Thinking Corner

20/08/2021

18/08/2021

Why Education without values tend to make man a clever devil.

By Bode Durojaiye.

Value based education is the only means which can give the young generation the right direction.

In contemporary time, people are extremely focused in the pursuit of their own success and self interest with killer instincts. They need success at any cost

In this process, they do not remain human and become robots. Their activities become heartless and value free.

Success may come to us but at the end we are not having a sense or feeling of fulfillment.

It happens due to the lack of values.

Swami Vivekananda pinpointed value education as a total upliftment of sooety.

Martin Luther King Jr said that the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and critically. Intelligence plus character is the goal of true education.

All scams and episodes of corruption in recent times in our country and the world are evidence to failure of human being, not because of lack of education, but because of immoral character.

Good character never a1lows one to perform under pressure or greed.

Osama bin Laden, a dreaded terrorist was a civil engineer, whose higher education could not help him to follow virtuous path.

Education without values tends to make man a clever devil.

It is important to have an intelligent mind, but it is far more important to have a good heart.

Nelson Mandela rightly said that a good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.

Gandhiji took the path of non-violence and taught us to follow value-based right path in our life.

If we analyse the activities of a soldier and a terrorist, we can find that a solider gives life for his people and his country, whereas a terrorist takes the lives of innocent people either in the name of religion or in the name of politics.

A soldier has both brain and heart but the terrorist has got only the brain.

Nowadays, many educated youth take the path of terrorism. This highlights that how education can be used to propagate ideas which are not only irrational but against peace, harmony and progress of human society.

Values help us to differentiate between good and bad acts, while education only teaches us about the various acts.

The real education should come with moral values and character.

Only the education with values can lead a man to path of virtue. Thus, our education system should adopt value based education at all levels.

The value-oriented educational programme should not be only taught during the primary and secondary schools' levels, but should be carried on further up to the level of higher education too, as it is from there that the nation's bureaucrats, army personnel and future leaders would emerge.

Only the value-laden education can bring developments in form of eradication of poverty.
generation of employment, removal of social ills, empowerment of women, problem-solving skills, decision making power and an inclusive society.

With the value-based education we can achieve a society, "where the mmd is without fear and the head is held high, where the knowledge is free."

17/08/2021

Akin Osuntokun, a beast in human form

I said in one of my write ups that one does not need to respond/react to everything that is said, even if it’s said to one.

You do not have to right every wrong. That does not mean you tolerate injustice. Rather choose which situations warrant your action.

I stated that silence, is really the best, and most efficient answer for a fool, irritant or misguided element.

This is because A fool, is defenceless in the face of silence even though no words are involved, it sends out an intellectual message.

Silence can change the world. A fool, talks trash and says meaningless, and senseles words in his disgusting write up, but instead of overreacting and firing back words, making yourself turn into a fool, why don’t you just keep quiet?

A fool's mindset is strictly dedicated to join more people into becoming fools like them, and it usually works, but if you keep quiet, then it’s a whole different story.

By keeping quiet, the fool has not only seen that his unconscious plan has failed, but it also shows a sense of maturity on your part.

Keeping quiet, would enable you to better express your point. Keeping quiet shows you don’t care what that person is saying because it is not relevant and ranting of a psychotic person.

I read with disdain recently how Mr. Akin Osuntokun, a columnist with This day newspaper, and the Co ordinator of the so -called Ooni Caucus, and was wondering how, in spite of his status and 'calibre', he could descend so low like someone with the least mental magnitude and shamelessly defecate the media space with idiotic write up.

Akin Osuntokun's jaundiced article was so barbaric and seditious that he directly insulted and hurled abuses at me, over the uninformed and unexpected visit of the Ooni Caucus Committee to the Alaafin of Oyo, but which was aborted.

My questions to irascible Akin Osuntokun were, why is he crying over the spilt milk?

Why was he so enraged to have thrown decency to the dogs and reacted like a street urching over a matter that he ought to have apologized on behalf of his committee?

With his nauseating article , can Akin Osuntokun either lay claim or those who read the article regard him as a gentleman with high intellect?

With the 'calibre' of the Committee as Akin Osuntokun 'rightly' put it, can the drive into either the Governor or President's office without prior invitation or notification?

Akin Osuntokun's article vividly portrayed him as someone who is mannerless, uncultured and a human type.

However, since I will not want to go further in joining issue with this dunderhead without my Royal Boss permission to do so, I really pity Akin Osuntokun for his nasty article.

Bode Durojaiye,
Director of Media and Publicity to His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo.
August 16, 2021.

13/08/2021

13/08/2021

SANGO, A Man of valour, purpose-driven, master of diplomacy

By Bode Durojaiye.

As the world is celebrating Sango festival, the life of Alaafin Sango would definitely be an excellent example in leadership considering the fact that his rule of Oyo was far less than a decade.

This is a question of not how long but how intensive and significant.

Before Sango ascended the throne, his brother Ajaka was deposed probably because his temperament did not meet the requirements of the turbulent period.

Sango was preferred because he was a man of valour, purpose-driven and master of diplomacy.

He became king when Oyo was at its formative stage and surrounded by mighty and warlike states such as Nupe, Ibariba and Owu.

His charismatic leadership re-defined the character and pattern of inter-group relations and diplomacy and made Oyo the centre-piece of his foreign relations.

His dynamic alliances, including marriages, were constructed to pursue the greater interest of Oyo just as he spared no effort in consolidating the military ascendancy of Oyo in the region.

In Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Togo in West Africa as well as Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Guyanas, Jamaica, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St.Kitts, and St.Vincent, in the New World, are millions of Sango adherents.

In Santeria, Candomblé, the Cuban and Brazilian manifestations of Yoruba religion are very high.

In these countries, the beliefs and organizational structure of the Yoruba religious system remain generally intact, even though they may incorporate other African roots.

In Yoruba cosmology, Olodumare or Olorun is the Supreme Being whose supremacy is absolute.

Olodumare is acknowledged by all divinities as unique and pre-eminent.

The divinities called orisha (orisa) are offspring of Olodumare and are believed to be ministers and functionaries in the universe.

Among the orisas is Sango or Shango which represents the divinity of vengeance against theft, and other crimes and is more dreaded than other divinities.

Shango is of special significance in Yorubaland, Nigeria and several Caribbean countries.

Under the inspirational leadership of Sango, the Oyo kingdom became known not just for the effectiveness of its political system, but as well for its military strength.

Sango’s seven years reign was marked with several wars fought to liberate Oyo from its predatory and truculent older neighbours.

His short reign consolidated the position of Oyo as the foremost Guinea Savannah State and also secured the independence and sovereignty of the nascent kingdom.

Sango eventually became the hero oh his people and the circumstances of his death as controversial and mysterious as they were have continued to be referenced all over the world.

He died with the concern of his people paramount in his heart. He paid the supreme sacrifice and left Oyo more grandiose, more stable, better administered and more secured than he met the nascent kingdom.

He would be remembered as one of the rare African leaders who became instant success in empire building.

Unfortunately, what owners of the culture do not appreciate at home are being cherished, admired and highly valued by those outside and are doing everything humanly possible to acquire it by all means and at all cost.

The uniqueness of Oyo traditions is worthy of emulation taking for examples the respect Yoruba people have for the institutional authority, clothing and mode of dressing, the beauty of Yoruba language with its semantics, the use of proverbs and aphorism, different satires of Yoruba poems full of wisdom and philosophy that has no equal all over the world.

He explained further that Oyo tradition is the pride of Oyo, and it is the main reason why the city continues to enjoy respect among the African nations and the black races in general.

This best explained in the common saying that due process is the nature of administration at Oyo. This is justice which Sango stands for. It is the practice his Imperial Majesty. The ALAAFIN of Oyo is known for, and this is what Nigeria should be known for because where there is justice, there shall be peace and where there is peace, there will be development.

And it is development everybody should be working towards to complement whatever the governments at local, state and federal levels are doing.
A celebration of Sango as evidenced in the festival provides everyone with a rare opportunity to define his or her attitude to culture by identifying with the virtues of Sango, and in so doing equip ourselves with an understanding of these virtues that transformed Sango from being just the fourth ruler of the kingdom of Oyo to global brand that he has become today.

In this era of African cultural re-awakening, the life, leadership, administration and government under Sango as Alaafin here in Oyo should be explored in the strictest academic tradition and the ennobling values intellectualized.

The life of Alaafin Sango would definitely be an excellent example in leadership, considering the fact that his rule of Oyo was for less than a decade.

This year's world Sango festival gives another opportunity to examine and conceptualize the entire building qualities of Sango and use that as a possibly template for efforts in nation-building.

Yoruba cultural studies should go beyond a study of the performing traditions, but should now begin to emphasize scholarship in the intellectual foundation of this universal culture.

While Yoruba in diaspora should immerse themselves in their religious and traditions for spiritual strengthening, personal fulfilment in life, global understanding and harmony, they should look beyond the challenges of nation-building we are currently facing in Nigeria and concentrate attention on the spiritual significance of your home coming to rebuild your cultural identity and spiritual self-rediscovery.

Explaining the essence of the festival, the celebrant and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Dr.) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, in a chat pointed out that going by the happenings around the world in contemporary times, there is the need for Yoruba as a people to retain our traditional and cultural identity in the face of the global village, which the world has become as a result of fast-improving technology.

The Paramount Ruler noted that while great countries celebrate their glorious past, Africans do not give much reverence to theirs due to super-imposition of the two main religions of Islam and Christianity.

‘Unfortunately, preachers of these two religions are known for etching their sermons and creed into the consciousness of Africans’ psyche, which have conditioned our sense of appreciation and thinking.

"The colonial mentality has blindfolded us and made us to perceive erroneously our invaluable culture and tradition as fe**sh.

"This has also resulted in the way we picture our past heroes and great men of valour and virtues, who should be immortalised, venerated and celebrated. Not only that, their deeds, acts and wise sayings were worthy of compiled, documented, reserved and preserved for generation yet unborn.

Conclusively, Alaafin postulated that, ‘’in everything, be it science, astrology, dressing, language, social sciences and even businesses, Yoruba remains the pace-setter. There are empirical data and proven track records to show for this assertion. Oyo not only remains centre piece of Yoruba Nations world-wide, but Mecca and Vatican of the richest culture and traditions in the universe’’.

12/08/2021

WORLD SANGO FESTIVAL
an all night celebration of traditional new year festival holds at midnight

By Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo.

Beginning from midnight, an all night Yorùbá traditional new year celebration will hold at Koso, Oyo, with live music performance.

Yoruba traditional new year begins with the new 13 monthly cycle of the Yoruba Indigenous Calendar.

This year starts on the 13th of August exactly at 12.00 am, when Mogba Koso accompanied by the chants of the sacred Sango Pipe along Koso, performs one of the most sacred rituals in Òrìsà (Sango) religion, by offering Sango the New Yam at the main sacred shrine in Koso.

In the indigenous calendar, one year has 13 month, one month 28 days and one week 4 days.

Therefore, the harvest of the New Yam is celebrated in Yoruba Land in different dates depending on the tradition of the town as the New Year celebration.

During the 28 Days monthly cycle is known as Jàkúta Olóyin, the farmers and hunters are re united with their families.

Also, the community meets in their families’ compounds, while the Chiefs assemble in the palace.

The Chiefs are always welcome with hot pap (ogi) mixed with honey (óyin), which is the origin to the name Olóyin.

Besides that, it falls always on a week day dedicated to Sango known as Òsè Sàngó Jàkúta.

This is the reason this day is called Jàkúta Olóyin.

During the defunct Oyo Empire, traditional new year was celebrated in Yorubaland during the Sango festival, becauset the Alaafin was Sango.

Thereafter, other towns and communities in Yoruba can celebrate theirs at their different times.

However, beginning from 8am to 10am, another programme , SANGO OBAKOSO DAY will take place.

This is when new yams will be offered to Sango community in Koso. After which a Palace slave ( Mogaji) Otun Efa, who will be accompanied by some assistants will proceed to the residence of Iya Naso (Iyalekoto) to receive the gift that will be presented to Sango.

As the new traditional year is being celebrated, His Imperial Majesty , the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba ( Dr.) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, felicitates with all Yorùbá sons and daughters and prays for long life, good health.and prosperity .

The Paramount Ruler also prayed that no evil machinations against anyone shall prosper.

08/08/2021

Still Living In The Past?

It is indeed amusing when I read a friend sent to me a while ago, scam report from a questionable online medium, that the United Nations ( UN) had fixed this month hear the case of self serving agitators' for the creation of Yorùbá nation.

Nigeria is a SOVEREUGN country which no one , group or association no matter how perful.can dictate to.

What can the UNdo about the imaginary Yorùbá nation without consulting or seeking the view of the Government?

Will the UN wage war on the country or dictate the the pace to the Nigerian Government?

By the way, how authenticate is the jaundiced report or fabrication? Whyis it that it is only thus questionable online medium, Scooper, that has used the "story" as exclusive.

In their so called map of the imaginary Yorùbá nation, why was Oyo town conspicuously omitted?

Where will be the Capital of the imaginary Yorùbá nation? .

07/08/2021

Some Fools and Morons insulted, hurled abusive words at me over aborted visit of Ooni's Caucus to the Alaafin of Oyo (2)

Do you belief in this old saying, “A moment of silence in a moment of anger, saves you hundreds of moments of regret.”?

By Bode Durojaiye.

“The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.” Anon.

Plato once said, “Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools speak because they have to say something.”

The best thing to do when you are confused, angry, not sure, dealing with difficult people … or … if you want to frustrate, intimidate or irritate your opponent, is to stay SILENT.

Have the maturity to know that sometimes SILENCE is more powerful than having the last word..

The big idea here is that you do not need to respond/react to everything that is said, even if it’s said to you.

You do not have to right every wrong. That does not mean you tolerate injustice. Rather choose which situations warrant your action.

So, let’s put this into action:

Next time someone is acting/saying something, do not listen to respond.

Relax a bit, and gauge if the situation needs you to act.
And then act accordingly.

When these morons were hurling abusive words on me via private numbers. I was just laughing. They must have expected me to respond anyone. But sincerely yours, my laughter was so embarrassing to them that one of them said, " this man seemed stout hearted and does not even consider us as human beings talking. Let's leave him please".

I received private numbers' calls ten times in a day full of abusive and unprintable words. I deliberately did not ignore the nauseating calls because I wanted to listen to all what the human types ( not real human beings) would say.

I remain undaunted, unruffled, stronger, determined and dynamic than ever before.

As a well trained journalist, an image maker and media manager, I should also know how to manage situations at any point in time.

So in conclusion, silence, is really the best, and most efficient answer for a fool.

A fool, is defenceless in the face of silence even though no words are involved, it sends out an intellectual message.

END.

06/08/2021

Some Fools and Morons insulted, hurled abusive words at me over aborted visit of Ooni's Caucus to the Alaafin of Oyo

By 'Bode Durojaiye, Director, Media and Publicity to His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo.

' A wise man once said nothing.” What a great quote we should all make note of.

Silence is a powerful statement, a smart tactic, and many times, a wise choice.

Meaningless silence is always better than speaking meaningless words.

Maybe we should give some serious thought to the fact that we have a mouth that we can close and ears that we can’t close.

One of the biggest mistakes we make is speaking when we are angry. There are a lot of people who have ruined their lives, be it on a personal or business basis, by saying something foolish, thoughtless, mean, malicious, despicable, inappropriate, cruel, condescending, hurtful, vicious, painful, and certainly uncalled-for…because they were angry.

Silence, is a powerful thing. It can pass a very meaningful message, without the use of words. Silence can simply put, change your mindset, and silence can change your thoughts.

Silence is like a slap, which knocks some sense into someone’s brain.

Silence can change the world.

A fool, talks trash and says meaningless word, but instead of overreacting and firing back words, making yourself turn into a fool, why don’t you just keep quite?

A fools mindset is strictly dedicated to join more people into becoming fools like them, and it usually works, but if you keep quiet, then it’s a whole different story.

By keeping quiet, the fool has not only seen that his unconscious plan has failed, but it also shows a sense of maturity on your part.

Keeping quiet, would enable you to better express your point. Keeping quiet shows you don’t care what that person is saying because it is not relevant.

It also allows the fool, to think about what he or she is saying, which may make him or her shut up. Keeping silent, sends a powerful message but there are some situations in which you cannot keep quite.

This is usually used when someone says very, very, very personal things about you and your family.

Some people are idiotic guys! An animalistic, unholy, uncircumcised, and intellectually disabled idiots !!!!

A fool is the worst human being on this planet! He or she is a disgrace to the human race!

The fight continues with fools and morons getting nowhere, and at the end of the day nothing is accomplished.

It is a complete waste of time and energy.

Do you belief in this old saying, “A moment of silence in a moment of anger, saves you hundreds of moments of regret.”?

Then, watch out for part 2..........

04/08/2021

As parents, do you really want to help your children make the most of their potentials, and be contributing members of society?

Parenting is not easy. Good parenting is hard work.

What makes a good parent?
A good parent is someone who strives to make decisions in the best interest of the child.

A good parent doesn’t have to be perfect. No one is perfect. No child is perfect either … keeping this in mind is important when we set our expectations.

Successful parenting is not about achieving perfection. But it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t work towards that goal. Set high standards for ourselves first and then our children second. We serve as role models for them.

Findings revealed that parents should focus more on their children’s positive behaviour than negative behaviour.

Some University of Ibadan psychology lecturers told me in a chat that parents should be intentional about focusing more on their children’s positive behaviour than on their negative behaviour.

"The more parents scold or reprimand, the more the bad behaviour gets repeated.
When they receive a lot of scolding, children start to internalise the belief that “I’m a bad child who misbehaves and gets scolded. As such, they don’t feel motivated to correct their behaviour, because it has already become a part of their identity".

Effective parents, they hinted understand that the better approach is to acknowledge or describe their children’s good behaviour when they see it.

"You may have to go out of your way to do this, but you’ll soon observe your children’s behaviour improving. Teach your children to focus on the needs of others, just as children find happiness through giving to others".

In fact, children find greater happiness when they give to others sacrificially, the experts noted.

They went further, "these are interesting findings, because most of us are naturally self-centred. We look out for our own needs before the needs of others. But the research indicates that if we overcome our selfish nature and focus on the needs of others, we’ll be happier.

"If you want your children to lead joyful, fulfilling lives, teach them to serve others and contribute. Involve them in activities where they get to help others and make a positive impact. When your children think more in terms of contribution and less in terms of achievement, they’ll be on the path of building a happy and successful life"

Another important area parents don't give attention to is that you’ve probably already told yourself that you shouldn’t shout at your children.

But when your children are driving you up the wall, it isn’t easy to stop yourself from yelling.

Experts pointed out that the more you shout at your children, the more their behaviour will worsen.

Instead of trying to control your children’s behaviour, understand their perspective and feelings. Then use logical reasoning to get through to them.

If you have trouble controlling your anger, try these tips, according to experts:

Make a firm decision that you won’t shout at your children unless it’s a matter of safety.

Decide beforehand what you’ll do if you start to become angry. Walk away from the situation if necessary.

Take five deep breaths when you become agitated.

Avoid using threats.

Analyse the role you have to play in the conflict.

Think about what unmet needs your child has, so that you can get to the root of the issue, e.g. he might feel as if he has no control over his life, which explains his rebellious behaviour.

Give your children responsibilities around the house.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development is one of the longest longitudinal studies ever done.

Finding also showed that children who do more chores around the house become happier later on.

Household responsibilities teach children important life lessons related to duty, cooperation, community and hard work.

People who learn such lessons early in life are more likely to become well-adjusted adults.

Successful parents make household chores a part of the family’s routine and culture. This sets children up for future success.

Build a strong relationship with your spouse.

Children from low-conflict families are happier and more successful in the long run, as compared to children from high-conflict families.

The investigation shows that parents who have a healthy marriage are more likely to raise children who are well-adjusted.

One of the most important things you can do to benefit your children is to build a strong relationship with your spouse.

To be continued....

01/08/2021

Re: story on Ooni's Caucus visit to the Alaafin, a wicked fabrication

The attention of the Office of the Director of Media abd Publicity to His Imperial Majesty to the Alaafin of Oyo has been drawn to a wicked fabricated story mlling round in the social media.

For the records, on Thursday evening, some journalists from Ibadan called y number to confirm about the visit of a group known as the Ooni Caucus to the Palace. I told them that there was neither an invitation letter nor and notification about the visit. I also let them know that for any visiration to take place in the Palace, due process must be followed .

Thej ournalists still insisted that they had it from the competent source that the group would be in the palace on Friday unfailingly. But I told them that the visit of the group was unexpected as the Paramount Ruler was not unawared.

True to the words of these pen pushers, the group appeared in the Palace and was led by the Olugbon of Orile Igbon.

There were some visitors with the Alaafin when members of the group came, so they have wait at one of the reception halls in the Palace.

Shortly , after the visitors left, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon was ushered in and met the Alaafin on the visit.

After the meeting, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon with due respect came out and met members of the group, comprising Dr. Doyin Okupe, Chief Taiwo Lakanu and Akogun Akin Osuntokun who was the group's Coordinator, among other members.

The message from the Olugbon of Orile Igbon corresponded with what I had earlier tolddome journalists who contacted neon Thursday that the Alaafin had no prior knowledge about the visit and that due process is the fulcrum of administration in the ancient Palace of Oyo.

I was a living witness at the reception hall where the Olugbon if Orile Igbon was addressing the group members.

Members of the group were neither angry nor made any derogatory utterances when they were departing the Palace.

Also, the statement reporrted by one unreliable Online medium that the group was not attended to because they came from the former President Olusegun Obasanjo was a mockery of responsible journalism. And it is doubtful if the Online medium managament really understand the the rudiments of journalism.

If one may ask, are the Alaafin of Oyo and the former President Olusegun Obasanjo not intimate friends of time immemorial? Was it not on record that it was the Alaafin of Oyo who appealed to Nigerians to vote enmasse for former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he wanted to contest for the Presidency some years back?

How come then that a Journalist who is well trained abd with his right sense will rush to the press and defecate the social media space with tissue of lies .

Can anyone or group ,no matter how highly placed just bump into the offices of both His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the State Executive Governor and without prior notice?

The issue of former President Obasanjo did not come up at the meeting between Olugbon of Orile Igbon and the Alaafin of Oyo.

However, objectivity and gatekeeping are two of the most talked about concepts in journalism practice globally.

However, there have reported cases if hyping and fabrication of stories by reporters covering events, as well allegations of ethnic colouration on farmers/ herdsmen clashes.

Findings revealed that even though absolute objectivity may not be possible except as a target, proper adherence to the gatekeeping functions of the media can go a long way to actualize the objective principle of journalism profession.

This can be done by sticking to verifiable facts, excluding inferences, judgement and slanty reporting.

Efforts should be made to improve on journalism training in the country while media organizations should ensure that those saddled with the responsibility of handling media contents are constantly reminded of what is required of th

News objectivity is an ethical aspect of journalism practice which has helped to isolate individual journalistic biases and opinions from the actual state of events.

The concept of objectivity in journalism according to scholars developed almost a century ago as a reaction to the sensational, opinion driven reporting that was common in most newspapers.

The term was originally used to describe a journalistic approach or method; Journalists would seek
to present news in an objective way without reflecting any personal or corporate bias.

Objectivity means the absence of personal biases, feelings, influence or opinion in writing news stories as it may apply to reporting.

Objectivity hinges on separating independently verifiable fact‘ from subjective values.

As a fundamental practice in journalism, gatekeeping describes the process by which news stories are filtered by journalists and editors for dispersal in any medium.

Bode Durojaiye,
Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo.