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THE POWER OF LOVE – By Azuka Ogujiuba

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4 years ago

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We never really know the strength that lies inside us, until such time as we are challenged, pushed, cornered, and or tested. When everything we own and or hold dear is threatened. When everything we stand for and or believe in is offended by those who for whatever reason, choose to take us for granted or choose to underestimate the enormity of that strength that lies within us.
That strength becomes a rage and a wave of anger so visceral we can almost taste it and yet which, the ill-informed, the arrogant, and those who seek to undermine us, can never ever understand. While hell may have no fury as a woman scorned, love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination and as Dr. King teaches us, power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands for love
On April 26th, 2020, Dr. Joseph Ademola Olutosin Ajayi (Doc) passed away. It is not for any of us to say any death is untimely but after twenty-five years of marriage, built on love, friendship, wisdom, and mornings, days, and nights of often raucous laughter, Doc’s passing away left an unfillable hole. The family home would never be the same and that seat at the head of the table will remain forever vacant. It will serve as a salient reminder, that yes, the man really has gone.
With him, till the literal end was Helen, his dutiful wife, partner, friend, confidante, and the X to his Y. Theirs, remains a remarkable yet very private story, the strength of which, outsiders will only now begin to see and understand, is fueled by the power that is love.
A wife loses her husband after 25 years of marriage. A wife loses both her husband and father to her children. Ordinarily, we the civil and respectful would give her space to mourn. Give her space and solace to gather herself. Give her space to articulate her story to her children. Give her space to somehow ease through that pain of loss. Give her space to grieve and cry. Give her the space that all of us will one day, also need. Yet, the blow that would kill a civilized man or woman seems to heal the naked wounds, energize, and serve as a delight to the savage. So it was, then rather than let her mourn, others thought it best to try to attack and pillory Helen Ajayi in the naïve belief that they would somehow muzzle, subdue and or suppress her. They would somehow airbrush 25 years of marriage and attempt to replace that bright narrative a tired and dated story peddled through the delusions of a woman dumped a quarter of a century ago by her then-husband and who today has a face etched with bitterness, jealousy and sadness.
Yet Dr Ajayi deserved so much more. Deserved, so much better and so, enter the power of love. Enter a woman doing what she has to do. Enter a woman doing everything, the depth of her family history has taught her to do. Enter a woman doing everything her husband of 25 years would expect her to do. Enter a woman doing everything her children would expect of her. Enter a woman whose courage and determination were not forged yesterday. Enter the power of love. Enter, Mrs Helen Ajayi.
Yet should anyone be surprised. Those who chose to doubt Helen’s resolve, should simply have taken a step back. If they had, they would have saved themselves a lotof the money they were forced to borrow. They would have saved themselves from the near universal humiliation they have now received. Saved themselves from the opprobrium now so easily and readily dumped on their heads.
They would have saved the blushes of an acting and serving Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You see, this Helen, is Helen Prest? Spelt P -R – E – S -T. In 1950 her grandfather and Anthony Enahoro founded the Mid-West Party. The Mid-West Party became part of the Action Group in 1951.As deputy leader to Obafemi Awolowo. Fearless, Prest, Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Anthony Enahoro and others fought for Nigeria’s independence.
Helen is the same person, who became our most remembered Miss Nigeria and still found the time to qualify as a Barrister and then secure her master’s in law at Kings College London. Helen’s late Father, was one of the closest influences to Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari GCFR, Nigeria’s first democratically elected President of Nigeria, after the transfer of power by military head of state General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979? More recently, after a five-year herculean battle, it required the full might of twelve supreme court justices of the United Kingdom to hold their noses and cause an uncomfortable systemic review of an 1896 Company Law principle, simply to thwart her younger brother’s attempts to seek justice.
The simple point is, Helen does not look for anybody’s trouble but challenge, push, corner and or try to test her and her rich family history should tell you, that she will fight back. That family history taught her that whilst you may not always win, people will remember that you fought and you fought with dignity because you knew it was the good flight to fight.
Dr Tosin Ajayi had deliberately shielded Helen from the ugliness that is often a part of each of our lives. He’d showered her with love. He hadn’t suppressed or subdued her. She knew the nature of that (private) ugliness and the source of much of his anguish and so focused in twenty-five years of marriage, on giving him the space to press the re-set button. Time moves on, people move on, people grow. Our lives are textures of rich chapters each having their own time and place. Dr Ajayi had moved on.
Everything about him said so. After the torture of a solitary life living alone at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos from 1986 – 1996, it was in March 1996 that he phoned Helen whilst he was on a business trip in London. Her then secretary, Lola bears witness to this. This Dr Ajayi had called from London and had confidently declared that they were to be soul mates. He was going to marry her. Marry her he did and together and one beautiful daughter later, they remained entwined in each other’s lives until his time came on April 26th, 2020 at St Nicholas Hospital, Lagos
You don’t make up this type of story. You don’t rob a man of that part of his life. You don’t rob a wife of that? You don’t rob a child of that? That wonderful, beautiful story, that begun with love and to this day is powered by that same love. Who are you to take your pernicious hand and try to destroy that? Helen didn’t know you and now may choose not to know you. It might have been so so different if you had joined us her to mourn and joined herto celebrate a great Man. Celebrate a man too generous to a fault.
Helen had waited to greet you, she had waited to join hands with you to give her beloved Husband the right and befitting last outing and the one we all know he deserves. Yet you didn’t do that. Instead, consumed by jealousy, you removed your mask and revealed the real you and unleashed what you thought would be the calumny brewed in the dark corridors of those with greedy minds. You tried to unhinge something that you did not create. Something you never created. You deeply scorned another woman, who, as God would have it, created the same with ease and aplomb. Why? Ask yourself why? Why would you choose the savage path when the alternative and dignified path was yours, so easily to take?
Today we can announce that Dr Tosin Ajayi will be buried just as Helen had wanted. He will be buried just had Helen had fought so hard for. He will be buried with the minister preceding over the affairs just as he wanted. His daughter will speak of her Father with her head held high and whilst her voice may be choked and tears may flow, her tears will be tears of joy, tears full of pictures ofsmiling happy faces, tears full of whispers of father advice, tears full of dreams and ambitions spoken fondlyabout when he Father was with us. Tears that tell the real story of how her Mother fought and battled so that this day, February 11th 2020 will be her day and will always be her Father’s greatest outing.
Never underestimate the power of love.

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Society

Aisha Achimugu Commissions Bodex Media Studio As “Talks with Bodex” Podcast Is Officially Unveiled

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4 mins ago

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February 23, 2025

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Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Achimugu, a highly respected entrepreneur and philanthropist, has officially commissioned the Bodex Media Studio in Lagos. The commissioning marks a new era for digital storytelling and media innovation.

 

Achimugu praised Florence Bodex Hungbo, the visioner behind Bodex Media Studio and the CEO of Bodex Group. She commended her for her relentless efforts in driving media excellence.

 

The event also marked the grand unveiling of the “Talks With Bodex” podcast, a new platform dedicated to engaging discussions with industry leaders, changemakers, and everyday individuals, making extraordinary moves.

Hosted by Florence Bodex Hungbo, the podcast promises insightful, entertaining, and thought-provoking conversations on entrepreneurship, social impact, and digital trends.

 

Expressing her gratitude, Bodex shared her excitement for the new journey ahead. According to her, “Having Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Achimugu commission this studio is an honour. She embodies excellence, leadership, and positive impact, which aligns with the vision we have for Bodex Media Studio and the “Talks With Bodex” podcast. This is just the beginning, and we are ready to create powerful content that informs, educates, and entertains,” she said.

Follow @talkswithbodex and @realbodex on all social media platforms for updates and exclusivity

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Society

Natasha’s reason for her removal as committee chair misleading- Senator

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3 hours ago

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February 23, 2025

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Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Agom Jarigbe, has clarified that the removal of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content had no connection to the siting of Mini LNG Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

Mr Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District, made the clarification in a statement on Sunday.

“The claim that her role or involvement in the siting of the LNG plants played a part in her replacement is categorically incorrect,” he said.

This clarification follows a claim by the Kogi senator in a telephone interview with Berekete Family, a human rights radio station in Abuja, on Friday.

In the interview, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was recently removed from the Senate Committee on Local Content due to perceived biases and that some lawmakers suspected she was diverting resources meant for the Niger Delta to the north.

“Just two weeks ago, I was removed from a committee on local content. I was moved from there because some people perceived that I was using that office to divert resources from the Niger Delta to the north, and that was not it,” she said in the interview.

However, Mr Jarigbe, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, refuted these claims, describing them as baseless and misleading.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan has been an outspoken lawmaker, particularly in the Senate Committee on Steel Development, where she serves as vice chairperson.

During the 2025 budget defence sessions in January, she actively scrutinised and criticised the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, uncovering fraudulent activities involving ghost contractors and unimplemented projects.

Notably, on 22 January, she raised concerns over a questionable N2 billion project for youth training in metal works. She highlighted discrepancies in the budget and inconsistent implementation.

Her tenure as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content was also marked by rigorous oversight, ensuring accountability from agencies under its jurisdiction.

However, on 4 February, upon resumption of plenary for the year, Senate President Godswill Akpabio reassigned her from the local content committee to the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Given that the local content committee oversees lucrative oil agencies, many speculate that her reassignment was politically motivated, possibly reacting to her unwavering scrutiny of government projects.

Response to allegation of LNG projects influence

Mr Jarigbe said neither Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan nor the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) played any role in determining the location of the LNG plants.

He explained that the LNG projects, which are Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete, are private sector-driven initiatives, not federal government projects.

He further emphasised that the decision to site the plants in Ajaokuta was made solely by private investors after considering economic viability, access to gas pipelines, and operational efficiency.

Mr Jarigbe also noted that while Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was invited to project engagements, her participation was not different from that of other National Assembly members, and her presence did not equate to influencing the project’s location.

“As chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, I have received numerous inquiries from concerned Nigerians questioning why Ajaokuta was selected as the site for these Plants.

“Private investors make decisions based on the profitability and sustainability of their investments, not political affiliations or considerations,” he said.

Call for conduct and responsibility among senators

Mr Jarigbe also urged his colleagues to exercise caution in their public remarks, reminding them that parliamentary immunity applies only within the Senate chambers.

He cautioned against defamatory statements and emphasised the need for decorum in legislative conduct.

“There is no protection or immunity outside the chamber, and we must exercise restraint and circumspection in our speeches and actions.

“Our behaviour and words must reflect the dignity and responsibility vested in us by the people of Nigeria. The law does not provide immunity for a Senator who defames anyone,” Mr Jarigbe said.

The senator encouraged adherence to Senate Standing Orders.

He said, “Finally, I urge my distinguished colleagues to review and adhere to the Senate Standing Orders and to conduct ourselves in a manner that upholds the sanctity of the Senate and the high office we hold.”

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Oando Boss, Wale Tinubu Receives Award as Best Investor of the Year

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1 day ago

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February 22, 2025

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Jubril Adewale Tinubu, oil tycoon and GCE of leading oil and gas firm, OANDO, yesterday shone brilliantly like a well-cut diamond when he received the award for the New Telegraph Investor/Transaction of the Year 2024.

 

The oil guru with three decades of expectational performance in the oil sector was among other prominent Nigerians that went home with honours at the Oriental Hotels, venue of the ceremony.

 

The award, described as well- deserved, was presented to Tinubu for leading his team to successfully completing the acquisition of Agip Oil Company at $783 million.

 

The transaction, which was completed in August 2024, was described my many as a remarkable one the nation’s economy.

 

Tinubu is an intelligent, pragmatic and a genius who strikes when the iron is hottest.

 

Gifted with a knack to spot opportunity ahead of the crowd, Tinubu has in the last 30 years of unbroken entrepreneurial voyage positioned Oando among the best oil and gas company in the world.

He believes Nigeria offers limitless possibilities and opportunities, and holds high, at all times, the banner of hope.

 

Today, the business has not only earned him fame and wealth, but has also contributed in great measures to the economic development of Africa and beyond.

 

Other awardees on the night include Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State won the Governor of the Year 2024; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State received the Governor of the Year in Projects, while Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State won Governor of the Year in Economy

 

 

Others are Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mr Mele Kyari, won the newspaper’s prestigious Man of the Year 2024, while the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN), won Minister of the Year 2024 in Transformative Leadership.

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