WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE OMOREDE OSIFO – MARSHAL TELLS IT ALL* HOW SHE SERVED TWO GOVERNORS

Hon. Omorede Osifo- Marshal

By Fred Iwenjora

Her name continues to ring when talk is about women of substance in Edo state.  As a female politician of note, delectable Omorede Osifo –Marshal the former banker has served as Commissioner in the state under two different Governors and hopes to continue to serve in any capacity.

She speaks on many issues including womanhood and politics etc

Let's begin from the very begining; could you take the reader on your profile?

Omorede Osifo-Marshal attended St Maris Goretti school Benin City and later studied Economics and Statistics at University of Benin. She later did an M.SC course in Banking and Finance from same university. Mathematics runs in the family as my father was renowned in that subject just like my children. I started working in the bank like I always wished starting with Allied Bank. I later moved to Crown Merchant where I was transferred to set up a Benin branch and became number two in the management in Benin . I later relocated to the United states where I worked with a big mortgage banking institution for some years before I noticed Hillary Clinton who inspired me to desire change in the system. She was vocal and audacious. I returned to Nigeria to set up Advancement for women in Democracy, a forum to galvanise women to stand and be counted. We set up all over Nigeria starting from Abuja till the ward level. Our message was that the man is still the head of the home but must need women as supporters. It was not long before men started bringing their wives to come and learn the best ways to contribute to home building. I later contested for the House of Reps seat but was later advised to cool off even after I had won the primaries. Big men of our party advised that I step down for another candidate who had grown grossly unpopular amongst the electorate. I did but he also lost the election. Voters said if not me no one else no matter what I told them. Then came my appointment as Commissioner for two administrations. I later went to Harvard to study Innovations in Governance where I met the Crown Prince and now King of Buthan as Classmate. I hope to still return to Harvard.You have played various roles as mother, politician, banker….which of these have you played well?

I believe that of all the roles I have played, I have played the role of wife and mother better than all the other roles. Every other roles have been secondary. If I want to rate myself as to how best I have played the role of wife and mother, I will rate myself 90%. I do not let my other roles and busy schedule interfere with my entire family life which is first for me. God forbid if anything happens to any one now, it is family first so in my very busy roles and schedule as politician and organizer of people, I try my best to make sure that everything is running very well at home. It is all about arranging and prioritizing. If one can prioritize tasks very well, schedules could be juggled. One can go to work, do politics and combine very well. But before going to work to do all these, you make sure your kids are also doing what they are supposed to do. Find time to check out their school schedules, spend time with them to know what they like. I first take care of my husband’s needs because he is the number one. If my home front is not okay, I do not know what I should be doing in public.

Since your tenures as Commissioners for two Governors of Edo state, few know what you are doing now?

Well.. Omorede is still actively involved in organizing for politics but not handling any political portfolio for now. I am one of the women leaders of APC in Oredo LGA, Edo state. Of course you recall that I was Commissioner for Arts Culture and Tourism and SA on Intergovernmental Affairs during the tenure of Governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion. Then with Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole, I was Commissioner for Youths and sports. I am lucky to be the only woman in Edo state to have held such in two different governments in Edo state. I was also shortlisted to work with Governor Obaseki but still waiting. I left a good job in the United states to return because I wanted to serve my people so will dive at any opportunity to serve if it comes my way both at state and national level. When I resigned my good job with a mortgage institution to return to Nigeria, people felt I was mad. In a nutshell I returned to serve my country and I am waiting for such opportunities. As for the forthcoming elections coming up in 2019, I am still looking and consulting. In politics one does not have to just jump into the fray without discussing with your party elders and there is much permutations and dialogue and only time will tell this.

How can you assess the role of women in Nigeria politics? Do you think women are doing enough to be accepted in Nigerian politics?

Nigerian women have done their best but I think we have not been allowed to do better. The men continue to hold the women back. Nigerian men are yet to see that we can compliment them in governance. They feel bad that we should be struggling with them for positions in governance. They see us as only their wives who should be at home tending their kitchens and their children. It is a big challenge for career women. But we have to keep on trying our best to stay strong and focused. We can’t run away from the arena just because the men say so. If we do, they will rejoice that they have run us out of the arena. Could you imagine that in Edo state House of Assembly we only have a woman, Hon Elizabeth? It is not good for Nigerian women and even for the men too and the country at large. But Nigerian men will not allow this. Nigerian women are also good for elective positions not just for appointments. So before everything, the Nigerian woman has to first look before leaping, check if the men will allow them before trying to seek elective positions. The men will be screaming she is a woman! she is a woman!. But does being a woman stop her from doing anything she is supposed to do? God gave the woman so much power that some have been Deputy Governors, Senators, members of House of Representative etc. All Nigerian men should do from now is to give Nigerian women the chance to contribute to the growth of Nigeria when they come out to seek elective positions.

What fond memories do you remember of your times as Commissioner for arts culture and tourism and at youths and sports ministry?

I recall those years with nostalgia. As commissioner for Arts culture and Tourism, I did so much to put Edo up there as the home of culture. I had arranged an international exchange programme between Edo state and Germany. Artistes from Edo and Germany acted on same stage. It took a lot of preparations as we performed the African version of William Shakespeare’s Tempest. It was a great exposure for Edo state artistes who rehearsed with their German counterparts. The stage was lit up with black and white actors and held the city of Bochum spell bound. The Mayor of the city was present as part of the audience. The leader of the delegation was former Military Governor of Mid-western state Late Dr Samuel Ogbemudia. We also organized some investment drive for the state which attracted several benefits to the state. It led to an invitation to a renewable energy summit which Edo state was represented.

Again, it was during my tenure that I hosted all South South Culture commissioners to revive culture. It was then that Igue Festival got national recognition. I did not end there as Nollywood got full recognition. The Cultural center in Benin was bubbling with activities as plays were staged. I also worked hard for the reclamation of the famous Benin Moat which had been abandoned for years. I figured that the Benin Moat would be compared as a national monument like the Great Wall of China if reclaimed so I moved to begin this. I hosted world beauty queens in Benin and we were all at the Moat with brooms sweeping the messy refuse dump the Moat had become. I still cherish the Letter of commendation from Late Oba Eradiuwa for this effort.

I was at the Ministry of Youths and sports for only ten months but I also made my mark. The main challenge was the backlog of unpaid salaries for players and staff of the former Bendel Insurance (Edo United). Moral was at the lowest ebb and the team was at the lower ranks of the league table. I first cleared the salaries and the team moved from lower Division two to second on Nigeria premiership table. We also revived all the other sports and took Edo contingent to all national sports events anywhere in Nigeria. I feel good to recall all these.  

What did you learn from your two bosses?

They were both humorous people who made us laugh and had much sense of humor. Chief Igbinedion always told stories that lightened our meetings. Comrade Oshiomhole also was spontaneously humorous in his ways.

For Chief Igbinedion, he was good at delegating and allowed you to take care of the situation while Comrade was a perfectionist who always wanted to see it done right. It was great working with those men who are great leaders in their own right. I learnt so much from them and won’t forget my times with them.

How do you feel to hear that Edo state has earned names for the trafficking in human beings across the Atlantic especially women….?

I do not feel good about this at all. The stigma stings but I say it is not only Edo people that are involved in human trafficking. However I thank Oba Ewuare for taking action about this. He has ordered that the menace must stop. There are several things to engage in here in Nigeria that will provide livelihood for all. I still wonder why many feel that it is only when they travel to an unknown destination with enormous risks that things will be well for them while there are many opportunities in Nigeria. There is no place like home like the saying goes. There are several untapped areas to explore like fashion designing, farming also is a money spinner for those who are patient. I am happy about the activities of Governor Obaseki in this regard for those returnees. He has done much and still doing for them to be resettled into the society.

You often talk about Hillary Clinton….

Oh yes… she is my greatest inspiration so far in life. I feel bad that she did not become US president. I like her comportment and her carriage. I love the way she handled the Monica Lewensky scandal. She stood behind her husband all the way. She is focused.  I like such women and have always wished to be like Hillary. In fact, she inspired me to return home to Nigeria from the US to organize women. Her activities opened my eyes about how far women could go if they remain focused in a male dominated world

Do you consider yourself a woman of style?

I have a simple easy going style. I am not very crazy about fashion. Most of the things I put on are said to be nice on me. But I do not go out of my way to follow fashion. I don’t spend time on the mirror. I could do my make up while going to work in the car. I am used to that. Yet people think I am fashion conscious but that is not so. It may be because I wear things that look good on me. My work determines what I wear. As commissioner for arts, culture and tourism, I wore attires that represented my office. I wore traditional wears most of the time. As Commissioner for Youths and sports, I wore what suited that era. But in all I could be found in flowing African wears and gowns. As a banker I also have many corporate wears. However I wear what is appropriate for each occasion. I wear African, corporate and casuals as jeans and tops at home or weekends.

I can’t do without a watch and earrings. It does not have to be any designers but has to fit. Any good one is good. I believe that one does not have to spend millions for fashion because it will fade away and not be in vogue sooner than you know it as it continuously changes.

HOTEL AND ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTORS UNITE FOR PROGRESS…SAY NO TO ILLEGAL AND INCESSANT POLICE RAIDS

A group going by the aegis of Ejigbo Hotel and Entertainment Directors Association (EHEDA) rose from the inaugural general meeting with a resolve to unite for the progress of its members.

In a well attended meeting featuring top managers and Directors in the business of hospitality in Ejigbo held at Mecvilla Gardens , the group also resolved to say No to all incessant and illegal harassment of their members by the Nigeria Police who raid their hotels at will to intimidate patrons without undue provocation.

With a strong membership and representation, the group reasoned that only unity of the members would guarantee progress in their trade.

Members had discussed how to see to the welfare of its members and made a strong resolve to be brother’s keeper at all times.

Speaking to Ejigbo City Diary after the meeting, Chief Paul Emegoako, MD of Formula 4 Guest House said “It is only a united front that can withstand all the problems associated with our business. Our decision to stand together is to speak with one voice because unity is strength”

On his own, Chief Dom Ezekwobi Executive Director of Link Garden said“ I always support worthy causes and this is one of them. I value this gathering because it will make things better for entertainment directors in this part of the state. No longer shall we be seen as a disunited people as it breeds contempt from all sides and corners”

In his own submission, Hon Kamoru Rasheed, Managing Director of No story Guest House” I call on all other entertainment Directors who are operating in this area and still thinking that they can be lone rangers to join EHEDA to make their businesses easier. “

Ejigbo Hotel and Entertainment Directors Association EHEDA was convened by Chief ASM Nwoye, Managing Director of Mecvilla and Rockland Gardens who said EHEDA has the blessing of the various stakeholders of the entertainment business in the area.

Hon Anene Enebeli is Executive secretary. Its membership spans the entire Ejigbo LCDA.

PETER ODILI; REAL REASON HE ESTABLISHED PAMO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

(L-R)Dr. Sir Peter Odili, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, Governor Nyesom Wike at the inauguration ceremonies

By Fred Iwenjora

Former Governor of Rivers state Dr Sir Peter Odili has reiterated reasons he founded Pamo University of Medical Sciences PUMS in Port Harcourt.

He also announced a yearly scholarship award to brilliant students as well as for under considerations.

During the inauguration of the Board of trustee which included Former Head of state Abdulsalam Abubakar as Chancellor Dr Odili said he founded the institution to” provide excellent medical training for the production of world-class medical and health science professionals characterized by the core values of knowledge, discipline and humane service”.

He declared “Firstly, PAMO University of Medical Sciences is the first private university of medical sciences to be established in Nigeria. Secondly, it has set a record in being the university that took the shortest time to plan and establish. It took only eleven months from submission of our “letter of intent” to the granting of an operating license by the Federal Government. Thirdly, PAMO University of Medical Sciences is the first private university of any type to be established in Rivers State”

Odili also stated that “PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) is a citadel of excellence in the delivery of tertiary education in the medical and health sciences in Nigeria. The University represents the efforts of the PAMO Educational foundation and its Board of Trustees to make meaningful contributions to the development of medical education in Nigeria”.

Three faculties including the faculty of Clinical sciences, Basic medical sciences and Allied health sciences already exists in the University

Investigation revealed that Odili had always had a vision to take his love and dedication to medical excellence to the next level via high-quality medical education to impact on future generations. .

The process of getting certification took just eleven months breaking a record in the grant of such approval. It is straight pointer to the fact that Nigeria pays great attention to education and training in the  health sector.

He first gathered a cerebral think tank as board of the institutions including former Head of state Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar as Chancellor.

 He also brought in others including Justice Umar Faruk Abdulahi, Justice Olufunlola Adekeye(RTD), Senator Abu Ibrahim as members of the board of trustees .

Odili went as far as Kuwait to fish out erudite Professor Michael Diejomaoh formerly of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Kuwait as PUMS Vice chancellor and Barrister Walter Imoedemhe as Registrar.

The majestic university gate

ENDEE IKEJI FINDS NEW LOVE

By Fred Iwenjora
First class entertainment manager Endee Ikeji may have found a new love as a star actor.

This is because since some young men involved in Nollywood conscripted him to act in their movie, he has not looked back as roles keep coming.

Abia state born Ikeji won the famous Lekki Sunsplash musical talent competition and later gave Nigerians an unforgettable album Positive Change which featured his all-time hit tracks Revolutionise Nigeria and Obiriwo many years ago.

Since his recent stumbling on Nollywood so to speak, he has featured in many films since the past one year playing roles as a palm wine tapper, a chief judge, a chief and a mafia don amongst other roles in soap opera and films.

Some of his films and soap include the very popular Jemeji where he played the village palm wine tapper

Nollywood directors see him as a delight on screen and keep throwing roles and more roles his way.

In a chat recently at Rita Lori Hotels where he is manager of all entertainment in the hotel group, Ikeji said “acting is not new to me because I acted during my years at Federal Government College Enugu. I also was a dancer. During my years at the University of Lagos where I 

studied Banking and Finance, I also learnt to play the guitar and keyboards and to perfect my singing.

Speaking further, Ikeji told of how he played for Tunde Kuboye and the Extended family Jazz Band before picking up a job as a sound engineer at the then famous EMI studios. It was while working at EMI that he contested for the Lekki Sunsplash and won a recording contract at Premier Records with Alex Zito and co”.

WHY I WANT TO RULE NIGERIA….BELGIUM BASED NIGERIAN ACTIVIST SPEAKS

Comrade Fidelis Lawrence- Ekoh meeting the press after his declaration

By Fred Iwenjora

Belgium based Nigerian activist Comrade Fidelis Lawrence Ekoh has given reasons why he wants to contest to be Nigerian President come 2019 general elections.

Speaking with ECD recently in Benin after his declaration to a jam packed hall of youths at the Youth House Benin City Edo state capital, Ekoh enumerated all the problems plaguing Nigeria and detailing how he would solve them as soon as he mounts the saddle.

Ekoh who graduated from department of Agric Economics at Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma said ““We have become tired of the hardship bad leadership has brought us over the years. You have become tired of bad economy, you are tired of bad roads, you are tired of poor income, to most Nigerian workers, even your take home pay cannot actually take you home. Healthcare is rather too expensive for the ordinary low income Nigerian. As a result, too many people have died of illnesses that naturally shouldn't be life threatening. 

Continuing, the graduate of Agricultural Economics and founder of  Youths Initiative for capacity Development and Nation Building told enthusiastic youths numbering over five thousand who had earlier stormed the Benin Airport to receive him and drove in a motorcade to the Youth House that “The frustrations being brought on all of us by our leaders is countless. 

“For ages, the leadership of our country is being passed from one old clueless and purposeless politician to the other. They end up in the same routine of "cluelessness" and embezzlement, leaving the rest of the citizenry to continue to wallow in abject want and penury.

Ekoh with National Youth Council Chairman Edo state Comrade Innocent Ajayi before the declaration

“Fellow compatriots” he thundered at the podium “we cannot continue to complain and pray and fast without taking necessary actions. Faith without works they say is death. The time is now for us to wake up from our slumber and act right. We have been for too long bedeviled by too many debilitating economic hardship, to the extent that many cannot boast of eating three square meals a day. 

Our dear country, Africa's giant has been cornered to a sleeping and creeping position. A nation so abundantly blessed by all forms of endowments, from mineral resources in form of Liquid, Solid and Gas to a great tropical climate and arable land that grows almost all types of agricultural produce cannot boast of providing her citizens even the very basics of livelihood.

Ekoh,  sensitizing Nigerians in Europe on his mission

“Our dear youths who have put in all efforts to go through all the rigors of education to attain a higher employability status come out of school, only to be frustrated and disillusioned. The outside world has to place for them; only the children or the relatives of the highly connected get the jobs. To keep hopes alive, many of our youths have decided to take destiny into their own hands by taking some of the greatest risks in the world, crossing the Mediterranean sea in overloaded balloon boats in the quest for greener pasture. In the process, they have died in their thousands in the waters. Along the line, they have been abused, many have been tortured and killed, So many of our young girls raped and impregnated, several have been maimed, and in the recent past, so many of our dear youths have been captured and sold into slavery.

The youths back home who do not see traveling abroad as best option have decided to be anti-social in their activities. Many have resorted to all forms of criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings, internet fraudsters to mention a few in a bid to earn a living.

ABOUT ARTHUR NWANKWO'S NEW BOOK; NIGERIA ON HER PATH TO DOOM

*Dr Arthur Nwankwo devouring books in his library

Prolific author, historian and politician Dr Arthur Nwankwo is out with another book.

The new book titled Nigeria on her path to doom is coming many years after his last.

Book reviewers and political analysts are already describing the new book titled;  Nigeria On Her Path to Doom as very hot

 Coming many years after his last offering; Can Nigeria Survive, the new book  is said to be an outcome of much research on the path of historian whose numerous books include his first;  Nigeria; The Challenge of Biafra.

Published by Fourth Dimension Publishers, Nigeria On the path to Doom talks about all the problems plaguing the country and suggestions for return to path of greatness amongst others.

Dr Ejiofor Benjack Nwankwo Managing Director of the publishing company said the new book will speak to Nigerians and the international community in a way they will understand.

He describes the author as “erudite” and the book as” thought provoking” and from a “refocused, repositioned, revamped, and resourceful publishing house”.

*The new book

Arthur Nwankwo studied History at Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA, 1966, also went to Duquesne University, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA, 1967.

He first went to work for Gulf Oil Corporation Headquarters, Pittsburg, as a consultant for Nigeria and corporate strategies department. He founded several publishing companies including the internationally renowned Fourth Dimension Publishers to give vent to his prolific thoughts about Nigeria in his numerous books.

Aside from some of his nationalistic books like Before we lose Nigeria,  My People my vision, Retreat of power, Arthur Nwankwo also  wrote classical fiction stories like Shadows over Breaking waves, Sand dunes and wind blows, Season of Hurricane etc.

Arthur Nwankwo who was born August 19, 1942 has honorary Doctor of Letters, from The Shaw University Raleigh, North Carolina, USA and has contested for the governorship of Anambra state under Peoples Redemption Party PRP in 1979. Later he joined Alliance for Democracy and was pivotal to the formation of Eastern Mandate Union of which he is chancellor

HON. NATHANIEL IKYUR ON REASONS HE WANTS TO REPRESENT GBOKO/TARKA PEOPLE AT HOUSE OF REPS

*HON NATHANIEL TYOHOM IKYUR

Major contender for the race to the House of Reps in Benue state Hon Nathaniel Tyohom  Ikyur has been speaking on what his constituents should expect from him if he wins the election.

Ikyur, journalist and currently aide to Governor Ortom of Benue state on public utilities, environment and sanitation stated recently during his continuous tour of his constituency themed  Let’s Start Afresh, that he guarantees the best representation ever for his people of Gboko/ Tarka Federal Constituency of Benue state.

Ikyur said “ I need you to believe in my ability to deliver quality legislative duties at the House of Represwntatives . I am also asking you to take a firm stand on truth and fairness

 According to him “Of the 360 federal constituencies at the House of Representatives, only Tarka people have not been so elected to serve as only the Gboko LGA has enjoyed this opportunity in the past 20 years.

“For fairness and equity” according to Ikyur  “I seek to make that difference”.

“Benue and indeed Nigeria needs vibrant men and women with fresh ideas such that I possess in quantum. From my education at Bayero University and work experience as bureau Chief for Vanguard in Kano and my varied legislative background to benefit our people I believe I am the best choice.

Your recall I also worked as a legislative aide for 12 years at the House of Reps and without doubt have the requisite experience as to what plays out in the green chamber. I humbly seek your votes and God will bless us all”

A SOLID BACKGROUND

Ikyur was  Senior Legislative Aide to Rep Fraouk Mohammed Lawan from 2003 to 2011.  He later served as Senior Special Assistant to former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, now governor of Sokoto State from 2012-2015.

He also was Special assistant to Dr Mohammed Lame Secretary merger committee that set up framework for the merger of ACN, ANPP and CPC into APC In this role, he actively participated in key meetings that gave birth to the party.

During the 2015 general elections, Ikyur served as the Director of Social Media for Ortom/Abounu Campaign Organisation. 

Ikyur is also a prolific author with many books both published and on manuscript stage including the posthumous biography of Late Aper Aku,  the first executive governor of Benue State entitled: APER AKU: The Rise of Minority Politics in Nigeria.

His work on STATE VIOLENCE in Tivland: A Compendium on the 2001 Tiv/ Jukun ethnic violence is still being reviewed internationally as a pointer to root causes of ethnic violence in Africa

By Fred Iwenjora