The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Waves: Simplifying Blockchain for Mass Adoption

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, blockchain, including the Quantum XBT Era which is an Online trading platform, has emerged as a groundbreaking innovation with the potential to revolutionize various industries. However, despite its immense potential, widespread adoption of blockchain technology has faced significant challenges. One project that aims to simplify blockchain and drive mass adoption is Waves. In this article, we will explore the Waves platform, its unique features, and how it is poised to overcome the barriers hindering blockchain’s mainstream acceptance.

Understanding Blockchain’s Challenges

Blockchain technology encounters obstacles to widespread adoption, including scalability, usability, and interoperability issues. Scalability is hindered by slow transaction processing and exorbitant fees. Usability is impeded by complexity, while interoperability is challenged by the existence of diverse protocols. Waves tackles these challenges through the integration of Waves-NG to enhance scalability, prioritizing user-friendly interfaces to improve usability, and implementing protocols such as Waves-DEX and Gravity to facilitate interoperability. Their ultimate objective is to promote the widespread adoption of blockchain technology.

Scalability

Blockchain technology has struggled to scale effectively, particularly in the context of popular public blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The limited transaction processing capacity and slower confirmation times have hindered their ability to handle the increasing demands of global transactions.

Usability

Blockchain adoption faces hurdles due to complex user interfaces and interactions. Existing platforms require technical expertise, making it challenging for the average person to engage. These intricate interfaces create barriers, hindering widespread adoption. Simplifying and improving user interfaces can encourage broader participation, enabling more individuals to embrace blockchain’s potential. Enhanced accessibility and usability would empower a wider range of users, fostering greater adoption and unlocking the transformative power of this innovative technology.

Interoperability

Interoperability refers to the ability of different blockchain networks to communicate and interact with one another seamlessly. The lack of standardized protocols and compatibility between various blockchain platforms has fragmented the ecosystem, limiting collaboration and hindering widespread adoption.

Waves: A Solution for Mass Adoption

The Waves project was initiated with a deep understanding of the challenges surrounding blockchain technology. Its goal is to simplify and make blockchain accessible to everyone. Waves provides a comprehensive ecosystem consisting of various tailored tools and solutions to address scalability, usability, and interoperability hurdles.

Waves Platform

At the core of the Waves ecosystem is the Waves platform. It serves as a decentralized blockchain platform that facilitates the creation and deployment of custom blockchain solutions. By leveraging its unique consensus algorithm and technical architecture, Waves has been able to achieve significant scalability improvements compared to other blockchain networks.

Smart Contracts and dApps

Waves also enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) on its platform. Smart contracts allow for the automation and execution of predefined agreements without the need for intermediaries, enhancing efficiency and transparency. By providing a user-friendly interface and tools, Waves ensures that even non-technical users can create and interact with smart contracts and dApps seamlessly.

Waves-NG Protocol

To address the scalability challenge, Waves implements the Waves-NG (Next Generation) protocol. This protocol improves transaction throughput by using a two-tier architecture consisting of a “miner” layer and a “forger” layer. By separating transaction generation from block creation, Waves-NG significantly increases the platform’s capacity to handle a high volume of transactions.

Interoperability through Gravity

Waves has developed the Gravity protocol to enhance interoperability among diverse blockchains. Acting as a decentralized oracle network, Gravity facilitates cross-chain communication and asset transfers. This protocol empowers users to seamlessly transfer assets between various blockchain networks, thereby expanding opportunities for collaboration and integration.

Waves.Exchange

Waves provides Waves.Exchange, a decentralized exchange, to enhance user experience and make trading seamless. Users can securely and efficiently trade different digital assets directly from their Waves wallets. Waves.Exchange incorporates important features such as atomic swaps and order matching algorithms, making asset exchange easier while ensuring security and privacy.

Conclusion

Waves is at the forefront of simplifying blockchain technology and driving mass adoption. Through its comprehensive ecosystem, the Waves platform offers solutions to the scalability, usability, and interoperability challenges that have hindered blockchain’s mainstream acceptance. By focusing on user-friendly interfaces, advanced protocols, and seamless asset transfers, Waves empowers both developers and end-users to engage with blockchain technology easily. As the world moves closer to embracing decentralized solutions, Waves is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of blockchain adoption.

July 17, 2023
Breaking down Digital Yuan’s Effect on Traditional Banking

The Digital Yuan, China’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), has the potential to revolutionize traditional banking. This article explores the impact of the Digital Yuan on the banking sector, opportunities for traditional banks, regulatory landscape, and international implications. To understand the digital yuan’s impact on banking, consider platforms like the YuanProfit for key analysis.

Opportunities for Traditional Banks in the Digital Yuan Ecosystem

One of the primary opportunities lies in integrating digital wallets and payment solutions. Traditional banks can develop their own digital wallet platforms or collaborate with existing digital payment providers to offer convenient and secure transactions in Digital Yuan. This integration allows banks to tap into the growing popularity of digital payments and cater to customers who prefer the ease and efficiency of digital transactions.

Furthermore, exploring smart contracts and blockchain integration can open new avenues for traditional banks. Smart contracts, powered by blockchain technology, enable self-executing and transparent agreements. Banks can leverage this technology to streamline and automate various financial processes, such as loan approvals, trade finance, and supply chain financing. By embracing smart contracts, banks can reduce operational costs, enhance efficiency, and provide faster and more secure services to their customers.

Strengthening customer relationships is another significant opportunity for traditional banks in the Digital Yuan era. Personalization and customization are key factors in enhancing the user experience. Banks can utilize customer data to gain insights into their preferences and behaviors, allowing them to tailor their services and offerings accordingly. By delivering personalized financial solutions and proactive recommendations, banks can deepen customer engagement and loyalty in the digital age.

Moreover, data analytics plays a crucial role in improving financial services. Traditional banks can harness the power of data to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and risk profiles. By leveraging advanced analytics tools and techniques, banks can make informed decisions, identify new business opportunities, and manage risks effectively. Data analytics also enables banks to offer personalized investment advice, wealth management solutions, and targeted marketing campaigns, further enhancing customer satisfaction and retention.

The Digital Yuan presents numerous opportunities for traditional banks to innovate and excel in the digital era. Integrating digital wallets and payment solutions, exploring smart contracts and blockchain integration, personalizing services, and leveraging data analytics are some of the key avenues that banks can capitalize on.

Regulatory Landscape and International Implications

At the national level, regulatory challenges arise as traditional banking institutions navigate the transition to a digital currency. Regulations need to be updated to accommodate the use of the Digital Yuan, ensuring compliance, security, and consumer protection. Central banks and financial authorities must work closely with traditional banks to establish clear guidelines and frameworks for the integration of the Digital Yuan into existing financial systems.

Internationally, the implementation of the Digital Yuan has implications for cross-border transactions. As the digital currency gains traction, it could potentially disrupt traditional cross-border payment systems, such as SWIFT. This shift raises questions regarding interoperability and harmonization of regulations between different jurisdictions. International cooperation is vital to ensure smooth cross-border transactions, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and the prevention of financial imbalances or risks.

Collaborative efforts are underway to address the international implications of CBDCs, including the Digital Yuan. Central banks from different countries are exploring the potential benefits and challenges of CBDCs and sharing their experiences. This collaboration aims to establish standards, guidelines, and best practices for the implementation and regulation of digital currencies globally.

Additionally, the rise of CBDCs poses implications for the international monetary system. As the Digital Yuan gains popularity, it could potentially challenge the dominance of the US dollar as the global reserve currency. This shift would require a reevaluation of global financial systems, currency dynamics, and trade relationships. International organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), are closely monitoring these developments and facilitating discussions to address potential economic and financial implications.

The regulatory landscape surrounding the Digital Yuan and its international implications are crucial considerations in the adoption of this digital currency. Regulatory challenges at the national level, cross-border implications, and collaborative efforts among regulatory bodies are key factors that will shape the future of the Digital Yuan and its impact on the global financial system.

Conclusion

Traditional banks must adapt by embracing innovation, integrating digital payment solutions, and leveraging data analytics. Collaboration among regulatory bodies is crucial to address the regulatory landscape and international implications. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing the Digital Yuan, traditional banks can thrive in the digital era and deliver enhanced services to their customers.

July 17, 2023
I don’t get angry when people say my contents ain’t funny – Mr. Macaroni

Skit maker Adebowale Adedayo aka Mr. Macaroni has revealed he doesn’t get angry when people say or tell him his contents ain’t funny.

In an interview with The Cable, 30-year-old skit maker said he is calm about negative comments.

Mr. Macaroni noted that he never saw himself as a comedian.

“I never saw myself as a comedian, so to say. It is why I really do not get angry when people say they do not find me funny. So I am also humbled again by the millions that find me funny.

“So, because in school where I studied theatre arts, everyone that saw me knew me for serious drama. I love drama a lot. Yes, we would do comedy when I had to. But people knew that when you want to see acting, serious acting Debo will be there.”

Read Also: Skit maker Mr Macaroni gets car gift at award ceremony

Mr. Macaroni also spoke on the active role he played during the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria.

The skit maker stated that his participation in the protest came with blessings and curses.

“Why I said it came with blessings and curses is that there were also a lot of people who did not like that I was doing that. From government officials to the supporters of the government. They were just like, ‘You that we like’. Politicians also love your comedy’.

“That is the best way I can answer it. Some people even come to me and say ‘Oh I do not watch your content. But your personality, what you stand for I love it. Welldone’. While some other people will insult me online,” he said.

July 17, 2023
I became a waitress at three, fend for myself – Phyna

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Josephine Otabor aka Phyna, has revealed that her hustling spirit started at a very tender age of three

According to her, she started serving at the restaurant of one of her aunties with whom she was living with at the time.

She said her dad took her to live with his elder sister in Auchi when she was three years old.

The hype priestess said she had to pause her education at JSS3 after her dad had a terrible accident and she went to stay with him in the hospital for two years.

She disclosed this while featuring on the latest episode of The Nancy Isime Show, alongside her colleague, Hermes.

Phyna said: “Growing up for me wasn’t really easy. I actually grew up with my aunt, my dad’s elder sister in Auchi and my aunt sells food, it’s a restaurant.

Read Also: BBNaija’s Phyna, Sheggz win big at award ceremony

“Now, imagine a young girl at a restaurant at a very tender age. At 3, I was already in a restaurant serving men. And there is a point my dad had an accident, they needed somebody to be with him at the hospital. I think I just finished my JSS3 then and I had to go with dad from one hospital to another. That caused me SS1 and SS2.

“On coming back to school, they said I should go back to SS1 but I was like, no, I will join my mates in SS3. They gave me a series of exams, I wrote, I passed. Then my parents felt like I needed to go and learn handwork because furthering my education is highly impossible.
“So, that was when I realized, dem don born me dem don born me, it’s time to hustle.

“I attended a federal school. I think my school fee was N14,500 then. I think that was when the hustle started. I started making meat pie, buns, I became my class Rep, I make hair. I saved as low as N50 then. We go to shows, we dance, they pay us, we share.

“After finishing school, I went to serve NYSC. I was doing that, I had other part time jobs. I think that was when I took up hyping. I think I followed my friends to the club, I was listening to the hype guy, and I realized I can actually do what he is doing. And that was it.

“That was how I entered. Even after Big Brother House, some of my friends will be like, ‘Phyna, the way you are hustling, you are not hustling as if you won money at all.’ I said, money dey finish.”

July 17, 2023
Skit maker Nasboi slams AMVCA over snub

Skit maker Lawal Michael Nasiru aka Nasboi, has criticised organisers of the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) for not nominating him in the Online Social Content Creator category for the the award’s ninth edition.

Nasboi claimed he submitted a video for nomination but did not get recognised while his junior colleagues were nominated.

He stated this while featuring on TVC’s programme, ESplash.

Nasboi insisted that he had a better 2022 than most skit makers, insisting that he deserves at least, a nomination even if he was not going to win the award.

He said: “You know AMVCA started involving us; content creators category exactly two years ago. That first time, I wasn’t really upset that I was not nominated. But this second time if AMVCA is watching, I deserved a nomination.

Read Also: Why I mimicked Davido to get fame – Skit maker Nasboi

“In the first year, my friend that got a nomination said, bro, ‘We submitted our videos to AMVCA for nomination consideration’, I’m like, okay, that makes sense. I can understand why I was omitted.

“But 2023, this one that just passed, Nasboi was fire in 2022. I deserved a nomination. This is a humble brag. 2022, I was on fire. I made amazing contents; funny and inspirational. Then, I submitted a video to AMVCA for nomination consideration. A video way better than a lot of the videos that were nominated.

“You know, when I saw the nominations. I expected a nomination. I want to win but if I don’t win, I’m fine. But I just needed to get a nomination because I deserved it”, he said.

July 17, 2023
Lack of content makes me cry, says skit maker Nasboi

Famous Skit maker and singer, Lawal Michael Nasiru aka Nasboi, has said he gets sad when he doesn’t get ideas to create content, adding he cries sometimes.

The skit maker disclosed this while appearing on TVC’s programme, ESplash.

He said getting ideas for content isn’t a walk in the park for him despite being multi-talented, stressing that sometimes he won’t get any content ideas for three weeks.

Read Also: I’ll marry a good Igbo lady without mom’s support – Nasboi

Nasboi said: “I don’t have scriptwriters. All my skits are my brain work. Everything is me.

“People make it look like, ‘you are so talented, it inspiration just come.’ It’s a lie o.

“Sometimes, I could stay like three weeks and I don’t get a single content. A lot of people are not so emotional, my emotion is on the high side.

” So, when I don’t get content, I cry. I’m not lying to you. It gets that bad. I feel like, ah! Dem don collect my talent. Two weeks and nothing is funny to me. It happens”.

July 17, 2023
No plans to relocate to Lagos, says singer Odumodublvck

Fast rising pop artiste,Tochukwu Ojogwu aka Odumodublvck, has explained that relocating to Lagos will be difficult as he believes his mental health might be altered and largely affected.

The ‘Declan Rice’ crooner stated this while featuring on the Echoo Room podcast hosted by Quincy Jonze.

The Abuja-based singer said he prefers to stay in the slow, gentle and laid-back area where he is well-recognised.

He said: “Let’s say a fish pond has 10 fishes in Lagos and there are a hundred fishermen; in Abuja, there are 10 fishes and there are five fishermen, if you are a fisherman, where would you go and cast your nets?

Read Also: Odumodublvck announces new single featuring Fireboy DML

“With the help of the internet, you can connect with anybody. Now I’m in Lagos here na, I’m in Echoo Room na. I came from Abuja, I can go back tomorrow. It’s just funds. I’ll come here but to stay here and dabble in that pond, is not safe.

“It’s not safe for my brand. It’s not safe for my mental space. It’s not safe for my bank accounts. Because, if Wizkid dey do show, before him call me, he go first call Joeboy, Blaqbonez, Fireboy, Oxlade, Buju, Omah Lay. I can keep going on and on, before they get to Odumodu.

“But where we are in Abuja, if Skepta should come, if they don call three artists, dem no call me then dem never call any artist.”

July 17, 2023
New reforms reposition banks for growth
- •Merchant banks free up long-term funds
- •Revised codes enhance best practices
A wave of new policies by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has repositioned the banking sector for a stronger and more stable roles in the nation’s economic growth.

The apex bank at the weekend created more space for merchant banks to lend to businesses with the reduction of Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) to 10 per cent from the current 32.5 per cent. The change takes effect from August 1, this year.

In a circular released at the weekend signed by CBN Director, Banking Supervision Department, Haruna Mustafa, said the policy shift was in recognition of the nuanced business model of the merchant banks, in particular their wholesale funding structure, regulatory restrictions from the retail market and permissible activities vis-a-vis conventional commercial banks.

“The measure is expected to boost the banks’ ability to avail increased infrastructure, real sector and other long-term financing needed to support the development of the Nigerian economy. The CBN will continue to monitor market developments and implement measures to address unique challenges the merchant banking sector faces. Please be guided accordingly,” the circular stated.

The CBN explained that the reduction in the CRR was expected to boost the banks’ ability to avail of increased infrastructure, real estate, and other long-term financing needed to support the development of the Nigerian economy.

The CBN circular with reference number: BSD/DlR/PUB/LAB/016/018, captioned “Review of the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) Regime for Merchant Banks,” was addressed to merchant banks.

The CRR is a portion of banks’ deposits kept with the CBN for regulatory and liquidity controls.

With the reduction in CRR, more cash would be available to merchant banks for on lending to their customers.

President, Association of Capital Market Academics, Prof Uche Uwaleke described the CRR reduction as “a welcome development, which will place the wholesale banks in a stronger position to attend to the financing needs of the real sector”.

“By the same token, the CBN should consider reducing the CRR for deposit money banks from 32.5 per cent to some 25 per cent in view of the high Monetary Policy Rate (MPR). The huge evidence of non-monetary influence on inflation supports this recommendation.

“Furthermore, it’s a no-brainer that increased liquidity in the banking sector following a reduction in the CRR has the potential of lowering interest rates with positive pass-through to the stock market,” Uwaleke said

Read Also: Banks, schools close over sit-at-home in Imo

While expanding lending in the sector, the CBN also reiterated the need for sound corporate governance practices across boards of banks and merchant banks.

Last week, the CBN released its revised Corporate Governance Guidelines for Commercial, Merchant, Non-Interest, and Payment Service Banks in Nigeria.

Group Executive Director, Investment Banking, Cordros Capital Group, Mr. Femi Ademola, said the revised corporate governance codes released by the apex bank had brought clarity to many governance issues.

“The new corporate governance guidelines allow for proper succession plan for banks chief executive officers rather than the confusion created by the one released in April 2023,” Ademola said.

He said the revision of corporate governance rules would have positive impact on banks.

Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management, Mr Olatunde Amolegbe said the revised codes further underscored the importance of banks in fiscal and monetary policies.

According to him, banks deserve special attention as agents for the implementation of the monetary policy of the CBN to enble them to abide with best practices.

In the circular, signed by Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Chibuzo Efobi, the CBN directed that the number of Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs) shall be at least three for merchant banks.

It further stated that banks shall have a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) who shall not be below the rank of a General Manager for commercial and non-interest banks with national and international authorisation, an Assistant General Manager for merchant banks and commercial and non-interest banks with regional authorisation.

The policy is backed by the CBNAct 2007 and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020.

The apex bank said in developing these guidelines, it adapted principles and recommended practices of the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance issued by the Financial Reporting Council in 2018, global corporate governance practices as well as other related governance codes, circulars and directives made by the CBN.

The apex bank equally pegged the tenure of the Managing Director/CEO of a bank to a maximum period of 12 years.

It also pegged the tenure of Deputy Managing Directors/Executive Directors of a bank to a maximum of 12 years.

The implementation of the new policy begins on August 1.

It directed that where an ED becomes a DMD, a cumulative tenure of 12 years applies and shall not be extended.

It added that the minimum and maximum number of directors on the Boards of Commercial, Merchant and Non-Interest Banks (CMNIBs) shall be seven and 15.

However, for a Payment Service Bank (PSB), the minimum and maximum number of directors on the board shall be seven and 13.

The reviewed policy adds: “Where a DMD/ED becomes an MD/CEO of the same bank, his/her previous tenure as DMD/ED is not included in computing his/her tenure as MD/CEO. Remuneration of MD/CEO, DMD, and EDs shall be linked to performance and structured to prevent excessive risk- taking”.

It also authorises the board, subject to CBN’s approval, appoint the MD/CEO, Executive Directors as well as senior management staff.

“The Board shall approve a succession plan for the MD/CEO, other EDs and senior management staff, which shall be reviewed at least once every two years,” it stated.

“The Board shall consist of Executive and Non-Executive Directors. The number of Non-Executive Directors shall be more than Executive Directors on the Board and its Committees. Members of the Board shall be qualified persons of proven integrity and shall be knowledgeable in business and financial matters, in accordance with extant Guidelines on competency and fit and proper persons for the Nigerian banking industry,” it stated.
July 17, 2023
FastCash distributes N105bn digital loans to over 3m Nigerians

FastCash, an instant loan solution powered by First City Monument Bank (FCMB), has disbursed over 3 million loans worth N105 billion to Nigerians from all walks of life. Each loan was disbursed in less than five minutes, with no collateral or paperwork required for accessing up to N200,000 via the Bank’s mobile app and 32911 USSD code.

The instant loan solution powered by state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology was launched in 2018 and has become popular for Nigerians seeking quick access to funds.

It is available to FCMB customers, and repayment terms are flexible, with repayment options ranging from 30 days to three months cycles.

The milestone of N105 billion in loan disbursements is a testament to FastCash’s popularity and the trust that Nigerians have placed in the financial product. It has become one of the most convenient and accessible ways to access funds, helping to bridge Nigeria’s access to credit gap in urban and rural areas.

Affirming the Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and customer-centric solutions, Mr Shamsideen Fashola, Divisional Head of Personal Banking at FCMB, highlights the transformative impact of FastCash.

“We are thrilled by the extraordinary reach and impact of FastCash, our digital loan product, with a remarkable sum of N105 billion disbursed over five years. Through FastCash, we effectively bridge the access to credit gap for countless Nigerians.

Read Also: Artificial Intelligence boosts loan access to FastCash customers

“We know the solution has improved the well-being of Nigerians. So, we remain resolute in our dedication to serving as a steadfast pillar of support to our customers and the wider Nigerian society. First City Monument Bank will continue to empower individuals and contribute to advancing our society through innovative, convenient, secure, and easily accessible digital products.”

In addition to FastCash, FCMB offers the Salary Plus Loan, a consumer credit scheme exclusively available to salary account holders.

This scheme enables qualified FCMB

customers to access short or medium-term funding to meet urgent financial obligations.

Both FastCash and Salary Plus Loan are excellent solutions for those facing unexpected financial needs or planning an investment for the future.

They provide quick access to funds and flexible repayment terms, making them a convenient and affordable option for Nigerians.

FastCash is Nigeria’s leading instant loan solution. It provides digital personal loans within minutes without collateral or paperwork.

With loan top-up, flexible repayment options, and a simple application process, FastCash ensures convenient access to funds for individuals from all walks of life.

July 17, 2023
Pate: The two professors of global excellence
- By Yushau Shuaib
“Are you aware of the increasing political gang-up against Professor Pate?!” A caller using a foreign number thundered down the phone line before the call suddenly dropped. While I expected the person to call again, I wondered which of the respected academics from Northern Nigeria he was referring to.

I am aware of two professors who bear Pate as a surname. They are both solid intellectuals and leaders in their respective fields, who have reached the heights of their careers and attained global recognition.

One of them, Umar Pate, is a professor of Media and Society, while the other, Muhammad Pate, is a professor of Public Health. They have produced exceptional scholarship, with footprints of excellence, not only in the academy as producers of knowledge but also as administrators in the public service to humanity, whether locally or internationally or across the two spheres.

While Umar is the son of a local Fulani chieftain in Adamawa State and bears the traditional title of Kaigama, Muhammad is the son of a Fulani herdsman in Bauchi State and holds the traditional title of Chigarin Misau. The duo obtained their first degrees in Nigeria.

Umar graduated in Mass Communication from the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and was offered an automatic teaching job in the Department following his National Youth Service. On the other hand, Muhammad graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Medical School in Zaria, after which he started work in the institution’s Teaching Hospital, before moving to Gambia to the British Medical Research Council Laboratories.

Umar Pate, who became a professor of Mass Communication at the age of 36, was also a senior lecturer at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) where he spearheaded the outstanding transformation of the Department of Mass Communication into a full-scale Faculty of Communication and served as its pioneer Dean.

He established a modern radio station, set the pace for the creation of a modern television station, and secured the department a huge grant from the MacArthur Foundation for the smooth running of the broadcast services on the BUK campus. He was equally Dean of the Postgraduate Studies programme of the Kano-based university before his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Kashere, Gombe State.

Umar Pate, as President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), is an advocate of social accountability through investigative journalism and a leading light in capacity building through the modification of the journalism curriculum in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, to address emerging trends. His scholarship is highly cited, locally and internationally, in the areas of crisis communication, political communication, communication policies, media freedom, development communication, health communication, peace and conflict communication, etc.

The don has served the UN system in Afghanistan, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Cameroons, and was on the Board of Directors of the International Network of UNESCO Professors in Communication (ORBICOM), in addition to being a consultant to several multilateral organisations, including USAID, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO, the World Bank, Ford Foundation, among others.

Meanwhile, after serving as a catalyst for the attainment of significant impacts, through far-reaching health sector reform programmes in Africa and other continents, as a World Bank health specialist, Muhammad Pate was appointed chief executive officer of the National Primary Healthcare Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) at the peak of the polio epidemic crisis in Nigeria.

Within a short period of his appointment, his strategic engagement with traditional rulers in helping to demand for vaccines and other primary healthcare services in their respective domains laid the foundation of an aggressive emergency polio eradication response. This was implemented through emergency operation centres (EOCs) that contained and eventually eradicated polio transmission in the country.

Muhammad Pate also led the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation into Nigeria and guided their approach of direct engagement with the State Primary Healthcare Agencies. It was therefore not surprising that he was subsequently appointed as Health Minister by the Nigerian government though he later resigned and took up the position of a professor in Duke University’s Global Health Institute in the United States.

He lectured postgraduate students on comparative health systems at the Duke University Global Health Institute. He served as the global director of Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP) at the World Bank; a director of the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF), and a professor of public health leadership at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His technical expertise was felt when he led the World Bank’s COVID-19 global health response, representing the Bank on the boards of GAVI, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS.

Without any form of equivocation, the lives of the two Pates are synonymous with hard work and excellence across the intellectual spheres and service to humanity, which is enhanced by the testaments of witnesses to their selflessness, senses of contentment, tolerance, and easy reciprocation of good.

“Beep… Beep… Beep…!” my phone rang again, displaying the same foreign number. The call came through without breaking this time, and I realised the caller was an old acquaintance, who admitted to having been the one who called earlier. I quickly asked which of Professor Pates he was referring to, in apprehension of the line breaking off again, before the message was complete.

The caller said he was referring to Professor Muhammad Pate, who had just resigned as the chief executive of GAVI so that he could go back to Nigeria and make positive contributions to the health sector under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even as a formal announcement is yet to be made.

GAVI, formerly known as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, is a public-private global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunization in poor countries. It remains the main donor-funder of vaccination in low- and middle-income countries, with a budget in excess of $7 billion.

The caller added that he was aware of the subterranean and at times open campaigns of some politicians to discredit his nomination for a possible federal appointment because he was not on the ground during the political campaigns.

It is interesting that despite Pate being appointed as CEO of GAVI in February 2023, with an enviable package of remunerations following a year-long recruitment process, he appears to have chosen the yeoman’s job of public service in Nigeria. This points to a quality beyond self-seeking that is almost alien to much of human nature. Pate was expected to officially resume at GAVI on the 3rd of August, when he announced what many consider a shocking resignation described as an incredibly difficult decision.

While I cannot confirm the authenticity of the alleged gang-up and conspiracy against Professor Muhammad Pate, although one has stumbled upon a few not-so-complimentary commentaries about his imminent federal appointment on social media, it is necessary to urge President Tinubu to keep on the front burner the crucial task of national rebuilding that incumbent upon him in his search for and recruitment of those to help him achieve his mandate of a re-engineered country.

The President needs beyond finding appropriate ways of rewarding those who worked for his election persons with track records of significant service and leadership experience, alongside technical expertise in relevant fields, who can help in salvaging Nigeria from the very bad place in which it is presently.

Nigeria deserves the very best of qualified male and female persons who can manage critical sectors of governance such as health, the economy, security, and education, among others. Appointments should therefore be on merit and not as patronage to feather the nests of political godfatherism.

As the two eminent Pates Umar and Muhammad go about deepening their intellectual and public engagements, I wish them more wins, and years of rewarding work and excellence. May the spirit of excellence that they are bearers of, define the Nigeria that we are all striving for.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “Award-Winning Crisis Communication Strategies”
July 17, 2023