The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur through to Wimbledon semi-finals

    Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur through to Wimbledon semi-finals

    Ons Jabeur gained revenge for her defeat in last year’s Wimbledon final yesterday , coming from behind to beat Elena Rybakina and reach the last four.

    In a repeat of the 2022 title match, the Tunisian sixth seed beat her third-ranked opponent 6-7 (5⁄7), 6-4, 6-1 on Centre Court.

    The 28-year-old will face Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka for a place in Saturday’s final at the All England Club.

    “I’m very happy with the performance – a lot of emotion out there, especially playing someone that serves really well,” she said. “It’s frustrating to return but I’m glad I did everything, shouted, got angry, then got calm and focused and hopefully I can manage my emotions like this for the next two matches.”

    Rybakina was first to pounce, breaking to love in the fourth game when Jabeur went wide with a backhand but the Tunisian hit back immediately.

    Read Also: Winning start for Djokovic , Michael Mmoh at Wimbledon

    Jabeur took advantage of a loose volley at the net from Rybakina to break again and edge into a 6-5 lead.

    But this time she was the player who failed to consolidate, squandering a set point as Rybakina forced a tie-break, which she won.

    The Kazakh survived break points in the second game of the second set while Jabeur was forced to dig deep on her serve to move into a 3-2 lead.

    Both players held serve until the 10th game, when Rybakina cracked and Jabeur levelled the match.

    The force was with Jabeur in the decider as she opened up a 3-0 lead and saved two break points to move 4-1 ahead.

    Jabeur powered a backhand down the line to break once again and held her serve to seal the win, letting out a roar of delight.

  • Nigeria records 25 oil rigs

    Nigeria records 25 oil rigs

    From Ofikhenua, Abuja and Ambrose Nnaji

    From 20 oil rigs Nigeria recorded in January, this year, the figure has hit 25.

      Nigerian Upstream and Midstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chief Executive Officer, Gbenga Komolafe stated this  during a “Panel Discussion: Industry Regulator’s Panel: Attracting Investment to Achieve National Energy Sufficiency’’ at the ongoing Nigerian oil and gas conference in Abuja.

    He recalled that investment in the industry had gravitated to other jurisdictions, resulting in the loss of over 74 per cent of capital expenditure (capex) in the industry.

    Komolafe, an engineer, noted that in a few years, the global energy resource map has changed in Africa. The change, he said, implied that level of competitiveness had increased in terms of energy resource in the continent.

    Komolafe noted that other countries have discovered oil, indicating that Nigeria has to leverage its capacity to cope with the competition.

    Describing Nigeria as a mature oil producing country, he said it has over 60 years’ experience in oil exploration and production, which places it in good stead in terms over its competitors.

    He said NUPRC is automating its processes and investors have acknowledged that it has reduced the unit cost of production.

    “We have been able to work on the unit cost of production to be brought down in a competitive manner and with that investors will find Nigeria as a destination,” he added.

    He said the commission believes that what attracts investors is regulatory certainty, stressing “money will naturally gravitate to where there is regulatory certainty regardless of discovery of oil in other jurisdictions.”

    Read Also: Oil rig is a vessel under Cabotage Act, court rules

    He noted that the NUPRC has created the enabling environment with regulations that can attract investments, adding that the Federal Government has been addressing the security challenge to curb crude oil theft.

    The commission is ensuring the deployment of latest technology for monitoring and surveillance of oil theft.

    According to him, NURPC can now monitor production on real time basis.

    He noted that only on Tuesday, the commission rolled out production monitoring regulation.

    “We can monitor our production on real basis. It is going to be possible for us to do electronic integration,” he said, adding that financing and evacuation are challenges facing the industry

    Speaking, the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Executive Secretary, Engr. Simbi Wabote, who was represented by Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Abdulmalik Halilu noted that Nigeria is a low gas consumer.

     The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, represented by Executive Director, Distribution Systems Storage and Retail Infrastruture, Mr. Ogbugo Ukuoha seeks review of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) two years after its enactment.

    He said more has to be done in terms of regulatory certainty.

    The NMDPRA boss sought the operationalization of Host Community in accordance with the PIA.

  • 9mobile, BUK partner on NCC Centre of Excellence

    9mobile, BUK partner on NCC Centre of Excellence

    9mobile  and Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has partnered as the varsity prepares to establish the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) centre of excellence in telecommunication Research and Development (R&D).

     The partnership will cover capacity building, modernised educational delivery, and optimised technology delivery to students.

    Through this collaboration, the university will significantly improve its e-learning mode and boost internet connectivity, further strengthening teaching, learning, research, and administrative activities.

     The Chief Sales Officer, 9mobile, Mr. Victor Nwaobia, said: “At 9mobile, we are very excited about this unique opportunity to collaborate with Bayero University, Kano, a renowned institution to establish and strengthen critical ICT infrastructure to significantly improve academic works in the institution through the utilisation of ICT, tools.

    Read Also: Nwaobia appointed Chief Sales Officer at 9mobile

    “Interestingly, education is one of the pillars of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and we are always willing to lend our support to advance educational development in the country. For this project, we are ready to deploy our resources, particularly in capacity building and optimising technology affordability, to ensure that the centre when fully established, achieves its objective of academically impacting the lives of students and lecturers.”

    The Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Prof Sagir Ahbbas, while expressing the appreciation of the governing council of the institution, said: “We at the university community have been following the various developmental strides of 9mobile and its contribution to the education sector. We are quite confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial to BUK and 9mobile in the long run. Indeed, it is an honour to have the company agree to embark on this remarkable journey with us.”

    The Centre of Excellence project is an initiative of the NCC aimed at providing the tools that will enable familiarity and confidence in utilizing Information Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching, research, and learning in some selected federal universities in the country. The centre is also designed to bridge the digital gaps in academia by providing computers, other ICT equipment, and the necessary facilities to provide lecturers, staff, and students with the requisite ICT skills essential for the 21st Century learning environment.

  • Tomato farmers lose N200m in Badagry

    Tomato farmers lose N200m in Badagry

    Tomato farmers in Dadi Louis community, an island in Iworo,  Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Badagry, Lagos State, yesterday said they lost over N200million to strong wind that affected their farms between March and June, this year.

    Chairman, Itesiwaju Cooperative Multipurpose Society, Mr Tiamiyu Afeez,  stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry.

    Afeez  said  they had been producing tomatoes on the island for over 20 years, planting on more than 35 acres.

    “We always plant tomatoes in two seasons, that is from March to June is first season and between July, and September is another season in a year.

    “At the beginning of the season, all of us borrowed over N100million from banks, and individuals to plant tomatoes on over 35 acres of land.

    “Under normal circumstances, we pay back with half of the money collected; if you collect N2 million, you will pay back N3 million at the end of the season. So , we make N200 million every season, from which we settle our loans.

    “In March, we started planting for the first season, but around May, the wind came and destroyed all we planted, for the season,’’ he said.

    “The wind destroyed everything on our farms and I can tell you that we lost over N200 million to that problem,” he said.

    Afeez said many farmers had to sell their personal belongings and properties to remain in business.

    “I had to sell my vehicle to be able to start planting this time around. We had to go back to banks and others we are owing to beg them to extend the time for repayment of our loans. They agreed because they knew what happened to us,” he said.

    Read Also: Five tomato substitutes you can cook with

    The chairman said that if they had not lost the season to the strong wind, the supply from the farm in Badagry would have reduced the shortfall from the north during the last Eld-el-Kabir festival.

    He said the normal production from the area   was enough to meet the demand of the state.

    “We are appealing to the council chairman, Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to assist on ways to improve production.

    “We need tractors on our farms. Presently, we use hoes, cutlasses and other simple implements and this is affecting how much we can do. We also need funds from government to carry out some activities as well.

     “Also, it is not easy to get seedlings, in 2022, we were buying the seedlings for N16,000 from Agro-Tropics, but now it has increased to N37,000 and N38,000, this is more than double. Government should assist us to get these seedlings at cheaper prices so that we can produce more,” he said.

    The chairman also called on government to help them to seamlessly transport their harvested tomatoes to the market.

    Azeez said a non-governmental organisationa (NGO) had been supporting the farmers  on the island

    “The NGO promised to execute a water project for us because the water we have here is too salty. They have brought the contractor and signed the agreement, promising to start work this week. Even, the NGO provided us with people that give us loan during the planting season.

    “They brought off takers- Captain Foods, Lagos and Sofia foods in Ibadan, who buy our tomatoes regularly. They help us a lot,”  he said.

  • ‘Ayade followed due process for approvals’

    ‘Ayade followed due process for approvals’

    Former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade followed strict and due process approving contracts, and land allocations, among others, a statement by his media aide, Egbelo Edward said yesterday.

    Contrary to an online publication purportedly written by Emmanuel Ogbeche, Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu, he stated that every approval, including major land allocations, compulsorily passed through the scrutiny of the Executive Council, due process, and audit before getting the final nod of Ayade.

    The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to an online publication purportedly authored by Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, the press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu

    “We want to state categorically that under Governor Ben Ayade, at no time was any government approval granted via Whatsapp or any social media channel as opined by Mr. Ogbeche.

    “Appointees of the Ayade administration are still alive and can bear testimonties to the rigorous procedure of securing government approvals.

    “Every approval, including major land allocations, compulsorily passed through the scrutiny of the Executive Council, Due Process and Audit before getting to the final nod of Governor Ayade.

    Read Also: Ayade inaugurates multi-billion Naira smart Teachers Training Institute

    “Former Governor Ayade and Governor Otu share a very cordial relationship that has lasted for years, dating back to their years as lawmakers in the National Assembly.

    “It is important for Mr. Ogbeche and his co-travelers to note that such a statement will be misinterpreted as a rift between Governor Otu and his immediate predecessor, His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade.

    “We are not unaware of Mr. Ogbeche’s long-standing romance with the PDP, therefore, it is now imperative to state emphatically that Mr. Ogbeche is a PDP agent sent to cause disaffection among members of the APC in Cross River State.

    “We advise Ogbeche to tread carefully and respect the existing peace and harmony amongst members of the APC family in Cross River State.

    “Ayade gave his all to ensure Governor Bassey Otu emerged victorious in the last gubernatorial election, so, Mr. Ogbeche is a beneficiary of Ayade’s wise decision and shouldn’t be acting like a fifth columnist.

    “The APC family in Cross River State remains one indivisible family.”

  • Empire of delusion (1)

    Empire of delusion (1)

    There is no mindlessness without its incarnations. Thus the celebrity culture amasses its mob even in Nigeria. This minute, it pulses in the enterprise of social windbags, hack writers, and a fawning, infantile, audience.

    The events of the last few weeks ultimately affirm the infantilism of the Nigerian mind. Following Hilda Bassey’s much-hyped cooking marathon (cook-a-thon), more curious characters have crawled out of the womb wall of Nigeria’s vanity complex.

    Bassey, 27, cooked for 93 hours 11 minutes at the Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos, from Thursday, May 10, till Monday, May 13, 2023. Her theatrics trended on both traditional and new media as a timely distraction for a citizenry rendered sullen by the toxic state of affairs of their homeland.

    Celebrities thronged the venue of Bassey’s cook-a-thon. Even the Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu deemed her worthy of his support hence he put on hold the duty of governance and showed up physically to cheer Bassey to victory. Who knows, the governor’s advisers are spiritedly urging him, as you read, to host Bassey and co-opt her expertise in connecting with the youths.

    Many have labelled Bassey ‘courageous’ and ‘heroic’ for using her culinary skills to achieve global renown courtesy of the GWR. The latter eventually pronounced her the new cooking marathon champion, vetting her 93 hours, 11 minutes as the reigning world record. Doing so, the Nigerian chef dethroned India’s Tata Landon, who set the previous world record of 87 hours, 45 minutes in 2019.

    Bassey, a calculating celebrity hopeful, presented with a fanciful backstory  preceded by a host of syndicated interviews and a highly  romanticised narrative about how she goose-stepped over life’s odds. Her intricate yarn culminated in her 93-hour-11-minute-cook-a-thon.

    Predictably, she attained instant celebrity, even before her pronouncement by the GWR as the new cook-a-thon champ. In the eyes of her teeming fans, Bassey became a folk heroine. Left to them, she earned her stripes, the attention of the government and a few billionaires.

    Bassey is seen as the fortune hunter who walked away with a pot of gold while her peers across the country lost their jobs, and saw their savings and retirement funds evaporate in a maelstrom of skyrocketing inflation. While small and medium-scale enterprises fought off foreclosure, Bassey made a killing in the kitchen by doing what she knows best: pulling the strings of celebrity.

     The Akwa Ibom native emerged as the dandiest puppeteer in town. As often happens in a celebrity plot, the line between her public and fictional personas  blurs. Yet Bassey is no teetotaller in the celebrity theatre. Having honed her savvy over the years, she has finally put it to good use. She made it work for her purpose. What’s not to love about that? Tell it to her teeming groupies.

     In time, Bassey would feature in a few movies and music videos; she could even write a best-selling memoir perhaps. Already she has raised funds for some widows, according to her publicity team. It’s all part of the artifice.

     The 27-year-old achieved instant renown and motley endorsement deals with some business organisations. Moved by her exploit, her home state, Akwa Ibom, held a grand reception in her honour, celebrating her as the next best role model for youths in her state.

     A curious thing, however, occurred en route to Bassey’s acclaim; more frantic chefs rolled out their utensils with intent to displace her even before her record was vetted and she was pronounced the new cook-a-thon champ by the GWR.

    As soon as it became obvious that Bassey was on to a big break, several other celebrity hopefuls within and outside Nigeria set pot afire to break the record Bassey hadn’t even made. First were the chefs: between June 9 and 13, Damilola Adeparusi aka Chef Dammy entered the kitchen in Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State with the intent to best Bassey’s record by cooking for 120 hours. She did 120 hours but the GWR invalidated her record because she failed to follow due process by applying first.

    Lest we forget  Adeola Adeyeye aka Chef Deo whose 150-hour cooking marathon from June 30 to July 7 followed the due process of application set by GWR, then, at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) a computer science lecturer, Joshua Bature proposed a 150- hour teaching marathon which he calls ‘aca- a-thon.” He got an October 16, 2023 date from the GWR.

    In Ekiti, a curious character called Sugartee proposed a 72-hour kissing marathon which he labelled “kiss-a-thon.” He looked good to go until the state government banned the event and dismissed it as “unhealthy, absurd and an attempt to denigrate the image of Ekiti State.”

    Read Also: Omoh Talabi resurfaces with 1908-Sole Empire

    Treasure Joseph of Benue disclosed her wish to set a record for the longest video on Instagram with a target of 125 hours while Oluwatobi Kufeji proposed a 200-hour singing marathon which he dubbed”Praise Worship-a-Thon.”

    And in an Instagram post, Tembu Daniel, the Cameroonian skit maker (based in Lagos) also known as Town Cryer, announced his quest to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest crying marathon ((cry-a-thon) by an individual by crying nonstop for 100 hours.

    Joyce Ijeoma fainted around 1 am and had to be resuscitated while trying to set a 125-hour record for body massaging. And in neighbouring Cameroon, Danny Zara, apparently infected by Nigeria’s GWR bug invited “strong men” for a 200-hour free sex marathon (sex-a-thon).

    Stardom and the obsessions it ignites are merely a distraction; celebrities are essentially media creations. They live scripted reality. They are figments of hack writers’ imaginations and yet grow to command other people’s imaginations.

    Celebrity, in essence, epitomises our guilty secrets. It excites the grossest manners of bringing to the limelight, various perversions we would not easily admit. Thus the ample reasons stardom is electrifying and undignified at the same time.

    A more critical approach to the drama of exhibition essential to the Nigerian youth’s quest for instant celebrity would be to consider it from a historical perspective. “It is far from honouring him who made us, to honour him whom we have made,” avers Montaigne.

    The battle for Nigeria’s soul may be won and lost on the screen and between the lines of the printed spoken word. The word denotes newspapers, magazines, the audiovisual but never the book – except it’s a tome rippling with filth. Screen alludes to the traditional (TV) and new media.

    Living in a world of words and images, we have grown from people who used words and painted images to depict reality to folk who deploy images to deny and escape reality.

    We have learnt to interact in varnished dialect; amid the racket of voiced imaging and painted words, a pagan illusion triumphs over our moral eye and mind. It is fitting, therefore, that heathen idolatry subsists among us in the absence of national heroes and heroines.

    It is the latter that we should seek but Nigeria ditches her heroes to create gods from filth. In our lust for deities, we romance and spread fickle idolatry.

    We all have gods, Martin Luther said, it is just a question of which ones. In Nigeria, our gods are celebrities thus religious belief and practice, business, economy, advocacy and politics, are modelled around the idolisation of personages.

    In contrast, China prospers by native intelligence despite her love of celebrities. Likewise Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Korea. These countries’ socioeconomic and technological progress were built on a sturdy foundation of autochthonous intelligence and wisdom.

  • APC chieftain seeks support for Tinubu

    APC chieftain seeks support for Tinubu

    A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Owolabi Falana, has urged Nigerians to put aside their differences to build a prosperous nation.

    Falana, who is a Permanent Board member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), said Nigerians will clamour for an encore for President Tinubu, judging from the pace of reforms embarked upon by his nascent administration.

    Owolabi, who spoke exclusively to The Nation, yesterday, in Asaba, Delta Capital, said President Tinubu is focused on national security, fiscal and monetary policy, industrial policy, foreign policy, judicial reforms, youth and women’s empowerment and education.

    His words: “I therefore humbly implore all well-meaning Nigerians to put aside their differences and work together to build a greater country where we may all live in peace and prosperity. At this rate, Nigerians would undoubtedly clamour for an encore from this great man by the conclusion of the next four years.”

    Read Also: On Tinubu’s plan for agriculture for the North

    He said despite a barrage of criticisms following his decision to run for the highest office of the land, President Tinubu has remained focused on the mission “as a general at the battlefront.”

    According to him, It is safe to say that President Bola Tinubu, the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has put an end to wagging tongues with his clarity of thought, sense of purpose, and actions in just five weeks since his inauguration”.

    He said he was proud contributing to the emergence of President Tinubu during the APC Presidential primaries despite the barrage of criticisms from the opposition.

    His words: “Even more so, I’m prouder of having been the youngest national delegate to vote for the seasoned administrator, reputable technocrat, and astute politician during the party primaries”.

    Falana maintained that President Tinubu has demonstrated a high level of preparation for the position, adding that his reforms have earned praise from even his avowed critics.

  • ‘Why Cubana Chief priest’s book release date was shifted’

    ‘Why Cubana Chief priest’s book release date was shifted’

    The release date of the book The Internet Chiefpriest on Cubana Chiefpriest, also known as Paschal Chibuike Okechukwu, has reportedly been postponed due to recent developments surrounding Hushpuppi’s business associate, Woodberry.

    In the United States, authorities have announced their intention to sell 152 bitcoins that were seized from Olalekan Jacob Ponle, also known as Mr. Woodberry, after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud amounting to $8 million. These new revelations have likely prompted the delay in the release of Cubana Chiefpriest’s book.

    A filing submitted on Friday to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois states that the U.S. Marshal Service will assume control of the seized cryptocurrency assets associated with Mr. Woodberry, who is known to be an associate of Hushpuppi.

    Both Woodberry and Hushpuppi were apprehended in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 10, 2020, for their involvement in extensive international online scams. They were subsequently extradited to the United States on July 2, 2020, to stand trial separately. The forfeiture order allows for the proper disposition of confiscated crypto assets.

    Our UK source has indicated that the forthcoming book will provide exclusive and detailed insights into Hushpuppi’s reign and opulent lifestyle. Considering the recent developments from the US, our source suggests that there might be additional information added to the book to incorporate this new development.

    During the era when Hushpuppi dominated the online realm, his influence was unparalleled, captivating numerous young individuals who aspired to replicate his extravagant way of life. However, a new figure emerged on the scene – Cubana Chiefpriest.

    Read Also: Cubana Chief Priest, Isreal DMW, others joins Davido to delete profile photos on IG

    Maintaining its scholarly essence, The Internet Chiefpriest unveils the extraordinary narrative of how Chiefpriest shattered the Hushpuppi paradigm and delves deeper into the journey of becoming a successful social media influencer.

    The book goes beyond social media prowess, as the author Mr. Favour Ugochukwu delves into the psychology of building social influence. It serves as a guide, offering invaluable insights and tools for both aspiring and established influencers to achieve their goals of becoming influential and profitable in the realm of social media.

    Recognising Cubana Chiefpriest as Africa’s most prominent PR figure, the author, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom, emphasizes Chiefpriest’s role as a compelling case study throughout the book. Interestingly, the author includes this work as one of his researched documents during his academic tenure as a postgraduate student.

    Covering various aspects of the influencer’s journey, from establishing an authentic personal brand to fostering a dedicated and engaged following, this book offers practical strategies, real-life examples, and actionable steps to unlock your true potential.

    In this era of rapid technological advancements, The Internet Chiefpriest offers a comprehensive guide for content creation, community building, monetisation, and sustainable success. It aims to empower individuals to harness the true potential of social media as a catalyst for positive transformation.

    While the book promises fame to those who may be opportuned to read its exclusive content, it places a strong emphasis on the significance of authenticity. According to our sources, the content intends to inspire readers to utilize their influence not only for personal gain but also to make a meaningful impact on lives and challenge existing narratives beyond the confines of the digital world.

  • NDDC unveils plan for 10,000 jobs

    NDDC unveils plan for 10,000 jobs

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched ‘Project Hope’ to create 10,000 jobs in the Niger Delta.

    Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku yesterday released three pigeons at the headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to unveil the programme. He described ‘Project Hope’ as a paradigm shift from similar engagements in the past.

    Ogbuku said: “We have, from day one, said we want to do things that are more sustainable. We can’t be doing things in the old way and expect different results. We believe this is a new approach that is in conformity with present reality and international best practices. So, let people in the region be seen to be growing.

    “From Project Hope, we will create many jobs; we are looking at creating about 10,000 jobs with 1,000 per state. We are going back to agro-allied investments where we will engage our youths. We will also engage our youths in technology as we will be bringing other programmes under Project Hope.”

    Read Also: NDDC to award Odi shore protection, erosion control project

    Highlighting the uniqueness of Project Hope, Ogbuku said a database would be created to capture youths with different skills and entrepreneurs under various opportunities. He encouraged youths and entrepreneurs in the region to take advantage of the project by first registering in the database already uploaded on the Project Hope website.

    “The database will enable us put all these people together for the world to see what we have here. It will enable us know where your passion and interest lie, and we will only pick from the database, not people on the streets,” he added.

    Director of Skills Development Empowerment, Chineyere Madume, harped on the economic advantages of Project Hope.

    She said: “It will develop exhaustive digital repository on information about youths in the Niger Delta. It will help us have a holistic understanding of what our youths want and who they are. It will also help us with a transparent selection process in training and empowerment as it dovetails into the second phase that will see to employment generation.”

  • Akume in ‘Renewed Hope’ drive

    Akume in ‘Renewed Hope’ drive

    Will the appointment of the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Senator George Akume, make the needed impact towards delivering the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? No doubt, Nigerians are optimistic about the dividends of democracy. Assistant Editor EMMANUEL BADEJO examines the role the scribe will be playing in the progressive administration.

    Hours to the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the fifth president under the present dispensation, the President had at a reception organised in his honour in Abuja promised Nigerians not to fail to deliver on their expectations by addressing all challenges confronting the country. Tinubu had noted that poverty and inconsistency in policies were some of the many challenges confronting the nation. But, he assured that none of these would be an excuse for non-performance by his administration, saying there would not be excuses for failure. “Resilience, determination, courage, love in diversity, though our tongues and tribes differ. We must fight corruption, poverty, inconsistencies in policies and many other problems confronting us, but don’t pity me, I asked for the job, I campaigned for it, no excuses, I will live up to the bill to deliver. I promise you,” Tinubu assured.

    Tinubu made this pledge amidst numerous challenges bedeviling the country. But, it seems the President was clear on his mandate and already had plans to deliver on his campaign promises. To ensure the herculean task of changing the narrative, the Commander-in-Chief knew he needed technocrats and astute politicians around him.  No wonder he appointed Senator George Akume as the Secretary to the Federal Government (SFG). His appointment, which elicited positive responses across the country was also seen as balancing the equation in top six position in the country that included the President, Southwest; the Vice President, Northeast; the Senate President, South-South; the Speaker, Northwest, Deputy Speaker, Southeast and the Secretary, FGN, Northcentral.

    Traditionally, the role of the SGF is crucial as it serves as the coordinating link between the presidency, ministries, departments, and agencies of the government. That office is also saddled with the responsibility of facilitating effective coordination among the different arms of government. SGF is one of the most influential offices at the federal government leadership organogram. Apart from being the secretary to the Federal Executive Council chaired by the president himself, the SGF heads many government agencies and commissions and runs supervisory roles on all the organs of the federal government and leadership. The appointment into the office of the SGF doesn’t require legislative screening, Senate or House of Representatives. The president reserves the exclusive right to nominate a person he feels can handle the duties embedded in the office and swears the person into office.

    SGF monitors, makes the decisions of the president to be implemented as and when due. He coordinates activities of the Federal Executive Council. Seven Permanent Secretaries work under the office of the SGF, who are drawn from the civil service system of the federal government. They help the SGF to pilot the duties the office carries out as long as the appointment lasts. The SGF is a silent appointee of the president and oversees many federal government agencies.

    While inaugurating Akume, Tinubu, who recognised the SGF’s distinguished career in public service expressed confidence in his ability to turn things around for the benefits of Nigeria and Nigerians under his leadership. Tinubu expressed his firm belief that Akume’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the workings of government will greatly contribute to the progress and development of Nigeria.

    Speaking to reporters after his inauguration, Akume said: ”It is an honour to be chosen to serve in this exalted position out of over 200 million Nigerians. It is a challenge to serve in line with the oaths I have taken today. I assure Nigerians I will do my best and I will not disappoint the President.

    ”I will not disappoint this country; I will not disappoint my party. I believe Nigerians will find fulfillment in my responsibility as I discharge my duties.”

    The Plateau State Elders Forum of All Progressive Congress (APC) also applauded Tinubu for appointing one of Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. According to the elders, led by former governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, they thanked Tinubu for appointing one of them.

    “We sincerely thanked President Tinubu for appointing one of us from North-Central to serve in his cabinet as SGF”.We are thankful for the opportunity given to us from North-Central“. We are grateful and continue to pray and support your administration to succeed“.

    Read Also: George Akume and the theory of Kyambetocracy in Tiv Politics

    In a congratulatory message, the Elders Forum thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Akume at the centre of his government. According to them, Akume is competent and well-experienced to serve as SGF. He will use the wealth of his experience to deliver his mandate as SGF.

    “We sincerely thanked Mr. President for the appointment well-deserved. As the Elders Forum of our party in Plateau State, we are grateful for the opportunity so far given to one of us from North-Central. Be reassured of our support always “. North-Central gave the highest votes to President Tinubu during the Presidential election.

    An analyst, Bob Achanya and  Director General of African Center for Asia +B Studies, Abuja, said that as SGF, Akume is expected to use his experience as a governor, and senator, and in diverse leadership positions within the subnational space, the National Assembly, and the Buhari administration’s federal executive council build bridges and foster cooperation among diverse stakeholders. He noted that Senator Akume has “consistently demonstrated a commitment to good governance throughout his career. In enhancing governance, he has consistently advocated for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, all of which are crucial elements for effective governance. As SGF, Akume can leverage his influence and expertise to ensure that government policies and programs are implemented with integrity and in the best interest of the Nigerian people.”

    Emphasizing the current socio-economic development challenges, Achanya said there was no gainsaying that Nigeria faces numerous socioeconomic challenges, including insecurity, poverty, power, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, reiterating that Senator Akume’s appointment provides an opportunity to address these issues head-on. “His past involvement in agricultural and rural development initiatives positions him well to contribute to the government’s efforts in revitalizing the agricultural sector, promoting job creation, and improving infrastructure across the country.”

    He added that the security situation in Nigeria demanded urgent attention and a coordinated approach. “With the administration’s resolve to tackle security and conflict resolution in a more creatively precise way, Senator Akume’s experience as a state governor and as Chairman of the Senate Committee on army, indicates his understanding of the importance of security in national development. His appointment presents an opportunity for him to contribute to strategies aimed at addressing insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, fostering peace, and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians. The appointment of Senator George Akume as the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a significant step towards effective governance and socio-economic development in Nigeria and a recognition of the support and long-agitation of the people of North Central Nigeria and reward for their electoral support. Akume, a native of Guma, Benue State, North Central geopolitical zone, was said to have come at a crucial time when Nigeria needs capable leaders to navigate the challenges faced by the nation.

    Apart from Akume rising to the pinnacle of his career, an astute politician, he has been a close ally of President Tinubu. Both of them were in the Upper Chamber, whose tenure was abruptly ended by a coup d’etat led by the late General Sani Abacha. It is on record that Tinubu, alongside others, at the time championed the restoration of democracy in Nigeria through the instrumentality of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). Upon the return of democracy, in the country in 1999, the President joined a conserved liberal Pan-African party that was called Alliance for Democracy, AD. Consequently, he was elected the governor of Lagos and due to his superlative performance, he was reelected in 2003 and he completed his maximum constitutionally allowed two terms of four years in 2007. Despite leaving the Alausa House, the Jagaban continued to build bridges to cooperation, understanding and above all – progressive ideologies that were orchestrated to move Nigeria forward.

    This culminated in the formation of the Action Congress (AC), which transmogrified into the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN). In 2011, the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) became a force to reckon with in Nigeria. Many progressive ideologues in Nigeria embraced it. In North Central Nigeria, one of the proponents of this progressive ideology was Akume. It was on this platform that he was elected a senator for the second time as a member of the seventh Senate.

    He was equally made the senate minority leader, a position he held till he became a minister of the federal republic of Nigeria. In Benue State where Senator Akume hails, in 2011, he did not only deliver his senatorial district to the ACN but through his influence, the party won many seats in the House of Representatives and Benue State House of Assembly. By this time, he was not only the leader of the party in Benue State but North-central Nigeria.

    In 2013, Senator George Akume was one of those that sacrificed their ambition to join hands with the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent president to form the All Progressives Congress, APC, a merger that is seen by many as the best political decision ever taken in the political sphere of Nigeria. It was this merger that gloriously wrestled power away from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after 16 years beginning from 1999 to 2015.

    While the party won at the centre, Senator Akume was reelected for a third term. In addition, Akume delivered Benue State to the APC. Out of the three senatorial districts in Benue, APC won two and out of the 11 House of Representatives seats, APC won seven, and out of the 30 constituencies of the Benue State House of Assembly, the party won the majority seats. Even in the face of daunting challenges, Senator Akume continued to provide the desired leadership needed to keep the party intact, especially in Benue. Even after the party lost some positions in the state in 2019, Akume was not deterred as he gathered the remnants and painstakingly built them into a virile opposition that has never been experienced in Benue State as evident in the just concluded election in 2023.

    The APC reclaimed its governorship position through Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who won the election by landslide. The party also won two senatorial districts, ten seats out of the 11 House of Representatives seats and 21 seats out of the now 32-member Benue State House of Assembly. Apart from the excellent state result in favour of the APC, Benue State also through the influence of Senator George Akume, gave Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu more votes than any political party during the presidential election.

    Akume, an alumnus of the Nigerian premier university, the University of Ibadan, has demonstrated camaraderie with the president by providing the desired support to nurture, shape and advance progressive politics in Nigeria. Akume, who since 2019 has been a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Special Duties and Inter- governmental affairs has unambiguously demonstrated that he is a team player, reliable and has consistently had his eyes fixed on moving Nigeria forward through progressive politics. It shows therefore, Akume has served Nigeria at all levels of government that is local, state and federal. He has been a lawmaker and an executive too, revealing that he has operated in two out of the three arms of government namely legislative and executive.