He walks alone on sanity path (For Prof. Is-haq Oloyede)
19 October 2024 |
1:58 am
A lavender has emerged from our self-inflicted jungle.A gem has popped up from our violated hydrosphere
A lavender has emerged from our self-inflicted jungle
A gem has popped up from our violated hydrosphere
Heroes are rare here
Heroines are rarer than a horse’s horn
But from the pool of our cherished rot
From the massive carnival of our versatile sleaze
A gazelle shuns corruption boulevard
He walks alone on sanity path
Conscience is often an orphan here
Quota before excellence,
Our politics and competence are siamese foes
But, somehow, the goldfish zooms to limelight from our heritage of mud:
Promise of a new dawn
Pride of our patrimony
Silver lining in our tattered sky, Oloyede
He is the best mistake we’ve ever made
Until Providence popped him up in the Admission house
Snakes used to swallow millions
Our billions were noodles for giant rats
JAMB has been since the pregnancy of my greatest grandmother
But ‘Mú wá, mú wá’ had always been its favourite song:
The ‘Bring, bring’ chant of the pigeon’s wings
Grey ever tilted its account as the appointer coveted cuts
And the appointed responded with licentious graft
But in the hand of a righteous man
Operating deficit turned into operating surplus
The JAMB which languished in perennial stagnation
Today a seasonal booster of the national barn
Now we know JAMB never eats naira
It was the JAMBER that jambed its yields
Snakes never swallowed our collective gains
Our bane were humans with reptiles’ throats
Your character befits your First Class, Oloyede
Your integrity depicts the best of your Muhammadan world
Teacher as exemplar,
If I had a tenth of your tested faith
I would change my name to Pius
Or turn my house into a worship ground
But virtue needs no drumming
For integrity cannot be hidden by a thousand masks
What is a professor without the trait of a model?
As a VC you gallantly acted your Cee Vee,
Solidifying the Varsity like the Zuma Rock
As President of Africa’s Citadels’ Union
You propelled the continent in the direction of the great
When our Varsity Commission was caught in a maze:
Because you are the ivory in our knowledge towers, Oloyede
You were the tested doctor who oversaw its journey back to profound health
Then, would you not be the candidate to beat
If there was a Nobel Prize for Accountable Leadership?
Whoever would have threatened your golden chance
If there was a global prize for moral dons?
Most deserving custodian of the Arab League Prize:
Merit in the citadel, meritorious in service
Silver lining in our dusty sky,
You walk alone on sanity path.
Related
Guardian Life
30 mins ago
Hollywood actor Denzel Washington has taken a step in his spiritual journey, dedicating his life to Christ and officially becoming a minister at 69. The actor publicly committed his life to Christ over the weekend. In a moving ceremony at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ, Harlem, New York, Washington received baptism and was…
43 mins ago
Actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has celebrated a milestone as her latest movie, Alakada: Bad and Boujee, raked in ₦58 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend. The record-breaking performance marks the highest-grossing debut in the history of the Alakada franchise. Premiering on December 15, 2024, the comedy-drama has become an instant holiday sensation.…
2 hours ago
Popular Nigerian filmmaker and comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has voiced his frustration over the perceived lack of support from his male counterparts, despite his efforts in the entertainment industry. AY, who has carved a niche for himself in comedy and filmmaking, suggested that men are more inclined to uplift women than their…
4 hours ago
Have you heard of Kunu before? Yes, that tasty, refreshing drink that’s been a favourite across Nigeria for generations. But did you know Kunu is more than just a delicious treat? It’s a powerhouse of nutrients that can do wonders for your health. It is made from grains like millet, sorghum, maize, or rice, Kunu…
5 hours ago
Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa has shattered records, becoming 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood title by earning ₦511 million in just 12 days. The movie, which premiered on December 13, 2024, achieved this milestone faster than any other Nollywood film, crossing the N500 million mark within 12 days. READ ALSO: ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ makes record-breaking ₦206m on…
Music
1 day ago
Ugandan pop star Joshua Baraka returns to Lagos to promote his seven-track EP, Recess. He opens up to Guardian Music about his Pan-African collaborations, creative process, and his mission to inspire hope across Africa’s burgeoning music scene. “Yesterday was my birthday,” Joshua Baraka chuckled. “It was crazy; we went clubbing. I’m still recovering,” he said,…
3 days ago
Swedish police said Friday a man had been shot dead in a car park in the city of Norrkoping, with media identifying the victim as the rapper Gaboro, who reportedly had links to criminal gangs. A video purporting to show the killing quickly spread on social networks. In the video, seemingly filmed with a camera…
4 days ago
Nigerian Afrobeats rising star, Emaem Major Atat, known as Emaem, has released his debut EP, A Star Now. The four-track project features production by Ebuka Asuzu and was mixed and mastered by Oceansbeatz. The EP’s lead single, Italawa, serves as a triumphant anthem, showcasing Emaem’s confidence and determination to leave a lasting mark on the…
16 Dec
Nigerian singer, Adekunle Kosoko, popularly known as Adekunle Gold, has claimed that one needs a sprinkle of wickedness to thrive in life. The 37-year-old singer shared this on X (formerly Twitter), today, December 16, 2024. “Took me a while, but I can confirm now that in this life, you need a sprinkle of wickedness to…
16 Dec
Dr Soul, whose journey through American Idol spotlighted his exceptional vocal talent, is ready to redefine his legacy. Recently taking to his Instagram story, the rising star announced the rebranding of Jussoul, a move that’s sparked curiosity and excitement among fans. “Same vibe, new groove,” he wrote, pairing the declaration with a heart emoji that…
Film
1 day ago
The festive season has kicked off on a high note for Nollywood movie enthusiasts, with multiple movie giants releasing top-notch films
3 days ago
When it comes to entertainment, Lagos knows how to roll out the red carpet. From blockbuster premieres to cosy weekend hangouts, the city’s cinemas deliver an unmatched movie experience. But which one takes the crown? Explore Lagos' top cinemas to find out. Filmhouse Cinemas Filmhouse Cinemas offers the perfect blend of technology and ambiance. With…
4 days ago
Filmone Entertainment has announced the Nigerian release of Mufasa: The Lion King, slated to hit all cinemas on Friday, 20 December 2024. The much-anticipated prequel to the 1994 classic, The Lion King, promises to take audiences on an emotional journey through the life of one of Disney’s most iconic characters, Mufasa, long before he became…
11 Dec
Popular Nigerian record-breaking actress, Funke Akindele, has been spotlighted for the 14th edition of Movie in the Park. Since its inception in 2021, Movie in the Park has grown to become the largest gathering for outdoor movie screenings in Nigeria, attracting approximately 3,000 attendees per edition and offering a unique cinematic experience, providing a platform…
11 Dec
Abuja’s theatre scene is set to come alive as the much-anticipated stage play "Once Upon Four Robbers" takes centre stage at the NAF Conference Centre from Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15. This iconic production, penned by renowned playwright Femi Osofisan and directed by the talented Dire Badejo, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience…
×
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.