By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Abdulrahman Animasaun, son of Nigeria’s icon of Journalism, Alhaji Kola Muslim Animasaun, who died May 30, 2019, is a Nigerian in the Diaspora United Kingdom. He is one out of four siblings, who had worked or still work as Journalists, writers, columnists and budding authors. That should not be strange, they are scions of Alhaji Kola Animasaun of blessed memory, who was a renowned journalist, columnist and former Editorial Board Chairman of Vanguard Newspapers. We spoke to him from his Leicester, UK base in a media chat touching matters from life after the passing of Alhaji, his father, was fondly called to politics and the coming dispensation. What subsequent governments should tap into and the immense potentials of Nigerians in the Diaspora. Excerpts:
“The case of Jelani Aliyu, DG National Automotive Design and Development Council, was and is a step in the right direction. His case shows how to put expertise from the diaspora into good use but we need more.”
We all miss Alhaji – his willingness to help anyone that needed help, even at the detriment of his own well-being. So, what do you remember about him?
I remember him for many things. His ability to analyse issues and to come up with the best solution to what hitherto looked like a hopeless situation.
Also, he was very charitable. I have never come across anyone who never tired of giving like my dad. I remember a funny situation. Years ago, as a young adult, I asked my dad if I could borrow some money off him, just as a friend of mine was leaving the house. He said, “Oh, I see why you are asking me for money, you have given all your money out again.” I retorted, “But you also do the same, don’t you?” He was lost for words. All he could do was laugh because he knew I had spoken the truth.
Growing up, we used to hear of our dad’s generosity from others but never from him. I remember my uncles – Late Alani Animasaun who my dad took to Sweden whilst he was in the foreign service and my maternal uncle, former governor of Oyo State, Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi. May Allah rest both their souls. As young men they both lived with my parents. Senator often told us, and anyone who cared to listen, how my dad also paved the way for him to go to the U.S and how dad also gave him a brand new suit to take with him. He couldn’t have worn more than once – if at all.
Talking about your uncle, the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi, his son, Idris, is vying for a seat in the Oyo State, House of Assembly representing Ibadan South-West II constituency. What are his chances?
I think his chances are quite bright indeed, Inshallah. First, he comes from good stock. The Ajimobis are seasoned politicians. They had been in politics since the first republic. That coupled with the entrepreneurial acumen of his mum, my aunty, Chief Florence Abiola-Ajimobi, he will go to places bi’ithnillah.
If you look at it, politics is like a business transaction of sorts. The people appoint you for a purpose. Your duty then, in return for that privilege, is to make their daily lives better by the laws and policies you help bring to life.
Idris is young, intelligent and widely-travelled, Mashallah. He will bring all these qualities to bear when he assumes his seat as a veritable member of the Oyo State house of assembly, Inshallah.
Another Nigerian politician very close to your dad, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has emerged as the Presidential Candidate and flagbearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election. Why Asiwaju?
Why not Asiwaju? He very well fits the bill. The man is a legend. Some people might want to argue that and maybe rightly so, but show me a man without flaws and I will tell you where you can find them – in the cemetery!
The man has got the Midas touch when it comes to politics – everything he touches becomes political gold! He has a knack for picking the right people and forming alliances that work. He understands the political terrain of Nigeria through and through both from the point of view of an activist and a politician.
Once again, Asiwaju just needs to pick a crack team who share the same vision and dedication towards the upliftment of Nigeria and Nigerians, which I must say is way overdue. And we will be home and dry, Inshallah.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket, Muslim-Christian ticket nonsense flying around is an evil distraction that he shouldn’t pay heed to. We need a round peg in a round hole, that’s all.
I head a think-tank on sustainable partnerships and development in Africa in the Midlands and we are looking forward to meeting with Asiwaju and everyone else, regardless of tribe, ethnicity or party affiliation as long as you have the interest of our dear country at heart.
As it looks, you have veered off from mainstream journalism and entered into the world of consulting on brand identity, innovation in government, diversity, strategic partnerships and international cooperation. How can the collective expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora benefit Nigeria?
First of all, I wouldn’t say my foray into consulting is a detour or a veering off journalism. They are all intertwined, most of the time you have to employ your training as a journalist to achieve the best results as a consultant. Qualities like fact-finding and verification, report writing etc are all arrows from the quiver of a journalist and which are invaluable to any consultant.
As to how the expertise of Nigerians in diaspora can be deployed in Nigeria for its upliftment is to create the enabling environment so they can flourish. I once had an uncle who was a professor in a university in Finland. He took a sabbatical from his university to come down and impart knowledge free of charge to Nigerian university students and he was allegedly asked for bribe by a certain government agency just to be able to give back to his country!
There is another one in Sweden who has been carrying the technology of turning waste to energy (gas and electricity) all over Nigeria for the past 20 or so odd years and has met nothing but frustration by government agencies and officials wanting bribes. It’s absolutely ridiculous!
The case of Jelani Aliyu, DG National Automotive Design and Development Council, was and is a step in the right direction. His case shows how to put expertise from the diaspora into good use but we need more.
Finally, I would say Nigerian professionals, technocrats in the diaspora should be appointed and included in the running of the country. From the grassroots up, especially in sectors where their expertise lies.
If you were to choose a dream team of people, living or dead, who you could trust with stewardship of Nigeria, who would they be?
M.K.O Abiola – he didn’t need the money, he just wanted to serve his people. Hon. Minster AbdurRauf Aregbe – For his doggedness in the midst of stiff opposition. Hon.Minister Raji Fashola – For clarity of purpose. Gov.Babagana Zulum – For his astuteness and leadership for the common good. Muhammed Ali – If only his deft footwork could be translated into governance, it could have helped steer us away from the many problems plaguing Nigeria.
There are a few more but these are the ones that readily come to mind.
