Opinion
When Port Harcourt hosted Wole Soyinka
By Dr. Sam Akpe,
The hall wore a robe of expectations as minutes ticked towards the hour. The city was wrapped in the mood of impending festivity. Something was in the air. Road safety personnel and armed policemen were on duty—directing traffic and maintaining orderliness along Woji Road.
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A walk into the event hall felt like an excursion into a carnival. From the urbane music equipment emitting jazzy tunes, to the symmetrically-arranged seats, the arty wall decorations, and the storybook backdrop, poetry was on display.
Outside, directly opposite the car park, a massive poster announcing the event in the making—the Annual Wole Soyinka Lecture with a life-size portrait of the literary legend—exhibited what was about to unfold.
The imposing poster also indicated two other persons—the technocrat extraordinaire, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, as chairman of the day, while the former Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka—was the guest speaker.
Indeed, almost the entire Port Harcourt—a city of political frenzy, soaked in oily wealth but surrounded by shantytowns—was in colourful feel of expectancy, as it awaited the arrival of Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature.
Then almost surreptitiously, the literary idol walked into the hall unannounced. Except for his traditional white hair, the big smile, and the hawk-like penetrating eyes, the hall almost missed his entry. Eventually, everyone rose in honour of the reverential figure—the father of modern political literature.
The 92-years old, with a deep voice, was in the city not just to attend a lecture in his honour, but to participate in a highbrow yearly ritual of the National Association of Seadogs, also called Pyrates Confraternity—a body of intellectual militants founded by him several decades ago.
It turned out to be quite an explosive event. Chairman of the summit, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, known simply as ‘Timi, paid extensive tributes Wole Soyinka before setting the tone for the lecture that triggered off wide-ranging discussions.
‘Timi told the audience that Nigeria is immeasurably better today because of people like Soyinka who, throughout his remarkable journey, has consistently chosen the harder path—the path of conscience, courage, and truth—when silence could have been safer, easier, and far more rewarding to him.
Labelling the scholarly sage as a man with generosity of spirit and loyalty to friends, he applauded Soyinka’s readiness to encourage worthy causes, and the extraordinary willingness to show up whenever principle, rather than prominence was needed.
He declared, “Today, we honour you not merely with words, but with our presence and our shared commitment to engage the very questions your life has posed to our nation for more than six decades—questions of justice, accountability, freedom, and the moral courage required to build a truly democratic society.”
Besides, the lecture, the event was also a celebration of those described as the National Association of Seadogs Martyrs—a group comprising members of the confraternity arrested on February 17, 1997, imprisoned and tortured by the military in Rivers State on accusation of undue radicalism.
Their ordeal, which lasted 72 days, stated Dr Joseph Oteri, the confraternity leader, was an unplanned journey into the darkest hell of the late General Sani Abacha’s regime, “for daring to believe that Nigeria deserved better than the boot of a dictator,” until they were freed by a court of law.
‘Timi noted that the arrest and prosecution of the Pyrates was basically “for refusing to be silent in the face of oppression” describing the victims as “enduring symbols of resilience and civil courage in the struggle for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law.”
He said the anniversary of the event reminded everyone that democracy not freely bestowed; but was won through the sacrifices of countless Nigerians –many celebrated, many unsung—who endured intimidation, persecution and personal loss in defence of freedom, justice and accountable governance.
Going down memory lane, he mentioned other martyrs of democracy to include “Dele Giwa, whose fearless journalism challenged military authoritarianism until it claimed his life, Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, whose martyrdom awakened the world’s conscience to environmental justice and human rights, Kudirat Abiola, whose courage sustained the struggle to reclaim a stolen democratic mandate.
“We remember Chief Alfred Rewane, whose unwavering commitment to democracy cost him his life. And we remember Chief Bola Ige, Nigeria’s former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, whose assassination remains, to our enduring national shame, unresolved.”
Then he added: “Whether through imprisonment or assassination, torture or intimidation, these men and women bore heavy personal burdens so that future generations might live under the rule of law rather than the rule of fear.
“Their stories remind us that civil courage is not an abstract ideal. It is rather the willingness to stand for what is right, even when the consequences are severe and deadly.
“As we honour their memories today, may we also recommit ourselves to completing the work for which they sacrificed so much—building a Nigeria founded on justice, accountability, constitutional governance and respect for the dignity of every citizen.”
The hall sat in silence, except for intermittent applauses and fulfilled smiles from Soyinka as ‘Timi recalled rare moments of encounter with the erudite professor several years ago—a part of four decades of relationship that has profoundly shaped his understanding of what Soyinka means to Nigeria.
He mentioned an instance of close interaction in 2006 when, under the auspices of the Commission of Nobel Laureates, Soyinka was part of an international mission that visited the Niger Delta to promote peaceful dialogue and undertake a fact-finding exercise in the region—including a visit to the Niger Delta Development Commission, where ‘Timi served.
He recalled that after listening to their presentation, Soyinka remarked that the NDDC had taken on an enormous burden on behalf of a beleaguered region and deserved to be remembered as one of the positive initiatives of the Obasanjo administration, adding with characteristic generosity, “I will remember to commend him when next I see him.”
Two years later, ‘Timi’s late wife, Alaere, extended an invitation to the revered literary czar who was then in the United States, immersed in an exceptionally demanding schedule, to visit ‘Timi’s village of Igbainwari in Opokuma, Bayelsa State, to inaugurate the Wole Soyinka Library—an initiative of Alaere’s organisation, Family Reorientation, Education and Empowerment (FREE).
He revealed that what made that visit even more remarkable was that Soyinka “did not merely fly in to perform a ceremonial duty and depart. He chose to spend the night in our modest country home in that remote riverine community.
“For a man of such global stature—a Nobel Laureate whose voice commanded respect across continents—it was an extraordinary act of humility. Let me add that he also tried Izon local brew.
“By his presence, he honoured not only our family but also an entire community that had long felt disregarded, affirming that no place is too small, and no people too insignificant, to deserve dignity, learning, and hope.
“He spoke with genuine admiration of my late wife’s vision, courage, and steadfast determination, recognising in her work a powerful testament to what conviction and selfless service can accomplish. He said ‘I am not often impressed with people, but she has succeeded in impressing me with her drive, her vision and her total commitment.’”
‘Timi noted that Soyinka created more impact during that visit when he spoke to the youth of the Niger Delta whose militancy at that time had emerged as one of the defining challenges confronting the Niger Delta.
Soyinka offered a wise counsel urging them to choose dialogue over violence and a future built on peace, not conflict.
With characteristic moral clarity, he challenged them to embrace “intellectual militancy in pursuit of the region’s development—a powerful call to exchange the force of weapons for the power of ideas, knowledge, and constructive engagement.”
By his confession, ‘Timi’s reminiscences were not merely out of nostalgia, but because they spoke directly to the event of the day, or as he put it, long before “reclaiming the state” became a familiar phrase, Soyinka was already living it’s meaning.
Or how would you describe a man of Soyinka’s standing journeying to a remote community which many considered too insignificant to matter, just to inaugurate a library and spend a night among strangers without ceremony or pretence, in an environment of budding militancy—with violence on parade.
Soyinka’s act simply affirmed that the true measure of leadership is not the distance one travels, but the willingness to stand with people wherever they are. ‘Timi described this as principled leadership and accountability exercised with wisdom and humility.
On the of the theme: “Reclaiming the Nigerian State through Accountability, Justice and Civil Courage” the former managing director of NDDC said it speaks directly to the realities of the Nigeria—a country we inhabit and the nation we aspire to build.
His words: “Nigeria is blessed with extraordinary human talent, abundant natural resources and remarkable resilience. Yet we continue to fall short of our collective potential. Our national challenge has never been a lack of diagnosis; it has been a failure to act consistently on what we already know.”
It was his view that too often, the institutions designed to hold power accountable have been weakened, thus making justice, for many Nigerians, a privilege rather than their inalienable right.
Restating the virtues of the confraternity, he said: “This gathering cannot, in good conscience, speak of reclaiming the Nigerian state without confronting one of the cardinal evils that the National Association of Seadogs was founded to repudiate.”
That evil, called tribalism, has birthed partisanship, clannishness, ethnic chauvinism and statism, while the enduring values of nationalism, absolute honesty, absolute selflessness, and love for all have been neglected, said ‘Timi.
He asserted that, tribalism has become less an individual prejudice than a systemic condition, coursing through Nigeria’s national bloodstream and eating away at the very fabric of our society.
He noted that reclaiming the Nigerian state must therefore begin with reclaiming ourselves—by ensuring that the principles we so proudly profess are applied consistently, without fear or favour, irrespective of tribe, political affiliation, or the identity of those who wield power.
Ultimately, he said, “accountability is sustained not by laws alone but by the courage of men and women who insist that those laws apply equally to the powerful and the powerless.”
His position was that reclaiming the Nigerian state would not be achieved by a single dramatic event, but through the steady accumulation of principled choices by citizens who refuse to be indifferent, institutions that remain faithful to their mandates, and leaders who choose integrity over expediency and courage over convenience.
Falling back on his modest experience in public service, ‘Timi said the journey has reinforced one enduring lesson in him, that sustainable development cannot exist without accountability, and that where institutions are weak, hope gives way to cynicism; where accountability is upheld, even limited resources can produce lasting impact.
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He urged participants to see beyond the event of the day as they aim to rebuild Nigeria, knowing that “nations are not reclaimed by rhetoric alone,” rather, they are reclaimed “when conscience triumphs over convenience, when institutions are stronger than individuals, and when citizens summon the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult.”
Opinion
Team Nigeria’s Historic Commonwealth Games Campaign: How DG Olopade executed hitch free competition
By seun oloketuyi
When the 2026 Commonwealth Games came to an end in Glasgow, Scotland, Team Nigeria had every reason to celebrate.
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The athletes returned home with more than medals; they brought back a renewed sense of pride after producing one of the country’s finest performances at the Games.
Nigeria finished as the highest-ranked African nation, placing seventh overall with 24 medals: 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze.
It was truly an outstanding campaign, marked by unforgettable performances, record-breaking achievements and moments that will be remembered for years to come.
For years, Nigeria’s participation at major international competitions was often overshadowed by stories of unpaid allowances, poor welfare and administrative challenges. Those issues frequently became part of the conversation before the competition had even begun.
This time, the story was different. Under the leadership of National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, athlete welfare took centre stage. Preparations went smoothly and the usual distractions that had affected previous competitions were absent.
As a result, the athletes competed with confidence, knowing they had the support they needed. That confidence was reflected in their performances.
Nigeria’s first gold medal came through Esther Nworgu, who delivered an impressive performance in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event to give Team Nigeria the perfect start.
One of the defining moments of the Games came from Goodness Nwachukwu, who won gold in the women’s F42 discus throw and, in the process, broke her own world record. It was one of Nigeria’s standout performances in Glasgow.
On the track, Ezekiel Nathaniel made history by becoming the first Nigerian man to win Commonwealth Games gold in the men’s 400m hurdles. His victory further highlighted Nigeria’s growing strength in athletics.
In the field events, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi added another historic achievement by winning Nigeria’s first ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s shot put, while Idris Riluwan continued the country’s dominance in para powerlifting with another gold medal-winning performance.
Although she was nursing an injury, Tobi Amusan refused to let that stop her from competing.
The world record holder battled through the pain to claim bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles, once again demonstrating the determination and resilience that have made her one of Nigeria’s finest athletes.
Nigeria’s success was not limited to these athletes. Samuel Ogazi won gold in the men’s 400m, Ruth Usoro secured silver in the women’s long jump, while medals in relay events and other disciplines highlighted the depth of talent within the Nigerian team.
By the end of the Games, Nigeria had not only finished as Africa’s top-performing nation but had also shown what is possible when athletes are given the right support.
The success in Glasgow was about more than medals. It demonstrated the importance of proper planning, athlete welfare and effective leadership.
With Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade providing an environment free from the administrative challenges that had often overshadowed previous competitions, the athletes were able to focus entirely on representing their country.
The result was a historic Commonwealth Games campaign that saw Team Nigeria break records, make history and reinforce its position as one of Africa’s leading sporting nations.
As the team returns from Scotland, the medals will rightly be celebrated. But Glasgow 2026 will also be remembered for showing what is possible when talented athletes receive the support they deserve.
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Team Nigeria’s performance was not just a victory on the medal table, it was proof that good leadership, proper preparation and unwavering determination can inspire excellence and bring honour to the nation.
By Ehi Braimah
Some people pass through life leaving footprints. Others leave enduring legacies. As family, friends, associates, former colleagues of Nigerian Breweries Plc and distinguished members of Nigeria’s marketing community gather in Lagos on August 8 to celebrate Tony Agenmonmen on his 70th birthday, they are honouring a man whose life has been defined by excellence, integrity, friendship and a solid commitment to the advancement of the marketing profession.
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Seventy is a significant milestone. It is an age that invites reflection on a journey of purpose, achievement and service. For Tony, it is also a celebration of a life devoted to building brands, nurturing people, promoting professional excellence and forging relationships that have stood the test of time.
Tony Agenmonmen belongs to that rare generation of marketing professionals who have experienced virtually every aspect of the profession.
His distinguished career at Nigerian Breweries Plc, spanning more than three decades, saw him grow through the ranks, acquiring a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, brand management, strategic marketing and corporate leadership.
His years at one of Nigeria’s foremost corporate institutions equipped him with an uncommon depth of knowledge and practical experience that continues to command respect across the business community.
Those who worked with him at Nigerian Breweries remember not only his competence but also his calm disposition, analytical mind and critical thinking ability to inspire confidence.
Marketing, for Tony, has never been merely about selling products. It has always been about understanding people, creating value, building trust and sustaining relationships.
These principles became the hallmark of his career and remain the foundation of his work today.
Retirement at the age of 60 did not mark the end of his professional journey. Rather, it ushered in another productive chapter.
Leveraging decades of practical experience, Tony reinvented himself as a respected marketing strategist and consultant whose counsel is sought by organisations and business leaders across different sectors.
His passion for the profession has remained undiminished, proving that true professionals never really retire; they simply find new ways to contribute.
Perhaps one of his most visible contributions to the marketing profession is the annual Nigeria Marketing Awards, a prestigious event that has become one of the industry’s most anticipated gatherings.
Through this initiative, Tony has created a platform that celebrates excellence, innovation and professionalism.
The awards have inspired healthy competition, recognised outstanding achievements and encouraged younger practitioners to aspire to higher standards.
Tony’s influence extended far beyond the corporate boardroom. As President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), he brought vision, innovation and exceptional leadership to the Institute during his two-term tenure spanning four years.
At a critical period in the evolution of Nigeria’s marketing profession, he inspired members with fresh ideas, strengthened the Institute’s profile and championed initiatives that enhanced professionalism, ethical standards and continuing education.
Under his stewardship, the NIMN became more vibrant, more visible and more relevant to practitioners and stakeholders alike.
His inclusive leadership style and strategic thinking earned him the admiration of colleagues across the country.
His presidency remains one of distinguished service, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape the Institute and inspire future leaders of the marketing profession.
In celebrating others, Tony has strengthened the profession he loves. He understands that industries flourish when excellence is recognised and when outstanding performance becomes worthy of emulation.
His commitment to honouring excellence has enriched Nigeria’s marketing ecosystem and contributed significantly to its continued growth.
Yet, beyond the impressive credentials and professional accomplishments lies the man many of us know personally – a dependable friend, loving husband, caring father, trusted adviser, compassionate mentor and true gentleman.
For me, Tony is much more than an accomplished marketing professional. He is a close friend and associate, but even more importantly, he has always been like an elder brother.
Over the years, he has been one of the strongest supporters of my career and professional calling.
His encouragement, wise counsel and unshakeable confidence in my abilities have provided invaluable support during different phases of my professional journey.
We have collaborated on several projects, sharing ideas, challenging each other intellectually and working together in pursuit of excellence.
Every engagement has reinforced my admiration for his professionalism, discipline, work ethic, and remarkable ability to see opportunities where others often see limitations.
Working alongside Tony has always been an enriching experience because he brings not only knowledge but also wisdom, patience and perspective.
Our friendship extends beyond professional engagements. We share more than common interests; we share common roots.
Coming from the same linguistic background of Edo State has created an even stronger bond founded on shared values, mutual respect and cultural affinity.
That connection has blossomed into a friendship that has endured through the years and become part of our respective family histories.
Our families know one another well. My wife enjoys a warm relationship with Tony’s family, just as she does with his younger brother, Julius, whose own family has long-standing ties with ours.
These relationships illustrate something Tony has always cherished – that genuine friendships should transcend business and become enduring family connections built on trust, loyalty and mutual affection.
One of Tony’s greatest qualities is his humility. Despite his outstanding achievements and his respected position within Nigeria’s marketing profession, he remains remarkably approachable. He treats everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of status or position.
He is generous with his time, open in sharing his knowledge and always willing to encourage younger professionals finding their feet in a highly competitive industry.
His leadership has never been loud or flamboyant. Instead, it has been quiet, thoughtful and deeply effective.
He influences through character rather than position, through wisdom rather than authority and through example rather than mere words.
These are qualities that have earned him admiration across generations of marketing practitioners.
Integrity has also defined Tony’s life. In both business and personal relationships, he has consistently demonstrated honesty, fairness and dependability. His reputation has been built not simply on competence but on character.
In an age when reputations can easily be compromised, Tony remains a shining example of professionalism anchored in ethical values.
For younger professionals entering the marketing industry today, his life offers enduring lessons. It teaches that success requires hard work and continuous learning; that leadership demands humility and service; that relationships are invaluable assets; and that true greatness is measured not merely by personal accomplishments but by the number of lives positively influenced.
As we celebrate Tony Agenmonmen on his 70th birthday on August 8, we celebrate not only an accomplished marketing strategist but also an exceptional human being whose generosity and kindness have touched countless lives.
On behalf of my family and all whose lives you have enriched, I extend heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable milestone.
Thank you for your friendship and goodwill; your encouragement, your mentorship and your steadfast support over the years. Thank you for believing in people and for investing your time, wisdom and energy in helping others succeed.
Your legacy is firmly established – not only in the brands you helped build or the professionals you have mentored, but in the countless friendships you have nurtured and the values you continue to uphold.
May the years ahead bring you continued good health, divine favour, peace of mind and abundant joy. May you continue to enjoy the love of your family, the admiration of your friends and the respect of your professional colleagues.
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May your wealth of experience continue to inspire future generations of marketers, business leaders and young professionals across Nigeria and beyond.
Happy 70th birthday, dear Oga Tony.
By Moses Braimah
Statement of fact, Nigeria’s data economy will never be the same again.
The most consequential technology ruling in Nigeria this year did not emerge from a fintech boardroom, a venture capital summit, or Silicon Valley. It came from a Federal High Court.
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In Emmanuel Harunna v. Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the court affirmed the Commission’s authority under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 to regulate major data handlers, including decentralized Point-of-Sale (PoS) agent networks. Far beyond a legal victory, the judgment redraws Nigeria’s digital economy.
It is a corporate wake-up call, a regulatory milestone, an economic opportunity and, above all, a victory for millions of Nigerians whose personal information has too often been treated as an unprotected commodity.
For the boardroom, here is a warning. Listen corporate directors, the era of treating data protection as an IT department responsibility has officially ended.
The court has effectively armed the NDPC with the legal certainty to enforce compliance across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Under the NDPA, non-compliant organizations face administrative penalties that can reach the greater of ₦10 million or 2% of annual gross revenue, depending on the severity of the violation.
That transforms data governance from a routine compliance checklist into a board-level financial, legal and reputational risk requiring immediate executive oversight.
Global investors increasingly evaluate cybersecurity, privacy governance and regulatory maturity before deploying capital.
Companies with weak data controls now risk more than fines; they risk losing investor confidence, strategic partnerships and customer trust.
In today’s digital economy, data governance has become corporate governance.
This has also initiate the emergence of a new growth industry. Without any iota of doubt this ruling has unlock one of Nigeria’s most overlooked economic opportunities.
Every organization classified as a Data Controller or Processor of Major Importance must now register, conduct periodic compliance audits and strengthen internal governance.
That requirement creates sustained demand for licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs), cybersecurity professionals, privacy lawyers, compliance auditors and certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs).
Thousands of qualified Nigerian graduates can now build careers in a rapidly expanding profession instead of competing for shrinking traditional employment opportunities.
For government, the implications are equally significant. Registration fees, annual compliance filings and lawful enforcement create sustainable internally generated revenue while expanding the formal digital economy.
More importantly, regulatory certainty reduces business uncertainty, making Nigeria increasingly attractive to global venture capital and technology investors seeking predictable governance. Trust is becoming one of the country’s most valuable digital assets.
A friend asked me, what’s in this for the ordinary Nigerians? Here is my take. One of the greatest beneficiaries of this ruling are ordinary Nigerians.
Every day, millions surrender personal information while opening bank accounts, using PoS terminals, shopping online, accessing healthcare, applying for loans or downloading mobile applications.
Too often, that data has travelled through weak governance systems, enabling identity theft, unauthorized disclosures, fraudulent transactions and predatory digital lending practices.
By affirming NDPC oversight across both formal institutions and informal agent networks, the court strengthens accountability throughout the entire data ecosystem.
It also gives regulators stronger legal footing to collaborate with other agencies in tackling rogue loan apps that harvest contact lists, misuse personal information and publicly shame borrowers.
Privacy is no longer merely a compliance issue; it is becoming a practical consumer protection tool and a cornerstone of digital trust.
Nigeria’s digital future will ultimately depend not only on innovation but on confidence. This landmark judgment establishes that confidence cannot exist without accountability.
For corporate boards, the message is unmistakable: compliance is now a strategic imperative.
For young professionals, a vibrant knowledge economy is emerging. For regulators, the ruling provides the legal certainty needed to enforce higher standards.
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And for global investors, it signals that Africa’s largest digital economy is evolving from regulatory ambiguity toward international best practice. The court has spoken. Smart organizations will not merely comply, they will compete by building trust.
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