Quarter Past 65 Honors Senior Voices with Compendium Launch, Pushes Policy Advocacy In Abuja
The Quarter Past 65 (QP65) podcast, a pioneering platform centered on dialogue and dignity for older Nigerians, celebrated its first anniversary in Abuja. The event culminated in the launch of a specially commissioned Compendium, a curated anthology of its most powerful episodes, stories, and reflections from the past year.
Abuja, Nigeria. August 7 2025
By Melody-Esther Soyemi
The Quarter Past 65 (QP65) podcast, a pioneering platform centered on dialogue and dignity for older Nigerians, celebrated its first anniversary in Abuja. The event culminated in the launch of a specially commissioned Compendium, a curated anthology of its most powerful episodes, stories, and reflections from the past year.
Since its debut a year ago, QP65 has distinguished itself as more than a media outlet, it is a growing movement for inclusion. Hosted by Dr. Stella Ayamara Dorgu, the podcast has used empathetic storytelling in spotlighting the lived experiences of elderly Nigerians, navigating themes like meaning, resilience, socioeconomic challenges, and intergenerational relationships.
The QP65 Compendium titled “Echoes of Wisdom” was unveiled during the ceremony. A 135-pager described as an “archival collection of voices, lessons and legacies". It cements the QP65 vision, bringing together audio memoirs, expert discussions, and oral histories into a tangible resource for public education, advocacy, and cultural preservation.
At the heart of the celebration was a keynote from Dr. Emem Omokaro, former Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC). She framed the milestone as a clarion call for policy reform and implementation.
“Only about 4% of older persons in Nigeria have access to formal pension coverage,” Dr. Omokaro reported, spotlighting a significant policy gap. She recalled Nigeria’s low ranking on the Global AgeWatch Index—85th out of 90 in 2013 and into the 86th position out of 95 by 2015 highlighting the urgency of eldercare reforms. She lauded the National Senior Citizens Centre Act (2017) and the National Policy on Ageing (2021) for establishing a legal foundation:
“For the first time, we have a legal framework recognizing older Nigerians as citizens with rights to be heard, included in budgeting, and to benefit from national development.”
Dr. Omokaro called on state governments to accelerate the domestication of these reforms: “States should develop their own policies… This is how the impact will be felt in rural areas.” These remarks are part of an evolving agenda NSCC-led initiatives have supplied assistive devices and medical outreach to 500 elders in Akwa Ibom State, while some states have already domesticated the Act at the subnational level.
The event doubled as the 76th birthday celebration for QP65’s founder and host, Dr. Stella Dorgu, who reflected on the past year with conviction:
“Quarter Past 65 today is not just a podcast, but a movement. It’s rooted in dignity, in dialogue, and the belief that every elder's story bridges yesterday’s wisdom and tomorrow’s choices.”
Her words framed the Compendium not merely as an archive, but as a tool for civic empowerment and cultural continuity.
The celebration drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries and national figures, including Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Barr. Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, OON, MMI, and H.E. Dame Pauline Tallen, among others who served as Guests of Honor delivering goodwill messages, HRM Hon. Justice (Dr.) F.F. Tabai, CON, JSC (rtd), Pere Esuku I, Royal Father of the Day, alongside Her Royal Highness Queen Ethel Diete-Spiff and Queen Zaynab Obanor, Royal Dr. Emem Omokaro, former NSCC Director-General and keynote speaker; and panelists Dr. Bayo Ayodele, Mr. Peter Igbo, Mrs. Florence Nwachukwu, and Godwin Mazi Abumisi, who led discussions on “Aging in Nigeria.”
The event brought together a cross-section of attendees: policymakers, civil society champions, media actors, and the elderly themselves - who were drawn from two senior citizens homes in the FCT. It blended solemn gratitude with a shared resolve to move beyond content into action.
Several awards were presented to individuals who champion the cause of senior citizens in Nigeria. Among them, was the Echoes of Wisdom Award, posthumously presented to the family of the late veteran broadcaster Dr. Tom Adaba.
Media observers and civil rights groups continue to recognize QP65 as a promising model for advocacy. As Nigeria’s demographic evolves, the lessons of QP65 point to the power of storytelling as a mechanism for policy transformation and collective empathy.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Dorgu announced key initiatives for QP65’s second year, the initiative will include regional listening sessions to bring elder narratives into communities, collaborations with educational institutions for curriculum integration, and policy dialogues to bridge elders’ realities with decision-makers.
“Our elders are living libraries,” Dr. Dorgu concluded. “It is our duty to listen and to let their wisdom shape our nation’s path forward.”
Quarter Past 65 is a podcast initiative with a heart for advocacy. Powered by the Ayamara Foundation, it uplifts older Nigerians through narrative media, story archiving, and bridging generational dialogue bolstering empathy, policy accountability, and inclusive nation-building.
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An Evening of Honor: Remembering Dr. Aaze Tom Adaba in Houston
On August 17, 2025, family, friends, and admirers gathered in Houston, Texas, for An Evening of Honor, a moving tribute to the life and legacy of Ohi Dr. Aaze Thomas Adaba, a Nigerian veteran broadcaster who passed away on the 22nd of February 2025. Among those who spearheaded the commemoration was his son Mr. Onimisi Adaba, a media practitioner, and a member of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation Board. In a reflective interview, he shared the significance of the event, its highlights, and the enduring impact of the man whose life was being celebrated.
By Melody-Esther Soyemi
Photos by Ken Eke @kenin3dx
Mr. Austin Oniwon of the Oniwon Foundation, pays glowing tributes to the late Dr. Tom Adaba.
On August 17, 2025, family, friends, and admirers gathered in Houston, Texas, for An Evening of Honor, a moving tribute to the life and legacy of Ohi Dr. Aaze Thomas Adaba, a Nigerian veteran broadcaster who passed away on the 22nd of February 2025. Among those who spearheaded the commemoration was his son Mr. Onimisi Adaba, a media practitioner, and a member of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation Board. In a reflective interview, he shared the significance of the event, its highlights, and the enduring impact of the man whose life was being celebrated.
Honoring a Life Well Lived
Speaking on the purpose of the gathering, Mr. Onimisi explained that the evening was about much more than remembrance. “It was an evening to introduce my friends here in Houston to the man I would have loved for them to meet, and they would have loved to meet,” he said. “Since many of us could not attend the funeral, it was of importance to have something in his honor.” For him, the event was both personal and communal, a way of bridging distances and ensuring that Dr. Adaba’s values and story were shared across borders.
Storytelling Through Memories and Media
Unlike the traditional service of songs, the evening was video-driven. Carefully produced clips showcased different moments from Dr. Adaba’s life: the night of tributes, funeral, thanksgiving service, and personal tributes. Friends and family also shared heartfelt stories.
“Life is all about stories and how we tell those stories really matters,” Mr Onimisi reflected. Guests like Mr. Austin Oniwon, a long-standing family friend, as well as Mr. Michael Ozigi, Mrs. Mariam Yusuf, and Mrs. Josephine Odessa Idowu, all brought unique perspectives. Mrs. Margaret Adaba Soyemi, Dr. Adaba’s eldest daughter, also came all the way from Nigeria and was part of the event, adding her own presence and memories to the evening. Each tribute revealed another layer of the man described as a mentor, disciplinarian, friend, and humble leader. One attendee described the program as “something entirely different, something I have never experienced before and found deeply revealing and relatable.” For many, it felt like an intimate introduction to Dr. Adaba himself.
Building on His Legacy
Mr. Onimisi Adaba, Son of Dr. Tom Adaba speaks at the event
Mr Onimisi also spoke about the work of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation, which is focused on education, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation. He revealed that upcoming projects include initiatives for the girl child, mentorship for young men, and revival of the Ebira weaving industry, a traditional craft with international potential but lacking promotion and funding.
Linked to this effort is an agricultural project exploring cotton farming to support textile production, aiming not just to preserve heritage but also to create economic opportunities for local communities.
“Our goal,” Onimisi explained, “is to uphold values and moral standards while empowering young people to be productive and creative. This is how we carry forward what Dr. Adaba stood for.
A Father, Mentor, and Humble Leader
When asked what Dr. Adaba meant to him personally, Mr Onimisi’s voice carried both reverence and gratitude. “He was everything, a simple man who applied himself fully in every role, whether as a father, mentor, or leader. He shaped me in a way nobody else could. Looking back now, I thank God for this man. He did a great job.”
Mr Onimisi also reflected on Dr. Adaba’s writings and character: “His book, “But for God”, just caps it up. The title alone says it all. He was able to rise to the zenith of his career, be who he was, and yet remain down to earth with whoever came his way. Speaking of humility, he was humble. He played that balance quite well.”
Despite his towering achievements, Dr. Adaba’s humility and ability to make each person feel uniquely valued left a lasting impression. “He wasn’t a saint,” he admitted, “but he balanced life well. He had shortcomings, yet he always made everyone feel special.”
A Legacy of Honor
The Houston event was more than a memorial; it was a storytelling evening that connected generations, preserved history, and set the stage for future impact. For those present, it was a chance to meet Dr. Adaba through the voices and memories of those who knew him best.
As Mr Onimisi concluded, “Let me introduce this man to my friends here in Houston who didn’t get the chance to meet him personally.” In doing so, he ensured that Dr. Aaze Tom Adaba’s legacy continues to inspire, teach, and shape lives far beyond his earthly years.
Leave a tribute for Dr. Tom Adaba here.
Photo Highlights
New Book, ‘A Samson In The Wild’, Reveals Rare Insights into Men’s Struggle
‘A Samson In The Wild’ aims to inspire and uplift the faith community and serves as a meaningful gift to Men in the Church from the renowned artiste Bright Andrew Igho, also known as B-Elect.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
A Samson In The Wild: Front Cover Design by Uchenna Ohagwu. Illustrated by Bright Igho. Published by Africa-Related
The book aims to inspire and uplift the faith community and serves as a meaningful gift to Men in the Church from the renowned artiste Bright Andrew Igho, also known as B-Elect.
'A Samson In The Wild' (2nd Edition). Narrated by Onimisi Adaba. Available in audiobook.
'A Samson In The Wild' (2nd Edition) was released posthumously on February 19, 2025 - what would have been the 57th birthday of the multifaceted artiste Bright Andrew Igho, who is better known by his artistic name, B-Elect.
The book delves deeply into years of struggles and ultimately explores the myriad downsides faced by a character named Adrian, who embarks on a tumultuous journey through a wilderness characterized by careless living, all while grappling with his faltering belief in Jesus as his Lord and savior. This tumultuous path ultimately leads him to a final and transformative submission to his true calling.
“B’s message and mission must continue, and I hope this book motivates someone, especially young men, to rethink very important life choices.”
‘A Samson In The Wild’ stands out as a powerful narrative rich in its portrayals, insightful character breakdowns, and intriguing stories that captivate the reader's attention. It serves as the author's profound testimony, guiding readers through emotional highs and devastating lows, which ultimately pave the way to redemption. Amidst the themes of defeat, shame, and weakness associated with the experience of ‘backsliding’, hope and optimism remain steadfast and ever-present constants throughout the journey.
“We revived the manuscript two years after his passing, and I made it my personal assignment to bring the book to life,” his widow, Mrs. Patricia N. Igho, said with a sense of purpose. “Imagining it on the shelves of bookstores and homes alike, his powerful message passed on to generations unborn, was my unwavering drive.” They were married for seven years before his untimely demise.
The 218-page turner is set in Nigeria and uses a variety of interesting characters and features, such as poetry, Bible verses, and music/poetry lyrics, to tell an engaging and life-changing story. It was first published in Nigeria by Worital Global and also invited collaborations from the author's friends and family. These include Verdant Zeal’s CEO, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, who contributed the foreword, as well as Lagos-based visual artist Uchenna ‘Minista Busta’ Ohagwu, who designed the eye-catching book cover; and author/friend Maurice E. Okereke, who provided insightful commentary on the book. The audiobook was narrated by Onimisi Adaba.
Emeka Ejiofor in Nigeria praised the book, saying, "I just read the book and found it interesting with many lessons. I'll recommend it to anyone struggling with moral issues, as it clearly shows the physical and spiritual consequences of those actions.”
B-The Artiste
The Author Bright Andrew Igho a.k.a B-Elect (Photo by Uchenna Ohagwu)
Early ‘Naija Hip Hop’ heads will forever remember ‘B’ as a foundational father of the Hip Hop genre in Nigeria, with the group “Thorobreds”and their award-winning debut track “Street Hop”. The six-pack comprise Elajoe, Tobechukwu ‘Ilbliss’ Ejiofor, Obiora ‘Obiwon’ Nwokolobiagu, Amaka 'Da Chief Rocka’ Nwosu, Bright ‘B-Elect’ Igho and Ikenna ‘MGB’ Ezenriyoha.
His previous materials include “Beats Rhymes and Theology” (2006) and the ground-breaking album "Hard Listeners” (2011).
In seeming preparedness for his eternal departure, Igho delivers a complete package with the thoughtful completion of this book in 2016. That same year, he made a return to the music scene with a fresh, new sound and concept EP titled “The Gospel Truf" (2016), which he described as "a surreal, sporadic, elect-trical flow on sparse piano chords and boombap traditional drums." The material was inspired by profound Biblical insights, his rededication to faith, and served as a prelude to this book, ‘A Samson In the Wild’.
The captivating cover art features characters from the book - two pieces of striking visual paintings taken from the author’s art collection that beautifully accompany the written work.
The 2nd edition of ‘A Samson In the Wild’ is available online from February 19, 2025, in ebook, audiobook and paperback versions. New York production house Africa-Related is tagged to produce a screen adaptation of the book in 2026.
About the Author
Bright Andrew Igho a.k.a B-Elect (February 19, 1968 - June 8, 2019) left a significant impact on the Nigerian art and music scene through his multifaceted talents as a prolific writer, poet, rap enthusiast and visual artist. He attained critical success with his unique writing style and thought-provoking lyrics. His previous materials include “Beats Rhymes and Theology” (2006) and the ground-breaking album "Hard Listeners” (2011). He returned with a fresh new sound and concept EP “The Gospel Truf" (2016). His first published book, ‘A Samson In The Wild’, was released posthumously on June 12, 2024. His legacy and influence continue to be felt in global creative space, through his work and wife Mrs. Patricia Ndidi Igho.
About the Publisher
Africa-Related Inc., is the 2nd edition publisher, and is a dynamic media content production house that operates in both Nigeria and the United States. The production house is dedicated to sharing and highlighting stories from an authentic African perspective. Africa-Related consistently delivers on excellence at every stage of the process, from concept to final distribution. Author Contact
Photos: B-Elect Legacy
MESSENGERS
Learn more about B-Elect featured in Season 4 of the TV series MESSENGERS. Coming in Q2 2025. Subscribe to @africarelatedinc for notifications.
Oyiza Adaba Visits The Museum of Broken Relationships
"Brokenships", as it’s popularly called, is a reflection of Croatia's tenacity to overcome its dark history of war and conflict. The beauty of this peaceful country lies in its ability to confront its past, in order to move forward. It is no wonder that the country houses 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 15 intangible cultural heritage items. Art in itself, is healing.
by oyiza adaba
The Museum of BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS
Zagreb, Croatia
“The Museum of Broken Relationships encourages discussion and reflection not only on the fragility of human relationships but also on the political, social, and cultural circumstances surrounding the stories being told. The museum respects the audience’s capacity for understanding wider historical, social issues inherent to different cultures and identities and provides a catharsis for donors on a more personal level.”
With a few hours to my flight, of all Croatia's 222 museums, I chose to visit The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb's city center. I was curious, and thought it interesting to encounter first hand, how people confronted their past relationships. The museum was founded by two individuals, an artist/film producer, and a sculptor, who survived a breakup. Three years after joking about how to store their personal items, their maturity and innovation led to the museum's first public showing in 2006.
Since then, it has enjoyed an extensive travel history as a global traveling exhibition to nearly 60 locations from South Africa to North Macedonia. The museum's popularity with fans and tourists is its unique relatable subject matter, and main concept of personal objects from failed relationships. It is something, to which most living beings can relate.
"Brokenships", as it’s popularly called, is a reflection of Croatia's tenacity to overcome its dark history of war and conflict. The beauty of this peaceful country lies in its ability to confront its past, in order to move forward. It is no wonder that the country houses 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 15 intangible cultural heritage items. Art in itself, is healing.
Croatia is a country of 3.9 million people that sits in the Balkans surrounded by Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Italy. Beyond its war history, Croatia's historical significance includes Neanderthal fossils and many significant cultural sites.
According to the Croatia Tourism Board, Tourism accounts for up to 20% of the country’s GDP, providing a rich cultural scene, with professional and amateur theaters, orchestras, and cinemas. Croatia operates as a republic with a parliamentary system, and is a member of the EU, Schengen area, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
The 2011 KENNETH HUDSON AWARD, presented by The EUROPEAN MUSEUM FORUM (EMF) goes to… "a museum, person, project or group of people who have demonstrated the most unusual, daring and, perhaps, controversial achievement that challenges common perceptions of the role of museums in society", rating the "importance of public quality and innovation as fundamental elements of a successful museum". (Photo by Africa-Related. Source: Wikipedia).
Photos by Africa-Related
