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.TRIBUTE: REQUIEM TO REV. JESSE JACKSON 1941–2026:

Published

8 months ago

February 19, 2026

By: A G Abubakar

The news of the passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson struck many followers of civil rights movements with the force reserved for the loss of a familiar friend. Though I never encountered him personally, I came to know him intimately through books, newspapers, and the glossy pages of Ebony and its sister publication Jet—the iconic magazines that carried the heartbeat of Black America far beyond the shores of the United States. Back when we were students in Maiduguri and Zaria, some of us would literally starve ourselves to save money to buy those publications.

As outsiders, two powerful forces shaped our early understanding of African American life. Berry Gordy’s Motown gave us rhythm, cultural pride, and artistic excellence. The label was home to The Temptations, Rare Earth, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson, among others. But the civil rights movement—led by towering figures like Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his protégé, Reverend Jesse Jackson—gave us moral vocabulary and political consciousness.

While Dr. King taught the world that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Jesse Jackson absorbed that moral clarity and transformed it into a lifelong mission. He built on that philosophy to decode the architecture of systemic racism—segregation, voter suppression, and economic exclusion—and laid out a roadmap toward dignity grounded in faith and nonviolent resistance.

Again, as King reminded America that “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” Jackson saw that bending required participation. As he later declared in his presidential campaign, “Our time has come.” It was a rallying cry not just for Black America, but for all marginalized people excluded from the democratic promise to get involved.

Through Jackson, we learned that equality before the law was not automatic; it had to be demanded. He expanded the struggle from Black liberation—as preached by King and others like Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, and Louis Farrakhan—to coalition politics through his now-famous “Rainbow Coalition,” which sought to unite minorities, workers, farmers, and the poor across racial lines. He had earlier established an organization called People United to Save Humanity (PUSH) in 1971, which focused largely on Black communities.

Jackson’s oratorical mastery was legendary. His cadence, his preacher’s rhythm, and his ability to blend scripture with strategy took permanent residence in the heart. His speeches did not merely inform; they mobilized. Who can forget his immortal refrain: “Keep hope alive!” Those three words were not decorative rhetoric; they were survival language, especially in communities battered by poverty and disillusionment. He considered hope a form of resistance. It is a timeless message for all.

My earliest vivid recollection of him was from a television screen during the historic Wattstax Festival in 1972. Draped in traditional Ghanaian kente cloth—called variously Fugu, Batakari, or Banaa—Jackson stood as a bridge between Africa and its diaspora and led the crowd in “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem. Among the great artists who performed were Isaac Hayes (Black Moses), Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Albert King, The Staple Singers, the Bar-Kays, Luther Ingram, and Little Milton. In that moment, Jackson symbolized cultural reclamation—Black pride married to political consciousness. His clenched-fist power salute left a huge impression on us.

Another defining moment was his electrifying speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention. It was more than a campaign address; it was a democratic sermon. In that speech, he made many thought-provoking and profound socio-political declarations that still resonate more than four decades later. He said, “Democracy guarantees opportunity, not success. Democracy guarantees the right to participate, not a license for either majority or minority to dominate.” He added, “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” thus urging citizens to engage actively.

To his party, he said, “This is not a perfect party. We are not a perfect people. Yet, we are called to a perfect mission: our mission to feed the hungry; to clothe the naked; to house the homeless; to teach the illiterate; to provide jobs for the jobless; and to choose the human race over the nuclear race.”

On his political experiences, Jackson asserted, “The campaign has taught me much: that leaders must be tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry, human enough to make mistakes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the pain, and resilient enough to bounce back and keep on moving.” He defined the task of leadership to include “the mitigation of the misery of a nation” and “to lift the boat stuck at the bottom.”

The speech felt like an echo of King’s “I Have a Dream” address two decades earlier. King had proclaimed, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.” Jackson, decades later, was insisting that the dream must be institutionalized—not admired from afar, but implemented through ballots, policies, and coalition-building.

Reverend Jackson was a consequential and transformative leader. His presidential campaigns made viable what once seemed impossible. Before Barack Obama mounted a credible bid for the White House, Jackson had already tested the waters. Before Kamala Harris stood on a national ticket, Jackson had normalized the idea of minority leadership at the highest level. His political courage expanded the imagination of a nation.

He inspired the current generation of congressmen and women—like Hakeem Jeffries, Cory Booker, and Ilhan Omar—to throw their hats into the murky ring of American politics. He paved the way for later-day civil rights activists such as Al Sharpton, and the new generation’s Thandiwe Abdullah, Danielle Coke, and Anya Dillard.

King once cautioned that “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” By that measure, Jesse Jackson stood tall. Whether advocating for sanctions against apartheid South Africa, supporting Palestinian self-determination through nonviolent advocacy, or negotiating the release of hostages in international crises, he positioned himself on the side of equity—even when it was unpopular.

Rev. Jackson was an apostle of nonviolence. He understood, like King, that nonviolence was not weakness but strategic strength. King had insisted, “Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon which cuts without wounding.” Jackson carried that weapon into boardrooms, conventions, and global diplomatic corridors.

Of course, like many public figures who live long and visible lives, Jackson was not without controversy. But history rarely remembers leaders for their imperfections; it remembers them for their impact. And his impact is undeniable.

He was African not only by ancestry but by spiritual alignment. He wore kente cloth not as a costume, but as a declaration. He spoke of justice not as an abstraction, but as an obligation. He lived by his own admonition: “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” This message has empowered generations who had been told to lower their expectations.

As we mourn his passing, we are reminded that movements do not die with men. They evolve through memory and responsibility. The burden now shifts to those who inherited the hope he kept alive.

May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace. And may the present and future generations prove worthy of the dream that Rev. Jackson dared to proclaim—a proclamation shared by past greats like Abernathy, Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, Muhammad Ali, Rosa Parks, James Brown, Colin Powell, Maya Angelou, John Lewis, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., etc., plus millions of Black men and women who lost their lives while being shipped out of Africa more than five centuries ago. Adieu, Reverend Jackson.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.com

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

19 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

20 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”