depending on who holds the broom and where all things can be covered depending on where the umbrella tilts..
 A former Governor left office with 26 months of unpaid salaries, 38 months pension arrears, plunging the civil servants into abject poverty and excruciating hardship yet appointed a Minister of the Federal Republic. Another has a #108billion fraud case against him by EFCC, yet appointed a Minister. What about the one who allegedly laundered #15billion State funds and is said to be under EFCC investigation, but has already been appointed the Chairman of a Senate Committee? With all these, the government is passing a direct message to the youths on where lies our values

So long as the system is flawed, whatever evil you fight will grow. Sending these Yahoo boys to prison or authorising SARS to go after the youths isn't the solution, it wont stop the practice. Rather there's need for value re-orientation. The National Orientation Agency need to educate the youths about the danger venturing into illegal practices that may put Nigeria's image in jeopardy abroad. Take it or leave it, it will eventually affect them one way or the other. I had read the lamentations of many Nigerian youths, on how they lost opportunities abroad based on the battered Nigeria's image

Secondly, the present government should create REAL jobs and not the ones we only read in papers. It would shock the government  to see how much this youths would prefer to work rather than engaging in illegal activities.

Lastly, government should endeavour to create an enabling environment for business to thrive. It should review its policies and see how it could be of help to businesses especially the small and medium businesses.

Tribute To A Quintessential Colossus, Otunba Kunle Kalejaye SAN @60. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

 "As far as we can discern, the purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere
beings" - C.J Cung

 

 'Colossus' according to Oxford dictionary refers to 'a person or thing that is extremely important or large in size'. The emphasis under this context doesn't have anything to do physical body frame or structure. It's about the importance or worth of the individual. Walt Whitman captures it better when he says, 'I am large, I contain multitude!'

 All over the globe, history has given us many of such people- Mandela, Ghandi, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther, Lincoln and a host of others including our own Obafemi Awolowo. They are not big because they have lots of money though some of them are financially accomplished. Afterall, wealth is what they say is the fruit of labour. But they understand being rich doesn't fill up one's life. They are not big because they bully or have our commonwealth trapped in their custody. They belong to the class of people Max Weber describes as 'Charismatic Figures'. They draw their strength from
moral examples, intellectual power and courage. These are essential ingredients for selfless service and leadership.

 

One foremost personality who has translated into a colossus by virtue of his tremendous capacity, goodwill and more importantly, his unquenchable thirst to leave anyone who crosses his path better than he met them is no other person than Otunba Kunle Kalejaiye SAN.
His recent victory at the Supreme Court is a pointer to the fact that he enjoys some uncommon favour from God. The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LDPC) had on May 21, 2015 disbarred him under circumstances believed to be controversial and was stripped of his Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title. Barely four years after, March 15, 2019 the Supreme Court overturned his disbarment and restored his wig and gown.

 

 To many, within Nigeria's judicial landscapes, it's still a mystery. I'm still not sure if we've ever had any case similar to this in history but I am certain there's always one person in every generation, blessed with exceptional favour and attributes such that even nature obeys his biddings.
A man of uncommon grace, rare breed, distinguished legal icon, friend of the cheated and deprived, an outstanding achiever, a role model, tireless giver and philanthropist per excellence. Considering his personality and all he represents, it's expected that he will mean different things to different people. But the one undisputable fact that remains unequivocally constant like a Northern Star that defines OTUNBA is a very essence that encapsulates humanity at its finest.
He's blessed with three outstanding attributes that distinguish him from every successful Nigerian I know.

 One. He remains one of the most humble towering personalities I've ever come across. In spite of his
successes and numerous achievements, he has remained himself, humble, respectful, no airs..
 Few years ago, I began paying close attention to a certain Facebook User whose posts (on a Facebook page associated with own hometown) are way ahead of our time. His cerebral leverages are always a source of inspiration to me. Out of curiousity, I made my findings about the owner of the account and discovered he was same person masquerading under such unknown name. His reason, I gathered was to enable people relate freely without reverence or fear. He wanted to be appreciated, scolded or abused like ordinary Facebook user.

 Two. He is a tireless dreams' supporter. His keen interest in developing the potentials in others is one of the reasons he would continue to earn my respect. It is an usual gift from God, given to a few men for the benefit of all and this is the reason why many youths hover around him all the time.
 

Three. He's a stupendous giver! A generous giver to whom service to humanity remains his heritage has with his God-given resources executed various philanthropic acts within and outside his community over the years. As it stands today, there's no way you would live in any town or village under Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State and its environs and say уσυ haven't tasted his water. He sunk boreholes with a standby power generator sets in all nooks and cranies of the area.

 This in addition to so many other gestures credited to him, like the monthly and yearly relief packages for the aged. Here's a man whose private residence has been likened to the Biblical Galilee where the needy thronged into and get comforted. In fact, as I write this, a friend hinted about those he's quietly funding their educational expenses and loads of other commendable acts. History, therefore, beckons on him to continue to use his unique and uncommon gifts and wizardry to seek the best and the brightest for both his community and state.

 Few years ago, I authored a lengthy article published in The Sun and National Life Newspapers respectively, where I captured in details, his giant strides in his immediate communities. In the piece, I concluded by recommending that he vies for an elective position in order to do more. Interestingly, I learn't the then governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola saw the article first before anybody else. Thereafter, others began to call Otunba's attention to it. Fact is, Otunba is the kind of person we need at the seat of governance. Plato, one of the greatest philosophers who ever lived, said 'the price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men!'

 Unfortunately, he has repeatedly been quoted to have said he has no interest in politics. But if he decides to heed his people's voice in future, a vote or support for him is a yes for a greater, better and quality representation at whatever level of government.