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  • NIMR: Joy As Salako bows out in glory

    NIMR: Joy As Salako bows out in glory

    • By Sunday Saanu

    After eight years in office as Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Lawal Salako will be bowing out of office next Tuesday 23 July, 2024 with a remarkable chain of glittering achievements. When he was appointed in 2016, little did the pundits know that his appointment was for a mission: a mission of destiny reconstruction, infrastructural development, reformation, and global visibility of the Institute.

    Today, the imposing modern administrative edifice, with the state-of-the-art facilities situated within the serene environment of NIMR is to say the least, a visible testimony to the sagaciousness of Prof. Salako’s leadership qualities. The building which had been abandoned for many years before Prof. Salako’s appointment, attracted the attention of the DG who mobilized men and materials towards the completion of the edifice. Prof. Salako, like present-day mythical king Midas soon turned around waste to wealth and transformed rubbles to bubbles. The edifice is now a cynosure of all eyes, with many wondering if it is government establishment or foreign building. United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken stepped into the edifice and applauded Prof. Salako’s innovativeness and taste.

    Awaken from trances of limitation, Prof. Salako who was the Provost, College of Medicine of University of Ibadan before he was appointed decided to change the hitherto extreme drone of dreariness of NIMR with a lot of creativity, leveraging on his experience and exposure as a UI Professor of Medicine. The NIMR staff members bought into vision and supported him. Today, the staff members are luxuriating in the comforts provided by the ingenuity and enterprises of their cosmopolitan leader.

    Indeed, for years to come, ripples will remain to  remind the nation that Prof. Salako was once in NIMR with an uncommon records of creative leadership fecundity which renewed the workers’ world and reconstructed their career paths. They really appreciate what he has been able to do for them. They are thus celebrating the graciousness of his manner and appreciating the generosity of his feeling. They see him as a transcendental icon who deserves to be celebrated. Consequently, arrangements have been made to really celebrate him next Tuesday in NIMR before he finally takes leave of them.

    But what does Prof. Salako himself consider as the highlight of his achievements in the last eight years? Hear him in an interview conducted by this writer: “One of my major achievements is the people – oriented policy that I executed. I established linkage and collaboration with universities nationally and internationally. We made arrangements in which those who have PhDs and MDs in the Institute can function as act as adjunct lecturers in those universities. And those universities, within their system can promote them along the academic ladder, such that they can become professors in those universities. And, this is quite encouraging to the academics here. They now know that they have a career and they can become professors in the university even while working in NIMR. So far, we have had the first set of appointed professors. With this, research environment came alive, and everybody became more  interested in their works with this arrangement”

    Read Also: NIMR partners to curb infant mortality

          “Hitherto, they were all moving to universities. Even people we trained to get Ph.D while working here. Once they got their Ph.D, they left because there was no career progression. But now, they know that they can stay here, they can have linkage with the universities, they can become Professors. Before those in the universities used to look down on them. That has practically disappeared. Research Institutes in Nigeria are beginning to look at our arrangement and are interested in copying it. The beauty of it is that the professors are not appointed by NIMR. They are appointed by the universities. They are in no way lower in quality. This is one of reasons the academic staff here have remained, because their academic ambition can be realized”

         For the non – academic staff, a majority of them have now started to  do Ph.D because the environment is conducive. People want to change career and also stay within the system. Currently, we have many people running Ph.D programme, both within and abroad. We also support them financially. With this arrangement, 10 to 12 people have got their Ph.D while many other people are on their Ph.D programme.

    We have recreated the system and the Institute. This arrangement has come to stay. It must be kept in perpetuity. It does not just boost the image of the NIMR, it helps the capacity of the Institute as well as boosting the contribution of the NIMR to national development.

    Still reflecting on his achievements in the last eight years, Prof. Salako hinted that he would never forget the day NIMR carried out genetic sequencing of the index COVID-19 case that earned the country international commendation. “It was the first in Nigeria and by extension in Africa. This institution was the first to do that in Africa.

    It went viral. We got recognized. We got phone calls from BBC, I attended BBC interview, the voice of America, many foreign journalists called in, sent in mails, they wanted to know about it and how we were fairing with it. This is a kind of contribution a research institute should be making. Our laboratory got listed as HIV drug resistant testing laboratory, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Our laboratory got listed as 8th in the world that does testing for the WHO Diagnostic Kit testing”

     Prof. Salako is indeed a legendary leader who in 21st century world takes charge of the right value paradigm for transformation, sustainability, effective and relevant partnerships, as well as processes and procedures that ensure and preserve best practices. His strength has been tested and his performances have been proven. What he met on ground when he was appointed ignited within him, a consuming passion to make a difference in the world. As a medical wonk, he ground his policies in philosophical, yet, pragmatic contexts in order to achieve desired results. Clearly, his achievements have raised public profile of NIMR, giving it a global visibility.

     According to him, “When I got here, I knew how this place was. My office as Provost of College of Medicine, UI, was very beautiful. I got here, I found myself in one ramshackle office. It was not even up to 25% quality of where I was coming from.

    One of my uncles came to see me and shouted “what type of dungeon do they give you here as office?” I told myself, “I have been appointed to come and make a change. If I meet it in a bad shape, my duty is to make it better. That was how I set out to complete this edifice. In the last two and a half year, when people enter here, they say “wow, this is befitting. People say, thank you for doing this for Nigeria.

    When people from outside the country come to see me and they enter this office, they marvel. You can see a foreigner, Oyinbo man, bowing at the entrance, because of the quality of this environment and the ambience of the office. The environment we have created has impacted on our image”

     “The way students flood the Institute on a daily basis is amazing. I get request on a daily basis from people who want to come and spend three or four months here for research. They want to use our lab and facilities. We have created an environment where they will get the knowledge they require. The ambience here is scientific and university – like. Before, it was only the DG who was a Professor, today we have professors virtually in all our departments. No professor comes from outside and looks down on us again. This bulding was abandoned for 12years. I picked it up from internal finishing. They had already roofed it and plastered it. I started with ties, electricity, ceiling, equipment, painting furniture. It is one building I love to enter myself. When you enter this building, you probably forget that you are in Nigeria. It doesn’t look like government establishment. It is made possible by the contribution of the staff”

    But where did Prof. Salako get money to do all these? He stated, “Covid was one of our saving graces. Covid benefitted the health system in a way. Now, every state has molecular lab. If there is an outbreak and how to cope, we should be able to do it better than we had done before. At least there are 4 or 5 sequencing centres  in Nigeria that were supported by government or by development partner during Covid. They are still functioning. For us we got about N3billion from government and that practically changed the face of NIMR. We had hundreds of equipment that we hadn’t had before. ​In the next 15 years, NIMR is unlikely to be in want of important equipment for research or outbreak response. We used that opportunity to do so many things. We built labs, renovated some, we bought field vehicles. Departments didn’t have vehicles when I got here; in the research institute, whereas research is done in the communities . They used to use their private vehicle or rent buses. Covid gave us the opportunity to get research field vehicles. All departments are now independent of the pool. They don’t have to go to the pool and be begging for vehicle. We built a clinical trial. We have bio – banking. We helped country to test over 60,000 individuals”

    Prof. Salako is a man with a gallant and emphatetic personality which enables him to straddle easily across religious, social and educational barriers to access the hearts of all cadres of people. He serves humanity with humility. A man of zest and zeal who remains dutiful and dedicated.This country must find a way to continue to utilize his prodigious energy and fertile mind for national development. As he bows out with his head held high, one can only pray that God rewards him for his patriotic service.

    • Saanu (08034073427) is with Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo on sabbatical. Email: sundaysaanu@gmail.com
  • Aáwé’s day of glory and development challenges

    Aáwé’s day of glory and development challenges

    • By Tunji Olaopa

    JULY 5 2024 was a historic day in the political and cultural annals of Aáwé town. That day was the memorable culmination of more than thirty years of a struggle to achieve the status of a beaded monarch for the Alaawe of Aáwé, Oba Cornelius Taiwo Oladokun. And the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, made this feat possible by the singularly courageous act of cutting through the red-tape of political shenanigans and prejudices to underscore historical imperatives that have to do with the cultural status of Aáwé as a significant Yoruba community in the southwest. Aáwé has always been a town that has been shaped by sociocultural and political conflicts and circumstances. And so, it becomes inevitable to connect this current breakthrough with the trajectories of so many others that situate Oba Taiwo Oladokun right within the dynamics of the Aáwé forebears and the Aáwé mystique.

    What I have been calling the Aáwé mystique derives from Aáwé’s pragmatic mix of critical enlightenment, communal investment deriving from social capital, and educational commitment that facilitate the capacity of a small town to forge its own path within the context of complex sociocultural ferment from then till now. Aáwé’s strength lies in the generational, communal and diasporic investment that birthed great names that contributed to Aáwé’s image of resilience and progress. Even though Aáwé is a small Yorùbá town, it carries the weight of great achievements—the aggregation of its diverse indigenous pool into a developmental capital that propels continuous advancement in social, cultural, economic and political terms. Aáwé’s indigenous pool is made up of the expatriates abroad who invested in educational advancement and those, equally educated, who stayed behind to keep up the chain of communal commitment and advancement.

    This mystique is founded on an even more fundamental governance principle that takes the grassroots seriously as the basis of a distinct and peculiar development founded on subsidiarity and social capital. These two principles form the basis of local governance that embeds governance and development in traditional institutions and the will of the members of the grassroots. I have provided these sociological and political narratives to underscore two points. The first is to underscore the rationale behind the doggedness and courage of His Royal Majesty, Oba Cornelius Abiola Taiwo Oladokun. This kind of struggle and sacrifice to realize the transformation of the status of the monarchy at Aáwé could only further elevate the status of the town and the historical forbearance of Aáwé’s forebears. The Kabiyesi is only following in the footsteps of the Aáwé ancestors who kept up the trajectory of historical and cultural responsibility to the town and to posterity. The new bearded crown is therefore a testimonial to the historical resilience of Aáwé as a small town that withstood the complexities and intrigues of being situated within the context of a larger Yorùbá historical circumstances that had the capacity to swallow it up.

    More importantly, therefore, beyond the pomp and circumstances of the coronation, I am reading the entire event as Aáwé’s Nehemiah’s moment. At a very critical juncture in time, the biblical Nehemiah came to that conscious moment when all circumstances became propitious for him to take on the challenge of harnessing the will of the people and the resources of the land to reconstruct the walls of Jerusalem. I am convinced that Aáwé has reached its own critical moment when there is a conjunction of history, vision and possibilities; it is a moment to rehabilitate the shared vision that has never failed to unite the Aáwé homeland and the Aáwé diaspora, or the Aáwé people and its distinguished elites towards a sustainable developmental future. Given the committed efforts of Aáwé’s ancestors to the Aáwé mystique, there is already in place a vast demography of generational capital—in terms of human capital and available resources—that creates a space of possibilities. What must then be added is a context for the sharing of opinions and blueprints for moving Aáwé forward. And it is the responsibility of the Alaawe to facilitate the flowering of the space that accommodates different shades of opinions and scenarios within leadership large-hearted seminal spirit; especially the peculiar one, required to manage a demographic of people with perhaps one of the largest professors and professionals per capital in the world, for moving Aáwé forward.

    Read Also: Weakness of governance at local level responsible for development challenges in Nigeria – Abbas

    Like Nehemiah, these needed conversations and discourses need to be had around the urgency of taking Aáwé to the next level of composite development. There is no questioning the visible and tangible level of infrastructural achievements that dot the landscape of Aáwé as a result of self-help efforts. And they are though few, but too numerous to be mentioned, from the Oba’s palace to the Odo Sogidi tourist center, and from the police post to the bank. We must also not fail to mention the industrializing spirit of late Chief (Sir) Anthony Amoje (the Otun of Aawe and his Amo Sanders), Chief Debo Omotoso (the Asiwaju of Afijio and his Bond Chemicals), etc. These self-help and industrial activities tell a tale of communal and collective responsibilities to the perceived need of a community that has always been aware of itself. However, by reason of this significant event of the crowning of the Aáwé monarch, we are challenged to rethink Aáwé’s development status and to take the self-help initiatives a fundamental step further. This is to the extent that the existing self-help efforts provide the enabling motivation to ground real development that transforms the well-being of the Aáwé people.

  • That LGs may breathe

    That LGs may breathe

    • Supreme Court’s judgment giving freedom to councils a good development

    The Supreme Court‘s judgment which granted democratic freedom to local government councils, from the stronghold of governors, is in tandem with the provision of section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and we commend that. The section provides: “The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this constitution guaranteed, and accordingly, the government of every state shall, subject to section 8 of this constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.”

     Over the years, most governors had treated local government councils as an appendage to their offices and used unelected officials, called caretaker chairmen and councillors, to run their administration. In addition, some governors, relying on the provision of section 162(6), abused the management of the resources due to the local government councils from the federation account. That section provides: “Each state shall maintain a special account to be called ‘State Joint Local Government Account’ into which shall be paid all allocations to the Local Government Councils of the state from the Federation Account and from Government of state.” While by that provision, a democratically elected local government council should be funded by both the federal and state governments, in practice, the states instead became dependent on the resources allocated to the councils from the federation account.

    With the Supreme Court judgment authorising direct allocation to the local governments, we urge Nigerians look forward to a new era.

    We urge relevant authorities to publish the monthly allocations of the local governments in the dailies, and Nigerians to jealously monitor the disbursements by council administrators. As the government closest to the closest to the people, there should be no more excuse for redundancy, on the excuse that their monies have been confiscated by the governors.

    Sadly, in the past, when governors allowed local council elections to hold, they completely emasculated the State Independent Electoral Commissions, such that the elections they conduct is a complete sham. In every state, including where the opposition had significant or equal share of state and federal assembly members, the state government always had all their party candidates returned as chairmen and councillors. Thankfully, the National Assembly has before it the: “National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission and other matters (Establishment) Bill, 2004”. We urge for its expeditious passage, so that we can have true democracy in the local councils across the country.

    It is time for local government administrations to exercise the duties enshrined in the Fourth Schedule of the constitution. Perhaps, it was the state of anomie in local government administration that prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct his Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to approach the Supreme Court to interpret sections 7, 162 and other relevant provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended). The court, in its landmark judgment, granted all the prayers sought by the AGF, and most Nigerians are excited about the new lease of life in the administration of the local government councils in the country. The seven-man panel of the apex court, led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, issued an injunction restraining the governors from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local government councils when no democratically elected local government officials are in place. The court also ordered the Federal Government to start paying the local government councils’ allocations directly to the coffers of the local councils. It rejected the argument that any direct payment will vitiate the provisions of section 162(5) &(6) of the constitution, by resorting to what it called ‘purposive and teleological’ interpretation of laws. The court also berated the state governments that had abused the privileges that section 162 (5) & (6) confer, and consequently ordered direct payment of federal allocation to the local government councils.

    Read Also: Osun LG poll: IPAC, ex-chairman clash over call for resignation of OSIEC boss

    We agree with the court that some governors had turned themselves to despots in their dealings with local government councils. Whether in the nomination or election of the local council officials, such governors had exploited the lacuna in the constitution, and thereby contributed to the economic challenges facing the country.

    But there are also genuine concerns whether the judgment has not done harm to the federalist principle, which provides for two tiers of government. As should be obvious to all, the judgment of the Supreme Court may not automatically heal the endemic abuses and corruption in the local government administration. With the money going directly to the local government officials, what is the guarantee that they wont get swollen-headed and engage in corrupt enrichment? As many have asked, the governors who nominate and ram in their candidates as elected officials may still have the funds returned to them.

    We urge the state and the federal legislators to ensure democracy and economic activities return to the local government councils.

  • Of Marshals and Nigeria’s mineral crisis

    Of Marshals and Nigeria’s mineral crisis

    • By Abdullahi O. Haruna (Haruspice)

    Illegal mining has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, driven by numerous vested interests and a weak security infrastructure.

    The notorious mining mafias have thrived due to a lack of effective laws and punitive measures, turning Nigeria’s mining fields into the domain of unscrupulous elements, with Chinese citizens often leading these illicit activities.

    As a result, Nigeria has lost billions of dollars to illegal mining in its solid minerals sector, exacerbated by widespread corruption.

    The Federal Government has frequently expressed its commitment to developing the mining sector to diversify the economy by increasing its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exports, and foreign reserves. According to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the sector’s contribution to the GDP was a mere 0.5 percent in 2019, compared to over 12.1 percent in the 1970s.

    In contrast, the mining sector contributes significantly more to the national economy in countries such as Botswana (16 percent), Ghana (12.6 percent), and South Africa (7.3 percent). Despite various efforts by the Federal Government to curb illegal mining, these measures have yielded limited results. However, a collaborative initiative involving the Ministries of Solid Minerals, Interior, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) appears to be a promising solution to this long-standing issue.

    The NSCDC Mining Marshals have been actively working to protect communities and the environment from the rampant illegal mining industry.

    Under the leadership of Commandant General Abubakar Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC established a special tactical force called ‘The Mining Marshals.’ Since the inauguration of the initial 2,220 mining marshals, significant progress has been made, including over 200 arrests of illegal mining suspects, 133 ongoing prosecutions, and confiscated minerals forfeited to the federal government.

    Assistant Commandant John Onoja Attah, a disciplined and determined leader, has played a crucial role in halting the alarming rates of illegal mining that threatened local communities and unimaginable revenue loss.

    Despite their successes, the Mining Marshals face considerable challenges. Illegal mining is often protected by local mafias, leading to frequent confrontations, undue interference, and physical attacks.

    However, with recent support from the government, championed by Mr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, the Mining Marshals continue to make substantial strides in combating illegal mining.

    The illegal mining trade is highly lucrative, estimated to be worth billions of dollars, yet neither the states nor the federal government benefit meaningfully from these illicit activities. The mafia operates under criminal arrangements, using violence and intimidation to ensure their operations go unreported.

    Read Also: Alake: solid minerals to drive economic diversification

    Consequently, the Mining Marshals must combine physical policing with intelligence gathering to combat this menace effectively. While celebrating the achievements of the Mining Marshals, it is crucial to acknowledge the devastating impact of illegal mining. A visit to any mining field in Nigeria reveals the severe environmental degradation caused by these activities. For instance, Olufofo, a coal mining-affected village in the Ankpa Local Government area of Kogi State, has been transformed from a flourishing agricultural area into a desolate landscape of deep pits.

    The encroachment of state-run opencast coal mines has deprived the villagers of their farming land, leaving them in a state of severe hunger and poverty.

    The efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps’ Mining Marshals offer a stimulus of hope in the fight against illegal mining. Their tenacity and bravery are slowly reclaiming the country’s rich mineral heritage from the grip of corruption and criminality. However, the battle is far from over. For Nigeria to fully harness the potential of its mining sector, it requires not only the relentless efforts of these dedicated marshals but also robust legal frameworks, enhanced security measures, and unmitigated political will. The success of this tripartite initiative can serve as a model for other sectors plagued by similar issues.

    As Nigeria continues to fight against the powerful and entrenched interests of illegal mining mafias, the support and involvement of every Nigerian citizen become crucial.

    The journey towards a transparent and prosperous mining sector may be arduous, but with sustained effort and collective resolve, Nigeria can turn its mineral wealth into a cornerstone of national development, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for all its people.

    • Haruns writes from Abuja
  • Financial Times reportage on Nigerian economy: standards are falling

    Financial Times reportage on Nigerian economy: standards are falling

    • By Manuel Agbakwuru

    Anyone used to the famed subtlety and the etiquette of understatement which the British have since turned to a culture and art form, would see clearly the sheer arrogance and disrespect, bordering on racist condescension that permeated and oozed through the recent editorial of the Financial Times titled ‘Shock Therapy Alone Will Not Cure Nigeria’s Economic Ills’. Such an editorial will hardly scale the barriers of most self-respecting Nigerian online newspaper or even a mere blog, making one wonder how such an uncouth writeup made it into what is otherwise a respected global newspaper which has been in existence since 1888.

    I will deal with the core issues in a minute, but first, it is important to consider the many inelegances of said editorial. When a newspaper decides to add its name, and the very integrity of members of its editorial board to statements like ‘(The President) removed a generous fuel subsidy, one of the few benefits citizens receive from their inefficient and corrupt state’ then this gives one cause for great worry. Was the newspaper engaging on a nation’s economy and policies that affect the wellbeing of peoples, or is this another subtle attempt by someone within to slyly vent their innate racist tendencies and entire disregard and disdain for a whole independent nation? That statement is at the same level as the one that was captured in a moment of indiscretion by former British PM David Cameron, as he told Late Queen Elizabeth that he was expecting some ‘fantastically corrupt’ nations at his anti-corruption summit in 2016. Nigeria was mentioned in that statement, too.

    The intention of the FT must be questioned, as it approbated and reprobated in a single editorial, when it veered off to lecture the world about how the same subsidies whose removal it had just excoriated in one statement was ‘necessary in correcting the country (Nigeria’s) long-term economic demise… (and was) ruinously expensive…distortionary, and channeling Nigerians’ energies into rent-seeking, smuggling and graft’. Knowing how unproductive the subsidies were, perhaps the FT believes that Nigerians were deserving of economic demise, or rather the people should harangue their ‘inefficient and corrupt’ government and collect subsidies on fuel since it was the only thing they could get? Is that how it is done in Britain and other so-called first world countries? Or perhaps to the FT that is what Africans deserve; immediate gratification and waste, and not a robustly rounded future.

    And in another breath, FT skipped financial and economic issues and while dripping with uncharacteristic haughtiness, wrote that ‘Moving to more orthodox policies is vital to reset an economy…where one of the most lucrative industries has been kidnapping’. This statement would have been concerning if it wasn’t a cheap blow of a despicable bully. The point about the need to manage optics, carrying the people along, and so on, could be well made without descending to the gutter and broadcasting for the world that kidnapping takes place in Nigeria. Every country has its own issues and incidences of kidnapping has reduced drastically in Nigeria, even when knife crimes and phone snatching in posh streets have become rife in the UK. There is no point or space here to go into the histrionics of how Nigeria was infiltrated by international terrorists some of whom have backing from some of the most sophisticated nations on earth. All we ask for is to be allowed to solve our own problems without anyone digging into our wounds and infecting them for us.

    And what was that talk about corruption? A January 30th 2024 report in The Independent headlines ‘Britain Hits Lowest Ever Score on Global Corruption Index’. Another news item in Central Bylines UK goes ‘United Kingdom Corruption Officially at its Worst in Modern Times’. The Financial Review calls it ‘Chumocracy’, following all the scandals that predated and preceded the Covid-19 pandemic and how multiple billion pounds contracts were awarded to chums (friends) of those in power. Indeed, who is Financial Times to talk about corruption in Nigeria when the UK itself is a global purveyor of corruption, maintaining territories around the world where corrupt money is laundered, tax-free, while London is built on illegal inflows into real estate from all over the world? If Nigeria is deemed corrupt, it must be because there are legacies our people learnt from departing colonial masters.  And it is trite to note that as the UK is dropping on the anti-corruption chart, Nigeria is improving; climbing 5 steps as at the same January 2024 above where she was in the same period of 2023. The same Britain is where the son of their former puritan PM Margaret Thatcher, Mark, was arrested in South Africa with his Eton chums, while trying to overthrow a government in Equatorial Guinea in 2004. Only the influence of ‘mummy’ got him out of that pickle. What could be more corrupt than sponsoring a coup or being a business mogul in that vocation? And what effect has several sponsored coups had on the progress of African nations, or a lack of it?

    Referring to the incidence in Kenya is tantamount to dog-whistling the violent in Nigeria. Surely FT – as an elite newspaper catering to the needs of elites like bankers and politicians, will not appreciate such dog-whistling to the violent in the UK who could be riled into destructive protests as happened under the David Cameron administration in 2011.  The unkind cuts in the editorial flowed on endlessly, with emotive and offhanded statements around ‘soaring’ hunger levels, lack of capacity, and judgmental statements about President Tinubu’s cabinet members. It really looks like the editorial – by its language – was farmed off to a disgruntled and disconnected Nigerian to write – with the typical effusiveness in Nigerianese –  without as much as the professional editing that is required to prevent a riposte like mine.

    What does FT mean by the ‘state’ being implicated in the wholesale theft of oil? Has the FT lost standard so much that lousy, untrue and wildly speculative statements such as that will make it into an editorial?

    Perhaps we should allow the Financial Times stew in its own self-foisted ignorance. Many indices are looking better for Nigeria and will increasingly do so under President Tinubu. Rather than the typical idea of mere cash transfers being pushed by FT and those behind it – and idea which they know to be inflationary and fleeting in impact, but as voyeurs they are not interested in finding real solutions for our issues but just opportunities to laugh and snigger – Nigeria is devising ways in which such monies will be used to power up the agricultural sector for better productivity, food security, and improved nutrition. The Tinubu government is aware of the need for nuanced policies that take Nigeria’s cultural peculiarities into account.

    Financial Times cannot cavalierly instruct Nigeria to send cash to wallets of poor people as a surefire way of ending poverty. Nigerians are proud people. They haven’t said they want just cash. Cash to buy what?  Food distribution is a valid strategy which cannot be demonized and vilified. The USA and the whole of Europe have laudable food support programmes. A focus on food distribution helps to increase Nigeria’s productivity in that sector and to eradicate hunger. We do not expect FT to know this. And if it did, given the editorial’s language and spirit, the FT is unlikely to advise Nigeria aright. Also, President Tinubu met the tax to GDP ratio at 7% but has now seen to its increase to about 12%, even as no new taxes have been introduced. The president has made clear that he is not here to make the lives of Nigerians harder.  As I type, the President has increased minimum wage to make the lives of Nigerians easier, dozens of programs exist to assist businesses, and businesses with turnovers below N25 million per annum don’t pay a dime in taxes. Looked at critically, there are many advantages and incentives people and businesses enjoy in Nigeria that can only be dreamt about in overtaxed and unduly expensive Britain. Even the inequality gap is being bridged because there is better income mobility, and a robust social capital system that can only be imagined elsewhere. FT and their ilk should give Nigeria a break and stop demeaning a struggling nation.

    The so-called Editorial ended on a base note, with the editors of FT going for a below-the-belt jab of President Tinubu. All of a sudden, the editorial lost track and forgot its essence as an advisory on the Nigerian economy, into a personal attack on the president. It is doubtful whether a true Brit will descend so low. Therefore, my advice to the FT is that the editorial board should take more interest in writeups about African countries and ensure it meets its very high global standards. Do not consign such editorials to low level staff shorn of maturity, who claim to have affinity or experience about some African country. The maturity for which FT is known must be guarded and projected at all costs.

    In spite of the many challenges of Nigeria, citizens trust is growing and will ramp up some more when they begin to see the results of Bola Tinubu’s efforts and their own sacrifices. What we don’t need right now is the destruction of the country which Financial Times has positioned itself behind as an instigator and agent provocateur. It is highly unfortunate that things have turned this way for the respected newspaper. But in spite of FT, Nigeria will move ahead and achieve greatness.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Nigerian economy grew by 2.9%, says Edun

    Unfortunately, this editorial has been shared by many Nigerians since it was published, read, digested and believed as if it was the Holy Grail. Nigerians and other Africans are advised to be careful about what they believe and who from. Nigeria is a 63 year old country, soon to be 64, which was granted independence by Britain in 1960. From a historical standpoint and compared with countries that have been around since the 11th Century, honestly, we are not doing too badly. A lot more hard work is required, with great imagination, vision, integrity and unity. Yes, we know we must run faster. Bola Tinubu is a big thinker and can get Nigeria running at the quicker clip that we all deserve. What we don’t need is for anyone to depress us as we solve our own issues, proudly and surely. No one should attempt to take away our dignity. It’s all we’ve got left.

  • Tinubu’s LG autonomy gamble

    Tinubu’s LG autonomy gamble

    • “Local government is not just about politics, it’s about people’s lives.” – Eric Garcetti

    At last, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled in favor of Nigeria’s 774 Local Governments (LGs)! May God’s name be praised!

    Yes, the Supreme Court’s ruling is a significant victory, ordering 20.6% of the federation account allocation to be paid directly to LG accounts, as constitutionally mandated! But how did Nigeria descend to this point? It’s clear that most state governors sought to control LGs by appointing their herds and apparatchiks as council chairmen, thus disregarding elections. President Bola Tinubu deserves the highest praise imaginable for taking bold action.

    In Nigeria, state governors have historically been reluctant to grant fiscal autonomy to the LGs for the obvious reasons of political power play, fear of reduced revenue, patronage and clientelism, fear of accountability and corruption. Notable among others are centralization of resources and reduced influence over council chairmen. So, Tinubu’s laudable step should be supported because strengthening the third tier of government and attracting competent individuals with better managerial skills is crucial. We can only wish this had been done and constitutionalized since 1999.

    In a democracy, development typically starts at the grassroots level, as seen in countries like India and Malaysia. Consider Andy Burnham, whose political career started in the local government (as Councilor in Leigh Metropolitan Borough Council: 1986-1992)! He moved to national politics (as Member of Parliament, MP, for Leigh: 2001-2015, and Cabinet Minister: 2008-2010). In 2017, Burnham returned to regional politics as the directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, a position he holds till date. In Nigeria, can former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo ever consider chairing Ikenne Local Government in Ogun State? Well, this is how successive leaders have dragged the country and it is unfortunate!

    Jerry Brown is another exemplary leader who demonstrated a commitment to public service. Firstly, he served as governor of California from 1876 to 1983. He ran for president in 1988 and 1992 and served as Mayor of Oakland from 1999 to 2007 before serving again as the Governor of California from 2011 to 2019. This career path highlights how developed societies value and prioritize local government administration. In contrast, it’s unlikely that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would ever consider becoming the Chairman of Jada Local Government in Adamawa State, which underscores the differing priorities in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    While a robust LG is one that can generate its own revenue and develop at its own pace, it is nonetheless clear that our understanding of local and state government structures and their relationships is flawed, leading to our current predicament.. Here, the state governments are usurping LG powers due to their own indolence. Instead of allowing LGs to flourish, states are misappropriating funds meant for “where the rubber meets the road”, deplorably squandering them rather than utilizing them for their intended purposes. Unfortunately, no changes are forthcoming since everyone seems to be benefiting from the status quo.

    Historically, the United States created counties through referendums, at times with hundreds of counties within a state. For example, while some states have fewer, like Delaware with 3, or more, like Texas with 254, New York State has 62 counties, equivalent to Nigeria’s LGs. American counties are largely self-funded, unlike Nigeria’s LGs, which rely on federal and state allocations, often withheld or released arbitrarily by state governors. If state governments had allowed LGs to develop independently, the outcome would be vastly different. In the UK, property taxes are levied by LGs, whereas in Nigeria, states impose the Land Use Charge. A Land Use Charge on a property in Ijebu-Jesa should accrue to Oriade Local Government, not Osun State Government. If LGs in Nigeria had similar funding autonomy, imagine the transformation they would undergo!

     In ‘The People’s Republic’, Obafemi Awolowo emphasized the importance of local government autonomy for grassroots development. He believed local governments best understand their communities’ needs and should be empowered to address them. Awolowo’s policies in the Western Region reflected this, with elected councils and a focus on community development. He advocated for independent, self-sustaining local governments with the ability to generate revenue and make decisions without interference.

    In the 1950s and 1960s, LGs played a vital role. For example, a historical review of the Lagos Island LG’s achievements in housing projects, roads and drainages would be truly impressive. Back then, LGs were essentially mini-states, unlike the ineffective entities we have today. Whereas effective LG administration in other countries prioritizes citizen well-being, fosters community engagement, drives progress and maintains transparency and accountability, LGs in Nigeria are merely conduits for state governments, serving as political tools and job opportunities for political apprentices, professional hoppers and desperate politicians who delight in wallowing in delusional insinuations. It’s lamentable that Nigeria’s LGs have deviated from their original purpose.

    Matter-of-factly, pre-independent Nigeria’s LG administration was a shining example of effectiveness, with successful primary school systems, dispensaries and agricultural extension services. Even notable figures like Bode Thomas, Fani Kayode and Rotimi Williams began their careers in the LGs during the First Republic, and they were among the best of their generation. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the current crop of LG leaders. This legacy has been lost, but revitalizing LG autonomy can revive this progress!

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    In the US, states are responsible for conducting federal elections and submitting the results to Washington for tabulation. The federal electoral body simply calculates the total and announces the winners. In Nigeria, ‘na so who born cat born kitten!’ Here, entrusting state electoral commissions with conducting federal elections would be a recipe for disaster. Although Nigeria’s current system undermines federalism, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should take over the conduct of LG elections, as this is the only way to prevent the chaos and the totalitarian grip that currently plague the process. The sad truth is that State Electoral Commissions have lost all credibility, and federalists are now bearing the brunt of this failure. In a genuine federal system, state electoral commissions are constitutionally responsible for conducting even federal elections within their states, but the current arrangement has rendered them incapable of ensuring free and fair elections.

    Since the success or otherwise of Nigeria’s decentralization reforms depends on the LGs’ ability to effectively manage resources, deliver services and engage with citizens, the Federal Government must establish a Local Government Service Commission, implement a uniform LG system, promote gender equality and strengthen LG legislation. Other challenges like inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, inefficient revenue collection, weak institutional capacity, limited access to credit and state government control must be comprehensively addressed, and public-private partnerships, infrastructure development and transparency, and accountability must be enhanced.

    With a foundation of honesty, accountability, clear role definition and effective monitoring, LG administration in Nigeria has the potential to be a powerful catalyst for grassroots development and democratic governance. Its autonomous local governments can also unlock opportunities for addressing unemployment, infrastructure development and rural-urban migration. As the incubator of innovative ideas and the engine room of progress, LGs can enhance the vital roles of traditional rulers as custodians of community customs and traditions, which successive governments have failed to adequately recognize.

    By supporting local economic development, encouraging citizen participation, increasing access to Information Communication Technology (ICT) and governments in improving their financial management systems and practices, the Federal Government can further empower LGs to become more effective, efficient and responsive to the needs of citizens. By empowering them, Nigeria can build a more democratic, inclusive, and prosperous society, unlocking sustainable development, economic growth and improved living standards. This requires a collective effort from the Federal Government, state governments and citizens.

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

  • Ajayi Crowther University: After the storm

    Ajayi Crowther University: After the storm

    By Olufemi Atoyebi

    In an ancient midlands town, nestled between the lush green hills and serene blue rivers that flourished the region, there was a story that passed down through generations. It was a story of resilience, bravery, and the inexplicable ways of fate even in the face of stiff competition for resources with other tribes.  It was the tale of a beloved principal of an academy located in the region, whose wisdom was revered by all.

    One fateful night when the speck of human daily toiling had shed from eyes and sleep beckoned, a storm unlike any other brewed over the ancient land, with the sky darkened ominously and the winds howled through the academy’s fence of the great oak trees.

    Fearful of the blizzard that threatened to tear their world asunder, elders of the land were rallied. The academy principal stood calm and composed, his imposing presence on the war front was a beacon of strength and assurance of triumph for his followers.

    As the storm raged, the principal, surrounded by aides and supported by ancestors of the land, united their wisdom to ensure the academy emerge unscathed and fulfil its missions to mankind, chiefly among them, impacting knowledge.

    And so the storm struck with great ferocity, thunder roared, and lightning split the sky above the land, illuminating the ancient land with blinding flashes. In the eye of the storm, mysterious figures appeared, cloaked in shadows with sinister intent, but the conjoined wisdom of the elders prevailed.

    Fast forward to modern day, the recent publicity surrounding Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, its response to the issues that brought it to the forefront of media publicity, inevitable reactions by concerned people, and the swift turn of event that reiterated the institutions balance on the cardinal pillars on which it was founded could be finely related to the above tale of that academy in the ancient midlands town and its principal.

    There is no window-dressing the fact that in recent time, the university community was shaken by two distressing and distracting incidents. These events raised concerns about safety, security, and the well-being of its members. Amidst this turmoil, the university management faced an unprecedented challenging period that demanded immediate, transparent, and compassionate responses.

    The management, led by the vice chancellor, Prof Timothy Adebayo, responded with resolute action and unwavering dedication to addressing the crisis.

    Read Also: Imperative of supply chain reform in Nigeria

    The university swiftly provided counselling and support services for students through a town hall meeting, ensuring that those in need of support had access to professional help.

    Carefully, the university management employed transparent communication with regular updates provided to the university community and even the public through the media, outlining the steps being taken to address the incidents, ensure justice, and prevent future occurrences. This transparency helped to rebuild trust, confidence and allay fears.

    Since the cases were made public through social media and conventional media, government interest and concerns were foreseeable.

    The university welcomed such concerns with open hands, collaborating with the authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure that investigations were thorough and perpetrators were brought to justice.

    This collaboration demonstrated the institutions commitment to upholding the law and protecting the image of its community.

    When a storm of any magnitude rages as fiercely as the one ACU witnessed, it is wise to conduct a self-appraisal without ego or displays of self-importance. With modesty and humility, the university established a task force to review existing policies and recommend additional measures to prevent such incidents.

    Staff from various units that had roles to play in both incidents were invited to appear before a panel set up by the university, with the view to synchronizing chronologically moments and events before and after the incidents for suitable review and actions.

    Of note is the professionalism and compassionate approach with which the university handled visits by relatives of the concerned parents, the joint parents’ platform of the institution and the enthusiastic leaders and members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

    Filled with conviction and truth, the vice chancellor’s words resonated through the storm, piercing the heart of the gale. And when confronted with the ferocious demands of the NANS leadership and emissaries, his approach wielded an arcane magic that doused all tensions associated with the build-up to the national students body’s suspense-filled arrival on the university campus.

    His address to all parties that visited the university, including representatives of state and federal government exemplified the resilience of human spirit, the power of faith, and the strength found in unity and compassion.

    A recent letter from the National Universities Commission (NUC) which contained approval of more courses for ACU, accented the university’s focus and progression towards higher heights.

    Also of note is the recent visit of South Korea instructors with several volunteers from Japan and other Asian countries to assist the university in Mind Education and further developments.

    Furthermore, the pastoral visits from stakeholders and leaders of the Catholic Church in Oyo Diocese bolstered the conviction that ACU remains firmly on solid foundation.

    The university also announced an unprecedented three-pronged certification policy and expansion of its entrepreneurship initiative. The new certification policy will apart from offering normal academic certificate for course of study, also offer certificates to graduating students in Mind Education and Entrepreneurship.

    All these are in addition to the exchange programme that the university entered into with Bowie State University in the United States, partnership with Centre for Bioethics and Research that birthed of an all-expenses paid establishment of Research Integrity Unit in the school and assured access to research grant from the United States Government, huge investment in infrastructures and academics programmes, as well as addition of nursing programme with eye on medicine and surgery course.

    Indeed, the Episcopal intervention and support for the management could not have been endorsed unanimously by the supreme chaplaincy of the Supra Diocesan Board of the West, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), which owns the university, without a thorough review and careful consideration of the issue and management’s responses. This ensured that support was not granted easily to an undeserving party.

    And indeed too, the Board of Trustees, headed by outstanding lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun; the University Governing Council, chaired by Dr Olutoyin Okeowo, would have spared no rod in dealing with anyone found negligent in their duties, regardless of their rank within the management hierarchy.

    And who says no one was scolded during the series of meetings that were held behind steel doors in the aftermath of the storm?

    What is important, going forward, however is not the identity of who was scolded if there is any, but the speed at which the university’s sailing ship was steadied and readied for the ever challenging sea current in the face of growing competition in Nigeria’s private tertiary institution landscape, which has been starved of all forms of financial support by a federal government that has insisted that Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) is only for government owned institutions, even though the money is pooled by private companies in Nigeria for Nigerian students!

    •Atoyebi is the Public Relations Officer of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

  • Imperative of supply chain reform in Nigeria

    Imperative of supply chain reform in Nigeria

    By Oyindamola Olaniyan

    Just a few years ago, I was a wide-eyed Nigerian student setting feet on American soil, eager to pursue my Master’s degree in supply chain and logistics technology. Now, with a prestigious role at Amazon Inc., one of the world’s largest supply chain companies under my belt, I find my heart brimming with a burning desire to revolutionize Nigeria’s supply chain landscape.

    The opportunities are enormous, both for economic boom and job creation for millions of unemployed citizens and entrepreneurs.  Nigeria is a land booming with tech start-ups, and an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit. Africa’s economic giant boasts a vibrant market with industries ranging from agriculture to tech, all reliant on a complex web of supply chain processes for production completion.

    Despite this potential, the system faces several roadblocks that disrupt the flow of goods across the country. The inefficiencies in Nigeria’s supply chain are undeniable. From dilapidated infrastructure that cripples transportation to a lack of streamlined digital solutions, the system often resembles an obstacle course more than a well-oiled machine.

    The ever-present threat of insecurity is another hurdle with the rise of banditry, kidnappings, and insurgency disrupting the flow of goods and services, jeopardizing economic growth and national security. These issues, I witnessed first-hand from my teenage years, contribute to higher prices, product shortages, and a stifled business environment.

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    Imagine this: you’re transporting fresh produce, but instead of smooth roads, you face pot-hole nightmares. Delays become inevitable, and your once-pristine produce wilts in the scorching sun. This, unfortunately, is a reality for many businesses due to poor road networks and inadequate transportation systems.

    Fear of attacks on major roads forces transporters to detour to less efficient routes, increasing travel time and costs. Deliveries are delayed, perishable goods spoil, and businesses incur significant losses. The impact of insecurity on the supply chain is evident in the recent food crisis faced by some regions in Nigeria. Banditry and insurgency disrupt agricultural activities and transportation routes, leading to shortages of essential food items like grains and vegetables. This not only threatens food security but also pushes prices upwards, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

    But the problems do not stop there. Frequent power outages throw another wrench in the works. Manufacturing schedules get disrupted, and stored goods become vulnerable, adding to costs and stifling competitiveness.

    Adding to the frustration is the bureaucratic maze. Cumbersome customs procedures and ever-changing regulations create a time-consuming nightmare. This not only discourages foreign investment but also hinders the growth of domestic industries.

    There is, therefore, a real need for people with specialized skills in areas like logistics management and data analytics. Without these skills, it is hard to run a truly efficient supply chain.

    My experience in the US opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. Witnessing the seamless integration of technology, robust infrastructure, and the emphasis on data-driven decision-making in American supply chains was truly eye-opening. It became clear that these are the very changes Nigeria desperately needs.

    To tackle these challenges, there’s a roadmap to a more efficient future. Here are some key steps to consider:

    • Investment in roads, railways, and ports is crucial. Public-private partnerships can expedite these projects, creating a more connected and cost-effective network. A ray of hope is shining in this area going by the super highways being embarked upon by the Federal Government. The Lagos-Calabar, Badagry-Sokoto and Calabar-Abuja super highways are a good starting point in plugging the shortfall.

    • Embracing technology like blockchain for transparency, Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time tracking, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for demand forecasting can revolutionize efficiency and minimize waste.

    • Increased police and military presence on key transportation routes, coupled with improved intelligence gathering, can deter attacks and create a safer environment for economic activity. Implementing real-time tracking systems for goods and vehicles can provide valuable information to security forces and businesses, facilitating quicker response times to potential threats.

    • Educational institutions and industry leaders need to collaborate on creating training programs focused on supply chain management, logistics, and data analytics. Investing in training programs geared towards supply chain management will create a workforce equipped to tackle modern logistics challenges.

    • Streamlining customs procedures, harmonizing regulations, and fostering a consistent business environment will attract investors, stimulating growth and job creation. Simplifying regulations and expediting approvals would free businesses from unnecessary burdens and allow them to focus on core operations.

    • Promoting eco-friendly packaging and energy-efficient transport solutions not only benefits the environment but also enhances brand reputation in a global marketplace increasingly focused on sustainability.

    • Funding research into supply chain best practices and innovative technologies tailored to the Nigerian context can propel us towards a more efficient future.

    Navigating Nigeria’s supply chain landscape is undoubtedly complex, yet ripe with opportunities for innovation and growth. Its supply chain holds immense potential, but it needs a collective effort to unlock its full potential.

    By addressing infrastructure gaps, embracing technological advancements, nurturing talent, enacting favourable policies, and promoting sustainable practices, Nigeria can transform its supply chain to a major economic enabler, consolidating her position as a regional economic giant. As stakeholders in Nigeria’s economic future, it is our collective responsibility to advocate for these transformative changes and work towards a supply chain ecosystem that is resilient, efficient, and conducive to sustained prosperity.

    Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a brighter economic horizon in Nigeria.

    •Olaniyan wrote through oyinlaniyan@yahoo.com]Ajayi Crowther University: After the storm

  • Not all that glitters is gold

    Not all that glitters is gold

    By Wole Olanipekun

    Before peeping into the future, let us face the reality of the present concerning these compatriots of ours. Agreed or admitted that in Europe or America where they migrate to in thousands on a monthly or quarterly basis, they have the good things of life at their beck and call – good security for their lives and properties, education for their children, good health care delivery, good infrastructure, living wages, electricity supply all-round the year, flawless transportation system, old age care, good and humane governments etc.

    The fact remains that irrespective of their nationalisation, they are treated as ‘blacks’ or, if they are in America, as Nigerian-American, or, in Canada, Nigerian-Canadian.

    While they can get away with some mischief in Nigeria, they are, over there, ‘in Rome’, and must always behave like a ‘Roman’.

    At all times, they must keep strictly and abide by the laws; at all times, they must be well-behaved; at all seasons, they must respect the state, if they are in the USA, and the Crown, if they are in the U.K.

    Whether or not they are married to the national of their new country, a time will come, subject to the nuances of the prevailing situation of that particular time, where their passports and visas can be interrogated, cancelled or withdrawn.

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    Let us remind ourselves that within the African continent, Nigerians have variously been subjected to humiliation, intimidation, extortion, degradation, compulsory acquisition of properties, repatriation, etc., particularly in South Africa, nearby Ghana, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire and Libya. We too expelled some Africans from Nigeria in 1983!

    Beyond the foregoing are the types of menial and odd jobs Nigerians engage in overseas, including mortuary attendants/undertakers, taxi drivers, working in old people’s homes/caregivers, dispatch riders/delivery agents etc.

    This is not to say that a sizeable number of Nigerians over there are leading professionals and businessmen who have made their marks. However, the fact remains that the conditions of living over there are not as seamless as projected.

    Just recently, a Nigerian husband was alleged to have killed his wife in the U.K over sharing of payment of bills.  Almost around the same period, another unidentified Nigerian migrant seeking greener pastures in Canada, died in a Canadian shelter while trying to keep himself warm.

    My take is that those fleeing the country should weigh the options very well, and be reminded of Hobson’s treatise on Imperialism.

    Taking a cue from Hobson, the exodus of human capital is akin to the extension of the national markets into foreign land, in search of profits greater than those available in the Mother Country.

    Apart from Hobson’s position is the issue of loss of national identity, from one generation to another, as we are witnessing now.

    Native language, call it mother tongue, is the strongest weapon that links a person to his roots, and this is learnt right from one’s cradle or infancy.

    China and Japan are veritable examples of countries that are developing so fast because all educational tools and modes of communication are in their respective languages.

    Here we are in Nigeria, with some of our children who cannot communicate with us, in our so-called mother tongues; the case of the grandchildren is more pathetic.

    Let us pause for a second and ask ourselves whether we have a typical English or American child who cannot communicate in the English language. We are in a serious dilemma, and plunging to an unending conundrum.

    There are examples of past migrations that turned sour in ages past. It appears human beings do not learn from history, but allow history to repeat itself on them.

    In this wise, the very horrendous aftermaths of past migrations, might have lost its meaning and effects on Africans, particularly Nigerians, who, not minding their age groups, hasten to flee Nigeria at the slightest opportunity.

    I recall some of my contemporaries who had been in Nigeria with us for the past four decades, but who suddenly remembered that they were citizens of the USA or Great Britain upon the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    They dusted their foreign passports and fled to these foreign countries on diverse grounds, including that of old age care.

    All said; Nigeria as a country is the greatest loser in this narrative, while the citizens who flee to other countries are also losers in diverse ways, including the fact that they are always situated between a rock and a hard place, oscillating between the devil and the deep blue sea.

    From our interactions with a good number of them any time we travel to any of the countries where they are, one notices that they are like the proverbial bird that perches on a dangling thread, leading to a situation of unease, between the dangling thread and the bird. They always think of home, asking probing questions about Nigeria.

    In fact, they are more current about the goings-on and development in Nigeria than we – mention them: insecurity, politics, economy, dwindling fortunes of the Naira, educational instability, political disintegration, the state of our democracy and our elections.

    From their prodding questions and enquiries, you could hear them mumbling and muttering that popular old song “Oh my home, oh my home, when shall I see my home, when shall I see my native land, I will never forget my home.”

    Over there, they are always by the Rivers of Babylon, refusing to sing Nigerian Songs in foreign lands, but the native land is not that friendly for them to rush back to. Yet, one is reminded of the words of Andrew Carnegie, that “East or West, Home is the best”.

    In our collective interest, our generation must make the home not only conducive but also attractive for our children, nay, our youths, to remain focused and be fully engaged immediately upon leaving school.

    This was what obtained when people like us, including a good chunk of those in government at various tiers enjoyed when we left our various schools.

    We must never convey to our children and grandchildren the story of ‘a better yesterday’, making them think that we are rendering to them moon-light tales.

    Even in the olden days of ‘trade-by-barter’, countries exchanged products or goods produced by them for items of commensurate values which they did not have, and vice versa.

    Juxtaposing this old practice with the efflux or exodus of our human capital as represented by our youths today, the intriguing question arises, that is, what does Nigeria gain in this present narrative?

    Indeed, we gain nothing; whereas, we lose all! Our generation has inflicted this sordid situation on our children/youths, as well as ourselves, hence, it is imperative we halt the negative trend; otherwise, history will be harsh on all of us.

    •Excerpts of a lecture by Chief Olanipekun (SAN), former chairman of the Body of Benchers, at the 40th convocation of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

  • Our billionaires should write books

    Our billionaires should write books

    • By Samuel Akinnuga

    Every now and then, an idea sticks so stubbornly that the moment you commit it to paper, it takes a life of its own. Perhaps that’s the whole essence of the written word. Words that convey great ideas have great power. They can change people’s lives in ways that cannot be easily imagined. When it is written, the intergenerational value is preserved. I write this with a context in mind. For societies that do not progress much, you would observe an enduring dilemma: those who have something to share hardly write and those who are written for don’t read.

    Some weeks ago, I read A Good African Story: How a Small Company Built a Global Coffee Brand (2014) by Andrew Rugasira. At the time of purchase, what caught my attention was the part of the title – “A Good African Story.” I do not intend to review the book; however, I was pleased that the author devoted some space to identifying the unique challenges of African entrepreneurs (with global outlooks and aspirations) within the context of the prevailing impacts of pre-colonial and post-colonial histories. For example, in Chapter 1, he asks the question: What’s wrong with Africa? He attempts a response guided by the contributions of scholars and his own lived experiences as a young man growing up in Uganda during the heat of military dictatorship and the scourge of ‘African bigmanism.’ While the book is an insightful read, I am always impressed by people’s efforts in sharing their stories. My view is that those who have achieved great things should give back. They should write. This way, those who intend to achieve a similar feat may find some guide or better still, some inspiration. The contributions of African entrepreneurs can make some significant difference in this respect. Those who have done this should be commended and celebrated. There is no doubt that we need a more robust indigenous African capitalist class as well as a more indigenous intellectual equity on the African experience.

     In Nigeria, many of our successful people often do not consider writing their memoirs as a form of “giving back.” They may grant a few interviews, deliver a few speeches or do other things, but not write a book.  Here’s a point Rugasira makes: “The Forbes list of ‘African Billionaires’ in 2012 celebrates sixteen of the continent’s business titans – not one of them has published a memoir about their incredible success. The result is that future generations of African entrepreneurs are denied the pride and inspiration that would come from these highly motivating stories. We must change this.”

    I agree.

    Since that was over a decade ago, I decided to crosscheck what obtains today. On the Forbes’ 2024 list, there are 19 billionaires in Africa. Four of them are Nigerians, viz Aliko Dangote (1st), Mike Adenuga (5th), Abdulsamad Rabiu (6th) and Femi Otedola (19th). For obvious reasons, I am interested in the Nigerians on the list. As of today, none of our billionaires has written his memoirs or biography. That is not good enough. 

    On the surface, ‘billions’ speaking, a few things may count as progress when comparing then and now. In 2012, there were 16 African billionaires; today, there are 19 of them. It is some progress but we have the potential for much more. We need to race faster on the journey to creating a robust indigenous capitalist class (in Nigeria and Africa) driven by genuine value creation, innovation and a sense of mission beyond profits. 

    A few things about our billionaires.

    One, Aliko Dangote GCON, is number-one in Africa and has been so for the last 13 years. Dangote is a household name in Nigeria and elsewhere on the continent. When musicians here sing of their grand aspirations, it is the Dangote model they hold up. They want to be like him or Adenuga or Otedola. Two, they are some of the biggest philanthropists around. Some of them own foundations and have made significant contributions to support initiatives in education, health and so on. These efforts are commendable. Three, all four of them are over 60 years old: Dangote (67), Adenuga (71), Rabiu (63), Otedola (61). They have literally nothing to prove to anyone.

    In the Nigerian social lingo, we can say that they have ‘arrived.’ These people have done well for themselves. Nonetheless, I hold the view that their wealth, individually and collectively, is only a fraction of what is possible.

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     Why do I think these Nigerians need to write their memoirs? The answer is simple: so that their successes may be replicated. The best way to share success is to share the seeds, not the fruit. The seeds are the How-I-did-it insights: the vision; planning; failures; disappointments; persistence; bounce-backs; support systems and so on. These are all important ingredients in the making of a successful person. Success in life, depending on how that is framed, is not exactly predestined. It comes as part of a package for those who dare to do the impossible. Life comes with its own twists and turns; a journey that is hardly ever traversed in a linear direction. To that extent, no one formula works for all situations. The dynamics at play in people’s lives are different. There are some factors within our control – for example, the choice of discipline over indolence. In the same vein, there are also factors that are not necessarily within our control. For example, the luck of meeting someone in the right place (and time) or a painful experience (personal or otherwise) that helped one to focus on what is truly important.

    My point is: there are some lessons we learn on our own and there are others that life teaches us. A blend of the two makes life more meaningful. Through the stories of great achievers, we see the interplay. We see the values that made the difference. Those who appreciate this truth of life and have achieved great things in their own lives should share. They should write. Simple.

     Writing books also helps these people address issues honestly, including details of poor judgements made or actions taken in bad faith or due to insufficient information at the time. Some effort may be devoted to clear the air on certain controversial events that were mismanaged or to provide clarity on their position on other non-business related issues. The idea should be to tell it as it is. Honesty counts. In this respect, writing these books is another effort in mentoring at scale. No ‘billionaire’ is ever going to be able to meet everybody in person. But his book can reach them, and his story can touch them. That’s priceless if you ask me.

    Of course, not only billionaires (on the Forbes list) should write. There are other Nigerians who have done very well in their areas of endeavour. Many of them give back to society through their foundations and in other ways. Within the context of the point I have tried to make, I cannot discount the efforts of some of these people who have written tell-it-all memoirs of their life’s journey. I recently read Babs Omotowa’s account in From Storeroom to Boardroom: How integrity and courage shape global business (2021). He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG). There are many others I have read through the years.

     Generally speaking, the writing culture should be encouraged across the board. Those who have made history or have made themselves and their country proud should write their memoirs. Nigeria, as a society in transition, needs more of its actors in business, education, public service and other spheres, to write. When General Colin Powell became the National Security Advisor in 1987, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1989 and Secretary of State in 2001, his being the first African-American to serve in those capacities was history in itself! Reflecting on his privileged public service career, he co-wrote his memoirs titled It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership (2012). I remember Alex Otti’s (now governor of Abia State) moving tribute to him, upon his passing, in a piece titled General Colin Powell’s Last Command (published November 8, 2021). He had obviously read Powell’s memoirs and learnt his own lessons. That is how it should be.

    We can never have a surfeit of these literatures. The next transformational idea can be sparked by a life story. Let those who have gone ahead write for those coming behind. We need more ordinary people doing extraordinary things in different areas of endeavour in Nigeria and around the continent. It is those that seek that find. The rules have not changed. When the young ones come seeking, let them find something. Dangote, Adenuga, Rabiu and Otedola, get to work!

    •Akinnuga is Executive Director, The Adeyinka Adesope Foundation, Lagos.