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Not every mad man is mad

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By Chisom Winifred

‘Sia is such a soulful singer’ I thought, the way she puts her emotions in her songs is just amazing.

My headphone was jamming away my favourite song and I took my time cat walking home from work.   I got to the keke park and boarded the one headed my direction.

Few minutes later, a raggedly dressed man joined me and in a matter of seconds the keke was filled to its usual capacity and the driver wasted no time and zoomed off.

If I had a minute to make a decision, I would have alighted. I felt so uncomfortable with the poorly dressed man sitting beside me. I tried as much as possible to put space between us and avoid body contact.

He had weird luggage, brooms, iron rods all jammed into an old cement bag, I prayed for an uneventful trip, I didn’t have energy for drama. I even wondered if he was 100% okay. I gently greeted him;

‘Good evening Sir’

I wanted to be on his good side in case he decided to flog someone with a broom; at least he’ll know I’m his friend. My greeting was unanswered.

Hmmm, I gently unplugged my headphones, put them in my hand bag and zipped it, ready to jump down at any given moment. I was still lost in my world of over exaggerating things when his phone rang.  He picked.

I turned sharply to stare at him the moment I heard his voice. He spoke such polished and sound English. More so the person on the phone addressed him as ‘Sir’ and was asking science related questions.

The eloquence and ease at which he answered the questions was utterly amazing. This man had to be well read to be able to talk about DNA structure confidently and freely use incomprehensible science terms.

He even referred the person on the phone to his textbook page this and that. This wasn’t making much sense, such an intelligent man but raggedly dressed, could even be mistaken for a mad person.

He listened quietly and took his time to answer questions and explain. Afterwards, he gently tapped the driver and asked to alight. He paid his fare, dragged out his cement bag luggage and walked away. I was shook.

That didn’t add up. That was the first time I knew the literal meaning of the saying, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. Who would have thought? Rough on the outside and filled with depth and knowledge on the inside.

I realized I simply translated the situation according to what I saw upfront. I wondered how many times I’ve made similar decisions and how wrong I must have been.

The first thought that comes to mind when a well dressed gentleman passes by is; “He must be well educated or intelligent. Well, I just made a discovery; these are bold faced institutional lies.

Not every mad man is mad.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

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Spotlight

PRCAN Congratulates Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on Her Historic Election as President of NIMN

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, president of PRCAN
Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, president of PRCAN


The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her election as the President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).

In a statement signed by Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, fnipr, Chair/CEO of PRCAN, the association described Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s election as a landmark achievement and a significant moment in the history of the marketing and communications profession in Nigeria.

“On behalf of PRCAN, I extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her historic election as the first female President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria. Her emergence is not only a celebration of professional excellence but also a beacon of inspiration to practitioners across the integrated marketing communications industry,” Dr. Ali-Balogun stated.

She further noted that Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s distinguished career and consistent dedication to the development of the marketing profession have earned her this well-deserved recognition.

 “Her leadership comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s evolving marketing and communications landscape. We are confident that NIMN will continue to thrive under her visionary guidance, championing innovation, professionalism, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth in the sector,” she added.

PRCAN expressed optimism about strengthening institutional collaborations between NIMN and PRCAN to advance professional development and capacity building in Nigeria’s integrated marketing communications ecosystem.

 “We look forward to deeper synergy between our two organisations as we collectively strive to elevate standards, empower practitioners, and shape the future of our industry,” the statement concluded.

PRCAN once again congratulates Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi on this outstanding achievement and wishes her a successful and impactful tenure.

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Spotlight

Obasanjo, Christ Embassy, and Eminent Nigerians Honour Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe at 50

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and top dignitaries celebrate media leader and minister at milestone birthday thanksgiving, reports SANDRA ANI

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Sylvester Ebhodaghe Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, National Daily

A constellation of national leaders, spiritual luminaries, and prominent Nigerians gathered on Thursday to honour Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe—publisher of National Daily Newspaper and National Standard Magazine—as he marked his 50th birthday with a grand Thanksgiving Service and Banquet at Christ Embassy, Isheri, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Among the high-profile attendees was former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who lauded Pastor Ebhodaghe for his steadfast commitment to God and his enduring service to humanity. In a heartfelt goodwill message, Obasanjo commended the celebrant’s journey of faith and purpose.
“An occasion like this is not just for celebration, but for deep gratitude to God. Fifty years and nine months, counting from your mother’s womb, is no small milestone,” Obasanjo said. Reflecting on life beyond the golden jubilee, he added, “After 50 glorious years of grace and divine favour, the next chapter must be about even greater service—to God, and through that, to humanity. I pray you enjoy another half-century of impactful living.”
In a touching conclusion, the former president remarked, “When you celebrate your next 50 years, I may no longer be here. But wherever I am, I will be remembering you.”

A Celebration of Faith, Leadership, and Impact

The thanksgiving event drew key figures from the religious, political, business, and media spheres, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity and reverence. The service was hosted by Christ Embassy and officiated by prominent ministers, who welcomed attendees and led the formal proceedings.
Most Reverend Tom Amenkhienan, a senior member of the Loveworld Central Executive Council, offered an anointed prayer for Pastor Ebhodaghe and his family, declaring blessings of divine health, spiritual elevation, and unstoppable progress. “Your going and your coming shall be blessed. No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” he prayed.

Delivering the sermon, Pastor Moses Olayemi of Christ Embassy Benin Zone 1 drew from Psalms 1 and 4 to illustrate the celebrant’s life as one rooted in godliness and integrity. “You can see from the calibre of individuals present today that Pastor Sylvester is a man who walks with God,” he said. He encouraged attendees to examine their spiritual walk, drawing on the biblical example of Cornelius, who despite his righteousness, sought spiritual renewal.

A Life Transformed by Calling

In an emotional vote of thanks, Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe paid special tribute to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President, Loveworld Incorporated, crediting him with a life-changing spiritual encounter.
“Twenty-seven years ago, I turned on the television and saw Pastor Chris preaching. I heard a voice say, ‘Your destiny is connected to his ministry.’ That moment changed the course of my life,” he shared, visibly moved.

Pastor Ebhodaghe also thanked his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow ministers for their unwavering support and encouragement over the decades.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR former President of Nigeria at the 50th birthday anniversary Thanksgiving Service and Banquet in honour of Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, National Daily who is joined by his wife Princess Oze, on Sunday.

Guest List

The celebratory banquet saw an impressive turnout of distinguished personalities from across various sectors. Alongside Chief Obasanjo were:

Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, businessman and political figure

Sir Dr. Mike Okiro, former Inspector General of Police

Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc

Prince Bisi Olatilo, Chairman, Biscon Communications Group

Dr. Uche Ogah, President, Masters Energy Group

Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Director, Lagos State Security Trust Fund

Mr. Oladimeji Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment

Dr. Tola Salah, Special Adviser on STEM to the Kwara State

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Entertainment

Elie Kamano’s Anthem Amplifies Pan-African Reparations Call with Striking New Music Video

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Elie Kamanos Anthem Amplifies
Source: Elie Kamano and the Pan-African Reparations Movement

Guinean artist and activist Elie Kamano has released a powerful new music video for his single, “Ils veulent l’Afrique sans les Africains” (“They Want Africa Without Africans”), delivering a bold artistic statement that fuses political resistance, cultural memory, and Pan-African solidarity.

Filmed on the sacred grounds of the Thiaroye mass graves in Dakar, the video honors victims of one of colonialism’s most heinous massacres. Kamano’s visual tribute transforms the site into a defiant stage, linking Africa’s historical trauma to the modern reparations movement. With raw lyricism and symbolic imagery, the video makes a clear demand: “Africa will reclaim what Europe stole.”

The release arrives at a pivotal moment. The African Union has declared 2025 as the Year of Reparations, providing institutional momentum to cultural and civic efforts across the continent. In Dakar, a recent high-profile conference reignited demands for justice surrounding the Thiaroye massacre, leading Senegalese authorities to launch archaeological excavations to document the scope of the 1944 French military crime—evidence that may substantiate formal reparations claims to France.

The reparations conversation has visibly moved to the streets. Dakar’s walls now feature bold graffiti murals demanding €50 trillion in reparations from former colonial powers—vivid calls for justice that cannot be ignored. In Bamako, Malian scholars and policymakers echo the urgency, calling for strategic frameworks that link historical redress with sustainable African futures.

Kamano’s work stands at the intersection of music and movement—galvanizing Pan-African youth, scholars, and policymakers alike. His anthem doesn’t just commemorate the past—it ignites the future.

“This is not just a song,” says Kamano. “It’s a voice for the voiceless. A call for dignity. A battle cry for what is rightfully ours.”

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