•How you can live long, happy, healthy
By Christy Anyanwu
Chief Reuben Okundaye, a retired Commissioner of Police, is the husband of Nike Okundaye, the founder of Nike Arts Gallery, Lagos and Abuja.
As you step inside the magnificent gallery, you must notice his presence. He welcomes everyone with a warm smile and also exchanges pleasantries, jokes and relates with each guest in a fatherly manner.
In a few months, he would be celebrating his 90th birthday and you are eager to know what keeps him healthy and strong enough to carry out his daily activities.
In this encounter, he also spoke about success in marriage, policing in Nigeria and lots more.
As you approach 90 years in July, you remain fit, strong, and handsome. What is your secret?
Moderation is key to longevity. It’s crucial to engage in activities in moderation, knowing when to stop. For instance, just because you can handle drinking wine and finishing 20 bottles doesn’t mean you should. Respect your body’s limits; if it’s only a glass you can handle, stick to that. The same principle applies to other indulgences like beer or any other habit.
If you tend towards promiscuity, it’s essential to minimise it. Having multiple girlfriends while neglecting a committed relationship wastes both energy and potential. While I acknowledge the practice of polygamy, it’s important to assess one’s capacity and circumstances honestly. Don’t succumb to peer pressure or societal norms blindly. Comparing oneself to others often leads to trouble; each person’s journey is
It’s crucial to have clarity about one’s own goals and desires in life. Sadly, many people lack this clarity, which can lead to a sense of aimlessness and dissatisfaction. Instead of comparing, focus on defining your own path. Your life is yours alone; embrace it fully and pursue what truly matters to you.
How is the gallery in Texas doing?
The gallery in Texas is relatively small, not particularly large in size. In contrast, the one located in Abuja is quite substantial; it comprises two sizable buildings and occupies a significant amount of land. Specifically, it spans six hectares of land, providing ample space for various activities and exhibits. Notably, its location is opposite the Defence Academy, enhancing its prominence and accessibility.
What lessons have life taught you?
Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed a spectrum of experiences—from the good to the bad, the worse, and the ugly. I’ve encountered moments of disappointment alongside triumphs. Life’s dynamism keeps it intriguing; one day may be sweet, the next bitter. It’s unrealistic to expect constant sweetness; adversity is inevitable and reveals our true strength.
Central to my philosophy is the principle of give and take. Hoarding without reciprocation breeds monotony and, ultimately, despair. Balancing giving and receiving is vital; it enriches life’s tapestry and fosters resilience. Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and problem-solving, shaping our journey and character along the way.
What kind of food do you enjoy?
These days, my diet has become quite simple. I find myself eating rice most of the time. It’s become a staple, constituting my lunch almost every day. In the mornings, I opt for oatmeal as my go-to breakfast choice. I’ve consciously cut out sugar from my diet. As an elderly individual, minimising sugar intake is crucial. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to various organ problems, especially as organs weaken with age and struggle to process sugar effectively. This, in turn, can contribute to conditions like diabetes. Hence, reducing sugar intake is imperative for maintaining overall health.
Can you tell us your favourite food?
Occasionally, I used to indulge in poundo yam, but not anymore. The cost has become prohibitive, prompting me to switch to the more affordable option of semo. Additionally, my doctor has advised me to incorporate swallow into my diet. This shift in dietary habits reflects not only economic considerations but also medical advice tailored to my age and health condition. By making these adjustments, I strive to ensure that my diet remains balanced and conducive to my well-being.
I noticed that you are not wearing reading glasses. What happened?
I find it perplexing how my vision has changed over time. In my youth, my sight was severely impaired, but now I can see remarkably well. The transformation is astonishing—I can read with clarity and see distant objects, abilities I lacked before. It leaves me puzzled; I struggle to comprehend the shift in my vision.
Having travelled extensively, do you have a favourite among the countries you’ve visited?
I have a fondness for Singapore; it’s a stunning country. In the past, I frequented it for golf outings, enjoying its beauty and hospitality. Another European destination I admire is Germany; it holds a special allure, particularly the captivating cities I’ve visited. As for America, its appeal varies greatly depending on the location. While some areas resemble the harshness of Ajegunle, others evoke a sense of paradise. I’ve had the privilege of visiting Singapore twice, each time appreciating its charm and attractions.
What is your take in the present situation in Nigeria?
The present situation in Nigeria is dire. Basic commodities like garri and beans have skyrocketed in price, exacerbating the suffering of the populace. There’s even a scarcity of essential food items, posing a threat to food security nationwide. Our leaders must confront these issues head-on.
Security concerns loom large, particularly evidenced by recent events in the North where innocent children were kidnapped by hoodlums and terrorists. This is unacceptable. While leaders may claim to care, their actions often belie their words. They must acknowledge the suffering of the masses and take concrete steps to address it.
Good governance seems elusive when poverty rates remain alarmingly high. Merely paying lip service to poverty alleviation is insufficient. Action is needed to uplift those in need. The gap between the wealthy and the impoverished is staggering, highlighting the urgency of addressing poverty at its root.
I observe numerous protests erupting across the country, often portrayed as politically motivated, but in reality, they reflect the genuine grievances of the common people. As an elderly individual, I keenly feel the impact of rising costs, particularly in healthcare. Medications that were once affordable have seen drastic price increases. For instance, a medicine previously priced at ₦150 now sells for ₦6,000, a staggering jump.
Basic necessities like vitamins, essential for supporting aging bodies, have also become exorbitantly priced. Some vitamins that used to cost ₦3,000 are now priced at ₦20,000. For pensioners like myself, dependent on these medications, affording them has become increasingly challenging. The meagre pension I receive barely covers basic expenses like electricity, let alone medical costs.
The high cost of living is disproportionately affecting pensioners, exacerbating financial strain. It’s a reality that many of us are grappling with daily, struggling to make ends meet in the face of soaring prices. This economic burden underscores the urgent need for meaningful action to alleviate the financial hardship faced by pensioners across the country.
You were Commissioner of Police before you retired. What are your views on state policing?
To be candid, I believe the most effective form of policing is at the state and local government levels. However, my concern regarding implementing this in Nigeria stems from past experiences. Previously, regional and local government policing initiatives were marred by their misuse for political gains. For instance, in the Western Region, Awolowo’s local government police became tools of oppression against political opponents, prompting the military to intervene and scrap the system.
The optimal approach, as I’ve mentioned, entails each local government having its own policing network. Yet, my apprehension lies in the potential for this power to be abused for personal or political agendas. While some advocate localised policing without firsthand knowledge of its historical pitfalls, past instances such as President Shehu Shagari’s Operation “Wet E” reveal how these forces were exploited to exacerbate regional tensions and conflicts.
Considering the choices between local and federal government policing, I lean towards local governance. However, it’s essential to address and rectify the historical abuses and ensure that any future implementation prioritises public welfare and security above all else.
Are they going to use it justifiably without employing it as a tool of oppression against their political opponents? From the current state of affairs in Nigeria, it seems they’ll be tempted to wield it against their rivals, which is highly dangerous. Hence, the best course of action may be to refrain from possessing it altogether, given our past experiences with its hazards. Some may argue that past occurrences don’t necessarily dictate present ones, but considering today’s political landscape and its players, it’s hard to identify anyone who truly embodies nationalism or patriotism. I say this candidly; none of them prioritise national interests. Instead, all these politicians appear to be self-centred, lacking genuine concern for the nation.
In those moments of being a commissioner, did you ever envision that Nigeria would devolve into its current state?
I have worked virtually in the whole country. I worked in Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Benue, and Plateau; at a point in time, I also was sent to Gambia to go and set up the Gambia Police. In 1985 to 1990, I was in the Gambia representing this country.
There was an incident where a Yoruba girl expressed her belief that leadership succession should favour the Yoruba ethnic group, implying that Obasanjo, who is Yoruba, didn’t fit the bill because of alleged non-Yoruba parentage. However, Obasanjo’s roots trace back to the Yoruba ethnicity, as he hails from Owu in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Despite this, the girl insisted that Obasanjo’s father was Igbo and his mother Hausa, despite his Yoruba surname. She remained unconvinced, claiming her father informed her otherwise.
To foster national unity in Nigeria, it’s crucial to adopt a rotational leadership model. This entails each of the six geopolitical zones taking turns in producing the country’s leader. Such a system promotes inclusivity and prevents any single tribe from monopolising power. As someone who doesn’t belong to the major ethnic groups, I advocate a more inclusive approach where every Nigerian feels represented. No individual or tribe should lay sole claim to leadership; instead, it should be a collective endeavour aimed at the nation’s progress and unity.
It’s imperative to ensure inclusivity for all Nigerian tribes, granting them a stake in the country’s affairs. Without this inclusiveness, the nation will persist in its current state. Rulership shouldn’t be a winner-takes-all scenario. If one were to ascend to the presidency, it’s crucial to ensure that leadership positively impacts every citizen’s life.
At your age you and your wife are still very close. What is your advice to young people that want to marry?
As a man, you should feel empowered to express your love for a woman and declare your intention to marry her, just as a woman should feel empowered to do the same for a man. Regardless of cultural or tribal differences, this sentiment should be clear and understandable to parents. It’s unfortunate when a parent adamantly opposes such unions, declaring: “Over my dead body will you marry this person.”
Take, for instance, a man whose father had passed away, leaving only his mother. Despite his mother’s objections to marrying an Igbo woman, he proceeded with the marriage. He chose to prioritise his love and commitment over familial disapproval. Instead of holding the ceremony in Port Harcourt as planned, they opted for a different location. Now, they have three beautiful children, a testament to their love and resilience.
Ultimately, your life and choices are your own. While parental guidance is valuable, the decisions regarding your life, especially matters of the heart, should rest with you. Parents serve as advisers, but it is you who must navigate your path and make the choices that resonate with your heart and values.
During my tenure as the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, I had an assistant who was highly educated, holding a master’s degree. Unknown to me, he was dating someone very, very close to me. Sometime later, the young lady expressed her desire to marry a man she had met. While serving as the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, I received the distressing news from Lagos that this lady’s husband had passed away after three years of marriage. He served as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Mushin Police Station and tragically lost his life during a confrontation with armed robbers.
The incident occurred when he, along with an inspector and another sergeant, responded to a reported armed robbery. They were ambushed on their way, resulting in the loss of all three officers. The marriage to him lasted for almost four years, but they had no children. The situation became so dire to the point that the church advised the young lady to seek her dad’s forgiveness.
After his burial, the lady remarried an Igbo man, with whom she still remains married. Interestingly, she conceived in their first year of marriage, followed by another child after 18 months, suggesting the first union was not meant to be.