Opinion: Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako: Unveiling the success story of an uncommon leader

The quote below by Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako would serve as an anchor upon which this article would have its footing.

“My underlying purpose and motivation for leadership is giving back to community and society. Leave the society better than I met it.”

This feature story, put together by the media team of Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako seeks to among other rationale and logical basis underscore the ultimate success stories of a man whose primary vision is to exercise leadership that has the potential to pay higher dividends in our collective futures.

Firstly, we the media team members of the man, this article is written to honour are in all honesty, proud to associate ourselves with him and his vision for the future. We are definitely with him every step of the way.

Secondly, we put this article for the records and history can bear us witness that it has nothing to do with sugar-coated praises written out of context but ultimately, it has everything to do with motivating especially, the younger generation to take the challenge and change the course of history by adopting the kind of bold vision and leadership style examplified by our mentor and leader, a true “servant-leader” whose underlying mission in life is to constantly mould strong blocks in order to build and usher a new dawn of a civil, prosperous and truly functional Society with all of resources and opportunities harnessed for the greatest possible good of humanity. To lend further credence to the good things he’s done and still does, the interviews below are an eloquent testimony for firsthand.

Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako is very much in the spirit of patriotism doing things of extraordinary significance. Oh my goodness! Embarking on facts finding, grassroots journalism and community relations sounded like a thriller, and the obvious truth is the fact that, this is a man whose legacies will stand the test of time in all ramifications. He’s committed his hard earned resources to touch lives and make impact in Gyambwas village where he hails from and the larger society literally in terms of scholarships for the youths, helping to secure jobs, economic empowerment, provision of portable water and development projects to his credit like building of schools, hospital, motorable road, culverts, electric transformer and other basic essentials. These are no rhetorics but real in all practical sense as evidenced in the videos, pictures and testimonies of people selected through random sampling of opinions below.

Realistically, there is a world of difference between leaders who use what they’ve got to improve the lot of other people in the spirit of giving back to society and in active pursuance of purpose for the greatest possible good of humanity and others who use their position to assume counterproductive influence without footprints in the sands of time. Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako falls in the category of the former. This article seeks to spur other leaders to realise that time is short and there is no better time to begin the robust building of legacies than now. Tomorrow might be too late. If God places you in a position of influence and service, you’ve got to justify your mandate and build a future of hope and prosperity for generations yet unborn. This is exactly what Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako has done and still does. Kindly spare a minute and go through the picture gallery of his achievements directly benefiting his immediate community of Gyambwas and Mangu Local Government at large.

Apparently concerned about the development of his people and the need to have them improve their computer skills for greater future benefits, Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako established the Shantong ICT Center and was officially launched March 2020 in Mangu Local Government with state-of-the-art facilities/technology. It has a total number of 256 computers and got official clearance to be used as JAMB examination centre. On the other hand, the Shang Tong Hotel & Suites creating job opportunities and revenue for Mangu Local Government courtesy of Dr. Mazadu was opened in December 2015 for public use.

The youths, women, aged, workers and those close to Dr. Mazadu are all testifying his awesomeness and goodwill. According to a cleaner, Mrs. Talatu Emmanuel at Shantong ICT Center, “What Dr. Mazadu examplifies is courage and his goodwill is beyond measure.” Listen to her words in the video below.

Satisfied with his commitment and passion for development, during a media chat with Satisprime Reporters, chief DG Fompun said “Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako is someone I can vouch for. Over the years, he has been very supportive and philanthropic in his community and society at large. He’s one man who is passionate about community development and the progress of his people. The schools, clinics and other development projects to his credit are enough to thank this man.”

Also speaking with Satisprime Reporters, His Royal Highness the RIT LANGAI said “What Dr. Mazadu has done and continues to do are immeasurable. He’s a leader that doesn’t exhibit discriminatory tendencies on the basis of one’s religion. Christians and Muslims are beneficiaries of his philanthropy. Because of his impact on Langai District, I gave him a traditional title as the Talban Langai. May God bless him to do more.”

Also responding, Chief Pedro Dafur a close friend and acting national president of Mupun Cultural and Development Association (MUCDA) said, “Dr Bako is a complete gentleman. He is highly principled. Very meticulous and insightful. He strives for flawlessness and quality. A great personality with peaceful disposition. A very good family man. He loves and cherish his Gyambyes community very much.”

Based on general assessment and testimonies from people across the state, It is obvious that Mr. Mazadu Dader Bako represents enormous hope and enormous potential for change. He represents the promises of a greater and brighter future to come. Using his hard earned resources to lift many out of poverty, extend scholarship opportunities to the needy and open frontiers for development in Gyambwas community, Mangu and the larger society at large tells of his incredible sacrifices and commitment to humanity. It is just fascinating to know that Dr. Bako is redeeming the time and changing the course of history. He maximises opportunities and resources for the greatest possible good of humanity. He thinks outside the box and helps the people that come his way find their ultimate purpose in life. His amazing investments in communities and lives are second to none.

Born on June 24, 1958, Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako hails from Gyambwas village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. He attended Demonstration School Gindiri from 1966-1972. Thereafter, he proceeded to Government College, Makurdi from 1973-1977. From 1978-1982, he attended the University of Maiduguri and obtained B.Sc. (Hons) Geology and graduated with a First Class then proceeded to pursue his MSc (1984/1985) in Water & Waste Engineering, Loughborough University, UK.

He currently holds a Ph. D in Geology obtained at Loughborough University, England, United Kingdom from 1986 – 1988. He’s at present the Managing Director

Shang Tong Nigeria Limited and a Consultant in Oil & Gas.

Through his dint of hardwork and commitment to service, he has received many meritorious awards of honour including:

Best Graduating Geology Student 1982, University of Maiduguri.

University of Maiduguri Study Fellowship. 1984 – 1988

Loughborough University Study Grant. England 1987 – 1988

Safety, Health & Environment Award 1993 – NNPC – Benin Zone

Certificate of Distinction: COMDP Course 036. April 2006

Fellow, Nigerian Mining & Geosciences Society (FNMGS), 2016

Fellow, Nigerian Assoc. of Petroleum Explorationists (FNAPE), 2017

NMGS/DPR/Chief M.O. Feyide Award for making Excellent and Consistent Contribution in the General area of Petroleum//Engineering at 54th Int. Conference of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, Kano. Nigeria. 2018.

NNPC commendation on the successful discovery of Hydrocarbon in Kolmani River (Benue Trough)

He currently has to his credit over 20 publications in reputable journals with some notable ones mentioned below:

PUBLICATIONS/RESEARCH

Bako, M.D. 1988. Rural Water Supply in Borno State, Nigeria. Developing World Water Vol. 3 pp. 80-83. Grosvenor Press International.

Bako, M.D. & Hunt, D.N. 1988. Derivation of Baseflow Constant Using Computer and Numerical Analysis. Journal of Hyrological Sciences; 33(4) pp. 357-367.

Bako, M.D. & Owoade, A. 1988. Field Application of Numerical Method for the Derivation of Baseflow Recession Constant. Hydrological Processes, 2(4) pp. 331-336.

Islam, M.R, & Bako, M.D. 1987. Petrology and Geochemical Studies of the Biu Plateau Basalts, Borno State, Nigeria. Annals of Borno Vol. 5. University of Maiduguri.

Owoade, A, Moffat, W.S. & Bako, M.D. 1988. Estimating Transmissivity from Short Duration Pumping Test on Large-Diameter Wells. International Conference on “Geosciences in Development.” Sponsored by the Inst. Of Geologist, Geological. Society of London. Inst of Metallurgy and Assoc. Geoscientist for Int. Dev. Nottingham. U.K.

Bako, M.D, Hunt, D.N. & Owoade, A. 1988. Separation of Groundwater and Residual Flow in Recession Analysis. International Conference on “Geosciences in Development.” Sponsored by the Inst. Of Geologist, Geological. Society of London. Inst of Metallurgy and Assoc. Geoscientist for Int. Dev. Nottingham. U.K.

Bako, M.D. 1988. Hydrogeology oh Hard Rock Areas in Britain. Research in Civil Engineering. Loughborough University. U.K.

Bako, M.D. 1989. Groundwater Investigation in Basement Complex Catchments. 15th Water, Engineering and Dev. Centre (WEDC), Conference. Kano. Nigeria.

O’Sullivan, A, Moffat, W.S. & Bako, M.D. 1989. Gravity Water Supply from Protected Catchments. 15th Water, Engineering and Dev. Centre (WEDC), Conference. Kano. Nigeria.

Owoade, A, Hutton, L.G., Moffat, W.S. & Bako, M.D. 1989. Groundwater Quality in Hard Rocks and its implication. Int. Symposium of Groundwater Management Quality and Quantity. Benidorm. Spain.

Owoade, A, Hutton, L.G., Moffat, W.S. & Bako, M.D. 1989. Hydrogeology and Water Chemistry in the Weathered Crystalline Rocks of Southwesern Nigeria>Groundwater Management: Quantity and Quality. IAHS Publ. no. 188

Owoade, A, & Bako, M.D. 1989. Riverflow Prediction During Baseflow Recession on Some British Hard Rock Catchments. International Assoc. Hydrologists (IAHS) Publication No. 187, Norway.

Onozie, B.O. & Bako, M.D. 1993. Challenges of Upper Niger Delta Hydrocarbon Exploration Efforts. 11th International Conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists. Lagos. Nigeria

Adegoke, O.S.; Ladipo, K.O., Bako.; M.D. & Umaru, A.F.M. 2015. Nigeria’s Frontier Basins – Unrealized Rift Systems Hydrocarbon Potential. Petroleum Systems in “Rift”Basins. 34th Annual GCSSEPM Foundation Perkins-Rosen Research Conference. Houston, Texas. U.S.A.

Ogunjemiyo, E.M, Bako, MD & Sejebor, D.S. 2016. Modelling the Impact of electric vehicle on Oil Price. 34th International Conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists. Lagos. Nigeria

Bako, M.D. 2016. Exploration Opportunities in Nigeria’s Inland Basins. 34th International Conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists. Lagos. Nigeria.

Bako, M.D, Zeev, B, Ohen, H & Luigi, C. 2018. Evaluation of the Hydrocarbon Potential of the Inland Basins of Nigeria – An Example of an Integrated Geological, Geophysical, Geochemical and remote sensing Study of Frontier Basins. AAPG International Conference & Exhibition. Cape Town. South Africa.

Bako, M.D. 2019. Prospectivity of Nigerian Inland Basins. Adding to Hydrocarbon Reserves. “Globl Energy Transformation – The effect and future of the African Oil Industry and Economy.” Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) on African Collaboration Workshop. Houston, Texas. USA.

In conclusion, “history is riddled with leaders that have left indelible mark in the sands of time.” Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako represents the promises of a future replete with hope and a sense of assurances. He’s got the Midas Touch literally. His legacies can’t be erased in the course of time. His goodwill can’t be lost in history. A physical review and assessment of his development interventions will move you to doff your hat for the leader per excellence. It is hoped that an overwhelming majority of the people of Plateau state will pitch their tents with his vision and join in the journey to rebuild Plateau State and project her future in positive light.

A Production of Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako Media Team

Eid el-Kabir: Goodwill Message from Emmanuel Zopmal

The president of Middle-Belt Youth Council Comrade Emmanuel Audu Zopmal has warmly felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Sallah. In a press release made available to journalists, Comrade Zopmal said, 

I warmly felicitate with our Muslim community on the celebration of Eid-El-Kabir. I pray God to protect each and every one of you during this celebration. 

I urge our Muslim community to pray to God during this trying moment of COVID-19. I'm pretty sure that together we'll defeat the pandemic. 

May God bless you all during this celebration.

Once again, Happy Eid-El-Kabir

Signed:

Emmanuel Zopmal

Eid el-Kabir: Hon. Panshak Yohanna Felicitates with Muslim Ummah

The former transition chairman of Kanke Local Government Hon. Panshak Yohanna has Felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Sallah. In a press statement made available to journalists, Hon. Yohanna said,

"Sallah is a yearly obligation ought to be observed and celebrated, this year is not exceptional. However, this year 2020 has witnessed quite number of health challenges, uncertainties in business world and difficulties in attending to family obligations among others  but today we remained grateful to God who made it possible to observe this year Sallah. I would like to use this opportunity to sympathise and condole those who lost their beloved once this year as a result of Covid-19 and other ailments which by now you may wish to celebrate the sallah together. I wouldn't forget to mention my former staff and friend Alhaji Saleh Musa Amper known as Chokalin Ngas and Talba who died yesterday in Bauchi. May this year sallah celebration remained fruitful and full of spiritual blessing according to the Islamic rites. Barka da Sallah"

Eid el-Kabir: Prof Dakas CJ Dakas (SAN) calls on Muslim Ummah to pray for peace and unity of Plateau State

In the spirit of Eid el-Kabir celebration, Prof. Dakas CJ Dakas a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Jos has conveyed his warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the Plateau and Nigeria at large. 

The felicitation was contained in a Press Statement signed and made available to journalists in Jos by his media and Strategic Engagement Team.

Prof. Dakas urges all Muslims to imbibe the noble virtues of Prophet Mohammed (SWT) in order to establish closer connection between religious teachings and practice.

He further calls on Muslim worshippers not to forget the symbolic significance of the sacrifices of the Eid el kabir, noting that, "It is a moment of sober reflection and an opportunity to show love in all ramifications of life."

He also said ”It is a sad commentary that this year's celebration is marked by a global pandemic which is a defining issue of our time." "Let us therefore never flag or fail in our commitment to working out ways and coming up with promising solutions, while adhering strictly to the Covid-19 health protocols. 

While wishing them an epoch-making celebration, Prof. Dakas sues for peace and unity every step of the way.

 Prof. Dakas CJ. Dakas (SAN) Media and Strategic Engagement Team

Eid-el-Kabir: Hon. Na'anyil Dakogol Greets Muslim Ummah

 

The MD/CEO of MEG Cancer Foundation Hon. Na'anyil Dakogol has congratulated the Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, the festival of sacrifice.

 

In a message of felicitation to the Muslim community made available by her media consultant in Jos, Hon. Dakogol appealed for reflections on the tradition of deep faith that the festival marks. She urged citizens to remain conscious of the continuing peril of Covid-19 and act to protect themselves and others by complying with the health protocols.

 

“She further called for prayers for the peace, progress and development of Plateau State.

 

“Hon. Na'anyil Dakogol appealed to all communities in Kaduna State to uphold peace and harmony. She called for vigilance and prayers, and challenged all citizens to let their faiths incline them to peaceful and law-abiding conduct at all times.”

 

Hon. Na'anyil Dakogol Media Team

Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako Felicitates with Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir

Dr. Bako in a Press release said as we celebrate this auspicious occasion, it is important that the lessons and message it teaches and conveys are not lost on us. He therefore urge us all, to imbibe the spirit of love, obedience to God and sacrifice bequeathed to the world by Prophet Mohammed (SWT), which are some of its hallmarks and historical significance.

Dr Bako also emphasises that the period should also be, not only for celebrations and merry making, but also for sober reflections and desire, indeed, efforts to get closer to God Almighty in our actions and utterances by exhibiting the quintessential values of love, peace and good neighbourliness, all of which are encapsulated in the fear of God.  

He admonishes that  we should also use the occasion to rededicate ourselves to His service by striving to continue to serve humanity irrespective of tribe, creed, political or other leanings.

Dr. Mazadu Dader Bako Media Team

Meg Cancer Foundation courtesy of Hon. Magdalene Na'anyil reaches out to cancer patients in Jos

It was a moment of hope and joy being rekindled by Hon. Magdalene Na'anyil Dakogol and her humanitarian team members in Jos on Saturday the 26th of October 2019 as many people plagued by cancer got the support and goodwill of her fast-growing NGO, the Meg Cancer Foundation.
Supporters and well-wishers started trooping out en-masse and gathered at the Secretariat Junction Jos as early as 6:30 AM to embark on the humanitarian campaign and cancer patients admitted at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) were beneficiaries.

The Campaigned featured among other things cash donations, walk to create awareness on the signs, symptoms and preventive measures on cancer, media chats as well as mini get-together to create an atmosphere of love, unity and togetherness Hon. Magdalene Na'anyil Dokogol in her goodwill message said it was promising touching lives positively and renewing the hope of cancer patients. She equally calls on humanitarians and public spirited individuals to invest in the lives of cancer patients because according to her, investment in the lives of cancer patients can go a long way in making their lives better and helping them to achieve their dreams.Photos of the event are given below. 

Plot to Implicate Rt. Hon. Gagdi fails

A lady manager of one of the high profile hotels in Jos, the Plateau State capital was in the dragnet of the security operatives for conniving with a political rival of Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, with whom she is having an amorous relationship, to implicate the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in order to tarnish his reputation and dent his towering political credentials, this publication can authoritatively reveal.

Investigations by this publication reveals that Rt. Hon. Gagdi used to lodge his guests at this particular hotel before the manageress began to make advances at him. The lawmaker who was aware of a romantic relationship between the hotel manager and his political rival became wary of the lady's mission and decided to engage a private detective to uncover her mission around him.

True to his instincts, the lady was discovered to have been recruited by her boyfriend to get close to the lawmaker and have access to his phone, with which she would send an incriminating sms to a notorious criminal in custody, so as to implicate him (Gagdi) of having connection with the criminal.

Telephone conversations, text messages and social media chats between the lady hotel manager and her boyfriend politician suggests a connivance to implicate the lawmaker, which was bursted.

Further investigation reveals that the lady was invited by security operatives and grilled for over 6 hours, where she was confronted with a tracked telephone conversation between her and the said politician and the plot they are cooking up.

It was not clear whether she owned up to the alleged mission, but the pieces of evidence available to the security operatives, our findings reveals, are concrete enough to establish a prima facie case against her and her conspirator(s).

Phone calls put through to the lawmaker for his reaction and comment were neither picked nor returned. As at press time, the lawmaker sent an sms to our line saying that " I cannot pick or return your call now".

It is not clear whether the lawmaker would be interested in pursuing an action against the lady and her conspirators, but insiders within the security outfit have confirmed to our reporter that the lady was actually quizzed and that she was cooperative in her submission. Right now, the  matter is before the Inspector General of Police.

Hon. Na'anyil Magdalene sets up Meg Cancer Foundation in Jos

In what appears to be her modest contribution to humanitarian services and the development of Plateau State, Hon. Na'anyil Magdalene Dakogol a politician, business woman and philanthropist has concluded all plans and modalities to start a cancer foundation in Jos Plateau State. The underlying mission is to express love and care to those in need given the astronomical rise of cancer over a couple of decades killing many and ravaging homes. As a prelude to the holistic actualization of the cancer humanitarian campaign, plans are on top gear for a cancer awareness walk and financial donations for cancer patients slated to take place on the 26th of October 2019 by 6:30 AM at Secretariat Junction under bridge Jos, Plateau State.

The cancer awareness walk will feature among other things, the donation of cash and material gifts to cancer patients at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) as well as practical sensitization on the causes, symptoms and possible prevention of the disease. It is a fact that when cancer symptoms start manifesting, please take action and report to your doctor. Early diagnosis is important. Scientists at the Havard School of Public Health estimate that upto 75% of cancer deaths can be prevented.
Meg Cancer Foundation has already been incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission and has received the endorsement of likeminds and progressives in society. 

Opinion: How to Steal a Used Coffin: By Prof. Pita Agbese

Richard Otokpa returned to his village only three days ago but he was already bored stiff. He knew that coming back to the village was not a wise decision but it was his last resort. His mission to Lagos to survive by hustling had been a complete failure. He had done every odd job possible and none paid enough for him to rent a room. He had squatted with five different friends and former schoolmates. The last one, John, advised him to join his gang of armed robbers. He was very reluctant to do so. His father’s admonition to him as he was leaving the village for Lagos kept ringing in his ears: “Do everything you can to earn a living but do not engage in any criminal behavior. I am not rich but I have a good name and I want to keep it that way. God shall be with you.” John assured Richard that this was going to be a simple operation. They would ambush smugglers bringing in contrabands across the border from the Republic of Benin. The smugglers would be bringing in laptops and cellular phones and the shipment could be worth as much as five million Naira. Richard opened his eyes wide in disbelief. Five million Naira to be shared by just five of them? He, Richard, who had not “touched” fifty thousand Naira at any one time would have a “cool million” Naira to his name? He momentarily forgot about his father’s admonition and began to fantasize about this money. “So, are you in or not?” John asked him. He did not hear the question. In his imagination, his one million Naira, in crisp one thousand Naira notes, were dancing for him. The Naira, in his imagination, were transformed into so many nubile young ladies, each of them dressed very skimpily, and all of them calling him, “Daddy.” Richard grinned widely in delight as the Naira-girls were dancing just for his personal pleasure. John repeated the question, “Richard, are you going to join us in the operation?” Still, Richard did not answer. Now, his Naira-girls had magically turned into five Toyota Sienna vans and he was in the first van as he moved in a convoy of Siennas from Lagos heading to his village. John looked at him and saw the wide grin on his face. John said to himself, “No wonder he did not answer my question. He has become crazy.” He tapped Richard on the shoulder. Richard was startled and shouted, “Yes, father. They are all mine. I bought them legitimately.” John asked him what he was talking about. It was only then that Richard remembered where he was and what they were discussing. He asked John how safe the operation was going to be and John assured him that even though the smugglers were usually armed, they hardly used their guns.

The operation was neither simple nor safe as John had assured Richard. First, they spent two days in the bush near the Seme border with very little food to eat. Richard, possibly out of fear and anxiety, kept drinking water and urinating frequently. His heart was palpitating very rapidly. He was sweaty and he felt a tightening of his chest. The whole thing reminded him of the day they killed the Egbo man. Several Egbo men had ambushed Agila women who were returning from the farm. The women raised an alarm and all young men in the village took up guns and machetes to go after them. The Egbo men managed to escape except one who was ttrapped by the Agila young men. They pursued him the way hunters pursued antelopes. He ran straight at Richard and everyone shouted on Richard to shoot him with his dane gun but Rixchard could not pull his trigger. The pleading eyes of the Egbo man froze his finger. He was rooted to the ground even after someone else had shot the Egbo man. Richard felt that he had betrayed a man who was pleading for his life with his eyes. That day, he was sweaty too and even urinated on himself. The glorious dreams of Naira notes dancing for him and calling him, Daddy, were dashed against the harsh realities of waiting to steal from smugglers. Second, the smugglers who were supposed to be bringing in cellular phones and laptops never showed up. John and his gang did accost some smugglers and after a shoot-out, they seized their goods but John was shot in the leg and what the smugglers were bringing in were Okrika or used clothing. John and his gang sold the clothes to a female Okrika trader for
eighty thousand Naira. After deducting their expenses, they were left with just 5,000 Naira. The rental of the two old AK-47 cost them twenty thousand Naira. They paid fifty thousand Naira to the informant Customs officer who had given them the “intelligence” that the smugglers would be coming. Richard’s share of the haul was only 800. This was a far cry from his dreams of a cool 1 million Naira.

His meager take from his armed robbery exploit coupled with his fear that there was much danger in armed robbery made it easier for him to want to return to his village. He would take his mother up on her offer. As he was leaving for Lagos, his mother called him into her room and said,”Son, your father and I wished we had prepared you better for you to be on your own. We spent all our money on your university education and could not afford to give you money to set up your own business. If Lagos becomes impossible for you, you will always have a roof over your head here. I will always be your mother and I will have meals ready for you to eat here. Do not be embarrassed to return home if things don’t work out. One should never be ashamed of one’s home. Take this fifteen thousand Naira. I have been saving it for a rainy day and today is the rainy day.” Mother and son had a good laugh. This was the height of the dry season and the first rainfall was not expected for another three months, making it funny to be making reference to that day as a rainy day. Richard was overcome with his mother’s sacrifice. He vowed silently that he would make his mother proud of him.

Making his mother proud of him would have to wait. Now, the urgent task was to return home. Move back to his parents’ home and stay without exhausting his welcome. At his parents’ home, he would not have to wait outside each time his host with whom he was squatting brought a girlfriend to spend the night. He would not have to play the role of a housewife, cooking, washing clothes and ceaning the one room apartment as the second man he squatted with expected him to do. As he said when he angrily packed out, “I am not your wife. I am not a man-wife.” John tried to persuade him to stay but Richard had had enough of the Lagos life. The glitzy glamour of life in Lagos was not meant for his kind. His kind was only expected to be human scavengers, eating and wearing what other people had discarded. This was not a life. It was merely an existence of uncertain future. Richard would retrace his footsteps. Yes, he would return home, perhaps a failure but tomorrow could already be pregnant with hope and fortune. That hope and fortune could be obtained through fortitude and forbearance and the forbearance, for now, could only take place in his village.

Richard’s first night back home was peaceful and better than he had expected. His parents were surprised to see him. He had called them a week earlier and had lied that he was doing well. Now, here he was at home without any evidence of how well he was doing in Lagos. His parents accepted him with both the father and the mother very thankful that Richard had heeded to their admonitions. He had not solied their names and he had returned home when he could not crack the riches that was Lagos. Richard slept well. Possibly, the best sleep he had had in almost a year. In the morning, Onyetsi, his old flame, came by. He had not seen her in almost three years, just before she married Okibe. The marriage was rocky and Okibe died two years later in an automobile accident. Onyetsi was returning to Jos but stopped by to say hello to Richard when she heard that Richard returned to the village the previous day. He asked her if she could put him in her bag and take him with her to Jos. Onyetsi laughed said that she needed a house-boy but that the man she was living with would not approve of her ex-boyfriend as a house-boy. They both laughed at this.

Day two of Richard’s return to the village was fun and exciting. First, he joined a hunting expedition to go hunting at Hills Village. They killed one antelope and five squirrels. The meat was shared almost equally among the hunters with the killers who actually killed the animals being given slightly larger shares. Then, after the hunting expedition, Richard “followed” an Akatakpa masquerade. He was
surprised that he could still “follow” Akatakpa. He had not done that in over five years. “Following” Akatakpa was still fun but the heat and the sweating made it uncomfortable. He did not have this much fun in Lagos. The village was not bad after all.

Day Three was a different story. Everyone left for the farms earlier in the morning. By mid-day, the village was a desolate place. Children were at school and their parents were on their farms. The only people left in the village at mid-day and late afternoon were unemployed young men and retired soldiers. Even Ene’Omakpo, who sold groundnuts and roasted maize was no longer there. She had died three months earlier. It was the most boring day of Richard’s life. All he had to eat was the leftover Akpu with okro soup that he and his parents had for supper the previous evening. Richard decided that he would be better-off returning to the vagaries of life in Lagos rather than die of boredom in the village. At least in Lagos, he was sure of eating two sumptuous meals a month at the monthly gatherings of the people of his clan and of his lineage living in Lagos.

Richard’s decision to return to Lagos was preempted by the funeral of the daughter of the Emperor of Money. The Emperor of Money was a young man who suddenly became wealthy. Many people believed that he was supposed to have served as a front man for the state governor but that he appropriated the billions of Naira the governor had stolen and put under his care as his own. He was fabulously wealthy. He built mansions in the village, at Abuja, in Jos, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. His latest mansion was built in Cape Town, South Africa. He wanted to build one at Dubai but he changed his mind. Too many Negroes, he said, were flocking to Dubai. He wanted to call himself, Father of Money, but he was told that that title was already taken. Then, he settled on Ambassador Too Much Money. That title was not available either. Someone suggested that he should name himself, the Maker of Money, but where he came from, it was women, not men, who were called, Oyije, Maker of Money. Then, he decided on the name, the Emperor of money.

When people were wondering when the Emperor of Money had a daughter who had died, they were told that this was his adopted daughter. A child, an orphan, whom he had adopted as a sign of his philanthropy. What was important to Richard now was the coffin in which this girl was going to be buried. It was a mahogany coffin laced with real gold trimmings. Everyone who saw the coffin wondered how such a beautiful coffin was going to be buried six feet under the ground. One old man said that the coffin was so beautiful it ought to be used over and over again. Everyone who heard him said this wondered if the old man had become senile. One could wear a used clothing. Or used shoes, or even hairs cut off dead Brazilian women, but use a coffin that had been used? How would one go about doing that?

Everyone thought that the old man was crazy. Except Richard. He was intrigued by the idea of re-using the Emperor of Money’s daughter’s coffin. Richard was sure that the coffin was worth a lot of money. He told himself that even if there was no market for a used coffin, there would be a market for this particular coffin. It was so exquisitely beautiful that nobody would mind that it had been used before. Richard was sure that its gleaming brown surface would be very easy to clean even after the coffin had been buried six feet in the ground. Then, he heard people whispering about how much the coffin cost. The rumor was that a gubernatorial candidate hoping to have his ambition bankrolled by the Emperor, had given him fifteen million Naira to buy a unique coffin for his daughter’s burial. According to the story, the Emperor did want to look cheap by spending only a fraction of the money on a coffin and keeping the balance. He therefore spent all the money on this coffin.

For Richard, this could be the answer to his problems. Steal the coffin and find someone to buy it. The problem would be how to steal it successfully and take it out of the village. How would people see you with a coffin and not ask you who had died? It would not be a problem disposing off the body of the Emperor’s daughter. They would just re-bury her without a coffin. Richard concluded that John would know what to do. This was certainly more lucrative and less risky that robbing smugglers.
He called John and told him about the coffin. John thought that Richard was crazy. “Do you know what would happen to you if you are caught robbing a grave? It is an abomination. Then, how do you advertize a used coffin? How do you get rid of the stench of the corpse that had been buried in it? Whatever you are drinking or smoking in the village that is giving you this crazy idea must be stopped. You can come back. We shall manage whatever we have.” He dropped the phone but Richard was undaunted. “I must find a way to steal and sell a used coffin,” he said out loud. He realized that he should not have said that. He looked and fortunately, there was no one to have heard him.

Three hours later, John called back. “How much did you say the coffin was worth?” Richard said, 15 million Naira. “Good. I think we should go for it. Find out the type of security at the burial site. I will rent a pick-up van from here in Lagos with which we shall carry the coffin out of the village. Kehinde and his gang did a successful operation at Diamond Bank three days ago. I will borrow some money from him. Expect me home tomorrow evening.” Richard was elated. He was not crazy ater all. He and John and other members of John’s armed robbery gand will steal a used coffin.

Richard was puzzled as was everyone else. The Emperor did not bury his daughter on his expansive compound. Her body, in the expensive coffin, was taken, instead, to his farm. It was strictly not a farm. He had not planted anything on the farm and he was not raising fish or livestock there, either. Some people believed that this was simply a land-grap operation. Others said that the Emperor was waiting for co-investors from South Africa who would bring the technical know-how on running a large modern farming operation. All Richard was thinking now was how burying the daughter on the farm would make it easier to steal the coffin. Since there was nothing on the farm, the place was not guarded. There were no security men at the farm.

John arrived early in the evening the following day as he had assured Richard. He was delighted to hear that the young lady was buried at the farm. “Richard, this is unbelievable. I thought we were going to have some difficulties stealing the coffin but we shall have no problem. If I had known, I would not have even bothered to rent the four AK-47 guns. After we sell the coffin, we must acquire our own guns. It is too costly to keep renting guns. We must do the operation tonight.” Richard told him that that was not feasible. The Emperor and the sympathesizers who had accompanied him to the village were still around but there were scheduled to leave the following day. “But we must do it as soon as they leave. 15 million Naira buried in the ground is bound to interest other grave robbers.”

The following day, Richard and John realized that they needed diggers, pick axes and shovels to exhume the coffin. Borrowing them in the village would arouse suspicions. They decided to drive the two-hour trip to Otukpo to buy some. As they were coming back with shovels, pick axes and diggers, they were stopped by men of the Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police. The diggers and shovels piqued the interest of the policemen on patrol. One of them joked by asking Richard and John if they were grave robbers. Everybody laughed, without the policeman realizing that he had asked the right question. John greased the palm of the inquisitive policeman with a 500 Naira note and the police waved them on.

They drove straight to Africa Bar at Apa to have some drinks and wait for darkness. John realized that they had not planned how to sell the used coffin. He excused himself from the group to make a few phone calls. Three of the five robbery fences that he had called flatly turned him down. The fourth one said he was willing to pay two hundred and fifty thousand Naira if the used coffin was as beautiful as John had described it. The fifth man sounded excited and promised to pay good money provided the coffin was not stained.

Exhuming the coffin was much easier than they had thought. The grave was not up to six feet deep and the ground was soft. When they saw the coffin, they all shouted in excitement. They were awed by its beauty and its elegance. John was the first person to speak. “How could a beautiful thing like this be buried in the ground? Why are some people treated better in death than most of us are treated while alive? This is a crazy country. The amount of money spent on this single dead person would be enough to keep an entire village alive for at least two years. Anyway it is our luck. We have graduated from failed robbers of smugglers to grave robbers.” They all laughed at this joke. They quickly loaded the coffin onto the pick-up van and set out for Lagos.

Twenty miles down the road, they were stopped by the same policemen who had stopped them earlier. The policeman who had made the joke about grave robbers recognized them and shouted to his colleagues. “Let them go. It is our grave robbers of this afternoon.” Everyone laughed. This time, John pressed two one thousand Naira notes onto his palm and the policeman shouted, “Oga, your boys are loyal.” John and his gang drove off. Then John realized that they were not carrying tell-tale signs of a vehicle conveying a corpse: green leaves. He stopped the vehicle and plucked a bunch of fesh green leaves from near-by trees and adorned the front, the sides and the back of the pick-up van with them.

As John was doing this, he was struck about something that was odd about the coffin. It was not smelling. It was not that the smell was stifled by the smell of formaldehyde, the chemical used in preserving dead bodies. There was no smell at at all. He drew Richard’s attention to this. “Look, this girl had been dead for five days or more. How come she is not smelling?” That question prompted the realization that they forgot to re-bury the corpse in the grave from which they had stolen the coffin. Now, they were in trouble. What were five men doing carrying a dead body? Where were they taking the body to? Who was she and why were there no female mourners with them? They knew they would not be able to answer these questions if they were stopped by policemen and driving from Benue State, there was no way they wouldn’t be stopped at least twenty times. Time to ditch the corpse. John pulled off the vehicle at the nearest footpath so they could dump the body. There was a small gazebo used as a stall in the daytime for selling tomatoes. It was by the side of the footpath. As John pulled the pickup near the gazebo, two naked bodies jumped out and ran along the path. John and his men had stumbled on two lovers making illicit love. Just as the lovers were startled by the vehicle, the occupants of the vehicle were startled by their presence. John quickly reversed the vehicle and they got back on the road. A vehicle driving with high beams was now behind them. It was a vehicle of the Anti-Robbery Squad. John’s reckless maneuver aroused the suspicion of the policemen and they flashed their lights for John to stop his vehicle. The policemen were surprised that it was again, John and his men. “Aha, it is our grave robbers again. Any problem?” As the jovial policeman was saying this, his colleague pointed his torchlight to see what was inside the pick-up and he was shocked at what he saw. “Get out, get out, I say, get out and lay flat on the ground,” he ordered them. His colleague was surprised. “Sargeant,” he said. “It is the men who gave us 500 Naira earlier and 2000 Naira just a moment ago. Let them go. They are grave robbers.” “Yes,” the sergeant said. “They are grave robbers. They have stolen the Emperor’s daughter’s coffin. They are not just grave robbers but ritualists. They are under arrest.” “Jesus Christ!” the joker policeman exclaimed. The sergeant demanded to know what they were going to do with the corpse. “Open it and tell us what you intend to do with it.” John got off the ground and opened the coffin. There was no corpse in the coffin. The coffin was lined from top to bottom with crisp one hundred dollar bills.” “Jesus Christ,” shouted Mohammed, one of the policemen. Hie colleagues looked at him in disbelief. The joker policeman asked him, “Did you just say, Jesus Christ?” Mohammed replied, “With this kind of money, we are all followers of Jesus Christ tonight.” His colleagues laughed very loudly. In the meantime, the sight of this much money caused John to faint as the policemen, still laughing, loaded the coffin onto their own van and sped off. They left the stunned grave robbers lying down on the wet pavement of the Agila-Otukpo Highway. Grave robbers who had stolen a used coffin stuffed with dollars who were poorer than they were before their theft of a used coffin.

NANS President Turkish zone Zachariah Madaki condemns Xenophobia in South Africa

In the light of Xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals by South Africans resulting in mass killings and destruction of legitimate business ventures, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students Turkish Zone comrade Zachariah Madaki condemns in the strongest possible terms the conspiracy, ill-thoughts, violent attacks and tragedy perpetrated against foreign nationals domicile in South Africa by her citizens. Comrade Zachariah noted with deep concern and regret why this evil is allowed to fester in a country that Nigeria stood for against the apartheid regime. In a press statement made available to journalists, Comrade Zachariah calls on the government of South Africa to perish its lackadaisical attitude and address this criminality against Nigerians as a matter of urgency otherwise “We will be left with no option than to compel Nigerian government to cut off diplomatic ties with South Africa. This is uncalled-for, wicked and barbaric. This has no place in the 21st Century. My sincere condolences to the families that lost loved ones and have their businesses destroyed as a result of this wanton tragedy…” The statement reads in part. Mr. Zachariah Madaki further calls on Nigerians to be security conscious and temporarily relocate back home pending when the crisis will be abated. 

Signed

Satmak Dapar

Media Consultant