Muammar Gaddafi (1942–2011)

Early Life and Rise to Power

- Birth and Background: Born in 1942 near Sirte, Libya, to a Bedouin family, Gaddafi grew up in poverty but excelled academically, studying at the University of Libya before joining the military.  

- 1969 Coup: Inspired by Gamal Abdel Nasser’s Arab nationalism, he led a bloodless coup at 27, overthrowing King Idris I and establishing the Libyan Arab Republic.

Domestic Policies and Governance

(1). The Green Book & Jamahiriya:  

- Authored *The Green Book* (1975), outlining his "Third International Theory," rejecting capitalism and communism in favor of a decentralized "state of the masses" (Jamahiriya).

(2). Social and Economic Reforms:  

- Free Healthcare & Education: Libya achieved high literacy rates (83%) and universal healthcare under his rule.  

- Subsidies: Free electricity, interest-free loans, and housing grants for newlyweds ($50,000) were provided.  

- Oil Wealth Redistribution: Nationalized oil in 1973, funding infrastructure like the Great Man-Made River project.

Foreign Relations and Controversies

- Anti-Western Stance:  

- Expelled U.S./UK military bases (1970) and supported militant groups (IRA, PLO, Black Panthers).  

- Sanctioned for the 1988 Lockerbie bombing (Pan Am Flight 103), though he later admitted responsibility.  

- African Leadership:  

- Championed pan-Africanism, funding the African Union and the RASCOM satellite (reducing communication costs continent-wide).  

- Briefly served as AU chairman (2009) but faced resistance for seeking an extended term.

Downfall and Death

- 2011 Arab Spring Uprising:  

- Protests erupted in Benghazi after Tunisia and Egypt’s revolutions. Gaddafi’s violent crackdown (airstrikes on civilians) triggered NATO intervention.

- Killed by rebels in Sirte on October 20, 2011, ending his 42-year rule.

Legacy

- Mixed Perceptions:  

- Praise: Improved living standards, anti-imperialism, and African unity initiatives.  

- Criticism: Brutal repression, terrorism links, and economic stagnation post-1980s.  

- Posthumous Impact: Libya descended into chaos post-Gaddafi, with ongoing civil strife.

Key Quotes 

- "People who have lived without oil for 5,000 years can live without it again for a few years to attain their rights."  

- "The UN Security Council is no different from al-Qaeda." (2009 UN speech)

The Accomplishments Of Michael Jordan: The Unrivaled GOAT of basketball 🏀

In the pantheon of basketball legends, Michael Jordan stands supreme, often hailed as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). This accolade isn’t merely a product of nostalgia but is firmly rooted in a plethora of achievements and unparalleled skills that have solidified his legacy.

Offensive Mastery

Jordan’s offensive arsenal was vast and lethal. His mid-range game was a thing of beauty, with defenders often left grasping at air as he executed his signature fadeaway jumper. This shot became so iconic that it was virtually indefensible, a testament to his relentless work ethic and precision.

When it came to scoring, Jordan was a juggernaut. He clinched the NBA scoring title a record 10 times, showcasing his consistent dominance on the offensive end. In contrast, LeBron James, another luminary in basketball history, has secured this honor once. Jordan’s ability to score at will, especially during critical moments, set him apart from his peers.

Defensive Tenacity

Defense wins championships, and Jordan epitomized this adage. His defensive accolades are a testament to his commitment on both ends of the floor:

■ 3× NBA Steals Leader: Jordan’s quick hands and impeccable anticipation led him to top the steals chart three times, a feat LeBron has yet to achieve.

■ 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team: His peers and coaches recognized his defensive prowess, earning him nine first-team selections compared to LeBron’s six.

■ 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year: In a league brimming with defensive stalwarts, Jordan’s all-around impact was acknowledged with this prestigious award, an honor that has eluded LeBron.

Clutch Performances and Championships

In the crucible of high-stakes moments, Jordan’s performance was nothing short of legendary. He maintained a 50% field goal percentage in the final two minutes of games with the outcome on the line, underscoring his clutch gene. LeBron, while a formidable player, has a 20% shooting percentage in similar situations.

Jordan’s championship pedigree is impeccable:

■ 6× NBA Champion: Leading the Chicago Bulls to two separate three-peats (1991–1993 and 1996–1998), Jordan’s finals record remains unblemished.

■ 6× NBA Finals MVP: Dominating when it mattered most, he was the unanimous choice for Finals MVP in each of his championship runs.

■ 2× Three-Peat Champion: Conquering the league not once, but twice, he led his team to back-to-back-to-back titles on two separate occasions—an achievement reserved for the all-time greats.

Era of Physicality

Jordan’s career flourished during a time when the NBA was renowned for its physical defense. The infamous “Jordan Rules” employed by the Detroit Pistons were designed specifically to thwart him, yet he consistently rose above such tactics. Hand-checking was prevalent, allowing defenders more physical contact, making offensive exploits more challenging than in today’s game, where stricter rules have curtailed defensive physicality.

Consistency and Durability

From 1990 onwards, Jordan’s teams exhibited remarkable resilience, never losing three consecutive games over a span of 626 games. This consistency is a testament to his leadership and the high standards he set for himself and his teammates.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

While LeBron James boasts a longer career, partly due to entering the NBA straight from high school, certain metrics highlight Jordan’s efficiency:

■ Points Scored: Jordan amassed 28,412 points in 11 seasons with the Bulls before his first retirement, averaging approximately 2,583 points per season. LeBron, across 21 seasons, reached 41,600 points, averaging about 1,980 points per season. In season 22, this average has dropped.

■ High-Scoring Games: Jordan has 19 of the top 100 single-game scoring performances in NBA history, showcasing his explosive scoring ability.

Intangibles and Legacy

Beyond statistics, Jordan’s competitive spirit was unparalleled. He often took on the challenge of guarding the opponent’s best player, showcasing his versatility and commitment. His desire to compete against the best at their peak speaks volumes about his mentality. Notably, the Chicago Bulls had never clinched an NBA Championship before Jordan’s arrival. Under his leadership, they transformed into a dynasty. In contrast, LeBron joined the Miami Heat, a team that had previously tasted championship success.

The Greatness of LeBron James

NBA fans who consider Michael Jordan the GOAT don’t deny that LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game. LeBron James, often dubbed The King, is a basketball marvel whose versatility and longevity have redefined greatness. Standing at 6’9” and 250 pounds, LeBron has dominated every position on the court, blending power, finesse, and an elite basketball IQ. Over 21 seasons, he’s become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a 4× NBA champion, 4× MVP, 3x Olympic champion, and a 20× All-Star. His court vision and playmaking earned him an assists title, while his defensive prowess secured 6 All-Defensive Team selections. From his explosive high school debut in Akron to leading the Lakers at 40, LeBron’s relentless excellence has made him a living legend, evolving the game with each breathtaking dunk, pinpoint pass, and clutch performance.🏀

Conclusion

While debates about the GOAT will persist, Michael Jordan’s blend of offensive brilliance, defensive mastery, clutch performances, and indomitable will to win make a compelling case for his position at the pinnacle of basketball greatness. His legacy is not just etched in records but is also immortalized in the hearts of fans and the annals of NBA history.

#Africa #BlackHistory #World

Lieutenant-Colonel Victor Adebukunola Banjo

Lieutenant-Colonel Victor Adebukunola Banjo, the first Nigerian Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps of the Nigerian Army, joined the Army in 1953 as Warrant Officer 52 and was the 16th Nigerian to be commissioned an officer.

Banjo was killed by a firing squad of Biafran soldiers acting on Biafra's Head-of-State Chukwuemeka Ojukwu's orders on September 22, 1967. He was alleged to have staged a coup plot against Ojukwu. It took a second military tribunal judge to sentence Banjo, because Ojukwu's first military judge stated that there was not enough evidence to convict Victor Banjo of coup charges.

As he was being hit, Banjo yelled and screamed, "I'm not dead yet!" with four more shots fired to ensure his death.

He left behind his Sierra Leonean wife, Taiwo and four children. He was 37.

His sister, 98-year-old Felicia Adetowun Ogunsheye, is Nigeria's first female professor and consequently the first female professor of Library and Information Science in Nigeria.

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HISTORY OF GWANDARA A ABORIGINAL OF HAUSA LAND

A peep into the history of the Gwandara – an ethnic group spread across northern states in Nigeria, but majorly found in Nasarawa and the FCT, reveals that they are descendants of the aboriginal Hausa tribe.

The Gwandara are believed to be the descendants of Barbushe a Chief priest of Hausa people and one of the earliest inhabitants of Kano before the Bagauda descendants arrived Kano.

According to a Gwandara youth, “The group now referred to as Gwandara were idol worshippers, alongside their kith and kin – the Hausas.  The Bori cult worshipped the spirits of Tsumburbura on top of the Dala hills in Kano. It was an annual festival that comes before the rains, involving dancing around the Dala hills for seven days.

“According to historical records, during the reign of  Ali yaji Ɗan tsamiya  Islam was introduced into the courts of Kano and he destroyed the Tsunburbura shrine. And during the reign of King Muhammadu Rumfa the great, he determined to root out all pagan practices, came into conflict with one of Hausa traditionalist Karshi, who did not accept Islam, but preferred the religion of his forefathers which was the worship of Tsumburbura.

“He migrated from Kano in the year 1476, as a result of their refusal to embrace Islam, and rather stuck with their old system of worship which included dancing. They were therefore referred to as “Gwanda-Rawa da Sallah” which means “Those who prefer dancing to prayers” thus shortened to Gwandara. This became the name of the ethnic group,” he said.

According to S. O. Ayih (2003,2012 and 2013) who wrote extensively on the history of Gwandara, there were over 100 Gwandara towns and villages in Nigeria and they cut across Nasarawa, Kaduna, Niger, FCT, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba and Benue states.

According to Barr M. T. Alakayi, a commissioner at the Federal Character Commission, “In Plateau State, the Gwandara are referred to as Abakwa Riga. They are in Kanke Local Government Area, believed to have settled earlier than other ethnic groups.

He added that the language of the Gwandara people is reminiscent of their Hausa origin.

“It is uniquely another variance of Hausa, influenced by time and the environment they settled. It is particularly a non-Arabic influenced Hausa, Gwandara words such as Koshiya, Sakata, Adaka, Burgami, Giwa and so on, buttress this Hausa root,” he added.

But Gwandara have also borrowed from the cultures of their neighbours.

The Gwandara political system is similar to the early Hausa-City states. Each settlement has a leader either called Sarki, Sangari, Whurki or Seleki, with hierarchical structure made up of title holders.

The Gwandara engaged in farming, hunting, dyeing, blacksmithing and weaving but western education and technological advancement have seen many abandon these professions.

However, to preserve their culture, Gwandara Development Educational and Cultural Association (GWADECA) sprung up from Gwandara Youth Club (GYC) which was formed in Kaduna in 1970.

The founding fathers were late Alh. Muhammad Danladi Yakubu, a former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Alh Usman Sabo Ago, among others.

Gwandara is a West Chadic language as earlier stated from our previous articles written by Sani Musa Sarkinpada as referenced Dr. Sylvester O. Ayih, and the closet relative of Hausa. Its several dialects are spoken in Northern Nigeria, predominantly in the North Central Region of Nigeria with over million people. Gwandara are situated among areas like; Nasarawa State, Federal Capital Territory – Abuja, Niger State, Kaduna and more also in areas like communities across the northern part of Nigeria such as Kano (founding state), Taraba state, Kwara state, Kogi State, Plateau State and Katsina state. The former governor of Nasarawa state Umaru Tanko Al-Makura popularly known as Ta’al is the first Gwandara person to become a governor in Nigeria after the era of Alh. Muhammadu Danladi Gwandara (He was sworn in as Deputy Governor of plateau state to: Solomon D. Lar on October 1st, 1979).

History will not vindicate us if we fail to mention here that Karshi is the 1st recognized Gwandara town by Government in Nigeria as well as the first Gwandara town to receive the highest tradition status of 1st class Emir. This great honor will forever remain a reference point for us and generations yet unborn.

Muhammadu Sani Bako III (born April 22, 1972) is a prominent member of Gwandara people and a first-class Emir of New Karshi in Nasarawa. He was a career federal civil servant. He is a senior member of Nasarawa State Council of Traditional Rulers, and chairs the Governing Council of Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy,  PhD in Political Economy and Development Studies from the University of Abuja. He was the Magajin Garin Karshi.

Majority of GWANDARA people nowadays are Muslims just like their kin tribe Hausa.

Source: Rabee'u Garba Ruwan Godia

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