Opinion
Emma Ogbeche: When Excellence And Generousity Of Spirit Pay Off
By Omonu YG Nelson
In February 2018, I traveled on an assignment to Zamfara State, in company of some senior journalists, prominent amongst which is, the former President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Waheed Odusile of The Nations Newspaper, Victorson Agbenson, a political editor with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN); Emma Ujah of the Vanguard Newspapers; Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, then the Editor of Abuja Enquirer; Patrick Okon, one of the top guns at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ forum and a host of others.
As we criss-crossed the length and breadth of the State, I heard Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche say, “I am a man of ideas, I can make things happen. I can fix anything.” To be clear, he wasn’t directly talking to me but the statement caught my attention because of the law governing my own thoughts. Since then, I have never missed any opportunity to call him “Mr Fix it!
The following year, Comrade Ogbeche threw his heart into the ring to vie for the chairmanship of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists. Of course, despite the stiff opponent, he triumphed. That was the opportunity for him to validate the earlier statement that, “I am a man of ideas, I can make things happen. I can fix anything.”
Suffice it to put on record that, before Ogbeche emerged chairman of FCT-NUJ, there was nowhere to call a secretariat, as the building that was under construction for many years, offered very slim hope of completion. The abandoned project was a perfect den for street urchins and phone thieves from Berger junction, who take refuge in the dejected environment. The building, which was overgrown by weeds was the most convenient place for those pressed and looking for where to defecate.
It’s also important to put on record that before this era, respect for FCT-NUJ, even by its own members was at lowest ebb because of concatenation of occurrences and uncoordinated way of handling affairs.
However, tides began to turn, immediately Ogbeche mount the saddle. At this time, a hotel around Utako serves as the secretariat with the hotel pool side as the meeting venue. Soon, work on the secretariat project resumed. And, with the speed of light, the main secretariat building was completed. Journalists in FCT, never had it so good, as social life at the FCT-NUJ Press Centre was fully activated. Finally, the Gentlemen of the Press now have a place to unwind after a hectic day, in the Nigeria’s ‘anti-press’ environment.
Not only did Ogbeche build, furnish and beautify a relaxation spot and press centre for the men of pen profession, he laid the foundation and completed an event hall of about 300 hundred seating capacity.
The crown of it all is that, Ogbeche is a comrade to the core. In an environment that is reprehensibly hostile to the Press, Ogbeche has sticked his neck for his members. Because he’s wired with the tenacity of a bulldog, he respects but fears no one. Whenever any journalist is the hook, he exploits contacts to the highest level, but when authorities remain recalcitrant, you can be sure Ogbeche will mobilise and lay siege to your gate.
Suffice to buttress with one or two examples. The case of journalist Tordue Salem, a National Assembly Correspondent with the Vanguard newspapers, aptly captures Ogbeche’s unparalleled generousity of spirit. In the case of Omonu YG Nelson, a former diplomatic Correspondent with Leadership newspapers and publisher, SUMMIT POST News, even when he wasn’t a registered member of the NUJ, out of magnanimity, he stood for me. He went all out against the authorities, which led to my being charged to court in record time, as against the original plan.
One important leadership lesson from Emmanuel Ogbeche’s management of FCT-NUJ, is “When the purity of motives of a leader is not in doubt, trust by followers becomes effortless.”
Another important leadership lesson from him is, unwavered power of believe or, what the Christians calls faith, is the first and most potent currency or recipe for accomplishments, both in public leadership engagement or private life. Like he said in February 2018, “I am a man of ideas, I can make things happen. I can fix anything.” Pronouncements such as this are the spillover of what’s abundant inside.
As a preacher and televangelist, Dr (Pastor) Paul Enenche said a few years ago, “Excellence destroys prejudice.” No matter how unbalanced factors are, nothing is impossible to a man that’s dogged and driven by divine ideas. That’s why the Monday’s announcement of Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, may not come to many, who are familiar with Ogbeche, as surprise.
A visit to the FCT-NUJ secretariat today… Evidence, they say, is the end of argument. Since he proved his mettle, I have changed from calling him “Mr Fix it” to “Chairman Wey Sabi.”
On behalf of Highland Media Ltd, publishers of SUMMIT POST News, I congratulate you and wish you a successful outing.
A pro-democracy group, the Progressive Group for Democracy (PGD), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop local government officials in Lagos State from pursuing unconstitutional third terms in upcoming council elections.
The group alleges that officials in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are exploiting legal loopholes to extend their tenures, in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, PGD National Coordinator Aladesanmi Abiodun Salawu described the move as a “clear violation” of constitutional provisions and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He invoked President Tinubu’s historical opposition to tenure elongation, referencing the president’s fierce resistance to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid in the early 2000s.
“As a pro-democracy group, we are reminded of President Tinubu’s fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term agenda. President Tinubu stood firmly against constitutional manipulation then. Where is the president’s voice now?” Salawu asked.
The PGD alleges that the officials in question assumed office following the deaths of elected chairpersons, took oaths of office, and later won full terms in subsequent elections.
“Their current bids for re-election, the group argues, constitute an unconstitutional third term. Salawu cited the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, which prohibits individuals from seeking a third term after completing a predecessor’s tenure and winning a subsequent election.
“Today, we stand at a very dangerous crossroads. The same anti-democratic forces that our heroes fought against during the June 12 struggle are re-emerging in Lagos State,” Salawu said.
“In Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs, we are witnessing a calculated attempt to normalise constitutional violations through the backdoor.”
The group also criticised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accusing him of complicity due to his silence on the issue. “As the chief security officer of Lagos State, (Sanwo-Olu)has a constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law. His silence is not just concerning; it is complicity,” Salawu said.
The PGD urged President Tinubu to publicly denounce the third-term bids and called on the Attorney General of the Federation to issue an advisory on term limits for local government administrations.
It also demanded that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) disqualify candidates seeking unconstitutional terms.
“These individuals in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs must withdraw their candidacy immediately. We are not making a request; we are stating what the constitution already mandates,” Salawu declared.
The group vowed to challenge the alleged violations through legal means, including mobilising civil society, approaching the courts, and organising peaceful protests if necessary.
“The Lagos Society for Good Governance will utilise every legal means available to challenge this dangerous precedent,” Salawu added.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
History was made again today at the National Assembly Service Commission NASC as the newly appointed as Executive Chairman,Dr Saviour Enyiekere and his Commissioners, was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential villa to signify the beginning of another five years journey for the new management of the Commission.
Dr Enyiekere who was appointed along with his 12 commissioners representing the six geopolitical zones on 20th, February, 2025, assumed duty on 5th, May, 2025 few months after their appointment after been taking oath office.
He took the oath of office as the sixth National Assembly Service Commission Chairman since the inception of the Commission over four decades ago .
Until his appointment, Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, was the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President and had played a leading and strategic roles in the last 19 months before his elevation.
Soon after he took the oath office along with his commissioners , he assumed duty and was hosted by management and staff of the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and by extension, the National Assembly management led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, the new Clerk to the National Assembly CNA.
Fresh and determined to make a difference,While acknowledging the audience along with his new commissioners , he described today’s occasion as unique with the date falling to 5/5/2025, stating his determination to work with all stakeholders at the NASC and NASS.
He eulogised the outgone leadership of the commission and also paid a glowing trubutes to the deceased ones , acknowledging their unique performance and contributions to the development of the commission in all areas.
Enyiekere who solicited for the cooperation of the management, staff and staff union , promised to prioritize the welfare and well-being of staff of the commission.
The New Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Dr Saviour Enyiekere also promised to work harmoniously with the management of the commission , staff, and members of Parliamentary Staff Association PASAN.
Dr Saviour who attracted a conference hall that was filled to capacity bare his mind of carrying all and sundry along in his new administration .
Assertive, young and brilliant to manage the affairs of the commission, he promised to promote and sustain the legacies of management and previous leadership saying their contributions was indelible on the sands of time.
He used the opportunity to appreciate Nigeria’s President and reiterated his commitment along with his commissioners to promote and protect the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with full support the leadership of the National Assembly under Senator Godswill Akpabio and Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, lauding them for a job well-done and careful selection of the new Chairman and members/commissioners of the commission.
While describing the new responsibility as hectic and challenging, , saying with prayers , God will see us through.
Dr Saviour Enyiekere who promised to keep intact the good records of NASC management and the staff union , so as to ensure harmonious working relationship going forward.
During the handing over ceremony, The Secretary to the Commission, Mr
Lucky U. Ikharo, while presenting the handover documents to the new NASC boss, pledged the total commitment of the NASC Management towards the effective performance of the Commission’s assignment.
Speaking further during the handing and talking over ceremony at the Commission’s Conference Room, the new NASC boss told officials of the National Assembly Service that his leadership would emphasise the welfare of the workers of the Service, harmonious working relationship and productivity.
The new Chairman and his commissioners anxious to make a difference asked all stakeholders to extend their fellowship, admonition and possibly corrections.
Dr Saviour , a grassroot politician , with indepth experience in civil and political exposure, promised to make a difference without further delay .
The entire National Assembly Service Commission NASC bounced back to life after three months since the exit of the former Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE.
Highlights of the occasion included group photograph, media interview and interactions with the management and staff of both the National Assembly Service Commission NASC, National Assembly leadership led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana along with the new commissioners.
With his assumption of duty and his promises, no doubt a new dawn has encapsulated and heralded the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and his leadership.
In a goodwill message, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, assured the new Commission of the full co-operation of the National Assembly Management towards achieving success. He, however, pleaded with the Commission to carry the National Assembly Management along on key decision-making.
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West, with
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West), with Festus Ifesinachi Odii not yet resume from the South-East .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
By Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
The global shipping industry is the lifeblood of international trade, with nearly 90% of goods transported by sea. Behind this vast network of commerce are the seafarers professionals whose dedication keeps the world’s economy afloat. Yet, while the focus often falls on operational efficiency, safety, and environmental concerns, an equally critical aspect remains largely in the shadows: the mental health and wellbeing of those who spend months away from home, isolated and often battling invisible struggles.
Having worked both at sea and now within the maritime industry ashore, we have witnessed firsthand the emotional challenges faced by seafarers. Life at sea is often romanticized, but the reality is far more complex. Prolonged isolation, communication barriers, high-pressure environments, and the unpredictability of life at sea contribute to a unique mental health crisis that has, for too long, gone unspoken.
A seafarer’s life revolves around routines, watches, and operations that leave little room for personal downtime. The absence of family support systems limited recreational facilities, and minimal mental health resources onboard amplify feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Recent studies, including those by the Mission to Seafarers and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), reveal alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation among crew members. These findings highlight a pressing need for the industry to prioritize mental health with the same seriousness as physical safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed and intensified these struggles. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers were stranded aboard ships, unable to disembark for months beyond their contracts. Crew change crises turned ships into floating prisons, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and mental exhaustion.
Though some shipping companies have since introduced mental health initiatives such as access to tele-counselling and mental wellness apps, these measures are still the exception rather than the norm.
Mental health challenges at sea are not merely personal struggles; they can have direct safety implications. Fatigue, anxiety, and depression diminish focus and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, protecting seafarers’ wellbeing is not only a moral obligation but a safety imperative for the entire industry.
As industry experts and former seafarers, we believe urgent cultural change is required. Shipping companies must move beyond token programs to embed mental health care into the fabric of maritime operations.
Practical steps include mandatory mental health training, confidential support systems, improved internet connectivity for family contact, regular shore leave, and destigmatization of seeking help.
It is time to bring the untold struggles of seafarers into the light. By acknowledging their mental health needs and committing resources to support them, we honor not only their critical role in global trade but their fundamental humanity.
Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
Maritime expert and Academic Researcher
E-mail: Caleb.Danladi@plymouth.ac.uk, dancb2k@yahoo.com
Phone: +2348064218253