Opinion/Feature
A Fairytale Love Story
Love should never be stifled by hatred and rivalry, for it is a force of nature that can withstand even the fiercest storms…
Long ago, in a tiny village, there were two young people named Ada and Chika. They lived next to each other, and their love story was simple and pure.
Ada was a lively, hopeful girl. Chika, on the other hand, was a quiet and deep-thinking young man. Every day, they both went to the village well to get water. They often exchanged glances and secret smiles that said a lot without words.
As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Ada and Chika’s love grew stronger. They met in secret places, under the shade of a giant mango tree, and whispered sweet promises of forever to each other. Their love was a forbidden fruit, for Ada’s father and Chika’s mother were bitter rivals, feuding over a piece of fertile land that both families coveted.
Despite the feud, Ada and Chika’s love flourished. They wrote love letters to each other, pouring their hearts into the pages filled with words of love, longing, and hope. They shared stolen kisses and held hands in the moonlight, vowing that their love would conquer all obstacles.
One fateful day, as the sun cast its golden rays over the village, a terrible storm brewed in the hearts of their parents. Ada’s father learned of her secret affair with Chika and was consumed by anger. He forbade Ada from ever seeing Chika again, threatening to disown her if she disobeyed.
Chika’s mother, equally enraged, made a similar decree. She warned Chika that if he continued to pursue Ada, she would disown him, leaving him with nothing but his love for her.
The young lovers were torn apart, their hearts heavy with sorrow. They tried to stay away from each other, but their love was a force too strong to be reckoned with. They devised secret meetings, risking everything for stolen moments of bliss.
One fateful night, as Ada and Chika met beneath the mango tree, tragedy struck. A lightning bolt from the stormy sky struck the tree, splitting it in half. Ada was fatally injured, and Chika, in a desperate attempt to save her, was also struck by lightning. Their love story ended as suddenly as it had begun, under the wrath of nature itself.
The village mourned the loss of the young lovers, and their parents were left to grapple with the guilt and regret of their bitter feud. The mango tree, once a symbol of love, now stood as a stark reminder of the tragic end of Ada and Chika’s love story.
In the end, their love had indeed conquered all obstacles, but it had come at a devastating cost. The tragedy of Ada and Chika’s love was a lesson for the village, a reminder that love should never be stifled by hatred and rivalry, for it is a force of nature that can withstand even the fiercest storms.
As time went by, the fighting between their families stopped, but the pain of their lost love stayed. The village still talks about Ada and Chika, a love story that started well but sadly ended badly. It reminds us how strong and delicate love can be.
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