Interviews
Peaceful protest is one of the ingredients that strengthens democracy ~ Dr. Godwin Maduka
Dr. Maduka is a renowned medical doctor who specializes in anaesthesiology. He is the founder of Las Vegas Pain Institute in the United States and one of the most rated pain management doctors in the world. He spoke with journalists recently and bare his mind on the state of the nation. Excerpts:_
Coming out from Edo election, what do you think are the take home?
One thing that stands out for me is a clear case of true demonstration of power of the electorates. Democracy according to Abraham Lincoln is the government of the people, by the people and for the people and I dare say that the recently concluded Edo election embodies this definition. It is the people that donate their powers to their representatives in government. So Supremacy lies with the people. Like they say, the power of the people is stronger than the people in power. In Igbo land, we say that one person cannot defeat an army of people. What happened in Edo state recently is a clear example of how a determined electorates can make a strong point. It shows that nothing is impossible for a truly determined and resolute people who have decided to take their destiny in their hands. Again, the level of political consciousness and enlightenment is highly commendable. The social media which is the new Frontier of knowledge is a huge factor in the heightened political awareness in the country. This same vibrant consciousness also played out in the last NBA election. I am elated with the fact that democratic norms are gradually taking shape in our polity. The NBA election was keenly contested and Mr Olumide Akpata showed his uncommon organizational skills with the way and manner he galvanized the young Lawyers, speaking to the issues that affect them. His message resonated with young Lawyers because it spoke to the core of their worries regarding the prestigious profession. And so they stood with and by him and mobilized greatly on his behalf. The end result was him winning the election by a landslide. Mr Olumide Akpata is my MAN OF THE YEAR, not just because of his victory at the NBA polls but because he rose to the occasion of leadership immediately after his swearing in.
He hit the ground running. I must commend the entire members of the NBA for their comportment during the electioneering process and the graciousness with which the victors extended a hand of friendship to other contestants immediately after the election. This is being magnanimous in victory. The NBA as a body has since been able to close ranks and Forge ahead, delivering on the electoral promises of its new leadership. I must also have to commend the INEC for the Edo and Ondo elections. The elections can be said to be free, fair and credible in every sense.
What is your view on the state of the nation?
Every Nigerian should be concerned with the tension in the country. It seems like the country is sitting on a keg of gunpowder and headed to the precipice. Insurgency, Farmer-herder crises, self determination agitations etc have reached fever pitch. In fact, being a regular on the Nigerian social media space can put one in a state of perpetual fear. We are grateful to God that we have managed to remain a united entity despite all these challenges but there is an urgent need to muster the political will and tackle these challenges head-on before this country implodes.
Looking at the state of the country, would you say we have a problem of leadership or followership?
Leadership is central to the success of every functional society. Where there is an abundance of natural resources and a dearth in quality leadership, there is stunted progress. But where there is a focused, determined and idea driven leadership, even with no natural resources, the people can excel. Singapore has no natural resources. They cannot even grow their own food. But their society today is a reflection of the visions of their leaders. In Africa, Rwanda didn’t allow the scars and the horrors of their bitter civil war to hold them back. Paul Kagame of Rwanda exhibited strong leadership by putting in place the process of reconciliation and healing among the hitherto irreconcilable Hutus and the Tutsi, and he is engineering one of the best capital cities in the world and has gifted Africa, one of the fastest growing economies. Nelson Mandela united South Africa despite the apartheid years and the intense racial tensions and fault lines that came with it. Dubai is located in the harsh unforgiving Arabian Desert. 40years ago, it was a wasteland. But with focused and determined leadership, it has been amazingly transformed and has become not just one of the top destinations in the world but a testament to visionary leadership. See how China and India pulled hundreds of millions of their people from the poverty trap in less than a decade. Nevertheless, having a conscious and enlightened followership is as critical as having good leadership. Both of them go hand in hand. Most leaders set out to do good but along the line, they get caught up in the sycophancy of the led and that is why it is vital that a leader chooses a team that aligns with his vision so that he can be constantly reminded to keep his eyes on the ball.
What do you think is the main trigger of pockets of agitation everywhere in the country now?
No country is without challenges. Even America with it’s over 200 year old democracy will always say that they are still working towards a more perfect union, that their country is still a work in progress. Here in Nigeria, there is this feeling of inequality and injustice by the majority of the populace. Some sections of the country feel other sections are lording it over them. The Nigerian motto is Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress. We cannot have progress without peace, and I mean negotiated peace, not peace of the graveyard. Again, there is a growing discontent by the youthful population due to rising unemployment and lack of opportunities. An idle youthful population is a recipe for disaster. It is a ticking time bomb. So there is an urgent need to arrest these pockets of agitations by running a more inclusive government, creating more opportunities for job creation and addressing social inequality.
How much are you disturbed about the #ENDSARS and police brutality protests and what would you advise the government to do to nip the agitation in the Bud?
Peaceful protests and free speech are necessary ingredients in every democracy. They are fundamental to the sanity of a democratic process. I have come to realize that though the immediate cause of the protests is police brutality, profiling, extortions and highhandedness, the protests go deeper than that. I can say that it is as a result of pent up anger about the frustrations of the Nigerian system especially as it relates to the Nigerian youth. To be honest, the youthful population has been given very little or no opportunity to thrive, and yet we call them the leaders of tomorrow. The protests show a population that is tired of the back seat, a population that is hell bent on taking the country back from the jaws of unemployment, insecurity, corruption, inequality and tribalism. As you can see, it transcends tribes and tongues.
The positive side of it is that it is a natural feedback in a democracy. It affords the leadership the opportunity to reassess their priorities in relation to issues that affect the people. The only way out of the protests is dialogue and continuous engagement until all the issues are sorted out. I must commend the Nigerian youths for the peaceful conduct of the protests thus far. To be fair, the youth has not been given enough credit in this country. See the organizational acumen, the mobilization and the near efficiency of the communications. See the sacrificial spirit and the shared brotherhood among the protesters. No news of violence or resort to vandalism. They even clean up the venues of the protests and dispose off the waste properly.
I must also commend the Federal government for the way it has engaged the youths and acceded to their demands. I also commend how the likes of Dangote and Tony Elumelu among others have equally squeezed out time out of their very busy schedules to talk to the youths in a bid to pacify them. I implore the youths to sheath their swords. They have spoken in unequivocal terms and the Nigerian society heard them loud and clear. Out of these nights shall emerge a wonderful and bright morning. I also urge the Nigerian police and other law enforcement agencies to maintain standard rules of engagement and high level of professionalism at this time and henceforth.
You made a donation recently to flood victims in Anambra state, what do you think can be done to stop perennial flooding in Anambra east, Anambra west and Ogbaru?
The flood in some part of Anambra State has become a recurring decimal. The Covid 19 pandemic and lockdowns already wrecked huge havoc and difficulty on the finances of people all over the world. So it is quite sad and heart breaking to hear this kind of news that exacerbates an already bad situation. The year has been a tough one for us. I am aware that over 15,000 people have been displaced and properties worth several hundreds of millions of naira including farm produce destroyed. I am particularly worried that most of the communities affected are largely agrarian communities who depend on farming for their sustenance. Farm lands have been submerged. The implication on food production is dire.
I already reached out to our people in the affected areas and made my own donation for the provision of their necessities. I am appealing to Federal government; Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Civil societies, NGOs, Faith organizations and private individuals to mobilize support for these people in this trying time. I commend Anambra State government efforts so far.
However, there should be a permanent solution to this flood problem. Our people cannot be restless every raining season. It requires thinking out of the box and using novel engineering solutions to channel and subdue the forces of nature to our good, not being victims of them.
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Interviews
“Football under siege: How Insecurity, poor investment threaten the beautiful game in Kwara North”
In this short interview, Dr. Ndanusa, a director at Aidu Football Academy (AFA), Lafiagi, speaks with our correspondent on the struggles of running a private football academy in a region ravaged by banditry, and the broader challenges of managing football without government support. AFA players wore black armbands during their friendly against NPFL side, Kwara United, in Ilorin, as a show of solidarity for communities in Kwara North under siege.
AFA only launched formally in February. How has the journey been so far?
What we did in February was an unveiling. The academy had actually started long before that. After the launch, we set up a boot camp where we picked some of the best talents to expose them to the wider world of football. Over the last six months, our boys have had several encounters — some are currently in Ethiopia trying out with clubs, while others are preparing to move to Doha, Qatar. Those at home continue to engage local teams, and coming to Ilorin feels like homecoming since Lafiagi is part of Kwara. But beyond football, our presence here is symbolic — our home base in Kwara North is bleeding due to insecurity. That’s why our boys wore black armbands: a cry for solidarity. Government is doing its best, but security is everyone’s problem.
What does it mean to run a football academy from an insecure region like Lafiagi?
Dr. Ndanusa: It is both emotional and challenging. Every day, we battle the reality that while we try to raise young men through football, our community is under siege by armed bandits. Players come to training after hearing gunshots the previous night. Families are displaced, and yet we must carry on. It shows that football is more than sport — it is a beacon of hope. Our boys are saying through football that Lafiagi deserves peace.
How tough is it for the private sector to invest in football in Nigeria?
Dr. Ndanusa: Very tough. It requires money, time, and enormous resources — things one man alone cannot shoulder. Unfortunately, unlike government-backed clubs such as Kwara United, private academies struggle without institutional support. People understand football’s value but they have not directly benefited from it, so they shy away from investing. Until more investors come in, academies like ours will remain at the mercy of passion and sacrifice.
What lessons do you think government and stakeholders can take from AFA’s effort?
That football can be a force for good. Beyond winning trophies, it can rebuild broken communities, unite people, and take young people off the streets. Our academy is proof — even in a conflict zone, young men can choose football over crime if given the chance. What we need is more investment, collaboration, and deliberate policies that support private football academies. With security guaranteed and stakeholders involved, Nigeria can produce not just players but true ambassadors of peace and development.
Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the fight against corruption must begin with accountability among top government officials.
Speaking during an interactive Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” Obasanjo highlighted the importance of leadership in combating corruption. The session was hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo stated, “The best way to fight corruption begins at the top; therefore, that is where we must focus our efforts.”
He stressed that leaders must lead by example. This sets a critical precedent for the entire nation, demonstrating a genuine commitment to transparency and integrity.
The interactive session focused on Obasanjo’s achievements in government and his assessment of Nigeria’s current state. He described corruption as “hydra-headed,” noting its deep roots in Nigerian society. This pervasive issue requires relentless effort to combat effectively.
Using an analogy from a former Sultan of Sokoto, Obasanjo compared corruption to a “babariga,” a flowing traditional attire. He explained, “If you are folding it on one side, it’s falling apart on the other side.” This illustrates how corruption can worsen if not addressed comprehensively.
He added, “When you carry it on both sides, you cannot hold your hands up, and as soon as you put your hands down, it’s falling apart. That’s corruption.”
Obasanjo emphasized that fighting corruption is not a one-time effort. It is a continuous endeavor requiring sustained commitment across successive administrations. “Corruption is not a one-day affair.
“It’s not a one-regime affair. It must be consistent, continual, and a daily affair,” he said. He warned that a single regime’s inaction may allow corruption to spread uncontrollably.
The former president urged officials to reform the recruitment and appointment of leaders to public office. He advocated for merit-based political appointments, not those based on political affiliations or tribal considerations.
As reported, Obasanjo argued that leaders must possess competence and integrity to effectively serve the nation.
Discussing the source of leadership, Obasanjo asserted that not all leaders receive divine appointment; some arise from personal ambition or malevolent forces.
Addressing Corruption
He stated, “God prepares most leaders and places them in their roles,” suggesting that this divine selection boosts a nation’s chances of success.
However, he recognized that evil influences can also infiltrate leadership. “Satan is real and has power. Satan can create a leader,” highlighting the potential for evil forces to influence those in positions of power.
He referenced Job from the Bible, explaining how Satan challenged God’s righteousness. He emphasized that while Satan has no salvation, his influence should not be underestimated.
Obasanjo’s remarks highlight Nigeria’s need for a comprehensive approach to combat corruption, starting at the highest leadership levels.
He urged leaders to prioritize accountability and meritocracy, ensuring that governance serves the public good.
Concluding his address, the former president stressed that sustainable development comes from transparency, consistent action, and leadership grounded in accountability and divine purpose.
His call to action emphasizes the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema, has lambasted the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, over what he referred to as tissues of lies from the former Minister.
It could be recalled that Mr. Sirika, during an interview on Arise TV, tried to defend the allegations of fraud levelled against him in particular, and the federal government led by the former president, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, in general, over the national carrier, Nigeria Air.
Speaking Arise TV on Sunday, June 11, 2023, Sirika made spurious claims about Air Peace, which is today regarded as Nigeria’s foremost airline.
In his bid to denigrate Air Peace while praising Ethiopian Airline, Sirika stated that the airline leased ‘two’ Boeing 777 aircraft on a monthly lease fee of $250,000, parked the aircraft for several months and incurred losses of $19 million while all the aircraft engines and landing gears became due for replacement.
He then asked: “Who does that?” then added that Ethiopian Airlines would never do that.
Secondly, Sirika said the airline stopped flying to Dubai because ‘we lack capacity’. This is another stark lie.
Read Air Peace’s press release debunking Sirika’s “lies”, signed by the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide, here.
Not satisfied with the press release, Chief Onyema appeared in person to further debunk Sirika’s lies, asking President Bola Ahmed ‘Tinubu to dissolve the charade called ‘Nigeria Air’.’
According to him, the current Nigerian government should dissolve Nigeria Air and work with Air Peace to be the Flag Carrier as his airline deserves it.
Speaking on Arise News on Wednesday, CEO of Air Peace averred that the former Aviation Minister, Sirika, ought to be in jail and not granting interviews.
Onyema recalled that he has done so much for this country, hence has to come on air and defend his credibility and reputation of his company.
He even demanded for more time as he has a lot to say about the corruption and criminality going on in this country.
As an ordinary citizen, he reminded Sirika that he has done more for Nigeria and Nigerians than the so-called politicians, only for the Nigerian government to deny Air Peace when it applied to be given slots to ply the UK route.
He noted that what the government should do is to support the local airlines in Nigeria, offer the airlines grants, and possibly deregulate the aviation industry as it will create more jobs and uplift the economy.
Watch the Arise News interview below:
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Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams on Monday, urged President Bola Tinubu to fulfill the dreams of a prosperous Nigeria, saying the late MKO Abiola’s mandate stands for justice, freedom, equity, liberty, and sustainability of democratic tenets.
Adams said this at the 30th anniversary of the June 12 1993 in Ogba, Lagos.
He stated that the death of the late MKO was not in vain because democracy has come to stay.
According to him, though there are challenges that have threatened the foundation of this democracy, things could be better with proper approach.
He said: “We cannot achieve much if our democracy is tied to the 1999 constitution that we are using presently in Nigeria.
The 1979 and 1999 constitutions are tools that the military imposed on us to preserve their atrocities.
“And the constitutions have always remained the bane of Nigeria.That is why we are where we are at the moment.
“Unless we embrace regionalism, and let the federating unit develop at their own pace, Nigeria may find it very difficult to realize its lofty dreams.
“With a new administration in power, there is need for President Bola Tinubu to come up with policy direction that has human face.’
Ace journalist, Mr. David Hundeyin, was on News Central TV, Thursday morning to break down the Nigeria Air fraud, allegedly perpetrated by the former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika.
Ace journalist David Hundeyin
Speaking, Mr. Hundeyin recounted how he broke the story of the fraudulent aircraft display on May 26.
Watch the video of the interview below:
In the meantime, the Nigerian legislature has stated that departing President Muhammadu Buhari created a fake airline as his final act in office.
President Buhari managed to arrange the flight of a lone aircraft bearing the livery of the nonexistent Nigeria Air before taking his final bow.
In an earlier development, the newly unveiled national carrier has revealed that it would soon make formal announcement for job opportunities as it continues to make preparations for commencement of commercial flights, which is projected to take place in the third quarter of this year.
Nigeria Air was unveiled on Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with a dual promise of quality service delivery and job creation, among others.
The job creation drive disclosure was contained in a document, entitled “Nigeria Air: The Journey So Far”, made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, by the airline’s media office.
According to the document, announcement for job opportunities would be made in key national newspapers for pilots, engineers, cabin crew and other positions.
The vacancy advertisements would also be posted on Nigeria Air website and social media platforms, as revealed by the document. Read more.
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©Copyright 2023 News Band
(If you would like to receive CURRENT NEWS updates from News Band on WhatsApp, or Telegram, or wish to send eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to elstimmy@gmail.com and we will respond instantly. Follow us on twitter @News Band; like our Facebook page: News Band.)
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