Reflection on Chief Obasanjo's simple lifestyle: My visit to his residence in 2011

 Written by: Blessed Adjekpagbon

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, an erstwhile Nigerian Head of State and President at different times, is certainly an unpredictable but simple lifestyle personality. 

The day l visited his Abeokuta residence in Ogun State, south west region of Nigeria, in 2011, to try to express my gratitude to him for giving me a presidential award in 2007 for my book titled "Rhymes from the Nile"  was when l got staggered by his simple lifestyle. The house was unimpressive with a gate widely opened as if it was not a place a former president is living. I saw about five young men casually discussing under a tree close to the gate. As l was about to bounce into the open compound in the manner of a usual Lagos guy after greeting them, a drama began between me and the seemingly casually talking young men.

I was carrying an envelope containing twelve copies of my newly published books titled 'When the King cries and Other Stories" and "Fundamentals of Literature - in - English," which l wanted to personally present to the former president as my token of contribution to his library. 

During that period, Bokoharam activities were just at its skeletal level. An old man who was addressed as Baba Sikiru by the young men was called out from inside the compound to follow me to about an electric pole distance away from outside the compound's gate to inspect the parcel of books l had with me. Even though the big envelope was not sealed, the young men refused to inspect it by themselves. It was then it dawned on me that they were afraid it could be a parcel-bomb. I began to laugh in my mind, that the young men who were dressed in black suits were the former president's security personnel who did not want to die if it happened that l was a disguised suicide bomber; hence, they called out an old man to do the inspection. They asked the old man loudly from a safe distance, what the envelope contained, thus: "Baba Sikiru, kilo wa ninu e?" In Yoruba language, which translates to English thus: "Elder Sikiru or Sakiru's father, what is inside the envelope?" And the old man responded, "Iwe ni o!" (It is books o o). 

Thereafter, they asked both of us to return to meet them where they were seated under a tree outside the compound, beside the left-hand side of the widely opened gate of an unattractive one-storey building. That was when l saw different weapons tucked inside their suits. They asked me where I came from and whether I had any previous appointment with the former president. I said l came from Lagos and had no previous appointment with him. They pointed out that I cannot see him since I had no previous appointment with him, but promised to deliver my gift and letter to him. 

I left and never heard anything from the former president relating to the books donated to him. About six months later, l read in some Nigerian dailies where he apologized to everyone he had been unable to attend to their needs at any point in time from when he was a president and after his tenure. In view of that, l decided not to bother to reach out to him again, to know whether he was given the books and letter or not. That was the closest move l had ever made to see Chief Obasanjo in person for the first time, after his tenure as Nigeria's president. Till date l have never met him one on one.

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Yola’s basketball player cries out for help

Written by: Blessed Adjekpagbon

Faruk Mahmud

In the midst of over a hundred folks walking on Sokoto Street in the City of Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, on Monday 14 July 2025, he stood out in the crowd with his seven feet towering height. This caught the attention of a roving journalist, who excused him for a chat. The very tall man's name is Faruk Mahmud.

During his interaction with Bulkybon News, the seemingly tallest man in Yola disclosed that he is a basketball player who has been unable to continue to play the game for a while despite his passion for it.

He informs that, "I have been playing basketball since my teenage and was looking forward to becoming a notable player of the Nigerian national basketball team, but there was nobody to recommend me to the national team handlers."

When asked whether he still wants to continue to play, he said, "Yes of course. I am very passionate about it and would love to continue if I can get help to recover from the setbacks I faced due to the collapse of a small poultry business I was doing. It was the business I was using to sustain myself while playing basketball with other individuals, such as some students of the American University of Nigeria at the basketball training courts outside the campus, along Yola By-pass."

He further points out that, "You know, one needs to keep fit by eating good food to have energy to train very well and keep going. But since the birds I had when I was actively doing a small poultry business, got attacked by a flu which happened when I didn't have enough money to buy medications, I lost my investment when all of them died."

Faruk's portrait

He also said his agelong dream is to play basketball at world class level with great American basketball stars, to become successful and establish a basketball academy to train youths in Adamawa who are interested in the sport. 

"One of the challenges facing us here in Yola is that we don't have a media house with a nationwide reach to project the skills and efforts of some people like me who are practicing different types of sports and are very good at it. I am therefore, using this opportunity to ask for your assistance to bring my desire to continue to play basketball, to those who can sponsor me and other youths in the state to global limelight. I need basketball kits and other basic necessities to encourage me and some of my colleagues to keep training to become world stars in the game."

Hence, through this avenue, basketball officials worldwide, who might be interested in Faruk, are called upon to invite him to join their basketball team anywhere in the world, where there is peace and harmony to showcase his skills. 

END

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Atiku reflects on how God saved him from assassins

Written by: Blessed Adjekpagbon

 

 Atiku Abubakar, founder of the AUN

Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar addressed the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Graduating Class of 2025, in the auditorium of the institution’s library on Friday 16 May 2025, and shared his personal experiences with them, during a question-and-answer session.

He maintains that education is the most relevant tool for personal and national development. He also emphasized the importance of courage, integrity and patience as the fundamental qualities required to succeed in life.

While sharing his personal experiences with the graduates, one of them, Abdulmumini Mapindi, asked the founder of the AUN, what it takes to build a career as a politician in Nigeria. It was then Atiku shared the stories of the challenges he faced with courage and patience, coupled with his survival of an assassination attempt on his life. He did so to encourage the graduates to emulate hard work, diligence and steadfastness.

The former Vice President who is also the Waziri of Adamawa State urged the fresh graduates to imbibe ethical values in whatever business or career they choose to practice in their life journey.

However, the most touching part of his chat with the graduates was his reflection on how he survived an assassination attempt by some assassins when he was living in Kaduna State in the days of yore. He described how the assassins gained entrance into his sitting room and bedroom, and how he courageously protected his lovely wife and children from harm.

While explaining the incident, he said “I hid my wife and children in a wardrobe and stepped forward to confront the attackers. They shot at me but missed due to my professional training. I bent down as they were firing at the door.” He added that he later stood up and asked the assassins, “Why did you fire?” when he opened the door. He told the AUN Class 2025 that such an incident is what he describes as courage.

“The sound of the assassins’ gun shots had attracted my neighbours who called the Police, and the assassins were overpowered and arrested,” he explained. This notwithstanding, he cautioned the fresh graduates, to never be in a haste to succeed in life, and avoid cutting corners. 

The Waziri also advised those among the graduates who want to pursue business, to follow the right path, never compromise their values, and avoid unnecessary confrontation in every situation.

Hence, his reflection on the importance of education and his political journey, was quite enlightening to both the AUN Graduation Class 2025 and some dignitaries who graced the event.

Nonetheless, he also talked about his late mentor, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who he praised as a courageous person even when death was threatening him. The bottom line of the AUN founder’s chat with the graduates is that they should be focused in everything they do as they step out into the larger world, and lead the next generation with integrity, patience and diligence.

 END

Memorable 2025 Crossover Night Party in Yola, Adamawa State

Written by Blessed Adjekpagbon

His Excellency, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri the current Governor of Adamawa State who was a honorable member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, and was later appointed the Speaker of the House, certainly knows how to put smiles on the faces of the people living in the state through various youth and infrastructural development oriented projects. This has been exemplified with some ongoing activities' in the state by the state Commissioner of Works and Energy Development.

Hon Adamu Atiku Abubakar, the Commissioner of Works and Energy Development in Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria, organized a noteworthy crossover watchnight party to further foster unity and love among the youths and residents of the state, in the capital city of Yola on 31 December 2024, which ushered the folks into the new year (2025).

The very social Commissioner served as the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Crossover Night and Fireworks.  The event was held at Adamawa Unity Bridge in Yola. It witnessed a mammoth crowd of enthusiastic youths. They were entertained with music and live performance by a popular Yola – based artiste, Latido who thrilled the audience with enthralling songs coupled with electrifying dance.

For the benefit of those who have not travelled to Yola before, or those who have been absent from Yola over a decade, the city is a very peaceful and conducive place to live and do various legal things, such as business and educational activities. It has become the fastest developing city in the northeastern region over the past four years till date. Even though some folks in the other parts of Nigeria still harbor the fear of insecurity reported about the Northeast many years ago, activities in Adamawa State has shown that the state has become the hub of peace, business and educational development in recent times. The folks are communally friendly and cooperative among themselves and visitors. 

The city's road networks are well planned to make movement easy and fast. There are various flyover bridges in the city, including an underground channel where vehicles easily pass through to avoid traffic jams, although there is scarcely traffic jams. The accompanying videos are evidence of how Yola is at present a place where everyone can move freely and engage in legal activities without fear of molestation or threat from anybody. The residents are hopeful that the new year will bring greater positive things to their lifestyles in view of the ongoing development works in the state by the current administration.

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Miss AUN, Michele Niyang showcases her poetic creativity

Michele Niyang is the current Ms. AUN of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), located in the serene City of Yola, Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria. 

She is a highly intelligent lady in her final year. She usually records some programs at the University's broadcast studio under the Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) Department where she is an undergraduate. As a very active participant during class lessons, she has been displaying what it takes to be a truly critical thinker, advertising creative strategies professional and capable ambassador of the institution. Hence, she feels the best way to express her gratitude to one of her noteworthy tutors is through the poem below:  

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

Michaele Niyang, the reigning  Ms. AUN 

In a classroom bright with endless dreams,

Where ideas flow like sparkling streams,

There stood a guide, so wise, so true,

Mr. Blessed, with a wondrous view.

 

With gentle words and steady hands,

He led us through creative lands.

A world of ads, both bold and sweet,

Where art and strategy would meet.

 

But more than headlines, fonts, and flair,

He showed us something rich and rare—

That poetry, with heart and grace,

Has a place in every space.

 

A rhyme can sell, a verse can speak,

A simple line can make us think.

He taught us how to blend and weave,

To craft ideas that make minds believe.

 

For ad’s not just to catch the eye,

But tell stories and let dreams fly high.

And who knew words, so soft and small,

Could change the world, could do it all?

 

So here’s to you, a guiding light,

Who made us see the world in flight.

A blessing true, a name well-earned,

For every lesson, every turn.

Thank you, sir, for all you’ve shared,

For teaching us to dream and dare.

With rhymes in hand, we now can see,

The boundless world of creativity.

 

Copyright: Michelle Tungkat Niyang

Miss AUN

(Written December 2, 2024 on campus)

American University of Nigeria (AUN),

Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

78 bells chimes as Waziri of Adamawa: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar thanks God on his birthday

Seventy - Eight Ringing Bells

(for Waziri of Adamawa: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar)

Hey, all you folks over there

Come and gather here,

Listen to a music chiming

In the sky, celebrating

A star of a beautiful land,

With 78 ringing bells band.

Who could be the worthy star

Carried in a birthday flying car?

It is the Waziri and his lovely team,

Singing and smiling along with him

For wiping away many folks’ tears

Through his 'Wazirian' great cheers.

We wish you longer years in life

With good health without strife.

 
Copyright: Blessed Mudiaga Adjekpagbon

(Instructor: CMD Department)

American University of Nigeria,

Yola. Adamawa State, Nigeria.

(Written on 25 November 2024).

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Highly talented upcoming spoken word poetess shares her writing experience

Interview conducted by Blessed Adjekpagbon

In this interview with Bulkybon News, a highly gifted Nigerian upcoming poetess, Peace Ileleji shares information about her background in the field of writing, says “I started writing poems at the age of 10”

Qst: What is your discipline or area of study and which school did you attend?

Ans: I'm a graduate of English and Literary Studies from the Delta State University, Abraka.

Qst: Which genres of literature do you specialize in?

Ans: Poetry and prose.

Qst: When did you start writing and what gives you the inspiration to write?

Ans: I started writing poems at the age of 10 after discovering my talent for poetry at age 7. However, reading the Book of Psalms and performing Prof. Patrick Lumumba's powerful piece, 'If Kwame Nkrumah and Patrice Lumumba were to rise up' at my secondary school's Graduation and Prize Giving Day ignited my passion to craft verses that inspire and uplift. What gives me inspiration is reading and touring because it stirs me up to fill a gap in knowledge via my words.

Qst: Have you written any published creative work either as a book or featured in a newspaper?

Ans: Not yet but soon.

Qst: Are you a member of any writers’ association in Nigeria or outside Nigeria?

Ans: Yes, the Creative Writer's Workshop (CWW).

Qst: Have you attended any writers conference or convention before?

Ans: Yes, last year I attended the Southcosels '23 in Bayelsa State.

Qst: Are you interested in meeting other writers to perform your spoken words with them?

Ans: Yes it will be my utmost pleasure.

 Qst: Will you encourage any of your children (if you are already married or in future) to do what you are creatively involved in now?

Ans: Yes I will because I see life in Word Art. It cultivates critical thinking, creative expression and effective communication.

Qst: Who is your idol in in the field of creativity that you have decided to showcase your skills in?

Qst: Ib Quake.

Qst: What is motivating you to do what you are doing (promoting Nigerian culture through spoken words) now in the present tough situation Nigerians are facing?

Qst: Well, the contemporary Nigeria society is experiencing a silent exodus of her citizens popularly called 'japa' and my daily interactions with youths and teens as a Teens Coordinator in my church, let me into the life of young people and their constant fears about the fate of the remaining citizens of a 'japad' (deserted by many citizens for greener pastures abroad) nation. I recently went on a tour to six different states where I saw the true beauty of nature in Nigeria. So, I believe as we are blessed with these resources, there is definitely hope for a better future.

Qst: How many languages among the many languages in Nigeria do you speak? What is your state of origin?

Qst: I speak Igbo (not perfect though but beginner's level). I'm from Delta State and Urhobo by tribe.

Qst: How do you spend your free time and what is your favourite meal?

Qst: I love spending time with my family and close friends. Also, travelling, reading books, cooking and listening to music uplifts me. Lastly, my favourite meal is Naija jollof and fried plantain.

 END