‘I have remained a worthy Nigerian ambassador anywhere I have gone. I revel in the feel-good fact of being a Nigerian, because at that time, being a patriotic Nigerian is something that is deep in your hearts whenever you crossed the borders to the other side. I showed them a Nigerian has arrived. Here at LCC, I have represented Nigeria proudly’
THE Theatrium Festival which brought me to Klaipeda, Lithuania, finished on the night of Sunday May 22 and my trip out of that city was not until the early morning of May 24 . Hence, I had an entire day on my hand, to explore this beautiful coastal town. During a chat with one of the participants the night before, I learnt there is an American University with a handful of Nigerian students, so I decided to visit.
A quick check on the website of the school revealed that there is a Nigerian lecturer there. In fact, his image is what welcome you as you landed on the homepage of the North American University. My hosts dropped me off at the university gate and I walked straight to the receptionist, to whom I narrated my mission. She made some calls and a few minutes later, with a smile as loud and embracing as on the website, I was received by my Nigerian brother.
To say he was glad to see me, would be an understatement. He ushered me into his office where we parroted away as if we had known for ages. Then, he decided we relocated to a cafeteria close-by; here he gave me a treat as we talked more about Nigeria and other issues of interests, as reproduced below.
On his relationship with the late Esiaba Irobi
I know him. We are from the same place but not related at all. He was a great man. The only thing we have in common is our Nigerian root and the last name – Irobi!
On Journalism and his early days
The first diploma I got was in journalism. I had my first deployment from the internationality suit of journalism in Berlin, back in 1982. Then I worked at the Daily Times. I was the guy who established that link between Nigeria and Germany for the first time to do this internship for our country. It took about a year. And as soon as I was done, I returned home, equipped to contribute my quota to the Nigerian project. I also worked for the Punch and Satellite newspapers. The last place I worked at was in Kaduna as the state editor for the Satellite newspaper, a very popular newspaper in the 80s. From there, I decided to go back to Europe. So, I left Nigeria and my quest for knowledge has taken me through Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Germany, USA, and now Lithuania. Of course, I have also been to other places aside from these five.
On Journalism and the project between Nigeria and Germany
Unfortunately, this great initiative has been archieved. Hopefully, there are other similar initiatives like this now, but I am not sure. It was archieved because of events that unfolded in Nigeria back then, and I guess, the handling of the project. I benefited a lot from that initiative, hence, my disappointment that it didn’t continue. The kind of knowledge I acquired is such that only few Nigerian journalists would be anxious of. Or maybe it is because it wasn’t London. You know Nigerians are more of Londoners, so it is possible that East Germany was not appealing to most people then.
What we are witnessing today is shocking. Only a few persons are left that you could regard as progressive journalists. Everyone now thinks with their pockets. It wasn’t like that back then. When I left Nigeria, in the first instance, it wasn’t in search of greener pasture. I just wanted to upgrade my education. And I was glad I did.
What do you miss about Nigeria?
I miss the morning rituals. The trek from Mushin to my base in Ikeja where we had the Punch office, with that graphic hustling and bustling image of Lagos streets. The roadside akara; he bukas and their delicacies. When I woke up early morning, the first thing I think of are those tastes of Nigeria, which I now permanently miss. It might be other things for other persons, but for me, what drives me home are those things that brings me closer to where I come from. I love my Nigerian cuisine, and I must confess, I miss them a lot now.
I missed the friendship. The mingling around with people. The family relationship; that uniqueness of family relations. I missed the way we dress and go to church every Sunday. It is almost like a big festival. And of course, the family parties and all these things, where family relationship is further oiled.
On political figures and followership
Chief Lateef Jakande is one person I revered a lot in the journalism trade, and; of course, as a political figure. I remember him for what he represented. And I must say I learnt a lot from him. Even with his transition to politics, you could still vouch for his values, and what he represented. You know, when I was around, I think that I was present at one of his last press conferences with Baba (Chief Obafemi Awolowo). He taught me a lot about being a patient person, and a journalist. And he himself was a journalist.
It is not the same with the present crop of leaders. So, we must ask, how are we following? Or maybe, why are we following them? Are they practising the kind of politics that is beneficial to the people? Is politics to them a means of enriching themselves or are they bothered about what legacy to leave on the sand of time?
On Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe
Nigeria could never have asked for a better global ambassador. I did some work on Wole Soyinka’s arts and books in Poland, trying to tell the people about his book as my own little way of promoting Nigerian arts and cultural heritage. That was while I was studying in Poland. My Master’s degree was at the University of Warsaw, Poland, in the international relations department. Then later, I did my PhD in Germany, and at some point, also went on to the USA, where I studied at the Berkeley University California.
On his time at LCC
I arrived in Lithuania five years ago, after spending 20 years in Poland. And it has been such a fulfilling experience here. We don’t have too many Nigerians here because as soon as they finish their studies, they return to Nigeria, or move elsewhere to work. We have Nigerians coming from Ukraine. We have Nigerians coming from London on through Erasmus exchange programme. We also have those who come from home. You know, of course, we Nigerians like where life is good; we are always there.
The LCC is a friendly community. Its very nature is multiculturalism in very essence, and it helps students to get the skills of knowing each other, navigating societies and respecting one another. It is safe to assume here that our students are now able to organise and unite, using those keys. So, when they travel home, they can now boast of meeting people from different places. This is what this university help us achieve.
On being a Nigerian Ambassador
I have remained a worthy Nigerian ambassador anywhere I have gone. I revel in the feel-good fact of being a Nigerian, because at that time, being a patriotic Nigerian is something that is deep in your hearts whenever you crossed the borders to the other side. I showed them a Nigerian has arrived. Here at LCC, I have represented Nigeria proudly.
Every October, the Nigerian flag is hoisted by this institution. Yes; and I will stand out there, with the Nigerian community which includes a handful of students of Nigerian extraction. Sometimes, it is hard to manage but we make sure that we celebrate our Nigeria. And the rest of the university community would join us. This is important because, you want them to see a Nigeria that is different from what they know. You want them to see a picture of these kinds of patriotism.
For 2022, we are already thinking of what to do, and it might be a bit more elaborate than whatever we have ever done.
