Opinion/Feature
Film Review Of The Woman-King: Perspectives In African History
By Dr. Mutiat Titilope Oladejo
While watching the movie: The Woman King, it manifests some aspects of nineteenth century Yoruba history.
From my teaching experience on Yoruba history, a narration accounts how a European was surprised that women formed a formidable army in Dahomey. He narrated how the King celebrated the women after victories at war. The women guard were also coordinated to entertain the visitor through singing and choreography. To the European, this was utterly strange because women don’t have such credentials in Europe. The film centered around the bravery of Dahomey women.
This scenario brings to fore Emeritus Prof. Bolanle Awe’s assertion that “African women should be studied in their own terms”. In the nineteenth century Dahomey, women have their spheres of power which mattered to the growth of the kingdom. Other scholars espoused the fact that African women exhibit several spheres of power. Hence, the experiences of inequality differ across the world.
Again, the sophistication of the female army, the lifestyle and the doggedness manifest a kind of feminist nationalism. The women displayed the spirit of self-determination to free Dahomey from disadvantaged status in relation with Yoruba kingdoms. This was profound in the in the intellectual talks about how Dahomey was being subjugated by Oyo and Europeans in the King’s court. And it was interesting to see how King Ghezo wanted to stop slave trade and chart a new course for the development of Dahomey. However, the level of palm oil production was less sustainable to attain desired economies of scale.
Nawi’s recruitment into the army portrays how gender based violence feature as a problem that pushed women to join the guard. As she refused to be married to the old man who already gave signals of how she will be maltreated. Also, her life history as portrayed later in the film indicates the fact that women were victims of sexual violence in wartimes and it also stirs the determination to fight.
At a point the army was rejigged for preparedness and requires the women not marrying or sexually active, some women opted out. This shows how the needs or wants of every woman can’t be the same at the same time. And that should be respected in contemporary times.
The film portrays how Trans Atlantic slave trade disrupt and destroyed Yorubaland and Dahomey as the wealth of the empires built on revenue from slaves. Oyo hegemony was derived from tributes from smaller Kingdoms, Dahomey inclusive. Slave trade created under development, while colonialism only created boundaries to reinforce it. I was once in Benin Republic and I had no worries of not being able to speak French fluently. Almost every one can indigenously speak Yoruba. My experience resonates with how Angelique Kidjo was part of elders of thought in the King’s court.
Angelique Kidjo’s identity interfaces the nationalities of Nigeria and Benin Republic and she has done well in the African music industry to the level of receiving five Grammy awards. After all there were cordial intergroup relations, we were not strange bed fellows!
Opinion/Feature
Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership
Opinion/Feature
UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70
By President Bola Tinubu
As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
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His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.
Opinion/Feature
Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations
By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD
My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.
It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.
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The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.
I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria