The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Tinubu’s tightrope: The economy after one year

Sir: Since taking office on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu has faced numerous challenges in trying to stabilize the economy and set it on a path to sustainable growth. Yet, Nigerian economy continues to wobble with increasing hardship.

One of the key areas of concern for the Tinubu administration is inflation and exchange rate stability. 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. A change of policy or a change of guard could 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.

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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.

Over the years, Nigeria’s economy has been heavily reliant on oil, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices and local factors.

If the current administration will ever get the economy right, the Tinubu administration must, as a matter of urgency, do more towards implementing policies that promote economic diversification and industrialization. The heavy reliant on oil exports over the decades has increasingly made Nigeria’s economy very vulnerable, which has worsened with reports indicating that Nigeria’s oil has been sold in advance for unspecified period.

Fiscal discipline and debt management are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s economy. Implementing reforms to improve revenue generation, without over burdening poverty-stricken Nigerians, reduction of wasteful spending by government officials and appointees will be essential in achieving fiscal stability.

Corruption remains a major impediment to Nigeria’s economic development. Strengthening 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.

By focusing on the above key areas, his government can reposition the economy for sustainable growth and development.

•Comrade James Ezema,jamesezema@gmail.com

May 31, 2024
Regulate, not ban

• NFVCB’s clarification on smoking, ritual film policy is welcome

Just as well the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has clarified its reported “ban” on smoking and ritual scenes in films.

“NFVCB aims to classify, not stifle creativity, ensuring appropriate ratings for content depicting tobacco or nicotine product,” Shaibu Husseini, its executive director and chief executive officer told ‘Premium Times’. Well said!

To be clear: money rituals have reached an alarming level, what with the evil of the so-called “Yahoo-Yahoo Plus”: a ritual that often takes life. Smoking is another public health nuisance, since it always seems to precede using far more dangerous drugs, especially among impressionable youths, coping with evil peer pressure.

But to counsel moderation on how such scenes are treated is one. To purport to ban such scenes in films is another.

Indeed, “banning” any creative activity would be awkward: first, for the creatives themselves, as it would clearly stifle their muse; and then, the society.

Every film or video worth its salt, even as it entertains, takes the audience through the correction of societal ills: smoking, excessive drinking and allied drug abuse; and the rat race for wealth-without-sweat, which powers money rituals. They are all cravings that ultimately end in tragic cul-de-sacs.

Besides, which is more correct: art imitating life or life imitating art?

Art imitating life is a canvass on which all creativity sketches, draws or paints. The raw material for every creative prose, happy or sad poetry, the theatre, film or radio plays, comes from the society itself. So, art imitates life to correct such, by using teachable moments in the creative works to home in on the message.

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At a few times, life may indeed, imitate art. But those are few occasions when a particular scene or plot in a film, novel or play, looms large in life; and the receivers somewhat experience a feeling deja vu. Yet, it is fiction turning real life!

Which brings the subject back to the NFVCB message. The event was a road show in Enugu, tagged “Smoke-Free Nollywood”, which NFVCB organised with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and invited its stakeholders.

The event was to brief the stakeholders — film producers, actors, directors and the various guilds that work in the industry — on the latest government thinking; and to engage them on the policy thrust.

Yet, what emanated from it all, from media reportage, were a purported “ban”. In the umpteenth bid to cut to the chase by doing interpretive reporting, the media only misled the reading public with banner headlines purporting a “ban”. That clearly is not good enough and the media can do much better.

By the way, how do you “ban” rituals in films when rites and rituals are basic to life itself? Every religion, foreign or traditional, floats on own rites and rituals. Without those, you can’t fully practice the faith.

How can you then ban rituals in films when it is routine in real life? And if you did, how can you use films and allied creative works to correct the wanton abuse of those rituals: as a traditional medicine (wo)man putting rare knowledge of traditional rituals to evil use — in money rituals that procure fellow citizens’ lives for money?

The message is — or ought to be — clear: film makers have the onerous responsibility to treat these scenes with utmost sensitivity, which nevertheless must end only one way: crime does not pay; money rituals lead to eventual self-ruin — as being excellently depicted in “Glass House”, a serial now on the premium belt of DSTv. It shows how ritual money had plagued — and would eventually ruin — both protagonist and antagonist.

A generation of Nigerians that gobbled those crime thrillers, the famed novels of James Hadley Chase , would readily attest to such sophistication in treatment. No matter how iron-cast the crime was planned, Chase had one ending: you do crime at your own peril.

That is the standard of treatment film makers must attain. Even then, the NFVCB conk — the rating that restricts audience exposure — awaits works that fall below the expected thresholds.

May 31, 2024
ECOWAS @49 struggling but hopeful

By Paul Ejime

At 49, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should be celebrating based on its past achievements as the foremost among Africa’s eight Regional Economic Community (RECs). However, the 15-nation regional economic bloc, once acclaimed as a trailblazer, is now fighting for survival and under serious threat of disintegration.

Since its establishment on May 28, 1975, through the Treaty of Lagos, only Mauritania has pulled out of ECOWAS (in 2000) but is now seeking re-admission, while other countries, even outside the region, are also applying to join.

However, rather than build on its solid foundation, things seem to be falling apart for ECOWAS. Four of its member states – Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are under military rule, while the last three have served notice of their intention to withdraw from the regional organization, altogether.

Granted, the times and circumstances are different between 1975 and the ecosystem/dynamics of the world today. There have been life-changing geopolitical and strategic shifts, characterized by emerging threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, economic recession, global pandemics, flaws of experimentation of democracy, environmental changes, high rates of unemployment, youth bulge, and technological advancements, particularly the invasion of social media, dis/misinformation, and fake news.

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But effective performance under challenging circumstances is what sets individuals and organisations apart. At a time when ECOWAS is expected to demonstrate visionary and dynamic leadership, it has been found wanting.

Ironically, the leadership deficit has been most pronounced in the peace and security, conflict prevention, management, and resolution domain, where ECOWAS had been most effective.

Whether by default or experimentation, ECOWAS leaders, mostly military officers at that time, could fashion effective tools such as the ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) created in 1990 that facilitated the end of the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The strict application of regional instruments, such as the Authority’s Declaration on Political Principles in 1991, the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, the 1999 Protocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security (or The Mechanism), and the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance adopted in 2001 as an integral part of The Mechanism, guided the construction of regional peace and security architecture.

The 1999 instrument inspired the adoption of a similar mechanism by the African Union several years later.

Also, apart from an early warning system, which facilitated collaboration with state and non-state actors and civil society to monitor and report threats to peace and security in the region, ECOWAS utilized its Mediation and Security Council and the Council of the Elders/Wise as additional tools for conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution towards consolidating peace and security.

The Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance set minimum constitutional convergence criteria for ECOWAS membership based on shared values of democracy and free market, separation of powers, popular participation, the democratic control of the armed forces, guarantees of fundamental freedoms, and especially ‘zero tolerance’ for power obtained or maintained by unconstitutional means.

The ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF), adopted in 2008 and the Monrovia Declaration of 2010 are other instruments adopted to strengthen the ECOWAS peace and security architecture, with emphasis on preventive diplomacy and proactive mediation responses.

The organization has used a combination of the above-named instruments to resolve conflicts in member-states including in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Guinea Bissau, and The Gambia.

The applied measures included suspension, imposition of sanctions on erring member-states or the refusal to send observers to Gambia’s 2011 presidential election, for lack of transparency under the regime of then-President Yahya Jammeh’s regime, now exiled in Equatorial Guinea. However, the political will and/or capacity to make tough decisions based on principles are now lacking at the national and regional levels of ECOWAS leadership.

Political leaders/heads of states have hijacked control of ECOWAS institutions, particularly the Commission, thereby rendering the overstretched and capacity-challenged technocrats ineffective.

Critics now see ECOWAS more as a “toothless organization,” where political leaders hold sway for their selfish interests, including by unilaterally changing their countries’ constitutions and electoral laws, rigging elections, suppressing opposition, and trampling on citizens’ human rights in clear violation of ECOWAS texts and instruments with impunity and without consequences.

Meanwhile, the same leaders only become powerful in the condemnation and imposition of sanctions whenever the military seizes power from civilians. The military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger cite this inconsistency by ECOWAS leaders as one of the reasons for their decision to pull out of the organization.

Even so, military rule is not the solution to the myriad problems facing ECOWAS member states. If anything, the disposition of the juntas, especially their political transition programmes, may have revealed their real intentions, as opportunistic power grabbers on tenure elongation adventure, the same allegations they levelled against the civilian leaders.

The global decline in multilateralism, compounded by the geopolitical games being played by the superpowers, reminiscent of the Cold War era, is also present in the ECOWAS and Sahel region. Centuries of imperialism and exploitation of Africa, especially by France in its former colonies, have combined with corruption and mismanagement by post-independence leaders to unleash poverty, inhumane conditions, deprivation, and bad governance on the long-suffering citizens.

The anti-French sentiment expressed by the population in the Francophone countries is justified, but with the long periods of transition and a provision that junta leaders are eligible to participate in the post-transition elections in respective countries, the soldiers would appear to be riding on the wave of sentiment and a false sense of popularity to want to perpetuate themselves in power.

Similarly, while sovereign states reserve the right to choose their bilateral partners, the juntas in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, are not helping their case by replacing one foreign power with another, and at the same time accusing ECOWAS of being tele-guided by external powers.

ECOWAS faces existential threats due to acts of omission/commission by its leaders. Even so, the community of an estimated 400 million people can only achieve more in unity.

Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, acknowledged this much in his message to mark ECOWAS’ 49th Anniversary.

“As we celebrate our 49th anniversary, insecurity continues to threaten our region. Some of our member states are battling terrorist groups on a daily basis, and a large number of our population faces displacement and food insecurity,” he said. In the two-and-half-page message, where “unity” or “united” is mentioned seven times, Touray said: “It is clear that we must stay united if we want to be successful in the fight against insecurity. But it is our unity which now stands threatened.”

Quoting Nigeria’s former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, one of the founding fathers of ECOWAS, the commission president said: “Neither the generation of our founding fathers, ‘nor the present or future generations can understand or will be forgiving for the breakup of our community.’”

In an interview that coincided with the ECOWAS anniversary, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, quoting data from a survey by a non-profit Afrobarometer group, noted that despite the military incursions, and the weaknesses in the democratic practices, ECOWAS citizens were still positively disposed toward democracy.

While Liberia and Senegal have shown some prospects following their recent transparent elections and successful transfer of power from sitting governments to the opposition, Togo has thrown up another challenge with its divisive and controversial legislative vote held under dubious constitutional changes in clear violation of the ECOWAS protocol.

Other potential crisis points could be Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone, with lingering post-election rumblings, and then the Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ghana with forthcoming elections.

ECOWAS can still redeem itself. But it is all down to the courage in upholding its standard, the sincerity of regional leaders to stop corruption, respect national constitutions and the rule of law, stop rigging elections and providing citizens with the benefits of good governance.

•Ejime is a global affairs analyst.

May 31, 2024
Banex Plaza and burst of brazen illegalities

Sir: Two soldiers beat up not exactly to a pulp but in the full glare of onlookers and bystanders, some terrified and others not quite, and then in the global glare of the social media.

Too much humiliation in a day, and within months, and signs of considerable danger for a regimented institution known for its discipline and indelible institutional memory especially with the attack in Okuama, Delta State where about sixteen military personnel lost their lives in the most brutal manner.

True to form, the Nigeria Army had shut down Banex plaza, a behemoth commercial hub that sits like a boulder in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, where the assault occurred, reopening it after more than a week. If the army’s loss of face in the unfortunate situation is well imponderable, the losses of those who do business there have simply been incalculable.

A pressing question Is why? Why should a relatively trivial commercial transaction descend into a fracas that has now generated more losses than imagined? Are Nigerians now shred of all dignity so as to easily eschew the simplest dictates of civility?

It should worry the few sensible Nigerians left that may of their fellow citizens have lost all regards for constituted authority.

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It Is a good thing that the Nigerian Army has recalled its men from the Plaza. They are not security men there and Nigeria is too pressed for security personnel presently to have extra uniformed hands to push to gateposts as gatekeepers of a commercial plaza. Now that the resumption of commercial activities at the plaza has been allowed, it will surely not militate against the identification of the culprits who must be made to account for their crimes in laying leprous fingers on men whom the law considers defenders of Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty.

What transpired at Banex was yet another episode in the open-air assault on the law which some Nigerians favour more than the strained dignity of judicial proceedings. This kind of assault often comes unannounced and is capable of springing up anywhere. It is a habit born presumably of the heady days of military regimes, when the army gave an especially short shrift to the law in Nigeria. It was ironic then to see men in uniform at the receiving end of this brand of cruel and crude justice.

However, throwing in hands and stones or contributing fuel and match sticks to such gruesome expeditions is terrible advertisement for a country that aspires to become a model democracy.

Nigerians must discipline themselves to refrain from taking the law into their hands. No one deserves to be punished except in accordance with law. Not the vagrant accused of stealing at the market or even suspected one-chance robbers commonplace in Abuja nowadays.

In a democracy such as Nigeria’s, acting in accordance with the law is a strength not a weakness. If Nigeria ever hopes to heal from the deep wounds of its military past, Nigerians must see obedience to laws and respect for constituted authorities as key.

There is no love lost between Nigerians and the army as an institution. A historic animosity long preceded by the military coups which truncated Nigeria’s democracy in the 60s through the 80s. This animosity is rooted in the colonial era, when force was used to by the colonialists to achieve their aims. Though the Nigerian Army was not what it is now, residual hostility for those who bear arms in the name of the law became a part of many Nigerian lives.

Many Nigerians blame the army for frustrating democracy in the country for so long and allowing corruption to fester. This memory carried over from the days when the institution was used to defeat the aims of democracy has done enough to shroud the heroic job Nigerian soldiers have done to keep the country from falling into the hands of terrorists.

To strengthen the country’s security and fortify its democracy, Nigerians, and the personnel of the Nigeria Army must close ranks and work together instead of working at cross-purposes. This is necessary in the grander scheme of things, for any divisions would surely be pounced upon by Nigeria’s many enemies.

•Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

May 31, 2024
Reaffirming Nigeria’s ‘One China policy’

By Charles Onunaiju

Whatever its internal differences, serious countries build consensus around its international relations, articulated in foreign policy framework as such, not only guarantees the respectability of the country but ensures that international partners view her institutions as stable, credible and reliable.

Nigeria’s One China Policy is a key enduring line in the country foreign policy since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1971.

The ‘One China’ Nigeria Policy holds that the Taiwan region is inalienable part of China and the Taiwan question, a left-over of Chinese history, especially after its civil war in the 1940’s, when the Communist Party of China in a patriotic coalition of other parties, defeated the then ruling Kuomintang or Nationalist Party (KMT), whose top military and political leaders fled across the straits between the mainland and island of Taiwan region of China.

Propped by the United States and other western powers, the Nationalist Party held on to the illusion of being the legitimate government of all Chinese people, and held the seat in the United Nations until the iconic resolution 2758, which expelled once and for all, the representatives of Chang Kai Sheik and readmitted the government of the Peoples of Republic of the China as the sole and legitimate government of all Chinese people. Nigeria was among the 26 African countries that voted for the historic resolution, which became a vital cornerstone of Nigeria-China diplomatic cooperation established earlier on the February, 1971, few months before the iconic UN resolution in October of the same year.

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An alleged parliamentary group in the House of Representatives which describes itself as Nigeria-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group recently circulated an invitation, notifying of its inauguration, thereby not only brazenly interfering in China’s internal affairs but flagrantly undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s unambiguous and explicit ‘One China’ foreign policy. Such affront to a historical key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign relations also dastardly stuck a knife at Nigeria’s viable diplomatic cooperation.

The shockwave of the development to the friendly Chinese people, would be exactly the same here, should any such misguided element of Chinese parliament attempt to establish “A China-Biafra, or China-Yoruba Nation or even China-Boko Haram parliamentary group.

In solving their national question as it relates to the Taiwan region, the two sides of the straits have established a “consensus” in 1992, which holds that the two sides of the straits belong to one and the same China, and can thereby actively work on a formula for reunion. As we have our few hot heads, who will settle at nothing except disintegration, the Taiwan separatist hot heads, urged on by the U.S, make a case for such extremity. The Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria since 1991 is not a diplomatic mission but a trade promotion centre, just as any Nigeria sub-national entity may choose to open a trade promotion centre anywhere in the world.

Nigeria’s parliament is a key national state institution and cannot possibly contradict Nigeria’s vital foreign policy position.

In early 2017, the federal government took a definitive stand in response to the Taiwan question of the People’s Republic of China and reaffirmed her long standing “One China policy” which leaves no ambiguity that there is only but One China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja then with the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, Nigeria’s then, Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama said Nigeria would take all necessary measures to maintain the integrity of its “One China Policy”.

A joint statement issued after the press conference asserted the One –China Policy is at the core of strategic partnership between the two countries and further stated that “the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognizes that there is only One China in the world, that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” and added the governments of China and Nigeria have mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier, Nigeria’s government directed that the Taiwan trade office in Abuja which was re-designated Taipei Trade office immediately relocate to the Nigeria’s commercial capital, as the continued stay of the trade office in the Nigeria’s political capital has been used for activities inconsistent with its status of trade office. The government took the action of directing the trade office to relocate to Nigeria’s business and commercial hub, so as to leave no doubt about her strict and unequivocal “One China Policy”.

Chinese government said then that it “affirms and greatly appreciates Nigeria’s support for the “One China Principle” and stated further “this thoroughly resolves an issue left over from history that influenced mutual political trust between China and Nigeria, and eliminates a political obstacle that interfered with the healthy development of bilateral relations”.

Nigeria’s definitive stance is an integral part of global consensus, clearly affirmed by the iconic United Nations (UN) resolution 2758 mainstreamed to the core of international law, convention and standard practice. As a key member of the international community and regional power house, Nigeria’s principled measures to restore the integrity of her “One China Policy” aligns with the fundamental principle of state to state relations, in which a demonstration of unassailable sensitivity to each other’s core concerns is a standard norm.

Despite the provocative visits of the former U.S House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi in 2022, the “One China Principle”, according to the white paper of the Chinese government released in 2022 “represents the Universal Consensus of the International community and is consistent with basic norms of international relations.

Most countries in the world, including the United States have established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China on the basis of “One China Principle”.

The white paper made reference to the China – U.S joint communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations, published in December 1978, which among other things stated that “the government of the United States of America acknowledges the Chinese position that there is only but One China and Taiwan is part of China”.

It further states; “The United States of America recognizes the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China. Within this context, the people of the United States will maintain cultural, commercial and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan”.

The unambiguous framework of the Taiwan question as China’s internal affairs leaves no room for equivocations and meddling without undermining the critical pillars of the contemporary international system.

Nigeria’s demonstration of clear sensitivity to China’s core national concerns especially on the matter of the Taiwan question has had clear effects on China – Africa cooperation, pointing clearly to the exemplary nature of China – Africa cooperation as a model of international partnership.

With Taiwan separatist forces intensifying its provocation with active connivance of Washington, Nigeria’s institutions should stay clear from Washington’s perennial obsession to contain China through wanton interference in her internal affairs.

•Onunaiju is research director of Abuja based Think-Tank.

May 31, 2024
Protecting children and youths from tobacco use

Sir: In 1987 by member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated May 31 as World No Tobacco Day with the aim of drawing the global attention to the health hazards of tobacco products consumption on the human race while advocating effective policies and measures for minimising its use worldwide. The theme of this year is, “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco smoking kills more than eight million people each year across the world, including an estimated 1.3 million people who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Additionally, according to 2022 data, worldwide, at least 37 million young people aged 13–15 years use some form of tobacco.

A cardinal question here is why the tobacco industries are targeting children and youth? The answer is obvious: to replace the millions of customers who lose their lives and those who quit tobacco consumption globally to keep their billions flowing. This is why they use social media and streaming platforms as a means to advertise their products.

Medical scientists have been raising the alarm for decades that tobacco consumption breeds life-threatening diseases that include cancer, Type-2 diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, asthma, reproductive health issues in women, aortic aneurysm, erectile dysfunction, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It has been revealed that one in every five deaths from heart disease is linked directly to tobacco consumption.

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The most painful thing today is how marketing campaigns of tobacco industries push children and youths into smoking and making them addicted through their captivating advertisements on television, print media, outdoor billboards), sport events, movies, public entertainment and others.

The grave threat to tobacco control and the lives of children, youths and adolescents is the emergence of the Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette). This embellished tobacco products are being spread among young men and women in many countries around the world.

Few days ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Stopping Tobacco Organisations launched, “Hooking the next generation”. In the report they highlighted how the tobacco and nicotine industries design products, implement marketing campaigns and work to shape policy environments to assist them to make children and youths addicted around the world. The WHO is calling on governments to safeguard children and youths from falling into tobacco and nicotine companies’ traps.

Last week, the Director-General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “History is repeating, as the tobacco industry tries to sell the same nicotine to our children in different packaging. These industries are actively targeting schools, children and young people with new products that are essentially a candy-flavoured trap. How can they talk about harm reduction when they are marketing these dangerous, highly-addictive products to children?”

Besides, the Director of Health Promotion of the WHO, Dr Ruediger Krech said, “These industries are intentionally designing products and utilizing marketing strategies that appeal directly to children. The use of child-friendly flavours like cotton candy and bubble gum, combined with sleek and colourful designs that resemble toys, is a blatant attempt to addict young people to these harmful products”.

On the occasion of the 2023 World Tobacco No Day, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti said, “The emergence of new products, such as electronic nicotine and tobacco products are also proving attractive to youths, compounding the concerns”.

The increase of tobacco consumption amongst children and youths requires passionate attention and immediate action from governments and relevant stakeholders worldwide so as to save the future of our younger and unborn generations from being infected by life-threatening diseases culminating in their sudden deaths. They should help work together to implement effective measures in order to protect the young people from the harmful effects of cigarette smoking and promote a healthier future for generations to come.

•Mustapha Baba, Azare, Bauchi State.

May 31, 2024
Oba of Benin revisited

On September 11, 2020, I wrote about the Oba of Benin, the one who sits, speaks and treads with a candour, the one who men cower in his presence, and women differ to his being, and children look at in awe and the one whom, when it is time to ascend the higher realm, all we hear is that “the leopard is ill in the Savannah Bush” and we dare not ask what that means.

I wrote about this great monarch whose stool is not about who is on it, neither is it about the person’s age nor education or any other thing, but the stool itself. The stool, I noted then, is the most important and once you sit on it, you command the sort of authority the people have made sure we are yet to see in any other monarch in Nigeria. I noted that it is one stool in which the occupant is groomed from birth and availed the best of traditional and modern education.

I had written about the stool at the time because the Oba of Benin summoned politicians and political godfathers in Edo State to his Palace and, like obedient servants, they all went with their hands tucked at their back. I was in awe because I couldn’t think of anyone else who could pull that off with the kind of ease the Oba of Benin did.

Some of the men who obeyed Ewuare II’s summon had armed thugs, and the monarch was afraid they would later use their guns to rob and assassinate people; and were involved in acts that could make Edo State a laughing stock. The monarch had their ears and he minced no words with them on their ignoble roles in the run-up to the governorship election.

The Oba gave it to them raw. He let it be known that all of them have disappointed him by directly or indirectly supporting violence. He told them to show respect to the traditional institution without lip service. He said he expected ex-Governor John Odigie-Oyegun to call both sides to a ceasefire, adding that he would hold him responsible if he failed to use his elder-statesmanship status to stop the violence in Edo State.

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And to the one Ewuare used to call son but who betrayed his confidence, the monarch looked him straight in the face and declared: “I am not sure I will call (Phillip) Shaibu my son again, because of the way he (Shaibu) is going. Shaibu refused to honour his assurances to me. You do not say something to me and go against it. Shaibu, behave yourself. Calm down. I learnt you control thugs. Tell your boys to a ceasefire and drop their arms. Let your boys calm down. Must it be a do-or-die affair? Do not turn Benin into a city of thugs. Do not kill yourselves because of public office. Stop the shootings. I am very sad about what is happening in Edo State. This is the worst scenario. Let us eschew violence and give peace a chance.”

And Shaibu had responded by saying “I will do as you have directed, by telling my boys to calm down.”

The monarch shared interesting insights about how Godwin Obaseki became governor. One, some royal members of Obaseki’s family close to the palace were against the decision; two, he had pleaded with Adams Oshiomhole to propose but not impose a successor; three, he refused to give an opinion after Oshiomhole informed him of his choice; four, three weeks after telling the monarch Obaseki was his choice, Oshiomhole came back to the palace and wanted to know the monarch’s opinion but the Oba did not give any because Oshiomhole’s decision on Obaseki was not a proposal, but an imposition; five, Oshiomhole invited Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote to speak with the monarch on his choice of Obaseki. Dangote came and spoke with the Oba on Obaseki for over one hour, but the Oba kept quiet. Oshiomhole and Obaseki also visited him in Uselu, but he still kept quiet; and six, Dangote stood as a guarantor for Obaseki to be of good behaviour and that if Obaseki misbehaved, the monarch should contact him and still the Oba kept quiet.

Obaseki, of course, became governor. What started as a smooth ride, turned to an unprecedented conflict. The Oba tried to intervene several times. He even went to President Muhammadu Buhari over the matter. He said both of them started avoiding him. Oshiomhole succeeded in frustrating Obaseki out of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He threw his weight behind Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who he vilified in 2016 because of Obaseki.

I’m revisiting the Oba because Obaseki is now on his way out and is at loggerheads with the Palace over returned stolen art works, including two coronation stools of two kings, Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie. Obaseki has not congratulated the Oba because he wants the returned items in a museum he set up after breaking away part of the iconic Central Hospital in Benin. The palace, on the other hand, wants the items at the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre. The governor also seems to be supporting Enigies who want to suffocate the monarch.

My final take: The Oba of Benin will have the last laugh. In a matter of months, Obaseki’s political relevance will almost fizzle out; it is eroding already because every outgoing governor is as good as out. Moreso, the Oba of Benin stool isn’t ordinary. It is one stool whose mystic is impossible for mere mortals to understand, and it will remain so for a long time to come. And because of the grooming of its occupants, it will always be about the stool and not the age of its occupant or any other factor.

May 31, 2024
Benue: One year of Governor Alia

By Solomon Semaka

It has been one year since Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia was inaugurated as the sixth elected governor of Benue State. The inauguration of Governor Alia was greeted with fanfare and jubilation for obvious reasons. The immediate past administration had performed poorly, leaving many citizens looking to the new administration with renewed hope. As a priest who had served in the Catholic Church for nearly three decades, Fr. Alia was seen by the electorate as a “saviour” poised to salvage the state after years of democratic decline.

Governor Alia commenced his tenure on a strong note. Confronted with deteriorating infrastructure, he swiftly initiated the rehabilitation of township roads, many of which have now been completed to high standards. So far, 16 strategic roads within Makurdi metropolis have either been completed or are nearing completion. Additionally, the governor has embarked on the urban renewal of the state capital, including the construction of an underpass at High Level, which promises immediate and long-term benefits for traffic flow and aesthetics. Similar infrastructure projects are underway in Gboko, and rural road construction has begun in various parts of the state.

The “Light-up Makurdi” streetlight project, which relies on solar power technology, has reached an advanced stage, giving the state capital an impressive facelift. This project aims to position Makurdi to compete with other reputable state capitals in the country.

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Upon taking office, worker morale was at an all-time low due to inconsistent salary and pension payments. The previous administration left behind significant arrears, which weakened the purchasing power of workers and stifled the state economy. Governor Alia prioritized salaries, pensions, and gratuities, and began paying off the arrears, rekindling hope among workers and pensioners.

To improve the work environment for civil servants, the administration undertook the rehabilitation of the Benue State Secretariat, built nearly 40 years ago by former governor, Aper Aku. The refurbished secretariat now boasts a modern look, providing a conducive environment for civil servants. The establishment of the Benue State Public Service Institute (BPSI) for training civil servants further underscores the administration’s commitment to optimal performance and support for government policies that benefit the populace.

The Alia administration has also focused on the legislative environment by modernizing the Benue State House of Assembly complex and remodelling its clinic with state-of-the-art amenities. This ensures quality healthcare for members and staff.

In healthcare, the administration has revitalized the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, which had been reduced to a mere consulting centre. The hospital now offers quality tertiary health services, supported by newly appointed medical and non-medical staff. The opening of the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital has further boosted the health system, aiming to reduce maternal mortality and provide prompt, nearly free services to women and children under five.

Public education was in a dismal state when Governor Alia took office. The administration established the Bureau for Quality Assurance to address limitations and excesses in primary and post-primary institutions. This initiative has begun yielding results, with public school teachers now more accountable. The government’s decision to pay examination fees for all students in government-approved secondary schools for WAEC and NECO exams is a bold move to create a literate society poised for global achievements.

The administration’s efforts in human capital development include ICT training for 10,000 Benue youths in collaboration with Google and Microsoft. This initiative aims to create local and global job opportunities for the state’s youth. Additionally, the newly established Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation Bureau, along with the Benue State International Cooperation and Development Bureau, is expected to boost entrepreneurship and alleviate poverty.

In the transport sector, the administration purchased 100 new buses for Benue Links to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal in the oil sector. These buses, operating on various routes, provide commercial services at subsidized rates, positively impacting the people and the state economy. The aesthetic improvement of Benue Links premises has also enhanced customer experience.

Governor Alia has introduced fiscal discipline in government operations, curbing the reckless spending that characterized previous administrations. The administration is also tightening controls on the fiscal activities of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to close financial leakages.

There is no doubt that Governor Alia’s administration has hit the ground running, instilling a sense of hope for Benue State. However, there are critical areas that require urgent attention in the coming years.

First, the issue of insecurity has been persistent for over a decade, displacing thousands of people into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The government must act swiftly to provide necessary security measures to protect its citizens. Strengthening security in affected communities and enhancing intelligence gathering are also essential to consolidating on the relative peace in the state under the leadership of Governor Hycinth Alia.

The state capital and other major towns lack potable water, which poses health risks. Despite being surrounded by major rivers, towns like Makurdi and Katsina Ala suffer from water scarcity. The greater Makurdi Water Works, completed over a decade ago, needs reticulation to benefit the people. The Alia administration should expedite this process so that facility could be put to use.

Several state-owned companies have remained moribund. Revitalizing these through public-private partnerships could create employment opportunities and boost the state’s internal revenue and I have seen the governor is commitment to this trajectory.

Political stability is another area of concern. Intra-party squabbles within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have resulted in factionalism occasioned by the overbearing influence of some leaders in the state. Governor Alia should continue to leverage his deep and rich background to initiate reconciliation processes to foster intra- and inter-party peace and unity, which is essential for stable governance and development. But above all, he should stand firm while looking for stability as that is the only guarantee to safeguard public trust.

In conclusion, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s first year in office has been marked by significant strides in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and fiscal discipline, restoring hope among the people of Benue State. Addressing the identified challenges is a collective role of all stakeholders and citizens. Accepting individual responsibility will be crucial in the coming years. With continued dedication and strategic interventions, Governor Alia’s administration is set to restore Benue State on a path to sustainable development and prosperity.

•Semaka, a public affairs commentator writes from Abuja.

May 31, 2024
Tinubu Presidency @ 1: As VP Shettima consolidates the gains of Renewed Hope Agenda

By Stanley Nkwocha

Last year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was sworn into office on May 29, with a vow to move quickly to deliver results that would change the governance narrative in Nigeria. One year after, that is exactly what he has done through the administration’s 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda, adhering fervently to his campaign promises and matching words with actions.

Although one year in office is still relatively infinitesimal to judge a government that inherited a densely battered and collapsing system over the years, it is enough time to assess the foundations and focus of the administration, albeit quick wins. Commonsense in architecture suggest that the height of any skyscraper depends on the integrity of its foundation.

The Renewed Hope experience of the last one year portrays President Tinubu as an architect who inherited a dilapidated building erected over the years. In this scenario, it is not architecturally wise to build on an already dilapidated structure. The rational thing for any sound architect to do is to dismantle the dilapidated structure and lay a proper foundation whose integrity is guaranteed.

Governments, the world over, face similar tasks in their first year in office irrespective of differences in climes. First, they must form cabinets, select ministers and other individuals to fill top positions in the executive branch. Second, they must articulate and initiate domestic policy agendas in line with what they told the people they want to accomplish, and they must take first steps toward achieving their goals.

Third, they must establish their leadership of the foreign-policy apparatus. Since 1960 when it gained independence, Nigeria has played a major role in the affairs of Africa and the world at large. In this regard, the international community scrutinizes new administrations in the most populous nation in Africa to assess how their policies and progammes will be carried out. No less do the Nigerian people examine the foreign-policy drive and aspirations of new presidents.

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In the process, it is not uncommon for the nation’s vice presidents to struggle to prove their mettle in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work. Contrary to insinuations in certain quarters that he may have been sidelined, even the fiercest critics and detractors alike will acknowledge that Vice President Kashim Shettima has hit the mark in playing the required supporting role. And I make bold to buttress my assertion.

In areas where his predecessors have laboured hard to make themselves relevant, VP Shettima has taken the lead on several critical contentious matters, while President Tinubu focuses his efforts on other more pressing issues of governance. As an Agricultural Economist, Shettima’s understanding of the foundation of 21st century global economy has helped in the economic recovery of Nigeria and provided hope that the recovery will be all-inclusive.

In the first year in office, President Tinubu and VP Shettima have worked to solidify the Nigerian State, confronting a range of daunting issues, including the economy, security and welfare of the citizens. The 8-point agenda of the Tinubu administration provides a clear framework for its policies and programmes, with areas of concentration such as driving job creation, economic growth, food security, poverty eradication, access to capital, rule of law, anti-corruption efforts and inclusive development.

No doubt, President Tinubu was fully aware of Kashim Shettima’s leadership abilities when he selected him as his running mate and had no doubt that he would not fail him as a bona fide member of the president’s northern political dynasty. As expected, the vice president, trusted by Mr President, has within the last one year helped to execute the ongoing bold reforms being undertaken by the Renewed Hope administration, complementing his boss and, most times, overseeing engagements and presiding over meetings where critical decisions are taken to salvage the rusty economy they inherited.

They have often drawn on their leadership experience and political resumes to pioneer a new leadership blueprint. What many keen observers have unanimously agreed about the vice president is the commitment, devotion and diligence with which he has handled his responsibilities.

Together, the president and his deputy have navigated the ship of the Nigerian State away from the challenges they inherited. Here are just some of the milestones and foundations they have laid so far:

International Diplomacy And Foreign Investments

On assumption of office, President Tinubu and VP Shettima embarked on high-powered international engagements where crucial decisions concerning Nigeria and the African continent were made, with the president, most of the time, demonstrating confidence in Shettima’s capacity to represent the country well at such crucial global and local meetings. In so doing, they have deployed their marketing skills to restore investors’ confidence in the country’s business climate at every international fora.

In November last year, Vice President Shettima joined about 130 world leaders at the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum in China where he drew foreign investors’ attention to the ease of doing business in Nigeria, revealing to them that today’s Nigeria is a safe investment destination.

From China, Shettima traveled to the United States for the African Development Bank (AfDB) World Food Prize-facilitated Norman Borlaug International Dialogue at Iowa State where he wooed investors and sought commitments from them towards achieving President Tinubu’s mandate and programmes for Nigeria’s agro-food sector, as well as the ongoing bid to ensure food security and diversification of the nation’s economy. One of the takeaways from that foreign engagement is the tripling of the Africa Development Bank’s (AfDB) agricultural interventions in Nigeria from $500 million to over $1 billion.

About two months after assuming office, Vice President Shettima represented President Tinubu at two major international summits in Rome, Italy and St. Petersburg where he joined other global leaders for the first Stocktaking Moment (STM) Summit. He also chaired a high-level session with the theme ‘Innovative Financing for Food System Transformation: the Case of Nigeria’.

At the instance of the president at the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, he joined other political and business leaders at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum which was focused on strategizing to enhance relations between Russia and the African continent, among other benefits. VP Shettima participated in bilateral meetings with representatives of relevant Russian senior government officials and business leaders to discuss relations between Russia and Nigeria.

Recently, Senator Shettima was in Nairobi, Kenya, where he represented President Tinubu at the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit. Some of the successes recorded in these foreign engagements include the decision by an American company, John Deere, to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, first by setting up a tractor assembly plant in Nigeria, and China’s renewed commitment to the completion of the long-awaited Lagos – Ibadan, Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects as well as the Lagos-Ibadan railway.

There is also the signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) valued at $2 billion, alongside the $4 billion worth of letters of intent, which reflects the substantial inflow of foreign direct investment into key sectors such as technology, automotive and infrastructure. These agreements include partnerships with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and various Chinese corporations, as well as the commitments in power generation and digital economy targeted at addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges and advancing technological innovations, crucial for sustaining long-term growth.

The country now boasts of vast opportunities for economic growth by enhancing power generation, security, oil and gas production, transportation, fisheries, tourism and several other international trade and investment. This underscores the growing confidence of international partners in Nigeria’s economic potential.

NEC Interventions

Back home, Senator Shettima has not disappointed. As chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), many federal government programmes and projects have been initiated under the office of the vice president. For instance, NEC endorsed implementation of the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT to create jobs in the creative and technology sector by training over 1.2 million youths in ICT skills and generating over 5.6 million indirect jobs nationwide.

To address food security and economic challenges in the country, NEC embarked on the process of making fertilizer available to farmers, establishing Agro-Rangers to tackle insecurity on farms and insisting on modern agricultural practices. It spearheaded the establishment of federal government’s Specialized Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) to revamp Nigeria’s agricultural sector and reducing dependence on food imports.

The Council also developed a roadmap for flood intervention and relief aid coordinated with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Pulaku Initiative

The office of the vice president has rigorously driven and supervised the Pulaku initiative, a non-kinetic enterprise set up by the Tinubu administration to address the root causes of farmers-herders clashes, insurgency, banditry, and poverty in the northern region.

Under this initiative, over 1,000 houses, hospitals and shops are being built in each of the North Western states to compensate for the damage done by bandits and other terror groups.

Lighting Up Nigeria

In February this year, Vice President Shettima launched the Light Up South East Initiative to accelerate power supply to industrial clusters in the South-East region. The programme is a collaboration between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) and its partners. On the same day, the vice president commissioned the 181-megawatt Geometric Power plant in Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba, Abia State.

Shettima had earlier flagged off the initiative in the South West at the Agbara Industrial Cluster in Ogun State on October 12, 2023, with stakeholders committing to successful implementation nationwide.

Bridging Education Divide

In May this year, the vice president was in Bauchi State where he launched a multi-year Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP). With the programme, the administration is set to overhaul school infrastructure, modernising curricula and integrating virtual learning technologies. The initiative is a major policy drive to bridge the gaping educational divide in the country, with the North-East region as the starting point.

Ending Internal Displacement

Last Monday, Vice President Shettima launched the State Action Plans on Durable Solution to Internal Displacement at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with a call for a global partnership to address the problem of internal displacement in Nigeria. The action plan is a United Nations Secretary General’s solution agenda on Internal Displacement which aims to help internally displaced persons find a durable solution to their displacement, prevent new displacement crises from emerging and ensure those facing displacement receive effective protection and assistance. Unveiling the programme being implemented in four northern states of Adamawa, Benue, Borno and Yobe, the VP said the federal government is seriously committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced citizens.

Resuscitating Small Businesses

As part of measures to support small businesses by providing an enabling environment for them to thrive, President Tinubu commenced the process of formalising one million businesses across Niger.

To this effect, Vice President Shettima, in January this year, launched the Expanded National MSME Clinic in Makurdi, Benue State, marking the first stop on a nationwide journey to empower small and medium-sized businesses. MSME Clinic, the first of its kind, aims to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by breaking down barriers and providing crucial resources under the Tinubu administration. The MSMEs Clinics and related activities hold the promise of easing the way for small businesses to transform their empires. This will culminate in the National MSME Awards, a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit coinciding with World MSME Day on 27 June in Abuja.

With Benue’s pioneership of the MSME Clinic, the stage was set for a nationwide rollout scheduled to traverse Ebonyi, Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, Borno, Katsina States and the FCT in a meticulously planned itinerary for the first half of 2024. In March, Senator Shettima launched the second edition of the Expanded National MSME Clinics in Ogun State where 200 newly refurbished stores for use were handed over to 400 entrepreneurs at the popular Asero Adire market in Abeokuta.

Tackling Poverty Through Financial Inclusion

As part of efforts by the Tinubu administration to wriggle Nigerians out of poverty, Vice President Shettima, on April 25 this year, midwifed the unveiling of federal government’s Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion, a multi-pronged blueprint designed to achieve universal access to financial services across Nigeria.

The Aso Accord provides a robust framework to democratize access to finance, empower entrepreneurs and catalyse sustainable economic growth from the bottom up. Financial inclusion is a moral calling to unlock opportunities for every Nigerian to achieve their potential. It represents a core pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the nation into a $1 trillion economy by 2030, while combating poverty and insecurity through broad-based prosperity.

Leveraging comprehensive policy reforms and strategic investments, the Aso Accord charts a roadmap to bridge the significant gaps that have left millions of Nigerians, particularly underserved segments like women, youth, rural communities, and small businesses, without vital financial services like credit, insurance, pensions, and savings facilities.

Building A Nourished Nation With Improved Nutrition

In line with the Tinubu administration’s inspiration to implement quality, cost-effective nutrition services, Vice President Shettima recently unveiled an ambitious plan to improve nutrition across Nigeria, with a rallying call to faith and traditional leaders to champion the effort in their communities.

At a high-level dialogue on nutrition at the Presidential Villa, Shettima stressed that Nigeria’s future readiness hinges not just on food abundance but on the nourishing quality of its food supply. The one-day dialogue with the theme, “Faith Leaders as Catalysts for Enhanced Human Capital Through Nutrition,” was organized by the National Council on Nutrition and the World Bank-assisted Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria [ANRiN] Project.

The efforts and interventions of the NEC chaired by the vice president and the engagement with faith-based leaders, among other initiatives, are targeted at deploying institutional mechanisms to combat hunger and malnutrition with its associated challenges.

Agricultural Revolution

Apparently wary about the damage caused by years of neglect in this crucial sector, President Tinubu, on assumption of office last year, embarked on rigorous reforms to revamp the agriculture sector. The first appeal he made was for Nigerians to return to land, for therein lies true prosperity.

President Tinubu set the ball rolling by declaring a state of emergency on food security. As part of efforts by the renewed hope administration to tackle food inflation following the removal of fuel subsidy, the president also approved that all matters pertaining to food and water availability as well as affordability, as essential livelihood items, be included within the purview of the National Security Council.

To revitalize the agricultural sector to bolster the nation’s gross domestic product and foster economic development, the president outlined some initiatives, including the expansion of farmlands up to 500,000 hectares, provision of low-interest loans to farmers and investments in irrigation infrastructure. This was followed by immediate release of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal.

In March this year, Nigerians came face to face with the benefits of Tinubu’s huge investments in agriculture when the president flagged off the Food Security and Agricultural Mechanization Programme in Minna, the Niger State capital. The project, an initiative of the Niger State government, is targeted at deploying cutting-edge agricultural machinery and technology for large-scale agro-value chain development in the state.

Under the Tinubu-led government, Nigeria is beginning to witness another level of working relationship between the president and his vice. For instance, while President Tinubu is spurring the subnational governments to key into the agricultural revolution of the federal government, VP Shettima is confirming that the renewed hope administration is leading by example. This year, the vice president flagged off his own personal empowerment scheme to assist farmers in the country to achieve the food security and agriculture mechanization drive of the Tinubu administration. The scheme, Kashim Shettima Foundation’s Agricultural Empowerment Programme, launched in Kaduna State, signaled the commencement of distribution of tractors, seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and other essential farming inputs to beneficiary farmers for the 2024 farming season.

In addition, the scheme also provides financial empowerment to the tune of N100,000 per month to each of the 50 beneficiaries for 4 months, covering the planting period. Farmer cooperatives, comprising 50 farmers, will also be given startup funds of up to N30 million to establish full-fledged commercial farms.

The hallmark of Shettima’s stewardship as number two man is selfless national service, integrity, loyalty and unflinching dedication to the Tinubu administration. He has continuously shown dedication to upholding the vision of his boss, and his leadership qualities have endeared him to many Nigerians who see him as a full complement to the president. Indeed if his attention to details were to be enumerated here, perhaps drums of ink will run dry.

The connection and the mutual trust they share are indeed inspiring, as both men have shown reliability, selfless service and honesty in leadership in the past one year. And like the vice president, everyone working with him has that same mindset and unity of purpose, working in tandem with the president to make Nigeria better. With the milestones set in the last one year by the Tinubu administration, there is no doubt that Nigeria is on the cusp of joining the league of developed countries.

– Nkwocha is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).

May 31, 2024
Eko Mi Awards set to reward notable Nigerians

Plans are in top gear to hold the first edition of the Eko Mi Awards.

Otunba Bestman Nze’s Image Expression, publisher of Eko Mi, Eko E Newspaper and the organiser of Eko Mi Awards, has announced plans to reward notable Nigerians for positive contributions towards good governance, and humanity.

According to Nze, the award ceremony will be making its debut after a careful selection process that went through a rigorous routine by the team behind the awards ceremony.

Already, prominent Nigerians, who are adding value in different sectors, have been listed as recipients of the awards ceremony scheduled to hold on July 18, 2024.

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The award, Nze further noted, will create a platform to recognise notable Lagosians who are contributing to the development of Lagos State.

In the same vein, Victor Ganzallo, head of the Eko Mi team and Editor-in-Chief of Eko Mi, Eko E Newspaper shared some of the categories of the awards.

“The categories which will see many emerging winners include Politics, Governance, Leadership, Enterprise, Hospitality, Industry, Arts & Culture, Tourism, Sports and Entertainment. We can assure everyone that awardees of Eko Mi Awards were selected based on their track records, character and proven contributions to the centre of excellence,” Ganzallo said.

May 31, 2024