According to an official statement issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria on 14th November 2016, we should be prepared for famine in January 2017. Fortunately, the warning did not extend to the prospects of floods, earthquakes, volcanoes; tsunami; nuclear meltdown; civil war etc.
Nigerians have been warned to prepare for the possibility of a famine in January 2017.
“The disclosure was made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, during an interview with a Kano-based radio station, Pyramid Radio. Shehu disclosed that the Federal Government has ordered the Ministry of Agriculture to store surplus grains in warehouses in the country.
“The huge demand for our grains in the global market is creating an excellent environment for the mindless export of Nigerian grains across our borders and unless this is curtailed, Nigerian markets will be bereft of food by January next year,” he said.
Over the past year, providence has blessed Nigeria with bountiful harvests of grains, more than enough to feed the country and to export to other countries.
At present, there is a high demand for grains from Nigeria, from African countries as distant as Libya and Algeria, and from places as far away as Brazil.
However, the Ministry of Agriculture has raised concerns about the massive rate of exportation, which could lead to a shortage of grains in Nigeria by January,” he said.
Garba said exporters were taking too much (sic) grains out of the country.”
Frankly, our challenges are not limited to the imminent threat of famine. We are confronted with monumental problems in dealing with poverty, disease and ignorance further compounded by corruption, mendacity, greed, wickedness and impunity.
Regardless, we must remain steadfast, faithful and resolute.
Ironically, that is why we should give joyful thanks to the Almighty for his limitless mercies and abundant blessings. Indeed, on Saturday 17th December 2016, the Randle family will hold a Thanksgiving and Memorial Service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos (commencing at 2 p.m.) in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the demise of late Chief J.K. Randle MBE; MVO [Lisa of Lagos] who died on 17th December 1956 at the age of only 47 years. He had just returned from the Olympic Games held in Melbourne, Australia where he was the Chef-de-Mission of the Nigerian team with late Alhaji K.A.B. as the team Captain while the team manager was Jack Farnsworth.
Chief J.K. Randle belonged to that vintage generation of Nigerians who placed the public good and common destiny before all else. Their generosity of spirit and selfless service knew no bounds. They were as passionate about Lagos as they were committed to the Nigeria project – as a nation with limitless possibilities that would assure the rest of the world that excellence would not recognise race, tribe, gender or religion. It bears repetition that Chief J.K. Randle was not alone in this patriotic endeavour. They were eager to ensure that the poor and under-privileged would have no cause to fear or envy the rich and powerful – or vice-versa! Neither was it conceivable that there would ever be conflict between Christians and Muslims over dominance/domination or power sharing. Religious bigotry was firmly foreclosed. Their leitmotif and credo were straightforward and transparently canvassed:
“When the tide (of prosperity and progress) comes in, all the boats would rise.”
Why else would Chief J.K. Randle who was a Lagosian join forces with his very close friends – Chief Ernest Ikoli; Chief Arthur Prest; Chief Alfred Rewane; Chief Michael Okorodudu; Chief M.T. Mbu and others from the Niger-Delta in advocating for provision for the special needs of that part of Nigeria which even back then was already agitating against oppression, exploitation and marginalisation? This was the precursor of the Willinks Reports of 1958 which for the first time recognised that the case for the Niger-Delta was unassailable.
Back then the Island Club was not just for drinking and merriment. It was a social club – for social emancipation and political awareness. Indeed, it was the conscience of the nation. Time and space will not permit detailed examination of two cases in point – King’s College riot in 1944 and the incident of racial discrimination when a visiting black West Indian civil servant was refused hotel accommodation on account of the colour of his skin.
On both occasions, Chief J.K. Randle was accorded the leadership role as members of Island Club abandoned their drinks to protest vigorously against high-handedness and impunity. They did our nation proud.
J.K. Randle was only nineteen years old when he played cricket for Nigeria against the Gold Coast (now Ghana). He was still a student at King’s College and this conferred instant stardom on him. Inevitably, he ended up as the Head Boy (School Captain). In his book, Chief S.O. Adebo (who was junior to J.K. Randle by only a year) paid glowing tributes to the sporting prowess of “J.K.” – especially football. It was the principal of the College, Rev. J.W. Peacock (1926-31) who summed matters up succinctly in his testimonial:
“J.K. Randle was captain of everything”.
It was not his prowess and dexterity in cricket, football, athletics, boxing, wrestling, tennis, etc that earned him laurels. It was his sportsmanship which endeared him to all and sundry. His abiding principle was always to be a gallant loser and a gracious winner. Besides, he was the undisputed champion in draughts which he played with consummate passion and unmatchable skill against the likes of Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu and a long list of contenders from all over the country.
Why we must rejoice and thank the Almighty are anchored on the supreme appreciation of the undiminished goodwill, respect and affection which both those who knew Chief J.K. Randle and those who only heard (or read) about him have continued to shower on the Randle family together with prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.
He was an illustrious son of an illustrious father – Dr. J.K. Randle.
However, it was his superlative exploits in various fields of human endeavour – sports, business, politics, education, youth development, and philanthropy etc that made him a legend in his own time. He was generous to a fault and he was as much at ease with the poor as he was exalted by the rich and powerful. He was easy-going, humble and endowed with tremendous sense of humour. He carried his greatness with dignity, integrity and nobility.
It may seem beyond the boundary of credibility but Chief J.K. Randle was only in his forties when he was the Chairman of the Lagos Island Club (the premier social club in Nigeria); The Lagos Racing Club (Horse Racing); as well as Lisa of Lagos (Prime Minister). His was a life of service to humanity and kindness to all. He also served meritoriously as a member of the Lagos Executive Development Board and Lagos Town Council.
Shortly after his death, he was bestowed with a very rare honour. An “Eyo” festival was held in his honour by the special grace and command of the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness Musediku Buraimoh Adeniji Adele under whom he had served diligently and faithfully as The Lisa of Lagos. The Chief J.K. Randle Memorial Hall was built in his memory and from 1962 it was the epicentre for plays, arts, culture, music, religious worship; community inter-action etc. It was demolished on 24th September 2016 by the government. The empty site has now become desolate and forlorn.
At night, it has become sacred and sanctified terrain for those seeking the special favour of the Almighty and divine intervention against homelessness, joblessness, bareness and whatever else ails them. True believers are categorical that God always answers prayers. The Chief J.K. Randle Memorial Hall will rise again. So also must the Dr. J.K. Randle Swimming Pool. What is truly amazing is that true Lagosians firmly believe that both the Memorial Hall and the Swimming Pool are still intact in spite of the onslaught of the bulldozers, caterpillars, diggers and earth-moving excavators!!
Indeed, wonders will never end. The site has become a major destination for tourists and spiritual adventurers. May be, the quintessential English playwright was right after all when he declared in his superlative play: “Old Times:
“There are some things you remember so clearly although they never happened”.
J.K. Randle, OFR, FCA
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