The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Oloyede,FOMWAN harp on family values

    Oloyede,FOMWAN harp on family values

    The Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, has called for proper orientation among parents to meet the 21st century parenting.

    Prof Oloyede said nowadays parents must upskill their parental knowledge to be able to discharge their responsibilities.

    The Secretary-General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) stated these during the 36th Eid’l Fitr Family Day Celebration organized by the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Lagos State Chapter at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan.

    Prof Oloyede urged parents not to deny their children paternity out of family differences.

    He said proper parenting entails consultation, saying, couples must consult one another.

    “Even when one of the partners is dead, his or her family should be consulted before deciding on the child’s welfare,” he said.

    The former University of Ilorin Vice Chancellor enjoined parents to be role models to their children and train them to be God-conscious.

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    “Make the home conducive for your children, provide for them so that they don’t become wayward, talk to them, teach, discipline and advise them,” he said.

    FOMWAN Amirah, Lagos Chapter, Alhaja Sherifat Ajagbe, emphasized the importance of parental guidance to foster sustainable marital relationships.

    FOMWAN, she said, is poised to ensure mothers understand their responsibilities.

    She called for support for the association’s projects

    Chairman on the occasion, Alhaji Hashim Oyekan, commended FOMWAN’s efforts in running day-to-day activities.

    Alhaji Oyekan, the President of Jama-at-ul Islamiyat of Nigeria, said: “Parenting is to death, May God Almighty make it easy for us. There is more to do as a parent, most especially at this period.”

    Pro-Chancellor of Al-Ikhmah University, Kwara State, Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf, urged mothers to train their children in accordance to tenant of Islam, noting that immorality among youth is alarming.

  • Uba Sani’s strides in education

    Uba Sani’s strides in education

    Sir: Since his inauguration as the executive governor of Kaduna State on May, 29 2023, Governor Uba Sani has never hidden his desire and passion to develop education in the state. Evidence is the reduction or slashing of tuition fees of state’s tertiary institutions by 50% as witnessed last year.

    The downward review of the fees aligns with his government’s commitment to offer palliatives to cushion the effect of general rising cost of living in the polity, especially in the wake of recent petroleum subsidy removal.

    The governor continues to take all measures necessary to ensure access to free and qualitative education for every child in Kaduna State from primary to secondary school; expand access to higher education; enhance teachers’ welfare and teaching standards; improve school infrastructure; build ICT competence in students from basic education level; and intensify investments in technical and vocational education.

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     Governor Uba Sani did not stop at that. His sympathy for the less privileged has further manifested recently, where he directed the state university to allow students facing financial difficulties to sit for exams despite outstanding school fees for the 2023/2024 academic session. The university’s management, will later in a statement explain that the development was under the directive of Governor Uba Sani, to lessen the impact of current economic challenges on its student body.  Governor Uba Sani’s giant strides in education within a period of less than a year are a testimony of his avowed determination and commitment to improve literacy rate in the state.

     The trajectory of primary education in Kaduna State started during the last administration of Nasir El-rufai where thousands of primary school teachers considered incompetent or unqualified were sacked. However, the subsequent recruitment by the government failed to fill in the vacuum created by the massive retrenchment. I believe Governor Uba Sani is not unaware of the understaffing in the primary education. Some primary schools in the state are in desperate need of teachers. Disturbingly, one can find many schools with more population but insufficient teachers to cover up expected lessons. The governor should scale up massive recruitment to augment the shortages of manpower. If the twins problems of inadequate teachers and training of teaching personal are addressed, our struggling primary education will breathe a new life, emerge stronger and become a force to reckon with.                                         

    •Job James Maigamo,

    Nasaru, Kubau LGEA, Kaduna State.

  • A year of healing and unifying Nigeria

    A year of healing and unifying Nigeria

    Sir: It has been President Tinubu’s one year of healing and unifying Nigeria. In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, the president made a declaration that has become a defining motif of his administration.

    He said: ‘Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own. We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear, and injure it.’’

    And true to his promise, President Tinubu has been listening and reaching out to Nigerians of diverse complexions and artificial partitions, as well as mending and healing the nation.

    The president has maintained an accustomed patriotic, graceful, and expansive mien. In his public statements, mostly done extempore, he has always faithfully affirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

    In one of his many noble articulations, he said: “I am irrevocably committed to the unity of Nigeria and constitutional democracy. Constitutional democracy has been reflected greatly here since we assumed office.’’

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    Also to consider are the broad and far-reaching projects and programmes which are in themselves totems of unity – with all Nigerians, irrespective of class or creed, as beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries.

    The approval of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate effective infrastructure development across the pivotal areas of agriculture, transportation, ports, aviation, energy, healthcare, and education, with salient projects across the country is a further affirmation of statesmanship and leadership.

     The ongoing epochal Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, with its attendant immense economic and social benefits to many states within and outside that corridor; the Sokoto-Badagry Road project, and the completed Port Harcourt to Aba stretch of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow-gauge rail, among other key developments across the nation, asserts the all-encompassing and genuine intentionality to nation building. No Nigerian is left behind.

    Within the first year, the president also approved the upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones in line with his administration’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector for enhanced service delivery to all Nigerians.

    The following teaching hospitals across the geo-political zones were marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres as part of the president’s bid to ensure that top-tier cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country: (1) University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (2) Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, (3) University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital, (4) Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, (5) University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and (6) Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

    Ten other hospitals across all the geo-political zones were also pencilled for critical healthcare-service expansion projects across the fields of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization.

    The take-off of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme, to enable citizens improve their quality of life by accessing goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time, and by the same token bolstering local industry and stimulating job creation is another social cohesion sealant – with all classes of working Nigerians as beneficiaries. 

    In summary, the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) with the pre-eminent vision of safeguarding Nigeria’s future by ensuring that all Nigerian students and youths, regardless of their social, ethnic, or religious backgrounds, have access to sustainable higher education and functional skills, further accents the president’s fidelity to building a stable, strong, united, peaceful, and progressive nation.

    One thing is certain: Citizens agree that they have a president for all Nigerians.

    •Fredrick Nwabufo,

     The Presidency, Abuja.

  • Cultivating a favourable work environment for women

    Cultivating a favourable work environment for women

    Sir: In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, women have from time immemorial been an integral part of the workforce, contributing significantly to various sectors of the economy. Despite their undeniable capabilities, women across the continent often face unique challenges and barriers especially in the workplace.

    According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), women globally are paid 20% less than men and majority of the gender wage pay may be related to sexism or gender discrimination even though sometimes it can be attributed to individual qualities like education, experience, or skill level. The situation is even worse in several African countries.

    Issues of pregnancy, childbirth and caring for children or the elderly are just fewer personal reasons that frequently require more women than men to take a job break. It is clear that most times the difficulty of juggling work and home obligations prevent a lot of women from pursuing formal jobs and leadership positions due to the aforementioned challenges.

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    Women frequently find themselves in a bind between missing their children’s school performance, games, open day, sport day and working late hours at the office or travelling long distance for significant projects. Creating a favourable work environment for women is not only a matter of gender equality but also essential for maximizing talent, productivity, and innovation.

    In recent years, Nigeria has made strides in this regard, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that women can thrive professionally without facing discrimination or limitations. Some organizations now have a hybrid style of work to enable people to work from home, have crèche for nursing mothers and employed a professional care giver and HR policy that encourage women to apply for job opportunities and also ensure staff sign the anti-harassment policy.

    One of the primary factors in fostering a favourable work environment for women is ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement. Historically, women in Nigeria, like in many other countries, have faced systemic barriers to climbing the corporate ladder. However, there is growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, leading to efforts to promote gender equality in leadership positions. Companies and organization are implementing gender policies and anti-harassment policies to support women’s career development, including mentorship programs, leadership training, and initiatives to address unconscious bias in promotion decisions.

    Flexible work arrangements also play a crucial role in creating a conducive environment for women in Nigeria. Balancing work and family responsibilities can be particularly challenging for women, especially in a society where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched. Offering options such as remote work, flexible hours, and parental leave can help women better manage their personal and professional lives. By accommodating the diverse needs of employees, organizations not only support women but also benefit from increased employee satisfaction and retention.

    Furthermore, promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity is essential for creating a safe and supportive work environment for women. Addressing issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination is paramount in ensuring that women feel valued and empowered in the workplace. Companies must implement zero-tolerance policies for harassment, provide training to employees on appropriate behaviour, and establish confidential reporting mechanisms. By fostering a culture of respect and accountability, organizations can create an environment where all employees feel safe and able to contribute their best work.

    Additionally, promoting work-life balance and employee wellness initiatives can contribute to a positive work environment for women. Offering benefits such as onsite childcare facilities, wellness programs, health insurance and mental health support services can help women better manage the demands of their professional and personal lives. By prioritizing employee well-being, organizations demonstrate their commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

    Creating a favourable work environment for women in Nigeria requires concerted efforts from businesses, government agencies, and society as a whole. By promoting equal opportunities for career advancement, implementing flexible work arrangements, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, investing in education and skills development, and prioritizing employee well-being, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its female workforce.

    •Weng Dung,

    Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

  • Senate and shoddy renovation

    Senate and shoddy renovation

    Efforts to renovate the Nigerian Senate’s main chamber produced highly unsatisfactory results, after more than two years, going by the observations of the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume.

    In March 2021, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had awarded a contract for the renovation of the National Assembly Complex to an indigenous firm, Visible Construction Nigeria Limited. The cost of the project was N30b.

    When the Senate resumed plenary in its main chamber, on May 7, after over two years of sitting in a temporary hearing room, Ndume was reported saying, “This is not a chamber, it is like a conference room. You will not even know that it is me, Ndume that is speaking, so also when the leader was speaking.

    “This is a serious observation. If you play back the record, you cannot identify Akpabio’s voice, you have to listen hard, but the audio is supposed to be very clear… but right now the chamber is echoing.

    “We need to correct this. We need to change so many things. Like the sitting rows. If you want to stand up, you will have to use tactics or strategy to stand up or sit down.

    “Most importantly, these seats were better. You had where you could put your documents and conveniently make your contributions.”

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    Senate President Godswill Akpabio seemed to be on the same page with Ndume, and blamed the leadership of the 9th Senate under Senator Ahmad Lawan and the FCDA for the unsatisfactory renovation. 

    “This is not our contract,” he explained. “It was a contract that was awarded in the 9th Senate. It is the FCDA that renovated it. If we have a complaint, we have to channel it to the FCDA.”

    It is unclear whether the Senate will make complaints to the FCDA concerning the disappointing renovation. Considering that the project cost was said to have been  N30b, it is surprising that the Senate did not consider an investigation. 

    The negative observations about the renovation are bad for the image of the company that got the contract and the agency that awarded the contract.

    Under normal circumstances, the company and the agency should have a lot of explaining to do. It remains to be seen whether they would be made to account for the observed shoddy renovation. It is not enough to criticise the poor renovation. Those responsible for the unsatisfactory work must be made to answer for it.

  • A country without men

    A country without men

    Sir: As police inspector in Plateau State was reported to have cut off his wife’s hand over N3000 . Reports say he gave her N20,000 to keep, but she could only account for N3000. While the woman has been hospitalized, the man has been detained as the investigation continues.

    While violence against women is mostly a conscious act, the circumstances that conduce to it are mostly subconscious. A lot of gender-based violence begins from the mind where the hierarchy of patriarchy sets up a perverse pyramid which crushes women underneath. A society that strains to render women invisible from birth is one averse to the scars they bear as they have to navigate life and marriage. The cartography from girlhood to womanhood to marriage is usually aided by a foolproof compass of scars inflicted by men who should be protectors but have instead become predators.

    The law is prescient in recognizing that because men sometimes bin nobility in treating women, there should be sanctions-regulated  standards of treating women. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Constitution are just some  standards-setting legislations.

     Implementing them though has not been effortful enough. This strengthens the case for gender equality, for radical feminism.

    In her seminal book We should all be Feminists, global literary icon Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes that: Gender matters everywhere in the world. And I would like today to ask that we begin to dream about and plan for a different world. A fairer world. A world of happier men and happier women who are truer to themselves. And this is how to start: We must raise our daughters differently. We must also raise our sons differently.”

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    What has marriage become today, what is it becoming? What is making friction into fisticuffs in that exulted field of human elevation and affection that should be inherently non-violent and non-abusive? Why should disagreements degenerate into murder and grievous bodily harm?

    These questions warrant society’s attention because what starts out as disagreement between two people in marriage are increasing having nationwide consequences. The effect of such terrible news of marital harm on the senses, the way it provokes the humanity in each of us indicates it is an emergency.

    It is not male genitalia that makes a man. It is the ability to love and protect women and children at all costs. This means empowering women to live their best and most productive lives. It means emboldening women to break the curse of silence that cloaks domestic violence. It means hoisting them up not just to reach glass ceilings but break them. A society failing to do this is one without men. Nigeria is presently and resoundingly failing to protect women from monsters parading as men. Nigeria has no men.

    A society of such bland promise is equally one of a bleak future. The laws will not implement themselves.

    For each woman hit in her marriage; for each woman for whom the only heat in her home is not from her kitchen – her only nation; for each woman denied of opportunities by an abusive spouse and forced instead to shoulder a sack of physical and emotional scars; for each woman dead from repeated acts of domestic violence; for each woman forced into silence in the face of life-threatening violence by the senseless expectation of society, we are all victims and there is no victor and no justice.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • How plastic industry undermines campaign against pollution

    How plastic industry undermines campaign against pollution

    Sir: Plastic waste pollution is a growing environmental menace affecting lives and livelihoods across the world. But the latest efforts to combat this problem through a global plastics treaty have exposed a worrying trend: the plastic industry’s growing negative influence on and its shunning of established science.

    The fossil fuel and chemical industries – source of the plastic industry – showed their intent between April 23 and 29 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, Canada, during the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

    Just like it did during INC-3 in Nairobi, Kenya last year, the industry deployed several measures – including registering an unprecedented number of lobbyists – to hijack the negotiation processes at INC-4 and tone down established narratives.

    Last year, an analysis by the Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL) disclosed that 143 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists registered to attend INC-3, gaining access to the negotiations at a time when talks on a global plastics treaty were entering a critical phase. The 143 fossil fuel and chemical company lobbyists at INC-3 outnumbered the 70 smallest member states delegations at the negotiations.

    This year, the industry registered an unprecedented 196 lobbyists, representing about 37 per cent of the total attendees at INC-4, and as was to be expected, the lobbyists affirmed their determination to advance self-serving interests and stall positions that embrace the otherwise.

    These lobbyists not only vehemently resisted and shut down proceedings that exposed their fallacies, but they also influenced the plastic policies of parties and states that dared to question their stance. Their presence stalled the needed progress as they effectively reduced the event to a marketplace. 

    Ninety-nine per cent of plastics are derived from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels account for over 75 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions, meaning fossil fuel-generated plastics are directly tied to increases in greenhouse gas emissions annually. Fossil fuels disguised as plastics can be found everywhere in our lives.

    It is natural to expect the industry to leverage such a gathering to expand its coverage and deepen its hold on market share in emerging and vulnerable states. For them, INC-4 is nothing but interest and profits at the expense of human and animal survival, eco-sustainability, and societal well-being.

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    The industry is not unaware of the significance of the outcomes of INC-4, particularly in advancing treaty texts that will be adopted at the final scheduled session (INC-5) in Busan, Republic of Korea later in the year, hence its unapologetic resolve to monopolise the process.

    To this end, the industry has been behind several false claims to downplay the negative consequences of plastic pollution. One such claim is that the consequences of micro- and nano-plastics, including growth inhibition, increased oxidative stress, and decreased feeding behaviour, among others, are not backed with facts. But this has been debunked as there are now over 20,000 peer-reviewed scientific publications on micro- and nano-plastics according to the Web of Science database. This database established that plastic products release dangerous micro- and nanoparticles at all stages of the plastics life cycle, including production, normal and intended use, waste management, and recycling, and that these micro-plastics can alter the natural environment both locally and on a global scale.

    Similarly, the industry’s claim that plastics’ effects on the marine environment are insignificant and suffer a dearth of evidence has also been proven to be untrue; scientific evidence has confirmed that micro-plastics affect terrestrial ecosystems and that human bodies are not protected from these exposures.

    Back home, with about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, the World Economic Forum (WEC)’s Global Plastic Action Partnership ranks Nigeria ninth globally among countries with the highest contributions to plastic pollution. Unfortunately, over 88 per cent of the plastic waste generated in the country is not recycled. Instead, much of it ends up in water bodies – rivers, lakes, drains, lagoons and the ocean. In just Lagos State alone, plastics account for 15 per cent of the total generated waste. According to experts, the situation in Nigeria may get worse with the expected rise in the population to about 401 million in 2050. Furthermore, the production of plastic is growing. Dangote Refinery, the largest petrochemical refinery in Africa, has started operations in Nigeria and apart from refining fuel, will also produce plastic products.

    As the world waits for the progressive phase-out of these problematic and avoidable plastics, clear boundaries for corporations in the decision-making process will prevent potential mix-ups of financial and political interests with legitimate interests or biases.  In the same vein, policy audits and oversight procedures must be incorporated before and during negotiation processes to address imbalances, corporate overlay, poor representation, and undue considerations for corporate benefits and privileged interests.

    •Ogunlade Olamide,Lagos.

  • How to  handle Parkinson’s disease , by experts 

    How to  handle Parkinson’s disease , by experts 

    There is a need for an integrated care model to ensure timely and effective treatment of Parkinson’s disease,  Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State, Dr.  Kemi Ogunyemi has said.

    She spoke at the second annual symposium organized  by Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF). The symposium is  to advance dialogue and initiatives for Parkinson’s disease care and awareness in Nigeria. It was held at ADPF Centre, Surulere, Lagos.

    The event, held under the theme: “Educating, Engaging, and Empathizing: Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Parkinson’s Awareness and Care,” brought together key stakeholders, experts, and advocates to advance dialogue and initiatives for Parkinson’s disease care and awareness in Nigeria.

    The symposium marks a significant milestone in advancing dialogue and initiatives for Parkinson’s disease care and awareness in Nigeria.

    The sessions covered  a spectrum of topics, from innovations in Parkinson’s care to community empowerment and fundraising efforts.

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      Mrs.  Ogunyemi stressed the pivotal role of governmental support in advancing Parkinson’s awareness and care.

    She advocated for an integrated care model to ensure timely and effective treatment, emphasizing collaboration across healthcare levels.

    She said: “There’s a need for an integrated care model which will consolidate services across different levels of Nigeria’s healthcare system from primary care physicians who first see symptoms to specialists like neurologists who manage more complex aspects of the disease.”

    Panel sessions delved into innovations in Parkinson’s care within Nigeria’s healthcare system and the significance of community engagement beyond medical interventions.

    Experts highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary care models and inclusive initiatives in combating stigma and fostering holistic

    Consultant Physician/Neurologist,  representing the Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Oladunni Abiodun emphasized collaborative efforts among government agencies, private organizations, and NGOs to enhance Parkinson’s care and support services in Nigeria.

    She highlighted the Lagos State Health Scheme, offering affordable healthcare access to citizens.

  • A rebirth for arts, culture, creative economy

    A rebirth for arts, culture, creative economy

    By Dr. Deji Ayoola

    Beyond a seeming cosmetic spruce-up, the new Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, FMACCE, actually benefits from a fundamental vision tweak and structural reconceptualization from which the impactful achievements it has recorded within a year flow.

    A baby of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and rigorous visioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new Nigeria that works, FMACCE, under the circumspect guidance of the youthful minister, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has chalked up some key achievements as of Q1 in 2024, less than a year since she gracefully set sail at the instance of the President.

    “As a nation, we are trying to diversify from oil, and the creative economy is a strong alternative as the new oil because the future of the country depends on the creative sector.

    “Nigerian creatives all over the world are doing great things and that is why our ministry is set to be a beacon of creativity, innovation, and inclusivity,” the sure-footed lawyer, Musawa, recently told her audience in a keynote address at the opening of the 2024 management retreat for the ministry workers and its agencies in Abuja.

    Cutting to the heart of her mandate, she further stated that, “We play a critical role in shaping the creative and cultural landscape of our nation while promoting and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

    “Since the establishment of the Ministry by President Bola Tinubu, we have witnessed remarkable achievements and milestones, thanks to the dedication and passion of our predecessors and key stakeholders within the sector.

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    “From the establishment of cultural institutions to the implementation of landmark Policies, Project and Programmes, our Ministry has been and will continue to be at the forefront of driving positive change and transformation.”

    FMACCE is committed to aligning itself with the presidential priorities enunciated by President Tinubu for Ministers and top government functionaries back in November 2023. These include reforming the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, boosting agriculture to achieve food security, among others.

    Musawa nailed it when she insisted that, “The Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy sectors have a crucial role to play in achieving these priorities and are critical drivers of economic growth and job creation. By ensuring the development and continued investment in these sectors, we can harness their potential to stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship and attract investments, thereby contributing to the diversification and resilience of our economy.”

    With notable clarity and emphasis, she reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to working together to ensure that the efforts that birthed FMACCE are consolidated and institutionalised. Significantly, Musawa who boldly proclaimed that the creative economy is Nigeria’s “new oil” has kept her pledge, mirrored in the impressive, critical grounds FMACCE has covered on her watch, despite the bracing challenges.

    As the administration of President Tinubu marks its first anniversary in office, it will be pertinent to track its governance progress. It is a good opportunity to beam the searchlight on the achievements of FMACCE.

    Under Musawa’s stern watch, the FMACCE, as at the first quarter [Q1] of 2024, recorded a total of 1,005 individuals trained in professional development programs in the creative sub-sectors through NICO, National Theatre, NFC, NFI, NGA, MOWAA. It has also recorded a total of 103 trainees trained in cultural and creative academies established in partnership with higher institutions. These remarkable positives come under capacity building/training of individuals across the creatives sector.

    The Ministry has also embarked on PPP for infrastructure renovation/construction. The ongoing renovation of the National Theatre through PPP with the CBN & The Bankers Committee.

    On crucial partnerships and collaboration front, it has Commenced mapping of potential domestic and international partnerships and collaborations across all sub-sectors. It has signed MOUs for partnership with the Recording Academy (Grammy’s); the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in collaboration with NCMM, ABU Zaria, and AUN Yola.

    On the critical job Creation, the Ministry has recorded a total of 257,754 new jobs created. In terms of its contribution to the nation’s GDP, it has scaled up GDP contribution share by 0.37% from 1.3% to a current GDP share of 1.67%.

    Within the period of assessment which is under a year, FMACCE has increased the number of Nigerian Cultural Heritage on UNESCO Representative List by two. These include the Sango Festival Oyo and Midwifery.

    On the Soft Power front, FMACCE has spearheaded the increase in Nigeria’s cultural influence which expanded from 2.5% to 46% and also recorded increase in Nigeria’s cultural influence which also expanded from 2.5% to 46%. It further recorded increase in Nigeria’s Brand Perception Index from 1.5% to 18%.

    In terms of stakeholder engagement, it conducted 18 stakeholder engagement events with the public through Industry stakeholder workshops, CEBAAC and NGA.

    Against the foregoing backdrop, it is indeed indisputable that the creative economy is a fountain of opportunities, a wellspring of economic growth, and a catalyst for societal transformation. It is also a testament to the ingenuity of Nigerians, the richness of her cultural heritage and the boundless imagination that defines it as a nation. The FMACCE boss has nimbly demonstrated this and promises even more.

    It was then not surprising that looking ahead, the Minister, FMACCE, has solemnly pledged that her ministry will facilitate the creation of two million jobs for the employment of qualified Nigerians.

    Hear her: “We are trying to diversify from oil through the creative industry. Job creation is key and we want to create and contribute 2 million jobs by 2027. We want to increase the GDP of Nigeria by 100 billion dollars by 2030. It is doable. We are going to work round the clock to ensure we are able to do that.”

    Clearly, President Tinubu, through the reconceptualization and creation of the new FMACCE, has demonstrated his genuine commitment to supporting the growth and development of the Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy Sectors. He clearly recognizes the vital role these sectors play in the national development agenda.

    It’s then little wonder that President Tinubu has peered into the future and proclaimed his administration would create a trillion-dollar economy in ten years. For Doubting Thomases, it could be readily recalled that the US State of California recorded over three trillion-dollar GDP in 2023 by leveraging its human and technological resources.

    Leaning on his “Renewed Hope Agenda,” the emerging consensus is that indeed President Tinubu can leverage Nigeria’s population and resources to build a trillion-dollar economy within the next decade.

    The President had noted that achieving his ambitious goal of creating a trillion-dollar economy in ten years can be further facilitated by ongoing efforts on job creation, access to capital for SMEs, inclusiveness, the rule of law and the fight against insecurity, hunger, poverty and corruption. Barr. Musawa is certainly a key player in that compelling big picture.

    What’s more. The FMACCE boss Musawa has demonstrated a special awareness and knows it’s no secret that today, the world, Africa and Nigeria stand on the brink of substantial disruptions – and also of considerable opportunity – as new governance, political and business models challenge traditional playbooks.

    She has demonstrated capacity, competence and compelling leadership in her previous engagements. The FMACCE under her watch as well as the nation are already benefiting from these critical capabilities as she drives the creative economy.

    •Dr. Ayoola, a Cultural Anthropologist, writes in from Lagos

  • In Sanwo-Olu’s Lagos, workers are reaping rewards here on earth 

    In Sanwo-Olu’s Lagos, workers are reaping rewards here on earth 

    By Ibrahim Adesokan

    The conversation on the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers has become a topical national issue since Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The commemoration of this year’s International Workers’ Day again brought to the frontburner the lingering wage issue and attendant problems. The various labour unions, particularly, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC and their affiliates have been hellbent at forcing the federal government to open negotiation on the 615,000 minimum wage proposal they put forward for the government, despite the announcement of certain increments in salaries for public servants. 

    In the midst of the confusion, the government of Mr, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State towered high in terms of workers’ welfare and providing an enabling environment for state workers to thrive. At the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan, the venue of the May Day commemoration ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his readiness to implement and pay the new minimum wage that will be decided by the Federal Government.

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    Governor Sanwo-Olu who was applauded by the union leaders in the state for his pro-workers policies and various interventions he had put in place to cushion the impact of the economic hardship on the workers, said: “This year’s theme, ‘People First,’ resonates deeply with our administration’s philosophy, which is underpinned by our firm belief in prioritising the welfare of our people.

    “Through various measures, policies, and initiatives, we have demonstrated that the interest and welfare of the people come first and remain the ultimate goal of all our actions. Our response actions are geared towards mitigating the impact of these trying times and offering support to both our workers and citizens alike.

    “We have been steadfast and intentional in implementing our social intervention programmes, providing crucial assistance to those in need throughout the state. From subsidised food items through our Ounje Eko, and Eko Cares initiatives to incentives on social services, we have made tangible differences in countless lives.

    “Healthcare initiatives that ensure access to quality medical services for all, transportation support, and educational opportunities for our children exemplify our commitment to creating a Lagos where everyone has a fair chance to thrive. Our dedication to putting people first extends beyond mere words.”

    Speaking further on his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Governor Sanwo-Olu added that : “As we look towards the future, I want to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society in which the interests of workers receive the attention it deserves.

    “We will continue to invest in education, training, and skills development to equip our workforce with the tools they need to succeed in their places of work because we recognize the vital role that workers play in driving progress and prosperity in our society. And we pledge to build a future where every worker is respected, empowered and able to live with dignity and pride.”   

    The Chairperson of NLC, Lagos State Council, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sessi and her TUC counterpart, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for making workers’ welfare a priority of his administration, attesting that under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government has implemented a plethora of social intervention programmes that are targeted at enhancing the well-being of the populace.

    In her words, Sessi said: “Let me use this unique occasion of May Day to commend and appreciate our Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for all his interventions to cushion the effect of the economic problems and ameliorate the suffering of the workers in the State.

    “We all witnessed his policy on the last reduction in BRT transportation, the setting up of a discounted food mart, the three-day working policy, the payment of a 20 percent increment in salary, the full implementation of N35,000 Wage Award as approved by the Federal Government, and prompt payment of salary.”

    Ekundayo commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his prompt action in implementing the Wage Award for all public servants in Lagos State, noting that the swift response has provided much-needed relief to mitigate the adverse combined effects of the recent subsidy removal and devaluation of the Naira.

    “Lagos has been at the forefront of implementing welfare programmes that positively impact workers, and your (Governor Sanwo-Olu) dedication to this course is deeply appreciated. Your commitment to prioritising the welfare of your people is perfectly aligned with our core belief of placing citizens first,” he said.

    Lagos has set the pace  and standard in industrial harmony. Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated repeatedly that he is indeed committed to the welfare of the Lagos workforce. The pronouncements at the May Day event at Onikan were not just political statements, they are facts and solid promises premised on the track record of honesty and transparency which are the anchors of the relationship of the Governor Sanwo-Olu and the respective labour union affiliates in Lagos State.

    In assessing the general welfare of the workers, it cannot be done in isolation. The infrastructure and massive social support programmes provided by the state government also contribute to ameliorating the plights of the workers. The subsidy on public transportation, including public buses, rail and ferries go a long way in reducing the burden of cost of mobility to work and other destinations. The transportation cost that should have utterly depleted the take-home of workers have been cushioned through the intervention.

    Ditto for cost of healthcare, public hospitals in Lagos State which are adjudged efficient by many Lagosians also provides succor to the vulnerable members, including workers, through Governor Sanwo-Olu’s intervention to reduce the cost of medicare and certain categories of drugs in response to the record economic hardship that many Lagosians are facing.   

    In the education sector as well, many workers whose children are in Lagos State-owned public tertiary institutions are also benefiting from special bursary and scholarship schemes of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration.

    So, the accolades and commendations showered on Governor Sanwo-Olu by the workers are true reflections of his contributions to the general well-being of Lagosians, workers inclusive.

    •Adesokan writes from Mushin, Lagos State