The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • The trials of Timothy Omotoso

    The trials of Timothy Omotoso

    You possibly haven’t taken note of his legal struggles in South Africa. Timothy Omotoso is a Nigerian pastor whose trials in ‘Mandela country’ is putting that country’s legal system itself on trial. He gets taken in and out of jail on charges that come unstuck in their courts. And he is fighting a bid by the governing authorities to declare him a prohibited person and get him deported.

    Amidst it all, he commands cult following among associates and his church members who dare the South African government over his fate and accuses it of unjustly persecuting the cleric, which they hyperbolically stated as “fighting God himself.”

    Omotoso became a free man again last Tuesday after he was arrested over the previous weekend on immigration charges. A magistrate’s court in the suburb known as East London ordered his release from custody pending an appeal against a decision by the Minister of Home Affairs declaring him a prohibited person. By law, he is entitled to appeal or make representations over that decision.

    The magistrate’s decision came as the country’s National Prosecuting Authority announced it would appeal Omotoso’s recent acquittal from multiple charges over which he faced a marathon trial that lasted more than seven years, along with two co-accused persons, and was held in jail while awaiting trial. The 66-year-old pastor at the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church in South Africa was arrested in 2017 on 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking. But in April, this year, an Eastern Cape high court judge acquitted him of those charges and ordered his release. The judge criticised the prosecution’s handling of the case, saying the state had not proved beyond reasonable doubt its case against the cleric and the two assistants who faced charges along with him.

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    The prosecuting authority had said Omotoso would be deported immediately after his acquittal, but that did not happen. And neither did the cleric himself lie low. He moved to East London, where he launched a highly publicised crusade titled “New Dawn,” to which his fervent followers even invited President Cyril Ramaphosa. The crusade began 4th May – exactly a month after the high court acquitted him and ordered his freedom from more than seven-year-long incarceration. When municipal authorities barred him from using public venues for the crusade, he took to a private property. He was arrested again at wee hours of penultimate Saturday as he was rounding off what his supporters described as a “spiritually electrifying vigil.” His new challenge stems, though, not from the criminal proceedings, but from allegations that he used fraudulent documentation to enter South Africa.

    So far, it is doubtful the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa is actively involved in Omotoso’s case. Nether is the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission overtly showing interest. But he is a Nigerian and can’t be abandoned to South African societal wiles.

  • Natasha and the burden of proof

    Natasha and the burden of proof

    By Mike Osumah

    One of the elementary rules I first learnt in journalism school eons ago is that opinions are free but facts are sacred.

    This time-honoured principle has therefore become my guiding light whenever I want to say or write anything- be it news bulletins, ad copies, commentaries, elevated gossips, random musings, warts and all!

    And for any journalist worth his salt, you know you run the risk of libel and defamation if you publish untruths because under the law you cannot be spared- your victim can always get reprieve if he or she takes recourse in the law.

    Indeed, yours truly started off with the above preamble advisedly because it speaks to the heart of the personality clashes between the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing the Kogi Central.

    It doesn’t bear repeating all the ugly, and I daresay salacious details already served to the public by the senator herself.

    But it would be remiss of me not to inform Nigerians about the position of the law as it concerns the allegations raised by the senator in all the public appearances she has made.

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    Wait for this: there is a caveat; yours truly is not an interested party and neither am I obligated to any of the parties involved in this brouhaha. No. Like Mr. Ben Murray Bruce, widely known as Mr. Commonsense, I just want to make some sense out of this whole thing!   

    Now let’s take the issues apart and break them one after the other. With the benefit of hindsight apart from the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against Senator Akpabio, the feisty lady at the upper legislative chamber also accused him of murder, organ harvesting; which in every material particular as the lawyers are wont to say, are clearly dastardly and criminal acts in themselves.   

    Specifically, Senator Natasha, according to available information had engaged Sandra Duru, a United Kingdom (UK)-based activist, popularly known as Professor Mgbeke, and allegedly offered her the sum of N200 million to falsely accuse Akpabio of organ harvesting.

    The activist made the claim during a live Facebook session and said there are recordings where the suspended senator admitted having no evidence against the senate president.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan has since denied the allegation, dismissing the live stream content as “untrue and manipulated”.

    It would be recalled that in 2021, 26-year-old Iniubong Umoren, a female job seeker, went missing after meeting a Twitter user for a job opportunity in Akwa Ibom.

    Uduak Umoh, a friend of Iniubong, announced her death after raising concerns about her disappearance.

    Subsequently, the police operatives in Akwa Ibom arrested Uduak Akpan, a suspect, who allegedly confessed to sexually and physically assaulting the late Iniubong and burying her body in a shallow grave at his father’s house.

    Akpan was convicted of rape and murder and sentenced to death by the Akwa Ibom high court on August 4, 2022.

    Certainly, Natasha’s claims if indeed she made them, should not to be treated as just mere random musings by some crackpot who doesn’t know her left from right. No. The person making the claims and the victim are both public figures and as such owe us the responsibility of telling us the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

    This is why as concerned citizens we all must not allow this case to suffer from the conspiracy of silence.        

    Thankfully, the family of the late Iniubong Umoren and legal experts are now considering legal redress against Senator Natasha for spreading what they call “defamatory and destabilising misinformation.”

    Firing the first salvo, Ifiok Umoren, the elder sister of the late Iniubong Umoren, has refuted claims that the deceased organs were harvested following her murder in April 2021.

     While addressing newsmen at a press conference last Saturday, in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom, the deceased’s sister said no body part was missing from autopsy to burial.

    Flanked by Friday Johnson Itim, Akwa Ibom’s Director of Public Prosecution, and Samuel Abdullah of the Legal Aid Council, Ifiok said the claim was a distortion of truth.

    Ifiok described the allegation as “outrageous” and “deeply hurtful,” adding that she personally witnessed the autopsy, during which the internal organs were confirmed intact.

    “How can someone claim that my sister’s organs were harvested when I was right there during the autopsy?” she queried.

    “This accusation is not only false but also dishonours the memory of my sister and retraumatises our family.”

    Ifiok recalled how Iniubong informed her of a job interview before she went missing and how she helped in tracing the suspect and alerting security agencies.

    “After her death, the police took the body for autopsy at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital,” she said. “I was present. No organ was missing.”

    Backing her position, Itim said the crime was committed solely by Akpan, who attacked Iniubong after she refused unprotected sex.

    “He killed her in anger, buried her in a shallow grave and fled,” he said.

    “His arrest was made possible through help from his family and the local council chairman.

    Also, Abdullah said the allegation of organ trafficking did not come up at any point during court proceedings.

    “Neither the prosecution nor defence ever mentioned Senator Akpabio,” he said.

    “The autopsy report is available to the public and shows that all organs were intact.”

    Emeka Nwafor, the pathologist who conducted the autopsy, testified under oath in 2021 that though the corpse showed signs of trauma and decomposition, there was no indication of organ removal.

    Clearly, with the way things have panned out thus far, it does appears that Senator Natasha would literally need to “explain taya” to borrow the popular street lingo.

    That indeed is the burden of proof, which in the legal contexts, refers to the obligation to establish the truth of a factual assertion.

    This principle is often expressed in the Latin phrase “ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat,” meaning “the burden of proof rests on who asserts, not on who denies”.

    Pray, who’ll help Madam Distinguish Natasha to unbundle the burden of proof?

    The answer I daresay is hanging in the air.

    • Osumah, a public affairs commentator, writes from Lagos

  • Fubara comes of age

    Fubara comes of age

    The irony was lost on most: but Siminalayi Fubara, suspended Rivers governor, just junked the hare-brained strategies of his troubled governorship.  But the irony there isn’t the repudiation per se.  It’s rather that it was done during the Rivers day of tribute to the memory of Edwin Clark, the late Ijaw leader.

    With all due respect to the late Chief Clark’s memory, he championed the wild Ijaw nativist campaigns that pushed Fubara into the ditch — all based on nothing but empty Ijaw sentiments — when he ought to have been a statesmanly arbiter.

    Well, Clark is conveniently dead (God bless his soul and forgive his sins!) but Fubara still lives to hold the short end of the stick! 

    Just as well Fubara had his own back on the old man: decrying the “Oshobay” tactics the old warrior championed, without let, till he died. Remember those thundering letters of Clark, particularly against the presidential peace initiatives, which give-and-take could have tamped down the crisis?

    Still, Fubara would not be Fubara if he didn’t go into an over-drive, in his newfound coyness for power, now that the full effect of the suspension is sinking in.

    “Do you think I am even interested in going back there?” he told those still loudly chasing shadows on his account, grandstanding that he be reinstated pronto.  “Do you see how better I look?  Do you think I am interested in it?  If I have my way, I’ll say it here, I don’t wish to go back there.  My spirit has left that place long ago.”

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    Believe that, and you’ll believe anything!  It’s just sweet hyperbole! Even, if Fubara were earnest about not “going back”, the stakes are just too high right now. Rather, it was a flashing red code for his supporters to be more circumspect.

    Still, eating crow, at that very public event, shows he has come of age. Even the best of generals know how to retreat from dire battles, only to relaunch with smarter tactics.

    Now, the ball is in the court of Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s mentor-turned-tormentor.  He should also grow up.  Wike gains nothing by blabbing over Fubara’s secret moves at a rapprochement.  He ought to have kept that under wraps.

    Wike should also remember that his triumphalist vim, to get rid of Fubara and Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, forced the emergency; and Fubara’s suspension — better than outright removal for Fubara, but far short of the hot vengeance the Wike camp craved.

    This freeze is good for Rivers.  Let the battling camps key into peace.  Fubara has eaten crow.  Clark is gone to meet his maker. “Oshobay” is in the morgue.

    Let Wike and co too work for peace.  That’s the only thing that can benefit the long-suffering Rivers people.

  • Oyebanji’s compassion, humanity and politics

    Oyebanji’s compassion, humanity and politics

    By Idowu Faleye

    To be in power is one thing; to remain human while wielding that power is another. These days, politics is often reduced to a game of strategy, numbers, and control. The people who give leaders the mandate are easily forgotten. Their daily struggles, their hopes, and even their pain are buried under policies far removed from the reality of the common man. Yet, we must not forget the core of leadership: compassion.

    Compassion is not a sign of weakness; it is the heartbeat of humanity. Even the Bible makes this clear. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” That verse alone is enough to guide any leader who genuinely wants to serve. It reminds us that true greatness lies not in titles or the luxury of power but in how we treat those who have no voice, no means, and no strength to fight for themselves.

    That is why what is happening in Ekiti State under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji deserves attention. For once, we are seeing an attempt to do politics differently—not with loud propaganda or political gymnastics, but with quiet, consistent acts of humanity. Oyebanji is showing that a leader can still be human, even when sitting on a powerful seat.

    A striking example is the decision to review retirees’ pensions in line with the new minimum wage. Let’s be honest. For years, pensioners have been short-changed. These are people who gave their productive years in service to the government—teachers, clerks, messengers, typists, drivers, and so many others who kept the system running when they were younger. But when their strength faded and they retired, they were left to survive on pensions calculated using outdated salary scales. Many of them received peanuts—money that couldn’t even buy enough food for a week, talk less of affording healthcare or basic upkeep. Some couldn’t even visit a hospital unless it was an emergency, and even then, they often left without being treated properly because they couldn’t afford the bills.

    To cushion the hardship, a monthly payment called “palliative” was introduced. It was meant to augment their meager pensions, and it helped, though it was never enough. Yet, when Governor Oyebanji decided to include pensioners in the new minimum wage structure—thereby increasing the base pension they receive—many feared the palliative would be discontinued. It would have made sense politically; after all, if you’re already giving them more through revised pensions, why continue giving the extra palliative?

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    But Oyebanji didn’t think that way. He made a bold and compassionate choice. He increased their pensions and still maintained the payment of the palliative money. That’s not just administration—it’s empathy in action. He understood that even with the updated pensions, retirees still face significant challenges, especially in this tough economy where prices of food, drugs, and other essentials rise daily. Cutting off the palliative would have erased the little financial breathing space they had left. But by retaining it, he sent a powerful message: I see you, I feel your pain, and I won’t abandon you.

    That’s not all. The Governor also announced that retirees can now receive free medical treatment in any government hospital. This is another layer of thoughtfulness that shows a deep understanding of what it means to be vulnerable in old age. If you’ve ever followed a pensioner to a government hospital, you’d understand how deeply touching this policy is. Many times, they are asked to pay before any consultation or tests. Some of them borrow money just to see a doctor. Others resign to fate, hoping their pain will go away on its own. But with this declaration, they now have a chance to walk into any government health facility with dignity. They don’t have to explain or beg. Their years of service are now recognized not just on paper, but in action.

    This is what it means to do politics differently. It’s not always about building roads or commissioning massive projects. Sometimes, it’s about looking into the eyes of the forgotten and doing something—no matter how small—to restore their dignity. Politics without empathy is dangerous. It becomes a cold game of numbers and transactions, where people are seen as tools, not as humans. But when leaders like Oyebanji choose to put people first, even in the face of tight budgets and competing interests, they set a new standard.

    The truth is, power has a way of hardening people. It often detaches leaders from the people they serve. The longer one stays in office, the easier it becomes to forget the long queues at hospitals, the silent tears of pensioners, and the humiliation of the elderly begging for basic support. That’s why staying human in the face of power is not just difficult—it is rare. But it is also necessary. Because the purpose of power should be to heal, to uplift, and to give hope.

    Ekiti is now showing the rest of the country that compassionate governance is possible. That policies can be designed not just to impress, but to impact lives directly. That a governor can make headlines not for political drama but for touching lives. And most importantly, that doing politics differently does not mean doing less—it means doing what matters most.

    In all of this, one cannot help but wonder: what if every leader in Nigeria thought this way? What if policies were made with the poor in mind? What if we judged success not by the size of the budget but by the smiles of retirees, the relief of a mother in the hospital, or the gratitude of a hungry child who received food?

    That’s the Nigeria we all dream of. A country where politics is no longer a game of thrones but a platform of service. Where leaders are remembered not for the cars they drove or the entourage they kept, but for the lives they touched.

    And so, as we reflect on what’s happening in Ekiti, let’s not see it as just another government policy. Let’s see it as a mirror. A reminder that in the hands of the right person, power can be soft. That politics can have a heart. That compassion is not a political liability—it is a political strength.

    Governor Oyebanji may not be perfect. No leader is. But in choosing to stay human in the face of power, he has done something many have failed to do—he has restored a bit of our faith in leadership. And for every retiree who can now eat better, sleep easier, and walk into a hospital with dignity, that faith is no longer just a dream. It is real.

    So, here’s a call to every other leader: let power not change you. Let it refine you. Let it remind you daily that the people you lead are not statistics—they are human beings with needs, fears, and stories. Be human, stay human, even when power tempts you to forget.

    Because at the end of the day, history doesn’t remember how loud your campaign was. It remembers how well you served. And the hearts you chose not to ignore.

    •Faleye writes from Ado-Ekiti

  • Sokoto’s water revolution

    Sokoto’s water revolution

    Sir: Water, as emphasised in the Holy Qur’an, is the very essence of life. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:30), Allah reminds us: “We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” This sacred injunction speaks not just to the spiritual, but also to the practical obligation of leaders to ensure the availability of this divine gift. In Sokoto State, that obligation has found a champion in Governor Ahmed Aliyu. 

    Since assuming office, Governor Aliyu has confronted the state’s water crisis with dogged determination, placing water supply at the heart of his administration’s nine-point development agenda. And rightly so. For years, residents of Sokoto State endured unimaginable hardships, struggling to access clean and affordable water. It was a humanitarian crisis that defied logic—people paid as much as N1,000 for a few jerrycans of water.

    The urgency of the situation demanded not just policy intervention, but a moral response. Dr Aliyu, a deeply religious and people-focused leader, responded by declaring a state of emergency on water supply within his first three months in office. And true to the principles of both governance and faith, he didn’t just make pronouncements—he acted decisively and the water problems of Sokoto are now a thing of the past.

    One of the cornerstones of this bold intervention is the ‘40 Million Gallons Daily Water Project.’ Initiated by the Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko administration but later abandoned by the immediate past administration, the project had become a symbol of unfulfilled promise. Governor Aliyu resuscitated it with fresh commitment, fresh funding, and a fresh sense of urgency.

    The project is both ambitious and strategic, designed to serve millions across the Sokoto metropolis and neighbouring communities. It covers six major locations: Old Airport, Mana, Tamaje, and Gagi—each site designed to hold 3 million gallons, totaling 12 million gallons; Rugga Liman, the largest with a massive 20-million-gallon capacity; and Runjin Sambo, delivering 8 million gallons.

    As of now, two of the sites—Tamaje and Old Airport—are completed and awaiting commissioning. Construction at the remaining locations is 70% complete and expected to wrap up before the onset of the rainy season.

    This isn’t just about numbers. The impact of this project on public health, education, sanitation, and overall quality of life will be far-reaching. It’s a game changer for the growing population of Sokoto, who will finally have reliable access to clean and safe water.

    But the governor’s water strategy doesn’t stop at mega projects alone. Realising that small, decentralised water sources are equally vital, the administration embarked on a Borehole Renovation Project that’s bringing life back to 19 boreholes across metropolitan local governments, including Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Kware, and Dange/Shuni. These boreholes had long fallen into disrepair, forgotten by the previous administration and left to decay.

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    Governor Aliyu’s approach here is both technical and innovative. The boreholes are being upgraded with solar-powered pumps and modern filtration systems to ensure sustainability and resilience in the face of erratic power supply and climate challenges. The renovation, now 70% complete, spans across Arkilla Liman, Kontagora Road, Abuja Road, Yauri Flats, Guiwa G Line, Guiwa Low-cost (two boreholes), Gidan Igwai, Kofar Kware, More 1 and 2, Fakon Idi, Danbuwa Gidan Sarki, Danbuwa Fed. Project, Mana, Gagi, Ibrahim Gusau Primary School, Danfili Area, Tudun Wada Madatsa, and Tudun Wada Bayan Icce.

    In each of these places, clean water is returning—quietly but surely. It is no surprise, then, that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State recently passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Governor Aliyu. While that might sound political on the surface, the weight behind the gesture is rooted in verifiable actions—actions like fixing the water crisis.

    Water is a daily need. You can’t fake its presence or absence. And when water flows from once-dry taps, or when communities that used to trek miles to fetch water now fill their pots at the doorstep, it’s impossible to ignore. Aliyu has given the people of Sokoto a miracle they can touch, taste, and live.

    This is leadership that listens. Leadership that acts. Leadership that aligns policy with divine principle. Water, as the Qur’an teaches, is life. And by ensuring its availability, Governor Aliyu is giving life back to Sokoto—one gallon at a time.

    The journey is far from over, but the direction is right, and the pace is encouraging. The transformation being recorded in the water sector is a sign of bigger things to come across other facets of the state’s development. The evidence of this assurance is in the numbers presented as the governor’s scorecard. We urge all who care to go and verify.

    In the final analysis, Dr Aliyu is not just providing water; he’s restoring dignity, hope, and health. And that, in every language and every faith, is true leadership. And as he marches towards the halfway point of his first term, the people of Sokoto will be safe in the knowledge that they have found in Governor Aliyu, a leader for all seasons.

    •Abdul’azeez Musa Sokoto

  • Let’s go solar

    Let’s go solar

    Sir: A day after I purchased my portable power station, I was watching a football match with a few friends when, twenty minutes into the game, we experienced a power outage. I was not surprised, especially given the unpredictable nature of our national grid.

     Deciding to make the best of the situation, I fired up my portable power station and, as a friendly neighbour, illuminated the compound by turning on the outdoor lights. This caught my neighbours off guard. Not only do I have a reliable energy source, but I also enjoy the comfort of sleeping peacefully at night without the noise of the generator or the need to turn it off at 11:30 pm or midnight.

    Now, imagine an era marked by the urgent need for renewable energy solutions. The solar industry stands at the forefront of a transformative shift towards sustainable energy, and one of the key challenges faced by this blooming sector is efficient distribution.

    So, how do we talk about wattage without a warehouse? Let us paddle this canoe together carefully.

    As the world swings toward renewable energy sources to fight climate change, solar power emerges as a leading contender in the race for sustainable energy solutions. However, the transition from traditional fossil fuels to solar power is not solely about technology and innovation ─ it also surrounds efficient distribution and logistics. The journey from solar panels stored in warehouses to energy generated in homes and businesses requires a diligent and purpose-driven approach to scaling solar distribution.

    Effective scaling, however, begins in the warehouse, where solar components, such as panels, inverters, batteries and mounting rails, to mention a few, are stored before distribution. Warehousing strategies must include optimal inventory management practices, such as Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory, to minimise holding costs and prevent stock-outs. Implementing advanced inventory tracking systems allows for real-time monitoring of stock levels and demand forecasting, ensuring that popular products are readily available and reducing lead times for installations.

    Also, you will agree with me that efficient distribution is pivotal in the solar industry. A seamless supply chain can significantly reduce costs, enhance installation timelines, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction. Whether it is large- or small-scale installations, the distribution network must be designed to ensure that solar products are delivered safely, on time, and in full (OTIF).

    Again, just to refresh our memory, on the 14th of April, Arnergy announced that the company had secured an $18m series B funding. The question now is: What does this mean to the renewable energy landscape, and how does this benefit Nigeria and Africa at large?

    The $18 million funding secured by Arnergy emphasises the growing investor confidence in renewable energy solutions and the importance of efficient supply chains.

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    With this influx of capital, the company plans to enhance its logistics operations, refine its distribution channels, and expand its presence in key regions. These improvements will not only streamline operations but also reduce costs, ultimately benefiting consumers and making solar solutions more accessible.

    Also, this funding will facilitate the expansion of distribution networks, ensuring that solar products reach marginalised communities.

    By establishing warehouses in strategic locations, the company can significantly cut down on delivery times and costs. This grassroots approach will not only support local economies but also accelerate the adoption of solar technologies in areas where traditional energy sources are still prevalent.

    In addition, the CEO of Arnergy, Femi Adeyemo, while expressing his excitement on LinkedIn, spoke about the velocity the new capital will provide as Arnergy onboard new distribution partners, introduce game-changing products, expand the business reach through new sales outlets, launch new businesses, and provide Nigerians and Africans with platforms to do meaningful work and create wealth.

    His statement above has proven, without a doubt, that the future of solar distribution lies in precision and purpose. Companies that prioritise efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction are likely to thrive in this evolving market. As demand for solar power continues to rise, the industry must adapt and innovate, ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is as seamless and accessible as possible.

    In conclusion, scaling solar distribution effectively is more than just a logistical challenge ─ it is an opportunity to redefine how we harness clean energy. The solar distribution company is not only focused on increasing wattage output but also doing so with a purpose. By optimising warehouse operations, forming strategic partnerships, leveraging technology, and investing in workforce development, the solar industry can create a robust distribution network that meets the energy needs of tomorrow while committing to sustainable practices today. From warehouse to wattage, the journey is a testament to the power of precision and purpose in achieving a greener future.

    Before I drop my pen, recall my neighbours being caught off guard. One of them later knocked on my door to inquire about my power source. I encouraged him to embrace clean energy to help make the world a better place for everyone. I am still waiting for feedback from him because he promised to purchase one of the systems.

    It all starts from the warehouse. Let’s go solar.

    •Temidayo Iyiade Lagos

  • Relevance of an estate surveyor and valuer

    Relevance of an estate surveyor and valuer

    Sir: Somebody walked to me at a function recently and asked a question. He said: ‘’If I am not buying or selling, letting, leasing or renting a property, do I still need an estate surveyor and valuer?’’

    To somebody out there, buying or selling of properties does not define an estate surveyor and valuer, or the depth of the services he renders. In an economy such as ours, even in more developed ones, whether you are buying a property or not, the service of an estate surveyor and valuer is very relevant to our day-to-day activities.

    Think of where you live, the property must be properly managed, and who manages it – an estate surveyor and valuer. There are other areas where you probably might have invested, maybe in a multi-tenanted property, be it office, or other usage where you have numerous tenants, in which case, it is expected that your investment should bring value to you. It is also expected that more investments should be derivable from it. 

    An estate surveyor and valuer will advise you on when to continue investing in a particular area or direction, how to sustain and when to offload your investment, the strategy to apply, as well as giving you the analysis of diversification. You have a lot to gain from the knowledge he provides.

    Specifically on the Nigerian property market, Nigeria is a peculiar country. Though the private sector does not really drive the economy, in the sense that everybody and everything depends on the government, the country remains an investment attraction and commercial destination in Africa.

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    No other investment is comparable to real estate investment. Recollect the losses some investors incurred in the capital market as a result of the global economic meltdown or the global financial crisis some years ago; the consequences were legion and many investors lost heavily. Some are yet to recover from the shock and the losses. This would not happen to real estate investment.

    When you invest in real estate, you are secured and you can always sleep with your eyes closed. It is the only investment that you can feel, touch and behold. If there is a more reliable one, I am yet to know about it. It is not only a reliable investment destination, but a secured, viable and enduring one. It is an investment you can fall back on, in the aftermath of a crisis, it is the only investment that edges against inflation, and it appreciates with time.

    •Tunji OlajumokeLagos

  • Sallah bonus: Aliyu’s unfinished business

    Sallah bonus: Aliyu’s unfinished business

    Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu obviously has the interest of workers in his state at heart. In 2024, he approved a bonus of thirty thousand naira each for all civil servants in the state to support their festive expenses during the Eid-el-Adha celebrations. He will likely do something similar for this year’s festivities that are around the corner. But disbursement of the largesse last year was an Augean stable and it remains to be seen how well that stable has been cleared.

    After the governor made provision for the Sallah bonus to be paid in 2024, it was found out that the largesse did not get to all intended beneficiaries. The share meant for workers with Sokoto’s local government administrations and primary school teachers under the local government education authorities was diverted and the governor got to know of it. About mid-last year while addressing a crowd of well-wishers at the Government House in Sokoto, following a successful Hajj exercise, Aliyu expressed dismay over the conduct of some finance officials, especially at the council level, who denied council staff the thirty thousand naira approved as Sallah bonus by the state government.

    “I wonder how somebody would deny our workers the stipends we gave them in order to make them financially stable during the Sallah festive season. Those who diverted those funds must return them immediately, or else we will take serious punitive measures against them,” the governor had said, adding: “We will ensure that the culprits reap what they sowed to serve as a deterrent to others.” He charged all heads of agencies where the diversion had taken place to hasten compilation of all affected workers and ensure they get paid; adding that the state administration was determined to ensure accountability, transparency and prudent management of public funds for the good of all.

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    In an address to labour unions during the 2025 May Day celebrations recently held at Giginya Stadium in Sokoto, Aliyu announced that the misappropriated Sallah bonus had been recovered. He assured the workers that the recovered funds would shortly be disbursed to rightful beneficiaries in accordance with established procedures for the Sallah largesse.

    Reports about the governor’s May Day address did not cite him speaking of sanctions for those from whom the diverted funds was recovered, and you would wonder if recovering the money was all there is to dealing with the malpractice. Aliyu, from his past pronouncements, did not appear to be in doubt about the set of officials to hold liable for the fund diversion. Recovering the money from them should not be the end of the matter, they should be delivered to justice. Otherwise, the governor would be treating corruption with kid gloves and the touted deterrence factor would be lost.

  • Two years of Tinubu’s impactful economic policies

    Two years of Tinubu’s impactful economic policies

    Sir: The administration of President Bola Tinubu will be two years old on May 29, 2025.  He didn’t leave anyone in doubt as to the clear focus of his economic agenda from day one.  At the inauguration ground in Eagle Square, Abuja, he made the now famous and impactful statement that  “fuel subsidy is gone.” Fuel subsidy had been a monster that successive governments were afraid to tackle, perhaps for fear of its political ramifications, especially the reaction of the organised labour.

    President Tinubu made it abundantly clear that tough decisions had to be made to prevent the collapse of the nation’s economy.  The removal of fuel subsidy brought inflationary consequences, resulting in the increase in the prices of virtually all goods and services. To mitigate the negative impact, the president engineered the distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable in society to cushion the negative effects of the end of the subsidy regime which lasted many decades.

    President Tinubu also made another major economic decision to float the naira or merge the exchange rates (official and parallel markets) in order for the national currency to find its real value.  On every occasion, he explained that what Nigerians were experiencing was temporary, and that, with time, they will enjoy the positive impact of his economic reforms.  In less than two years, Nigerians have begun experiencing the positive impact of the reforms.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently confirmed that Nigeria has fully repaid the $3.4billion financial support it received under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to cushion the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The IMF’s Resident Representative for Nigeria, Mr Christian Ebeke said the repayment was completed on April 30, 2025. He clarified that Nigeria would however continue to make annual payments of approximately $30million in SDR-related charges over the next few years. This is good news for Nigeria because the repayment would boost the country’s international credit rating and strengthen the naira.

    Nigeria’s overall Debt Stock, both external and domestic, of the Federal Government, the 36 states and the FCT, went down from $108.2billion dollars to $94billion dollars as of December 31, 2024.

    The administration of President Tinubu has also cleared all the verified foreign exchange backlog of about $7billion, which made some foreign airlines to threaten to exit the country.

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    Despite dutifully paying off the backlog and reducing Nigeria’s total debt stock through consistent payments to creditors, the country’s gross external reserves still grew to approximately $41billion. This is significantly higher than the $33billion recorded in 2023.

    Nigeria achieved a Balance of Payments surplus of $6.83billion in 2024. This represents a significant turnaround from deficits of $3.34billion in 2023 and $3.32billion in 2022, reflecting stronger trade performance and increased investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

    In the last two years, the nation’s non-oil exports increased by 24.6 percent to $7.46billion dollars, while gas exports surged by 48.3 percent to $8.66billion dollars, boosting Nigeria’s overall trade surplus.

    Portfolio investment inflows, which measure   investors’ confidence in a country, rose by 105 percent to $13.35billion in 2024.  The renewed investors’ confidence in Nigeria is largely driven by President Tinubu’s bold macroeconomic reforms.

    The economic reforms so far carried out by the president have significantly improved the revenues of the states. The states and the FCT, now receive more money monthly from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). The states are now in a financial position to execute projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people, and also pay the new minimum wage of N70,000.

    The Federal Government share from FAAC is being used to fund  gigantic road projects such as the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto- Badagry superhighway.

    In fact, 74 road projects are going on simultaneously across 24 states of the federation.

    President Tinubu deserves praise for staying the course of his economic reforms despite the negative criticisms from naysayers. He deserves our collective support as he strives to build our present and future.

    •Owaikhena Osikhekha Lagos

  • Rethinking protest methods

    Rethinking protest methods

    Sir: In many parts of the world, especially in developing nations, citizens often find themselves locked in a frustrating cycle with their leaders—demanding change, invoking laws, organising protests, and receiving little to no lasting results. The pattern is familiar: government officials make promises, the people push back when those promises are broken, and protests erupt with passionate cries backed by constitutional rights. Yet, in many instances, the outcome remains the same—silence, delay, or temporary half-measures.

    This reality raises a vital question: are we approaching leadership the right way? Should we continue relying solely on protests, legal stipulations, and harsh rhetoric to compel action, or is there a more effective path? Increasingly, there’s a growing need to explore a different approach—one that appeals to the humanity, conscience, and emotions of our leaders rather than simply challenging their legal obligations or political standing.

    The law is a critical instrument for social order and justice. Protests have historically achieved notable wins—from civil rights movements to anti-colonial struggles. However, not every challenge in governance can be resolved by waving a legal document or chanting slogans on the streets. When these methods are used repetitively without strategic creativity or emotional intelligence, they lose potency. People become desensitised, leaders grow resistant, and society remains in a gridlock of unmet expectations.

    Furthermore, constant confrontation breeds animosity. Leaders feel attacked, citizens feel ignored, and the resulting mistrust poisons the space for dialogue. What is often overlooked is that beyond their titles and offices, leaders are human beings. They have personal stories, fears, aspirations, and even doubts. Speaking to their legal duties alone may not stir them into compassionate action—but speaking to their hearts might.

    History is rich with examples of change driven not by force, but by empathy. When Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of his dream, he painted a picture of unity and equality that stirred the hearts of both black and white Americans. When Nelson Mandela walked out of prison, he did not seek revenge but chose reconciliation—a decision that disarmed his opponents and won global admiration.

    In leadership, emotional appeal can often go further than legal pressure. A well-timed story, a powerful letter, a moving image, or a peaceful gesture can ignite the conscience of even the most hardened public official. It personalises the problem. It stops being about “those people protesting again,” and becomes about a crying mother, a sick child, or a hopeful youth. It transforms abstract issues into real lives.

    Imagine citizens organising a “Day of Empty Plates” to draw attention to hunger, where families place empty dishes outside their homes in silent protest. Or writing personalised letters to a governor from students in a dilapidated school, sharing their dreams and fears. Or religious leaders hosting interfaith vigils to call for peace and justice in their communities. These are humanity gestures—soft yet powerful tools that awaken moral responsibility. They don’t accuse; they invite. They don’t antagonise; they appeal. They make it easier for leaders to say yes, not out of fear or pressure, but out of conviction.

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    When we use such methods, we tap into a different kind of power: moral persuasion. We shift from demanding action to inspiring it. And when a leader acts because they want to, rather than because they have to, the results tend to be more sincere and sustainable.

    One of the greatest mistakes in civic engagement is the repeated use of tactics that have proven ineffective. If shouting at the gates of the government house did not work last month, repeating it again and again won’t make it suddenly effective. It is essential for advocates, activists, and concerned citizens to understand that strategy matters as much as the message. Flexibility, creativity, and emotional intelligence should guide our methods. If confrontation doesn’t work, try compassion. If legal petitions fail, try storytelling. If protests are ignored, try symbolic actions. Don’t stay stuck in a loop of frustration. Try something new.

    This is not a call to abandon the rule of law or to stop standing up for justice. It is a call to expand our toolbox—to recognise that getting leaders to act requires more than just laws and protests. It requires engagement that is rooted in humanity, not hostility. Leaders, too, must embrace this mindset. They must open themselves to hear the voices of their people not as threats but as reminders of the sacred duty they hold. A responsive leader is not one who yields only when pushed but one who listens before the cries become screams.

    In the end, true leadership and active citizenship are both acts of the heart. We must speak the truth—but with empathy. We must demand justice—but with dignity. And we must never be afraid to try new ways of engaging our leaders. Sometimes, the softest voice carries the strongest message.

    •Samuel Jekeli Centre for Social Justice, Abuja