UNPLANNED TRIP AROUND KARA MARKET IN AJASE IPO*: The Needless Wonders...

It was a journey from Odo Eri in Kogi State to Ilorin, the capital town of Kwara State and I had sat in a shop, near the federal road dressed in a sport top.and blue jean, to take a vehicle for that purpose. I had good guys around me, helping to track down any passing one.

There were fewer vehicles plying the route for three (3) obvious reasons, the hike in price of fuel, insecurity resulting to kidnaps and of course, the use of the other road, in Ekiti axis considered saver notwithstanding the fact that, it's a longer route, that surely consumes more premium motor spirit.

When it comes to the state of the road, I almost don't know which to rate as worse any longer, for I only both, depending on where the driver chose to follow, because both roads have terrible spots here and there and as the rain sets in again, it will both, surely become impassible somewhere around Aiyedun Ekiti, Iyamoye on the Ilorin- Ekiti- Kogi axis and same around Eruku, Isanlu Ijagbe end and of course shortly before Aiyetoro on the Ilorin- Lokoja axis, safe for the fire brigade effort of the self made hard-labour Julius-berger emergence engineers, who will mount such spots and make some money for themselves, helping people to pass through and of course likely, intervention by NASS members who will come and "dress" those spots for that season.

Meanwhile, the Sharon I joined, have just two (2) passengers there in, or should I say three, because, one of the two female passengers carried a baby boy, who obviously didn't pay any fare, and in his seven (7) months, handsome and playful infant; so friendly until the heat started having its toll on the boy plus the _jagajigi_ rythm dance on the seats, of the many potholes, without coordinated sound instruments.

We have travelled to as far as Eruku the last town and border town with Kogi at the Kwara end before we met these four (4) people who waved us down, for what I later understood to mean, lifting and shifting their cows, four (4) to Ajase Ipo, a connecting town on that route from Osun to Kwara.

The truth is, I was not comfortable with that, but obviously the driver and the bus and his other two (2) people were coming all the way from Okene and Kabba with no other passenger, until I joined them at Odo Eri in Yagba West.

The bargaining was done and a friend whom I saw in Eiddi who came for his own business told me, they bargained for fifty five thousand naira (N55,000) after the driver refused the initial offer of fifty thousand naira (N50,000), and so, a guy was brought in to remove the seats at the back to create space for the cows, now, the driver is playing with his teeths as he opened them wide, happy to have struck some good deals, which he did and that was the first round of fight, he was given one thousand (N1,000) to the screws' remover and all hell was let loose, until the Baba Oja, I later understood is the head of the market, wielded his power to chase the guy away, asking him, If he is the one to move the cows, and wondered why he will calculate his own payment based on the fact that, four (4) cows are to be shifted, power is well used in these local settings o, as he could willingly have pounced on the guy and nothing will happen, others stood gazing at the market commander dishing out orders, lol.

When the loading was done, we embarked on our journey after about an hour plus of waiting for bargain, loading, seats removal and repositioning of our luggages, as none allowed his luggage to be left at the mercy of the obviously angry looking but silent cows, which am made to understand are small cows.

Meanwhile, I was well seated in the front before the overloading started with the pitty of " _he didn't see perssengers_ " , an emotion that later became a wreck for all of us, who should have abandoned that bus for another, God help us we find one!

So, we moved and the Soldiers and Police had a field day collecting money on the cows, some a thousand naira (N1,000), some five hundred (N500) and the Cow leader(sic) said, if it was Lokoja axis it is one thousand (N1,000) per cow and so on. The driver is not pay, they deal directly with the cow owners, it's an arrangement known to them.

When we got to Ajase Ipo Kara market, the driver was asked to go inside, so they can off load. The sight of the very dirty market that greeted us and all "manners of human beings" moving around there, should tell you the stench oozing from that place, I reached for my handkerchief to protect my nose, at least a little, before we could meander through both human and vehicles either going in or out parked wrongly and those fighting each other over wheel barrow and so on, infact, one head bleeds as he is rushed out of the market soaked with blood and that assailant being battered to the ground, by those who looked like market forces, this too is like twenty (20) minutes to.get a space to manage a park.

When that was settled and we had a place to hang-park, the Revenue guys came asking for money from the driver and asked him to also produced the owner whom, we can't find as at then, well the Revenue people with their tax-collecring bag hung to their necks, rested on their stomach and looking wild too, stood bent on the Sharon boonet and driver side door, with their heavy sticks to their hands, one of them told me when I inquired, what the sticks, like 3 inches in radius are meant for, he said and I quote "the misbehaving cows and likely their owners", wow! I said and moved like twenty (20) meters back, I didn't fail to advice the elderly woman and the woman with a baby to do same, of course they complied.

The worst scenerio here is, we have to wait for the cow owner to get the money for the driver, this is where I lost my cool, asking the now tensed driver, why he didn't take his money before moving after loading, he said and those at the Kara Market corroborated him that, they the (cow owners) don't pay until they get to Kara Market, then I told him he is a "fool hardy"; because he is not a truck driver, driving vehicles lifting cows who had no passengers inset, he admitted because of course eyes were red already and the environment charged, the revenue guys despite saying that is the practice took action to get the money out for him on time. All they did was hitting two cows madly and the owner appeared in a jiffy.

At least fifty thousand (N50,000) was brought and the driver went berserk, saying it was fifty five thousand they bargained, then they started the _roforofo_ fight and it took the Revenue boys' intervention and another Market Head to get additional three thousand (N3,000) naira for the driver. Imagine, them.determining when to pay, despite their inability to.move the cows to the desired location, yet they didn't want to miss the.waiting market, bad I said to those drivers, who obviously are.nor thinking, now he is cheated.

The driver, said he is not moving, so I jerked him at that point for my own money to complete my journey to Ilorin because we were already tracking 7.35pm, I needed to break my lenten stuff, so he started reigning curse on them as mallams calmly adjusted their cows to a standing position to go tie them as we left.

Before we left what I saw is horrible, seeing a woman with baby strapped to her back and mallam, hitting her buttock, in the name of playing with her and one of the guys their told me to come and I carefully followed him, now with a big stick iny.own hands too, he showed me where they even sleep with some women who have lost values from when they grew breasts, he asked me to try and tarry more to the night and I will see wonders.

I put it to him that, why are they trading in the night, why not in the day time, he answered that some even stays two night there, some will arrive a night before, and be there the night of the trading.

I then inquired if guns were sold or exchanged there, he stepped back took a close look at me and asked me, "abi you be Police ni?", I nodded no, and he took off, that made me walk a little around towards the dark.points still with my big stick, as I saw weird looking people sitting down with nothing in their front, but sacs and other covered items, who said they are not guns or explosives in the name of night market?

I do not see a simple reason for their so called Kara Markets at all, why not revert back to the ideas of going to buy from them, where the cows are kept or simply place orders for what you want, _a stitch in time saves nine._

Promise Kept, As Mukadam Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris Redeems Ten Million Naira (N10m) Rescue Electricity Deal - IPU National President_

Promise Kept, As Mukadam Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris Redeems Ten Million Naira (N10m) Rescue Electricity Deal -  _IPU National President_ 

The Isanlu Progressive Union, (IPU) the highest development body of indigenes of Isanlu Kingdom, today through its National President, Engr. Eyitayo Akanbi confirmed the receipt of the ten million naira promised by thier illustrious son for the restoration of electricity back to Isanlu, on behalf of His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Moses Etombi.

The statement was contained in a Thank You messaged signed by the IPU National President on behalf of the traditional rulers, it's Executives and the entire community.

Earlier, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Development, Hon. Mukadam, Chief Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris made the promise last week, on Friday in response to Kabiyesi' plea to the Governor to help them off set the negotiated amount, during His Excellency, Governor Ododo Ahmed Usman's coming to town to flag off a road being handled by the Yagba Federal House of Representatives member, Hon. Elder Leke Abejide.

One of the paragraphs, reads " we thank our son, Hon. Asiwaju Asiru Idris, your dedication to public service and your passion for making a positive impact on the lives of citizens is highly remarkable. Your leadership and vision are an inspiration to us all"

The statement also noted that, the payment of the ten million naira, (N10,000,000), is indeed a  giant step that will help Isanlu Kingdom to be connected back to AEDC for electricity supply in no distant time, noting that, it is a commitment to the well-being and development of Isanlu community, which they described as truly commendable.

This timely intervention is a great relief and joy to the residents of Isanlu, who have been facing difficulties due to lack of electricity. It was noted that, this kind gesture will not only improve the quality of life but will also boost economic activities and enhance security in the various affected communities. 

Concluding the statement, they expressed their sincere gratitude to the voluntary donour, for his kindness and generosity and like Oliver twist, went ahead to state that, "We look forward to your continued support and partnership in our community's development, as this is the beginning of a greater kingdom, *igba otun ti de!*"

Defining The Celebration of MAAI, The Empirical Factualist

-Dayo ONIBIYO writes

*CHIEF MUKADAM ASHIWAJU ASHIRU IDRIS FCA

The intelligently diligent goal getter, who for his unsized humility, can almost pass for the size of a boy, if one is not critical of looking at subjects closely, as the Isanlu born Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Development came to lines, with indeed a background, known to serve and care for  humanity and had all along being dedicated to his works, even pre- political involvements.

Let me refresh a moment with MAAI in 2023 December, in Isanlu, his home sted, during the celebration of his 49th birthday, where he joined in practically lifting bags of rice and maize to share to the people, one particular thing that struck me with a note, is his refusal to stop sharing despite the fact that people are begining to take twice and more, as noticed and reported by the other team members, he simply responded by saying, " _let them be, they need it, if not they won't keep coming",_ interesting, isn't it.

A man who almost daily run away from titles bestowed on him, is today, a Mukadam and several  communities' Chief, depicting his commitments to his Creator, the supreme God Almighty, whom he admonishes always and to use his word, "paya" (fearfully adore ) and to his community, the spirit of carrying people along.

A graduate of Accountancy, who is now a fellow of the Institute of Chattered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) amongst many others, Is an astute, reliable and versatile staff of the Zenith Bank of Nigeria, so much that, his former office had no choice, than to release  him to go serve the larger society, as the clarion call jingled the bell from Kogi State, triggered by the victory of the immediate past Executive Governor of the state, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Adoza Bello CON, asking him to join in paddling the new direction government, in the confluence state- KOGI.

Whatever, informed his background for fact checks is indeed unseparable from his days in the bank, where accountability is a must, and of course guided by the fact that, you will pay for any error on your side, particularly, as it involves refilling an account.

Well, if a man had worked with bank tellers before, if a man has had something to do with vaults as the head, then that tells it all before he rose to the level of Assistant Bank Manager, handling some relationships with over N30 million annual turn over then, then his factual way of life is clear and undoubted.

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Accountancy graduate is a studious fellow, who today has risen to the level of a Fellow, by all standard, way above a Chattered Accountant.

While, at the bank, he won the MD/CEO letter of commendation for Team Player in 2002,  MD/CEO award for the best operational efficiency cash officer in the North  2006.

At work, as a staff of the Government of Kogi State, serving as a Commissioner, and sensitive office of managing the Finance, Budget and Economic Development, he has won the prestigious World Bank Award for Financial Transparency and has done same with the state accounts regularly.

It is no doubt however, that his being conferred chieftaincy titles severally, such as the Afiwajoye of Ogidi Kingdom, the Turaki of Koton Karfi for playing vital roles in building a veritable society, carrying the younger folds along and not failing to attend to the aged ones, at best arriving to leave no one behind.

A visit to Isanlu home of the Commissioner will tell you, he is the man of the people as he does not only wait for them to come, he visits them to know their welfare situations, he has by the grace of God, helped some through the thick and thing of their school demands, with their tuition fees payment: many more with school project fees, some he bailed from the untimely cold hands of death, arising from serious health situations, donation of cars to some, loan to some for  business purposes, support for some to add money and equipment for their business capitals, to be able to move on in life and of course, just recently the off setting of a ten million naira (N10m) fee to help the community have electricity restored for the good of all, even when the community is still seeking ways to raise such fund.

Quoting His Royal Highness on that fateful day, friday 28th February, 2025, HRH Oba Moses Etombi, the Agbana of Isanlu and the Chairman Yagba East LGA has announced that, they have resolved with PHCN, providers of electricity, and the resolution requires the community to pay the sum of ten million naira, (N10m) obviously addressing the state Governor, Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman (OAU) as a request for assistance, and there comes, Ashiru Idris with a large heart coming to the rescue, volunteering to clear the bill.

It is good to note that, if you are not sure of what you want and why you need it, you may not get anything off him, as he is not a waster, or indulger of indolence, you must justify your need and the only way is for you, is to be factual, like someone once jocularly said about him, "if he shakes his fingers when you make request, your request won't  fly through, it simply has hit the bar, (sic), but if otherwise, you are game, he simply doesn't indulge laziness or executive begging, he is compassionate and offers helping hands regularly. This you can take to the market.

Celebrating MAAI is not going to be out of place, as it is to encourage him to do more, though as stated earlier, he is not the drum-seeking type, but going by the words of the Holy books, both the Bible and the Quran, we should be appreciate, else we are seen as the thief who carts away ones good and it is further stated that, once you show appreciation, you get more and in this case, other people queuing for help.and attention will surely get to be attended to too.

Across the state and some other states in the country, he had been helpful and still serving humanity with unquestionable sense of growth displayed during his quest for Governorship in 2023.

The incumbent Governor of the state, Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman (OAU), alluded and attested to this describing MAAI as a gentleman of peace and progress, noting that, he joined him immediately after the primaries, when he (OAU) got the Governorship ticket and collapsed his structure into the Governor's project, not failing to add, that, till this minute, Ashiwaju is still serving honestly, deligently, tirelessly, diplomatically and objectively, bulldozing ways for the state to get more funds.

Thus far,  many had gotten employment through him, promotions, good postings, some political appointments,.others contracts and all those goodies, why won't at least these people come together to give him a befiting RECEPTION, to celebrate him to energize the enigmatic to do more. Proudly I say, I am willing to be a part of this movement...