Features

GOCOP in Kogi: Confluence of ideas in the ‘Confluence State’

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2024

By Sunny Igboanugo

That the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), has become the new face of journalism in Nigeria, is no longer an issue for debate. It has become a definite, constant and acceptable fact over the years, when it took the centrestage in providing a new impetus for the practice in the country by aligning itself to the emerging global best practices of the profession.

What is new is that the body is also proving itself as a formidable platform for shaping information, thoughts and ideas, critical not only to pulling Nigeria out of the muddy pit in which it appears to have sunk in recent times, but providing the planks, which nailed together would create the platform for its quantum leap into the future.

In other words, GOCOP, has become a bastion for the stimulus to the New Nigeria that has crept into and remained in the national consciousness quite recently. That much was confirmed last week when the body assembled in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. It was the eighth edition of the Yearly GOCOP conference, which began few years after the founding of the body, by a group of practitioners in the online news platforms – who keyed-in to the emerging media practice that has since grown to dominate the world.

Initially, the idea for the formation of the group was to streamline the operation of practitioners to ensure that members – all well-established journalists – not only deviated from the suffusing bad-practices that non-professionals, rookies and outright fraudsters had introduced into the business, but took charge to ensure strict professional ethics as well as share intelligence, including business information on the realities of the new media platform.

That much has since been achieved by not only ensuring the strict and tall criteria set for admitting its membership – intending members must have spent at least 10 years in core journalism, have established office with a compliment of at least three staff, etc – but maintaining adequate monitoring mechanism to guarantee standard.

With that in the kitty and keeping to the ethics and maintaining standard no longer an issue, the group has since moved into the next stage of agenda setting – in itself, a critical component of the media functions. Over the years, the group has hosted many prominent Nigerians from all segments of the economy where information is not only shared internally but projected externally all geared towards national development and how to wake the sleeping giant many people have likened Nigeria as.

So, for four days – October 1 – the day of arrival to October 4 – departure – the 104-member body converged on beautiful city of Lokoja, capital of Kogi State for yet, another attempt at National Discourse to find the best answers to the National Question. Venue was the Reverton Hotels in the heart of the city, in a state that is said to be currently rediscovering itself as the base of Nigeria’s historic beginning.

Recall that Lokoja, once housed Fredrick Lugard, the British Lord and administrator, who provided the needle and thread with which Nigeria, hitherto, a conglomeration of divergent ethnic tongues, values and cultures, was knitted together, and therefore is ascribed a special place in the history of the country, with all the relics and structures, still evident till date.

Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, made no pretenses over his recourse to this historic fact in his detailed account on how he is determined to make the state not only a cynosure of eyes but a demonstrable pivotal base to mimic in Nigeria’s road to self-discovery. In his time in office, he promised to restore the state as the home of tourism in Nigeria and an economic hub, using all the natural infrastructures – those either buried in the ground, provided by nature or built by human hands.

Praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu profusely, Ododo told his audience: Kogi State is not joining protests to end bad governance in the country because we are seeing the impact of Mr President’s administration and his economic policies. Our administration has hit the ground running on road infrastructure development, investment in food production.

This is where we are doing our protests through mechanised farming with the view to bringing down the high costs of food in the state. Our administration in the state is all inclusive regardless of tribe and religion, among other fault lines. This government is the people’s government. We are silently turning things round in the state. We have signed up for the open government partnership. We are working to ensure that the resources of Kogi state work for the people of the state.”

Details of these, the governor provided in his several literatures, which were distributed to the GOCOP members and his speech to flag open the conference. Represented by Salifu Joel, his deputy, he was emphatic that Kogi was on the path to rediscovery in the Nigerian essence and true growth and prosperity.

This position was emphasised by Olorunfemi Kingsley Fanwo Commissioner for Information and Communication when he promised an encore next year to showcase how the state would have transformed in its journey to recreate itself as the bedrock of Nigerian rejuvenation. “You’re going to come back next year for us to show you what we mean when we say that Kogi would become the nation’s centre of attraction,” he told the visitors at a dinner organised for the GOCOP members to end the conference.

But that was at the subnational level. Beyond that was the issues that took the centre-stage, which were captured in the theme: Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, And Transitioning To Digital Economy, issues believed to be at the core of the current parlous state of affairs in the country. For more than 15 hours that were spent on the subject matters, in the two days the parley lasted, Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, Liyel Ikoke, former Chairman of the Power Sector Technical Board of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC-CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), all provided key insider information on the need-to-do basis, for Nigeria to rise from the bottomless pit despair and engage the gear for a jet-like leap into the future.

With Yusuf Mammam, former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain as Chairman, Rotimi Ajayi, a Professor in the Department of Political Science, Federal University Lokoja and Debrah Ogazuma, Edutainment Communicator and Veteran Broadcaster, dissected the papers as lead discussants.

One key feature of this year’s edition, was the introduction of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), in which the GOCOP President led members on a visit to two orphanage homes – Margaret Garba Ohiani Orphanage/Less Privileged Home and Rehoboth Children’s Homes, in Lokoja, during which various food items were donated.

By the time the parley rose on the evening of Thursday, October 3, a new set of templates have been reached through the gleaning and extensive discussions on the papers presented from Buratai, who spoke on the crisis of insecurity that is threatening to overwhelm the country in the last decade and more, Imoke, who spoke on the decades-old intractable power supply malaise and Maina, who pointed to the limitless benefits of the digital economy, it was clear that like in the past, a surgical operation had been performed to discover the nation’s main afflictions.

Observations and projections from the event:

Security:

Since Nigeria returned to democracy 25 years ago, we have been experiencing security challenges ranging from Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations to Niger Delta militancy. These security challenges have no doubt impacted negatively on the Nigerian economy thus, causing economic hardships on the citizens. The Conference notes that poverty and high unemployment rate which is close to about 40% today are major factors contributing to insecurity across the country.

It notes weak governance, inconsistent government policies and widespread corruption in the security forces as factors leading to compromising efforts in tackling insecurity effectively. The Conference acknowledges the federal government’s efforts in significantly degrading the Boko Haram insurgency through the use of technology and intelligence, and notes however, that insurgent attacks have continued unabated, especially in the north-east region.

The Conference therefore, calls for decentralization of security by granting state governments greater control over local security forces so as to improve regional responses to insecurity. It further advocates the urgent need to strengthen our local security architecture through Community Policing, which will no doubt improve intelligence gathering, foster trust between security forces and communities, and ensure a more proactive response to local threats.

The Conference stresses the need for increased funding for Security Agencies, while emphasizing the need to reduce corruption in the procurement process so as to ensure judicious use of available resources. To address the root causes of banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder conflicts, the government should implement development initiatives targeting rural poverty and job creation.

The Conference opines that tackling insecurity effectively depends largely on political will and the right leaders that will see corruption as evil and confront it frontally. It therefore charges members of GOCOP to take interest in interrogating the governance process that will ensure that committed and sincere leaders emerge to pilot the affairs of the country.

The Conference realizes that there is a corollary relationship between poverty and insecurity. Hence, it calls for specific economic empowerment programs targeting the youths such as entrepreneurship training, and access to financing for small and medium enterprises, SMEs.

POWER DEFICIT:

In Nigeria, electricity supply remains one of the most significant constraints to economic growth despite several power reforms that have been introduced since 1999 by successive governments. The Conference laments that despite huge resources that have been expended on electricity generation and distribution, Nigeria can only manage to deliver 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts.

It notes that Nigeria’s per capita electricity consumption which is around 150 to 200 kWh per year, is too low compared to other African countries and only reflects challenges in electricity access, infrastructure, and supply. On the way forward in addressing Nigeria’s power deficit, the Conference enjoins conscious efforts aimed at diversifying generation capacity through investment that guarantees expansion of the gas pipeline network, to ensure more stable gas supply to power plants.

The Conference identifies the need to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix by increasing the share of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and small hydropower projects that could provide electricity to areas that are not well-served by the grid. It observes that the current transmission system is not working hence, calls for the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria to allow greater private sector involvement in the transmission network.

The Conference advises the government to encourage more private sector investment in the power sector by creating a more stable and predictable regulatory environment to attract long-term investments. It notes that this is achievable if the government could stick to agreed contracts, reduce political interference, and ensure a transparent regulatory process.

Transition to Digital Economy:

The significant gains recorded through liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 2001 notwithstanding, Nigeria still lags behind in digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and the adoption of digital technologies in government and business processes.

The Conference notes that transitioning to a Digital Economy remains a major challenge for the country due to inadequate broadband penetration and unreliable internet services. It observes further that despite the fact that Nigeria boasts a young and dynamic population, digital literacy remains low, limiting the ability of the workforce to participate in the global digital economy.

The Conference agrees that Nigeria’s transition to a digital economy holds immense potential for transforming its economic landscape, creating jobs, and driving inclusive growth. Therefore, to fast-track this transition, the Conference calls on the government to prioritize infrastructure development, digital literacy, favourable regulations, and indigenous innovation.

It also advises that the government should address challenges such as poor internet access, regulatory uncertainty, and cybersecurity risks, noting that opportunities in fintech, e-commerce, agritech, and digital services present significant growth potential for Nigeria. The Conference lauds GOCOP for promoting responsible online publishing devoid of fake news, and urges its members to continue to discharge their responsibilities with patriotism.

GOCOP also charges its members to key into the various digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to promote their products or services and engage more with their audiences. GOCOP thanks the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, members of the State Executive Council and the good people of the state for providing the necessary facilities that made the hosting of the 8th annual conference of the Guild a huge success. GOCOP reiterates its commitment to continue to promote ethical and professional journalism, foster collaboration as well as advocate for the interests of online publishers in Nigeria.

Maureen Chigbo, incumbent President, who had acknowledged the great work and achievements of the body through its progressions under Mojeed Muskilu, the pioneer President, Dotun Oladipo, his successor, had ended her welcome address by noting that: “Like a river will wash away all the stress of the last year and energise us to forge ahead with our businesses successfully until we meet again in October 2025.”

She had also acknowledged the numerous individuals and entities that contributed in the successes of the event, such as the Olufemi Soneye of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Horatius Egua, Director, Special Duty at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the managements of Dangote Group, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Sovereign Trust Insurance PLC, among others.

As the members packed their bags to depart their rooms and head back to their individual bases across the country, one central thought was evident – GOCOP, which began as an idea of a few people, has like the tiny mustard seed grown to huge tree to provide homes for all manner of habitations that speaks on the nation’s diversity, the manure to nurture all the plants representing its myriad ideas and the vibrant voice in its ecosystem to project the idea of a New Nation.

Kogi, was good. Lokoja was the first to host the event outside Lagos and Abuja. By identifying and striking a symbiotic relationship with GOCOP, Ododo, has proved his vision, foresight as well as determination not only to lay bay his government to public glare, but to project his state into the future. From the confluence of ideas in the Confluence State, who knows who next?

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Features

Jim Nwobodo: The Sun shines, thrills, at ‘The Vanguard Awards’

Published

4 weeks ago

April 30, 2026

Whirlwindnews

By Sunny Igboanugo

Between sports and politics, it is difficult to ascertain which is more potent in delivering the dividends of popularity. But in a situation where the two are combined, what is the outcome? It is predictable – a two-fold if not multiple-fold of that.

Evidence of that reverberated last Saturday, when the floors of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Vitoria Island, Lagos, shook to its foundation, with the rooftops almost caving in, while announcing the entrance of Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo – a man adorned with the garlands from the two worlds after striding through them like a colossus.

For many youngsters who had wondered why the entire atmosphere at the main hall of the prestigious hotel echoed with Jiiimmm – jiiimmm – jiiimmm, the answer was not farfetched. The man that had just walked in had etched his name in the hearts of the people in many ways.

For instance, his tenure marked Nigeria’s most glorious era in sports. Everyone reckons with the Super Eagles of 1994 as the best squad in the country’s history – one that put the nation in global football reckoning. That, no doubt could easily be attributed in many ways to the Nwobodo magic.

As Minister of Sports and Youths Development, it was to his name that Nigeria not only won the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), for the second time it made its debut at the World Cup – the highest global football event.

In this glorious era, Nigeria found its name on the envious list of global sports – not only winning AFCON for the second time in 1994, appearing at the World Cup in the same year, becoming the number one in African football and number five in the world ranking it crowned it all by producing the Dream Team – the football squad that won the Olympics gold in football.

In that spectacular Olympics feat, the Nigerian contingents came back home with six medals – two golds, one silver and three bronzes – the best performance ever.

Even his foray into politics had a large component of sports in it, having led then Rangers Football Club of Enugu, as Chairman to its first major continental trophy – the African Cup of Winners in 1977. It was his launchpad into politics so much that his name and face were already quite familiar with the people.

From the position of the Chairman, Anambra branch of the defunct Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), he got elected as the first Executive Governor of the old Anambra State comprising what is today, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi States.

In the government that lasted from October 1, 1979 to October 1, 1983, he left a legacy that till date remains unmatched by succeeding governments – military and civilians – in infrastructure, education, hospitality among others.

Talk about the Nike Lake hotel, Nike, Enugu; old Anambra State Television, now split into Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) and Anambra State Television Service (ABS) Awka, Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUT), now split into Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and former Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH) Awka, now upgraded to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

There were also the Ikenga Hotels (with branches in Enugu, Onitsha, and Awka); the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu; Eha Amufu College of Education; and College of Education Nsugbe, Nsugbe, now Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.

One of the most flamboyant politicians ever to strut the rostrum in Nigeria, Nwobodo, who cut the image of not only a consummate fashionista but one whose uniqueness stood him out among his peers, also made it to the National Assembly as Senator representing Enugu East in the class of ’99-2003.

Gifted with immense public appeal, with penchant to attract the crowd like honey to bees, the energy his entrance generated as well as the ululations at Saturday’s event, was only too natural and emblematic of a man used to stealing the show at public gatherings.

The spontaneous reactions were simply consequent upon which aspect of him impacted the motley crowd comprising the high and mighty. For those from the South East, many still basking in the reverberating echoes of the politics of pasts, it was still the iconic Jim that had just walked in – a hero, whose name still lit fires in their bellies.

For others, it was the entrance of the most iconic, most esteemed and most revered Igbo leader alive today. The language of the Ogene music and the electrifying performance of the troupe from the South East delivered that part of the message most clearly.

Others recalled the Jim Nwobodo, who as Minister, not inspired the resilience with which the Dream Team, Nigeria’s most of prestigious football team mesmerised the world including the duos of the almighty Brazil and Argentina and returned home with the gold medal from the Olympics and the fanfare that followed the outcome in the streets of Abuja to Lagos, Enugu to Kano and Port Harcourt.

Yet, many must have recalled the effervescent governor of the second republic in the league of progressives, made up of young, vibrant and visionary politicians of that era imbued with fresh ideas of how to move Nigerian into the league of developed nations.

But ultimately, many would surely see the figure that had just walked into that arena as one of the remaining political icons of the class of ’79 – in fact, one of the only two governors of that era still standing today outside Alhaji Awal Ibrahim of Niger State.

So, it was not for nothing that the crowd cheered endlessly as the ex-governor, ex-Minister and Senator made his grand appearance. Nobody would be in doubt that he deserved every bit of attention and recognition.

Any such doubts would be cleared not only by the deluge of ululations from the audience, sustained accolades from both the organisers and fellow recipients, but also by the quality of personalities accompanying the elder statesman, from his homestead, of course, led by Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State.

Now, how would this enchanting event have ended without introducing the angle of Pat Nwobodo, the delectable wife and soft side of the Jim brand.

The goddess of the Nigerian stock market, financial guru and former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD-CEO) of Savannah Bank Plc was there in tow.

Standing by her husband to whom she had graduated beyond a wife, partner, an ally a friend, to the major pillar along the path of the build-up and along the twist and turns of politics, statecraft, completed the picture of the evening.

Indeed, The Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025, would be added to the list of the various trophies hanging on the walls of this octogenarian politician, sports enthusiast and administrator, leader of men and material and statesman extraordinaire.

But it certainly would not end there. The greater laurel is the imprint of his legacy in the hearts of his admirers as was showcased by the crowd which welcomed him with that loud ovation. That would be the more long-lasting – the more enduring.

For as the sage himself told the audience, while appreciating the recognition – getting awards while one was in power, could be good – but getting awards outside power, remained the more enduring, because it emblemised good memories – the best legacy of man on earth

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Features

Ben-Chuks Nwosu, Ogbalike Nnewi: Another feather to the cap, as the doyen soldiers on

Published

7 months ago

October 27, 2025

Whirlwindnews

Nwosu

Despite consistent usage, it has remained a powerful reality, the age-long saying that the drum sounds for a great man – in life and at death. Rather than becoming a tiring cliché its reality continues to emerge as demonstrable evidence from time to time.

So, when on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the cap lowered on the head of Ben-Chuks Nwosu – astute lawyer, consummate politician, inimitable humanist, gifted public speaker and foremost community leader, it was not just another historic event, many of which have trailed him over the years, but a clear statement on the persona of the former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly – one meant to capture his import as a man who has conquered his territory and etched his name permanently on the sands of time.

The versatile lawyer and politician, was among the influential figures assembled for special recognition by Igwe Keneth Orizu 111, Monarch of the Nnewi ancient kingdom – one of the iconic traditional stools in Anambra State – to mark his 100 years of age and 62 years on the throne, as one of the features of the historic event.

The monarch, the oldest and longest reigning king in Nigeria was emphatic on why Nwosu made that list – it was an acknowledgement of his positive contributions, not only to the development of the ancient town, but to the advancement of humanity in general through his engagements in many aspects, especially his chosen career of law and his vocation as a politician.

Ostensibly, the royal father wanted to make that statement both as part of the records of his reign and to demonstrate the essence of the biblical saying – to whom much is given, much is expected – and how this son on of Nnewi land had over time, fits that bill perfectly.

For instance, not only the monarch, the people of Anambra, if not the conscious world, bore and still bear witnesses to how, the primus inter pares of the Anambra legislature, Nwosu unsheathed his sword from the scabbards to confront the political hounds that attacked the state at that time, in defence of his territory – democracy.

The echoes of that historic period in the state, have continued to reverberate across the firmament, while the imprimatur has continued to be evident in demonstrably bold terms even now, as the doyen has again donated himself to yet a fresh battle – that of rescuing the people of Anambra from the abyss of despair as the state approaches the edge of the precipice where the current minders are driving it, through bad policies and unwholesome politics.

Currently, the Chief of Staff (CoS) of the John Chuma Nwosu (JCN) Campaign Council, the ex-lawmaker, has become a central voice for the new advocacy in Anambra by JCN – the man, who has taken it as duty to rescue the state and reverse the evil political vehicle, fast galloping towards that inevitable destruction.

Ndubuisi Nwobu, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at the hosting of members of the council at a reception organised at his Nnewi country home, shortly after the event at the Igwe’s palace, spared no words in acknowledging this aspect of the former Speaker’s persona, particularly his contributions to both politics and human development in Anambra State and beyond.

No photo description available.

Nwosu takes traditional greetings with Igwe Orizu

For Nwobu, himself one of the biggest names in Anambra political arena, bearing the scars of its different political wars, it was a recognition of a fellow warrior in the battlefield and a colleague in arms, whose contributions are vital for the mission at hand.

The former Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area and former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who represented the governorship candidate at the event was emphatic in guaranteeing that Nwosu would neither relent or be deterred by the arsenal of war being assembled by the anti-democratic, anti-progressive and clearly negative forces in the state, who seem intent on relentlessly asphyxiating it of life.

Hear him: “There is greater work ahead and I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll live up to expectation, because your passion for the service to mankind is exceptional. Whatever you set your mind on, you pursue it with so much gusto and vigour, as if your life depends on it. For you, there’s always no going back.

“Congratulations. The entire campaign council greets you. We thank you for what you have done and have no hesitation in our belief that with your contributions to this onerous task, we’re going to triumph. Remain strong. May the good Lord continue to strengthen you in the name of Jesus.”

Before Nwobu spoke, Prof. Zelinjo Igweze, Director, Women Mobilisation and Dr. CC Okeke, Deputy Director General (DDG) Political Matters, had also spoken in the same manner, paying glowing tribute to the Nnewi-born political juggernaut.

Ike Iwenofu, accomplished Engineer and Director General of the council, had earlier in his tribute on behalf of the members, also acknowledged Nwosu’s towering profile and invaluable contributions to the campaign efforts.

He wrote: “The entire John Chuma Nwosu Campaign Council bursts with joy as we celebrate our indefatigable Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Barr. Benchuks Nwosu, on this glorious day of honour and recognition by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III of Nnewi, during the historic Centenary Birthday Celebration.

“This royal honour is not just a mark of distinction, but a celebration of character — a recognition of your steadfast loyalty, uncommon humility, and tireless service to humanity and our great movement. You have continued to distinguish yourself as a pillar of strength and a shining example of leadership, loyalty, and integrity. Your honour today reflects the values we hold dear — service, excellence, and commitment to the greater good.

“We rejoice with you, Ogbalike Nwachinemelu, and pray that this recognition opens even greater doors of favour, grace, and impact in your journey ahead. A thousand cheers to a worthy son, a noble leader, and a loyal ally!”

May be an image of one or more people

Nwosu with Nwobu

But for the man of the moment, the event evoked memories decked in family history, particularly depicting a family of warriors, whose essence was captured in the roles they played in defence of the territorial integrity of the Obuofia Nnewi enclave in the years of yore.

He tells the story: “My father, Nwoke Modo was a warrior and it became his assignment to move from Obuofia to wage wars against our attackers. Where we live now is called Agawana, meaning war trenches. So, Eze Ugbuonyanta, the great grandfather of the person that gave me this title today, named him Ogbalike. That means, when things get tough, he is invited.

“So, when this came up about a year ago, I told the Igwe that I had a senior brother, but they said the knew the history, but that this was given to me in recognition of the special role I played as Speaker, particularly during the impeachment saga (of former governor, Peter Obi.)

“They said I proved some genetic trails when I did not betray him as then Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Council and I did not betray Dr. Dozie Ikedife, who was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. So, this has been in the making for more than a year. In line with tradition, I had to let my elder brother know and he gave his consent that I could go ahead and take our grandfather’s title. That’s what I have done today. Since he was a warrior, they felt that the role I had played in Anambra politics akin to that of a warrior, hence the title.”

With this historic aspect, it might no longer be surprising to anyone the line the former Speaker is toeing, why his battle-weary body is lacerated with the scars of war and why his path both in politics, law and other endeavours is strewn with courage and forthrightness. It lives in the family – an acknowledgement that Ogbalike Nnewi is not just a title, it is history!

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Features

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe: All hail the Nigerian Madeleine Albright

Published

8 months ago

October 8, 2025

Whirlwindnews

By Sunny Igboanugo

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” – Martin Luther King

On the evening of Thursday, October 2, 2025, I was one of the scores of faces at the Lagos Continental (LC) arguably one of the most prestigious hotels in Nigeria today – an imposing sightful structure somewhere on Kofo Abayomi Street in Victoria Island in the nation’s commercial city. By the way, it is advetrtised as the tallest hotel in the whole of Africa.

I nearly cursed my ill-luck for being in Lagos at the time, because outside Lagos, I would have had a more cogent and verifiable reason not to attend the event. When my boss forwarded the invite to me on WhatsApp, I had paid little heed to it, knowing it was not a place for me.

But then, my boss informed me later that I was going to accompany him. That was when, as the Americans would say – the nickel dropped! All attempts to hedge and dodge on the matter, were conveniently dismissed. I had hoped the – strictly black-tie event, also inscribed on the card, which sounded more like a warning than information – was going to be a convenient excuse. But it wasn’t.

“Then go get them. They’re in the market.” That was my boss, when I complained that I wore suits and ties last some 20 years ago and that my wardrobe had warned me that they were now an anathema and no longer welcome within its bowel.

I had actually read an interview, where the late Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, famous academic and later monarch of Ndikelionwu community in Anambra had once warned that even at death someone put a tie on him, he would wake up and strangulate the person with it.

I shared the sentiments behind his position, but thank God, mine wasn’t that extreme. So, I did get one and attended the event. In the end, I was glad I did, because had the bolts and nuts, bits and pieces, odds and ends of my sentiments stopped me, I would have missed one of the greatest events I ever witnessed in my over three decades stretch in my career as a journalist.

Yes, only a “one kain” journalist – to use the Nigerian parlance would have spent such a long period on the job and still be too fascinated about dinners, banquets, luncheons. For me, they hold no special place, especially those involving crossing seven wildernesses and seven seas to attend, such as driving in the drudgery and tortuous Lagos traffic to do so, more especially late at night.

Not only have I attended tonnes of them – at the instances of government houses, political organisations, global institutions, corporate bodies, foreign embassies – and gained therefrom experiences that would last me a lifetime, but my palate has become so saturated from the diverse cousins and dishes, at each point, some tasteful, others banal that my taste bud itself is now confused. In other words, I have other ideas of killing my time.

So, trust me in giving my honest review on this one when I say it is one of the grandest I have ever experienced, if not the grandest. I can’t possibly recall a grander one. This became evident from the first step I took into the foyer of the third floor of the imposing structure, leading into the array of immaculately-attired men and women sharing drinks and having hearty conversations – of course – virtually all in black ties or something resembling it.

I would have mistaken that Thursday’s breathtaking experience for the grandeur of the ambience were it my first time here. But apart from attending several other functions within, LC was one of the preferred choices of residency for my former Minister boss, whenever we travelled to Lagos from Abuja, especially if the function had to do within Lagos Island. So, I was somewhat on a familiar ground.

This is the creation of human mind and construction of human hand, I said to myself, as I eventually sat in my corner inside the dinner hall from the cocktail arena, where I was ushered to by one of the delicate-looking but professionally nuanced ladies aiding the guests.

Having quickly switched on to my professional garb, I began to watch the scenery continue to unfold, thenceforth, pretending to mind my business, while actually minding other people’s businesses, which is actually my business and the business of every journalist.

At The Guardian in those days, the primary injunction to reporters, was to look out for something unique – something that must have missed the eyes of other people – it was one of the elements that made it the flagship of Nigerian journalism at that time.

I took in every detail of the sequence – strung together like the delicate knitting of a weaverbird. Like the fine brushstrokes of Michelangelo’s The Sistine Chapel or Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the choreography was a complete work of art – complete in its forms and ideas. It was a kaleidoscope of concepts and colours.

I took in the assemblage of the guests. It was not only a full rollcall of Nigeria’s high and mighty but a clear statement on the country itself in terms of how the sharp differences in its diversity could melt away and like a good seasoning, enhance the taste of the food rather than destroy it.

Even the menu presented its own allure. The literature on each food and drink, was delivered to the minutest details in specific language couched in elegant prose that presented in itself a mastery of its own art forms.

Finding ukwa – cooked breadfruit seeds, mashed in African red cooking oil with a sprinkling of chili-pepper sauce and served with a choice of dried fish sauced in native spices – my own words since I couldn’t remember how it was captured – among this list, was heavenly. I could give a finger for this unique Igbo delicacy.

Then came the entry of Benedith Orama, the man of the moment. It was decked in its own unique fanfare obviously directed at interpreting his persona. The well-choreographed theatre, bespoke of not only originality, but itself a study in pure creative skill. With all eyes turning to the entrance, at the sounding of the opi, the picturesque characterisation showcased a man who despite conquering at the global environment, had not lost touch with home.

Opi, an Igbo trumpet accompanies only great men – not only titled men, but great achievers. In tow were the masquerades – the Atumma – elegance and beauty, the Okwomma or Mgbadike for energy and valour and of course the old, fearsome one for wisdom and authority – depicting Orama’s diverse but complete identity as a man of many parts.

Put together by Fidelity Bank, Plc, the event, titled: Celebration of a Titan, was a way of honouring the erudite scholar, author and Professor of International Trade and Finance, as he bows out as President and Chairman of Board of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), where he had served since 2015.

Summing up the entire package, left me with little imagination on why the bank maintains a prime position at the top level of Nigeria’s financial industry over the years despite all odds. I was not the more surprised that the person that curated the scenic choreography is the same Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, whose transformational identity has attracted immense celebration locally and international.

Such flawless, pin-drop efficiency, as was on display on Thursday, could only be achieved by someone not only with eyes for the minutest details but with the ability, capacity and authority to employ such attributes to create things beyond the average.

As she mounted the podium to speak, I quickly ran a further check to update my knowledge about her stint in the bank and discovered that virtually everything about her were in superlatives. Lawyer, administrator with PhD honoris causa in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) – The Banker of the Year 2022 –-Best Banking CEO Nigeria 2023 – Top 25 CEOs in Nigeria, etc., it was quite a mouthful.

But beyond this tall profile on paper I could decipher the more distinct and compelling attributes that only well-trained eyes for details could fathom. Even hidden behind the glittering allure – beauty, elegance, ornamental wardrobe – that accentuated her femineity as she stood there on the podium to welcome her guests, they still stood out – intelligence, power and authority – elements that when nailed together with education and long-term experiences are bound to create the strong platform for the erection of the formidable edifice that Fidelity Bank has become under her watch.

That the institution was among the first to meet the new capitalisation threshold – just few months after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the new policy, might just as well be attributed to the visible display of grit, passion, focus and competence.

Quietly taking everything in from my vintage position at my table and gobbling down every aspect of the event including the classical choral performances, poetry renditions, and sizzling displays by the legendary Theresa Onuora of Egedege Dance Group and Flavour, Nigeria’s celebrated singer and performer, I began to surf through the history of powerful women across the globe to ascertain in which genre the top banker could fit in perfectly.

Margret Thatcher of Britain, Aung Sang Suu Kyi, the Myanmar politician and leader, Angela Merkel, former German Chancellor, our own Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. Though great women of history none fitted into the character I was looking for.

Then it hit me! Madelein Albright – first United States female Secretary of States. Sweeping through the assemblage with my eyes, many of the characterisation in “Madam Secretary” – where the iconic US top diplomat told her own story in that highly-acclaimed autobiography came to the fore and began to play out before me like a reel from the cinema tape.

Only the mental acuity, rare intelligence, power of influence and the ability to harness and manage both human and material resources, with which Albright held together the Bill Clinton administration, making it one of the most memorable in recent US history, could gather the quality of individuals, create the ambience to capture and sustain their interests far into the night and ultimately lead to such loud applause at curtain-fall on that Thursday.

Now, as I sat, capturing all the moments, a thought also flickered through my mind. I began to imagine this iconic banker and achiever in the garb of a governor – particularly that of my state – Anambra,. Certainly, her type is the best advertisement anyone could make for women in power. Hers could achieve more results than just wordy advocacy and even legislation.

I won’t be surprised to hear that one United Nations agency or global institution has head-hunted and taken her away from our clime to a place where her talent would not only blossom, but where it would be best appreciated.

But before that happens, it would be my remit to use every opportunity to inform her that whenever her stint ends on this her present job, some of us will be waiting with a greater assignment back home, to her birth place.

Don’t be surprised. The next time you see yours truly, it might be in the streets protesting and mobilising in lieu of this project. For such a project, I could swim across the River Niger without life jacket to make it happen.

Leg crossed, sipping my drinks contentedly and waiting to call the party sometime in future, it will be more appropriate to say: Take a bow, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, our own Madelein Albright – not the US Madam Secretary – but Nigerian Madam Banker! Take a bow, Achalugo, Ugobeze, Nwa-afo amuchara amucha. Take a bow, Adadioramma!

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