The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Mitigating flooding impact through climate change education

    Mitigating flooding impact through climate change education

    SIR: Recently, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warned that at least 31 communities across 14 states of Nigeria would experience heavy downpours that may lead to devastating floods. It urged stakeholders to take precautionary measures to forestall its impact.

    This looks like a repeat of last years’ experience when floods ravaged many communities across different regions of Nigeria. The floods were described as the worst in decades. According to the federal government, it claimed over 600 lives, displaced over 1.3 million people and more than 200,000 houses damaged.

    While there are many other causes of flood, especially in Nigeria, it is important to understand the critical role that climate change plays in the entire flooding episode. There is no doubt that climate change has contributed immensely to incessant precipitation. This is basically caused by unusual warmth around the planet leading to warmer ocean waters and more moisture in the atmosphere thereby producing rains that could lead to flooding. Thus, don’t be surprised when the same drainage system that contained penultimate year’s rain is unable to contain this year’s downpour.

    With the unpredictable nature of climate change across the world and the fact that the phenomenon has come to stay, there is no better time to educate young people, communities, schools, and community-based organizations on how to mitigate the potentially devastating impact of climate change, especially how it affects developing countries like Nigeria.

    Read Also: Flooding: Ondo Assembly tasks stakeholders on proactive measures

    While there are general geography subjects in secondary schools, this is an opportunity to review the curriculum to include practical courses related to climate change and how it impacts even the school and surrounding environments. This can be achieved via laboratory sessions, showing how climate change can lead to flooding and how it can be mitigated.

    While schools are used to excursions to fancy and historical locations, an empirical experience of locations that have been or are vulnerable to flooding due to climate change will also go a long way in improving understanding of the process. Beyond experience-sharing sessions in schools, educating students on climate change could also trigger service projects supported by educational trust funds amongst others.

    Community-based organizations also have a responsibility to educate members of their communities on actions to take in order to mitigate the negative impact of climate change. There is a need to integrate Social and Behavioural Change Communications (SBCC) into strategic programming on climate change to ensure beneficiaries take necessary actions that can help mitigate impacts like flooding. For instance, training on action points can be stepped down to traditional, religious rulers and other community influencers in a bid to promote more compliance among citizens of vulnerable communities.

    Beyond just flooding as an important effect of climate change, there are immense opportunities to develop a comprehensive tool kit on every other aspect of human endeavours that climate change can potentially influence. A climate change education repertoire will not just decentralise knowledge about the potential impact but will prompt the right actions to prevent the escalation of any negative impact.

    Governments at all levels must take intentional steps by investing in both human and financial resources to decentralize climate change education ensuring climate change effects are cushioned. Thus, ministries, agencies and departments must develop a strategic framework and put the right structures in place to enable individuals, groups and communities to take effective action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

    •Olasupo Abideen,

    abideenolasupo@gmail.com

  • Makurdi crash: Pilots stable, recovering, says NAF

    Makurdi crash: Pilots stable, recovering, says NAF

    The two pilots who successfully ejected from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) FT-7NI trainer aircraft that crashed last Friday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, are in stable condition and recuperating.

     NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

     He also said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, accompanied by NAF Chief of Medical Services, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Ekpe, had visited the pilots at a hospital in Abuja where they are receiving medical attention.

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     “The statement said: “The CAS expressed delight at seeing the pilots who were in high spirits and looking forward to getting back on their feet and resuming work as soon as possible.

     “Air Vice Marshal Abubakar commended them for their courage and commitment to ongoing training efforts in view of NAF’s counterinsurgency and counterterrorism commitments, while assuring them of NAF’s readiness at providing them with the best of medical care to ensure their quick recovery.”

  • PTSD Generation; N500b: N48k? Buses, Salaries/Pensions

    PTSD Generation; N500b: N48k? Buses, Salaries/Pensions

    There is a call for amnesty for cold-blooded  killers, kidnappers, terrorists and ‘bandits’ who terrorise by burning houses, farmlands, hospitals, schools, security posts and cutting off economic survival necessities like roads to farms and markets and becoming an occupying force pillaging and misgoverning victims’ ancestral lands with terror tactics and terror taxes.

    The live survivors, 5-6+m internally displaced persons, with 100,000+/- 20% dead, live with no ‘war on terrorists’ yet declared. The cumulative horror and terror unleashed on peaceful Nigeria contrasts with the few terrorists killed.

    The deteriorating change in security level must be addressed in a ‘War-Like Manner’. The new government seems to be acting. The blood loss, misery and continued suffering from loss of life, limbs and lands have not been placated by a single voiced apology- just more arrogant belligerency. 

    In the light of the raw nerves, pain, wonton destruction with bombs and other weapons on unarmed civilians and undefended targets, an unasked amnesty is an insult, a slap on the suffering of survivors, some with lost limbs and using crutches or wheelchairs for the rest of their destroyed lives. Sadly, Fellow Nigerian must visit our military cemeteries shamefully to see the supreme sacrifice of our gallant security outfits including the Joint Task Force (JTF) while fighting the superior weaponry of terrorists.

    Many of our kidnapped have been killed, enslaved, married by force or taken to places unknown. Calculate the loss of school-time to our student population with so many of our students also still missing alongside the heroic Leah Sharibu kidnapped on February 18, 2018 at 5.30 by ISWAP and since married off with two children.

    Can we calculate and replace the millions of hours in lost learning time by special emphasis on ANTI-TRAUMA PROGRAMMES to help these traumatised, listless Boko Haram-ISWAP survivors -Locally created monster terrorist PSTD-Post Stress Traumatic Disease Generation? No, we cannot. But we can help bearing in mind we have millions of such affected children prone to mental stress and rational thought disorders, depression and suicide and violence challenges.

    How dare Nigeria expect that generation to carry on as usual and compete with the rest of the country living in the relative quiet not having herder and other terrorism running through our property or kidnapping and killing of our parents and children in front of us.  The level of terrorism cannot be exaggerated. 

    Nigeria’s PTSD GENERATION, started by the deliberately provocative incursions of armed herders into farms and settlements, requires a separate curriculum and additional classes to the traditional curriculum to draw them out and externalise their trauma through confiding in mentors, expression through creative writing, artwork, loosening up with friends. Only then may the pain go and not fester internally only to manifest in suicide by adopting good ‘terrorist capture’, not ‘terrorist-scatter’ military strategies implemented in a coordinated ‘everywhere at once’ multi-pronged plan leaving the terrorists no escape routes. 

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    N500b, from the $800m World Bank 25+ years bank loan  planned for conditional cash transfer of N8,000/month x six months totalling N48,000 each to 10-12million low income families as judged by National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office NASSCO which was set up in 2016 with $800m World Bank funding over five years  with a current National Social Register, NSR of over 60m households of which the Poor and Vulnerable Households [PVHHs] register number approximately 15million vulnerable across the country. It already ran the programme giving out N5,000 under Buhari and due to the poor value of the naira, an increase to N8,000 was suggested.  Nigerians ask: can it be trusted to deliver in a country prone to institutional, political and internal corruption failure? It should be open to scrutiny.

    Also, can we change the previously implemented 2021/2 programme shortening the N8,000×6 months to one N48,000×1 month, or N24,000×2 months or N16,000×3 months under this new government social intervention/investment scheme. The handout has been discredited by commentators as non-productive. What are the sustainable alternatives offered?

    Introduce gas-driven luxury buses or better, multiply by two that number of rugged good/non-luxury buses, perhaps run by a new breed of transporter, not NURTW, is a popular suggestion as is a CONVERSION at subsidised rates of existing public and private mass transit vehicles to gas-driven:  Gas-driven buses which must be rugged and like hard plastic seated London buses should be non-luxury level, but decent rugged buses distributed through state governments to LGAS and needy selected schools and institutions for daily local movement.

    Pay government-owed salaries and pensions with immediate effect: The federal and state governments are a continuum and must settle outstanding wage/pension bills which non-payment damages families and local economies. Payment with N500b kills three economic burden birds with one stone, drawing down our domestic debt by the figure, say N1-200b. It will economically and emotionally uplift maybe 1-3 million financially strapped family members with their own long-denied self-development funds to be spent in the local economy settling IOUs, rent and raise purchasing power through cash circulation in markets, for building and rent, school and university and also start-ups in business fees, purchases and power supply. A win-win situation. 

    N70 billion for NASS is monumentally insensitivity when 70% of citizens are in poverty. We expected a 70% cut in Salaries and Perks! Learn from France’s Versailles and the aftermath.  Do not dance with arrogance before the desperately deprived. Politicians ignore the poor at their peril. It is a red flag before a belly-empty bull. Reverse this please.

  • NGA, SNA raise the bar for galleries

    NGA, SNA raise the bar for galleries

    • From Ruth Byoma

    The Director-General, National Gallery of Art (NGA), Ebeten William Ivara, has empasised the role of art galleries in the art works’ promotion.

       Speaking during the opening of the seventh National Visual Arts Competition organised by NGA, in collaboration with Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), at Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts & Culture, Garki, Abuja, Ivara said: “It is a deliberate move by NGA to celebrate art galleries starting from those located in the Federal Capital Territory. There are plans to expand it to other parts of the country in the coming years.

    “Apart from showcasing the creativity of private galleries, the event presents tremendous opportunity for private galleries to step up their game. I encourage you to break the glass ceiling as you explore novel ways of exposing art works to the wider public. Some of these include regular exhibition of art works, solo exhibitions, group exhibitions, salons, direct marketing, meet and greet events with art collectors and art auctions.”

    The contest, one of the core programmes of NGA, featured competitions among artists at various levels: Primary, secondary, tertiary and professional.  Seven galleries participated in this  contest with three clinching the top prizes – N750,000 for the first place; N500,000 for second place and N350,000 for the third. 

    Orisun Art Gallery clinched the first position, SNA, Abuja Chapter, second and Matrix Gallery came third.

    General Manager, Orisun Gallery, Femi Coker, stated that beyond the benefit of the prize money, the contest would serve as a stimulus for the art industry to raise the bar in professionalism and encourage stronger relationship between galleries and artists.

    He appealed to the government to put in place policies that would encourage the growth of visual arts in Nigeria. 

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    “The government should enact policies such as having an endowment fund for artists and galleries, and encouraging the study of art in early-stage schooling, among others, to encourage the growth of visual arts in Nigeria,” he said.

    SNA Chairman, Abuja chapter, Aderinkumi John Adeleye thanked NGA for promoting visual arts. He said the event would encourage his colleagues to put more effort in their work. He added, however, that artists in Abuja needed  suitable spaces to work and display their art.

    On the criteria for picking the winners,  an art consultant and lead judge on the panel  for the competition, Zakari Adamu, listed them as “professionalism, presentation, simplicity in display, the use of technology and cultural output in terms of how the works on display mirror the society.”

    SNA Chairman, Muhammad Sulaiman, who chaired the occasion, stated that the event not only recognise artists but also stakeholders in the sub-sector.

     Sulaiman added that he looked forward to seeing some of their  partnership in exhibitions taken abroad “starting with African countries with rich art history like Ethiopia and Egypt and then the rest of the world.”

    On the forthcoming SNA’s events, he said the society would be having a grand awards at the end of the year alongside an art exhibition and auction.

    On his part, the Director, Curatorial Services, NGA and Project Co-ordinator, Dr. Simon Ikpakronyi, said:   “NGA plans to make the competition a national programme and will alternate between a competition between galleries and a competition between studio artists.’’

  • ‘Euphonic Records music challenge aims at rewarding new talents’

    ‘Euphonic Records music challenge aims at rewarding new talents’

    Oluwatobiloba Phillips and Idris Adeyanju, owners of Euphonic Records, have unveiled a music challenge designed to support and empower up and coming artists in Nigeria.

     The challenge aims to help artists achieve their goals, providing them with the needed platform to showcase their talent.

     Speaking on the challenge, Phillips expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge saying, “We are incredibly excited to launch this music challenge and provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent. Our aim is to empower artists, nurture their creativity, and help them take significant strides towards their dreams.”

     On his part, Adeyanju said: “We believe that every artist deserves a chance to shine, and this challenge is a testament to our commitment to fostering the Nigerian music industry. We look forward to discovering exceptional talent and offering them the support they need to succeed.”

    Read Also: Daddy Showkey, Baba Fryo inspired me to pursue music, says Don Jazzy

     The winner will be awarded a recording deal, allowing them to take a significant step forward in their musical career. The runner ups will receive a generous cash prize of N300,000 and N150,000. Additionally, all three winners will have the exclusive chance to collaborate with our talented in-house producers on their upcoming projects.

     This challenge is open to all music artistes in Nigeria, offering an exceptional opportunity for aspiring artists to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the industry.

     The challenge, according to the organisers, commenced on July 10 and will run until July 24, providing artists with ample time to prepare and submit their entries.

  • Why PBAT must track performance

    Why PBAT must track performance

    • By Tajudeen Kareem

    Barely two months in the saddle, President Bola Tinubu has indeed hit the ground and sprinting.

    With a bunch of policy pronouncements backed by sackings, appointments, and executive orders, the Jagban Borgu has demonstrated that he was more than prepared for the job.

     The administration, yet to fully take shape, has outlined its economic policies and aspirations. Top on the card is achieving a seven percent annual GDP growth; creating 50 million jobs and lifting a hundred million out of poverty; delivering sustained and inclusive growth; and taking the national economy to the $1 trillion mark in eight years!

    Beyond the projections and optimism, Nigerians are becoming increasingly critical of promises made by government and political appointees. In the near future, months rather than years, citizens will begin to ask questions from the Tinubu administration.  More importantly, Nigerians will ask questions about government’s handling of the seemingly intractable headaches of insecurity, kidnapping and inflation.

    President Tinubu, with his team, to make an impact, will have to convince Nigerians about their commitment to accountability, transparency and good governance.

    To pluck a seemingly low-hanging fruit, President Tinubu must quickly ask the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Cabinet Affairs Office to brief him on the Presidential Delivery Tracker and Central Delivery Coordination Unit, CDCU, unveiled in August, last year by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Widely acclaimed as an innovative policy of the government, the Presidential Delivery Tracker and Central Delivery Coordination Unit, was designed to enable citizens to report on the Presidential Priority Projects and Programmes being implemented by the government in their locality.

     The system also provides the opportunity for citizens to assess the level of project implementation. It serves as a feedback mechanism in line with increasing global demand by civil society and citizens to have a greater say in public decision-making, and the desire by government to improve trust and be more inclusive and responsive to citizens’ needs.

    The innovation heralds the much-desired interface between the government and the governed. Citizens now have the opportunity to monitor federal projects scattered across the country, and also evaluate the value and benefits of public funds appropriated and disbursed.

    The annual budgetary appropriation to finance key sectors headlined as capital expenditures, run into billions in local and foreign currencies. Beyond the figures, Nigerians have always had the cause to complain that the expected impact and evidence run contrary to either government claims or that the proofs are not proportional to the outputs.

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    The case of projects executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission is a ready example. The executive and legislative arms of government as well as host communities have often disagreed on the value of money disbursed. Indeed, there are several federal government projects; many under construction and many delivered in sub-standard conditions. Situations, where projects and programmes are delivered sub-optimally, should be a cause for worry to President Tinubu and his team.

    The last administration outlined nine priority areas, as well as the need to receive real-time feedback from the citizens to enable those concerned better understand the state of any of such projects and offer support.

    The CDCU is one of the initiatives established in 2020 with the key mandate of tracking the implementation of policies, programmes, and projects of ministries along the nine priority areas of the federal government. The unit also identifies and resolves issues that create bottlenecks and impediments to the delivery of presidential priorities.

    To achieve this objective, the CDCU incorporated a Performance Management System with Dashboards set up in key offices which serve as tools for measuring MDAs performance in real-time in the implementation of Ministerial deliverables against negotiated targets.

    According to James Sule, the permanent secretary who was then in charge of cabinet affairs at the OSGF at the unveiling of the dashboard: “A Unified Collaborative Results Framework was developed for the nine priority areas, incorporating all the 302 Ministerial Deliverables that have direct impact on each priority, while a total of 455 Output indicators were being tracked across the 29 ministries, including the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation”.

    He explained that the CDCU website was also deployed to create public awareness of the delivery of priority projects and programs by the federal government. It also provides an avenue for citizens to proactively demand greater accountability and responsiveness from the government. 

    The Buhari administration gave priority to the economy, agriculture, energy transportation, infrastructure, industrialization, education, healthcare, security, anti-corruption, governance and poverty reduction. The Tinubu government must quickly define its priorities amidst rising inflation and pervasive poverty!

    Indeed, the application of technology and widespread use of social media platforms will further help the citizens to hold the government accountable to promises and also scrutinize the execution of projects and programmes.

    Experts have hailed the CDCU as a project to empower citizens to make their voices heard, build citizen engagement programmes that work, and inculcate participation that increases benefits if discussed with the people.

    The Presidential Delivery Tracker and CDCU website will serve as means of disseminating information on public service delivery to the citizens, receiving feedback from the populace, and identifying/suggesting ways of improvement. It can also foster citizens’ voices, discussions, and debates to demand service improvement.

    It will help citizens to know their rights and obligations and to demand and access quality services through the instrumentality of government in a democratic environment like Nigeria.

    When allowed to function properly, the system will not only promote effective project implementation, and instil a desire for high standards, but also deepen accountability and transparency at all levels and stimulate continued policy dialogue and strategic engagement among all stakeholders.

    The CDCU will accelerate the commitment and collaboration with all MDAs to ensure that Nigeria maximizes the use of the platforms to advance the process of embedding performance management processes and align the performance framework for tracking service delivery by various agencies.

    Christopher Pycroft, Director (Development), Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, has suggested that to ensure transparency and accountability in public programmes and projects implementation, the Nigerian government should ensure that its officials and contractors that fail to deliver are made to face sanctions.

    “Officials and contractors should face sanctions or costs if programmes are not implemented. It is also important that prior to project implementation, citizens are part of programme conception and that government projects reflect the needs of citizens. This is critical for building the social contract between citizens and government,” he recommended.

    The Tinubu administration requires immense goodwill from citizens to succeed. The amount of support and acceptance it gets will certainly be measured by its willingness and commitment to fight corruption, reduce wastage in the government, and promote accountability by guaranteeing that the Nigerian public indeed receives value for the government’s investment in social and economic projects.

    •Kareem is a public policy analyst.

  • Akpabio’s 10th Senate of unity and glamour 

    Akpabio’s 10th Senate of unity and glamour 

    • By Edward Usoro

    Amidst the euphoric celebration, he lowered his frame gingerly into his exalted seat and banged the gavel thrice.  Then, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, heaved a sigh of relief; a smile appearing on his lips. He had just been sworn-in as the president of the 10th Senate of Nigeria. Promptly, he called the house to order and silence descended on the chamber. No time to waste; work had just started. And, the man whose reputation for diligence, hard work and achievements precedes him everywhere he goes hit the ground running. The date was Tuesday, June 13. 

    Almost everything about Akpabio is “uncommon.” Even his inaugural speech shocked many with its soothing content. Peace, unity and glamour grew within the senate a few weeks later, following his choice of some committee leadership. With a tinge of humour, Akpabio, after acknowledging God for his “control over the affairs of men,” unnerved some of his colleagues with his humility and accommodating spirit. He promised to be “one among” the senators and to work with them all, irrespective of  party affiliation. About eight political parties are represented in the 10th Senate but Akpabio promised to treat all senators with respect and decorum. “I’ll be a Senate President that will stand for all,” he pledged. For Akpabio, there’s no dividing line between those who supported him and those who didn’t. Even his strongest rival, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari from Zamfara, got commendation and a hand of fellowship for a “hard fight”. 

    The new senate president is very conscious and in tune with the current realities in the country. Thus, done with confidence-building among the senators, he switched focus to the core duties. “The 10th Senate will do national duties,” he promised. Then, he added: “I want to assure you that the enormous responsibilities facing us, we will tackle them headlong…we’ll look into the existing laws to ensure they are fit for purpose…we’ll try our best to make laws that will move the nation forward and encourage foreign direct investment into the country.”

    The country, he admitted, has been grappling with a lot of difficulties and that the economy requires renewal and revitalisation. It’s often said that the first step to solving a problem is the admission that it exists. Akpabio did just that, signalling is unpretentious disposition towards changing the deplorable status quo.

    “The Senate is about Nigeria and Nigerians. And so long as the policies that come to this chamber concern the empowerment and upliftment of Nigerians, we shall dwell and deliberate and then have robust debate on them, with public hearings,” he said.

    From his days as governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio has always delivered quality leadership. Hence, he earned the sobriquet of an “uncommon” leader through all his public assignments. So, when he told the nation that he will “bring uncommon changes to the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” many believed him because his track records are there for all to see.

    “Whatever will happen here (Senate), we will think Nigeria and we will make a very big (positive) difference,” he assured. The senate, undoubtedly, demonstrated that a few days later. When the President requested approval towards obtaining $800 million to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy withdrawal, he got it with speed. That was in line with the senate’s avowed determination to support policies that would ease the burden on the masses.  

    Read Also: Oluwo seeks Akpabio’s cooperation with Abbas over monarchs’ constitutional role

    Akpabio’s 10th Senate started by glamorously outlining its area of focus. Promising never to betray its mission which include renewing hope, revitalising the Nigerian economy, working closely with the executive to better the lives of the people, the senate appears clearly people-oriented. For instance, the Senate President said they will deal mostly with gender matters; issues concerning persons with disabilities and the vulnerable population in the society; promotion of positive engagement of the youths, among others. Irked by the disturbing involvement of youths in vices like Boko harm insurgency, unknown gunmen, etc., Akpabio’s senate has promised to draw up legislations to help create jobs, thus check insecurity. Again, to demonstrate its commitment towards security management, the senate wasted no time in confirming President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the office of Chief of Defence Staff; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff.

    Working with the executive arm, the senate has also promised to expand the revenue stream across the country, so that debts can be tackled. Understandably, when debts are defrayed and the cost of servicing reduced, funds can then be channelled into productive ventures that will be of greater benefits to the greater majority. It was to this that the senate president referred when he promised to support the Tinubu-led government to ensure that Nigeria produces what she consumes. Clearly, when put into the expected action, the nation stands to gain a great deal in productivity and prosperity.

    Environmental issues and sustainable growth also fall into the priority scale of the 10th Senate. Akpabio, to underscore the commitment of his leadership, clearly assured on providing the required legislative framework to help government anchor its policies and programmes. In other words, he hammered repeatedly on the readiness of the senate to engage in, support or promote all activities that will yield enormous benefits for the masses.

    What makes Akpabio’s Senate particularly interesting is the humour interjects. He has a way of diffusing tension and generating camaraderie. For instance, during the confirmation of the service chiefs, each nominee was allotted time to introduce himself. In the course of it, the chamber became tense and too serious. Akpabio lightened the moment when he acknowledged the “uncommmon nominee for Chief of Army Staff!” And, the house went down in laughter. When the Chief of Air Staff used almost 10 minutes to introduce himself, despite asking for two minutes, Akpabio allowed him to finish. Then he said: “Thank you for using two minutes.” To some of his colleagues, when not audible during contributions, Akpabio urges them to use “campaign voice.” Once, he referred to the noise in the background as “explosion”, charging the Clerk to use his technical team to check it.

    On June 19, after exhaustive legislative engagements, Akpabio thanked his colleagues for the “tasking but uncommon deliberations.” During the inauguration of the senate, he cautioned with his last daughter, who was in the chamber to witness the event, not to fall for any senator. But then, he drew more laughter when he jocularly admitted that he would not mind being a father-in-law to an unmarried, young senator!

    In sympathy with women for not clinching more seats in the 10th senate, he has prayed that they do better in the 11th senate. Again, the senate went down in amusement when he added: “but not my seat!”

    • Usoro is a public affairs analyst, in Abuja. 

  • Cleric to leaders: prioritise citizen’s welfare

    Cleric to leaders: prioritise citizen’s welfare

    Lead Pastor of Gbenga Dahunsi Ministry International (The Set Apart Church) Ibadan, Pastor Gbenga Dahunsi, has urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens.

    Speaking with reporters at a crusade in Ijesha Isu, Ekiti State, he advised political leaders to put the interest of the people at heart.

    He said they should ensure the welfare of Nigerians is paramount in their minds.

    ”I advise all political leaders to put the interest of people at heart. The welfare of Nigerians should be paramount above all things.

    “Equity, justice and fairness should be hallmarks of leadership in our country.

    “Just as the Bible has encouraged, we shall continue to pray for all men in authority and it is our prayer that the peace of God shall rule over Nigeria,” he said.

    The cleric is raising the bar of evangelism by giving succour to the less privileged persons.

    He donated food items, cash gifts and writing materials to over 500 adults and children.

    Dahunsi said while it is necessary to preach the gospel, the welfare of the people needs to be taken care of.

    He said:  ”As a pastor, I am a proponent of humanitarian gestures. We do give free medical health care services for the sick, provide food items, clothes, academic sponsorships such as payment of school fees, and provide stationery and boreholes to a lot of communities.

    ”At Ijesha Isu, Ekiti, we attended to medical issues of over 200 persons.

    “By the grace of God, we offered foodstuffs to many households, and writing materials to primary, junior and senior secondary school students in the community.”

  • Adeleke to swear in commissioners today

    Adeleke to swear in commissioners today

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke will today inaugurate the newly-appointed commissioners approved by the House of Assembly. 

    The Nation recalled that Adeleke two weeks ago sent 25 names to the Assembly for screening as Commissioners and Special Advisers.

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    The Assembly concluded the screening yesterday after Speaker Adewale Egbedun okayed the names of the nominees. 

    Subsequently, Adeleke, in a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, fixed the swearing-in of the commissioners for today. 

    The statement said: “The event is billed to hold at the Local Government Service Commission Building, Government Secretariat, Osogbo by 10am.

    “All commissioners-designate are to be seated before 10am.”

  • Temidayo Balogun prepares for album release

    Temidayo Balogun prepares for album release

    Instrumentalist and singer Temidayo Balogun is set to release his album entitled: Iba.

     The album release, according to Balogun, is set for Friday with fans and industry watchers in anticipation of what he has to offer.

     Temidayo describes his debut album as a sonic illustration of past and present realities from an African lens.

     He further qualifies the whole journey of getting to the final product of this album to be more awakening than he imagined.

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     Highlighting the sonic design, he said this brought about a different type of spiritual consciousness towards the ancient African practices with a much deeper sense of connection in the present day’s struggle for survival of the African people.

     Temidayo, who leads the Akede group, is popular for his remarkable skills and mastery of musical instruments and songs.

     With an extraordinary command of the saxophone and versatility on other musical instruments, Temidayo’s debut effort is set to release soul stirring notes and emotive sounds that will enchant the audience.