The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • TETFund funded researchers develop prototypes for hunger, poverty

    TETFund funded researchers develop prototypes for hunger, poverty

    Nigerian researchers have developed four prototype innovations to address hunger, poverty, quality education, responsible consumption and production in the country.

    The prototypes were developed by lecturers from public higher institutions, under the Research for Impact (R4i), an initiative of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in collaboration with Innov8 Hub.

    The lecturers, numbering 18, were selected to participate in the initiative, and were then divided into four teams that developed prototypes of their innovative solutions to challenges in the Nigerian Society.

    Team one, called ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’ designed a smart grain storage, using an approach that prevents pest infestation of stored grains; keeping them safe for consumption while Team 2 called ‘No Poverty,’ designed a Float House named “Gimbaliya,” constructed using low density material that float on water.

    Team 3 ‘Zero Hunger’ developed an Automated Ultrasonic Solar-Powered Sprayer and broad-spectrum bio-pesticides for control of pests in an eco-friendly manner, anchored on SDG 2-Zero Hunger.

    Team 4 ‘Quality Education,’ designed an innovation, ‘E-Access,’ a mobile application that caters for lecturers who develop lecture materials, and students in need of lecture materials.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the two weeks training on Friday in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono encouraged the 18 participants to be change agents when they go back to their various institutions.

    He urged them to make the right contribution and see that education becomes impactful, set personal goals and ignore the noise around them in order to excel in whatever they do.

  • Bola Tinubu era begins

    Bola Tinubu era begins

    More than three decades after he first plunged into politics as a senator, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 71, has finally met his destiny. Perhaps he sensed it early enough that he would be president one day; or perhaps the thought first crossed his mind as a governor. Whatever the real story, and assuming he remembers with certainty when the thought first came to him, he had since then forged ahead undaunted by grief and setbacks, ignoring every provocation and suffering, and enduring all kinds of slander. He takes office tomorrow exuding a heart of steel, tried and tested by time and history, and unencumbered by cabals and all kinds of political hostage takers. But his fortitude and preparation will come under extreme stress tests and scrutiny in the months and years ahead, for he is playing on a different turf now. As a brilliant accountant and administrator, he had meandered through tasks fearsome and cumbersome enough to drain a man’s soul or pulverise an ordinary leader, and had endured punishment and vendetta from opponents and sworn enemies with unusual tenacity and equanimity. And either because of these qualities or because he was born into it, he has also grown to become one of Nigeria’s most controversial but nevertheless sought-after political strategists, a man with an intuitive and unerringly canny capacity for sound choices, a man with a keen sense of smell for unobtrusive agenda unconstrained by age or science.

    Read Also : World, African leaders for Tinubu’s inauguration

    President Tinubu’s fortitude is matched only by his confidence and optimism. As the era bearing his name begins tomorrow, he will reflect on his past battles in order to determine which factors made him overcome. Perhaps those factors could still serve him well in the many bruising battles ahead. Notwithstanding, he is not a stranger to political battles; for his nature and chequered background have imbued him with matchless capacity to confront danger and not flinch. Lagos prepared him well, and after his governorship years, as his vision and ambition took on Pterodactyl wings, he acquired more oomph battling his way through the gauntlet of cantankerous and envious giants of the Southwest, through the hostile and unappeasable All Progressives Congress (APC) intraparty intrigues and wars, and now eventually landing smack in the middle of Aso Villa, Abuja, thereby breaking the mould of leadership succession along the way. He is the first social and management scientist to take office, the first politician since the civil war who was neither a soldier nor sponsored by a military cabal, and the first man to be elected against formidable intraparty and media opposition.

    But neither his preparation, which was unmatched by his opponents in the presidential poll, nor his hardiness, which is yet to be surpassed by any of his political contemporaries, guarantees the success of his administration. His predecessor has left the economy burdened by debts and misdirection, especially with various factions of the cabal running riot with bewildering last-minute schemes and stratagems. And the country itself has never been more divided in every sphere. Even after winning the poll by an undisputed margin, his opponents have sought to delegitimise the victory with audacious lies, sabotage and rebellion encouraged strangely but not unsurprisingly by a few influential south-western leaders, retired military and civilian. President Tinubu is accustomed to swimming against the tide, but he will find this peculiar tide bequeathed his administration daunting and corrosive, and he will be tested like no other Nigerian leader has been, no, not since the civil war ended in 1970. He will rely on his leadership character to make a difference, but he will soon discover that making a success of his administration will require skills subliminally in excess of his famed ability for economic management and political strategy.

    Leaders are unremarkable these days; they come cheap, armed only by their passion to rule, and with no other accoutrement. Most are, however, ignorant of the metaphysics of leadership; they equate or even limit great leadership to physical development. President Tinubu’s governorship of Lagos probably reminds him of both the insubstantiality of power and the intangible essence of leadership that differentiate great leadership from ordinary leadership. He has rarely spoken about this, nor has he so far attempted to explain why he outlasted his Class of 1999 governorship contemporaries. He was perhaps the most outspoken and audacious of them, and was billed for destruction; yet, he survived. And since vacating the governorship mansion, he has hardly put any foot wrong. Indeed, with minor exceptions, and despite betrayal by some of his protégés, not to talk of bitter hatred by his opponents, he has flourished. Nineteenth century German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, pondered this subject and concluded that “The statesman’s task is to hear God’s footsteps marching through history, and to try and catch on to His coattails as He marches past.” It is not clear that as governor, President Tinubu took that lesson to heart or understood its subtle and hugely significant meaning. But, judging from his achievements, he seemed to appreciate the essence of the statement. Now, he must unequivocally treasure it.

    In addition to tackling smouldering divisions and comprehensively rejigging education and health, not to mention restructuring the police and security agencies, he must demonstrate a full grasp of the intangibles of power and leadership. The first few months will be intense; but when he reaches cruising altitude, he must turn his attention to those sublime policies and programmes capable of changing the society in ways that make revisionism difficult. During his tenure, his goal must be that when the curtain is drawn on his presidency, the lives of Nigerians must have been changed in unmistakable and fundamental ways for the better. Beyond laurels from sporting, culinary and other mundane competitions, he must give Nigerians reason to believe in themselves and be proud of their country and identity. He must, therefore, manage and defang the antipathy to his leadership emanating from or two regions. He must also find humour in the constant heckles he will be subjected to, heckles that seek to irritate him and bait his shibboleths. Fortunately for him, the three geopolitical zones of the North favour him and demonstrated it with their votes, while his few but vociferous opponents from the Southwest, who will remain unamenable to reason or logic for the duration of his presidency, have little or no clout. And finally he must sponsor fundamental changes in leadership recruitment nationally and at all levels to preclude, as Lagos discovered to its dismay in the last governorship poll with LP candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, inexperienced, unprepared and starry-eyed individuals from assuming sensitive leadership positions.

    Tomorrow is President Bola Tinubu’s day, the beginning of a new era of a leadership unfettered by menacing powers and the deathly and iniquitous throwback cultures of the ancien regime. He will be his own man. Last Thursday he was bestowed the country’s highest honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR). If he has not already reflected on how far he has come, let him take a few hours before inauguration to ponder his life’s trajectory. It is okay if he lies prostrate on the floor of his bedroom for an hour or two in total submission before God who has helped him stay true to his ideals, who has made him triumph over many enemies, and who has gifted him this day. He played his part by developing himself, making friends, reaching out to his enemies, and showing courage and strength in the face of odds potent enough to break a dozen gifted men at once. But in the end, he must come to the conclusion that God prospered his politics and gave him the throne. He will encounter many highs and lows as he goes along, and some of his friends will desert him, even as he makes new friends. And as he tries to navigate between hostile and hugely competitive global powers, some of those countries implacably far-right, and others populists, he must remember that his country is behind him, regardless of the unmitigated criticisms and animosity from his political or regional opponents.

    In all this, President Tinubu will find solace in the God who has helped him get so far. But that solace is indefinable, unfathomable. It comes only from a place of deep silence, where a president must learn, like other great leaders, to walk in the woods to await direction and instruction from the maker of the universe; woods where, in the words of Chancellor Bismarck, a leader must struggle to hear God’s footsteps and take hold of His coattails as He marches past. The new president’s advisers, if he assembles the right and selfless crowd, will do their best to proffer advice to the limit of their knowledge and ability; but it is God who gives infallible directions. President Tinubu has been tried and tested like no other politician in the past eight years, with venom powerful enough to deflate and ruin him, not to say lure him to respond in kind to his detractors and traducers, hate for hate, and pettiness for pettiness. Instead, he has chosen to allow his victory deliver the message of hope, tolerance and accommodation. It is the ultimate and archetypal revenge. The test he has endured for many years and the lessons he has learnt should ultimately stand him in good stead. In a manner of speaking, he has been weighed and not found wanting. He will be canonised tomorrow as the first Nigerian leader not to be sponsored or foisted upon the country. Indeed, seeing how expansively his vision has defied regional constraints, and ethnicity and religion, he always seemed larger than Lagos and the Southwest. His political reflexes demonstrated this. Now, he must prove worthy of, and large enough for, Nigeria. 

  • Tinubu: I dedicate myself to service of Nigeria, Africa

    Tinubu: I dedicate myself to service of Nigeria, Africa

    • You’re now father of all, Kenyatta tells President-elect
    • Why I chose Christians as my ADC, CSO, by Shettima
    • World leaders gather in Abuja for Nigeria’s 16th president
    • New administration must halt bleeding of economy – Adesina

    Before a distinguished audience of Nigerians and non-Nigerians yesterday, President-elect Bola Tinubu pledged to dedicate himself to the service of the nation and Africa.

    “Today, I stand before you, ready to dedicate my entire being to the service of our great nation and the African continent,” he vowed at a lecture organised as part of the activities marking his inauguration tomorrow.

    Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who delivered the keynote address at the Inauguration lecture, asked Tinubu to waste no time in transiting from the mood of contesting an election to that of readiness to build a prosperous Nigeria for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political tendencies.

    President Muhammadu Buhari vouched for the ability of his successor to deliver on the task Nigerians have placed before him.

    Groups and well-wishers are already rolling out the drums in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in celebration of the Monday inauguration of the nation’s 16th president.

    Tinubu, in his speech at the lecture, restated his commitment to the ideals of democracy as the best form of government.

    Read Also : Tinubu: Subsidy removal, exchange rate regulation may cause initial hardship

    “Democracy is more than a system of governance; it is the very lifeblood that empowers a nation to flourish and thrive,” he said.

    “We stand at the precipice of a new era where the ideals of democracy will guide our path towards sustainable development.”

    Tinubu while embracing his African identity reaffirmed his love for the continent.

    He also recognised the collective efforts of Nigerians and Africans in shaping their democratic political cultures and institutions, tailored to the unique conditions and challenges faced by their societies.

    He articulated the essence of democracy, emphasising that it transcends being a mere form of government. “Democracy, my fellow countrymen, is not only a political system; it is a way of life. It embodies a distinctive code of thought and conduct, demanding the utmost integrity and self-improvement from leaders,” he said.

    Stating the paradoxical nature of democracy, the President-elect noted that while it guarantees freedom, its survival hinges on responsible and measured use of that freedom, adding that democracy, as an ever-evolving concept, empowers the majority to express their will while safeguarding the fundamental interests of the minority.

    “Our democracy is not an abstract ideal; it is a practical vessel that will propel our nation to new heights in every facet of our collective existence,” Tinubu added.

    Drawing insights from Nigeria’s national experience, he acknowledged the merits of democracy even in its imperfect manifestations, stressing that it surpasses the most perfect dictatorship in terms of justice, humanity, and productivity.

    He pledged to utilise democratic institutions not only to safeguard political and civil rights but also to drive comprehensive economic reforms that engender broad-based prosperity, create employment opportunities, and unlock the nation’s untapped potential.

    Speaking on the theme “Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development”, Kenyatta summed up the leadership crisis in Africa, not just Nigeria, using the experience of his time in his country’s governance, to negative ethnicity, religious intolerance and economic greed.

    Kenyatta, who noted that while elections may divide the people, leadership must bring them together, encouraged Tinubu to surround himself with voices that challenge his own, and to reach out to those who may feel aggrieved in order to build a stronger nation together.

    He said that as President, Tinubu must lead and unite all citizens, regardless of whether or not they supported him during the election process, and expressed his hope that Nigeria would emerge from this transition ready to take on the world stage.

    Kenyatta said:  “The contest is now over and the hard work of building a prosperous and unified Nigeria now begins.

    “Upon assuming the office of President, you would be wise to transcend from the tactical politics of an election and assume your role as Nigeria’s vision bearer.

    “This will demand a complete overhaul of the adversarial mindset that we as politicians are conditioned to embrace during the electoral process.

    “As President, you must learn very quickly to lead those who do not love you and those who love you with equal passion and commitment because you are now the father of all.

    “When countries are in election mode, the people and its leaders are more divided than ever, and boxed into their various sectarian and partisan interests.

    “However, when you are the head of state, and you take command of the country’s armed forces, you become the embodiment of the sum total of the many different ethnic groups, religions that make up your country, and you become the symbol of unity. Indeed, you become the face of Nigeria.

    “I encourage you to surround yourself with the voices of those who will counterbalance the hardliners that feel entitled to a piece of your office, you will lose nothing and gain everything by reaching out across the political, ethnic and religious lines.

    “To those who may feel aggrieved by your victory in one way or another, please allow them to exhale and be part of your vision for a greater Nigeria.

    “It is my hope and my prayer that the lessons from across the continent will give you the resolve to walk the difficult path overcoming those three enemies.

    “I started by mentioning the three enemies of nationhood: negative ethnicity, religious discrimination and corruption.

    “As your fellow African, I look forward to a Nigeria that emerges from this transition, ready to flex and fight for its rightful place on the global stage with both hands at the ready.”

    Buhari re-echoes confidence in Tinubu’s leadership capacity

    Buhari said he had no doubts that Tinubu has the capacity to deliver on the task Nigerians have placed before him.

    He said the key lessons of the Inauguration Lecture had revealed new things about democracy, which he said is not just a form of governance but a way of life.

    He said the lessons already learned, which he said were introspective, had also taught that the growth and greatness of the country will rest on unity and every Nigerian seeing his responsibility and being ready to play his part in the project.

    “Today we have embarked on a journey of introspection, enlightenment, and collective growth. We have delved deep into the theme of deepening democracy for development and explored the lessons that will guide us as we transition to a new era.

    “Throughout this lecture, we have recognised the challenges and divisions that have tested the very fabric of our nation. We have confronted the harsh realities of inequality, the persistence of corruption and the imperative to empower all citizens.

    “But more importantly, we have unearthed the transformative power of democracy and the immense potential it holds for our great nation.

    “The underlying philosophy of this lecture has been rooted in the belief that our nation’s progress rests on the place of unity, inclusivity and shared responsibility. We have acknowledged that the task of nation-building is a collective one, transcending political affiliations and personal interests.

    “It is a commitment to live in one Nigeria, ensuring that every citizen feels the positive impact of good governance and enjoys the dividends of democracy.

    “The lessons we have learned here are not mere intellectual exercise but with a call to action.

    “As I prepare to hand over the reins of governance to the President-elect on the 29th of May, I feel a renewed sense of hope hinged on the capacity of my successor, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to deliver on the assignment given to him by Nigerians and at the same time be reminded of the immense responsibilities entrusted upon us as leaders and the tremendous potentials that lie within our great nation.”

    Shettima picks Christians as ADC, CSO

    In his remarks at the lecture, Shettima, for the umpteenth time, assured Nigerians that the incoming administration has no plan whatsoever to Islamise the country

    “I was a child of necessity; there is no Islamisation agenda,” he said.

    “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Muslim who is married to a Christian; not only a Christian but a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

    “Someone who has not Islamised his family, people are alluding that he has the intention to Islamise the nation.”

    He said that in his own case, he “deliberately picked an Igbo man, a Catholic, to be my Chief Security Officer.

    “For the purpose of inclusivity and togetherness, again I deliberately picked a Northern Christian to be my ADC. So the so-called founder of Boko Haram is going to be protected by…”

     Next generation should be your focus, Sultan advises Tinubu

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar III, Sa’adu Abubakar, said the development of the next generation of Nigerians, rather than the 2027 elections, should be the focus of the incoming president.

    “As political leaders, you will need not only to think of the next election but also, and more importantly, think of the next generation,” he said.

    “I leave you with these thoughts and pray for God’s guidance, wisdom and patience for leaders to take our country to the highest height. And we have peace and stability in our great country Nigeria.”

    Next administration needs to reorder economy, stop its bleeding — Adesina

    President of the African Development Fund (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said on the occasion that Nigeria will have to re-order its governance spending, work to revive the economy and stop the bleeding towards debt servicing else the country cannot break free from its current economic crisis and wrecking poverty rate.

    Adesina, who spoke on the topic, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Economy”, asked the incoming administration to prioritise macroeconomic and fiscal stability.

    “Unless the economy is revived and fiscal challenges addressed boldly, resources to develop will not be there,” he said.

    “No bird can fly if its wings are tied. Nigeria currently faces huge fiscal deficits estimated at 6% of GDP. This has been due to huge federal and state government expenditures, lower receipts due to dwindling revenues from export of crude oil, vandalism of pipelines and illegal bunkering of crude oil,” he said.

    Adesina noted that data from the Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, which indicates that Nigeria now spends 96% of its revenue servicing debt, with the debt-to-revenue ratio rising from 83.2 per cent in 2021 to 96.3 per cent by 2022.

    He said: “Some will argue that the debt to GDP ratio at 34% is still low compared to other countries in Africa, which is correct. But no one pays their debt using GDP. Debt is paid using revenue, and Nigeria’s revenues have been declining. Nigeria earns revenue now to service debt not to grow.”

    The AfDB President said bold decisions like ending fuel subsidies must be taken by the incoming administration to move the economy forward.

    His words: “The place to start is to remove the inefficient fuel subsidies. Nigeria’s fuel subsidies benefit the rich, not the poor, fueling theirs and the government’s endless fleets of cars at the expense of the poor. Estimates show that the poorest 40% of the population consume just 3% of petrol.

    “Fuel subsidies are killing the Nigerian economy, costing Nigeria $10 billion alone in 2022. That means Nigeria is borrowing what it does not have to… if it simply eliminates the subsidies and uses the resources well for its national development.”

    He maintained that instead of the current policy of doling out monies for fuel subsidies, funding, support towards establishing private refineries and modular refineries will lead to efficiency and improved services.

    “Rather, support should be given to private sector refineries and modular refineries to allow for efficiency and competitiveness to drive down fuel pump prices.

    “The newly commissioned Dangote Refinery by President Buhari, the largest single train petroleum refinery in the world, as well as its petrochemical complex will revolutionise Nigeria’s economy.

    “Congratulation, Aliko Dangote, for his amazing $19 billion investment.”

    Adesina advised the incoming administration to cut down on cost of governance, canvassing that the bloated size of government comes with high cost of public sector expenditure and its negative impact on the development process in the country.

    “The cost of governance in Nigeria is way too high and should be drastically reduced to free up more resources for development.  Nigeria is spending very little on development.

    “Today, Nigeria is ranked among countries with the lowest human development index in the world, with a rank of 167 among 174 countries globally, according to the World Bank 2022 Public Expenditure Review report.

    “To meet Nigeria’s massive infrastructure needs, according to the report, will require $3 trillion by 2050.

    “According to the report, at the current rate, it would take Nigeria 300 years to provide its minimum level of infrastructure needed for development.

    All living Nigerians today, and many generations to come, will be long gone by then!

    “We must change this. Nigeria must rely more on the private sector for infrastructure development, to reduce fiscal burdens on the government.”

    He advised the incoming administration to pay attention to tax revenue, as the tax-to-GDP ratio is still low, adding that improving revenue collection will help in improving Nigeria’s economy, but this needs to be implemented with tact, adding that it may require addition tax burden on citizens but rather ensure efficient revenue collection from multi-national companies, ensuring that they pay appropriate royalties and taxes and close leakages, and tax exemptions.

    Adesina provided a pragmatic policy advisory to the incoming administration on how to navigate through taxation and its impact on Nigerians whom he argued are virtually providing essential services to themselves including water, power, roads, etc., which are the responsibilities of government.  

    “This must include improving tax collection, tax administration, moving from tax exemption to tax redemption, ensuring that multinational companies pay appropriate royalties and taxes, and that leakages in tax collection are closed.

    “However, simply raising taxes is not enough, as many question the value of paying taxes, hence the high level of tax avoidance. Many citizens provide their own electricity, sink boreholes to get access to water, and repair roads in their towns and neighborhoods,” he noted.

    “These are essentially high implicit taxes. Nigerians therefore pay the highest ‘implicit tax rates’ in the world.

    “Governments need to assure effective social contracts by delivering quality public services.

    “It is not the amount collected, it is how it is spent and what is delivered. Nations that grow better run effective governments that assure social contracts with their citizens,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Rt. Rev. Mathew Kukah, emphasised the need to manage the country’s diversity, noting that neither ethnicity nor religion is the problem of the country, but how to blend the diversities.

    Speaking on the topic, “Religious Tolerance and Inclusiveness”, the fiery cleric described diversity as a science, a complex country of great possibilities.

    He challenged Nigeria’s political leaders, especially the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu, to rise to the challenge of uniting different ethnic groups and identities in the country, adding religion, ethnicity and gender are not the problem but rather how to manage the nation’s diversities.

    Kukah said Nigerians are suffering from various levels of multi-dimensional poverty, saying that poverty does not discriminate between religions, tribes and other identities

    “I will also end by saying right now, 133 million Nigerians are suffering from various levels of multi dimensional poverty.

    “I have not put up the light and see the part where Muslims are living that they have light while others do not. I have not seen the part of the country where Muslims are eating and the rest of us are not.

    “So we must come to terms with the fact that we are not bleeding, we are not suffering because we are Christians or Muslims, but we are in a country that is malfunctioning. How to make that country work, for the rich, for the poor, for the aged, and for everybody is a challenge.

    “It is not a challenge that everybody can win but I think it’s a challenge that a government that appreciate it doesn’t have all the answers must come to terms with the fact that there is a way of looking for her finding answers.

    “I would like to just end by saying and I’ve made the point very clearly, in the struggle with the problems of Nigeria, I remain exceptionally optimistic.

    “I travelled the world. People say to me, well, where do you find this courage to say that Nigeria is working? Okay, it may not be working, but this is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I am not being flippant.

    “When I went to the United States of America to study, I preached in a church but the parish priest said to me, ‘Listen to me, you speak with such eloquence and I like you. We will get you a green card. You can settle here in America.

    “I looked at him, I said, you know, this God is a wonderful God. You are giving me a green card and my passport is actually a green passport.

    “So, the young Nigerians leaving our country, I always say to them, No, I’m not worried. Let them go. It’s for the good of the country.

    “The challenge for us as Africans is to think the way the Asians have thought that you can go to Europe, you can go to America with a purpose. But the purpose of course means coming back to develop your country but it also means that that country must create an environment in which you can feel confident to come and present the gift that God has given you.”

    At the lecture were National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase; Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Bishop Mathew Kukah; President of Africa Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina and Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations, Amina Muhammed.

    Others were Ministers, National Assembly members and other top government officials.

    Celebration gets underway in Abuja

    More well-wishers arrived in Abuja yesterday for tomorrow’s inauguration.

     Some of them from Lagos State were seen dancing to victory songs as they landed at the Abuja Airport.

    They were in Ankara uniform emblazoned with the Tinubu logo.

    The Igbo Community in the FCT was not left out. Its members held Igbo Kwenu Day at the Unity Fountain in the FCT to celebrate Tinubu’s victory.

    Niger Delta strongman Asari Dokubo and hundreds of his supporters have also arrived in the city in solidarity with the President-elect..

    Security agencies in show of force

    The security agencies are not leaving anything to chance as they intensify patrol of Abuja roads in a show of power.

    The Eagle Square venue of the inauguration parade and swearing-in ceremony was cordoned off by security personnel on Friday afternoon from the public, while decorators were seen on Saturday evening putting the finishing touches to the arena of the ceremony.

    Major roads leading to the venue of the inauguration are currently wearing a new look, with billboards and banners of Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, adorning major roads, while the kerbs of the roads in and around the Three Arms Zone and the Central Business District are painted in black and white.

    Military personnel were sighted in their armoured vehicles close to the Eagle Square yesterday.

    Military personnel were also seen along Wuse Zone 4 and 5, while Nigerian Air Force aircraft hovered around the city. Some soldiers were also stationed at the city gates, while others patrol along Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway which leads to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

    Vehicular movement around the city remained as usual, but commercial drivers avoided the Central Business District, owing to the restrictions by security personnel.

    The inauguration has become a huge business for the hospitality industry as most hotels in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some satellite towns have been fully booked.

    Major hotels have been fully booked ahead of the inauguration for upward of two weeks.

    Flight fares on the Lagos / Abuja  route have also gone up on account of the large  volume of passengers heading in that direction.

    Operators slam arbitrary fares on passengers depending on the number of seats on demand.

    The Asiwaju Tinubu Support Group plans to live-stream the inauguration for those who do not have the privilege of accessing the Eagle Square tomorrow.

    Its spokesman Adeboye Adebayo, said a remarkable arrangement has been made at the Millennium Park, Abuja, to make the inauguration a memorable one for visitors, guests and well wishers of the president-elect and his vice.

    He said: “Our plan is to accommodate dignitaries, guests and well wishers who may not have the opportunity to be at the Eagle square. There will be a live streaming on Tinubu/Shettima swearing-in programme. We are going to have Abuja inauguration concert as well as celebrating uncommon political milestone in Nigeria. It’s toll-free. Nobody is paying gate fee for it.

    “It will kick off by 10:00am at the Millennium Park, beside Transcorp Hilton Hotels, featuring comedians, artistes, musicians, foods, drinks and screens to view the inauguration proceedings live.

    “There will be exclusive tents for the very important personalities and very comfortable tents for us, the general public.”

  • Nine killed in Kogi, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crashes

    Nine killed in Kogi, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crashes

    No fewer than nine lives were lost in two auto crashes that occurred in Kogi State and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at the weekend.

    While five persons drowned on Friday as a car plunged into a canal in Oga community in Kogi State, an accident involving two vehicles on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claimed four lives.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kogi incident occurred in Yagba West Local Government Area of the state at about 4.30 pm.

    The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Council, Pius Kolawale, who confirmed the incident to NAN, described it as very sad and unfortunate.

    Read Also : Four die as SUV rams into truck on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

    Mr Kolawale, however, confirmed that one of the five occupants of the car escaped death as he swam to safety, aided by a fisherman, who unfortunately also drowned.

    “Among the dead are three ladies and two men, including the fisherman.

    “The five of them were coming from Oga community on their way to Lokoja.

    “Unfortunately, just along the canal where there is a very sharp corner, they lost control and went straight into the canal.

    “Only one of the occupants of the car escaped while four died, including three ladies.

    “The fifth person that died was a good Samaritan, a fisherman, who tried to save them but died in the process,” he told NAN.

    The accident on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, which occurred at about 04.53am yesterday around Mountain Top University section of the highway, involved two vehicles including an RX350 SUV with registration number KTU738HM and a truck marked T21024LA.

    Florence Okpe, the Chief Route Commander and Federal Road Safety (FRSC) Public Education Officer for the Ogun Sector Commander, Ahmed Umar, attributed the accident to “excessive speed and use of phone while driving which led to loss of control on the part of the Lexus driver.”

    Okpe stated that the Lexus rammed into the moving truck.

    According to her, the remains of the deceased persons had been deposited in the morgue at Real Divine Hospital, Ibafo, Ogun State.

  • Onitiri advocates government of national unity

    Onitiri advocates government of national unity

    As Asiwaju Bola Tinubu takes oath as Nigeria’s 16th President, on May 29, he has been admonished to constitute a government of national unity to carry all Nigerians along. Renowned socio-political activist and critic, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, in an address in Lagos yesterday, said this became imperative for fairness, equity, justice, and a sense of belonging.

    Onitiri who was receiving over 5,000 members of his followers who decamped the Labour Party into APC, said that over the years, Nigerians have been divided into tribal and religious lines at the detriment of national unity. The socio-political activist noted that the last general elections had further polarized the nation and torn the threads of unity binding us as a nation. 

    He said the time for politicking was over but now is the time for governance and to heal the wounds of the nation. Onitiri suggested that as patriots, Nigerians should embrace peace and move the nation forward, irrespective of tribal or religious inclinations. ”We cannot afford to set our nation on fire like the situation now in Sudan because of politics. We have no other country we can call our own. Let us explore all peaceful means of resolving our differences”, he stressed. 

    Read Also : Tinubu: Terminate This Trail!

    Onitiri used the occasion to congratulate President Bola Tinubu, wishing him a successful tenure and all elected governors a peaceful reign. Onitiri also called on Lagosians to give Governor Babajide SanwoOlu full support during his second term because according to him, SanwoOlu did wonderfully well during his first term in office. ”Let us all come together and strategize on how to move our Lagos State forward. This Lagos should be a mega city with an excellent transportation system. ” Our deep blue sea economy should be well developed. Since Lagos State is surrounded by Lagoon, our sea transportation system should be well developed excellently, while the state economy will be enlarged to take care of all Lagosians.”

    Onitiri expressed confidence that all his political associates were now fully back in APC, having contributed to the resounding victory of our Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu.  ”We are very happy to welcome you all to our great party APC. At the appropriate time, we shall integrate you all into the mainstream of APC where you will play your roles in the party. 

    He said emphatically that APC was large enough to accommodate everyone. We are all team players. Oju orun teiye fo lai fi ara kan ra. The sky is big enough for the birds to fly without any disturbance.

     The social critic pointed out that because of  SanwoOlu’s laudable achievements during his first tenure, over 20 million Lagosians love dearly “our indefatigable Governor SanwoOlu and your deputy Dr. Hamzat. ”We look forward to your making our dear state a more secure and prosperous one by providing improved infrastructures like roads, electricity, transportation, potable water, houses for the less privileged with mortgage facilities, and above all, creating an enabling environment where businesses will thrive.

  • West Midlands open university, receives licensing approval

    West Midlands open university, receives licensing approval

    West Midlands Open University (WMOU), a new online university, has officially broken down academic barriers.

    On Tuesday, the university announced that it has received licensing and formal approval from the National University Commission (NUC) to offer degree-granting programs online in Nigeria as one of the first in the country. 

    This approval creates exciting new opportunities for the new university to offer its diverse range of accredited programs globally.

    Online education has become an essential tool in today’s rapidly changing world and the West Midlands group is not a newcomer to the edutech industry. Having already invested in a CBT center where over 1 million students have taken both local and international online-based examinations, WMOU will be leading the way in making top-notch education accessible via the internet.

    The University’s programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals and students who want to advance their careers.

    WMOU will offer a comprehensive range of high-quality programs including undergraduate programs and short learning programme certification courses in areas such as Business, Social Sciences, and technology courses, all of which will be delivered online. This makes it possible for students to learn from anywhere in the world, regardless of their location or circumstances. All programs will be developed by academic experts with a focus on providing practical and relevant knowledge and skills that meet the demands of the modern global workforce.

    WMOU plans to “catalyze national development and global competitiveness by utilizing sustainable technologies and high-quality programs to provide training and education to learners,” said its founder, High Chief Adebayo Akande.

  • Ogun NNPP seeks justice at Appeal Court on Tribunal ruling

    Ogun NNPP seeks justice at Appeal Court on Tribunal ruling

    • By Joseph Okwuofu, Ibadan 

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has appealed the ruling of the Governorship and House of Assembly Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State in a petition brought before it by the party over the omission of the party’s name on the ballot papers in conducting the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.

    The party said it was appealing the ruling because; the judges that heard the case erred in their judgement.

    The Tribunal had, on April, 15, 2023 dismissed the Petition against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the first respondent, Abiodun Adedapo Olusegun as second respondent and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the third respondent on the grounds that the debrief counsel asked for discontinuation and withdrawal of the petition.

    But in its appeal filed  on May, 22, 2023 on the suit No: EPT/OG/GOV/01/2023, the NNPP Counsel, I D Izunya (Esq), informed the Court of Appeal sitting in the Ibadan Judicial Division that it was dissatisfied with the unanimous judgement by the three judges. it says it is thus appealing the judgement.

  • Cooperation of all ethnic nationalities key for Nigeria’s survival – Don

    Cooperation of all ethnic nationalities key for Nigeria’s survival – Don

    A Professor of Biophysical Chemistry at the University of Ibadan, Professor Jonathan Babalola has stated that for Nigeria to survive, the various ethnic nationalities within the country need to work cooperatively with one another.He said that while it is possible for each unit to function to some extent, the best performance comes only when they work together. 

    He therefore, called on the Federal Government to focus on the structure of the country saying “our national success and ability to function and develop as a country will be determined by the model of the structure we operate.”

     Professor Babalola made the call while delivering the 525th inaugural lecture of the University of Ibadan on behalf of the Faculty of Science.

    The lecture was entitled ”Simplicity in Complexity: Life Lessons from Biological Macromolecules.”

    According to the inaugural lecturer, the problems in Nigeria may appear complex because of limited provision of and access to basic needs, he advised that social reforms that will enable the poor to have shelter over their heads and food on their tables are required.

    He said the rich cannot continue to get richer while the poor become poorer, adding that there is a need to redress the imbalance if the country does not want to fail.

    Professor Babalola observed that efforts are being made to mutate the university system in Nigeria to become like the civil service, warning that the university system is already gasping for breath. 

    He said universities cannot and should not be run like ministries but be left alone to be universities. 

    He also advised that key offices in the country and universities should be occupied by the best available hands, purely on merit, irrespective of their affiliations, (political leanings, ethnic, or religious) while other positions can be appropriated based on the prescribed quota system or other mundane/ expedient reasons.

  • MAN, NACCIMA, others set agenda for the incoming administration

    MAN, NACCIMA, others set agenda for the incoming administration

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi and key stakeholders in the organised private sector (OPS) have listed priority areas the incoming President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must focus on to achieve all-inclusive economic growth.

    The MAN president, Otunba Meshioye Francis, speaking at the investiture of the new Executive of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) tagged, “The agenda “Setting for the incoming federal government administration” in Lagos, advised the incoming president to as a matter of urgency reverse with immediate effect the 2023 fiscal policy measures that raised taxes on beverages and tobacco while also addressing the issue of multiple taxes in the country.

     Represented by the Head of Communications, MAN, Ambrose Oruche, the body stated the need to give the productive sector maximum priority for the general good of all in terms of wealth and job creation for the nation. 

     He also called on the need to promote the use of local content by mandating the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products by all government parastatals, agencies, and ministries; revisit executive orders 003 and 004; create a special window for forex allocation to the manufacturing sector; identify and break the power broker militating against the completion of the Ajaokuta steel complex to make available raw materials for our steel and automobile industries and provide incentives to encourage a rapid energy transition in the manufacturing industry 

     Speaking further, he urged the incoming administration to give tariff preferential treatment to the motor vehicle and assembly sector pending the development of the iron and steel sector; revisit and reactivate dormant export incentives and engage and dialogue with the key stakeholders in the manufacturing sector on overcoming the challenges troubling the sector. 

     ”The incoming administration must pay particular attention to this critical low-hanging fruit agenda with a deep sense of effective implementation and monitoring. This requires an unwavering and high spirit of commitment, dedication, and selflessness in public service delivery by the new administration,” he said.

     Also speaking, the National President, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Ide John Udeagbala, said the Nigerian economy is primarily powered by the Small and Medium Enterprises, (SMEs) as over 85 percent of the country’s industrial sector is reliant on the SMEs which embodies the informal sector also. 

     On her part, the immediate past president, of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, explained that the rising debt profile of the country is worrisome, pointing out that the country is still being faced with forex liquidity concerns, contracting disposable incomes, rising inflation, escalating unemployment, business disruptions, and investment uncertainties. 

  • A new dawn in the Villa

    A new dawn in the Villa

    • Commissioning of N21bn State House Medical Centre is major plus for the Buhari government

    In fulfillment of his promise to bequeath a befitting medical centre to take care of the country’s presidents, vice presidents and members of their immediate families before the end of his tenure on May 29, President Muhammadu Buhari on March 19 commissioned the State House Medical Centre. The 13-bed facility was constructed at a cost of N21bn by Julius Berger, following presidential approval of the site of the centre within the precincts of the Presidential Villa in Abuja in November 2021.

    The Permanent Secretary, State House Administration, Tijhani Umar, and director of maintenance, Joshua Apagu, had earlier led the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, and Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, on final inspection  of the facility. Mustapha had said after the inspection that “it’s a great sense of fulfillment that I am seeing within the period of two years this edifice standing today…So, this is money well spent and it will be for the good and betterment of our country.” Ahmed on her part volunteered to make herself available as guinea- pig in the 5-star medical centre should the need arise. “I have donated myself as one of the people that can be tried in this facility”, she said, adding “On test runs, I’m willing  to come and do a medical here to testify that anything you can see here is what you can see anywhere you go in the world.”

    Senate President Ahmed Lawan, the president’s chief of staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, as well as Tijjani were among the dignitaries that witnessed the commissioning.

    We commend President Buhari for bringing this 20-year dream into fruition.  The essence of the centre is to address the frequency of the country’s presidents travelling abroad for medical treatment. “It would to a large extent deal with it. This is a clinic, I believe that all procedures can be conducted here, if need be through modern sciences. Telemedicine now is very common; somebody can be sitting in his office in Germany or in the US directing diagnosis and prescriptions, and also even procedures on a patient in this place”, the SGF said after the inspection.

    The other benefit is that visiting heads of state and heads of government who require emergency treatment can also be attended to in the centre before they are evacuated out of the country.

    It is also believed that the country’s former leaders would all have access to the facility.

    Considering its significance in terms of the safety and privacy of the country’s first citizens’ medical history, and the propensity of our leaders for medical tourism with the attendant huge cost to the taxpayer, the centre ought to have been in place a long time ago. We doubt if there is any major country whose leaders are flown out at the slightest excuse of a medical challenge, no matter how trivial, as Nigeria. When Vice President Atiku Abubakar had a freak accident in which his leg was hurt in 2007, he was flown  to London for treatment. Just knee injury! Meanwhile, the same Atiku had the temerity to criticise President Buhari for sending a visually impaired youth corps member abroad for treatment in 2018. His argument was that if the president had addressed the deplorable state of our hospitals, the corps member would have been treated here at home. This was a young man who was contributing in his own little way to national development. The 28-year-old corps member, Okenala Ahmed, was teaching Economics at Government Day Senior Secondary Schoool, Daura, Katsina State.

    Atiku probably forgot while throwing stone that he had also served as vice president for eight years. What impact did his own government make on healthcare in the country? If the former vice president had chosen another time to criticise President Buhari on the matter, perhaps he would have had a point. But not when a man in his prime needed help. After all, the president himself had travelled abroad many times for medical attention in his eight years in office. According to The Punch, President Buhari had travelled out of the country a record 225 days on medical tourism as at six months ago, since his first trip to the United Kingdom on February 5, 2016. That was barely eight months after he assumed office. He spent six days on that trip. Although we do not know how much the trips cost the taxpayer, the Buhari government had  earmarked N33.3bn for the State House medical infrastructure within the period.

    Given his scathing criticisms of the state of healthcare in the country in a coup speech in 1983, we would have thought President Buhari would leave our hospitals better than he met them. But no. Whereas he had said that our hospitals had become ‘mere consulting clinics’ back then, most of the consultants have since moved on to places with greener pastures. So, our hospitals today lack not only the sophisticated medical equipment, even the consultants too are no longer available.

    Notwithstanding, it is salutary that the Buhari government saw the project through, even though not a few Nigerians are asking, why now, barely two weeks to the end of its eight-year tenure. This question becomes the more pertinent with the statement of the president’s wife, Aisha, to the effect that successive Nigerian leaders would no longer have any excuse to travel abroad for medical treatment. “No need for any leader to spend months and months abroad because of healthcare. This one is for the health and wellness of the first family. They only need to maybe fly in experts to help our people”, the First Lady said.

    For us, however, it is better late than never.

    We can only hope the incoming government would find the place worthy of patronage. This is the only way the huge investment in it would not be a waste. It would also help in saving the hard-earned foreign exchange that the country would have spent treating the very important personalities that the medical centre is meant to serve.

    A statement by President Buhari’s senior special assistant, media and publicity, Garba Shehu, after the commissioning gave an insight into some of the state-of-the-art equipment in the medical centre. These included the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (CathLab), Operating Rooms for both regular and specialised procedures, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Specialised Infectious Disease Isolation Suites and Specialised Consultation Rooms. Of course, the incoming government should feel free to raise the standard further if it feels a compelling need to do that.

    But the centre should not be allowed to go the way of the old State House Clinic which President Buhari’s wife said about six years ago lacked basic tools like functional X-ray machine and syringes. The in-coming government should make judicious use of the facility as President Buhari urged.