Opinion

Dear Young Folks Series 6 (“Reflections on a Remarkable Journey: You deserve the cheer guys “)

Leave a Comment / Opinion, Sport / / / , , , ,

I often hear from colleagues and friends about how highly Babatunde Saheed speaks of me in my absence. These moments make me reflect on the kind of person he is. A few months ago, we sat together, and he recounted our journey, beginning when I served as his correspondent in 2007, until I became an in-house analyst a decade later. Initially, I worked as an invisible analyst in 2018, with live studio appearances starting the following year. This journey has been remarkable, and sharing the stage with some of the best in the business has been an incredible experience. Most importantly, having my idol and mentor, Babatunde Saheed, beside me on the Saturday special has been invaluable. Everyone in my close circle knows how much I have considered leaving the world of sports commentary. However, the passion I continually receive from my work keeps holding me back. The leadership qualities Babatunde Saheed displays are rare, and I learn a great deal from him. To the young professionals out there: at some point, you will need someone who sees and regards you as a colleague rather than a protégé. It is invaluable to have someone who is not shy to publicly acknowledge your contributions to their success. Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change Advocate

Dear Young Folks Series 6 (“Reflections on a Remarkable Journey: You deserve the cheer guys “) Read More »

Dear Young Folks (Series 5) “Tomorrow’s Leaders: Balancing Present Gratification with Future Consequences”

1 Comment / Opinion / / / , , , , , , , ,

Dear Young Folks, The emerging leaders of tomorrow wield both the promise of progress and the peril of shortsightedness, as they grapple with the temptation to prioritize immediate rewards over long-term sustainability. This delicate balance between present indulgence and future responsibility echoes throughout your actions and inactions, revealing a concerning resemblance to the traits of certain political figures. In the pursuit of effecting meaningful social change, I remain steadfast in my commitment to upholding honor as the cornerstone of ethical conduct. Guided by the understanding that integrity is the hallmark of superior individuals, I am unwavering in my efforts to carefully deliberate my words and engagements across social media platforms. It is disheartening to observe the fervent defense of governmental actions and policies by many young individuals, often driven by personal biases and emotional attachments. While it may be tempting to distance ourselves from the influence of politicians, we must acknowledge that our very existence is intricately intertwined with the policies they enact. Today, I am compelled to address the insidious campaign aimed at suppressing certain news stories, preventing their dissemination on platforms more prominent than my own. This concerted effort to control the narrative reflects a troubling disregard for transparency and accountability within the administration, threatening to erode public trust and perpetuate misinformation. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the publishers of Whatsapp Ibadan, Ibadan Elite Broadcasters, Ibadan Lawa, Industreet Blogs Ibadan PR, and 9ja Connect for their invaluable collaborations. Through these partnerships, we have facilitated numerous engagements that have catalyzed prompt government action on various occasions. Equally deserving of commendation are the government officials who have received our feedback with openness and responded with a level of responsiveness and accountability that is commendable. Dear fellow folks alike, we bear a responsibility not only to our present selves but also to the generations yet to come. It is on this foundation that I seek your support to sustain our efforts in driving meaningful change, recognizing the pivotal role that government policies play in shaping the future for those who will follow in our footsteps. See you all next week. Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change AdvocateHC Ministry of Concerned Citizens

Dear Young Folks (Series 5) “Tomorrow’s Leaders: Balancing Present Gratification with Future Consequences” Read More »

Open Letter to the Governor: “Inquiry and Accountability: Assessing the ‘Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative’ Event and Related Investments” by Idris Animasaun

Leave a Comment / Opinion / / / , , , , ,

The recent event entitled ‘Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative,’ hosted at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan on April 29, 2024, garnered significant attention. His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, a Former President, the DG of OYSADA, and various dignitaries graced the occasion. The event, as reported is a collaborative effort between IITA and Oyo State government. However, questions are currently being raised about funding for this project and expected deliverables from the event and its impact on food security. Concerned citizens are humbly requesting that a comprehensible overview of the achieved outcomes from the relevant agency should be made available to the public. Furthermore, OYSADA is urged to furnish detailed, itemized records of all investments, specifying amounts, dates of receipt, disbursement particulars, beneficiaries, and the monitoring mechanisms ensuring appropriate fund utilization since inception of this administration in 2019. It is noteworthy that the absence of similar events in Fashola prompts speculation, with concerns raised about potential publicity hesitance due to alleged structural integrity issues related to heavy rainfall. The populace urges His Excellency to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial transactions associated with the construction of Fashola Agribusiness Hub. We are intentionally directing attention towards the designated consultant, Hollar Gabriel Nig. Ltd., tasked with ensuring quality and timely project delivery, whose office is situated at 1 Ipetu Road, Asio, Ondo East LGA, Ondo State to give a thorough account of the project and integrity under his watch. The government needs to be transparent about its expenditures to confirm or refute the narrative of a Public-Private Partnership with Brains and Hammers Ltd. His Excellency, known for his transparency, should ensure clarity regarding the Fashola Farm settlement. Additionally, comparing Oyo State’s agricultural progress to that of other states, such as Lagos, which reportedly earns trillions annually from agriculture, raises questions. Oyo State must disclose its agricultural earnings over the past five years and develop a comprehensive agribusiness plan leveraging Lagos State’s success. This plan should integrate the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology with other state facilities like Fashola Farm settlements to maximize productivity. Instead of relying solely on rental income, Oyo State should invest in its citizens by creating young agricultural entrepreneurs through intentional and substantial investments, providing land, equipment, and education in agricultural and financial management. The state should also utilize its own facilities for agricultural events and training to promote local projects and visibility for rural farmers. Notably, the OYSADA headquarters in Saki, reportedly renovated at a cost of over 400 million Naira, remains underutilized, highlighting the need for more effective resource allocation and utilization.

Open Letter to the Governor: “Inquiry and Accountability: Assessing the ‘Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative’ Event and Related Investments” by Idris Animasaun Read More »

Dear Young Folks (Series 4: Collaborate, Volunteer, Partner and Network)

Leave a Comment / Opinion, Volunteering/Social works / / / , , , , , , ,

Dear Young Folks, I recently had the pleasure of attending a surprise birthday gathering graciously hosted by Honorable Dapo Lam Adesina to commemorate my own birthday. Such gestures are rare and mark only the second occasion in nearly four decades of my life. The event was truly enjoyable, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to its vibrant success. Upon reflecting on the speeches delivered during the celebration, as captured in video clips, I felt compelled to share some insights from my own journey in the hope that they may resonate with others and offer valuable lessons. Successful individuals often possess distinct traits, one of which is the ability to discern opportunities where others may overlook them. Therefore, it is essential to persevere in one’s pursuits, projects, or endeavors until tangible results materialize. When queried about the outcomes of my sacrifices or the personal gains I anticipate, I often jestingly respond, “I don’t know.” However, this jest belies a deeper belief in the transformative power of positively impacting others, which in turn fosters societal advancement and personal growth. I have cultivated unwavering self-belief, steadfastly adhering to my principles despite facing skepticism from those around me. My faith in the value of partnerships, collaborations, and volunteerism as conduits for expanding my network remains unshaken. Today, my writings and contributions garner attention organically, devoid of sponsorships or advertisements, owing to the resonance I share with my network of acquaintances. While some may view me solely as a resource to be leveraged, I am beginning to witness reciprocal benefits from these relationships. I have even secured loans from financial institutions based solely on the reputation I have built, demonstrating that one’s personal brand holds intrinsic value beyond immediate financial gains. In a previous communication, I emphasized the importance of offering services in exchange for assistance rather than seeking immediate financial aid. I reiterate that collaborations and volunteerism are pivotal to personal development, even if the benefits may not be immediately apparent. The journey to success often mirrors the narrative of the Chinese bamboo, requiring years of nurturing before manifesting exponential growth within a relatively short timeframe. This underscores the importance of patience and persistence in realizing the dividends of one’s investments. Furthermore, not all rewards are monetary; some of life’s greatest achievements stem from meaningful connections and experiences that defy quantification. It is through such intangible assets that one truly flourishes, unaware of the seeds sown along the way. No success story is solely authored by one individual; it invariably entails the contributions of others, albeit sometimes tacitly. Trusting solely in fate or wishful thinking is insufficient; instead, cultivating partnerships, networking, collaborating, and volunteering are essential strategies for navigating the path to success. Grab a copy of Unstoppable by Babatunde Ojobaro this weekend and let’s reflect on the lessons there in. See you next week. Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change Advocate

Dear Young Folks (Series 4: Collaborate, Volunteer, Partner and Network) Read More »

Dear Young Folks (Series 3)

Leave a Comment / Opinion / / / , , ,

The importance of caution among the youth of our state when engaging in political discourse online cannot be overstated. These discussions often escalate quickly, leading to misunderstandings, hostility, and even harassment. It is imperative to uphold respectful dialogue, verify sources before disseminating information, and consider the potential impact of one’s words on others. Reflecting on the recent local government elections in our state, it is disheartening to witness a generation that should be actively involved both online and offline reducing themselves to supporting causes without critical examination. This failure to provide balanced perspectives is concerning and warrants attention. Addressing the grievances expressed by candidates following the recent state election, there is a notable lack of acknowledgment and reporting on the dissatisfaction among all parties involved. The youth, who should be leading efforts to bring sanity to the discourse, have been surprisingly silent and passive in this regard, which is disappointing. It is troubling to see youths defending flawed structures, systems, or processes marred by irregularities, as it not only seeks favor but also tacitly endorses unethical practices. Additionally, the potential reach of our comments and blog posts should be a cause for concern, as they may perpetuate vices that plague our political landscape and undermine the integrity of our electoral processes. In light of these observations, I advocate for the implementation of standardized measures by state authorities to ensure the integrity of future electoral processes. We must move beyond conventional approaches and prioritize inclusivity and transparency in our electoral system. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

Dear Young Folks (Series 3) Read More »

Dear Young Folks (Series 2)

Leave a Comment / Opinion / / / , ,

Dear Young Folks, On the morning of my 25th birthday, I sat on a rail beside Citee Oil at Mokola and began to weep uncontrollably. I was waiting for my NYSC posting while interning with an architectural firm at the time. I reminisce about the challenges ahead and thought to myself that I have come of age, and apparently no one will see the need to give a 25yrs old free cash for stipends repeatedly. Due to my background and the society that I grew up from, it is expected that I should be fending for myself by that age which actually began 10yrs earlier as a sales boy at RAO shopping complex in Challenge. At 16, I was going to Lagos to procure compact discs in whole sales and resell. By 19, I worked as a labor in a block moulding company in Saki to live through my national diploma. I worked as a painter to assist myself through my HND days few years ago. I know the pressure on you is high, I can understand how you feel too. But one thing that changed it all for me, is understanding from that morning of my 25th birthday the need to be responsible for myself. I decided if I can’t grab a skill, I’ll remain a laborer for life, so I opted to live with Wole Adebayo who taught me how to use AutoCAD. In my first week of getting posted to my PPA, I began to make money to sustain myself. The success you see with people today that endear them to you is a result of age long years of sacrifices and trying something new and different in places where persistency is not yielding results. In “unstoppable” by @themisterrain he said there might be a growing need to “function somewhere else; be valuable in other places and other industries. The advantages basically puts you ahead of others most of the time.” Today, what will look easy with my versatility is as a result of my age long years of trying different things even though it is only architecture that I have continuously mastered. But cover writing, blogging, punditry, brand management/marketing/influencing, and social media marketing have paid most of my day to day bills. Rather than go into people’s DM to ask for 2k, ask them what you can do for them to earn a pay. Thank you @timiakindelephotography for this image

Dear Young Folks (Series 2) Read More »

NO TWO KIDS ARE THE SAME: Birthday wishes to Moyo

Leave a Comment / Opinion / /

One of the most challenging experience of my life is something I hope make its own chapter titled “Raising Mo” in my yet to be published biography. For someone who’s raising a baby boy before the arrival of another, I had thought the process would be seamless and repetitive until few months on. At around his 24th month, Moyo wasnt doing as much as Al-Ameen was even doing at 10months. I became worried, he barely talks or play with anyone. Signs I had seen from as early as the first one year. I became closer, I was his company and we are always having a conversation even if he won’t respond back. From the first time he said “tata” papa, and becoming someone who makes the most complete sentence when asked a question. Do you like this ? Yes I like it. Al-Ameen would have replied with just yes. My baby showed signs he learnt a lot from those quiet moments between us too. I discovered in time that no two kids are the same and I’ll have to grow all along with these ones with their own unique qualities and individual traits. Moyo wants to compete, and he’s always eager to know what his elder brother scores when the result comes in at the end of the term. For someone who leads his class, he should focus elsewhere and not his brother is a line I’m learning to teach. I looked at Jameel today and my heart is filled with joy, I thought I should share this experience not only to celebrate a never giving up attitude of both of us but to tell someone reading this. No two kids are the same, any kid that showed deficiencies deserves attention, persistent help, love and guidance. If no one believed in Moyo, then it’s myself and his mum. I love you Jayjay as he loves to be called. Happy Birthday my super star and Daddy’s precious, Jameel Leonard Moyosola Animasaun.

NO TWO KIDS ARE THE SAME: Birthday wishes to Moyo Read More »

Kennedy Ugochukwu: A Case of Sexual Exploitation, Non-Consensual Sexual Activities and Blackmail

1 Comment / Opinion / / / , , , , , , ,

As a social change advocate, I am compelled to bring to light a disturbing case of sexual exploitation, non-consensual sexual activities and blackmail involving Kennedy Ugochukwu. This article aims to shed light on the experiences of the victims and the need for accountability in such cases. Kennedy Ugochukwu has been accused of engaging in sexual exploitation by making and circulating sex tapes made without the consent of his partners, non-consensual sexual activities with multiple girls, including drugging some of his victims. He has also been accused of blackmailing these girls by sending them their nude videos and making outrageous requests in exchange for deleting the videos. One of the victims, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported that Kennedy had threatened her life when she confronted him about deleting the video he had of her. She also mentioned that she was coerced into sending him money under the pretext of his financial hardship. In the course of their investigation, the police discovered not only her videos but also several others on Kennedy’s phone and other devices, including a recent one from February 10, 2024, featuring another girl. Additionally, the police found Tramadol, a controlled drug, in his possession at the time of his arrest. One of the girls in the videos, who had previously dated Kennedy, claimed that she found several videos of his previous victims on his mobile devices. She broke up with him immediately not knowing she had already fallen victim of his malicious activities. The said girl, who also wishes to remain anonymous, shared her story with me. She claimed that she had been in a relationship, was engaged and getting ready to be married when she received “view once” videos of her intimate moments with Kennedy, almost two years after the relationship with him ended. She broke up with her fiancé not able to share her pain with him and fearing the videos might end up on social media. I had considered reaching out to Oriyomi Hamzat (Kokoro Alate) or Dr. Yinka Ayefele (Let’s Talk About It) for assistance with the case. However, the thought of seeing the faces of these innocent girls plastered across various social media platforms in the aftermath was too overwhelming for me to handle. Initially, I refrained from making any public posts about this matter for an extended period as I have been closely monitoring the situation for months. My decision was not driven by fear of what Kennedy or his family might do, but rather to avoid interfering with a case already under court jurisdiction. Despite the severity of the allegations, Kennedy, who was arraigned at the Magistrate Court, Iyaganku on the 12th of March 2024 is currently out on bail after meeting the conditions set, is scheduled to appear in court on June 27. As a social change advocate, I believe that it is crucial to hold individuals accountable for sexual exploitations and non-consensual sexual activities while supporting women who have been victims of such behavior. I urge any lady who has ever had sexual intimacy with Kennedy, has fears he made/has sex tapes of them or ever been blackmailed by him to reach out to me and join the case. This case highlights the importance of consent and the need to respect the boundaries and autonomy of others. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and education around issues of sexual predation and the importance of supporting survivors. I join the call to the Attorney General and by extension the Oyo State Government to takeover the case, by so doing prove to the citizens that crime and injustice, especially gender-based and sexual related offenses have no place in Oyo State. This will serve as a deterrent to others who might be committing or thinking of committing such atrocities. We must work together to create a society where women feel safe and empowered to report sexual exploitation and violence without fear of retribution or stigma. We must also work to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and that justice is served. Let us stand together and demand change. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

Kennedy Ugochukwu: A Case of Sexual Exploitation, Non-Consensual Sexual Activities and Blackmail Read More »

“Rising to the Challenge: Addressing Irresponsible Waste Disposal in New Gbagi Market”

Leave a Comment / Opinion, Volunteering/Social works / / / , , , , , ,

It’s clear that many of us either don’t grasp or choose to overlook the consequences of our actions on environmental pollution, health risks, and strain on state resources. In the past year, I’ve received numerous complaints and images of the pedestrian bridge at the new Gbagi Market along the new Ibadan/Ife Expressway. This represents the extent of our disregard for cleanliness, and unless we all commit to being the change we wish to see, our society will continue to be judged by the images we present to the world. It’s baffling to imagine someone climbing to the top of a pedestrian bridge to discard their waste, and it’s challenging to find adequate words to express my current level of disgust. Irresponsible disposal practices like littering, improper recycling, and illegal dumping pose serious threats to our ecosystems, water sources, and wildlife. These issues are becoming increasingly prevalent citywide, and it’s concerning to consider what sustainable measures are being implemented to address this recurring problem, particularly at this specific location. Furthermore, we must acknowledge the significant resources expended by the state government on waste collection and disposal, largely due to the excessive littering in our city. This has implications for taxpayers and budget allocations. Urgently, I call upon the market leaders of the New Gbagi Market and the revenue collector Mogaji Adanla to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to find lasting solutions to this issue. May the administration’s renewed efforts to make a difference continue to lead to sustainable progress. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate.

“Rising to the Challenge: Addressing Irresponsible Waste Disposal in New Gbagi Market” Read More »

THE CITIZENS HAVE A BIG ROLE TO PLAY IN SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT by Idris Animasaun

Leave a Comment / Opinion / / / , , , , ,

Often times, I have been at the forefront of advocacy for government to own up to her responsibilities in tackling the menace of waste collection which has bedeviled our environment in recent years. It is interesting to see how the Omituntun 2.0 is responding as they have moved from creating awareness on different radio and online platforms to breaking the monopoly of having a single waste management contractor collecting our wastes to about 10. For an administration that prides itself on prompt reaction to issues being raised, it is commendable to see the decline in the amount of black spots that we used to have within the city centre and our road median steadily becoming a shadow of her usual self. It is in this line that I am using this medium to call on the good people of the Ibadan to see themselves as major stakeholders as we can play a crucial role in sustainable waste management by reducing, reusing, and recycling of waste. We can minimize our waste by practicing responsible consumption habits, segregating recyclables, and composting organic matter. We are getting past the era of illicit dumping as anyone caught by the new Sheriff in town will be made to pay 50,000 naira fine or risk other sentences. The amount of calls I receive on weekly basis to help reach out to the commissioner for mercy by victims is increasingly growing and this feels so shameful for me to put a call through to someone I publicly drag for not doing his job well. We as citizens cannot continue to advocate for better waste management policies without willingness to support initiatives that promote sustainability in our communities which enforcements becomes one of the major fulcrum of actualizing some of these goals. Image Location: Ojoo IbadanDate: 10th April, 2024 Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change Advocate

THE CITIZENS HAVE A BIG ROLE TO PLAY IN SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT by Idris Animasaun Read More »