A DEDICATION TO MR. ADEMOLA ADETAYO

In my early days in Lintas Lowel, Lagos, several years ago, I served as a graphic artist in the Creative Department, then dominated by a bevy of older professionals under whose tutelage I cut my creative teeth. One such great artist was Mr. Ademola Adetayo.

There was never a dull moment with this very productive gentleman as he threw banters while delivering master strokes with his brush on the drawing board. I developed great graphic skills as I steadied my focus on the likes of Mr. Adetayo.

Sometime in 1983, I caught Mr. Adetayo, for the first time ever, in a foul mood, following his bitter encounter with an insurance firm. I had occasion to make a caricature of the great guy in an article published in my "Concord Laff"column on July 10, 1983

Mr. Ademola, as you are laid to rest today, I post this article in my archives as a sweet memorial. Mr. Ademola, you sowed joy into my life and those of many others. I pray that the good Lord grants your family peace which passes all human understanding. May your memory continue to evoke joy and inspiration to many, in Jesus' name.

Adieu! adieu!! adeu!!!

Your great friend, Charles

THE POVERTY SYNDROME

The popular saying; “as poor as the church rat” has long lost its meaning in our national life. That was my submission in an article published by Sunday Concord on April 24, 1983. As you can see from that submission, the church rat should be the envy of a majority of Nigerians who groan daily from the pains of bad governance.

Let us hope that the current feeling of enthusiasm engendered by our empirically-proven electoral milestone will usher in a new lease of life.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

Sometime in the 1980s, the Nigeria Airport Authority seemed to be in a contest of wits with Nigeria Airways for ignoble service. Today’s cartoon post visualized the confusion that marked the boarding process which made a typical Molue stampede a mere child’s play. That cartoon was commissioned by the Daily Times to illustrate a features critique of this malady.

Enjoy your day.

THE FLIP SIDE OF POWER

Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. But those who flaunt power learn to pay back when they least expect. Imagine Muamar Gadaffi now begging for negotiation after several months of bragging about his invincibility. This tragedy of misplaced power is the focus of today’s post which also examines the confusion in the English Language as spoken by Nigerians.

CARTOON CORNER

Sir Harold Wilson resigned his position as British Prime Minister in 1976 amidst a number of messy scandals. These scandals, some involving a KGB plot, continued after his resignation as one question led to the other without being resolved. It was at that point that the cartoon posted today was published in one of the 1978 editions of Times International Magazine. Of course, my point of interest was the then unresolved question of apartheid which raged on while Britain sat on the fence.

The evils that men do sometimes live before them, like Harold Wilson, and now Muamar Gadaffi. Take heed.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: AND LANDLORDS KEEP WINNING

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: AND LANDLORDS KEEP WINNING: "Several years ago, there was this hackneyed hocus pocus of “shelter for all by year 2000”. The “magicians” that made those promises are..."

AND LANDLORDS KEEP WINNING

Several years ago, there was this hackneyed hocus pocus of “shelter for all by year 2000”. The “magicians” that made those promises are still with us today. They are witnesses to the fact that the most intractable problem that has continued to taunt urban dwellers in Nigeria over the years is the progressive swindling involving landlords and their associates-in-crime, care takers.

This endless accommodation crisis was the burning point of discourse in an article published in my Concord Laff column on Sunday, August 18, 1985.

As the new Government of President Goodluck Jonathan comes in place, the citizens expect a viable Mortgage policy which will guaranty shelter for all at the nearest possible time.

CARTOON CORNER: CELEBRATING JAJA WACHUKU

One of the most colourful politicians in the 2^nd Republic was Jaja Wachuku who served as Senator representing Aba Senatorial Zone. Wachuku was appointed Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee.

He was credited with the statement that the defeat of apartheid in South Africa "shall flow from the barrels of dialogue and contact, not from the barrels of isolation and guns...." That statement sent him out of that committee.

Today’s cartoon, which was commissioned by Times International Magazine for their cover story on that huge controversy, was published on March 17, 1980.

It is worthy of note that when, Nigeria began of diplomatic engagement with South Africa in the 1990s, most sensible politicians called for an apology to Senator Wachuku.

As President Jonathan works on his cabinet list, I wish to humbly recommend the likes of Jaja Wachuku.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

BEDROOM BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT

Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed the progressive enrichment of the rich and the trampling of the poor. The middle class has long been wiped off, with the resultant effect of the dehumanization of the citizens.

Today’s post, Bedroom Boundary Adjustment, cast in humour, presents one such case. Let us pray and hope that, as the incoming Government begins to take form, the regeneration of the economy will be treated as a matter of National Emergency.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

One of the greatest phenomena in Nigeria’s political evolution is Chief Oluṣẹgun Matthew Okikiọla Arẹmu Ọbasanjọ. Having given of his best as an army engineer, especially in the civil war, OBJ, as he is fondly called, emerged as an unwilling Head of State on February 13, 1976, following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed.

The political cotton wool that beclouded him in 1976 fell off after he walked from the prison gates right into the seat of power in 1999, like Biblical Joseph. Before he emerged President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Chief Obasanjo took time to chronicle some of his high points as well as general observations on the civil war and more.

The endless probing from the media after this publication is the focus in today’s cartoon. Enjoy your day.

BIG NAME, BIG WAHALA

Nigeria has one great giant to conquer. That giant is the spirit of ostentation, which has dealt a devastating blow on our nation. Ostentation and pretentious living are clearly visible in every facet of our national life. It is one reason why politicians struggle tooth and nail in order to acquire the perks of office for massaging their false ego. This spirit of ostentation and the attendant negative results inspired the article, BIG MAN, BIG WAHALA, published by Sunday Concord on August 19, 1984.

CARTOON CORNER

As we celebrate the victory of the cleanest ever elections in our history, I serve you the mockery of one product of a state in confusion – Master Sergeant Samuel Doe. This cartoon was published by one of the Daily Times titles in the wake of his April 12, 1980 bloodletting in Liberia. About 9 years later, another Samuel came to judgment. Samuel Doe went the way of the sword in the hands of Prince Samuel Johnson who broke a US jail.

African leaders must learn that there is no alternative to the ballot box. God bless all those who have made this year’s elections a positive global discourse. Keep up the faith. Nigeria is on the march to victory.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE