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Notes By Lawal, Dartford (2025)

26/07/2025

Asisat Oshoala, AgbaBaller:
Asisat Lamina Oshoala MON (born 9 October 1994 in Ikorodu, Nigeria) is a celebrated Nigerian striker who plays for the Nigeria women's national team (the Super Falcons) and, more recently, California's NWSL side Bay FC . Widely regarded as one of her generation’s elite, she has become one of Africa’s most decorated female footballers with a record six African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards .

Oshoala began her youth career at FC Robo in Lagos before breaking out with Rivers Angels in Nigeria’s top division. She earned early international recognition as the top scorer and best player at the 2014 FIFA U‑20 Women’s World Cup, leading Nigeria to the final and then sparking the Super Falcons’ victory at the African Women’s Championship that same year .

Her club journey took her to Europe in 2015 with Liverpool and then Arsenal (winning the 2015 FA Women’s Cup), followed by a spell in China with Dalian Quanjian, where she claimed league titles and Golden Boot honours . In 2019, Barcelona took her on loan—and shortly thereafter permanently—where she scored prolifically (117 goals in 163 appearances) and helped win multiple Spanish league titles, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa, and three UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies. She became the first African woman ever to win the Champions League and to score in the final, and later the first to win the Primera División’s Pichichi Trophy and receive a Ballon d’Or Féminin nomination .

Internationally, Oshoala has been pivotal for the Super Falcons across multiple World Cups and three AWCON triumphs (2014, 2016, 2018). She also scored four goals in a single group‐stage match at AWCON 2016, one of the tournament’s rare hat‑tricks-plus displays .

Off the pitch, she founded the Asisat Oshoala Foundation (and an academy in Lagos) to empower young African girls through football and education . In 2021 she was named to Forbes 30 Under 30, and she gained traction for advocating players’ rights in Nigeria .

At 30, now at Bay FC since early 2024, she remains a motivating figure and an enduring legacy in women’s football—known affectionately as “Àgba Baller”, meaning “Legendary Footballer.”

26/07/2025

Prime Eminike or Prime Ighalo

26/07/2025

Senate Leadership Impeachment in Nigeria Since 1999

Since Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999, the Senate has witnessed multiple leadership changes, often driven by internal political conflicts and allegations of corruption. The office of the Senate President, in particular, has been prone to instability, reflecting broader tensions within Nigeria’s evolving democratic institutions.

The Fourth Republic began with Evan Enwerem as Senate President in 1999, but he was impeached the same year over alleged falsification of his name and identity. He was succeeded by Chuba Okadigbo, who was also impeached in 2000 following accusations of financial misconduct and mismanagement. These early upheavals underscored the power struggle within the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the presidency’s strong influence on the legislature.

Adolphus Wabara, another Senate President, was forced to resign in 2005 after a budget scandal implicating him in bribery. David Mark, who served from 2007 to 2015, enjoyed relative stability, largely due to his alignment with the executive and firm control over Senate proceedings.

In the 8th Senate (2015–2019), Bukola Saraki’s leadership was contentious. His emergence defied the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership's plans, and he faced multiple legal battles, including a trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. However, Saraki was never impeached, although there were persistent efforts to unseat him.

Senate leadership impeachments in Nigeria often reflect deeper political intrigues, executive-legislative power dynamics, and party divisions. While some removals have roots in legitimate misconduct, others stem from political vendettas and struggles for dominance within the ruling elite.

26/07/2025

Book Review: The Power of Imagination by Andrew Wommack

In The Power of Imagination (2019), Andrew Wommack, a seasoned Bible teacher, explores imagination as a God-given tool for realizing divine promises. Wommack equates positive imagination with biblical hope, arguing it shapes belief and activates faith to manifest outcomes like healing and prosperity.

Through personal anecdotes, such as his ministry’s financial turnaround, and biblical examples like Abraham’s vision of God’s promises (Romans 4:17–21), he illustrates how visualizing God’s Word fosters spiritual growth. Wommack emphasizes practical steps, urging readers to meditate on scripture to reframe their mindset and overcome limitations.

The book’s strengths lie in its clear, accessible prose, making complex theological concepts relatable. Its strong scriptural foundation resonates with Christian readers, while practical advice empowers application in daily life. Though some critique its occasionally blunt style, the book’s clarity and transformative insights make it a compelling guide for believers seeking to align their imagination with God’s purpose.

25/07/2025

Mike Adenuga: Nigeria’s Visionary Trailblazer in Oil and Telecom

Mike Adenuga, born April 29, 1953, in Ibadan, defied humble beginnings to become Nigeria’s first indigenous oil magnate. In 1991, his Consolidated Oil (now Conoil) struck oil in Ondo State, a historic feat that challenged foreign dominance, producing 20,000 barrels daily from six Niger Delta blocks.

A taxi driver funding his U.S. education, Adenuga’s grit earned him degrees from Northwestern Oklahoma State and Pace University. Launching Globacom in 2003, he revolutionized telecoms with per-second billing and the Glo 1 submarine cable, empowering millions.

His Mike Adenuga Foundation’s N1.5 billion COVID-19 donation and support for education and sports reflect his heart for Nigeria. Honored with the GCON (2012) and France’s Commander of the Legion of Honour (2018), Adenuga’s resilience—surviving assassination attempts and license setbacks—inspires entrepreneurs to dream big, innovate boldly, and uplift communities, redefining Nigeria’s global economic footprint.

25/07/2025

Anthony Enahoro: Nigeria’s Fearless Herald of Independence

Anthony Enahoro (1923–2010), born in Uromi, Edo State, ignited Nigeria’s path to freedom with unyielding courage. Educated at Government College, Umuahia, and King’s College, Lagos, he became the youngest editor of Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Southern Nigerian Defender at 21.

In 1953, as an Action Group member, Enahoro boldly moved the first motion for Nigeria’s independence in the House of Representatives, sparking a national awakening. His defiance of colonial rule led to his 1962 imprisonment and exile in the UK after treason charges.

Returning post-independence, he served as Federal Commissioner for Information (1967–1975) and co-founded NADECO in 1994 to champion democracy. Awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (2002), Enahoro’s vision and resilience inspire generations.

His clarion call for freedom urges Nigerians to embrace unity and courage, forging a nation where dreams of self-determination thrive.

25/07/2025

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Global Trailblazer for Trade and Equity

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, born June 13, 1954, in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, shattered barriers as the first woman and African Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2021, reappointed in 2024 for a second term starting 2025.

A Harvard (1976) and MIT (1981) alumna, she served as Nigeria’s first female Finance Minister (2003–2006, 2011–2015), securing $30 billion in debt relief, and briefly as Foreign Minister (2006). Her anti-corruption reforms, though met with death threats and her mother’s 2012 kidnapping, saved Nigeria’s economy.

Chairing GAVI (2016–2020) and co-founding COVAX, she championed vaccine equity for millions. Honored as Forbes African of the Year (2020) and TIME’s 100 Most Influential (2021), Okonjo-Iweala’s resilience inspires global leaders.

Her vision for inclusive trade uplifts nations, proving one woman’s tenacity can reshape the world for justice and prosperity.

25/07/2025

Sir Ahmadu Bello: Architect of Northern Nigeria’s Unity

Sir Ahmadu Bello (1910–1966), born in Rabah, Sokoto, was a visionary leader who became the first Premier of Northern Nigeria in 1954. A descendant of Usman Dan Fodio, Bello blended Islamic heritage with Western governance, studying at Sokoto Provincial School and in England.

As Sardauna of Sokoto and Northern People’s Congress leader, he championed northernisation, founding Ahmadu Bello University (1962), Bank of the North, and Northern Nigeria Development Company to uplift the North.

His 1953 stance against early independence, calling Nigeria’s amalgamation a “mistake,” reflected his commitment to northern readiness. Leading the NPC to Nigeria’s 1960 independence alongside Azikiwe’s NCNC, Bello prioritized regional progress over national power.

Assassinated in the 1966 coup, his legacy endures in uniting Northern Nigeria’s diverse peoples, inspiring leaders to pursue education, equity, and unity for a stronger nation.

24/07/2025

2nd NBL Essay Writing Contest. Share this with young Nigerian Writers.

Criteria:
* Follow "notesbylawal" on Facebook
* Entry must be saved as a word doc & must not exceed 400 words.
* Send your entry to "[email protected]
* Submission deadline is 10th of August, winners will be announced on 25th of August

24/07/2025

Nnamdi Azikiwe: Nigeria’s Beacon of Independence
Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904–1996), born in Zungeru, Niger State, was Nigeria’s first President (1963–1966) and a towering figure in the independence struggle.

Educated at Howard and Pennsylvania universities, Azikiwe’s fiery journalism through the West African Pilot (1937) ignited nationalism. Co-founding the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (1944), he rallied diverse ethnic groups for self-rule.

As Nigeria’s first indigenous Governor-General (1960–1963), he laid the groundwork for nationhood, establishing the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1960), to empower future leaders. A Pan-Africanist, Azikiwe’s vision transcended borders, inspiring African unity.

Despite his ousting in the 1966 coup, his legacy endures, urging Nigerians to embrace education, unity, and resilience in building a nation where dreams of freedom soar.

24/07/2025

Dora Akunyili: Nigeria’s Fearless Crusader Against Counterfeit Drugs
Dora Akunyili (1954–2014), born in Makurdi, became Nigeria’s first female Director-General of NAFDAC in 2001, transforming drug regulation with unparalleled courage.

A pharmacy graduate from the University of Nigeria (1978) and PhD holder from the University of London (1985), she tackled Nigeria’s counterfeit drug crisis, reducing fake medicines from 60% to 20% by 2006.

Facing death threats and surviving a 2003 assassination attempt, Akunyili’s resolve never wavered. Her innovative policies, including public awareness campaigns and international partnerships, saved countless lives, earning her Time Magazine’s Hero Award (2006) and Transparency International’s Integrity Award (2003).

As Information Minister (2008–2010), she championed transparency. Akunyili’s legacy inspires resilience, proving one woman’s bravery can transform a nation. Her mantra, “Nigeria’s health is my health,” continues to ignite hope, urging future generations to fight for justice and integrity in public service.

24/07/2025

Akinwunmi Isola: Nigeria’s Yoruba Literary Icon

Akinwunmi Isola (1939–2018), born in Ibadan, was a Nigerian professor, playwright, and novelist who elevated Yoruba literature. A professor at Obafemi Awolowo University, his play Efunsetan Aniwura (1970) depicted Ibadan’s 19th-century Iyalode, blending history with drama.

Works like O Le Ku and Koseegbe preserved Yoruba oral traditions, exploring love and societal change. His Nollywood scripts, including Saworoide (1999), popularized Yoruba storytelling.

Awarded the National Merit Award (2000), Isola championed Yoruba language use in education and media. His legacy bridges academia and popular culture, inspiring Nigerians to preserve their heritage and embrace storytelling as a tool for cultural pride and unity.

Notes By Lawal

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