By Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair Birthday tributes are no lengthy religious sermons, but how does one describe in few words a vibrant young in age but exudes the wisdom of a 90 year old? A woman whose life is defined by fierce empathy for the downtrodden, unwavering service to humanity, and uncompromising love for country? At 40 Dr. Betta Edu remains a role model for young people, especially young women, uncertain of life directions. As Co-Director of Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), she brings uncommon verve, strategic dexterity and infectious energy to the task of galvanising Nigerian women behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ’s re-election bid. Her outings so far have been marked by purposeful engagement, formidable grassroots mobilisation, and a refreshing demonstration of political commitment. At the inauguration of the APC PCC, Edu distinguished herself with dignified conduct, measured eloquence, and inspiring remarks t...
Cross River author and politician Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D., has called on minority communities to begin documenting their personal and collective histories, insisting that silence allows others to define their past. Speaking to journalists at the Ernest Etim-Bassey Press Centre in Calabar , Duke linked the appeal directly to his forthcoming presentation of five new books in Abuja on November 5. “Until the lion learns to write ” Duke repeatedly returned to a familiar proverb to drive home his point. “Until the lion learns how to write his own story, the story of the hunt will always celebrate the hunter,” he said. He explained that many communities, particularly those in minority areas, routinely fail to record their experiences — the good, the bad and the not-so-good. The result, he argued, is the gradual loss of communal information, culture and historical memory. “On my own, I found out that a lot of times, we fail to document things about us,” Duke said. “If we do...