His name is Anofi Elegushi, he’s currently the Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Lagos State. Ever since his appointment as a commissioner, this humble gentleman has handled the job with passion and mission. Unlike other government officials who are difficult to find in the office, for Anofi Elegushi, that’s not his style. He’s a kind of politician and public official that you would see in office everytime. He’s very accessible. Whether Christian or Muslim, he’s always available to listen, attend and solve individual’s problem to the best of his knowledge and ability.
This year, he anchored his first Haj operations as a Commissioner. Many had believed that he would run into trouble because of the complexity of the Haj operations. The belief was compounded before the airlifting here in Nigeria, when it was obvious that there were bone of contentions between members of the Lagos State Pilgrims Board and the Secretary of the board.
However, this intelligent, bold and brilliant Commissioner used his wisdom and intelligence to effectively resolve the tension and bickerings among the board members, secretary, board staff and the pilgrims. All the problems were resolved amicably before the airlifting in Nigeria and also in Saudi Arabia.
Nobody believe they would run a successful Haj as it turned out to be. It was for this reason that the publisher of Oriwu Sun, Chief Monzor Olowosago, and his reporter, Ramson Acheme, went all the way to track down Anofi Elegushi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Muslim Affairs, Alhaji Jebe Ahmad, at the Lagos House of Assembly Complex where they had gone to see the Speaker and for more than one hour, he granted us this exclusive interview, particularly on his experience and challenges regarding the first Haj operations under his supervision as a commissioner.
Enjoy it.
Q: The last Hajj was your first as a commissioner, in spite the unusual challenges faced during the Hajj trip, you led your team into having a successful trip, how did you make it through?
A: I thank God, all glory to Almighty Allah. It wasn’t by my strength nor wisdom. I thank God for given me the strength to confront all the challenges involved. Though, I’ve been to Hajj before, this was my first as a commissioner in charge of organising the pilgrimage. It was challenging in some ways due to the higher number of people who applied for it this year.
There were more than three thousand registered pilgrims with the state government. The challenges started from the number of slots released to us by NAHCON, we were given one thousand five hundred and sixty two slots (1562) as against the more than three thousand registered pilgrims who had already paid.
This was way less than what we already planned for. So, we began pleading with them to give room for more applicants. In fact, I must use this opportunity to thank the governor who gave us maximum support; morally and financially, in the process.
The governor played a very strong role in the process and we can’t forget the role the deputy governor played too. I must say that the deputy governor is a father figure to us and we sincerely thank him. I see Hajj as a four point agenda: airlifting, the processing, registration and screening. The core responsibility is airlift and we were able to airlift as at when due, and were able to airlift about one thousand six hundred and sixty two pilgrims to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Accommodation is another important pillar of Hajj, we had a successful accommodation arrangement for our people, it was a huge success. In the area of feeding, we also made efforts.
Q: It was said that the feeding was poor, what happened?
A: The feeding was not under our direct control, NAHCON controls the feeding. I think the mistake they normally make, especially with the feeding, is that they make it general. The food given to a northerner may not be suitable for a southerner. I think they should decentralize the feeding system. This time around, let every state controls its caterer.
Also, because we were not in charge in Muna, our people complained about the food served, but when we were in control of our own food in Makkah, we gave our people what they wanted. Many of our people who brought personal food items from Nigeria ended up giving the foods to Nigeria students over there because they had no use for the food. After we adequately cared for them, they were okay. Of course, we thank our sponsors and all those who gave us support.
Q: What was your experience in Arafat?
A: It wasn’t so good, because most of what we experienced there were not what we were told before getting there. There is no improvement at all. Musdalifah is an open ground and there was no comfort there, however, their transport system was very good. Now, they had a good transport system compared to years back when they had small busses. They have large luxury busses.
My experience shuttling Muna and Arafat during the 2001 Haj was tedious, but this time, things were smooth in terms of transportation.
Q: A lot of people complained about the BTA, what really happened?
A: The BTA (Basic Travelling Allowance) issue was a mild misunderstanding. NAHCON announced that their BTA would be refunded to the pilgrims, and they were elated because they were not expecting any refund.
The euphoria faded after there was an issue regarding the release of the funds on time after the bank over there announced that their passports would be stamped in the back before they can receive the refund. While they looked forward to collecting the BTA on the spot, they couldn’t access the money because NAHCON entered agreement with the CBN late and the official procedure delayed the payment process.
While the pilgrims were leaving without their money, I had to sign an indemnity with the bank and collected passports from the pilgrims to be signed on their behalf for the refund.
I got through the process and returned their passports to them and subsequently everyone received a refund of eight hundred dollars ($800).
Q: What actually happened regarding the slots?
A: The issue of slots was so challenging. Initially, we were given a quota and we had planned based on that, only for them to reverse the arrangement by reducing the slots allocated to us earlier on.
After all our efforts, no additional slots were given, after we had banked on the previous arrangement and our people were already looking forward to their trips. It became challenging for us because some of our people were at that time, sleeping at the mosque in the secretariat while some slept under the tree in front of our administrative block, we had to find means to comfort them and reassure them that things would be fine. In the end, we assured them that those who leave their money would be the first priority in the next Hajj while we equally apologized to those who wanted refund.
Q: How about the situation with our people in Makkah?
A: In Makkah, the challenge in that regard was closely handled. I lived amongst our people; they had access to my room. Anyone of them would badge into my room with complaints and I would address the issues. I decided to stay very close to them after realising that misinformation is usually the cause of row among the people, hence, I stayed close to them to address every issue on time.
Q: It was said that there was a rift between your board members and the secretary. Is that true?
A: These things are bound to happen, people working together are bound to argue and disagree amongst themselves. However, they will resolve every issue and forge on. Yes, there were rancor and argument among the board members and secretary, Kosoko, but we were able to manage the situation. They settled their differences and we got the job done.
If anyone does not tell people, no one would know there was an argument between the team members.
Q: How would you describe the board members?
A: I won’t lie to you, I call them workaholics; they worked hard and round the clock too. They gave me maximum support during the entire process. They really assisted me, including other members in the ministry.
We managed the internal crises and scaled through.
Q: What are your plans to ensure a smooth Haj operations next year?
A: Yes, we are planning on improving on the situation. First of all, we plan on retaining the accommodation we used this year in Mecca.
Though, the price was higher than what other states from our country booked for, it was very comfortable. We are trying to keep the hotel space for our people next time. Again, we need to upgrade some of our facilities like our ambulances; thank God they were all put into use during this year’s Hajj. We really appreciate those who provided the facilities; we will see that they are further developed for the comfort of our people.
Q: People say that you are very humble and respectful, is that part of your home training or a way to impress people?
A: That is what we were thought; that humility is the most important virtue. Humility is the best thing; if you have it, you have everything. All the money amassed in your account is nothing, it is the level of humility you demonstrate to people that matters. (Reporter cuts in)
Q: Some of your colleagues and people of your caliber would feel pompous because of their new status, but you’re not like them, why?
A: Well, we all went through different school of thoughts. My own school of thought made me realise that there is no height humility would not take you to. To be honest with you, I used to have certain level of humility, but when I started working with the governor, that humility increased.
Mr. Governor has a high level of humility. When I saw his humble ways, I asked myself, who am I?
Looking at the humility of Mr. Governor, it increases my level of humility. Mr. Governor is humble to a fault.
Q: What can people do to get on your nerve?
A: Telling lies against me would seriously hurt me. However, one thing about me is that when we have issues, I am weak in that area, immediately the issue is resolved, I will accept it as settled.
I wouldn’t know what the other party thinks, but as for me, that is settled and we move forward, that is me. I believe we are bound to offend one other, yet, we must settle it, that is life.
I don’t think God said we are coming to the world to make friends, He said we would meet enemies, but that if we remember Him in the process, we will find peace.
Increase the number of your friends and reduce the number of your enemies by all means.
Q: What is your favourite food?
A: My favourite food is what you serve me when I am hungry. So long the food solves my hunger at that moment, it is my best food.
I don’t select or choose food except for those foods forbidden by the Quran. Any food approved by the Quran can be served whenever I am hungry. If you give me garri when I am hungry and the garri solves my hunger at that time, then Garri is my best food.
Q: What social club do you belong?
A: Eko Club, Irepodun Club of Eti-Osa.
Q: How do you unwind amidst your busy schedules?
A: Let me tell you the truth, I am not a club goer. Even, the normal entertainment clubs, I don’t’ patronise them. I really don’t go to club. I have lots of work to do.
Q: Are you a ladies man?
A: I can’t say I am a ladies man because I don’t have girlfriends, but I have wives. At the same time, I am a busy person; I still remain the secretary of the Elegushi Royal Family, you can see the many work at hand. Whenever I close from my official duties, I either go home or call by at the palace to sign documents, letters, memos and other things that call for the royal family attention.
Q: What does your typical day looks like; like the time you normally go to bed?
A: Ah! That is when God says it is time for bed. Normally, I don’t go to bed early, if I sleep early, it means I was not feeling well. I am the kind of person people are always around wanting to see for many things.
Due to the many official work, I usually arrange to have meeting with some people late at night for us to discuss.
We may have our discussion as from 12 midnight till 2, a.m. before I sleep.
Q: What time do you rise for work in a day?
A: I don’t have specific time for waking up in the morning. I wake up whenever God wakes me up. One fact about our lives is that no man has the power to wake at a particular time in the morning; we only wake up because God permits us to wake up at that time.
Even when people claim they set alarm, they still over sleep sometimes. If you think alarm wakes people up, go set an alarm beside a dead man and see if the alarm would wake the dead man up.
Q: How would you describe your father. Since I know him in the last 15 years, he has been so humble to a fault and loved by many, what is the secret to that?
A: He is a man to reckon with. I learnt a lot from him. I learnt about give and take from him. Most importantly, I learnt to give from him. There was an incident when I was about 20 year-old or so. He left the house for Mecca and returned three days after, we were shocked to see him back too soon and asked him why.
He narrated how their local flight landed in Kano to pick other pilgrims and the plane was full, leaving one man out. My father asked the man if he had performed Hajj before and he replied no, so my father gave up his seat on the plane for the man, after all, he has been to Haj before and this singular one would not mean his last time. He is a man you can emulate and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Q: Are you already making arrangement for the next set of pilgrims?
A: Yes, we have existing list of those who have paid but missed this year’s Haj, we will make them our next priority. Hopefully, by next year, we would not be selling forms until NAHCON gives us allocation, and we would consider the outstanding pilgrims, first. We want to work according to the available slots. If God says we would conduct the next one, we have all these in place.
Q: What has been your experience since you assumed office as the Commissioner for Home Affairs?
A: I won’t lie to you, I love the ministry for many reasons. The ministry is about the unity of the people; it is about bringing people together. I have got to meet many people in the society. For example, I have had audience with Pastor Enoch Adeboye on four different occasions. Also, I frequently meet with top imams, dignitaries and many influential people over issues of diversity.
Q: There is a rumor that Honourable Jebe Ahmad is too close to you and influences most of your decisions and actions in office. Some even believe that he uses black magic to influence you, what do you have to say about this?
A: (Laughter) I am the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Honourable Jebe is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Muslim Affairs, he is not answerable to me but to the governor. Both of us work for the governor, how can we deliver to the governor if we don’t work in harmony? Why many of them are spreading this false allegation that he is using something to talk to me is because Honourable Jebe is a man who always has ideas and persuasive ways of presenting his ideas. I am a man who listens to brilliant ideas and give good thoughts a chance. If Jebe pitches for brilliant and convincing ideas, I would always listen to him.
Maybe some of them are scared of making their ideas known and they become wary of Honourable Jebe. Alhaji Jebe does not come through the back door; he comes openly with his ideas.
I am very accessible to people and anyone who approaches me with tangible idea would surely get audience. Even in my house, they know that I always give audience to people, no one needs to fill form to see me in the office or at home, if you come and I am around, I will see you.
As long you step into my living room, I will see you. We must give people that voted us into office audience, anytime they come to see us. Again, we represent the governor and we are his eyes to the people, the governor cannot attend to everyone.
We are the one to see all; including those visitors whom time would not permit the governor to see. Reporter cuts in
Q: But some of your colleagues are not that accessible, why?
A: I don’t know about the technocrats, as for me, I am a politician. There is a difference between a politician and technocrats.
Some of these men are only office holders, they are not politicians. The principal guideline for a politician is to increase the number of his or her followers and you cannot increase the number of your followers by avoiding them.
A politician has to be close to his people and provides succor for their needs. I may not give people money in my constituency, yet, whenever they see me, they are happy to relate with me.
That is how it should be.