The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • The trials of Davido

    The trials of Davido

    David Adedeji Adeleke aka Davido has been in the eye of storm at different points in his life and music career.

    At 31 with four kids, an envious music career and success in life, Davido has continued to attract drama and controversies to himself while some have seen him as a perfect target to trend. In ten years, the singer has lost five aides to the fangs of death – the last being his favourite security aide, Tijani Olamilekan aka TJ. Others include Fortunate Ateumunname Peter aka Fortune, Uthman aka Obama DM, Tagbo Umeike, and Olu Abiodun aka DJ Olu, his first official DJ and late son of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

    The year 2024 kicked off again with Davido enmeshed in a multiplicity of claims bordering on cyber-bullying and threat to life despite allegations levelled against him by former signee, Tobechukwu Victor Okoh, aka Peruzzi.

    In a 2023 podcast, Peruzzi narrated how someone planted a fetish item in his jacket while he was staying at Davido’s house in Lagos.

    In his words, “While I was staying at Davido’s house, one evening I took a shower and then went to the wardrobe to dress, I wore my shirt and pants. And then one jacket was just telling me, ‘Wear me, wear me.’ I don’t know how to explain this but I carried the jacket and while I was trying to wear it, something fell and I looked and I saw jazz tied and everything. Juju, better juju in my room in a jacket that just came from the laundry. Na say my head strong na e make I see am.”

    From Sophie Momodu, the mother of Davido’s first child and daughter, to award-winning songstress Tiwa Savage and Nigerian Sports topshot, Amaju Pinnick, Davido had one case or the other to answer in 2024. While Sophie Momodu and Tiwa Savage’s petitions remain pending, Davido has entered an agreement to settle out of court with Pinnick.

    Read Also: Adeleke, Davido unveil Osun Country Club

    Many times, fans, critics and industry watchers wonder why it seems Davido unbottles drama and controversy every month. Between January and May 2024, Davido has had to contend with several drama and controversies.

    His long term running feud with Wizkid resurfaced in the last five months and the music stars dragged themselves to the gutter on social media. The two, urged on by their fans and followers, had a field day dishing out invectives and soiling each other’s name in the mud.

    Just as the dust from the unending feud with Wizkid seemed to be clearing out, Davido’s former signee and colleague, Dammy Krane resumed hostilities with the Atlanta-born singer. Dammy Krane fired the first salvo by recording a song with controversial singer Portable to throw shades at Davido. He didn’t stop at that, the singer went further to claim that the DMW boss lost his son only a week after an altercation with him.

    “A week after @davido tried me he lost his son, i don’t wish that on my enemy but god has a way of teaching people lessons especially those that feel “na them get the final say,” Dammy Krane tweeted on X.

    And just as that was settling off with the wind, Davido, again, is in the news for sacking an integral member of his crew, Bobo Ajudua, son of Fred and Queen Ajudua. Reports claimed that Davido sacked Ajudua after claims of alleged fraud. Though the singer had put a disclaimer to the report saying it was a mutual business agreement for both individuals to part ways and they still have a good personal relationship. The news of Ajudua’s sack from the Davido’s management had been going on for sometime with both parties keeping sealed lips until the singer put out a disclaimer on Wednesday, May 15 while attending his favourite uncle’s 64th birthday in Osun state.

    Despite all the allegations, claims and drama, one thing is certain, Davido’s generosity remains legendary. The music star has continued to wow fans and colleagues with his benevolence. Recently, he took his philanthropic gestures a notch higher when he ‘blessed’ a female attendee of his concert at the Madison Square Garden with the sum of 50,000 (N50 million) on April 17, 2024.

  • Tit Bits from 10th AMVCAs

    Tit Bits from 10th AMVCAs

    Omowunmi Dada highlights award’s role

    By Kayowa Adegboyega

    Nollywood actress Omowunmi Dada has emphasised the significance of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) beyond just a glamorous event.

    The ‘Ayinla’ actress highlighted the role of the AMVCAs in celebrating the art and entertainment industry on the continent.

    Speaking with The Nation at the 10th edition of the AMVCA, Dada stated, “AMVCA isn’t a fashion show, it’s an award that celebrates art, and entertainment and what is art without fashion.”

    Dada further emphasised the importance of the AMVCA as an award that celebrates African creatives, saying, “If we have an award that celebrates us as African creatives and we cannot go all out in our outfits what are we doing?”

    The ‘Elesin Oba’ actress also highlighted the need for participants to showcase their creativity and cultural heritage through their attire, aligning with the essence of the awards.

    Dada further likened the AMVCA to the OSCARs, while emphasising its growing significance and influence in recognizing and honouring excellence in the African film and entertainment industry.

    Alexx Ekubo takes mum as date

    For many of the celebrities that attended the 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA, the event presented the opportunity to shine like a million stars.

    Nominee and star actor Alexx Ekubo looked like a million bucks in his bejewelled tuxedo and to cap it up, the actor attended the event with his beloved mum.

    Read Also: AMVCAs: UcZhe Ikejimba secures sixth nomination

    The two were spotted together looking radiant on the red carpet and inside the hall, where the event was held.

    Alexx couldn’t help but dote on his mother, who looked every inch a proud mother at the event, as she walked around and mingled with celebrities on the red carpet before making her way into the hall where she was seated.

    Friends of Alexx, who were close to his family, also took time to exchange pleasantries with Mrs Ekubo during the event.

    Tongues have been wagging as to the actor taking his mother to the event when many of his colleagues attended with their partners or proposed partners.

    About Tacha’s N142m dress

    Disqualified Big Brother Naija housemate, Tacha Akide aka Tacha, made a grand entrance at the recently held Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2024.

    The reality TV star turned heads and set tongues wagging with her stunning attire, which she revealed cost a whopping $100,000 (approximately N142 million).

    The event, which saw celebrities from across the continent in attendance, had Tacha stealing the show with her eye-popping dress.

    In an exclusive interview with content creator Timi Agbaje, Tacha confidently stated the cost of her dress saying, “It’s $100,000 or nothing, bro,” when asked about the cost of her dazzling outfit.

    Her dress, an all-white stoned ensemble with a floating bust design and a flowing cape, was complemented by a matching handbag.

    The price tag of her outfit sparked conversations on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their astonishment at the cost.

    Breath of Life stuns judges

    BB Sasore’s ‘Breath of Life’ stunned the Femi Odugbemi led jury at the 10th edition of the AMVCAs by carting away five top awards on the night. From Best Supporting Actress to Best Actor in a Lead role, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Movie in Africa, ‘Breath of Life’ recorded the best moments of the night. In the same vein, Chimezie Imo, who played another critical role in the film also won an award for the TrailBlazer category. Without doubt, the 10th AMVCA was, indeed, a Breath of Life, with more editions to come.

    Goldberg celebrates African Excellence

    The 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) was a night of dazzling displays, both on and off the red carpet. .

    Goldberg’s involvement wasn’t just about visibility for the brand but a deliberate attempt at helping showcase the beauty of African culture. “At Goldberg, we celebrate African achievement in all its forms, and that goes way beyond what’s on screen. Fashion is a vibrant expression of our culture, and we’re proud to celebrate it too,” explained Kunle Aroyehun, Senior Brand Manager for Goldberg Lager Beer.

    Goldberg championed a special award at the AMVCAs’ Cultural Night event – Best Dressed Male and Female. This exciting addition recognised attendees who embodied the vibrant spirit of African fashion, further enriching the celebratory atmosphere. With a hall virtually filled to the brim with gorgeously dressed individuals, the judges had their work cut out; selecting the four finalists in the Male and Female Categories.

    Venita Akpofure emerged as the winner in the Female Category and Neo Akpofure, the Male category winner. Both delighted winners were handsomely rewarded with N1m each.

  • Abiodun: Five phenomenal years…

    Abiodun: Five phenomenal years…

    By Kayode Akinmade

    He came into office amid ceaseless assaults by a violent Establishment. He had no handover notes. But he had an agenda, a steely resolve, and a burning passion to transform the Ogun environment. Today, five years on, even the most cynical observer would admit that the Iperu-born prince and boardroom genius has turned the Gateway State around, infused a climate of excitement into governance and state management, building joy and hope for the future in the populace. This is remarkable in a country long hobbled by politicians’ failed promises.

    Perhaps the most salient aspect of Abioduns’ leadership is the climate of peace actively fostered in the state. Peace pervades the length and breadth of the land because the Sheriff in charge is determined to leave a lasting legacy of life-changing projects behind, and would not be drawn into political brawls even when a predecessor, taking advantage of the calm in the land, tours the senatorial districts, staging hate campaigns. That is not by accident. Abiodun is a transformational leader, and transformational leaders, as the leadership expert and presidential biographer James MacGregor Burns tells us, are those who, in company with their followers, advance to a higher level of morals and motivation. The fact cannot be disputed that through the strength of their vision and personality, transformational leaders inspire their followers to a higher level of intellectual stimulation, and hence social change.

    Read Also: UPDATED: 36 Assembly Speakers back State Police

    Against this backdrop, Ogun being rated as Nigeria’s most peaceful state comes as no surprise. People tend to copy what they see their leaders doing. Ogun people have not forgotten the highly instructive incident that took place shortly after their governor assumed office. Some pastors of the RCCG had been kidnapped while he was away in Abuja on official business. Given the viciousness of the outlaws, hope was low regarding their rescue. But the governor simply requested for and obtained helicopters for aerial surveillance of the target area, and all the clergymen were rescued unhurt. Jubilations erupted in many places…

    The Abiodun administration initiated the Security Trust Fund, rallying stakeholders to contribute to the fight against crime. It procured over 100 patrol vans, motorcycles, walkie-talkies, and other security equipment to enhance the operational efficiency of security agencies. Then came an additional 25 patrol vans and surveillance drones in collaboration with Lagos and Oyo states to monitor activities along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. And then came Amotekun, deployed at flashpoints…

    Because Ogun is calm, the strides in agriculture, the mainstay of the Nigerian economic, have been simply phenomenal. Through the Anchor Borrowers Programme, the Abiodun administration revolutionized youth involvement in agriculture. It created the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency (OGUNIPA) and the Ogun State Business Executive Council (OGUNBEC) to make the Gateway State the destination of choice for investors. The administration empowered thousands of farmers through training, capacity building and provision of farming inputs, and Ogun is now a leading producer of rice, maize, and cassava in Nigeria. The story cannot be different with Abiodun’s heavy investment in the development of agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, farm roads, and storage facilities.

    When a government fosters partnerships with private sector players, attracting investments and driving growth; implements initiatives to improve livestock production, including the distribution of breeding stock, veterinary support, and establishment of grazing reserves, the result is bound to be refreshing.

     The Abiodun administration has strengthened extension services, providing farmers with access to expert advice, technology, and best practices to improve their productivity and efficiency. It has supported farmers to produce high-quality products and linked them to markets and processors. It has created thousands of jobs in the agricultural sector, having developed and implemented policies like the Ogun State Agricultural Policy and the Ogun State Livestock Development Policy.  There is no space to detail the government’s empowerment of  farmers with solar pump machines; the N50 million Ijebu Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction (Eriwe) meant to develop the fish subsector in the state; the empowerment of over 40,000 agripreneurs in cassava cultivation, or the distribution of motorcycles to extension agents to reach farmers in remote areas across the state.

    In education, the abolition of all levies spiked enrolment in primary schools, even as the government adopted a school per ward for development as a model school. The promotion of teachers and equipment of schools and higher institutions and revolution of the transcript processing system has restored dignity to Ogun schools. And among the giant strides of the Abiodun administration, the Gateway International Airport, an agro-cargo facility situated in Remo North, has garnered global attention, with dignitaries and investors expressing interest in its immense socio-economic benefits. It will generate approximately 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. Fittingly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Special Agro-Cargo Processing Zone as a Free Trade Zone. Actually, what is on the ground is an airport city, with an agricultural processing zone located close by. Exporters of farming produce are about to experience an absolute windfall.

    Although the state of federal roads—and they are so many—in the state presented challenges during Abiodun’s first term, the story is fast changing. Go to Ota and see things for yourself. In any case, listing the roads constructed by the Abiodun administration is a daunting exercise. Infrastructure is the first pillar of the ISEYA mantra but accorded a top priority attention in the scheme of programmes being executed.  Notable among these roads already completed are the 3.41km Olomore Sanni Road, 0.9km Elega Mokola Bridge Entrance, 2km Idi -Aba Elite, Oke Lantoro Road,1.62km Ijaiye-Oke Ejigbo-Iporo Ake Road, 7.8km Obantoko Road (Fajol America junction-Unity Estate Gbonagun, 5.7km Somorin-Kemta Idi -Aba Road, 42km Abeokuta Sagamu Expressway, 3km Panseke Adigbe Road, 6.6km Siun Owode Road, 2.35km Arepo Road, 8km Revised s Scope Mowe Ofada Road,1.5km Kuforiji Olubi Quarry Road, Adigbe, and 1.85km Iyana Oloke junction to Mapoly School Gate.

    Then we have the 3.1km Ikoritameje Adenrele/Olose Titun Vespa Road, 2.4km Olusegun Osoba Toyin Agbado Road,1.5km construction of Sango Ota -Oke -Aro-Ojodu Abiodun Lagos End (Yakoyo to Mr Bigg), 2.0km Inner Roads, Itori Junction Road, 4km Oba Erinwole Road,Sagamu,13km Sagamu -Ode Lemo Road, 3km Idarika Street Road, 8km Orile Oko Road, 3km Awujale Road, Stadium and Oke Aje,1.2km Ogbagba Street, Ijebu Ode, etc. The Atan-Lusada-Agbara roads are a marvel. Housing estates covering different strata of society complement the good roads.

    Enter the health sector, a sector for which even the federal government acknowledged Ogun’s exemplary status during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are talking of an administration that inaugurated State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee to enhance the Ambulance and Emergency Service delivery, conducted training for health workers on comprehensive screening for new-borns to tackle sickle cell disease and secured, for the first time in 45 years, full accreditation and upgrade of the Ogun State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery to collegiate status.  We are talking about an administration that targeted 1.4m school-age children as change agents, promoted partnerships across the three tiers of the health sector, introduced free Covid-19 rapid testing of residents in health facilities, inaugurated Sexual Therapy and Assaults Referral Centre in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), the Family Planning Centre at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, and distributed over 25 tricycle ambulances to rural areas.

    The administration upgraded and increased the fleet of Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Services from four vehicles inherited to 26 in two years, introduced 24-hours Ambulance and Emergency Services across the 20 LGAs, carried out free eye surgeries, contained cholera outbreaks, distributed 3.7m insecticide treated nets, commissioned two molecular laboratories to boost the state’s testing capacity for COVID-19 and other epidemiological diseases, and contained COVID-19 with less low fatalities.

    With Abiodun’s strategic foresight, Ogun can look towards the future with hope. Long before the federal government removed subsidy on fuel, Abiodun initiated CNG-run vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in the state. Long before the economic downturn that attended subsidy removal came, he floated the Ogun-Kebbi Joint Commission on rice production. Ogun, as attested to by multiple awards.

    •Akinmade is Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Governor of Ogun State.

  • America and campaign cash

    America and campaign cash

    Transparency. Accountability. Fairness. These three words are never far from America’s mouth. This nation of nations is ever ready to talk about these principles as the pillars on which its democratic ideals stand.

    I remember these words as President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, his main rival in the November 5, 2024 quadrennial presidential election, intensify the race for campaign cash. They have for months now been on the neck of donors—big and small— for financial assistance. Their campaign teams bombard Americans with messages daily on why they need to contribute to their campaign funds. Of course, with each team explaining why the other side must be stopped and the role of cash in achieving this onerous task.

    In one message from the Biden team, donors are told that “when you chip in any amount today, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to meet the Bidens so they can personally thank you for your continued support”.

    Read Also: Civil society groups name Keyamo ‘Minister of the Poor’

    The Trump team also has catchy tactics of getting Americans to fund the campaign of the man who once rose to power with a promise to “make America great again”, a promise he is still making in his second attempt at America’s most important job.

    Both have raked in millions of dollars, and more will flow in as the campaigns hot up for the soul of America, the world’s most known nation.

    These funds being raised are being monitored by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), a crucial pillar in the landscape of American democracy. The agency is tasked with overseeing the flow of money into political campaigns. Established in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, its primary goal is to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process. However, the FEC faces formidable challenges in fulfilling its mission.

    One of the core responsibilities of the FEC is to monitor and disclose campaign finance activities, shedding light on who funds political campaigns and how these funds are utilised. This transparency is essential for voters to make informed decisions during elections. However, the staggering increase in campaign spending over the years, reaching record highs in recent election cycles, raises concerns about the influence of money in politics.

    The exponential growth in campaign spending, especially with the advent of digital platforms and online advertising, has outpaced the regulatory framework designed to ensure transparency. Loopholes in existing laws allow for significant amounts of “dark money” to flow into campaigns, often without disclosure of the true funding sources. This opacity undermines the principle of informed democracy, leaving voters unaware of the forces shaping political narratives.

    The FEC’s ability to enforce campaign finance laws effectively is hindered by internal challenges, including staffing shortages and budgetary constraints. The commission’s reliance on achieving consensus among its members, often resulting in deadlock on critical issues, further impedes its regulatory efficacy. Members of the commission are drawn from the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, a situation which often contributes to deadlock in taking necessary actions.

    Trump has really capitalised on the weakness of the commission. Some days back, reports indicate that Trump has been using a chunk of these funds to fight his legal battles.

    The Brennan Centre for Justice captures it well in these words: “The former president has relied almost entirely on donations to his campaign and affiliated PACs to pay his lawyers, to the tune of more than $100 million, as of early 2024.

    “Following his 2020 election loss, Trump received more than $250 million in donations from supporters to fuel an “election defense fund.” He divided that money between two campaign entities: his 2020 presidential campaign committee, which he subsequently converted into a freestanding PAC called Make America Great Again (MAGA) PAC, and a second entity called Save America PAC, which is a so-called “leadership PAC” (a type of PAC that a federal candidate can establish for the ostensible purpose of supporting other candidates).

    “Beginning in early 2021, Trump began spending funds from these two PACs on his myriad legal proceedings — including personal matters. The fact that MAGA PAC was no longer a campaign committee enabled him to take advantage of a loophole in campaign finance law prohibiting candidates from using campaign committee funds for personal expenses, but not PAC funds. Through early 2024, MAGA PAC spent $30 million on Trump’s legal expenses. Roughly another $70 million has come from Save America, which is subject to a similar loophole.

    “By early 2024, however, Save America was running out of money, even as Trump’s legal bills continued to mount. To boost his leadership PAC’s cash base, Trump began to steer online donations to it and also set up a joint fundraising agreement with the Republican National Committee, under which the RNC prioritizes funneling money to Save America over filling its own coffers. (The party has also directly paid some of Trump’s legal bills, as it did when he was president and as the Democratic National Committee has done for President Biden.) Additionally, Save America has clawed back a $60 million donation it made to MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC, through an unusual series of monthly payments. Despite these efforts, Save America is running low on funds: the PAC had just $4 million on hand at the end of March, as Trump headed into his first criminal trial.”

    What the current situation shows is that urgent reforms are needed to strengthen campaign finance regulations.

    For example, legislative measures, such as the Honest Ads Act, which seeks to extend reporting requirements to online political advertisements, are crucial steps toward enhancing transparency in the digital age. Also, closing loopholes that allow undisclosed contributions and ensuring robust enforcement mechanisms are imperative to safeguard the integrity of elections.

    It is also essential to address the influence of foreign money in U.S. elections because it remains a paramount concern. We can also not rule out the need for stricter oversight and enforcement against foreign interference. Enhanced disclosure requirements for political spending is essential to protect the sovereignty of American democracy.

    My final take: To uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness in America’s campaign finance, comprehensive reforms are needed. Only through concerted efforts to mitigate the influence of money in politics can it safeguard the democratic ideals upon which the nation stands. The Department of Justice, which handles criminal violations of the law, also needs to bite more in this matter. And the Congress need to close the loopholes which allow politicians to run their adverts online without disclosing them to the commission and concealing both the adverts’ sources and the money spent on them.

  • Of NAPTAN’s sit tight leadership

    Of NAPTAN’s sit tight leadership

    Sir: Alice Mchellan Bimey and Phoebe Apperson Hearts had projected into the future when in February 17, 1897 established National Congress of Mothers at a meeting in Washington DC with over 200 parents, teachers, workers and legislators to form parents body to seek for the welfare of the school children and also fight for their right within the ambit of the law.

    The foundation laid over 125 years ago has grown to a formidable students’ mouthpiece birthing what is known today as Parent Teacher Association (PTA). One will not forget the role played by late Chief Babs Animashaun who committed his God given resources, connections and everything within his power to make sure PTA otherwise known as National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) stands the test of time by taking the gauntlet in seeing to its registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on June 23, 1995 with registration number 8588.

    Geometrically, the fortune of the once revered association has nosedived and the centre cannot hold.

    Late Chief Babs Animashaun relinquished the leadership of NAPTAN in a controversial manner in 2005 at a triennial congress held in Abuja and the members present at the congress invoked Article 10 of the Association’s constitution to conduct the election where Alhaji Haruna Danjuma emerged as president.

    Thereafter, a case was filled at Lagos High Court by late Chief Babs Animashaun challenging the election. But the case was later struck out for lack of evidence.

    Read Also: West African countries must unite to defeat terrorism, other challenges — Tinubu

    Constitutionally, Danjuma should have run two terms of four years each. By this, his tenure ought to have ended by 2013. But after a reconciliatory meeting was held in Ibadan Oyo State from March 26 – 28, 2012, it was agreed that because of the circumstances surrounding his first tenure, notably the issue of litigation, he should be allowed to do another one more term to end in 2017. It’s been years since yet Haruna Danjuma has not deemed it fit to call for another congress where new national executives would come on board and continue where he must have stopped.

    This is a typical example of sit tight syndrome by leaders.

    Some months back, the association General Secretary Comrade Benjamin Dugeri died in active service, before him, the association also lost two prominent members of trustees in person of Wada Waziri from Kano State and Chief Mrs. Mulikat Idris from Lagos State.

    NAPTAN needs to reenergize on a new template with vibrant and result oriented leaders who must be seen and also be heard loud and clear in the scheme of things as far as education issues are concerned.

    My passionate appeal goes to Alhaji Haruna Danjuma to, without further delay take the bull by the horns and call for congress by whatever means legal to enthrone a new executive. His silence is not golden but coated with ash as it has negatively affected the fortune of NAPTAN as an association. He must realize now that whatever he does on behalf of the association henceforth is unconstitutional bearing in mind that his administration has been there for 19 years, Whatever idea he has but failed to implement these past years should be jettisoned to allow fresh hands, fresh brains and fresh ideas to come on board for an expected paradigm shift to enable our children have better representation in the education sector.

    An important stakeholder like NAPTAN should not only be seen but heard and I believe that the time has come to rejig the association. For Danjuma’s name to be etched in gold, he must quit now and take a bow because a good actor leaves the stage when the ovation is loudest.

     He should remember that NAPTAN is bigger than any single individual.

    •Deacon Akinola Olufemi,femiakins230963@gmail.com

  • As Northwest kicks off search for peace and security

    As Northwest kicks off search for peace and security

    By Abdulsalam Mahmud

    A two-day ‘Northwest Peace and Security Summit,’ which kicked off yesterday at the Katsina State Government House is expected to end today. Organized by the Northwest Governors’ Forum, NWGF, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, the summit is themed: “Livelihood, Building Resilience and Promoting Peace and Security: Addressing the Nexus of Banditry, Extremism and Climate Change in North West Nigeria”.

    Everyone knows that the states in Nigeria’s Northwest geo-political zone: Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi and Sokoto have been ravaged by the heinous activities of terrorists and armed bandits. Residents of the aforementioned states, particularly Zamfara and Katsina, are the worst hit.

    Just law week, bandits massacred 30 people together with an Islamic cleric at some communities in Maradun and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara. The victims, sources claimed, were mostly farmers. “It was a bloody week in Anka LGA, which suffered grave losses after bandits invaded five communities there over five days – Tuesday to Saturday.

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    “When the dust cleared, at least 49 persons lay dead. Anka residents reported that bandits slaughtered 18 persons in Farar-Kasa, 22 in Dangulbi, two in Duhuwa, four in Tsatsomawa, and three in Yar Sabaya communities,” according to a media report.

    Similarly, 24 persons were killed and several others wounded in a fresh bandits attack on Unguwar Sarkin Noma community, in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, penultimate Friday. Those killed were mostly vigilante members, who reportedly came out to confront the bandits.

    Two months ago, Nigerians were alarmed by the abduction of 287 schoolchildren in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State. “On March 8, bandits killed two residents during Friday prayers in the Kwasakwasa community, Birnin Gwari LGA, while many others were kidnapped.

    “On March 12, at least 30 villagers were abducted from Budah village in Kajuru LGA. On March 13, bandits invaded Banono community in Kajuru, killing one person and kidnapping eight others. On March 16, bandits ravaged Maro ward, Kajuru LGA, kidnapping 14 villagers,” the media equally reported.

    Take it or leave it, the Northwest now looks more troubled than the Northeast. In September last year, a study by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) identified banditry as the gravest security threat to the country.

    According to the study, while terrorists have killed about 350,000 people and displaced millions, the fatalities from the activities of the bandits at some point outweighed that of the Boko Haram terrorists. “In 2019, bandits were reportedly responsible for almost half of all violent deaths in Nigeria,” the research claimed.

    With its once-upon-a-time robust economy now in disarray, the Northwest is now the metaphor for underdevelopment, illiteracy and poverty. This is a sad commentary; one that seriously disturbs the NWGF, under the chairmanship of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina.

    The NWGF, by convening the two-day summit, is bent on proffering lasting solutions to the woes affecting its region. The event however, is not the maiden attempt by the Northwest governors to engage key stakeholders in tackling their regional security problem. Last month, members of the NWGF together with three of their colleagues from the North-central, were in the United States for a symposium on peace and security.

    Organized by the Africa Centre at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), the symposium aimed to address the security challenges in the Northwest and Central. “Recognizing the crucial role of state governors in mitigating security threats and fostering peace, the symposium aims to enhance their capacity in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts across Nigeria.

    “Through dialogue and collaboration, the Africa Centre seeks to empower governors to address the underlying causes of instability and strengthen peacebuilding initiatives at local and state levels. During the symposium, Northern Nigeria governors and their counterparts will engage in panel discussions focusing on the drivers of insecurity and opportunities for stabilization.

    “These discussions aim to deepen participants’ understanding of the complex security landscape, identify strategies for addressing security challenges, and explore opportunities for sustainable peace and development in the region,” said a statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the spokesperson of Governor Radda, ahead of the forum.

    The NWGF’s search for peace, integration and economic development in their region remains a herculean task, like it has always been. Therefore, it is expected that the discussions, speeches and papers to be presented at the event will be rich, insightful, well-researched, in a way that will highlight portent solutions to the North West’s banditry malaise.

    Delegates and participants at the summit should also not mince words in telling the NWGF that its members need to develop efficient strategies that will eradicate poverty and illiteracy in their states. Defeating terrorism and banditry becomes easier when people are educated and adequately empowered financially. The NWGF, as a matter of fact, should be told that their summit will not add any impetus to the fight against banditry if it is just all about talking and talking.

    Concrete steps and implementable actions must be taken in the days ahead. This summit they have convened should be instructive in all ramifications of decimating terrorists in the Northwest.

    One cannot but applaud governors Radda and Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara for establishing local security networks in their respective domains, last year. Already, both the Katsina State Community Corps Watch and Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPGs) are complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies in the two states.

    As such, it is only imperative that other members of the NWGF expedite action in creating their own local security outfits, to assist our regular security forces in fighting criminals and bandits. In the Southwest, we now have a regional but non-conventional security group called Amotekun.

    Established barely four years ago, operatives of the network have been unrelenting in pounding terrorists, cultists, gunmen and other criminals terrorizing the zone. It won’t be a bad idea to have something like Amotekun being replicated in the Northwest. Governor Radda, as the NWGF leader, should assiduously champion that.

    Time is running out. Anything hindering the creation of state police should be sorted out now. The Northwest – pardon my bias – need more security personnel on the ground to fight bandits, or even take the battle to them in their hideouts. Again, the police officers attached to VIPs will be more productive when they are deployed to the field for combat operations against enemies of the state.

    The federal government repeatedly says it has uncovered the sponsors of terrorism in the country. It is however unfortunate that the alleged criminals have not been exposed and prosecuted, allowing them to continue perpetrating their barbaric ‘trade’. This should stop. Lest it distracts the focus of the Northwest governors, who are doing everything possible to facilitate the swift return of peace and security in their region.

    •Mahmud is the Deputy Editor of PRNigeria and wrote in via: babasalam1989@gmail.com.

  • Consumer Credit Scheme: Matters arising

    Consumer Credit Scheme: Matters arising

    By Olusuyi Adaramewa

    As part of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (PBAT) administration, the birth of the Consumer Credit Scheme /Corporation signals yet another landmark – a colour amber, in its key performance indicators.  In concretizing the initiative, a N100billion (about USD85m) has been earmarked for the take-off of the first phase of the scheme slated for May 15.  Going by reports, the phase one would kick off with the Civil Service on that day. Thereafter, its cascading effect shall be felt by other segments of the Nigerian public.

    Methinks that this developmental stride outweighs a mere actualization of political slogan or a mere appeasement of the Breton Woods or multi-lateral agencies often labelled as being surreptitiously moulding our present socio-economic reconfiguration. If anything, the bottom line is that it appears to be a right step in the right direction. This becomes obvious given the fact that it may unlock credit opportunities and their potentials in the system, thereby alleviating some challenges attached to the perennial paucity of funds in the economy.

    One of the key challenges of a consumer credit scheme in an emerging economy like ours is the issue of financial inclusion. How far have we addressed this in Nigeria? Without mincing words, and but for the few noticeable hiccups, we are bound to be gleeful over the mirthful episodes that have characterized the payment system landscape within the last one decade or so. Put clearly, the Nigerian payment system has been rejuvenated and transformed to the extent that more people have been included in its ecosystem. Based on the results of the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2012 survey, “34.9 million adults representing 39.7% of the adult population were financially excluded. Only 28.6 million adults were banked, representing 32.5% of the adult population.” 

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    Gratifyingly, and according to the World Bank, the financial inclusion rate has risen to about 64 per cent of the eligible populace in 2024. This signals that around 64 percent of the adult population in the country has access to financial services such as bank accounts, loans, investments, and digital payments. The Guardian of Wednesday, May 8, presented an impressive growth trajectory in the  values of electronic payments in Nigeria , for the past eight years: “2016 N62trillion, 2017 N83trillion, 2018 N109trillion, 2019 N150trillion, 2020 N356trillion, 2021 N272trillion, 2022 N387trillion, and 2023 N600trillion.”

    Despite this upbeat, there are still some challenges with infrastructure, making it excruciating for the average Nigerian to seamlessly cash in and out, via the electronic channels. For instance, power has remained elusive, while other supporting infrastructural facilities have been in comatose. Security is equally a challenge that shakes the entire financial system to its foundation. Robbery, kidnapping, vandalism and other terrorism related vices make their inroads into the system daily and further challenge the development of the financial system.

    It must be noted, however, that many individuals in the country, still lack access to formal financial services, which can limit their ability to invest in education, start businesses, or deal with unexpected expenses. Where there seems to be some succour to bridge the credit gaps, the cost of borrowing is extremely high, sometimes more than 30 per cent. As if that is not sufficient, the conditions attached are stringent and somewhat unattainable. Expectedly, therefore, by providing access to credit via consumer credit scheme, it may help bridge this gap and empower individuals to improve their quality of life.

    It bears stating that the credit consumer system requires a robust financial infrastructure, including but not limited to credit reporting systems and consumer protection laws, to prevent consumers from falling into debt traps.  Indeed, we can borrow a leaf from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the UK in order to regulate the scheme.

    In the UK, effective April 1, 2014, responsibility for regulating consumer credit passed to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The “FCA supervises the conduct of over 50,000 firms, and regulates the prudential standards of those firms which are not regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)”.

    By the same token, “the PRA regulates around 1,700 of the largest financial firms including banks, building societies and major investment firms. The FCA has an over-arching strategic objective to ensure that the financial markets it regulates function well.”

    The question is: whither Nigeria? What system or institutional framework have we put in place to regulate the scheme?

    Closely related to this is the fact that there exists the challenge of credit risk and loan delinquency. In Nigeria today, there is paucity of data as well as reliability of the existing ones. Save for the operations of the Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBAN) which was set up in 2012 by the three licensed Credit Bureaux in Nigeria (CRC Credit Bureau Ltd, CR Services Credit Bureau Plc, and XDS Credit Bureau Ltd) to promote the development and use of credit reporting in Nigeria, this would have remained tedious. This and other related issues like the lack of a robust or established credit histories and financial literacy among consumers can increase the risk of default on loans. If not properly addressed, it may lead to higher interest rates, which can further strain the financial stability of the vulnerable individuals.

    Thus, implementing risk assessment tools, such as credit scoring models and collateral requirements, by appropriate institutions concerned can help mitigate these risks and ensure the sustainability of the consumer credit scheme.

    Nonetheless, a well-designed consumer credit scheme can stimulate economic growth and promote financial stability in an emerging economy like ours. It goes without saying, that by providing individuals with access to credit, they can invest in assets, improve their living standards, and contribute to the overall economic development of their communities. This is expected to stem the tide of corruption among the civil servants as they do not need to primitively amass cash in order to own basic necessities of life.  Once, they are credit worthy, this singular goodwill will speak for them and “open doors” in accessing credits in the acquisition of their daily needs.

    Additionally, Consumer Credit Scheme, if operationalized in conjunction with other monetary policy tools such as the recent hike in the monetary policy rate (MPR), can also encourage savings and financial discipline among borrowers, leading to increased financial literacy and better money management practices.

    Going further, consumer credit scheme can foster innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) among others.  It must be noted that by providing entrepreneurs with the necessary capital to launch their ventures, the scheme can create a conducive environment for job creation and economic growth. It may also accentuate the appetites of the consumers, stimulate consumer spending, which can boost demand for goods and services and drive economic expansion. 

    In optimizing the full advantage of this development, we need to avoid being bogged down by the sole consumption of foreign goods and services. This sounds a tall order, but it can be consciously and concertedly attained by ensuring that we place high premiums on the production and provision of locally manufactured goods and services that are qualitatively competitive, cheaper and more affordable than the imported ones. That way, the attendant benefits of the CCS will be fully realized as well as optimized.

    It is my considered opinion that while consumer credit scheme holds great promise for promoting financial inclusion and economic development in an emerging economy like Nigeria, it also faces several challenges that need to be addressed. Consequently, by implementing appropriate risk management strategies and regulatory frameworks, among others, policymakers can ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the scheme in order to drive economic growth and improving the well-being of individuals in our great country.

    •Dr. Adaramewa, a lawyer and an ex-banker wrote in from Lagos

  • Economic crisis and regime instability

    Economic crisis and regime instability

    Sir: There has been so much hoopla on the adverse impact of the economic reform policies of the current government. We think that examples exist elsewhere in the global South to guide our attitude and perhaps, the response of the government to the grave situation that not only threatens the economic well-being of the people but also, the popularity of the government and even regime stability.

     Politically, austerity measures are carried in the background of ever-present authoritarianism. However, in Nigeria, we practice democracy hence debates and disagreements are some of its characteristic features. What is significant is that the repressive temper of dictatorships hurts economic recovery in the short- and long-run. Hence, politically, manifest authoritarian regimes more often collapse during economic crises. However, equitable governments steer through economic crises relatively unscathed.

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    The experiences in Indonesia and Malaysia are of relevance to guide our country. In other words, differences in cross-border policies produce dramatically different outcomes during crises. When asset specificity divides supporters as in Indonesia, the government and the people desire mutually incompatible policies. The ensuing incoherence in the strategy of renewal of the economy is followed by regime instability. When coalitions are not divided by asset specificity, which bears the brunt of market reforms, for example during the financial crises in Malaysia, regimes adopt radical measures that enable them to survive. Indeed, such regimes interpose in the market for redirection and to beneficiate capital goods importation for domestic production of the needs of society.

     Indeed, in the history of Nigeria, the economic crisis between 1980 and 1982, threw up incompatible policy choices. The continuation of those policies of austerity, grand-scale borrowing to fund consumption and passing the bulk of the pains to the ordinary person have always resulted in hardship. Our economic history has taught us that such policies would not help in the long run. Therefore, the functionaries of the current government need to think through the situation.

    This is why I would recommend that our people in the government find and read the account of Thomas B. Pepinsky on Economic Crises and the Breakdown of Authoritarian Regimes: Indonesia and Malaysia in Comparative Perspective. It is a relatively old book published in 2009.

    •Onoho’Omhen Ebhohimhen, PhD,Benin City

  • Triumph of gender

    Triumph of gender

    •2nd Lt. Oluchukwu Owowoh’s Sandhurst feat shows innate human strength, no matter the sex

     Gender, in development studies, connotes innate human strength, regardless of outward sexes, though some feminists often seize the term to push female entitlement.

    Second-Lieutenant Oluchukwu Owowoh, the first Nigerian female cadet officer to graduate from the Royal Military Academy (RMA), Sandhurst, UK, just proved gender in its most pristine sense: what a man can do, a woman too can — a solid and brilliant achievement, shorn of any sloganeering.

    That explains why the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, herself a woman of quality, wasted no time to toast and celebrate the epochal feat of this young and promising military officer.

    “Your story is that of aspiration, resilience and determination.  Really, your case is divine.  It is not because you studied very hard but because God selected you for a purpose,” the First Lady gushed, at her special reception for Lt. Owowoh.  “It is going to be from glory to glory,” she prayed.  “That is why we are here to celebrate you for what you have done.”

    Indeed, what Lt. Owowoh has done is well and truly remarkable, from the testimony by Major-Gen. John Ochia, the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, (NDA) Zaria, and the young officer’s chaperon to her reception at Aso Villa, Abuja.

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    Perhaps the news — as glorious as that was — is not that at Sandhurst, she trumped other cadets, male or female, from India, Pakistan, Quatar, Canada, Australia and UK itself — a solid gem of excellence in both brain and brawn: a summary for the rigour of military training.

    The real news is the build-up to Sandhurst where, at the NDA, Lt. Owowoh had to establish and re-establish herself, which would have been unnecessary, were she to be male.

    Hear Gen. Ochia: “The significance of Owowoh’s case is that, in the course of training, we selected the best.  She surpassed the record of over 200 male cadet officers when we did the selection.  She came first but we doubted her.”

    “If she was male, we would have left it at that,” he continued, “but because she is a female we tested her and she came first in academics, even in the physical training.  She went through a tough process until her male colleagues even noticed that we do not have to go further.”

    At RMA, one of the most iconic military academies in the world, she put everything together to trump the rest.  It wasn’t quite reserving the best for the last.  It was rather showcasing her normal brilliance and diligence on a more global stage.  Yet at home, she still had to doubly prove herself which, as the General admitted, would have been unnecessary if she were male.

    Which brings this legitimate question: if Lt. Owowoh had somewhat faltered, would it have been attributed to her sex?  That question tugs at structural barriers against women, no matter their proven abilities: the so-called invisible glass ceiling. 

    We only hope the young woman has helped to shatter that ceiling, so much so that the next Owowoh, coming through the same military academy course, wouldn’t have to prove herself over and over again — unlike her male counterparts.

    Still, it’s kudos to the Nigerian Army.  They wanted the best.  They searched for that very best.  They never allowed male bias to blight that very best.  That says something — and very positive too — for fairness in a male-dominated military setting. 

    If they had allowed male bias to water down merit, Nigeria would have been robbed of the Owowoh glory.  We expect that clinical sticking to merit — and fairness — in every arm of the Nigerian military — and even the paramilitary security agencies. Only equal- opportunity access can make everyone bloom; and make Nigeria a far better place.

    As for young Lt. Owowoh, it’s a brilliant morning in her military career.  If morning shows the day, her military career appears full of promise and sunshine.  The Nigerian Army, with their prop so far, appears set to provide the support atmosphere to make her excel and realise her full potential.

    Still, as the scriptures say, the beginning could amount to nothing if not matched by a roaring climax.  That’s the challenge before this promising officer.  She must keep on challenging herself, if she really wants the world to be at her feet. 

    The world at her feet would be glorious for the Nigerian Army, and also for her country, Nigeria, and its investment in her training and other officer cadets’.

  • Oba Sikiru Adetona at 90

    Oba Sikiru Adetona at 90

    •A revered and highly principled monarch joins the nonagenarian club

    It was a measure of his stature that the Federal Government participated significantly in the celebration of his 90th birthday on May 10. President Bola Tinubu decorated him for “his many years of meritorious service” to “our country and humanity.”  He received the second highest Nigerian national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

    The double celebration also marked his 64th coronation anniversary. The producer of the biopic ‘Awujale,’ Seun Oloketuyi, described him as “the longest-reigning first-class monarch in Nigeria,” saying there were “actually 19 books about Awujale that we saw written by different people.”  There is also an autobiography in existence.

    A high-profile Yoruba traditional ruler, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba Agbotewole II, the Awujale of Ijebu land, Ogun State, ascended the throne in April 1960, before he was 26. “I was able to apply wisdom and intelligence,” he said, in response to a question on how he was able to handle the exalted position at such a young age. 

    After his secondary education at Olu-Iwa (now Adeola Odutọla) College, Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956, he worked at the then Audit Department of the Western Region, Ibadan. In 1958, he resigned and travelled to the United Kingdom to study accountancy.

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    Ten years ago, when he turned 80, he was “optimistic that Ijebu State will be created in my lifetime,” describing it as “a viable vision.”  According to him, “Our demand is historical, justifiable and overdue.”  The agitation for the creation of Ijebu State, he said, had the blessing of the entire Ijebu people in Ogun State.

    In 2016, Oba Adetona made the headlines when he endowed a N250m professorial chair in Governance in the Department of Political Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Importantly, its objectives include “the initiation and execution of research that aims at finding solutions to contemporary challenges and issues of governance at local, state, national and global levels.” The deed spoke volumes about his promotion of education and good governance. Endowed professorships are uncommon in Nigerian universities, which is why his project is striking and exemplary.

    He took a step further by establishing the Oba Adetona School of Governance, also located at the same university, which is focused on “nurturing leaders and professionals equipped for the challenges of public governance and corporate leadership.” The vice chancellor of the university noted that Oba Adetona had contributed to the development of the post-graduate school through the donation of offices, lecture and seminar rooms, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) materials and a library. The presentation of a book, titled ‘Reinventing Governance in Nigeria: The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Model,’ during his 90th birthday celebration, underlined his legacy.

    It was a tribute to his vision that President Tinubu announced that the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Jos, would “take over the running and management” of the post-graduate school to ensure it benefits the entire country.

     His courageous pro-people role during the struggle for democracy in Nigeria between 1993 and 1999, under unprecedentedly repressive military rule, raised the level of public respect he enjoyed in the country. After the country returned to democracy in 1999, he notably resisted the lure of former President Goodluck Jonathan who sought his endorsement for reelection in 2015, in the face of public disenchantment with his administration.  It demonstrated his sense of dignity and honour as well as his sense of patriotism and good governance. 

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a tribute, said he also “championed the Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Eradication that has become a model in the entire country.”  His active pursuit of improved socio-economic conditions for the people is an example which shows that traditional rulers can be agents of development, and should be more involved in the country’s development.

    We congratulate Oba Adetona as he enters his nonagenarian years.