 A personal ambition with the fate of 200 million Nigerians, Bola'a made tenable declares and tensions to run for president. We'll take a look at the varying ambitions in the build-up to the next general elections. And away from the elections, we did also look, took a look at a possible outbreak of last the fever in Nigeria. How well is Nigerian health system for another health crisis? And as always, we'll be looking through the newspapers and having a review of the biggest stories making headlines across the country. And yes, we say thanks for joining us on the breakfast here on PLOS TV Africa. I am Osaal Ghia, Oghbama. And I am Mesia Boko. It's good to have you join us as always. Absolutely. It's looking like it's going to be a very interesting day with the conversations that we have from politics to health care. Of course, we will be starting a little later with the discussions concerning those who have personal ambitions to be president. And of course, those who have also stepped up, you know, and met with Mr. President to declare that they would like to run for president. We will be talking about that, of course, Bola'a made tenable and the governor of Borneo states, Dave Umahi, and the top two who have made such declarations. We'll be looking across those presence. And of course, other people who might be aspiring to be president of Nigeria in 2023. And aside that we're going to be looking at health care also, as we deal with the pandemic, COVID-19, Nigeria also faces a seeming upsurge in Lassafiva cases. And that also comes up as part of our conversations this morning. But as always, we start with top trending stories. And we're beginning this morning with, of course, condolences to the family of late Chief Ennest Chonekon, who passed on yesterday at the age of 85. If you remember, clearly he was president for just 83 days before being pushed out by General Sani Abacha in November 1993. He took over from, well, after the June 12 elections, we're annulled. And you know, stayed there for just 83 days before being kicked out. I also read the letter that he had written and shared with the Nigerian people when he was about to resign in November 1983. And he basically was stated that he wishes Nigeria goes in the right direction. He didn't seem like he was in the right place at the right time. And you know, with that, he regrets to formally now resign from this position. And of course, you know, everyone at that point knew that it wasn't a resignation that, you know, came from him. But instead, he was seemingly forced out of office by late General Sani Abacha, who eventually passed on in 1998. And, you know, a lot of persons have also described that as, you know, the fact that he was ousted by General Sani Abacha. And, well, I think that after that, it feels like his one head of state, you know, the ninth, as you would want to describe, that hasn't really surfaced, you know, after a while. I haven't really seen him getting back just as like his counterparts. I mean, you find Ulusha Gunobasanjur, you know, former president of Nigeria, and amongst others, President Mohammad Buhari, you know, and the likes and, you know, Babangida himself making statements. But he's been quite very, you know, away from the political scene since the ousting in 1993. And I also read, you know, some of the letters that have been sent by president, current president and former president describing, you know, him, his departure, at this time, where the country actually needs him. But I really don't know. A lot of persons have not really agreed with that because, like I said, he's been very low-key. I mean, you probably almost don't want to remember that, you know, there was an NS Shonekan at a time. But, however, it's okay. I think that when we leave, because usually this is a matter of life and death, it just shows that everybody would die eventually. But what would you be remembered for? Absolutely. That's always what we should have at the back of our mind as we leave our lives. Well, I mean, I think it's a, it's an expected political statement from Nigerian leaders. When a person passes, they would always write that statement. It probably is already stored somewhere. They just bring it out and change the names and the dates and say, you know, this person has passed when Nigeria needs him the most, because I've seen this so many times, you know, when Nigeria needs you the most. But I agree with you. And I think that a lot of people should have taken, you know, borrowed a leaf from NS Shonekan. When you are done with being president or head of state, go home and rest. And that's why Nigeria is currently where it is, because people have refused to go home and rest. Retire. Stay with your family, stay with your kids, enjoy, go to the farm, you know, enjoy the benefits of being head of state and the millions and millions of Naira that, you know, that it costs Nigeria to take care of you every year. Take a vacation, relocate, leave the country, you know, because most times we, we find out that being leader, they probably really not have time. I mean, being a president of country is not a joke. So he takes a lot, head of state, whatever, two days, three days. It's a lot of work already. Take a holiday. And because people don't take holidays, they don't allow for fresh ideas, you know, a lot of fresh, you know, innovation. I mean, a lot of orders to come through. And that's why I'm saying, you know, pretty much the same thing. When you're done with being head of state, even if you were head of state in 1922, rest. Go home, stay, well, that was before Nigeria. You know, but the point is, stay away, you know, and let those fresh new heads, the fresh minds take over the country and lead Nigeria forward. The reason, and you know, I've said it earlier, the reason we are where we are today is mostly because we have had persons that have been president before, been heads of state before, been major political bigwigs in the country, refused to let the country move forward. They have held on. And since 1960, we have continued to recycle the same names. These people refuse to accept that they are almost 100 years old. They keep telling them us that they are 76 or they are 71. These persons as old as can be. And we're getting very close to 71, so it feels like we probably might just be aged. Thank you. So some of these persons need to take, you know, borrow, you know, leave from Ennishonekon. And there's a couple of others. I think it was about two weeks ago that I made similar statements. Someone who had passed. I don't remember who it was. I wouldn't remember. You know, that I was saying, you know, I didn't even know this person was still in the political scene because he's been quiet. So please do us your favor when you are done. Don't come back as reformed Democrats. Don't come back as... But do you also think, you know, with experience now, and a lot of people would say that, you know, there's not, there's really nothing that Ennishonekon had actually contributed. I mean, the fact that after that happened, you can't categorically, you know, pinpoint him to any... Well, it was only there for about two days, three days. No, I'm just saying afterwards, maybe he could have contributed, not necessarily being at the forefront, but maybe speak up against all of the ills. But it's the same thing that I'm saying. There's a couple of these people that I've mentioned that I have in mind now that didn't necessarily take over, you know, as president, but their names have continued to contribute to the discussions concerning Nigeria. They've continued to bring back those same archaic military-style, you know, ideas that have kept Nigeria where it is today. And so those are the ones I'm referring to, the ones that eventually became president again, the ones that didn't become president, but their names are still there. I wouldn't call any names, but they know themselves. There are certain people that you can... When you hear the name, you know, but this one is definitely one of those people who was there when Nigeria was in a toddler. And it's still there when Nigeria is, you know, starting to have Pakistan disease at old age. The point is, the point is, when you are president, if you were president 30 years ago, 25 years ago, 28 years ago, and you're done, take a break. Let new fresh minds lead Nigeria. Look at 2023 years elections. We're still having 76 year old, 80 year olds, and the likes, 85 year olds trying to be president. And these are people who have been there for ages. But you also know the arguments, because yesterday, I mean, that was also part of, you know, top trending conversation. And it's a good thing that we're going to be having that conversation this morning, sometime in the course of the show. But you see, because if you want to put on all of that argument, the constitution gives everyone the right. I'm not saying it's legal. No, I'm not saying it's all legal, but I mean, because this is a moral issue now, this is like, you should think about it. You get to a particular age, take a break. It's like your grandpa, grandma, just go on holidays, spend time with the kids, and just rest. That's what everyone expects. Because with the age, I mean, medically it's been said that you grow older, you know, the body system begins to deteriorate and will not be performing at a certain level. So that's the expectation. But if you also want to look at it legally, that would begin to say, you know, fundamentally, it's there, right? Because the constitution has not put up. No, no, that's what I'm saying. That's what I'm saying. Maybe we need to get to a point where we have to amend the constitution and then begin to say, we need to put an age limit and put that stopper. For the fact that if you look at it medically, I mean, without medically, naturally, logically thinking, you will just think that the more you grow older, the energy you begin to lose, the zeal, the zest, you know, to perform. I mean, the physical fitness we're talking about. Well, the person that said that he's tired and he's started walking. Of course, he should be tired. Seven hours a day. It's not a joke. It's not really a joke. I mean, the president, but normally, if the president says he's tired, he probably should have resigned. I'm just saying, if you were tired, if the kitchen is too hot, just take a bow. The moral of this conversation is there's some other angle that I'm going to bring up also. But the moral of the story is everybody should please borrow a leaf from Elishelecone, late Elishelecone. But it can be passive. Can that be passive? Don't be anything. Because I don't remember. I don't remember George Bush's father, you know, and at any point, you know, still trying to influence any elections. We don't have all of that information. No, I'm sure that I don't remember him being in use influencing any elections at this age. No, but you know how they call these persons on the takers, they're the king makers, they're just behind it. Don't be king maker. That's the point that I'm trying to make. Let the Nigerian people move on. Let the Nigerian people be exactly. No, who's making anybody a king maker? They're king makers, and that's why Paul it is the way it is. Oh, of course, we'll move away. I'm more Elishelecone warrior also shared a story on Elishelecone called It May Betrayal, said that he betrayed M.K. or B.O. Land, betrayed Nigeria's quest for democracy in 1993, well, after the annulment of the June 12 elections. Anyway, rest in peace once again to Chief Ennis Srinacone. Let's move over to something more cheerful now. Tunde on Nakoya, his name has become extremely popular in the last few months here in Nigeria, mostly because of a journey that he started a few months ago, maybe even earlier, taking young Nigerians from the slums, you know, and giving them a chance at the better life. He of course became extremely popular on social media when he went to the slums and the, they call it Oshodi on that bridge, and took a couple of young Nigerian teenagers who had no life, no possibility of a future, and took them and set up a chess championship under the bridge in Oshodi, eventually crowned one of them champion of chess. It got very, very popular. Nigerians of course donated to their cause. It's called The Changing Lives Through Chess, and of course he raised millions and millions of Naira, about 10, 12, 15 million, I can't remember, in that period, to support the idea of changing lives through chess, and of course taking some of these young Nigerians that the country seemingly has abandoned, and giving them a chance at a better life. But that's not, you know, why we're talking about him this morning. Besides that, a few days ago, he posted a picture of a young boy that he picked up also on the streets, that's him when he was found, and then took him in to live with him two days now. Started, you know, taking care of this young boy, sending money back home to his family, and also got him registered in school to, you know, start going to school. And so he posted pictures of, you know, when he met him, and where he is today. That's exactly the picture of the young boy going to school. And this got a reaction from one of the world's biggest celebrities, Paris Hilton. She quoted the tweet and, you know, stated that she, you know, read through it, and of course it got her crying. She, of course, went on to encourage people across the world to donate to changing lives through chess. And, of course, Paris Hilton got Tunde Onakaya, beg your pardon, and of course this young boy, worldwide exposure. And so we are celebrating him this morning for the work that he's done. Yeah, he's a, you know, interesting for me is the fact that he's a very young man. I'm quite impressed and, you know, very, um, challenged and inspired by his humanitarian work. Now, in all of this, the letter he wrote to the teacher, because according to him, yesterday was the very first day in school, and he wrote, you know, he sent this open letter to the teacher. I'd like to read it quickly, and he says, dear teacher, it is the first day of the rest of your lives. And I thought to share a few things concerning Odun Ayur and Sunday with you. Teach them that they've got the whole world in their hands, and they have the power to create their own future. Teach them that it's possible to do great things from a small place. Teach them not to be afraid to make mistakes and fail over and over again. Teach them to be curious and question everything. Remember that if they are not learning the things, the way you teach them, then you must teach them in the way you can learn. Help them to develop a love for learning so they can also look forward to the next class. Teach them to be kind, patient, and loving. Teach them about the wonders of books and how they can explore the world. Teach them how to have faith in their own ideas. And remember never to give up on them, because their future might just depend on it. And that's so beautiful. One letter I have actually read over and over again, and it just puts a lot of smile in my face. Can I imagine you teaching a little bit of reading a letter? No, you don't have to be like that. But it depends on the teacher. That's not going to happen. Because I can imagine the stereotype my teacher is reading, like, teach me? Please, please, please, please. No, he's just fantastic. I mean, he's an amazing guy. You're doing a great job and we really appreciate you. Absolutely. And we encourage you and we also ask that, you know, people should support, you know, government and this more. This is, it is not a joke. He also mentioned the fact that, you know, when he went there, he saw not just the boy, he had to even see where the boy lived at the time. He visited and I saw a picture of it. Really, really sad. You cannot believe that people leave there. Oh, I can't. Oh, no. He was like, my man, I'm like, do people really live here? Yeah. Oh, no. It looks like even where you have… People live under the bridge. Oh, no. I mean, the place that he took the chess championships to, that, you know, that's what started all of this before he eventually shared that picture. It was under the bridge, you know, sure. And that's where they live, those boys. I can only imagine, you know, how he feels. I mean, the fulfillment he has and I was, you know, looking at that story and reading everything and the fact that the girl had a sister who is also living with the mom right now and she's also resuming school and that's so much of, you know, work for humanity, respect for human life, very inspirational. And that's why I said, you know, talking about the death of Enes Chonikon, that, you know, while we live our life on earth, we should be remembered for something when we're not alive. So the question would be, what are you doing now that is impacting human life? Absolutely. And of course, once again, you know, the last post that he made showing that young boy was what got him worldwide international exposure after Paris Hilton. I'm going to cry. I quoted, quoted, you know, that tweet and then I encourage other people to support their cause. There's a Gold Fund Me page also that has been opened, our counter has been opened for changing lives through chess. So today we're celebrating Tunde on Akoya. We're also celebrating the Nigerian Super Eagles, which comes up next on our Top Trending Stories, given us a very, very beautiful victory yesterday, not just one Neil Victory against Egypt, but also because they were able to display very confident, very beautiful football. I didn't get to watch the match, you know, but I saw a lot of comments. I saw a lot of, you know, highlights also from the game and a goal scored by Keleche Anachow, eventually gave Nigeria victory yesterday at AFKON in Cameroon. So congratulations to the Super Eagles. I'm sure Wale Scott will have a lot to say about this game yesterday. And of course, express himself, because I remember we had a conversation about Wale Scott and he was talking about how Austin Neguavoine should be the man for the job. So I think, you know, that actually transpired, you know, because you see a lot of people say there's a shift of mental, I mean, mentality, mental play. You could see the mindset that there's a lot of togetherness that were very coordinated and, you know, passionate at the time, even though there's a lot to improve on. But it was really a great performance. Some people had said that this is a performance they haven't seen in a long time, in a very, very long time. And I'm quite impressive, because for me, I would probably bet that, you know, the Egyptians were going to, you know, beat Nigeria, looking at, you know, the play. And of course, Egypt was completely outplayed. I think, I'm sure it was the first or second half, but we had about 15 shots and go compared to about four for Egypt. Yes. And you could also see the fact that there was constant dominance of the midfield, you know, by our very own. And that very one that we're not talking about, because Mo Salah was also another thing that, you know, everybody talked about for, you know, the Egyptian side and the fact that Mo Salah was going to score a goal against Nigeria. And trust me, I could probably put my money on that one. But yesterday, I mean, I'm like, what happened? But we saw the fact that Madukah Koye saved that very goal. You know, the thing that Mo Salah does with his left leg, he did that stuff again. And you could see Madukah, you know, defending that ball with his other leg. And that was quite impressive, you know, a very great performance. Absolutely. And there's a lot to learn. Congratulations to the Super Bowl goes to Austin Aguavoie. And it may, might be too early for me to say that we should send, what's it, no, the other coach, the foreign coach that we got. You'll say? You'll say? Yeah, you know, it might be too early for us to ask, to ask that we, you know, change our minds about that contract and send him, you know, back home. You know, let Austin Aguavoie do the job too early once again. But Wally Scott would have a better analysis on this at Plus Sports, which comes up right after the breakfast. That's all we have a top trending. Stay with us. We're back in just a few seconds with Off the Press. And we've got to share with you our major stories, making headlines across the newspapers this morning. Welcome once again to the breakfast.