The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • NNPCL is merit-driven

    NNPCL is merit-driven

    By Olufemi Soneye

    It is important to address the concerns raised in Farooq Kperogi’s recent article: “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC”, published in a national newspaper and to clarify some of the misconceptions about the operations and leadership structure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

    First, employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Therefore, decisions within the NNPC are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise.

    This approach ensures that only the most qualified and competent individuals occupy positions that are critical to the company’s success. It is significant that our company focuses on efficient and effective service delivery, which is anchored on the commitment of qualified work team.

    The NNPC prides itself on being a professional organisation with a diverse leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria. The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable.

    It is, thus, sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu. This editorial preoccupation of Mr Kperogi is nothing but sheer red herring, ostensibly orchestrated to detract the President’s disciplined leadership that upholds the freedom of the NNPC as well as the company’s work ethic that has produced its strings of sterling performances.

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    Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several “firsts” in the industry. These milestones were not defined, coloured or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence. These milestones include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships that were previously thought unattainable. This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than on parochialism as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr Kperogi.

    Regarding Mr Kperogi’s notions about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is essential to highlight that Mr President has not interfered in the operations or leadership movements within the NNPC. On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy. President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation. His reforms have set a benchmark that has significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors.

    It is disappointing that individuals like Mr. Kperogi, who have lived and observed governance structures abroad, would overlook these accomplishments and focus on divisive narratives. Symbolism, while important, must not overshadow the substantive achievements and transformative impact of policies and leadership on national development.

    We extend an open invitation to Mr. Kperogi to visit the NNPC and witness firsthand the professionalism, sacrifices, and daily efforts that go into driving Nigeria’s economic engine. He will see a team that works tirelessly to contribute to the growth of our economy and the prosperity of our nation.

    The NNPC remains committed to fostering unity, embracing diversity, and upholding the principles of meritocracy. It is through such commitments that we can continue to work to achieve and strengthen  national cohesion and position Nigeria as a global leader in the energy sector. We urge commentators and stakeholders alike to base their assessments on hard facts and evidence, rather than conjectures, for the greater good of our nation.

    •Soneye is the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Ltd.

  • Leadership insights: 40 minutes with Governor Oyebanji (2)

    Leadership insights: 40 minutes with Governor Oyebanji (2)

    Legacy

    “I want to be remembered as a governor who always tells the truth. I don’t lie! My goal is to live in the hearts of Ekiti people, and I believe the key to achieving this is by staying connected with them and implementing policies that positively impact their lives. Ultimately, I aspire to be remembered as a governor who brought prosperity to our people, one who demonstrated responsible and responsive leadership.

    “Chief Obafemi Awolowo is remembered more for his revolutionary policies, such as Free Education, than for symbols like Cocoa House. To me, substance always trumps symbols. While constructing bridges and buildings is important, they must resonate with the people to have a lasting impact. This is why I’m committed to sustaining the agricultural revolution in Ekiti, empowering our youths to earn a responsible living.

    “Interestingly, we’re renovating most of Awolowo’s Farm Settlements in the state, which were built decades ago. It’s remarkable to think that Awolowo had such vision back then, and it’s our duty to build upon his legacy. By renovating these settlements, we’re ensuring they continue to benefit the people of Ekiti.

    “Building on our existing efforts, we plan to establish six more Farm Settlements across Ekiti in 2025. This expansion will not only provide decent accommodations for our over 1,000 employed youths in the sector but also enable them to live on-site, work efficiently, and earn a decent income. Empowering our youths and promoting agricultural development is a legacy I’m committed to leaving.

    “My goal is to leave a lasting legacy that transforms the lives of Ekiti people. I envision a future where pregnant women can safely deliver their babies at well-equipped Primary Health facilities, staffed with skilled nurses and stocked with essential medications. I also aspire to create a world-class education system where our students can compete with their peers from anywhere in the world. This is the kind of legacy I’m committed to leaving behind.”

     2026 Governorship Election

    “As a deeply spiritual individual, I firmly believe my role as Governor of Ekiti State is a divine assignment. Those close to me can attest that my faith plays a central role in every aspect of my life. My life is grounded in the philosophy that everything I have is a gift from God, and what He gives, no one can take away. This guiding principle shapes my decisions and actions as a leader.

    “In 2022, becoming the governor of Ekiti State was the furthest thing on my mind. As SSG (Secretary to the State Government), I was focused on my duties, looking forward to returning to my farm and spending time with my family. I genuinely believed my time in state-level politics had come to an end, but fate had other plans. I’m often referred to as the ‘reluctant governor’ because my ascension to this role was unexpected, even to myself. I’m grateful for this opportunity, which I believe it’s a testament to the power of divine intervention.

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    “I recently addressed concerns about the 2026 elections, which many people have been inquiring about via text messages. However, I maintain that God will guide us in the right direction when the time is right.

    “Honestly, I don’t believe I can determine my future. The only moment I control is the present, and I’ve chosen to trust in God’s plan and timing rather than worrying about things beyond my control, like the 2026 elections. This approach may be untypical for a politician, but it brings me peace. By focusing on the present and trusting in God’s guidance, I’m able to stay grounded and forward-thinking.

    “I always remind myself and my wife that the life of a governor isn’t entirely real. To stay grounded, I’ve made conscious choices. I use a simple Kia as my official car, reserving armoured vehicles for security purposes only. I’ve also maintained existing vehicles rather than purchasing new ones, and kept my convoy small. Notably, I’ve opted out of using Police Despatch Riders to avoid adding to the artificiality of this life. Thankfully, my wife supports my approach, and I’ve found peace in staying true to myself.”

     Personal Reflections

    “Ekiti State has been grappling with numerous challenges, particularly resource constraints. Despite these difficulties, we’ve prioritized every sector. One incident still resonates with me – the killing of two traditional rulers and abduction of school children by bandits and kidnappers. Thankfully, President Tinubu’s timely intervention from abroad, through special directives, enabled us to apprehend most perpetrators, though unfortunately, some innocent lives were lost.

    “I recall many sleepless nights during the kidnapping ordeal, waking up to ensure every effort was made to rescue the children. Thankfully, they were recovered, and we provided them with rehabilitation support. I’m grateful to God for the successful outcome.

    “I believe God has been instrumental in helping me cope with the challenges of governance. My 12-year preparation for this role has also been invaluable, as I dedicated myself to understanding governance at this level. I’m grateful for the guidance and advice of former governors, who have been generous with their counsel, providing valuable support when faced with tough decisions.

    “As governor, I’ve also learned a valuable lesson: the power of listening more and talking less. A leader’s words carry significant weight, and people take them seriously. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of what we say and when we say it. By listening more and speaking less, I’ve come to realize that sometimes silence is the most effective response. This approach not only helps me make more informed decisions but also fosters deeper connections with others.”

     As I see it …

    Governor Oyebanji’s leadership philosophy is rooted in Aristotelian ideals. He combines unwavering reliability with empathetic insight. His decades-long career has equipped him to navigate complex political, social and economic landscapes. His selfless focus on the well-being of others epitomizes the transformative power of human connection in governance. As he marks his 57th birthday, Nigerians eagerly await his administration’s focus for 2025.

    As the New Year unfolds, Ekitis look forward to Governor Oyebanji’s sustained efforts to expand his innovative initiatives and uplift his constituents from the challenges of multidimensional poverty. With his commendable initiation of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria’s integrated rural development programmes, he should utilize the holiday period to refine his approach, potentially revitalizing these programmes to boost productivity and stimulate cottage industries. This refined strategy could transition Ekiti State into an export-oriented economy, positively impacting future generations and positioning it as a competitive economy in West Africa.

    Again, Oyebanji’s promising start can be enhanced by embracing innovative models, such as the Dutch model, to drive transformative legacy projects. This would align with his administration’s focus on security, health education, infrastructure, agriculture and welfare, ensuring sustainable progress for Ekiti State. 

    He should also be ready to spend more on rural roads. According to the World Bank, the multiplier effects are ten times the initial investment. By investing in rural infrastructure, his administration can foster a virtuous cycle of development, empowering marginalized communities and promoting a more equitable distribution of resources.

    As Governor Oyebanji celebrates another year of life and service, may his selfless spirit and kindness continue to inspire and uplift those around him!

    May his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ekitis continue to inspire hope and optimism!

    May his humility, service-oriented leadership and impactful governance be a guiding light in Nigeria’s political landscape!

    May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

    Concluded.

  • Emir Sanusi’s moral creed

    Emir Sanusi’s moral creed

    Emir Muhammad Sanusi II has never hidden his radical bent in the arch-conservative institutional setting. His leaning, which is quite natural to him, in past years brought him on collision course with other power centres in relation to expectations of conservative insularity from him by virtue of the royal stool he sits on. But he is who he is, and he does not make hypocritical pretensions about it: he is down to earth and offers no apologies about his blunt outlook on issues.

    The 16th Emir of Kano lived up to billing recently when he said he always told his daughters whenever they were getting married that if their husbands slapped them, he expected them to retaliate. He spoke at a National Dialogue Conference on Gender-Based Violence prevention from an Islamic perspective organised by the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Bayero University, Kano (BUK) in partnership with the Development Research and Projects Centre, and with support from Ford Foundation.

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    According to him, gender-based violence isn’t permissible even under religious guise. “You can take that verse and say that as a husband, I’ve been given this permission to beat my wife light. And nobody will deny that, nobody will say it is ‘haram’ if you comply with all the rules. But you live in a society in which those rules are never applied. Nobody who is angry remembers to look for a chewing stick or a handkerchief. They just slap these women and punch them and kick them and beat them,” he said. The emir underscored the depth of the malaise with his findings in a doctoral thesis on family law he just worked on. “I did research on nine courts, nine Shari’a courts in Kano. Forty-one percent of the cases over a five-year period had to do with maintenance. Twenty-six percent had to do with harm. And out of those, 45 percent were cases of wife beating, domestic violence,” he added.

    But his personal response is vintage Sanusi. “When my daughters are getting married, I say to them: ‘If your husband slaps you, and you come home and tell me my husband slapped me, without slapping him back first, I will slap you myself.’

    “Because I did not send my daughter to marry somebody so he can slap her. If you do not like her, send her back to me. But don’t beat her. And we must teach our daughters not to take it,” he stated.

    There must be more effective ways of dealing with the gender abuser other than disproportionate retaliation that could result in worse violence and more grievous harm to the woman. Emir Sanusi can lead the way in seeking such alternatives.

  • Nigerians and this rice thing

    Nigerians and this rice thing

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: Nigeria’s Christmas season spiralled into chaos with multiple deaths recorded across the country in purely avoidable circumstances.

    First, to usher in the season of death, were children who gathered to celebrate the season in Ibadan. In the end, 35 of them, mostly children, died. Then the autocade of death swiftly moved to Okija in Anambra State, and that was where rice set in and sat in. Distribution of rice donated to his community by businessman Obi Jackson soon turned deadly as a stampede snuffed life out of beneficiaries. The convoy soon moved to the Federal Capital Territory, even overpowering the otherwise supremely organized Catholic Church. This time around, about 10 people were trampled to death.

    What is it really with Nigerians and rice? Historically, a staple food, the soaring price of the commodity has made it a luxury commodity which has become more and more unaffordable as Nigerians have sought to navigate complex economic realities precipitated by leadership failures at all levels.

    Yet, Nigerians feel they must eat rice. Worse still, they feel entitled to it as palliatives from government. Earlier this year, about four students of the Nasarawa State University Keffi were trampled to death as they sought free rice.

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    Following the tragic deaths, opinions have again been sundered, as with everything in Nigeria. But as the debate rages on, the worst losers are those who cannot contribute anything because they are as dead as doornails,  only because they joined the struggle for rice.

    Since rice has turned Nigerians into rabid raccoons that can rip their brothers and sisters apart in a moment, can there be competing alternatives? Rather than distribute rice, can there also be fufu, amala, ukwa, okpa or even yam as alternatives?

    Nigeria is on the lookout for victims to fill the metaphor for mortuary that it has become and for everyone, the overriding duty is to stay alive; the overwhelming one.

    When people queue up anywhere in Nigeria to manifest the mendicancy that leadership failure has reduced them, they should have some dignity and decency to maintain order so that no one gets injured or, worse still, dies. This is because death is a dictatorial demagogue. Whenever it speaks, all else falls silent.

    Following the needless deaths, many people have blamed President Bola Tinubu. Maybe ripple effects. Perhaps, just frustration. Truth is, he was nowhere near Okija or Maitama as Nigerians trampled each other to death.

    As it is, Nigerians must let self-preservation, that most primal and precious of instincts, kick in. There is no other choice. The dead do not speak or eat rice, of course.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • A wake-up call for social welfare reform

    A wake-up call for social welfare reform

    • By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

    Sir: The series of stampedes across the country that have resulted in the deaths of over 60 people, including children scrambling for food palliatives, have highlighted the severity of hunger, poverty and desperation among Nigerians.

    Thirty-five people, mostly children, died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State. Few days later, 22 people were killed during a stampede in Okija, Anambra State while participating in the sharing of rice donated by entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson. Another 10 persons died, and several others were injured on the same day during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama District of Abuja.

    These avoidable tragedies highlight the systemic failures of certain government institutions in formulating effective policies, implementing meaningful economic reforms, and developing robust social welfare programs to address the underlying challenges plaguing our nation.

    While the president attributes the recent stampedes to poor organization by the palliative distributors, his remarks fail to acknowledge the broader systemic failures that have created these conditions.  The neglect of social safety nets and the absence of sustainable poverty alleviation programs have left the poor with no choice but to risk their lives for a bag of rice or a few groceries.

    Despite being plagued by scandals under successive ministers, including Sadiya Umar Farouq and Betta Edu, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (FMHAPA) could have potentially averted the tragic stampede for palliatives if its lofty missions and mandates had been properly implemented.

    The Humanitarian Ministry has sadly become a symbol of inefficiency and corruption, further eroding public trust in government interventions. These shortcomings have undermined its ability to address the nation’s growing humanitarian crises, leaving vulnerable populations without the support they desperately need.

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    National security, as rightly noted, extends far beyond military capabilities and advanced weaponry. True security lies in ensuring that citizens have access to food, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Hunger and poverty pose as much of a threat to national stability as armed insurgencies, demanding urgent political will and strategic foresight.

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under Malam Nuhu Ribadu, must lead a coordinated and holistic approach to national security. Efforts across critical sectors such as agriculture, economic development, emergency response, and intelligence must be integrated into a strategic framework aimed at protecting citizens from socio-economic vulnerabilities. Ending these systemic social disasters requires strong leadership, unwavering political will, and a commitment to poverty alleviation.

    The government must prioritize tangible programs that uplift the masses. This includes expanding access to welfare schemes that guarantee basic necessities like food, healthcare, and education; investing in skills acquisition and job creation to provide sustainable livelihoods; and establishing transparent, efficient mechanisms for distributing food and essential items to prevent fatal stampedes.

    Ministries and agencies tasked with poverty alleviation must undergo a thorough overhaul to eliminate corruption and ensure the efficient delivery of services. Enhancing agricultural production and expanding the value chain are also critical steps toward making food more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.

    While economic reforms are essential for long-term growth, the government must implement measures to mitigate their immediate impact on vulnerable populations. This includes subsidies, tax reliefs, and price stabilization policies to shield the poor from the harshest effects of reforms.

    The tragic stampedes and rising death tolls are a sobering reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms. The government must confront the structural inequalities and flawed economic policies that perpetuate hunger and poverty.

    To restore hope and dignity to its people, Nigeria must prioritize collective security across economic, social, and political dimensions. The tragedies in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja should serve as a wake-up call, compelling leaders and citizens alike to demand accountability and advocate for a nation where no one has to risk their life for a bag of rice.

    •Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,

    Kano.

  • Hunger, greed and economic realities

    Hunger, greed and economic realities

    • By Matthew Alugbin

    Sir: In what appears to be a tragic pattern of geographically distributed misfortune, recent weeks have seen a series of fatal stampedes during food distributions across Nigeria. From a children’s funfair in Ibadan (Oyo State), where no fewer than 35 lives were lost, to Okija (Anambra State), where 22 people perished, and Abuja, where 10 individuals died during a food palliative distribution, a total of approximately 76 lives—mostly women and children—were lost within just a week.

    These tragedies are not isolated incidents; they are reflections of national struggle with food insecurity. The rising cost of basic food items is not just a minor inconvenience in many homes; it is a crisis impacting a staggering majority of households. These experiences confirm the report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that a very large majority (71%) of the people were affected by the rising cost of essential foods, with 33% of households struggling to access sufficient food supplies, leading to skipping of meals. Understanding this will help understand the intentions of philanthropists and compassionate individuals in the present economic situation.

    While it is understandable that immediate attention falls on the organisers of these events, placing the blame solely on them oversimplifies the issue. Their philanthropic gestures, intended to alleviate suffering, have tragically become a source of regret. This serves as a lesson in organisation and management.

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    How did Jesus Christ feed 5,000 people without a stampede? His approach was so well-organised that not only was there no chaos, but there were also 12 baskets of leftovers after everyone had eaten to their satisfaction. Poor organisation and crowd management undoubtedly contributed to the stampedes, but the root of the problem lies much deeper. The sheer number of people driven by hunger to attend these events highlights the extent of the poverty gripping the nation. This raises an urgent and critical question: why were so many people so desperate for food that they were willing to risk their lives in a chaotic crowd?

    A major factor we cannot ignore is the impoverished condition of the people. Poverty drives individuals into vulnerability, and there is no doubt that hunger is pervasive across the land. Hunger has become a common denominator in these tragedies. After the stampede in Ibadan, one would have expected the incident in Okija to be averted, yet it occurred, followed shortly by the one in Abuja.

    During elections, we frequently witness voters being induced with various items to support specific candidates. For example, during the last off-cycle gubernatorial elections in 2024, some voters openly admitted to being influenced to vote for particular candidates through such inducements. Politicians exploit the vulnerabilities of the people by distributing food items during election campaigns—a practice that amounts to deceitful philanthropy. This is unlike the case in the recent situations.

    The recent stampedes also reflect our moral bankruptcy as a society. Greed has quietly become ingrained in us, fuelled by a capitalist system that discourages a model where individuals take only according to their needs. The current economic system thrives on greed, and this is at the heart of the problem. The state cannot shift blame for the systemic failures of capitalism onto event organisers alone. The capitalist system, inherently driven by greed, must be considered in evaluating these tragic events.

    To prevent such incidents from recurring, we must work toward building a more just and equitable society—one that prioritises human needs and dignity over profit. Creating systems that empower people to provide for themselves and their families with dignity should be our focus. While we commend genuine Nigerians who extend help to those in need, we must recognise that such acts of charity are not enough. A sustainable solution lies in building a system where resources are distributed fairly: “from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.”

    •Matthew Alugbin, PhD,

     Edo State University, Uzairue.

  • What a season!

    What a season!

    Tragically, many lives were lost in two incidents in Okija, Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on December 21.  The deaths were even more tragic because they happened as a result of stampedes for food. Those who died had gone to where they died because they needed food for sustenance.

    The event at the Amaranta Stadium, Okija, was held to distribute rice to attendees. Hundreds of people were reported to have arrived at the venue as early as 5am. Many of them were women and children. This was an indication of the level of hunger in the land. The crowd swelled as the minutes ticked by.

     When the organisers of the event, the Obijackson Foundation, began sharing the rice, according to a report, “the crowd became uncontrollable…In the ensuing pushing and shoving, some of the vulnerable in the crowd lost their balance, fell down and were trampled upon by the others.” At least 37 people were said to have died.  Some said there were about 47 fatalities.  “The tragedy has cast a shadow over what is usually a joyous season in Okija,” the Obijackson Foundation said in a statement. 

    In Abuja, the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama had planned to distribute food items, and more than 3,000 people, “mostly from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements,” were said to have turned up for their share, “some as early as 4am.”  By 7am, the crowd became uncontrollable, with people “pushing and shoving one another.” The weak ones “easily went to the ground and were crushed to death,” according to a report. An eyewitness was quoted as saying at least seven of the victims were children. The Anambra State Police Command said 22 people died in the stampede.

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    Nigeria Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement said the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, “has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organised framework for distributing palliatives.” The IGP also ordered the police commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into “these ugly incidents.”

    For the organisers of the events that caused the deaths and those who lost their lives, the festive season became a season of destructive stampedes and lifelessness.  

    Indeed, the incidents call for improved and safe methods of distributing   so-called palliatives.  But more importantly, they also highlight the issue of mass impoverishment, which explains why so many Nigerians need “palliatives.”

  • A rare ray of hope in Kogi State

    A rare ray of hope in Kogi State

    Sir: As the rollercoaster of the 2023 National Assembly elections rolled into Kogi State,  the long-suffering people of Kogi Central Senatorial District were unsparing in their unanimity: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was their choice and for good reason.

    Her triumphant return to the senatorial zone during which she wiped away tears as a rapturous crowd greeted her shortly after her victory at the Court of Appeal was a clear sign that her constituents had finally found the light they so badly needed after years of milling about in the dark. What a bright light she has been.

    Since she was sworn in, one project has followed another as she has sought to keep her promises to a zone that had long been on the back-foot despite its prodigious potentials.

    In November, to commemorate her one year in office, she commissioned some legacy projects in the senatorial zone. These included a 1 km road network at Abdul Azeez Memorial College in Okene, the reconstruction of the college to include nine classroom blocks, four boarding houses, and 5000 digital learning devices for the students.

    Her scholarship scheme which runs through the Natasha Foundation has supported 353 vulnerable students at tertiary institutions nationwide, while her empowerment programs have trained over 1,300 artisans in various fields, from renewable energy to catering, with start-up grants provided for all participants.

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    She has also sponsored water projects that have brought potable water to many communities in Kogi Central, including a large solar-powered system that serves 300 locations with 1,800 water taps.

    In the spirit of the Yuletide, she has empowered her people in all five local governments of her senatorial district. She organized a raffle draw that saw her constituents win various prizes ranging from sewing machines, grinding machines, groceries, wrappers, bowls and deep freezers.

    For the first time senator, deserving projects befit a deserving people who stood by her as she fought to reclaim her mandate from the claws of electoral brigands.

     Senator Akpoti is not only that rare ray of hope that has infiltrated the darkness in Kogi Central and the state as a whole, she is also a stellar example of what women can do in politics.  She is showing that women can fly where men have floundered disastrously.

    She is a torchbearer for what women in politics represent: hope, inclusion, stability and genuine development.

    Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unprecedented representation is transforming the lives of her people; daughter of a medical doctor who was known for his great compassion for his people, she is just what the doctor ordered for the good people of Kogi Central.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Celebrating AfDB @ 60

    Celebrating AfDB @ 60

    “Africa is not the biggest problem in the world, it is the biggest opportunity”. Nicola Tyler

    Sir: In 60 years, Africa’s economic and social transformation through the financial interventions of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has been tremendous and overwhelming, catalysing the continent’s prosperity and tapping its potentialities for a continental rebirth.

    Resonating with Africa’s post colonialism needs of socio-economic reconstruction and transformation, restoring its glorious past devastated by massive exploitation and persecution, the AfDB under the leadership of Dr. Akinwunmi A. Adesina has maintained its AAA rating and authorised capital of over $318 billion, with nearly 2,000 staff serving all 54 African countries.

    As the Africa’s premier development finance institution, it has been pioneering the pathways to the transformation of lives of the Africans. It has committed humongous funds for proactive measures against climate change, ensuring that food security is enhanced through adequate funding and technical backing. It has been creating and providing opportunities for the teeming people of Africa to be economically sound, ensuring gender equality in the financial operations of its mandate.

    A true development partner, it stands for the financial vision that guarantees sustainable development of the region. It is a typical example of institutional phenomenon and impactful powerhouse for the reformation of Africa.

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    The AfDB’s resources come directly from special contributions made by participating countries. It does not make individual loan but offers project financing to public and private entities. Its main objective is providing concessional resources with more advantageous conditions to African countries to boost their productivity and economic growth. The AfDB is one of the five multilateral development banks in the world. The others are the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Asian Development Bank and the Inter- American Development Bank.

    In its frantic efforts to offer Africa a new face lift in a global contest, in December, the African Development Bank and Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A. (CDP) signed a new implementing agreement for cooperation through an investment platform to achieve the continent’s economic growth. The partnership framework between the two entities set up what is referred to as the Growth and Resilience Platform for Africa (GRAF).

    Through GRAF, CDP and AfDB plan to jointly channel up to €400 million over five years through private equity and venture capital funds targeting food security, growth of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and sustainable infrastructures. GRAF also plans to mobilise additional funds from other sources to bring the pool of investment capital to a very huge amount.

    In another impressive drive towards uplifting the continent higher, the AfDB has injected a whopping $300 million equity investment in Africa Finance Corporation to catalyse climate change. This investment is projected to contribute to the creation of over 1,600 full-time equivalent jobs by 2031, while also fostering regional integration and generating clean, reliable energy to power millions of African households. It is also expected to drive inclusive growth and expand economic opportunities for marginalised populations including women and rural communities.

    The AfDB has actively been engaged in innovating investment mobilisation in Africa to foster economic development and social transformation of the people. The AfDB essentially exists to unite Africans, develop the continent, battle climate change, boost the people’s economy. The continental bank has also been involved in training young people, with 50% being women, in five strategic sectors- renewable energy, digital economy, agribusiness, blue economy, textile and clothing industry.

    Making Africa a pride to all of us and exploring its development potentialities, the AfDB contributes to improving the daily lives of Africans by providing financial and technical support for projects aimed at strengthening agricultural production, investing in the sustainable management of water resources, in energy projects providing access to electricity for as many people as possible, industrializing the continent with sustainable, quality jobs and contributing to the economic integration of the continent’s countries, example with projects benefitting several countries.

    In the past seven years, the gigantic operations of the bank have impacted directly on 400 million people. Under the eventful period, the AfDB has provided financing for over $44 billion in support of infrastructures. The bank has also supported the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) since 1975. The 40-year partnership between AfDB and IRRI involves more than $26 million in grants for research, capacity building as well as infrastructures development research.

    •Abdu Abdullahi,aaringim68@gmail.com

  • A call on Governor Yusuf to prioritise local scholarships

    A call on Governor Yusuf to prioritise local scholarships

    Sir: This is to bring the attention of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the need to refocus the method of scholarship distribution in Kano State. It is concerning that the Kano State government, under the Yusuf administration, has not provided local scholarships for students under the Kano State Scholarship Board. The current focus on supporting students who have already obtained their first degree, while neglecting those struggling to achieve their first degree, is unhelpful particularly as some students have had to drop out of university due to financial difficulties and constraints.

    One is not against the policy of sending students abroad for their second degrees. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that students from Kano State studying within Nigerian campuses are also facing financial difficulties due to the economic situation. It has become necessary for the governor to direct the Kano State Scholarship Board to open its portal for students to benefit from the state government’s scholarship program, just like their counterparts from other states are benefiting.

    Since the governor assumed in to office as governor, no scholarships have been given to students studying at various institutions across the country. Though, the state government paid the school fees of students who were unable to pay their tuition fees due to the increments in school fees at federal universities like Bayero University Kano, Federal University Dutse, Federal University Dutsenma, University of Maiduguri, my questions is, what about those studying at state universities, polytechnic and other colleges of education in the country? Do we know the kind of situations they’re going through? What efforts has the government put in to support them? Why is it that the state government is giving attention to only those who have first class degrees?

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    I recently came across a publication calling on Kano State indigenes with first-class degrees to apply for postgraduate scholarships within Nigeria. Additionally, the governor visited students studying in India. These are commendable efforts but it’s unfortunate that no mention was made of scholarships for undergraduate students at local levels.

    While it is essential to support brilliant students who secured first-class degrees in their undergraduate studies to further their education, it is equally imperative and important that the state government considers supporting those pursuing diplomas, NCEs, and first degrees in public institutions.

    Everyone recognises the efforts of the Kano State government in providing quality education to citizens. However, it is concerning that students pursuing their first degree at universities across the country seem to be neglected. This oversight poses a significant threat to the education sector in Kano State. If the government neglects the welfare of students pursuing their first degree at public universities in the country, undoubtedly the government may wake up tomorrow and find no first-class students to sponsor for second-degree studies abroad.

    Similarly, states like Jigawa, Borno, and Kaduna also offer special scholarships to brilliant students who graduated with first-class degrees from Nigerian universities. Yet, they continue to support students currently studying at various institutions in the country with local scholarship every year. This local scholarships provided by the respective state governments help eliminate and reduce some of the challenges students face within campuses.

    I therefore appeal to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to follow the footsteps of his counterparts in states like Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa, that support and sponsor first-class students to study abroad for postgraduate degrees, while still providing scholarships every year to students who are pursuing their first degrees in the country.

    •Sale Rusulana Yanguruza,Borno State University, Maiduguri.