The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

Enabling nano and micro businesses in Africa
- By Timi Olubiyi
The informal economy makes up a significant proportion of the African economy which is characterized largely by nano and micro businesses. Where, businesses and working conditions are characterized by small or undefined workplaces, unsafe and unhealthy working environments, unregulated, low levels of skills and productivity, low or irregular incomes, long working hours, and lack of access to information, markets, finance, training, and technology. The activities that occur outside the legal framework are considered informal. That said, millions of Africans eke out a living from the informal set-up daily and also vulnerable children. The COVID-19 pandemic consequences have also intensified the difficulties encountered by African workers and this has further increased vulnerable participation in the informal sector.

From context observation, the informal sector in Africa is larger than the formal sector in terms of employment opportunities and output year on year. In some cases, the informal economy is referred to as a shadow economy if associated with illegality and illicit activities such as internet scams, black markets, crime, production, smuggling of illegal drugs, and money laundering, as the case may be.

In many of African countries, from Uganda to Burundi, Liberia, Nigeria, Niger, Mozambique and many others, 80 to 90 percent of people work in the informal economy comprising mainly nano and the micro businesses. Agreeably, across the continent, it is easy to notice this informality with street traders, artisans, vendors, nano and micro-businesses, commercial buses, tricycles, and motorbikes (Okada riders) domestic workers, market traders among others all operating informally, broadly speaking you can easily see informality all around the continent. The informal economy has witnessed a massive expansion in the last two decades in Nigeria and the root causes of these include elements relating to the economic context in the continent of Africa, decreasing levels of market regulation, weak policy frameworks, and socio-demographic drivers such as population growth, urbanization, rise in unemployment, widening inequality between the rich and poor, low-level education, including poverty. The key driver of the informal economy, however, is that such businesses in the sector do not need registration with any relevant government agencies and it gives subsistence

When workers cannot find opportunities in traditional wage employment, the need for subsistence demands they find work somewhere else. Most times the alternative is usually in the informal sector of the economy where there is no minimum wage and workers are unlikely to pay taxes, have no holiday rights or labor rights, and often work in dangerous conditions. Most time it is usually a struggle for them to access microcredit, they lack income security and stable employer-employee relationships. In the midst of all these, it only offers the most vulnerable and often uneducated Nigerians a foothold for survival. This expanded and large informal economy is perceived by the majority of the elite to be at the bottom rung of the economic system when in truth, they are the major drivers of the economic system because they are too large, important, and relevant to be ignored. For instance, it is unclear if the country has reliable data on the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) activities in the country or the volume of transactions in the Ladipo auto spare part market in Oshodi, Lagos State, and the popular Greater Kampala in Uganda with three visible clusters Katwe, Kasubi, and Masakamention to mention a few. These are visible informal business locations set up within the country with multi-million daily business turnover, yet the operators are unrecognized or uncaptured by policy markers or relevant authorities. This part of the economy is particularly large in Nigeria, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimating it to constitute about 60% of the entire Nigerian economy, yet not subject to full government regulations. Meanwhile, working in the sector is attractive due to the ease attached to operations as a result of the absence of a bureaucratic regulatory framework, and little or no formal educational requirements.

There are multiple perspectives on the informal economy, some associate it with lost revenue, unfair competition, low productivity, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation; while others associate it with entrepreneurship, flexibility, and resilience. Overall, the informal economy is enduring; but suitable regulations and policies are required to improve the sector and introduce formalization. The decision for these businesses to formalize depends on the benefits that are derived from formalization over the risks of remaining in the informal economy. If the former outweighs the latter, only then does formalization seem like a viable option to the operators.

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Clearly, there is a need for the government to embark on a series of measures, interventions, and support to encourage the formalization of these businesses to sustain economic growth and development. As mentioned earlier, this informal sector is too large and important to be ignored, concerted effort to identify and protect them is crucial for sustainability and economic development.

In recent times inflationary pressures and the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic negatively impacted these informal businesses greatly. Because they rely on daily income and most of them can rarely “work from home”, so the harsh reality is that most of these businesses need government support and adequate regulations. Therefore the current state of nano and micro businesses provides a good avenue for the governments of many of these African countries to have mass registration and identification and equally reach out to them through social interventions and palliative.

Besides, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging national statistical agencies to gather information on the informal economy to help in policy formulation and for gathering reliable data for economic planning. In this context, careful attenton must be paid to the informal economy, and policy solutions need to be in place to encourage and induce their formalization. These suggestions, if efficiently considered might, in turn, reduce the size of the informal economy in the country.
- Timi Olubiyi, Ph.D, is an Entrepreneurship & Business Management expert. He can be reached via drtimiolubiyi@gmail.com.
April 22, 2024
Building resilience in tough times
SIR: It is no longer news that Nigerians are facing tough economic times. Recent government decisions like removing fuel subsidies, devaluing the Naira, and now eliminating electricity power subsidies have caused a lot of stress for businesses and citizens. These changes, meant to help the economy in the long run, are right now difficult for everyone. Let’s break down what’s happening and explore ways for Nigerians to cope.

Fuel subsidy removal: The government removed fuel subsidies in its desire to free up money to attend to other important areas in the economy. A fallout of the policy is that businesses that rely on affordable fuel, especially small and medium-sized ones, got squeezed. Costs went up, profits went down, and some people even lost their jobs. Household expenses went up in smoke. This made the whole economy unstable.

Naira devaluation: As with devaluation anywhere in the world, the goal was to make Nigerian exports cheaper and possibly attract more foreign investment. It however backfired spectacularly. What happened was that the value of the naira went down and everything became more expensive. People couldn’t buy as many goods with their money, and businesses that import things had to pay more for them. Inflation went off seemingly on steroids.

Power subsidy removal: Now, the government has announced that electricity bills are going up. Families and businesses alike are likely to be hurt. Experts argue that this makes it harder for people to afford basic needs and for businesses to be productive. It would equally contribute to widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

The good part is that the same government that triggered the problems can take steps to fix them. The place to start is the place it had wanted to start for half a century. This is the diversification of the economy. It is time to spread the wealth: the economy cannot continue to rely so heavily on oil. The government must as a matter of urgency begin investing in things like agriculture, manufacturing and technology. Through these, it can create a more stable and long-lasting economic foundation.

The second thing has equally been spoken about almost forever. The government must now move beyond talk. It needs to demonstrate that it is careful with the country’s wealth. This means allocating resources effectively, truly cutting waste, and being transparent about spending. The government must not only appear to be cutting the cost of governance, it must be seen to be doing it sensibly.

It is equally critical for the government to boost investment in infrastructure, especially power generation and distribution. It needs to look at all existing projects and actively encourage their completion. The deal with German electricity giant, Siemens, which is expected to lead to the production of 25000 megawatts of electricity by 2025 must be pursued relentlessly. It promises to be a huge game changer for the nation. It will improve electricity access, attract investment, and boost economic activity.

Read Also: Tinubu: Leadership in tough times

While the above are ongoing, the government needs to urgently create safety nets to support people who are struggling today because of these changes. This could include targeted subsidies, cash transfer programs, and free job training initiatives. And it must communicate more. It is not enough to leave people to make assumptions. The government has to consistently talk to the people, share its goals and where necessary voice its challenges.

The good news is that Nigerians are known for their resourcefulness. People are already exploring ways to deal with these economic challenges. Here are some quick suggestions from experts:

Create a plan: Make a budget, track your spending and try (as much as possible) to save some money for a rainy day.

Improve your skills: Boost your capacity, learn new skills or even consider starting your own business. No one can afford to be idle at this time.

Explore multiple sources of income: We have to admit at this point that motivational speakers were right after all. Multiple sources of income really can shield one from the effects of economic fluctuations.

Use your voice: You may need to join advocacy efforts. For instance, talk to your representatives about the challenges the community is facing.
- Elvis Eromosele elviseroms@gmail.com
April 22, 2024
How Blue Economy ministry benefits Nigeria
SIR: Some initiatives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu upon his election and assumption of office in May 2023 did not only show the president was innovative, decisive and proactive, but also showed he came prepared and ready for the serious business of governance. One of the products of Tinubu’s innovative ingenuity is the creation of the novel Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which has been applauded by many national and international stakeholders.

This new ministry, for a reason of its great economic potentials, is now a cynosure and centre of economic attraction to many countries of the world. The creation of the new ministry out of the pre-existing Ministry of Transportation seems to have broadened and widened our economic perspectives and horizons in relation to increasing Nigeria’s economic growth through sustainable use and maximization of its maritime vast resources, as against merely generating revenues from marine transport.

Recently, the newly appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, received in Lagos the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Juan Ignacio Sell, on an inspection of two additional bulletproof security boats from Spain purposely built for NIMASA by Aresa, a Spanish company. Sell, as reported by the press, said: “We got the message with the creation of Maritime and Blue Economy Ministry by the Federal Government of Nigeria, and knowing there’re lots of things to harness from the sea, we also want to be partners in that process.” He added that the Spanish government has pledged to support Nigeria through NIMASA on maritime security. Earlier in November 2023, the Spanish Navy was also in the country for collaboration in personnel training and ship building in a bid to curbing maritime crimes.

The viability, uniqueness and resource-potentials of the then-old-but-now-new agencies (at least, now being under a new ministry) like NIMASA, the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSP) among others, which hitherto were under the Ministry of Transportation, are now being appreciated for their revenue generation potentials, economic contributions to the growth of the nation and socio-utility, especially as causative of the administrative experience and fiscal expertise of the Minister, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who is now steadily turning an eyesore of the inherited agencies as evident in the dilapidated infrastructure of the nation’s ports and others, into a cynosure of economic attraction to some countries of the world.

Read Also: NIMASA in Blue Economy: Promoting Nigeria’s bilateral relations

President Tinubu’s commendable innovative initiatives would not only boost economic stamina of the Africa’s most populous country, ensure security in maritime sector, but also simultaneously increase and strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral ties with other countries. For instance, the President in March 2024 received the Special Envoy of the President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in Abuja, according to a release by the State House, during which he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Gulf of Guinea is central to maritime activities because it is a great inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the western African coast, whose tributaries are the Volta and Niger rivers with offshore oil deposits and metal ore deposits as its natural resources (Britannica), and via which about 80 per cent of the trade with Nigeria goes.

Also in February, this year, the Nigerian Navy led by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Zakariyyah Muhammed, met with the U.S. Navy in Naples, Italy, hosted by the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Admiral Stuart Munsch, with a view to improving regional cooperation, information-sharing practices, and maritime interdiction expertise aimed at countering sea-based illicit activities.

More so, Nigerian and Indian navies, in October 2023, strengthened bilateral ties between the two countries to ensure maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea aimed at maintaining its sea lanes as a conduit of international trade. The visit led by Indian Defence attaché to Nigeria, Col. Romi Singh Legha, was said to have recorded positive results on collaborative trainings against piracy and other maritime criminalities in the region.

The above narrative shows the rate at which President Tinubu’s ingenious brainchild-ministry is attracting partnership-attention, engendering Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and promoting bilateral relations with other nations.
- Dr. Jimoh Olorede oloredejimoh@gmail.com
April 22, 2024
Exploring solutions to Nigeria’s economic hardship
SIR: Nigeria, like many countries, faces significant economic challenges that impact the daily lives of its citizens. From rising prices of essential goods to unemployment and income inequality, economic hardship is a pressing issue that requires thoughtful analysis and effective solutions. In this letter, we delve into the root causes of economic hardship in Nigeria and explore potential policy interventions to address these challenges.

Understanding the economic landscape:

One of the primary factors contributing to economic hardship in Nigeria is inflation. The steady increase in the prices of basic necessities such as food, fuel and housing has placed a heavy burden on households, particularly those with limited income. Additionally, unemployment rates remain high, especially among the youth, exacerbating the economic strain on individuals and families.

Policy recommendations:

To combat economic hardship and promote sustainable economic growth, policymakers must consider a range of targeted interventions. These include:

Inflation management: Implementing effective monetary policies to curb inflationary pressures and stabilize prices of essential goods. This may involve tightening monetary supply, managing exchange rates, and promoting agricultural productivity to boost food supply.

Job creation initiatives: Investing in job creation programs, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support to reduce unemployment rates, particularly among youth and marginalized communities. Creating an enabling environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can also spur economic activity and employment opportunities.

Social safety nets: Strengthening social safety nets such as cash transfer programs, food assistance, and healthcare subsidies to provide immediate relief to vulnerable populations facing economic hardship. Targeted interventions can help alleviate poverty and ensure basic needs are met.

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Investment in infrastructure: Prioritizing infrastructure development, including roads, energy, and telecommunications, to enhance productivity, attract investment, and facilitate economic growth across sectors. Improved infrastructure can also reduce costs of doing business and enhance competitiveness.

Fiscal reforms: Implementing prudent fiscal policies, including effective tax administration, budget transparency and debt management to ensure fiscal sustainability and promote public trust in government economic management.

Addressing economic hardship requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that combines monetary, fiscal and social policy interventions. By implementing targeted policies aimed at inflation management, job creation, social safety nets, infrastructure investment and fiscal reforms, Nigeria can chart a path towards economic resilience, inclusive growth and improved well-being for its citizens.

As stakeholders including policymakers, civil society organizations and the private sector collaborate and prioritize sustainable solutions, Nigeria can overcome economic challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.
- Ahmad Babangida Baba, Mass Comm student of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, writes from ahmerd08131@gmail.com
April 22, 2024
Bank recapitalisation and the North
SIR: Ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-ordered recapitalisation of banks has serious implications for the banking sector, the equity capital market, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NDIC) and northerners.

The recapitalisation will make the banking sector stronger and enhance its ability to finance productive economic activities that can grow the economy; the capital market may be overwhelmed by equity stocks as Initial Public Offer (IPO) and Right Issues from banks flood the market. The banks must complete the process of bolstering their minimum capital by 31st March, 2016.

The banks may go for mergers and acquisitions or the unpleasantness of self-downgrading. A few of the banks may upgrade their licenses. The CBN said in its circular of March 28, 2024 that promoters of new banks whose applications for licences were pending or have been given preliminary approvals must also meet the new minimum capital requirement.

The new minimum capital requirements for the six categories of banking licences are ₦500 billion for banks that would operate nationwide and overseas; ₦200 billion for national licence; regional banks must have ₦50 billion capital to operate. Merchant Banks are required to have ₦50billion as capital base. Non-interest national and regional banks are required to have minimum capital of ₦20 billion and ₦10 billion respectively.

The CBN sees the new minimum capital as vital to enable the banks play a stronger supportive role in growing the economy to a USD$1 trillion size. They are also expected to buoy the economy against what the CBN called the “prevailing macroeconomic challenges and headwinds occasioned by external and domestic shocks.”

Justifying recapitalisation of banks, the Bank of Canada says on its website: “Higher bank capital requirements reduce the severity of financial downturns. The higher the buffer created by capital, the higher the bank’s probability of surviving a downturn. Surviving banks are then well placed to continue providing credit during the recovery phase.”

The required recapitalisation of banks offers an opportunity for Nigerians of the 19 northern states to buy shares in the banks, become part owners and join the boards of the institutions. This will give them influential voices in the banks and the chance to push for favourable consideration in granting credit facilities for viable business proposed by Nigerians from the North.

If Nigerians from the North invest in the banks, thereby becoming stakeholders, their perennial complaints that banks in the country frequently reject their applications for credit facilities could be reduced, or even eliminated.

Pan-northern organisations like the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Northern States Christians Elders Forum, the Northern Governors Forum (NGF), Northern Senators Forum (NSF) and others should mount a sensitisation campaign to mobilise and encourage Nigerians from the North to buy equity stocks in the banks for the numerous advantages that such would entail.

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Now, it is appropriate to highlight the role of the NDIC as banks navigate the downturn while trying to up their minimum capital.

The NDIC establishment act empowered it to administer the Deposit Insurance Scheme (DIS) in Nigeria, which was established by government to shield depositors against the loss of their insured deposits in member-institutions should a member-institution fail to meet its obligations to depositors.

The law empowered the NDIC to supervise banks so as to protect depositors; foster monetary stability; promote an effective and efficient payment system; and promote competition and innovation in the banking system. The banking supervision role of the NDIC reduces the potential risk of failure.

However, if an insured bank fails, creditors and shareholders could be paid liquidation dividends after depositors had been fully reimbursed. This implies that becoming a shareholder in a bank comes with some protection from the NDIC. So northerners should buy bank shares.
- Salisu Na’inna Dambatta wrote from Dambatta.
April 18, 2024
The mistake called ‘Band A’
SIR: The principle ‘you only sell what you have’ is a cornerstone of all businesses, resonating throughout different industries and emphasising the importance of aligning offerings with available resources and expertise.

It is crucial to provide goods or services that are accessible and within one’s capabilities. However, Nigerian power distribution companies (Discos) are selling services they cannot deliver to their customers. For example, the promised 20–24-hour electricity supply under the new tariffs, such as Band A, appears to be unsuccessful.

The Discos are simply selling 20–24 hours of electricity and darkness, causing disappointment, eroding trust, and damaging the reputation of both the Discos and the Minister of Power.

Among economic and political observers, there is a widely held belief that credibility is paramount in retail, manufacturing or service-oriented businesses. Customers expect transparency and reliability, and any deviation from this expectation can have detrimental effects on long-term success.

The Discos want to emulate other countries, but in those with privatized electricity, tariffs are usually categorized into residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. However, in Nigeria, consumers are simply grouped into ‘Bands.’ For instance, in countries with reliable electricity, like those in the European Union, consumers have the freedom to choose an electricity supplier from the full range available in their area, as well as the type of tariffs they prefer. In Nigeria, Discos hold a monopoly. If your service provider is Ibadan Electric, Kaduna Electric, Yola Electric, etc., you have no alternative; you must remain with that specific Disco and the tariff band they have assigned to you.

We must acknowledge that every business, including Discos, operates within constraints – whether financial, logistical, or technical. While acknowledging these constraints is logical, the new tariff appears to be nothing more than an attempt to expedite Nigeria’s electricity sector development without addressing underlying challenges. How can Nigeria implement tariffs similar to those in countries with well-developed electricity sectors, characterised by massive infrastructure, reliable electricity, flexible tariff structures, and numerous options for consumers in choosing service providers?

The ‘Band A’ tariff is nothing but overpromising and underdelivering. Businesses that embrace this principle prioritise maximising profits at the expense of their customers’ needs and freedom of choice.

In fact, the majority of Nigerian electricity consumers, regardless of whether they are in Bands A, B, C, D or E, are angered by two entities: Discos and the Minister of Power. Discos are perceived as collecting money for services not rendered, while the minister is seen as defending the indefensible.

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In serious countries, electricity supplies and tariffs are considered a security and economic imperative. Thus, electricity tariffs can vary widely depending on factors such as economic conditions, infrastructure, government policies, and production methods. Presently, Nigeria’s economic conditions cannot support or sustain these new tariffs; we lack the infrastructure and economic strength for businesses to bear such high tariffs. Consequently, this would lead to high commodity prices as production costs increase, ultimately resulting in higher prices of goods and services.

In countries with efficient electricity systems, tariffs often reflect the costs of generation, distribution and maintenance, resulting in lower rates for consumers. For instance, countries like Norway, Sweden and Switzerland utilise a mix of hydroelectric, nuclear and renewable energy sources, which helps keep tariffs relatively low compared to gas-powered alternatives.

The Minister of Power and Discos must revisit the drawing board as the new tariff has failed upon arrival. For instance, according to an investigative report by the Daily Trust on April 12, 2024, Discos issued 37 apologies to Band A customers within one week. They are struggling to sustain a 20–24-hour power supply to Band A customers.

It is crucial to remind Discos of the provision by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC): “When the Disco fails to meet the committed service level to a Band A feeder for seven consecutive days, the feeder shall be automatically downgraded to the recorded level of supply in accordance with the applicable framework.”
- Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from zaymohd@yahoo.com
April 18, 2024
Ezeife: A patriot takes final bow
SIR: Okwadike Igboukwu, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, an economist and elder statesman, born in Igboukwu, Anambra State, on 20th November 1937, bade farewell on 14th December, 2023, at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja at age 85.

The charismatic, eloquent and fearless advocate of equity and justice in the Nigeria project was a brilliant politician and former governor of Anambra State from January 1992 to November 1993 during Nigeria’s Third Republic. From record, his unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and national development is unparalleled. Despite having his constituency in Anambra State, Okwadike took the Nigerian space as his constituency, as everything that affects any part of the country from North, Middle-Belt, Niger-Delta, Southwest to Southeast concerned him. Thus, the great icon was a detribalised Nigerian. His hatred for injustice was one virtue the former governor was reputed for.

Possibly, many don’t know all the arrowheads in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) who sacrificed their lives to chase the military out of power during the days of General Sani Abacha. The roll call cannot flow without names like Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Ayo Opadokun, Olu Falae, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Segun Osoba, and later, returnees from exile including Chief Anthony Enahoro, Ralph Obioha, John Odigie-Oyegun amongst others. These brave men resiliently fought the good fight.

Beyond the NADECO project, Ezeife positively touched many lives in diverse ways too. Apart from the chieftaincy title of ‘Okwadike Igboukwu,’ he also bagged numerous chieftaincy titles in many parts of the country including ‘Garkuwan Fika’ in Yobe State – in Hausa language, ‘Garkuwan’ translates to ‘Shield’ – and also, ‘Akintolugboye of Egbaland’ from the Southwest region.

Read Also: Chukwuemeka Ezeife: 1930-2023

As a product of Harvard University in the United States of America and a man who walks the talk, Ezeife, beyond his advocacy for education, in his community at Igboukwu when in health often volunteered to teach, interact with, motivate pupils and watch over the school adjacent his country home in Igboukwu to underline the fact that charity begins from home. During a personal encounter with him some time ago at his Asokoro residence, you could vividly see passion, devotion to unity and hunger for a working nation in him.

In one of his evaluations of the Nigeria project, he said: “The journey so far seems to be going from light into darkness. Many Nigerians are thinking it is over with Nigeria. Some people are waiting for the total collapse. There is insecurity everywhere. And many people think that nobody shows concern for all the negatives. What is worse today is that conscience is dead in Nigeria…”

As this great icon begins final journey to mother earth from April 12 at the Eagle Square, Abuja where a service of songs and carnival in his honour was held, and proceeds to his state burial by the Anambra State government on April 19 in Awka and interment at Igboukwu on April 20, and finally climaxed by thanksgiving on April 21, myriad of condolence messages are expected from government quarters, but would his cries on the state of the nation, which he described as “going from light to darkness,” be taken seriously?
- Carl Umegboro, Abuja.
April 18, 2024
Role of government in a decent society
SIR: The primary function of every government is the protection of lives and property; ensuring that the rule of law which makes everyone equal before the law is promoted. Equitable distribution of resources is also paramount for a good governance. All over the world, citizens murmur and grumble because of the face of governance in their country. Sometimes, it happens with a change of government or new political appointments. All over Africa, there are challenges because of bad political leadership.

In a decent society, government plays a critical role in upholding the common good and fostering an environment where citizens can thrive. Rulers act as stewards, they are responsible for establishing a framework of laws, ensuring public safety and security, and promoting justice and equality.

From our doctrines and religious beliefs, we earnestly hold tight to the creed that every authority emanates from God and that all power belongs to God. That’s why church leaders and various organizations submit to whoever is in power. To be bright and cheerful at all times, praising and thanking God always is predicated on political leadership. The recent removal of electricity subsidy in Nigeria has given rise to attacks on workers of electricity distribution companies in their bid to disconnect debtors. Nonetheless, we are bound to be subject to every authority despite their recklessness, oppression and insensitivity.

I implore well-meaning citizens to regard seriously the role of government, parents and church leaders in any society, family or church. Yes, we must face the reality and not live in a world of illusion and delusion. We must embrace the biblical principle of authority and submission. The buck stops with the person in charge. We must submit to reasonable instructions that are asked of us, provided they are not illegal or immoral. We should always speak with respect.

Incidentally, Nigerians are like slaves who have fallen in love with their chains and wouldn’t want to be set free just as injustice, evil and crime reign supreme in the country. The mental bondage had set the trapped masses to fall in love with chains of limitation, deprivation and bondage. The decades of military rule and adjoining civilian regime portray vividly that human nature has never changed, and that corruption and embezzlement can never improve or get polished. If not that our minds have been brutalised by the effects of corruption, we would understand the authority of government in changing lives and making the society livable and prosperous.

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Sadly, the rascality of some rulers, even church leaders, have made rebellion rife in the society. The army, police and other security agencies of government have become targets of repressed anger. Lives of government officials and functionaries are frequently hazarded due to misperception. God-appointed leadership require submission from us. Submission is not something disgraceful and oppressive. The present government at the center in Nigeria has not lasted up to a year.

For most political leaders, public opinion is fit only for the garbage bin and it shouldn’t be so if the leaders are godly and purpose driven. Through effective communication and outreach efforts, they can cultivate a sense of belonging and unity among citizens, regardless of their differences, thereby strengthening the social fabric of the nation. Effective rulers are not just decisive leaders but also astute listeners. They strive to understand the needs and concerns of their citizens and craft policies that reflect the will of the people. They should be transparent and accountable in their decision-making, fostering a sense of trust and legitimacy.

In conclusion, the role of government in a decent society is multifaceted and complex, encompassing aspects of justice, welfare, democracy, and diplomacy. By fulfilling their duties with integrity, compassion, and foresight, rulers can foster a society where freedom, equality, and opportunity abound. Ultimately, the actions and decisions of rulers shape the destiny of nations and the lives of millions, making their role indispensable in building a better and more just world.
- Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu Awka.
April 16, 2024
Air Peace blazes the trail in Nigerian aviation
SIR: On March 30, history was made as the direct inaugural flight of Air Peace from Lagos landed at Gatwick Airport in London. The ever busy and rewarding Lagos-London route was proudly graced by the newly acquired second iconic Boeing 777 Airbus. Air Peace has carved a niche for itself as the leading domestic and international carrier in the Nigeria’s aviation sector. After seven years of attempts at flying that route by Virgin Atlantic and Arik Air, a Nigerian airline has made the famous Lagos to London. Testimonies of those on board the inaugural flight revealed that it was top-notch. The airline has done Nigeria proud and should be commended for its unwavering commitment and patriotism by providing a practical solution to the challenges travellers constantly face using the Lagos-London route.

This unarguably has introduced healthy competition to the aviation business which hitherto was monopolised by foreign airlines. In fact, it has crashed air fares that had been deliberately high on that lucrative route by half for the good of Nigerians. This incursion into London is an opener. One can say without fear of contradiction that foreign airlines have exploited Nigerians too much for too long on that route. The uncommon courage and resilience of Allen Onyema, the Air Peace chairman and his team to make the aviation sector competitive is praise worthy. The airline has raised the bar and broken the jinx. The company took a leap further the line and opened a new vista of opportunity. Healthy competition has been instituted heralding an era of transparent-professional operations and easy access to a new alternative for air travelers in Nigerians.

It was a patriotic and tortuous journey attained specifically to place Nigeria on the global map of serious-minded aviation stakeholders. The joy of having a Nigerian carrier parked side by side other notable airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways and the rest at international airports cannot be quantified. This in itself is another great feather added to the cap of the aviation industry in Nigeria. Nigerians all over the world are proud of this feat. Air Peace has dared to expose decades of decadence, manipulation and exploitation ongoing in the industry.

Consequently, other airlines will not watch idly as the carrier remained determined to challenge the status quo, alter the narrative and take the lead. They will fight back as a means of survival. Deploying some underhand tactics backed by their partners in crime in the Nigerian aviation industry, they have concluded plans to frustrate Air Peace. There is already reports that visible place was denied Air Peace while ground charges are intentionally raised.

Few days ago, Onyema raised the alarm regarding plans by foreign airlines to crash their air ticket. Ethiopian Airline has descended from N1.9m charged on economy class before now to a little above N600, 000 for the same Lagos-Gatwick, while Air Peace charged above N1.4m. If you are a Nigerian making plans for international travels, it is advised that you do not fall for the antics of low price adjustment by other airlines. By crashing the fares which remained unnecessarily high before now, those affected cannot remain silent. The fare slash by foreign airlines is a business and psychological game. Nigeria can overcome the game by patronising made in Nigeria. For years, these airlines have practically made it impossible for many Nigerians to travel abroad due to their exorbitant fares.

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Nigerians were paying double of what Air Peace is charging compared to what other foreign airlines charged for the same destination even when their flights are not direct. They have operated without any recourse to downwardly review their fares until Air Peace compelled them to do so. It will be quite unfair and irrational for Nigerians to abandon their own and travel by other airlines just because their price is now lower than that of Air Peace.

Most foreign airlines are financially and diplomatically backed up by their home governments. The government is therefore needed at this crucial time to stand in the gap and insulate Air Peace from hostile competitors and unprofessional practices. Government and well-meaning Nigerians should not let this efforts aimed at placing Nigeria on the global map of aviation stakeholders go down the drain like others in times past. The government of Nigeria should not see this as Onyema’s business only. It has transcended beyond him as an individual.
- Sunday Onyemaechi Eze sunnyeze02@yahoo.com
April 16, 2024
New VC for LAUTECH
SIR: The governing council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso has advertised the position of vice-chancellor of the university. This is consequent upon the retirement of the immediate past vice-chancellor, Professor Mojeed Liasu. Thus far, Professor Rom Kalilu, a professor of Arts and History has been holding forth in the university. As an award winning university, LAUTECH deserves the best to maintain her position as the best state university in Nigeria.

The university has been lucky to have at its helms versatile and forward looking vice-chancellors during testy periods. Joint ownership of the institution following the creation of Osun State in 1991 nearly crippled the university due to failure of the either side to honour their financial obligations to the school. Non-payment of salaries and emoluments of staff led to strike actions by the staff of the university and eventual closure for many months. .

The coming of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde marked a turning point for the institution. He came on board when the institution was prostrate. As a matter of fact, he made rejuvenation of LAUTECH one of his campaign promises. Upon becoming the governor, he went into action. He did not only end the joint ownership conundrum that had impeded the wellness of the institution, he reduced the fees regime and gave adequate subvention to the school. This pragmatic approach brought peace and progress to the school. One area I had differed with Makinde is the relocation of the Faculty of Agriculture to Iseyin. The policy, to me, is unhealthy for Ogbomoso’s economy whose lifeline is LAUTECH. Then, I saw the policy as a way of creating another crisis in the school if another state is created in future – Ogbomoso and Oke-ogun not being in the same zone. But Engineer Makinde has allayed the fear as regards his policy with the construction of 80-kilometer Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin road. Efforts in regional integration has integrated Ogbomoso and Iseyin through LAUTECH.

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With Makinde’s laudable accomplishments in Oyo State and LAUTECH in particular, the institution needs a good hand to sustain the tempo. In my view, the acting VC of the university, Professor Kalilu, stands tall among his peers jostling for the position. Kalilu is a graduate of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he studied Fine Arts. He was at the premier University of Ibadan for his Master’s degree, which he crowned up with a PhD. He joined the services of LAUTECH in September 1, 1992 and within eight years, he was appointed a professor of Arts and History. He rose through the ranks to assuming the headship of the institution in acting capacity.

Appointment of Kalilu by the Makinde administration as acting vice-chancellor is not misplaced going by his intimidating credentials. The governor is reputed for putting round pegs in a round holes, and I believe this will not be an exception.
- Adewuyi Adegbite ayekooto05@gmail.com
April 16, 2024