“Nigerian Political Parties Lack Ideology” – Joko, Mindshift Convener

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2022

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“Nigerian Political Parties Lack Ideology” – Joko, Mindshift Convener—-The Convener, Mindshift Advocacy for Development Initiative, Mr. Joko Okupe, has indicted Nigerian political parties for lack of ideological direction. Mr. Okupe made this declaration in a media interaction held recently at the Mindshift corporate office in Ikeja, Lagos.

Fielding questions from the press the Mindshift Convener argues that none of the parties in Nigeria contending and jostling for political power come 2023 is driven on the wheels of ideology. What directs the life and operations of a political party in a democracy, he said, is ideology. Ideology is the bulwark of the party’s culture. It stands tall as the oil or blood that runs the engine of the party and directs the actions of both the party officials and the membership.

According to Mr. Okupe, “Ideology consists of the common beliefs, values, and norms of the party directed at defining the kind of society a party plans to build. It comes from a common vision designed by the party as a roadmap to the society in view. Ideology forms the operating framework from where the political parties draw their inspirations and strategies which are encapsulated into manifestoes and agendas and subsequently communicated to the public through their campaign communications. But can we say the parties have any ideological direction? How, for instance, can you distinguish APC from PDP. Because the parties lack ideology, so there are no distinctions in their manifestoes. Every party appears to be saying the same thing about: building infrastructure, providing youth employment, providing good health care and good education. But we know it is the same thing they have been saying since 1999”.

Speaking further about the Nigerian state and the type of leader Nigerians will expect come 2023 he said, “There is no political party in Nigeria today you can say is a shining example of what a political party should be. They all lack ideology. We are in a Nigerian state variously described by political scientists as predatory, prebendal, parasitic, patrimonial, neo-patrimonial, crony, kleptocratic, venal, greedy, etc., that has created a crop of leaders who in themselves are selfish and do not understand their own historical mission. Under this situation he posited that we need a certain kind of leader. “We need a leader who is sufficiently knowledgeable about the task ahead, and understands the context behind Nigeria’s current historical trajectory, and would be ready to tackle it headlong. We need a leader who is bold, brave, and courageous – who can break the bounds of our stranglehold. A leader who understands the need to build cohesion in a multiethnic and multicultural society. We need someone who can confront orthodoxy and demolish our fault lines without diminishing our disparate cultural and ethnic values. Such a leader needs to have a clarity of his vision and how he wants to achieve it. I have not seen much of that in the present crop of party contenders for the post of the president in 2023.”

Speaking on the solution to the Nigerian leadership problem, he said that Nigeria needs an upgrade in the reformulation of the state, the leadership class, and the citizens. The state is malfunctioning because of its hackneyed structure which tilts towards centrality and unitary-federalism. That is an aberration in a multiethnic and multicultural state. The leaders are selfish and visionless, attracted only by the fancy of their kleptomaniac tendencies. They do not understand the very purpose of life, and hence can hardly understand the essence of leadership. The followers are famished and lack the understanding of what liberal democracy is all about. In the most part, they lack enough knowledge to appreciate that they are actually the king while the politicians are their servants. They mistake the concept of leadership in a political setting with the concept of kingship in a traditional setting; and this makes them subservient to the politicians who should be accountable to them. This contradiction makes democracy difficult to practice in Nigeria. Under this scenario the politicians weaponize poverty as an instrument of domination against the citizens.

Following this, Mr. Okupe advocates for the mass enlightenment of the political class and the citizens. For him, both the political class and the citizens are under bondage, and need to be enlightened so that they can be liberated to develop the country, without which Nigeria remains undeveloped for eve. This is the reason he convened the Mindshift movement.

Explaining further, Mr. Okupe said that, “Mindshift Advocacy Initiative for Development was created out of the vision and understanding that our response to whatever situation we find ourselves, either in our individual terrain, group terrain or national terrain, is directly a result of how we think. The bible says, as a man thinks in his heart so he is or becomes. So, if we understand that, we will all push for a Mindshift or a change of how we think. That is what will actually move us away from where we are now. So, the Mindshift movement is actually focused on shifting mind-sets from negative to positive. It is a non-governmental and non-partisan organization. It is focused on redirecting the mind-set of Nigerians from the route of destruction in every area of lives. “If a man wants to be destructive or disruptive, it is through the power of his mind.”

“There is so much capacity in the power of the mind that the way and manner that the mind is directed determines a man’s outcome. Even for us, as a lesson, other nations of the world are doing incredibly well is due to the different mind-sets that they have. The average Nigerian mindset is anti-progress and anti-development. How can we have progress and development without working on the re-orientations of the mindset we have? Even when government decides to run a campaign on changing attitudes, the success will depend on how people think.” We must have that clear understanding. That essentially is the mandate of the Mindshift advocacy.

Joko Okupe who is a brand management and marketing communications expert of about 35 years, and who has consulted for many globally reckoned organisations, is set to bring that knowledge and experience to the front burner in the management of the Mindshift advocacy, with the sole aim of galvanizing the Nigerian people to a new way of thinking and reasoning that will lift this country from one milestone of development to a higher milestone of development.

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News

Bisbam CEO, Abisola Bamidele, Bags Owu Chieftaincy Title..Becomes Erelu Borokini Of Owu Kuta

Published

1 week ago

November 25, 2023

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Bisbam CEO, Abisola Bamidele, Bags Owu Chieftaincy Title..Becomes Erelu Borokini Of Owu Kuta

Come Friday, December 1, 2023, His Royal Highness, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, will install Mrs Abisola Bamidele as first Erelu Borokoni of Owu, Kuta.

All roads lead to Kuta, which promises to be a high society event laced with tradition.
To ensure that the chieftaincy ceremony is given a touch of class and panache, Mrs Bamidele fondly called Lady BisBam by her admirers, who have put all the finishing touches to make it a memorable day.
Abisola Bamidele, a visionary and an accomplished female entrepreneur and philanthropist, was born on 4th of July, 1970 in Epe, Lagos.
Lady BisBam, as she’s popularly known, from an early age, her curiosity and determination set her on a path of innovation and social impact. Her advocacy for preservation of culture and tradition had fueled her brand as “Alaga Iyawo” (Traditional Wedding MC) for over thirty years and still counting, she’s known and recognized home and abroad for excellence and her height of exposure even as “Alaga Iyawo”.
She stands as a luminary in her field. She has raised and still building brands (people) in her own capacity.

After records of accomplishment and success as Alaga Iyawo, Abisola Bamidele embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Well over ten years now, she founded BISBAM GLOBAL VENTURES (BisBam Place), a groundbreaking venture that stands as a testament to her dedication, offering a one stop sanctuary for Aso Oke, Aso Ebi, and resplendent traditional bridal ensembles. Complementing this, her brainchild “Arewa Jewellery Shop” adorns individuals with the finest pieces, celebrating the heritage of Nigerian culture. Her ability to identify market trends and adapt to evolving industries quickly propelled the company to success.

Known for her leadership acumen, Abisola Bamidele served as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women in business. She became an advocate and a pioneer of an online Family Building Forum called HOME BUILDERS, which has close to 80,000 members. Driven by a desire to mend fractured families, this thriving community now unites nearly 80,000 members across the world, serving as a testament to its impact on the lives it touches.

Not content with personal success, Lady Bisbam established the “Alaga Academy,” popular called “THE RISING STARS.” This esteemed institution imparts invaluable mentorship and guidance to budding talents, serving on the Board of Trustees and acting as Matron. This organization nurtures emerging talents, fostering a legacy of empowerment, producing over 150 accomplished graduates. These graduates are now well established and are doing exploits in their respective areas.

Her dedication to supporting women facing cancer is a cornerstone of her philanthropic efforts. Through her work with numerous government agencies and not for profit organizations, Lady Bisbam has provided crucial resources, emotional support, and advocacy for women navigating the challenges of cancer.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavours and philanthropic initiatives, Lady Bisbam demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering spiritual and communal well-being. Recognizing the importance of faith and community, she dedicated herself to singlehandedly constructed two places of worship, a church and a mosque in two distinct communities. The impact of Abisola Bamidele’s generosity and vision for spiritual spaces transcended the physical structures themselves. Both places of worship became catalysts for community engagement, fostering connections, and promoting a sense of belonging among diverse groups.

Her commitment to constructing places of worship underscored [Entrepreneur’s Name]’s holistic approach to philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of addressing spiritual and communal needs alongside economic and social challenges. Through these endeavours, she left an enduring legacy of compassion, unity, and a deep respect for the diverse fabric of communities she touched.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. With over 100+ national and international awards to her name, Lady Bisbam is a true exemplar of excellence. In her leadership roles, be it as Chairperson of the Wonderful Women Foundation Network, or her integral position in Wauve Foundation, Nigeria, she has made significant strides in advancing causes dear to her heart.

As a matron of the Gleam Foundation (The Renewed Tribe Foundation) for the Less Privileged, she has been instrumental in providing support and opportunities for those in need. Her work in this area revolves around providing quality education for less privilege. Her advocacy work with African Women Cancer Awareness USA has been a beacon of hope for many.

In addition to her business achievements, Abisola Bamidele earned recognition for her philanthropic efforts. Awards and honors, such as OUTSTANDING FEMALE ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR 2022 (Nigerian Outstanding Leadership Award Platform), City People Awards – FEMALE ACHIEVERS AWARD 2023 to mention but a few, highlighted her dedication to creating positive change beyond profit margins.

Lady Bisbam’s online presence is nothing short of a digital phenomenon. With over half a million dedicated followers across various social media platforms, her influence resonates far and wide. This vast community is a testament to the depth of connection she cultivates through her work and advocacy. It’s not just a number; it’s a thriving network of individuals inspired by her message and leadership. Through these platforms, Lady Bisbam continues to amplify her mission, reaching hearts and minds with her empowering vision for a stronger, culturally enriched Nigeria.

In Lady Bisbam’s remarkable journey, we witness a fusion of grace, unwavering commitment, and boundless resilience towards her community. Her story is a tapestry woven with threads of cultural preservation, education, and the nurturing of a close-knit community. Lady Bisbam stands as a guiding light of leadership, with a steadfast dedication to uplifting Nigerian women and preserving their cherished heritage.

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Crime

Father of 11-year-old boy buried alive on the run

Published

2 months ago

October 14, 2023

thecloudngr

Father of 11-year-old boy buried alive on the run—-Mr Oshodi, the father of the 11-year-old boy allegedly buried alive by his stepbrother at Apamsede, in Kogi, is said to be on the run, the newsmen reports.

Newsmen gathered that the shovel and the cutlass allegedly used to perpetrate the dastardly act by the stepbrother were also missing.

Passers-by rescued the 11-year-old on Wednesday after he had been buried by his stepbrother in a bush at the Silo community in Zango Daji, the Adavi Local Government Area of the state.

The 11-year-old boy was alleged to have stolen N1,000 belonging to his stepmother who instructed her son to punish him.

In meting punishment to the 11-year-old, the 17-year-old took his stepbrother into the bush where he allegedly buried him alive.

The Police Public Relation Officer, Kogi Command, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, had told NAN that Oshodi travelled and that the police were waiting for him to return for his own side of the story.

When NAN visited Apamsede community on Saturday, it was revealed that the father of the victim had absconded and that when the incident happened the father of the victim was at home.

The district head of Apamsede, Malam Garba Ahmed told NAN that on the day of the incident, the father of the 11-year-old boy, the stepmother and the stepson were summoned to the palace of the traditional ruler on what led to such act.

“When they came to the chief’s palace, Mr Oshodi, the father of the 11-year-old boy was present at the palace when both the stepson and stepmother gave reasons for their action,” the district Ahmed explained.

“The boy’s father probably ran away when we insisted on inviting the police to handle the matter.

“The stepmother and her son, Goodness, had confessed to committing the dastardly act.

“But the traditional council of our community has decided not to harbour such people in our land.

“Once the stepmother and her son finished facing the wrath of the law, we shall banish them from this land.

“But before we banish them, we will ensure that the family offer a sacrifice to cleanse the land,” he said.

NAN reports that the police team who brought the boy’s stepmother to their house in Apamsede on Saturday morning discovered that the shovel and cutlass allegedly used in burying the teenager were missing.

Although the house was under lock and key, the police team observed that there were some changes in the environment unlike what they saw on Friday during their visit.

“Somebody must have entered this your house. Yesterday, when we came here the house was locked and the window curtain inside wasn’t down as we can see now.

“Some of the things that we met outside here yesterday are no more here. Somebody must have come around here.”

The police who had to break the lock and key to gain entrance into the house when the woman claimed that she had no key to the house, alleged that most of the things inside the house had been taken away.

“Where’s the shovel and cutlass you said were in the house? This is because nothing is here. Somebody must have packed the valuables here,” one of the officers said.

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