The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Witness: how journalist was defrauded of N1.4m

    Witness: how journalist was defrauded of N1.4m

    A Yaba Magistrates’ Court has heard how a lawyer,  Moses John Jackson, an octogenarian and veteran journalist, Segun Adeleke of N1.4 million.

    Jackson was arrested by the State Criminal, Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCID), Yaba, Lagos, following a petition datedMay 23, 2018  by Adenuga.

    An Investigation Police Officer (IPO) Okanya Johnson, told Magistrate (Mrs) Yeside Balogun that they received a written petition form the complainant, Adenuga, against the defendant, Moses Jackson .

    The witness said he knew the defendant very well.

    Johnson told the court that he knew the defendant very well.

    He said: “on January 25, 2018, a written petition was received from the complainant, Segun Adenuga against the defendant, Jackson and I was assigned to investigate the case.”

    He further confirmed to the court that that the defendant was the legal counsel  to the  complaint and that at a time, the complainant Segun required the services of the defendant.

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    “ Between 2002 and December 9 2009, the complaint required the services of the defendant, Moses Jackson to over see the property of his mother located at 19 Ramoni Street, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos.

    “Moses have been collecting rent from tenant .”

    The IPO further told the court that Moses who was the legal counsel, to the complaint at the time, suggested he should procure a letter of administration in order to enhance the price of the property.

    “Sometime  in 2009, the family of the complaint wanted to sell the building,. Segun contacted the defendant and he told him to procure a letter of administration to enhance the price of the property and he agreed with him.

    “Adenuga the complaint, gave him N280,000 and N500,000 to add to the rents collected from the tenants at their mother’s house and is se the money to procure the letter of administration.

    “The defendant collected the money and didn’t procure the letter of administration but sold the property at a cheaper rate.

    “That caused problem in the family” the witness said.

    The witness said on  May 3, 2018 the defendant denied thhs  in his statement.

    The court adjourned to July 11 2024 to continue  with  evidence  by PW2.

  • NBA-SBL pledges support for lawyers, businesses

    NBA-SBL pledges support for lawyers, businesses

    Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) has pledged to develop strategies to support lawyers and businesses.

    The commitment comes ahead of its 18th annual International Business Law Conference and its 20th-anniversary celebration.

    Chair of the Conference Planning Committee, Ose Okpeku, expressed concern over the significant economic difficulties impacting businesses.

    “We need to come through this challenge and when we do so, we will strive,” he stated.

    Okpeku stressed the necessity of assisting business lawyers, businesses and the economy during this tough period.

    “We look forward to welcoming attendees from Nigeria and beyond to this pivotal event and everyone can rest assured that they’ll have the best time.”

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    The conference, themed “Survive and Thrive,” is scheduled for June 26 to 28, 2024, in Abuja.

    Okpeku noted that the conference would address both macro and micro issues, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed for resilience and success in the legal profession.

    Vice Chair of the Conference Planning Committee, Solape Peters, spoke on the significance of this year’s conference, which also marks the NBA-SBL’s 20th anniversary.

    “This year’s conference is a milestone, reflecting our enduring commitment to excellence in business law and our resilience in the face of evolving challenges. We are excited to celebrate this journey with our members and partners,” Peters said.

    The conference will feature social activities like Lawyers Got Talent, raffle draws and other social activities to make it a memorable conference.

    Notable speakers include Dr. F.R. Akerele (SAN), former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, the 16th Emir of Kano Sanusi Mohammed Sanusi II, and the president of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

  • Nigerian is Africa’s first professor of Archival Science and Diplomatics

    Nigerian is Africa’s first professor of Archival Science and Diplomatics

    Erstwhile spokesperson of Caleb University, Lagos, Elvis Otobo has made history as Africa’s first Archival Science and Diplomatics professor.

    Prof.Otobo’s academic journey is marked by a wealth of publications in renowned journals and a significant collection of unpublished research papers that have contributed to the advancement of archival science. He designed training courses in archives and records management which has received global recognition.

    He was appointed a professor at Ballsbridge University,

    Dominican Republic.

    The varsity is a dynamic open international academic centre known for its innovative approach to education, including open learning, online learning, blended transnational learning, and virtual learning.

    Read Also: New York Times’ jaundiced report on Nigeria’s economy

     Otobo’s pioneering spirit is evident in his role as Nigeria’s first business archivist and his collaborative efforts with the National Archives, United Kingdom, to provide annual training for Nigerian records managers, archivists and others in the Records and Information Management ecosystem is widely acknowledged both locally and internationally.

    He has garnered numerous accolades, including Fellow of the Certified Business Management Professionals, Ambassador of the International Leadership Summit of Leaders, and commendations from the National Archivist of Iceland. His role as a GWA Judge for the International Public Relations Association and his honorary doctorate from the Swiss Business School are among his many achievements.

  • Taming inflation

    Taming inflation

    •Presidential order on price stability should work if faithfully executed

    It was perhaps long-expected that the Federal Government will somehow resort to extraordinary measures to address the monstrosity that inflation has become. With traditional monetary policy instruments showing fatigue, if not becoming entirely ineffectual, as citizens continue to reel under the burden of astronomically high prices, such measures seem the least the government can do to calm the restive citizenry.

    We refer here to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order tagged “Inflation Reduction and Price Stability (Fiscal Policy Measures, etc.) Order 2024”.

    The order, effective May 1, suspends import duty and other tariffs on staple food items, raw materials and other direct inputs used for manufacturing for six months.  Under the temporary regime: “authorised millers would now import paddy rice at zero duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) for a period of six months in the first instance, in order to improve local supply and capacity utilisation of rice millers.

    “Basic food items and semi-processed staple food items such as noodles and pasta; raw material inputs for the manufacturing of food items, electricity and public transportation; agricultural inputs and produce and pharmaceutical products are also covered by the order for a period of six months.”

    Read Also: Abiru urges Nigerians to remain steadfast

    For the purpose of import duties and levies, the order also pegs the applicable foreign exchange rate at N800 to $1 for six months, while the Federal Government, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration, are expected to “prioritise the implementation of approved capital expenditures on basic infrastructure which were essential to stimulate productivity and improve the lives of the people”.

    The order mandates the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure a fast-track clearing of agricultural equipment and food items, manufacturing inputs and pharmaceutical products at the ports, and aim at a minimum time reduction of at least fifty per cent. States and local government councils are to adopt necessary measures to enhance productivity while every MDA is to “refrain from any action, which may negatively affect the capacity utilisation or productivity of any business or a sector”.

    To ensure effective implementation, the order states that: “The Minister, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service may issue implementation guidelines in collaboration with any relevant agency or other stakeholders to give full effect to this Order”.

    The measures appear to us as well-calibrated as they are rooted in the current realities. They address the immediate, short term imperative to bring down the prices of food and other essential items. And, because the measures are only expected to last for six months, they also address the long-terms concerns about the need to protect the local economy – particularly the farming population and other indigenous entrepreneurial efforts.

    We do understand also that the measures come at the price of the huge revenue that would be lost to the government. Even the latter would seem the least sacrifice that the government can afford to make in the face of the current hardship.

    Of course, the measures have again brought to the fore, the salient point about the economy – its inability to grow its own food and boost its manufacturing capacity. For, no matter how pragmatic the latest measures appear, temporarily lowering import duties and other tariffs, either to bridge the gaps in local supplies or to bring down prices, stem from the same logic of inadequate domestic capacity. It speaks to the inability of the country to feed itself and produce its basic needs.

    Much as six months might seem a very short time, the truth is that a lot can still be done within the time to boost food supply, more so now that the farming season is set upon us. As it is, the Federal Government has done its own part; what remains is getting the agencies directly involved cracking; and this in the knowledge that this is neither the time for red tapes nor the season to condone corrupt practices. Surely, our institutions, from the ports to the customs could be made to work more efficiently. We expect clear delineation of roles and possible sanctions for below par performance. Corrupt practices should not be condoned on the part of the various stakeholders;  anyone caught trying to cut corners should be heavily sanctioned. It is one thing for the government to come up with the right policy measures, it is another seeing such through by patriotic devotion to duty on the part of the implementing agencies.

    The greater burden however devolves to the states and the local governments. What the season requires is aggressive opening of farmlands for cultivation, and all manner of assistance to farmers to get on with the job; time to open up our rural roads as indeed other rural infrastructure, to bring down the transportation and other logistical costs.

    Hopefully, with the prospects of heightened security, we expect the country to turn the corner in the shortest possible time.

  • A laudable decision

    A laudable decision

    •It is better to conclude electoral cases before swearing-in.

    The post-mortem assessment of the 2023 general election petitions by members of the tribunals and courts who had firsthand experience of the proceedings is a welcome development. No doubt, their recommendations, if implemented, would have far-reaching impact on the laws governing the practice and procedure of election petitions.
    The former tribunal members at a two-day workshop in Abuja, advocated that all election petitions and appeals should be dispensed with before persons declared as winners are sworn into office.
    We agree with this suggestion, if enduring measures, laws and regulations can be provided to make it happen. Our concerns are the same reasons why such practice in the second republic was jettisoned by the present constitution, as amended.
    Such practice was abandoned when litigants and lawyers complained that the time provided for the trial and determination of the election petitions before swearing-in date was too short to allow a full ventilation of cases by petitioners, which impinges on fair hearing.
    Sadly, when the law was changed to allow litigants and their counsel take necessary time to file their papers and argue their cases, unscrupulous parties and lawyers amongst them foisted an unending cycle of litigation on the courts, which allowed the party wrongly declared a winner to enjoy the unearned office, at least for some time. In some states, those who were eventually
    adjudged as fraudulently declared winners of the election nearly finished the term of office before the cases were finally determined at the apex court.
    The compromise was an elaborate Part III Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which provided for time within which an election petition or an appeal shall be determined. Section 285(6) provides that “An election tribunal shall deliver its judgment in writing within 180 days from the date of the filling of the petition” while section 285(7) provides “An appeal from the decision of an election tribunal or Court of Appeal in an election matter shall be heard and disposed of within 60 days from the date of the delivery of judgment of the tribunal or Court of Appeal.”

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    To ensure that election petitions are concluded before the person declared winner is inaugurated, the election may have to hold nearly one year before the end of tenure of an incumbent, unless the time for hearing and determining the cases and any appeal therefrom is further reduced. If the first is done, incumbents who would become lame
    ducks may protest the extension. Similarly, if the time for hearing and determining the cases are reduced, litigants and lawyers may complain.
    So, the task for the legislators is how can that desirable recommendation be achieved, without creating another undesirable outcome.
    In the communique issued, the workshop also recommended that “Section 187 of the 1999 Constitution should be amended to include a new sub-section stating clearly that the disqualification or non-qualification of a deputy governor shall not affect the governor-elect or governorship candidate of a political party.” Furthermore, that “Section 246 (3) of the extant constitution is proposed to be altered to reflect the finality of decisions of the Court of Appeal in all election appeals, governorship appeals inclusive.”
    Another far-reaching proposal made by the former members of tribunals is that “All pre-election appeals should terminate at the Court of Appeal.” An even more revolutionary proposal from the workshop is that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) be applied in dealing with pre-election matters. Perhaps, the august body may be hinting at a shared electoral banquet, instead of the winner takes all of the presidential system of government.
    While the jurists may have spoken from experience, and with great insight, the challenge lies with the practicability of their suggestions.

  • On Victor Osimhen’s outburst

    On Victor Osimhen’s outburst

    Sir: Victor Osimhen’s recent video addressing his absence from the Super Eagles’ last two matches has ignited significant controversy on social media. In the video, Osimhen attributed his missed matches to an injury communicated to the national team coach, Finidi George, expressing dissatisfaction with how George handled the situation and claiming it diminished his respect for him. Osimhen strongly denied allegations of feigning injury and reiterated his commitment to the Super Eagles.

    Public reaction to Osimhen’s video has been mixed. Some argue he appears overly important and speculate he might not have spoken out had the Super Eagles been victorious in their recent matches. Additionally, many found Osimhen’s mention of Finidi George’s name in the video disrespectful. Critics labeled the video irresponsible and disrespectful, urging disciplinary action against Osimhen. They assert that such behavior sets a poor example for other players and underscores the importance of discipline and respect within the team.

    Analyzing the Super Eagles’ last two matches, it is noticeable that the team did not exhibit the same zeal displayed during the Nations Cup. Also, the dip in performance has been attributed to various factors, including possible loss of control by Finidi George over the dressing room, changes in players and tactics, and notably, the absence of key players like William Troost-Ekong, Osimhen, and Moses Simon.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen: I owe a lot of my success to Kanu, Okocha 

    The broader consensus is that the Super Eagles need their star players and that players, in turn, benefit from playing for their national team. The commitment and performance of the players should remain consistent regardless of whether they are being coached by a local or foreign coach. The controversy surrounding Victor Osimhen underscores the delicate balance of maintaining discipline, respect, and performance within the team.

    For many, given the situation, the right thing for Victor Osimhen to do would be to apologize to Finidi George, the Nigerian Football Federation, and Nigerians as a whole. Awaiting the response of the Nigerian authorities, he should recognize that there are formal ways to address these issues which he should have explored. While Victor Osimhen’s frustrations are understandable, his manner of expression was inappropriate. Respect and discipline are foundational to any successful team, and every player must remember that they are part of a larger whole.

    •Kenechukwu Aguolu,Abuja.

  • Ayo Banjo, Educare Trust, Nigeria

    Ayo Banjo, Educare Trust, Nigeria

    I have fortunately closely known many great men and women, irokos, most in shock that Nigeria has, during their 60+ years of contribution, failed to live up to the developmental targets.  I am constantly amazed at the generosity of these moral irokos. If only all, especially politicians, had acted accordingly. Of course, many academics are also involved in anti-growth activities.

    We are mostly in awe of Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo. His stellar input in academia is public record. He also had other interests including his work with Educare Trust. I am blessed with having worked with his senior brother, late Dr Bayo Banjo of The Jokotola Infirmary along with Dr Mrs Abiola Oshodi and Professor Ope Adekunle among others in the terrifyingly turbulent time of the Nigerian Medical Association proscription of the 1980s, ‘Buhari 1’, with summary arrest and sack of doctors. Who remembers?

    I first had met Professor Ayo Banjo around the University of Ibadan in late 60s-early 70s. He lectured my late wife, Lola Alalade. Sadly, education suffered malicious chronic underfunding, Machiavellian education policies like removal of Civics and History as subjects, confiscation and destruction of standards in faith-based secondary schools and immoral financial neglect by military and civilian governments especially worse in the Abacha regime. This was an uphill task in the political and religious  minefield of a negative education terrain,  combating corruption-driven low education budgets, poor  school empowerment, greed-driven oversight politicians and role model moral decadence with the get-rich-quick epidemic promoted by much of Corporate Nigeria’s shamefully infecting the youth with  a ravenous hunger for quick-fix ‘instant millionaires’’, ‘bonanza’ strategies and televised questionable morals of  ‘Big Brother’ shows with zero growth  and instilling  apathy and revulsion in regard to hard work.

    Read Also: New York Times’ jaundiced report on Nigeria’s economy

    Abacha’s coup forced my association of friends in Ibadan, formalised as The Group, to brainstorm in secret places, on how to resuscitate everything from agriculture to education. In education, we needed to show a good example for others of ‘the good old days’ to follow in education. As a result, I started Educare Trust by sounding out great philanthropists like Chief Dr Raymond Zard, Dr Toyosi, Dr Bayo Banjo and leaders in education led by Emeritus Professor Banjo. I invited them and others to our inaugural planning meeting in October 1994 at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan under the auspices of Dr, now retired Professor Dele Fawole. The name ‘Educare Trust’ (ET) was confirmed.  Professor Banjo, always punctual, advised that ET should concentrate, not on tertiary level, already infected with chronic entry examination manipulation, but on ‘innocent’ pre-corrupt primary schools and secondary schools already infected with cultism, to get the foundation right. The aim was to quickly get a better educated, co-curricular active, ‘non-bored’, non-cheating, non-cult, morally honest generation into tertiary education. And that is what we did reaching several million students and their teachers since 1994. We helped to change the university ‘garbage in – garbage out’ mantra to ‘goodness in – greatness out’. We also produced several Education Policy Papers. The journey is a forever one, never ending.

    With Justice Babalakin as chairman of the Board of Trustees,  after Dr Toyosi, Dr Bayo Banjo and Emeritus Professor Akinkugbe, and Ogie Alakija, Ayo Banjo   became chairman of Educare Trust and was succeeded by Dr Olutunde Oni and  the current chairman Dr Tokunbo Abiose. Emeritus Professor Banjo held the post with characteristic distinction, grace, commitment and great love of youth activities, not missing any event. As we in the honest NGO community all know, fundraising especially outside financial hubs like Lagos, is a ‘thankless tasks that must be done’ for NGO work. Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo lent his name with some success and it was a joke between us that he was not able to get a large donation even after several requests from a close very conspicuously wealthy friend. We wrote it off as   donor fatigue. Because of Emeritus Professor Banjo’s foundation membership and his guidance and others’ guidance including Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, his senior ‘Twin’, Educare Trust survives and is 30 years old this year. Hurray!

    Professor Banjo was also, since the mid-1980s, a very active member and past chairman of the Ibadan Dining Club, founded by Chief Simeon Adebo and associates, who never missed a meeting.

    Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo demonstrated an unwavering commitment to family, education and the youth of Nigeria, leading the University of Ibadan into the education battle for VC two terms. He used his conquering the language of the colonial power in the wider context of an all-purpose education empowering the then next generation. His inspiring shadow spanning across the classroom, lecture room, research opportunities and necessities, progressive policies, music appreciation, academic academies, the powerful LNG Literature Prize committee chairmanship, Educare Trust founding membership and later chairman, Dining Club chairmanship. He received a Kilimanjaro or Mount Everest sized mountain of well-deserved awards, titles and a tsunami of goodwill.

    Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo stands out as always being especially generous with his time and talent – strategizing for the youth.

    Personally, I have many pleasant memories and a rich record of ‘Do Not Delete’ WhatsApp chats with Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, rich with his often humorous ‘Quotable Banjo Quotes.’

    God Bless Him and Keep Him and Mama. May He Rest In Perfect Peace and may the Banjo family, nuclear and wider, take justifiable pride in the multifaceted legacy of its forebears. Amen.

  • What 10th National Assembly should focus on

    What 10th National Assembly should focus on

    By Bonniface Lancelot

    The 10th National Assembly has spent its first year in office. It was a first year of mixed feelings, more of not meeting the people’s expectations than being above board. It was a first year of little to show in terms of legislative support for the attraction of the Foreign Direct Investment (FID) our economy needs to get out of coma. Instead, there are steps it has taken that are capable of instilling fears in investors and making them to look elsewhere.

    Its leaders, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, aren’t neophytes. Both men have been ranking members of the National Assembly. Aside this, they are also well-educated and being grassroots politicians, they know where the shoes pinch the Nigerian people. They are aware of the hardship Nigerians are going through.

    As the 10th National Assembly enters its second year in office, its focus should be on the Nigerian people and not on what individual members can get for themselves. It can do a lot in terms of legislative efforts to cushion the hardship Nigerians are facing.

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    It can also lead by example by cutting its expenses. So far, it has exhibited some nonchalant attitudes. We’ve seen obscene amounts being expended on cars and we’ve seen money being deposited in members’ accounts for them to enjoy ‘vacationing’.

    We have also seen it dabbling into areas I need to be convinced are in the interest of Nigerians. One of such areas is dictating to private businesses how to run their affairs.

    The first time the National Assembly confused me was over Multichoice Nigeria, the operators of DSTV in Nigeria. We all know Multichoice as a private company and what business the National Assembly has with its pricing of its products and services remain a mystery to me. I have the same feeling about its involvement in Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited’s affairs.

    Yes, the government of Nigeria, through the NNPC, has shares in the NLNG but the controlling shares remain with multinationals that also run and determine its leadership. But, not a dollar of the money being spent on Train 7 came from the Nigerian government. The company sourced the funds for this all-important project, which will lead to the increasing push for energy transition from fossil fuels to new energy sources.

    For years, Nigeria’s LNG growth was stunted because of the government’s failure to take the Final Investment Decision (FID) on this project for which it was not expected to pay one dollar. When the Muhammadu Buhari government eventually took the needed decision, the NLNG swung into action so that it will maintain significant market share in the global gas market and reap the potential benefits in the market.

    On July 3, the National Assembly joint committees will reconvene over its inquest into the $4.451b Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Train 7. Its last sitting, days ago, led to a rowdy session. The joint committees’ grouse is about contract variation and not even NLNG Project Director Ali Uwais’s explanation that the fluctuation in foreign exchange rates is a principal cause of contract variation would convince them.

    “The overall progress of the project is at 67% completion, made up of engineering at 97.9%, procurement at 95.5% and construction at 52.5%,” Uwais had said.

    Uwais noted that the project was already delivering on one of its benefits with over 9,000 Nigerians working on the project on Bonny Island, and numerous indirect jobs and businesses emerging and booming because of the construction.

    But for the committees, a mountain must be made out of a molehill and they urged the NLNG, a private company, to halt further variations in the $4.451,731,937bn contract.

    The Train 7 will lead to more foreign exchange for Nigeria, monetise gas, curb gas flaring and also create value in the domestic LPG sector.

    Since construction began, the Train 7 has achieved over 45 million man-hours without lost time to injuries and other incidents and it is about 66% overall completion with approximately 10,000 personnel engaged. About 55% of Train 7’s engineering activities and procurement have been done in Nigeria.

    If the truth must be told: the matter is not about transparency. This is all about the NLNG and its principled insistence on international best practices. Contracts on the Train 7 project are not awarded on regional basis, but on established/proven capabilities, a development that politicians hardly like. But this is international standard and since it is not a government project, geo-political considerations aren’t required.

    The National Assembly can help the federal government by encouraging private sector operators like the NLNG that are crucial to the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative. Train 7 aligns with the country’s gas development aspirations, which made the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration separate the administration of gas from crude oil. The Train 7 will support the diversification of the country’s revenue sources, revenue generation during the energy transition, and aid the country in achieving a net-zero future. With an estimated over 200 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven reserves, projects such as this will enhance gas monetisation in the country.

    The administration, we all know, needs all the cash it can get in order to renew the hope of Nigerians, which it promised during the campaigns. The National Assembly should focus on helping President Tinubu achieve this instead of focusing on probes that will unearth nothing.

    I will be the last to be against legislative oversights but we are all witnesses to history. Probes such as the ones on private businesses are waste of public funds. Even many of the ones on public institutions have not served the interests of Nigerians. They have been more noise, less action. They have been more drama, no action. They have, to be fair, been grandstanding. The reports are just gathering dusts!

    So, I urge the 10th National Assembly to, in the name of God, refrain from actions that will steadily frustrate investment in future large scale projects like Train 8!

    The 10th National Assembly in its second year must work for the Nigerian people, work for Nigeria as a country and work for a Nigeria that will be the envy of the global community. The second year should be for serious legislative support for the Bola Tinubu administration’s renewed hope agenda and the National Assembly should get into the train or risk being crushed by it.

    •Lancelot, a public affairs commentator, writes from Ikeja, Lagos.

  • Still on Father’s Day reflections

    Still on Father’s Day reflections

    Sir: Traditionally, fathers were seen primarily as providers and disciplinarians. However, the role of fathers has evolved significantly over the years. Today, fathers are not just breadwinners but also nurturers, caregivers, and active participants in their children’s lives. This shift reflects broader changes in societal norms and family dynamics, where the emphasis is now on shared parenting responsibilities.

    Modern fathers are more involved in day-to-day child-rearing activities. From changing diapers and preparing meals to helping with homework and attending school events, fathers today play a hands-on role in their children’s upbringing. This active involvement helps build stronger bonds between fathers and their children and contributes to the overall well-being and development of the child.

    Research consistently shows that children benefit from having involved and loving fathers. A father’s presence and engagement positively influence a child’s cognitive development, academic achievement, and social-emotional well-being. Children with involved fathers are more likely to perform better in school, exhibit healthier self-esteem, and develop strong social skills. Fathers also serve as role models for their children, particularly in demonstrating how to navigate the world, manage relationships, and handle responsibilities. Sons often look to their fathers for examples of masculinity and fatherhood, while daughters frequently view their fathers as a standard for future relationships with men. The values, behaviors, and attitudes that fathers exhibit can leave lasting impressions on their children.

    Read Also:Niger council chair beaten to pulp over alleged N1.3m debt

    Conversely, the absence of a father or father figure can have significant negative impacts on a child’s development. Studies have shown that children who grow up without a father are at a higher risk of developing behavioral problems, academic struggles, and emotional issues. Without a father’s guidance, children may lack the structure and discipline that are crucial during formative years.

    Despite the rewards and joys of fatherhood, it comes with its own set of challenges. Balancing work and family life is one of the most significant hurdles faced by modern fathers. The pressure to excel in their careers while being present and active at home can be overwhelming. This balancing act requires constant adjustment and often involves making sacrifices in one area to succeed in another. Moreover, societal expectations and stereotypes about masculinity can add to the pressures faced by fathers. The traditional notion that men should be stoic, unemotional, and solely focused on providing financially can hinder fathers from expressing their emotions and seeking help when needed. Breaking free from these stereotypes is crucial for fathers to embrace their roles fully and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive family environment.

    The love and guidance of a father extend beyond the immediate family, creating a ripple effect that influences communities and societies at large. Fathers who are engaged and supportive contribute to raising responsible, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals. These individuals, in turn, are more likely to become positive contributors to society. Moreover, the changing dynamics of fatherhood challenge outdated gender roles and promote a more equitable distribution of parenting responsibilities. When fathers take on nurturing and caregiving roles, it encourages a culture of shared responsibility and partnership within families. This shift not only benefits children but also promotes gender equality and supports the well-being of both parents.

     Celebrating fatherhood daily involves acknowledging their efforts, supporting their involvement in family life, and fostering open communication and emotional connection. Encouraging fathers to participate in parenting workshops, support groups, and community activities can also help them navigate the challenges of fatherhood and build a network of support. By creating environments that value and support fathers, we can ensure that they have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive in their roles.

    Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the invaluable contributions that fathers make to their families and society. By acknowledging their importance and supporting their involvement, we can create a society where fatherhood is celebrated and cherished not just on a particular day but every day.

    •Kayode Ojewale,kayodeojewale@gmail.com

  • Tinubu’s tightrope: Assessing Nigeria’s economy

    Tinubu’s tightrope: Assessing Nigeria’s economy

    Sir: Amidst various challenges, ranging from inflation to unemployment, the Bola Tinubu’s government faces a daunting task of repositioning the economy for sustainable growth. Inflation has been on the rise, reaching double digits in recent months, making it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to afford basic necessities. The high inflation has been exacerbated by the depreciation of the Naira, leading to higher prices for imported goods and services. To be blamed also is the carryover of the negative impacts of COVID-19 pandemic which earlier led to job losses and increased poverty levels. Despite efforts to stimulate the economy through various policies and interventions, the impact has been limited, and the economy continues to struggle.

    One of the key areas of concern for the Tinubu administration is inflation and exchange rate stability. While inflation has been on the rise, eroding the purchasing power of Nigerians and making it difficult for businesses to plan and invest, the exchange rate has also been volatile, leading to uncertainty in the business environment. Addressing these issues will be crucial in restoring confidence in the economy. It is obvious that economic policies of the administration have so far not reduced inflation or addressed the exchange rate problem. A change of policy might be considered.

    Another major challenge facing the economy is the high level of unemployment. Despite the government’s efforts to create jobs through various initiatives, the unemployment rate remains stubbornly high, particularly among young people. This has hindered economic growth, as a large segment of the population is unable to contribute positively to the economy.

    Read Also: New York Times’ jaundiced report on Nigeria’s economy

    President Tinubu’s government must prioritize youth empowerment programmes and initiatives to create job opportunities and reduce the unemployment rate. Investing in skills development and entrepreneurship will be key to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s youth population. Without adequate power supply, the situation will worsen with high cost of fuel for generators that could power small businesses.

    In addition to these challenges, Nigeria’s economy has also been hampered by a lack of infrastructure development. The country’s roads, ports, and power supply are in dire need of investment and improvement, which has slowed down economic activities and deterred foreign investors from setting up businesses in the country.

    Infrastructure development is essential for economic growth and development. President Tinubu’s government should focus on improving the country’s infrastructure, including roads, power, and transportation networks, beginning with intra-state transportation systems. Investing in infrastructure will not only create jobs but also attract foreign investment and stimulate economic activity.

    Over the years, Nigeria’s economy has been heavily reliant on oil, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices and local factors. President Tinubu’s government should prioritize diversifying the economy by promoting non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services beyond mere words. Diversification will reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenue and make the economy more resilient to external shocks.

    Fiscal discipline and debt management are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the economy. President Tinubu’s government must prioritize prudent fiscal management and debt sustainability to avoid a debt crisis or over taxation of impoverished citizens. Implementing reforms to improve revenue generation, without over burdening poverty-stricken Nigerians and reducing wasteful spending by government officials and appointees will be essential in achieving fiscal stability.

    Despite efforts by the new chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, corruption remains a major impediment to Nigeria’s economic development. Strengthening the institutions, enhancing transparency, and holding corrupt officials accountable will be crucial in restoring trust in the government and attracting investment.

    President Tinubu’s government should prioritize social welfare programme and poverty alleviation initiatives to improve the living standards of Nigerians. The Tinubu administration should consider investing in affordable healthcare, free education, and social protection to reduce poverty and inequality gap in the country.

    By focusing on such key areas as inflation and exchange rate stability, unemployment and youth empowerment, infrastructure development, diversification of the economy, fiscal discipline, anti-corruption, and good governance, social welfare, and poverty alleviation among others, the government can reposition the economy for sustainable growth and development.

    •Comrade James Ezema, Abuja.