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HEROES
Achebe, still a man of his words
Phenomenal Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe, for the second time, rejected the offer of a national honour by the Federal Government.
Achebe, who was to be conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic by President Goodluck Jonathan, rejected it just as he did in 2004.
He hinged his decision on the fact that the problems confronting the country, which made him reject the honour the first time, had not been addressed let alone solved.
Although the President viewed the decision as being in bad taste, the author, who is currently based in the United States, further distinguished himself by refusing to be part of a project that many consider to be a national jamboree.
For this action, the people’s parliament gives kudos to the revered professor.
Kongi’s 77 surprises at 77
The celebration of birthdays of international figures such as Prof. Wole Soyinka is usually not a dime a dozen.
Thus for the 77 birthday of Soyinka, the plethora of academic and social events held to commemorate it were expected.
Part of the events was the third Wole Soyinka Lecture Series – sponsored by Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism and The Orderly Society Trust.
But the icing on the birthday cake for the celebrated playwright was the second edition of Zmirage’s International Cultural Exchange code-named WS7728086, which drew 77 pupils from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory – to pay a visit to the literary giant in his hometown, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Earlier, there was a red carpet reception featuring 77 notable thespians who read and performed excerpts from some of Soyinka’s plays. All should join in giving 77 gbosas to the inimitable Kongi.
Genuine umpire Jega
Notwithstanding the post-electoral violence that rocked some states in the North, the Independent National Electoral Commission, under the leadership of Prof. Attahiru Jega, got a new image.
Jega’s promise of credible elections was under heavy trial when he shifted the National Assembly elections earlier scheduled for April 2. He blamed the shift on unnamed vendors who failed to deliver critical materials such as result sheets on schedule. But some Nigerians particularly political parties who refused to listen to his excuse called for his resignation.
However, the outcome of the general elections seemed to have laundered the image of the commission and portrayed Jega as a genuine umpire in contrast to his predecessor, Prof. Maurice Iwu. Judgments at the tribunals and Appeal courts on electoral matters are also validating the credibility of the April elections.
Prof. please stand up for recognition in selfless service to fatherland.
Igho rules at BBA
Nigerian entertainment celebrities have undoubtedly asserted their relevance as key players in the country’s rebirth project.
As a result, many citizens are usually excited about any global or international shows that involve them. Such enthusiasm emerged during Africa’s biggest reality TV show, Big Brother Amplified, which featured Nigeria’s Karen Igho.
Igho impressed a lot of people when she emerged co-winner of the $400,000 prize money alongside Zimbabwe’s Wendall Parson. We hereby call on her to dance to Wizkid’s Pakurumo.
Eguavoen, honourable in defeat
Although his resignation was due to his inability to qualify the Under-23 team for the London 2012 Olympic Games, coach Austin Eguavoen trod the path of honour in a country where such a decision is a rarity.
Tales abound of some Nigerians who refused to quit the stage when ovation was at the loudest until they were disgraced. Others rigidly occupy certain positions even in the face of flagrant inefficiency and incompetence.
Eguavoen might seem a smart guy in the estimation of those who felt his failure to qualify the team would have eventually earned him a sack. But the fact that he was honourable enough to throw in the towel and even admit his mistakes earned him a place among stars of the outgoing year.
For that singular act, we call on the honourable coach to wipe his tears and take a bow.
Triumph of Baba Suwe
Nollywood actor, Babatunde Omidina, popularly called Baba Suwe, is known for comic movies.
But reality displaced make-believe when he was arrested on October 12 by agents of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for suspected ingestion of banned narcotic substances on his way to Paris, France .The actor was detained for 24 days.
Undoubtedly, Baba Suwe would have slipped from the list of heroes for the year if the agency had succeeded in proving the allegation which would also have eclipsed his career. But he was able to clear his name. A Lagos High Court granted him N25m damages for being unjustly detained by the agency.
After the triumph, there is still a much-awaited movie from Baba Suwe which many have assisted him to title it ‘Mo Yagbe Ti (I Excreted no Shit of Shame). Only that Omidina is said to have ruled out a film like that.
A lawmaker’s sincere position
His action may not be lauded considering what the National Assembly represents to common Nigerians. But the decision of a member of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, to reject a national honour offered him was enough to draw attention.
Gbajabiamila reportedly said though he was doing his best for his country as a lawmaker, he did not think his best, for now, was sufficient to earn him a national honour. Perhaps, if many will show sincerity in that light, many of the medals may be returned.
Regardless of the interpretation that some may want to give to the lawmaker’s action, he deserves to be celebrated as a worthy and truthful legislator.
Beating the drums for Nigeria again
Some critics may want to say he was yet to come home with the Grammy Awards after two nominations, but Nigerian Afrobeat singer Femi Kuti is a pride to his country as he again got nominated for the 54th edition of the prestigious awards.
His ‘Africa for Africa’ album earned him the nomination in the World Music category.
With a warm encouraging and prayers, Kuti may give the world a shock come February 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, United States when the awards ceremony holds.
Nkwocha and Okocha shine at CAF awards
Football, being a universal language, once again brought smiles to the faces of Nigerians when two key players in the nation’s football industry were honoured at the annual Gala Awards of the Confederation of African Football.
The duo of ex-international Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and ex-Super Falcons’ striker Perpetua Nkwocha received the Legend and Woman Footballer of the Year awards respectively.
Though they were not the only ones honoured at the event held in Accra, Ghana, the fact that the two were among the awardees was another major step towards deepening the worth of Nigerians among other nationals.
Sanusi, from TIME to Forbes
Central Bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, ruled the year in a spectacular manner. Earlier, Sanusi was named Africa and Global Central Bank Governor of the Year by the Banker magazine published by the Financial Times.
He was still savouring that when he made TIME 100 most influential people in the world alongside US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron, US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton among others.
His emergence as Forbes’ Africa Person of the Year, which was the inaugural edition of the award, seemed what particularly distinguished him as a hero in the year. He beat five other candidates which included Nobel Peace laureate, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and billionaire Aliko Dangote.
He has gained considerable attention both home and abroad based on his reforms in the banking sector since his appointment.
ANTI-HEROES
To your tents
Two supposed statesmen, former despot Ibrahim Babangida, and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, shocked many people who had held them in high esteem when they engaged each other in a war of words.
When Babangida clocked 70, he used the occasion to refer to the eight-year administration of the latter and superior as inept.
The response of Obasanjo via same media channel, calling him a fool at 70, generated argument as Babangida called him a greater fool.
The duo thus made themselves a laughing stock of both the local and international community by their unwarranted outbursts. For this reason, they are unfit to make the list of heroes in 2011.
Bode George in show of shame
The jamboree that attended the release of a former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Chief Bode George, from prison was viewed by many Nigerians as grossly disgusting.
George was jailed for two years along with five others on corruption charges.
His release was turned to a carnival of sort by the Peoples Democratic Party and his hordes of supporters.
For setting a bad example to the youth through such mega celebration of graft, we repeat to him the charge given by Ven. Tayo Aduloju during the thanksgiving: “Go and Sin no more.”
Siasia’s disgraceful removal
While some shone like a million stars in the year, Samson Siasia fell from grace – even if not to grass.
The Super Eagles coach was fired by the Nigeria Football Federation, having failed to qualify Nigeria for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Unlike Equavoen, he held tightly to the sit-tight formula when resignation would have saved his face. For being a typical Nigerian, we recommend he runs round the football pitch at the National Stadium 10 times.
Isa Yuguda’s gaffe
Bauchi State Governor Mallam Isa Yuguda may have forgotten his unguarded statement in the year but the people’s memory is interestingly not short.
The maxim that he who clears a mess will not forget even if the ‘polluter’ does cannot be truer in this situation.
He had said it was the destiny of members of the National Youth Service Corps who lost their lives to the post-election violence. Yuguda also reportedly stated that they met their death since they cannot run away from their destiny.
Such a commentary even as families of the deceased were still mourning left much to be desired. As no orientation or reason is tenable for such wayward comment against innocent souls, Mr. Governor is specially listed among the anti-heroes of the year.
For the love of our lawmakers
It is not strange to hear certain things in Nigeria and many were not surprised when a spokesman of the dreaded Boko Haram sects indicted a serving Senator, Ali Ndume. A serving senator linked to the violent sect? Many are just too depressed to learn so.
However, like any other accused, Ndume is deemed innocent until he is proved guilty by the courts.
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