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  • ECOWAS: As Tinubu’s first tenure ends

    ECOWAS: As Tinubu’s first tenure ends

    • By Olu Jacobs

    There is a viral video of the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, arriving the Ouagadougou airport and given a cold shoulder by Burkinabe ministers in the presence of their leader, Ibrahim Traore.

    The video supposedly illustrates the crisis within the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, since the Sahel coups and the series of sanctions slammed on the coupists – leading to the famous declaration by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso in January 2024 that they would be leaving to form their own fringe group instead.

    The real story behind the video, however, had less to do with ECOWAS and more to do with the comment the Ghanaian president made over the alleged flirtation of Burkina Faso with Russian mercenaries and the implication for the war on terror in the region.

    Still, the last one year has tested the unity of the regional group more than any other period in its nearly fifty years of chequered growth.

    By the time President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was handed the reins in July 2023 at the 63rd ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, barely two months after he won a fiercely contested election in Nigeria, the ECOWAS community was facing dire crisis. Three member states, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea had seen five coups in three years. Mali was moreover beset by a jihadist insurgency across some of its 4500 miles of porous borders and the violence had spread to Guinea and Burkina Faso so that, “the Sahel region now ranks as the world’s epicenter of terrorism,” according to the Global Terrorism Index.

    Drought had also led to famine in these landlocked states and the millions of displaced persons presented an impossible refugee crisis.

    In his very first speech as ECOWAS Chairman, replacing the host country’s Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President Tinubu acknowledged that democracy had not been as successful as it should be in the region but said it remained, “the best form of government,” despite “being tough to manage.”

    Flush from his own victory in Nigeria’s redoubtable presidential polls, he gushed that the region would set an example for the rest of Africa, and for the world. “We will not allow coup after coup in West Africa, ” he warned.

    Almost as if on cue, two weeks later, a coup led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, toppled the government of Mohamed Bazoum in Niger and thus began a firestorm of events that may come to define the first tenure of President Bola Tinubu as chair of the regional body.

    In its initial response, ECOWAS under its new chairman, who had promised to give no quarter to coupists, was decisive, giving the junta all of seven days to step down and return Bazoum to power. Tinubu’s anger was palpable, as was his concern that another coup in the Sahel could cause a domino effect. “They cannot use the gun given to them to protect the sovereignty of the country and turn it against the people of the country,” he vowed.

    So, ECOWAS imposed severe sanctions on Niger and the Authority of Heads of State threatened to use force to eject the soldiers, as enshrined in the Community’s 2001 Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

    Tinubu received justifiable praise for his stern stance. The African Union, European Union, United States government and the international community gave him unalloyed support. As the German ambassador to Nigeria Annett Gunter said recently, “President Tinubu had made it clear that ECOWAS will not tolerate such actions and I think that is the right approach. Democracy is a fundamental principle of ECOWAS and it is essential to uphold it.”

    Soon after, however, things got complicated. The sanctions, as sanctions are wont to do, were hurting the people of Niger more than their targeted leaders.

    Food security worsened, inflation skyrocketed, and border closure with Nigeria particularly along Maradi and some half a dozen states in northern Nigeria shut down the roughly $500 million annual trade in transport, electricity, tobacco, cement, livestock-derived products, fruits and refined petroleum between both nations.

    Beyond the sanctions, ECOWAS’ plan to activate the deployment of its “Standby force with all its elements” didn’t sit well with many who said a war in the region with its attendant refugee problems would do more harm than good.

    Crucially, the historical affinity between the people of northern Nigeria and Niger Republic also ensured that any thought of killing “our brothers across the border” would get no traction with a sizeable portion of the country. In the end, the plan was shelved and in February 2024 the sanctions were lifted, “with immediate effect,” said the president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Alieu Touray who said the decision was based “on purely humanitarian grounds” to ease the suffering of Nigeriens.

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    At the summit, President Tinubu said ECOWAS “must re-examine our current approach to the quest for constitutional order in four of our Member States” and urged Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to “reconsider their decision” to withdraw from the body and “not perceive our organization as the enemy.”

    The decision all but saved ECOWAS from further fragmentation. By dialing back, Tinubu proved to be a leader sensitive to the mood of the people. Still, critics worried that the decision to halt military intervention made ECOWAS look weak, but whenever it becomes necessary to kill people in order to prove your power over them, you have already lost. 

    At the sideline of the election in Senegal, the ECOWAS commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, told this reporter that ECOWAS never planned to actually invade Niger anyway. “We haven’t really done that in a long while,” he said. “It was always going to be a last resort.”

    In many ways, the political option has been given teeth since Tinubu came to office. Reportedly, under the mandate of the Nigerian chairman, a number of crises have been averted with his deft interventions. In December 23, 2023, he sent a high-powered mission led by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Macky Sall of Senegal to negotiate the relocation of former Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bai Koroma who was charged for treason in connection with a failed coup, to Nigeria. The matter had threatened to engulf the country in another conflagration until Tinubu’s carrot and stick approach led to an agreement that saw the former president been flown to live in Nigeria on January 4 2024.

    Then there is the powerful role ECOWAS played under the leadership of its chairman, Bola Tinubu, in the success of the Senegalese election of 24 March 2024. Following the riots and mayhem that attended the initial postponement of the polls, ECOWAS swiftly took a series of actions to avert disaster. The chairman had made strong statements assuring the people of Senegal that ECOWAS stands with them in their quest for a successful transition. He then deployed a fact-finding mission to interrogate the electoral process and meet with stakeholders; sent in long term observer groups; and assembled a 130-member mission under Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari which arrived Dakar, Senegal to witness the polls and dialogue with the then president, Macky Sall, civil society groups and leading candidates in the election.

    Tinubu who praised the conduct of the polls said the success of the Senegal election was proof that democracy remains the popular choice of the region and military rule is an abhorrent aberration.

    Also, under Tinubu’s leadership, ECOWAS has speeded up the process of reducing the cost of elections in the region, capping campaign finances, and establishing a logistic depot to produce ballot boxes and other generic election materials to aide nations holding elections. It has also deployed a mission to Ghana, which goes to the polls at the end of the year, to discover anything that may hinder that nation from having a hitch free election.

    It is interesting that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who in his inaugural speech as Nigeria’s president promised to retool Nigeria’s foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity, has managed to use his chairmanship of the regional body to achieve his foreign policy mandate. His famous 4D doctrine, “which is anchored on Democracy, Developments, Demography and Diaspora” seemed to have aligned with his core mandate at ECOWAS as captured by his maiden speech as chairman: “I make a pledge here that in furtherance of our region’s economic recovery and growth we will commit to democracy and promote democracy and the rule of law…we will work collectively to pursue inclusive economic integration of the sub-region.”

    As ECOWAS continues to engage with the juntas in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, it must also look at the way some democracies in the region tinker with their nations constitution to give themselves a third term or confer undue advantages on the ruling party. By employing its peer review mechanism to sanction the excesses of their colleagues, the Authority of Heads of States will further demonstrate the impact of ECOWAS and bring the Community closer to the grassroots, assuring the citizens that the body cares for their wellbeing.

    As Tinubu has noted in the past, it is by “providing good governance that tackles the challenges of poverty, inequality and other concerns of the people that we would succeed in addressing some of the root causes of military intervention in some of the civilian processes in our region.”

  • Sound mental health and Akwa Ibom challenge

    Sound mental health and Akwa Ibom challenge

    • By Uwemedimo Jumbo

    The increase in social vices within Nigerian society, particularly since 1989, is a concerning trend that has also impacted Akwa Ibom.

     Drawing from my nearly four decades of experience in mental health practice, both in Nigeria and internationally, especially in the United Kingdom, I can provide insights into the significant impact of mental health on our society. Although this brief note cannot cover the topic comprehensively,

    I am prepared to explore it in detail in the future if need be. It is unfortunate that the government and the public, particularly in African societies, often fail to recognize that the brain governs both body and mind.

    Dysfunction in the mind can lead to psychosocial issues, causing substantial damage to human lives and material resources.

    The government’s tendency to prioritize physical health over the vital link between mental well-being and overall health is regrettable.

    A sound mind is crucial for a sound body, and when mental health is compromised, it distorts behaviour and reality perception, affecting individual welfare and societal fabric.

     Regrettably, the importance of protecting mental health and psychological well-being is often overlooked, contributing to the deterioration of Nigerian society.

    The widespread mental instability calls for urgent and unified efforts to implement measures that address these detrimental behaviours and attitudes. Our Society is experiencing swift changes, with human behaviours adjusting to a constantly changing environment. In today’s challenging world, as class disparities grow, so does the drive to succeed.

    Consequently, the quest for livelihood opportunities has become unyielding, leading some to adopt unethical practices, which have become the unfortunate by-product of these challenges.

     The recent Global Health Report indicates that nearly 970 million people globally are dealing with mental illness or substance abuse issues.

    Alarmingly, one in four individuals will face a mental health challenge at some point in their lives. Furthermore, mental disorders are responsible for a significant share of global mortality, accounting for 14.3% of deaths worldwide, or about 8 million deaths each year.

     Therefore, my aim in presenting this information to the government is not to undermine the value of existing curative measures, which I acknowledge as necessary. Instead, my focus is on a proactive approach to prevent mental health issues.

    While the existence of a psychiatric hospital in Eket is notable, it is crucial to evaluate its integration, collaboration, adaptation, and competitiveness with modern preventive strategies. Currently, this facility does not participate in collaborative preventive initiatives, as it is primarily focused on curative measures, yet there is more to be done in contemporary terms. It is clear that the prevalence of positive mental attitudes is waning, while aggressive behaviours are on the rise in our society. This shift is stark when comparing today’s society with that of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.

    Nevertheless, it is not too late for a turnaround, provided there is a firm commitment to change. Human behaviour and mental well-being need to be fostered, and I am confident that Akwa Ibom has the resources and capacity to turn negatives into positives. Professionally, I take pride in my role as one of the founding staff members of the Psychiatric hospital in Eket during its transition from a unit within Immanuel General Hospital. This change took place in 1988, after we returned from Calabar following the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987.

    At that time, the state government showed no intention of establishing a dedicated psychiatric hospital. To the best of my knowledge, such a facility has not been realized, apart from the existing structure initially constructed by Immanuel general Hospital, which was primarily intended for maternal care. If the Government of Akwa Ibom State has built a purposeful Psychiatric Hospital, it is not within my awareness. In the early days of Akwa Ibom state, a small group of us, passionate mental health nurses, were deeply concerned about the mental and psychological well-being of our fellow residents. We took the initiative to create a space for mental health care, borrowing five beds from Immanuel general Hospital’s management when it became clear that the government was not prepared to budget for a Psychiatric Hospital, nor were there discussions to consider establishing a suitable facility for mental health care. I remember the initial resistance from our community, which strongly protested against the establishment of a mental health facility due to the stigma attached. Nonetheless, a few of us were determined to educate and sensitize the community, which eventually led to the establishment of the current Psychiatric Hospital, initially within a unit borrowed from Immanuel General Hospital in Eket. After persistent efforts, the Akwa Ibom government recognized the need and legitimacy of our cause, culminating in the official commissioning of what is now known as the Psychiatric Hospital in Eket by our former Governor, the late Obong Akpan Isemin, in April 1992. I clearly remember that following the commissioning, the late Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo, OBE, a Nigerian scholar, administrator, and psychiatrist who was then the deputy director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), visited the hospital in either 1992 or 1993. During his visit, he offered scholarships for two psychiatric nurses working there to be sponsored annually for postgraduate studies in the UK for the duration of his lifetime.

    Unfortunately, this never materialized as the ministry of health did not follow up for reasons unknown.

    There was also a request from the late Professor Lambo to the hospital to set up a ward in his name, so he could return to equip it, but this too did not come to fruition.

     Understanding the complex relationship between mental health and society is crucial.

    The social environment can significantly influence an individual’s mental well-being, while an individual’s mental health can profoundly affect social relationships and community health. Social determinants of mental health include a variety of social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors that determine mental well-being outcomes. These determinants cover issues like poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and social isolation.

     For example, those dealing with poverty or facing discrimination may be at increased risk for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and arguably aggression, which is a major contributor to high social vices in our society today. Culture and diversity have a significant impact on mental health stability.

     Cultural beliefs, values, religions, and customs play key roles in shaping an individual’s view of mental health issues and their approach to seeking and receiving mental health support, sometimes in unsuspecting and unethical ways.

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     Access to mental health treatment is crucial for those facing mental health challenges. Unfortunately, many barriers prevent people from getting the help they need, from financial and geographical limitations to cultural differences, religious beliefs, and notably, ignorance—especially in African societies.

     Nonetheless, I firmly believe that Akwa Ibom state can set a positive example and make strides in overcoming these obstacles. When individuals face mental health challenges, it can obstruct their engagement in education, leading to absenteeism or poor academic performance.

    Moreover, it may impair their ability to reason and complete tasks at work, resulting in unexplained absences and reduced productivity.

    These difficulties can lead to substantial economic costs and, in some instances, may even lead to criminal behaviour and the relentless destruction of property and lives through the use of physical or psychological means.

    Morality appears to be a casualty.

     Unfortunately, in African societies, the stigma of being labelled as “mad” is often based solely on overt behaviours, such as public nudity. It is crucial to understand that this view is markedly different from that in developed societies and even our own modern society, where mental health is recognized as a complex issue that goes far beyond simple outward behaviours. Consider individuals who maintain a polished exterior yet engage in behaviour that starkly contrasts with societal expectations. For example, psychopaths, who are characterized by their callous, unemotional, and morally corrupt traits, independent of their social standing.

     These individuals often display self-centered, antisocial behaviour, devoid of remorse or empathy, and frequently engage in criminal activities. They typically view rules as optional and laws as obstacles rather than moral guidelines.

     The range of criminal activities associated with psychopaths varies widely, from minor traffic offenses to grave financial crimes, acts of violence, and deceit.

    They often commit perjury, theft, and other acts that undermine justice with seeming impunity.

     Many operate covertly, partaking in dubious business dealings or unethical conduct that, while not always resulting in legal consequences, can create a harmful domino effect. This can detrimentally affect the physical and mental health of others and have a significant impact on the economic progress of communities and society at large.

     The way forward lies in integrating a positive mental and behavioural developmental model.

     To prevent further deterioration of the situation, it is critical that both the Government and Akwa Ibom society take proactive and intensive steps now, in line with modern global mental health and social care standards.

     Addressing the growing number of vagrants and delinquents, as well as protecting the younger generation, including kindergarteners, from adopting these negative traits, is essential. Long-term incarceration in correctional facilities and other security institutions is not the ideal solution. Individuals who defy the law, regardless of their social class, often have attitudinal problems that they have adopted due to a lack of understanding of their mental shortcomings.

    There is an urgent need for widespread modern psychiatric and psychological care to restore our society to an acceptable level of morality.

     It is a clear fact that immediate action is needed to prevent and mitigate social vices.

    The responsibility for tackling this issue should not fall solely on our security agencies, despite their laudable efforts. They are dealing with the outcomes of a system that has overlooked mental education for too long. Although their current methods are valuable, they are insufficient to curb the rise of social vices.

    Thus, it is crucial to promote diversification and collaboration in transforming the current narratives by effectively implementing the following urgent preventive measures if they have become inactive; I advocate for a sincere revival with comprehensive inclusivity. Points: I urge the government of Akwa Ibom State to consider incorporating into its ‘A.R.I.S.E’ agenda the establishment of a comprehensive system for promoting mental health. This should include mental health education, early detection of mental illness, intervention, prevention strategies, rehabilitation, and collaborative efforts, specifically through: Introducing Early Child Psychology Education from primary to secondary levels, if not already in place, by implementing a dedicated psychology program in schools, ensuring access to qualified psychologists, and redesigning the curriculum to instil good moral values and an understanding of the consequences of negative behaviour from a young age. Hiring and assigning Social Workers to educational institutions, hospitals, and primary healthcare facilities, if this has not yet been considered.

     Appointing Psychiatric Nurses and General Nurses in educational institutions and establishing Mental Health Assessment and Liaison Units in every hospital. Integrating Health Educators into educational institutions, primary healthcare units, and hospitals. Creating Outreach Teams composed of Mental Health and General Nurses, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and other specialists for awareness, monitoring, and guidance. Reinforcing the communication team tasked with actively promoting ‘ethical and attitudinal reorientation’ in practical terms. Establishing support groups consisting of psychiatric nurses, social workers, and health educators in all government offices, councils, and villages to assist those seeking help during times of mental health uncertainty and direct them to the appropriate collaborative network for further action.

     The employment of psychiatric doctors and consultant psychiatrists, rather than general practitioners, is pivotal to the revolutionary advancement of modern mental health care provision in Akwa Ibom State. Recognizing the necessity to construct a modern psychiatric hospital. (Neuro Psychiatric hospital) J. Possible establishment of Forensic Mental Health Hospital to cater for those who has come in contact with criminal justice system as a result of mental/psychological issues. In conclusion, the collaborative creation and integration of supportive environments into human development can lead to extraordinary and unparalleled outcomes. Imagining our children growing up with the correct mindset is not merely conceivable but a likely result.

     Moreover, there is a possibility for beneficial transformation even for those negatively impacted by unethical attitudes and behaviours, which can contribute to advancements in both economic and human development metrics. Indeed, the saying “prevention is better than cure” is apt in this context. 

     Jumbo, a Forensic Mental Health Practitioner, wrote  in from United Kingdom

  • Ojude Oba festival: assault of  the culture ignoramus 

    Ojude Oba festival: assault of  the culture ignoramus 

    • By Bisi Olawunmi

    The annual socio-cultural  Ojude Oba festival had the splendour and grandeur  of Ijebus on display  on Tuesday, 18th June, 2024  at Ijebu-Ode, the capital city of Ijebuland.  It was a nexus of  cultural and sartorial elegance, social grace and evocative dance steps  that has attracted indigenes as well as local and foreign tourists over the years. It was a signature tune event.  Ojude Oba is a tripartite celebration of the enduring Regberegbe ( Age Grades ) system, cultural identity  and Ijebu unity.  From its origin in the 1880s as an Islamic faithfuls’ Sallah homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, the Ojude Oba festival has transformed  into an all-faiths, all indigenes  celebration.  I salute the Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty,  Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba 11, for this transformative feat of socio-cultural engineering  that has hallmarked his remarkable 64-year reign, since ascending the throne of his forefathers in 1960.  It is a case of an iconic traditional ruler creating an iconic legacy.

    The 2024 edition of Ojude Oba festival was estimated to have attracted about one million people  and several more millions of a global audience. Social media was agog in transmitting the grandeur of the occasion . As is usual, Ijebu-Ode experienced vehicular and human traffic gridlock , especially  in the city centre where the palace of the Awujale and the stadium ( a palace annex ) hosting the event are located. It is a measure of the economic derivative of the celebration that all hotels in Ijebu-Ode and environs were fully booked from Saturday 15th June 2024, through Ileya Day on 16th June , Ojude Oba Day on the 18th  to Wednesday 19th June, the day after. A friend who came for the Ojude Oba celebration had to return to Lagos same day because he could not secure hotel accommodation anywhere. Food and drinks vendors also made boom sales  catering to the teeming patrons of the celebration.

    At the stadium venue of the celebration ,  opposite the palace,  the Awujale , Oba Adetona, was resplendent in the majesty of his royal regalia , supported by other traditional rulers in  Ijebuland , with the Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, also an Ijebu, adorned in a designer native dress of sunshine colours that stood him out as a sartorial connoisseur.

    But then, in all good things , there are a few contrary people sold on negativism . The 2024 Ojude Oba festival attracted such people who I describe as culture ignoramus. Charity, they say, begins at home, so I will start  with a writer , Pabiekun ( pen name )  an Ijebu-Ode indigene  with an address at Aiyegbami street, in Ijebu-Ode.  He admitted not being home for the celebration . The absentee indigene , in a social media post  titled :  Ojude Oba – The Day After , had declared   : “ for me , the annual Ojude Oba remains what it is, a fashion jamboree  of no consequence  to the welfare of the host and the environment”. He wondered why the Regberegbes would not offer scholarships, build health centres,  roads and boreholes.

    Upping the angst of the home boy, came a tempestuous character called Kemi Olunloyo , an Ibadan native, who dismissed the Regberegbes’ outing at  Ojude Oba festival as a wasteful fashion extravaganza !

    Both , apparently, wrote from lack of knowledge. Olunloyo , with a penchant for hugging controversies and  having pugilism as her brand, had  thundered in her social media post  : “ What the hell is Ojude festival ?  Empty  hype.” In her blind rage, she could not even get the name of the festival , Ojude Oba, right  but wrote Ojude- meaning ‘ita ( outside) So, it is therefore not surprising that she wrote like an  ‘omo ita’ ! ( street person )  Kemi Olunloyo had continued : “ Dapo Abiodun wants to make it ( Ojude Oba festival )  global.  A big joke. All I see is a bunch of stingy people “Ijebus” sitting down in a stadium  wearing all sorts of Aso Ebi.” It is obvious this character had worked herself  into a frenzy  and consequently lost the ability at rational  thinking and logical discourse.  Gov. Abiodun  is on point in his desire to promote Ojude Oba festival as a global tourism event  and the joke is on Kemi Olunloyo. She apparently suffers from  myopia in not seeing the global tourism potential of Ojude Oba festival and had pontificated “ No one is interested in your excessive fashion parade.”  She needs to be educated that tourism is about creating a niche and cultural glitterati,  which is  usually in abundant display at Ojude Oba festivals.,  can be promoted as a niche. I understand that  this self-promoting, self designated  ‘activist’, ‘investigative journalist’ and consultant pharmacist was shipped to America at the tender age of 14  and  must have  lost touch with native culture, hence describing Ojude Oba festival’s elegance as hype. She probably belongs in the ranks of Culture Abolitionists some of who, on the cultural lunatic fringe, even call for the scrapping of the Obaship institution !!!

    She peddled the false refrain  of Ijebus as stingy people but also accused  them of being extravagant spendthrifts. It is a contradiction in terms for a stingy person to also be a spendthrift and such convoluted thinking can only be the product of a warped mind.  I always insist that Ijebus are not stingy but strict money managers and prudent spenders, who when they choose to spend, they spend with gusto – with no apologies !!!  And such was on display at Ojude Oba 2024.

    Ojúde Ọba

    Kemi Olunloyo offered advice to  the Regberegbes to  “ Feed the people, educate the youth “ ,  as against  being engaged in ”excessive fashion parade”, an advice which Chief ( Dr.)  Fassy Yusuf considered gratuitous and  borne out of ignorance , pointing out that Regberegbes have not only been feeding the people and educating the youth, as it were,  but have also been providing infrastructural facilities.  Chief Yusuf,  (PhD), Coordinator of  the Ojude Oba festival,  describes  Regberegbes  as interventionist development  agents, citing such instances of their  interventions to include the N20 million naira renovation of the male surgical ward at State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, renovation of the Nigeria Police Area Command, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode and building of Police Posts.   The 108-page Ojude Oba Festival 2024  brochure listed some of the other activities engaged in by the various Regberegbes :  resuscitation of the moribund School of Nursing and Midwifery , Ijebu-Ode; scholarships to indigent students ; construction of four Blocks of  classroom  at Omu Ajose Comprehensive High School,  three classroom blocks at Imososi Primary School, Ago Iwoye. Other activities  are the rehabilitation of roads,  provision of boreholes and solar street lights, support to orphanages/homes for people with special needs and  free medicals to indigenes.  A particular instance was the health retreat  held  in Ijebu-Ode on Friday, 14th June, 2024 ,during Ileya season, where over a thousand people benefited from free consultations/diagnoses and medications/drugs.

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    Chief Yusuf,  the Baagbimo of Ijebu and Secretary of the Awujale Council of Chiefs,  stressed that it has become imperative to enlighten skeptics about the extensive ramifications of Regberegbes as  a unique, populist  socio-cultural cum economic platform where services are provided for the community and also for  members.  He pointed out that Regberegbes have become unifying and uplifting platforms  with the  enhancement of the wellbeing  of members  – financial and healthwise –  considered collective responsibilities of the Age Grades, where investment loans, payment of hospital bills  of sick members and donations to families of deceased members are made. 

    According to Chief Yusuf ,  a member of the Bobagbimo Regberegbe Age Grade, the Regberegbes have given so much glamour to the Ojude Oba festival that has qualified it  as an A-List cultural event in the country  and therefore deserves to be projected to the global level, as against the negativism of the anti-culture.         

     Writing in similar vein to Chief Yusuf, Sunday Tribune columnist, Festus  Adedayo, ( PhD) provided an intellectual  riposte to the angst of those inclined to cultural putdowns when in his column of June 23, 2024 captioned ‘ Ojude Oba, Durbar and Musawa’s African Grammy’ , he posited :  “ the glitz  and colours associated with the festival ( Ojude Oba ) place it outside the ranks of any  cultural festival in  Nigeria”. As pointed out by Dr. Adedayo , “ what Nigeria advertises to the world  in Ojude Oba is cultural elegance and communal cohesion”. It is this cultural elegance that is being proposed as a tourism niche for Ojude Oba festival, just as major global tourism destinations have their niches.  For instance, Morocco, Africa’s top tourism destination with 13.2 million tourists in 2023, has its vibrant culture as its selling point; Egypt, second placed with 11.5 million tourists, has its ancient wonders of the Pyramid and the Valley of Kings as its attraction, while for eight placed Kenya – 2.6 million tourists – the premium is its wildlife safaris.  Nigeria,  ranked  68th  in the world tourism index, attracted only 518,000 tourists in 2021, the latest figure available from Worlddata.info .  This demands that Nigeria needs to create and promote a tourism niche and  a properly packaged  Ojude Oba festival, as a niche,  is a potential tourism money spinner, to tap into the goldmine of the  1.3 billion global tourists in 2023 that generated  revenues of USD1.4 trillion, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ( UNWTO).

    I was privileged to have been to some of the world’s leading tourism destinations which have their specific niches, including Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida  ;  Hollywood in California, both in the United States ; Cancun in Mexico ;  the Safari in Kenya ;  Mauritius  ( Paradise Found ) the aquatic jewel in the Indian ocean ; the  historic Coliseum in Rome, Italy and London.

    We need to appreciate and celebrate our culture as our niche contribution to global tourism and Ojude Oba festival is such a sellable cultural event.

    •Dr. Olawunmi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State and former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria, is a Fellow, Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE)    08033647571 ; email : olawunmibisi@yahoo.com  

  • Scaling up entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa: Fostering a common front by African Nations

    Scaling up entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa: Fostering a common front by African Nations

    • By Bola Mathew Akinbinu

    Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape with the potential for economic growth and innovation. The continent is home to about 1.4 billion people, representing 16 per cent of the world’s population. The countries in Africa are diverse not only in culture and language but also in economic output. With a growing youth population, Africa is thriving in the digital economy. Exploring the various components of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa include government policies, regulatory frameworks, and emerging opportunities. This components highlight the diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial environment that drives change and progress across different sectors of the African economy.

    The entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa refers to the interconnected network of entrepreneurs, investors, support organisations, and government entities that create an environment conducive to starting and growing businesses on the continent. Africa’s entrepreneurship landscape has evolved significantly over the years, with a shift towards supporting innovation, technology, and sustainable development. The continent has seen a rise in homegrown startups and initiatives, driving economic growth and social impact. However, various components of a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa, including access to funding and investment, a supportive regulatory environment, access to talent and skills development, and government support and policies for entrepreneurship, are still under scrutiny, with no common front in sight among African countries. In other words, African nations are a divided house with no strategic direction or goals, unlike their European counterpart. The partnership between Europe and Africa includes cooperation in various areas such as trade, investment, development aid, security, and migration. While the United States seeks to re-establish itself as a major partner of choice, China is gradually, with concerted effort, establishing itself in Africa. Amid the competition between the US and China, African leaders, in their disunity, are picking the seemingly right partners that benefit them, only in the short term, and are deeply disuniting the already divided continent. What benefits does a divided house bring to its citizenry in the African continent? This remains an unanswered question. Responsible leaders ought to look inward for the socio-economic development of their countries rather than aligning with the Western or Eastern leaders who seek to pursue their own, well-articulated strategic goals, all at the expense of a continent like Africa.

    Returning to the key components of a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem, access to funding and investment sources, including venture capital, angel investors, and various funding mechanisms, is specifically designed to support early-stage startups in Africa. Some notable African companies leading in this area are M-Kopa, a provider of off-grid solar financing in East Africa, and Chipper Cash, a service for cross-border mobile money transfers across the continent. M-Kopa initially focused on a lending business model that utilised digital micropayments and IoT connectivity to enhance the accessibility of financing for solar services and household products. On the other hand, Chipper Cash offers a cross-border mobile money transfer service across multiple African countries, including Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Africa, with its headquarters located in San Francisco, California, United States.

    From a regulatory standpoint, creating a supportive environment that facilitates business operations by safeguarding intellectual property rights and encouraging innovation is crucial for the success of entrepreneurs. Clear and transparent regulations provide the stability needed for businesses to grow. Examples of countries with supportive regulatory environments in Africa include Rwanda, which has been recognised for improving the ease of doing business, establishing the Rwanda Development Board, and eliminating several bureaucratic hurdles. Mauritius, for example, has a well-developed regulatory framework that supports entrepreneurship and innovation, focuses on intellectual property protection and a favourable tax regime. Kenya is another African country that has improved its regulatory environment, particularly in the technology and innovation sectors, with initiatives like the Kenyan Innovation Bill and establishing specialised economic zones.​

    Governments across Africa have introduced various initiatives to support entrepreneurship, including funding programmes, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms aimed at simplifying business processes. Initiatives consist of policies and corresponding programmes that provide the guidelines that boost the required conducive enabling environment, spurring innovations, attracting investments, and creating jobs, thereby contributing to economic growth and social development across the African continent. These initiatives aim to create an enabling environment for startups to flourish. Examples of such initiatives are the Startup Act in Tunisia and The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Nigeria. Key elements of Tunisia’s Startup Act include state salaries for up to three founders per company during the first year of operations, generous tax breaks, and a one-year leave period for public and private sector employees to start a company with the right to return to their old jobs. In Nigeria, The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), a specialised agency, was initiated in 2016 to remove bureaucratic constraints on doing business and attract local and foreign investments. The question is, ‘How many of these initiatives were known by the relevant stakeholders?’ How accessible are these initiatives? Is there any database portal that stakeholders can access for relevant information? What communication strategies did the different African nations use to disseminate these initiatives to the relevant stakeholders? How does government implement and monitor the success of such initiatives?  For instance, the PEBEC initiatives introduced a policy and a programme to assist small and medium-sized enterprises, in partnership with all levels of government and the private sector. Unfortunately, the research could not confirm that the initiatives (policy and programme) were effectively communicated to the relevant stakeholders and has not allayed the fear that the Nigerian government initiatives were more window dressing that paints a good picture of government seriousness towards businesses when the opposite is the reality. Again, the implementation of this seemingly concealed policy becomes dead on arrival and does not last beyond Buhari’s regime. While the policies developed by other countries remain open to the relevant stakeholders and become stable over a while with deliberate attempts to always review, when and where necessary, the policies by the Nigerian government are always tackled through a reactionary approach, concealed from the stakeholders, and become stale before implementation. I hope Tinubu’s government will address this abnormality and reverse the trends.

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    In essence, the success of the initiatives depends on the impact on stakeholders who are privileged to know about the initiatives existence and is fortunate to have access with no bottlenecks as inherent in most African countries ‘business practices’. The leaders of African nations are generally capable of launching commendable programmes, but unfortunately, they hardly pursue such initiatives to a logical and successful conclusion.

    Enabling the entrepreneurship ecosystem requires the expertise of the various relevant stakeholders. Therefore, access to a skilled workforce and continuous skills development programmes are vital for the success of entrepreneurs in Africa. Building a talent with the necessary skills for the modern business landscape is crucial for driving innovation and growth. African educational institutions and training programmes must work to develop the required skills and talent for entrepreneurs. A view case is Andela, a software engineering, training and development company based in Africa, founded in 2014 and with operations in several African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. Andela’s mission is to develop world-class software engineers in Africa and connect them with global technology companies. The company offers an intensive training programme that includes technical and soft skills development and then matches the trained engineers with client companies for full-time employment. Likewise, Moringa School, a coding education institution based in Nairobi, Kenya, was founded in 2014 to provide high-quality, affordable coding education to Kenyan youth. Moringa School offers full-time and part-time coding bootcamp programmes and self-paced online courses. The programmes cover topics such as web development, mobile development, and data science, and aim to prepare students for careers in the tech industry.  Institutions developing new skill sets suitable for new job categories in different industries and sectors of the economy are more than desirable for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which can supports different entrepreneurial-based ventures.

    Entrepreneurs in Africa often encounter challenges, however, Africa offers exciting opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, fintech, and e-commerce. It is like a treasure hunt that requires digging in the right spot to strike gold. The role of technology in advancing and shaping entrepreneurial-based businesses cannot be overstated. Technology is gradually revolutionising entrepreneurship in Africa. While innovations like fintech, mobile banking with fintech-developed features, AI, and blockchain are reshaping industries and creating new business opportunities, Africa is yet to grasp the use of AI and blockchain which could give entrepreneurship a turbo boost into the future. Fintech companies in Africa are making a great move to ease payment or create a digital lending platform that provides instant loans to individuals and small businesses rather than through traditional banking systems. With about 1.4 billion people, Africa offers a large potential market for fintechs, though acquiring customers can be challenging because of deficit infrastructures and low customer purchasing power, among others. Relevant government agencies that identified the emergence or trends of new jobs in the tech arena should proactively identify the needed structural infrastructures and policies that support a favourable and conducive business environment.

     To further deepen the spirit of entrepreneurship, establishing Innovation hubs and incubators across the continent can offer entrepreneurs support, mentorship and resources to grow their startups. In South Africa, there are private and public government agencies of different sorts that deal with existing businesses. Some agencies are responsible for the implementation of the small business plan of the national government which includes subjecting new or existing businesses to the process of incubation. Other agencies provide support via the establishment of innovation hubs that provide some incubation programmes in agro-processing and pharmaceuticals, smart industries, and the green economy. The innovation hubs operate a range of enterprise development, skills development and innovation-enabling programmes, and these include MEST Africa in Ghana and BongoHive in Zambia. While MEST is a programme in Africa that provides training for technology entrepreneurs, funding for their projects, and a network of hubs that support and nurture technology startups across the continent, BongoHive, in Zambia, works with brilliant minds to create practical solutions that transform the world by offering a range of startup and innovation programmes all focused on making Zambia Africa’s next hotbed of innovation. In this, all existing innovation hubs in Africa need a deliberate push by the individual government to develop, introduce and implement an effective regulatory system to help in the sustenance of the various established innovation hubs. By nurturing and supporting entrepreneurs through access to funding and a conducive ecosystem, Africa is poised to become a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship on the global stage.

    United African countries should have a common front, defining a strategic direction and goals for Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. African countries need to enhance their governance ecosystems to foster a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. This involves enhancing institutional quality and sound governance, capitalising on their potential human and resource capital. Though Africa’s countries are in strikingly different situations, but functioning entrepreneurship ecosystems can encourage specific types of entrepreneurs and also creating more African champions and regional champions in African member states. In other words, as the momentum of entrepreneurship in Africa grew, needed support and resources should be made available to aspiring business owners. This must be a clarion call to African leaders to wake up, unite and have a common front on how to create a favourable entrepreneurial ecosystem for entrepreneurs to thrive. Incubators, accelerators, and investment funds popping up across the continent, should provide guidance and funding that help the entrepreneurs thrive. The spirit of collaboration and community was palpable, as individuals shared knowledge, networks, and opportunities. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Africa, driving positive change and economic growth across the region.

    With a supportive ecosystem in Africa, entrepreneurs can overcome challenges, learn from failures and ultimately achieve their goals. The impact on these businesses extended beyond just financial success, as they also contributed to job creation, social development, and technological advancement. The future seemed promising for African entrepreneurship, with numerous chances for expansion and influence if African nations can unite to boost a successful entrepreneurship ecosystem.

    *Dr Bola Mathew Akinbinu, an entrepre­neur, researcher, business and manage­ment consultant, writes from Johannes­burg, South Africa (akinbinubolarinde@gmail.com)

  • A different perspective on food insecurity

    A different perspective on food insecurity

    By Abiodun Ladepo

    In our quest to get into farming, my wife and I did a lot of spadework. We talked to farmers in our intended particular areas of focus – cattle and fish. We read up. We studied. We visited farms. We heard from experienced farmers.

    We heard about all sorts of problems. In our own heads, we re-processed those problems and made plans to mitigate them. We also knew that some of the issues were self-inflicted or specific to specific farmers and not industry-wide, so to speak.

    I was delighted to see many farmers encourage us – still encouraging; happy that we were entering the field and doing everything to ensure that we succeed and remain motivated.

    I was also sad to see some farmers doing everything to frustrate and dissuade us from getting into farming. They don’t want serious competition.

    But the biggest disappointment I encountered last week was learning that fish farmers (and possibly other crop farmers) have unions that set the “lowest limit” prices below which a farmer may not sell his fishes.

    You probably never heard this before, so I will repeat:

    Fish farmers have unions – trade unions like the NLC and TUC. They use the unions to agitate for government assistance and all that – which is not a bad thing. But they also, quietly, set the per kg prices of fishes in their areas. And they enforce it!

    So, even if you manage to lower your cost of production and choose to sell at a lower price, you can’t.

    They do not set a “highest limit”. So, you can sell higher if you get a gullible customer.

    Think about this: In every market, there are unions for each major commodity – pepper, yam, tomatoes, meat, eggs, chickens etc. They all set “lowest limit” prices, mostly because they share the same major supplier who is member of a bigger union that has set “lowest limit” prices too.

    This is not new. Bricklayers have unions. They set fees. Labourers have unions. They set fees. Sand/gravel/granite suppliers have unions. They set prices. Commercial vehicles and Okadas have unions. They set costs. etc.

    None of these unions set “highest limits”. They set “lowest limits”.

    Who is killing whom?

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    It was just so distressing hearing a major fish farmer talk about how they enforce “lowest limit” prices.

    When has food not been expensive in this country? You can argue that the rate of inflation has been drastically higher since about a year ago, but when have we not complained of “drastic cost of food” in this country?

    I have been hearing about the flight of farmers from the rural areas to the cities since I was old enough to understand what it means.

    If low food production and the attendant high costs are new phenomena caused by the Tinubu administration, why did the military government of Obasanjo (1976 – 1979), have the “Operation Feed the Nation” (OFN) nationwide program and propaganda?

    Why did the civilian government of Shagari (1979 – 1983) have the “Green Revolution” – another national agro-centred massive program to boost agriculture?

    Who, 30 years and older, has never heard that nobody wants to remain in the farm anymore; that everybody now wants to move to the cities and wear a tie?

    Did insecurity on the farms begin 30 years ago? Did it begin 20 years ago? Did it begin 10 years ago? Or did it begin 60 years ago?

    Aren’t we just looking for excuses?

    Since when did insecurity on Okada stop us from riding Okada? Or don’t more people die or get seriously injured on Okada daily than on the farms yearly?

    Since when did insecurity on our roads stop us from travelling by car or bus – commercial or private? Don’t more people die on the roads daily than are killed on the farms yearly?

    I read a Facebook post where the writer, supposedly a farmer, wrote that “Tinubu should just solve insecurity problems and we will return to the farms.”

    Really? What does he mean by “solve”? Completely removing the threat of kidnapping on the farm? Don’t people get kidnapped going to work at the bank? What about police officers killed in line of duty? What about soldiers killed in line of duty? What about electricity workers killed in line of duty? What about journalists killed in line of duty? What about traders killed in line of duty? All in Nigeria. All in every country of this world. Should they also quit working because they don’t want to die?

    Or are we just looking for excuses?

    How exactly will the federal government produce cheaper crops when the petrol they produce has steadily risen in price since we discovered oil?

    What business has the federal government (or state government, or local government) run and made profit on other than taxation?

    Do we also want federal government to be feeding us for free? How? Where is the money?

    In America, from where we copied our brand of democracy, and indeed in most of the Western world, the governments – federal, state/region, local/county – DO NOT directly get involved in farming.

    Private entities farm. Individuals and corporations – all private – farm.

    Governments just assist: facilitate with low- or no-interest loans which farmers use in buying farm machinery; sponsor research to improve seedlings; subsidize herbicides; guarantee purchase of crops if farmers are unable to sell by themselves; help (through Agriculture, Trade and Commerce sections at their embassies) to find buyers for their farm products, etc.

    Yet, food prices have NEVER gone down in those countries. Fact check me: the price of bread in America today is at least three times what it was in 2019. Same for everything you find in the grocery stores. Fact check this too: Overall cost of living in virtually every country in Africa is higher than in Nigeria. Overall, I said.

    Just like we have been abandoning farming since forever for life in the cities, folks in America too (let’s stick to one Western country for the sake of brevity) have been abandoning farming. Ninety percent of farm workers in America are foreigners – undocumented immigrants (euphemism for illegal immigrants) from Mexico and South American countries.

    And they too are wisening up. Once they get more comfortable in America, they quit farming.

    Folks that blame Tinubu (and indeed all the presidents before him) cite China as an example of countries that’s modernized agriculture and feed their huge population easily.

    Well, China is NOT a democracy. Let’s remember that.

    China is a communist, unitarian, one-party state – meaning there is only one political party (the Chinese Communist Party); one legislature  – the National People’s Congress (NPC), no state or local governments; everyone works for the state and produces for the state.

    Is that what we want?

    Maybe we need a society where there is no dissent; where corrupt officials are executed; where secession agitators are permanently silenced; where billionaires are fewer per capita.

    China can be world leader in freshwater fishing and aquaculture, pigs, chickens, and eggs, in part because of its system of government.

    Should we change from presidential democracy to unitarian communism?

    •Ladepo writes from Ibadan, Oyo State

  • Celebrating 161 years of the Nigerian Army

    Celebrating 161 years of the Nigerian Army

    By Sani Kukasheka Usman

    As the Nigerian Army prepares to commemorate its 161st anniversary tomorrow July 6, in Jos, Plateau State, with the theme “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”, it is important to spare a moment to reflect on this symbol of national power and its profound contributions to our national development, peace and security and above all the enduring legacy of one of the greatest armies in the world for over a century and a half. This year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024 is not just an attestation of the Army’s rich history, but also a recognition of its role in the nation’s security, development, and peace.

    The Nigerian Army, established in 1863 with a strength of 18 men, known as the “Glover Hausas”, has grown from a modest force to a formidable institution known for its professionalism, resilience, dedication and immense contribution to national development, peace and security in our country, West Africa and beyond. Over the years, the Nigerian Army has demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment in various national and international engagements. From peacekeeping missions in conflict-ridden regions across the world to defending the sovereignty of Nigeria during the civil war and against insurgencies and other security threats, the Nigerian Army has consistently showcased its capability and resolve as a professional army.

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    Beyond its military engagements in peacekeeping and peace enforcement especially in some West African states, the Nigerian Army has significantly contributed to national development. Through various civil-military cooperation initiatives, the army has been playing an important role in infrastructure development, disaster response, and community services. Projects such as the construction of roads, schools, and medical facilities in underserved areas through initiatives such as the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Projects, medical outreaches and Quick Impact Projects for host communities, highlight the army’s dedication to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

    In the face of internal security challenges, including insurgencies, banditry, and communal conflicts, the Nigerian Army has remained a bulwark of peace and security in Nigeria. The ongoing counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram in the Northeast, efforts to curb kidnappings and banditry in the Northwest, and other Internal Security Operations (ISOs) in aid of civil authorities in various parts of the country point to the Nigerian Army’s critical role in maintaining peace and security in Nigeria.

    Interestingly, the army’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategies have evolved over the years, adapting to the changing dynamics of the security challenges. This adaptability, combined with rigorous training and advanced military technologies, ensures that the Nigerian Army remains a formidable force capable of addressing contemporary security threats in the country in conjunction with other services and security agencies, hence the vision of a joint environment.

    In recent years, the Nigerian Army has also made significant strides towards gender mainstreaming. The establishment of a Women’s Corps shows the service’s commitment to gender inclusivity and equality. Women in the Nigerian Army have increasingly taken on roles that were traditionally dominated by men, participating in combat, leadership, and technical positions. This inclusion not only enhances the operational effectiveness of the army but also promotes gender equality within the service.

    The Nigerian Army’s modernization efforts include the establishment of an aviation corps, a giant stride in enhancing its operational capabilities. The recent acquisition of helicopters has significantly bolstered the army’s ability to conduct aerial surveillance, rapid troop deployment, and logistics support. This advancement in aviation technology will undoubtedly ensure that the Nigerian Army remains at the forefront of modern military operations, capable of addressing diverse security challenges with greater efficiency in the future.

    Therefore, it is particularly gratifying that this year’s celebration is being held in Jos, Plateau State, headquarters of the 3 Armoured Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN, known as the home of tourism in Nigeria. Jos, with its scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and pleasant climate, provides a fitting backdrop for this momentous occasion. The choice of Jos not only highlights the city’s significance but also promotes its potential as a tourist destination, contributing to the state’s economic growth, and enhancing peace and security on the Plateau.

    As we commemorate 161 years of the Nigerian Army, it is imperative we also honour the sacrifices of the brave officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army who have served and continue to serve the nation with distinction. Their unwavering commitment to duty, courage in the face of adversity, discomfort and dedication to national development are the hallmarks of the Nigerian Army’s enduring legacy. Yet, despite the countless sacrifices made by these citizens in uniform, the level of understanding and appreciation from our fellow Nigerians has sometimes fallen woefully short. It is our solemn duty to rectify this, stand in solidarity with the noble protectors of our sovereign lands, and honour their commitment to preserving our cherished way of life.

    The Nigerian Army’s contributions to global peace and security extend beyond the nation’s borders. Nigeria is one of the largest troop-contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping missions, having participated in operations in Lebanon, Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, The Gambia, Guinea and many other countries. Nigerian peacekeepers are renowned for their professionalism, bravery, and dedication to restoring peace and stability in conflict zones.

    These international engagements have not only enhanced Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage but also provided valuable experience and exposure to Nigerian soldiers, further strengthening the army’s capabilities.

    The Nigerian Army’s role in community outreach and humanitarian efforts cannot be overstated. In times of natural disasters, such as floods and epidemics, the army has been at the forefront of relief and rescue operations, providing critical support and assistance to affected communities. The Army’s Medical Corps has also been instrumental in delivering healthcare services to remote and underserved areas, often bridging the gap in public health infrastructure.

    The army’s involvement in educational initiatives, including the establishment of schools and scholarship programmes for children of fallen soldiers, shows its commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families. These initiatives foster a sense of community and support, ensuring that the sacrifices of soldiers and their families are recognized and honoured.

    In an era of rapidly evolving security threats, the Nigerian Army has embraced technological advancements to enhance its operational effectiveness. The adoption of drones, advanced communication systems, and modern weaponry has revolutionized the army’s approach to modern warfare. These technologies provide critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, enabling more precise and effective operations.

    Furthermore, the Nigerian Army’s investment in cyber warfare capabilities and counter-terrorism strategies reflects its proactive stance in addressing new and emerging threats. Training programmes and international collaborations have been pivotal in equipping Nigerian Army officers and soldiers with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern conflict.

    As we celebrate 161 years of the Nigerian Army, it is also a time to look ahead and envision the future of this esteemed institution. Therefore, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024 under the able leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja, is more than a commemoration of the past; it is a celebration of the present and a commitment to the future. In Jos, Plateau State, amidst the beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage, we honour the Nigerian Army’s legacy of bravery, service, and national development. We celebrate the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation and promoting peace.

    •Brigadier General Usman (rtd) mni fnipr, is a former Director of Army Public Relations.

  • Presidential jets: Saving Nigeria cost and national embarrassment

    Presidential jets: Saving Nigeria cost and national embarrassment

    • By Ahmadu Danasabe

    Let’s begin to with a piece of history. On Tuesday, April 3, 2001, the Senate approved a sum of N5.5bn for the purchase of a new presidential aircraft for then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. In February of that year, Obasanjo sought the Senate’s approval for $19m as part of monies to purchase eight new aircraft for the Presidential Air Fleet.

    The senate had refused an earlier request by Obasanjo in 2000, but he renewed his request after a technical fault left him stranded in Davos, Switzerland, where he had attended the World Economic Forum.

    Twenty three years later, there is a growing concern over the huge maintenance cost of Nigeria’s presidential aircraft. From news reports, Air Force 001, which serves President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his official jet gulps billions of naira in maintenance. A senior official familiar with the maintenance of the presidential fleet had told Daily Trust that between the routine maintenance and purchase of parts, the aircraft had been guzzling huge amounts of money. The source said it was not a new trend as that it had been going on for a while, making the erstwhile Presidential Air Fleet Commander to recommend that it should be demobilized.

    Findings revealed that neighbouring countries have fairly newer aircraft compared to Nigeria. For instance, Ivory Coast, apart from having two Gulfstream aircraft in the presidential fleet, also operates A319 and A320 for longer trips. Senegal uses A320Neo and A319 in addition to other smaller jets.

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    It is high time that Nigeria’s Air Force 1, acquired by President Olusegun Obasanjo, 23 years ago is replaced with new one because of the high cost of maintenance. Obviously, as aircraft gets older, it costs more to maintain in order to keep it airworthy and for presidential jet, extra care is taken to sustain its safety status.

    As the aircraft continues to operate under the presidential jet fleet, no doubt, more money will be needed to acquire more spares and more money will be needed to ferry it overseas to conduct higher maintenance checks.

    It was a national embarrassment at international scene, when recently President Tinubu was ferried to an economic summit in Saudi Arabia by a commercial aviation operator after his presidential plane was taken into rehabilitation and a second aircraft he was travelling with developed a technical fault in the Netherlands.

    President Tinubu arrived in The Hague on April 23 for a series of economic and diplomatic engagements at the instance of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. He learnt shortly before he was scheduled to depart the Netherlands on Friday that his plane had suffered unspecified problems. Some of the technical complications included an oxygen leak.

    This forced the president and his delegation to leave behind the Nigerian government aircraft and use a charter jet company to facilitate their onward journey to Saudi Arabia for a special session of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, arriving on Friday night.

    President Tinubu and some of his personal aides left Rotterdam on a Falcon 8X 9H-GRC private jet for the summit, scheduled for April 28-29. The rest, including several ministers and other high-ranking administration officials, made the trip on separate support aircraft and commercial airlines.

     Also Vice President Kashim Shettima few weeks ago had to abort a US Trip mid-air. He was originally scheduled to represent the president was unable to make the trip following a technical fault with his aircraft, forcing him to make a detour on the advice of the Presidential Air Fleet.

     Over $8 million was reported to have been spent fixing the plane for different vulnerabilities since December 2022 alone. This is a significant amount for a country of 230 million with an unenviable reputation as the world’s poverty capital. Aviation monitors have publicly decried the huge maintenance expenditure as wasteful, prescribing instead that a new plane would serve the country better and renew confidence in air travel safety for future presidents.

    The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has asked the federal government to purchase new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. The committee’s recommendation is contained in a report released after its investigation into the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.

     “The committee is of the strong and informed opinion that it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended,” the report reads.

    “This will also prove to be most cost-efficient in the long run, apart from the added advantage of providing a suitable, comfortable, and safe carrier befitting of the status and responsibilities of the office of the president and vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The senate also through the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said recently that the Presidency had not approached the National Assembly with a request for new presidential jets. He, however, said should such a request be made, the Senate would approve it.

    For his last international outing, the president flew a private jet to South Africa to attend the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Whereas President Tinubu and his Vice, Shettima have managed to carry out their official duties despite a pattern of last-minute troubles with presidential planes, administration officials are nonetheless concerned that the frequent glitches, besides being immensely embarrassing for the country, could potentially inflict a catastrophe of historic proportions.

    With apparent danger that the planes are signalling from their frequent breakdowns, it is clear that the planes are old and there should be serious consideration towards their replacement in order to save high maintenance cost which the country cannot afford and the consequent national embarrassment caused by the frequent breakdown of the Nigeria Airforce 1.This is a national emergency that should be accorded urgent and accelerated consideration by the authorities as done to President Obasanjo in 2001.

    • Danasabe wrote in from Abuja.
  • A word of caution on regional integration

    A word of caution on regional integration

    • By Kunle Somorin

    In the sprawling landscape of Nigeria, a complex web of ethnic and regional organizations has evolved like a mutating organism, adapting to the country’s shifting political terrain. From the Yoruba’s Afenifere to the Igbo’s Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and from the North’s Arewa Consultative Forum to the Niger Delta’s Pan Niger Delta Forum, these groups have become a defining feature of Nigeria’s political architecture.

    Even in the governance ecosystem, various governors’ and parliamentary forums and caucuses have all assumed regional focus, yet share a common goal of promoting economic growth and development. Their fragmented approach and duplicated efforts, I dare say, hinder progress and calls for concern. As they grow in influence, a pressing question looms: Will they fortify democracy and national cohesion, or fragment the nation further? The answer, much like Nigeria itself, remains a work in progress.

    The unfolding developments surrounding regional integration efforts within our nation warrant careful consideration. The media’s portrayal of these outcomes is equally intriguing; not only do they downplay national unity and cohesion, they also accentuate divisions along the lines of our diverse ‘tribes and tongues.’ This should serve as a red flag for conscientious members of society, as it may inadvertently embolden insurgents and separatists to intensify their balkanization agendas.

    Regional integration, however, is far from a misguided endeavour. When thoughtfully managed, it becomes a potent tool for economic growth, political stability, and social progress.

    By fostering cooperation and collaboration among neighbouring states, regional integration creates larger markets, enhances economic competitiveness, and contributes to peace and stability. Consider the European Union (EU), a successful example of large-scale regional integration. The EU’s creation of a single market, allowing free movement of goods, services, and people, has led to increased trade and investment among member states. Moreover, it has fostered peace and stability across Europe, putting an end to centuries of conflict and forging a united and prosperous continent.

    Similarly, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stands as another testament to successful regional integration. ASEAN’s efforts have resulted in a vast market of over 600 million consumers, attracting foreign investment and driving economic development.

    Meanwhile, the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 envisions a united and prosperous continent, emphasizing increased trade, investment, infrastructure development, and political cooperation among African nations.

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    These instances underscore why we must not dismiss regional integration efforts.

    The proliferation of regional organizations in Nigeria has, however, sparked intense debate about its implications for unity, progress, and good governance. While these groups have the potential to promote regional cohesion and development, they also risk perpetuating regionalism and fragmentation.

    The socio-cultural organizations in Nigeria, such as Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and others, have both points of convergence and divergence. While they share common goals and objectives, they also have differing interests and approaches that can potentially threaten national unity and solidarity.

    On the one hand, these organizations converge on issues such as cultural preservation and promotion, regional development, and protection of regional interests. They also promote social justice and equality, and encourage regional cooperation and collaboration. These shared goals have the potential to foster national cohesion and unity, as they recognize and celebrate the diversity of Nigerian cultures.

    On the other hand, these organizations diverge on issues such as ethnic and regional biases, competing interests and agendas, and different political leanings and ideologies. These differences can lead to tensions and conflicts, potentially undermining national unity and solidarity. For instance, the pursuit of regional interests may lead to competition for resources and power, worsening existing tensions and conflicts.

    Moreover, these organizations can reinforce ethnic and regional stereotypes, creating divisions and mistrust among different groups. This can lead to a weakening of national identity and unity, potentially threatening the very fabric of the Nigerian nation.

    The various Governors’ Forums in Nigeria, comprising the Northern, Southeast, South-south, Southwest, North-central, Northwest, and Northeast Governors’ Forums, have exhibited both unified and fragmented agendas.

    The Northern and Southern Governors Forums in Nigeria have exhibited both convergence and divergence on various issues affecting the country. Despite their shared concerns, the forums have distinct approaches and priorities shaped by their regional perspectives.

    One point of convergence is the acknowledgment of security challenges. Both forums recognize the need for innovative and proactive responses to the country’s multidimensional security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. This shared concern has led to collaborative efforts and joint statements on addressing security threats.

    Another area of convergence is the discussion on restructuring. The Southern Governors Forum has explicitly called for restructuring, while the Northern Governors Forum has also acknowledged the need for reforms. This indicates a shared understanding of the need to address the country’s structural deficiencies.

    However, the forums also exhibit divergence on specific issues. A notable example is open grazing, which the Southern Governors Forum banned, citing security and economic concerns. In contrast, the Northern Governors Forum had earlier banned open grazing in 2021 but with a more gradual approach.

    The approach to restructuring also differs between the two forums. The Southern Governors Forum is pushing for radical changes, including fiscal federalism and devolution of powers. In contrast, the Northern Governors Forum seems more cautious, emphasizing the need for gradual and incremental reforms.

    Furthermore, the forums have different regional priorities. The Southern Governors Forum focuses on issues like farmers-herders clashes, economic development, and infrastructure. In contrast, the Northern Governors Forum prioritizes challenges like Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and poverty alleviation.

    The various Governors’ Forums in Nigeria, despite their regional focus, share a common goal of promoting economic growth and development. However, their fragmented approach and duplicated efforts hinder progress. To enhance collaboration and optimize resources, a unified approach is essential.

    Despite their commendable intentions, the Northern and Southern Governors’ forums have yet to fully unlock the potential of regional integration. Critical missing ingredients in their efforts are effective collaboration and trust, resulting in insufficient economic cooperation, strategic infrastructure development, cultural exchange, and a unified security approach. To address these limitations, the forums must cultivate genuine trust and cooperation, transcending political affiliations and regional biases.

    As our esteemed governors and lawmakers convene in their respective regional forums, a poignant question arises: What becomes of the national interest amidst the pursuit of disparate agendas? The Nigerian Governors Forum, originally established to foster unity and cooperation, now appears to have given way to regionalism. Inside our National Assembly and State Assemblies exist the North, South, and various sub-regional caucuses prioritizing their own interests, creating a fragmented landscape where the nation’s collective well-being hangs in the balance.

    While regional agendas hold importance, they must not supersede the national interest. It is incumbent upon our governors and lawmakers to ensure that parochial concerns do not eclipse the greater good.

    Inter-regional collaboration must, no doubt, be encouraged, incentivizing joint projects and initiatives among regions, fostering cooperation and knowledge sharing. This will help build trust and promote a sense of shared ownership in the Nigerian Project, national progress, as all governors and lawmakers claim to work together towards a common goal.

    The Nigerian Governors Forum must also be strengthened, revitalized as a platform for governors to engage in constructive dialogue, share best practices, and align their efforts with national priorities. This will provide a foundation for unity and a testament to the power of collective action. Inclusive decision-making must be fostered, ensuring that regional agendas are informed by diverse perspectives, including those of civil society organizations, the private sector, and citizens.

    This will guarantee that the national interest remains paramount, as decisions are made with the greater good in mind.

    • Somorin is a doctoral researcher at Crescent University, Abeokuta.
  • PBAT and Nigeria’s solar energy aspirations

    PBAT and Nigeria’s solar energy aspirations

    • By Jasper Itodo

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a recent event, made an announcement. He said his administration will make Nigeria the solar panel and EV Battery Manufacturing hub of Africa. Since then, he has taken a huge leap forward to actualise the dream. Jupiter Project has announced that it is fully committing its resources and creating the infrastructure to support the president’s goal for Nigeria.

    President Tinubu, who in May said he envisioned Nigeria as the future hub of solar panels in Africa, noted: “There are other aspects of lithium that you are exploring in the country, especially in battery production. Nigeria is a huge market for solar panels. Africa is a major consumer of solar technologies. I do not see why these panels and batteries cannot be produced here.

     “The labour is cheaper. Our youths are vibrant and skilled. Our people are brilliant and adapt to new technology. The economy is increasingly more vibrant, and Nigeria is dependable. We have the consumption capacity and a surplus of steady-handed citizens with gifted minds and an innate drive to work and produce.

    ”You must not leave the community in ruins as you explore for our high-grade minerals. You must be concerned with cooperation and always care for the community.

     “We are caring partners. We want your investments to succeed so that you can expand further. Whenever you call on us, we will help you. You can, in mutually-beneficial collaboration with us, dominate the solar panel market as part of a revolution in Africa and the West African sub-region.

    ”You can always promote the interest of China and Nigeria as the best place in Africa to do business. We are preparing to produce in this country the solar technologies that the entire continent will use.

     “It is part of our campaign that Nigeria is open for business. We congratulate your courage in believing in us and the inauguration of the new factory.

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     “I can assure you that we will continue to give you the necessary support and encouragement. This is an opportunity for you to help tell the rest of the investment world that Nigeria is solid and open for business.”

    At another forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tinubu said: “Here, you must encourage investment, and equally consider: how would this investment affect us? Yes, we have the market and sufficient housing that you can electrify with solar panels. There is iron ore; there is investment there, too. Risk management is very key for Africa. The opportunities must be translated soonest. We are moving forward with urgency, and we will maximize the value given in return for those.”

    At the centre of Nigeria’s mining awakening, lies the Jupiter Project, Nigeria’s first Tier 1 mining spanning 462 square kilometres of lithium-rich terrain. With a projected investment of $2.5 billion, this project is expected to create additional 100,000 employment opportunities.

    The size of the project will elevate the global position of Nigeria as lithium is increasingly powering the world. Importantly, the Jupiter Project is also creating sustained local improvement in the quality of life in host communities, by already providing enhancements, including potable water, electrification, schools, and education scholarships.

    Basin Mining Ltd and Range Mining Ltd, joint developers of the Jupiter Lithium Project, have formalised an agreement with the Kaduna State Government to develop Nigeria’s largest Lithium and Critical Minerals. Mining approval has been granted to Jupiter Lithium Project in Kaduna State, by Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, marking Nigeria’s first Tier One lithium and critical minerals mining operation.

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    This approval represents a transformative leap for Nigeria, according to Ambassador Hassan Tukur of Range Mining, highlighting the government’s commitment to strategic investments in sustainable resource development. Range Mining’s lithium operations will boost local employment, enhance technological skills, and promote community engagement, aligning with President Tinubu’s goals in solar energy and electric vehicles.

    The Jupiter Lithium Project, located near Kafanchan in Kaduna State, spans over 400 square kilometres and adheres to global standards for sustainable mining practices. Supported by an agreement with the Kaduna State Government, this project promises substantial economic growth and development for the region and this key development grants four Mining Licenses (MLs) to Range Mining, establishing the foundation for Nigeria’s premier Tier One lithium and critical minerals mining enterprise.

    Managing Director of Kaduna Mining Development Company Ltd, Mohammed Nura Sanu Usaini echoed the importance of local empowerment and environmental sustainability, stressing that the target is to produce an electric vehicle in Nigeria.

    It’s a very important and significant project which, of course, conforms to the goals of the administration of the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, he stated.

    The approval of these mining licenses and plans for new concentrator plants highlight Nigeria’s appeal as a destination for global mining investments. This development strengthens Nigeria’s industrial capabilities and also enhances its reputation as a hub for international mining ventures.

    Stephen Davis, director of Range’s parent company, Jupiter Lithium Ltd, said the concentrator plants to be built by Range on the mine site will generate additional employment opportunities for locals to be trained in new and modern mining technologies during the construction and operations of the plants and his company looks forward to further engagement with the local communities achieving this outcome.

    Range’s operations manager, Lekan Olaniyan, said the decision to build the concentrator plants on the mine site will have significant benefits in relation to safety and the environment by substantially reducing the quantity of material that is transported away from the mine site.

    Olaniyan added that this initiative has two substantial benefits for safety and environmental outcomes where nearly 85% of the mined material can remain on site after it passes through the Concentrator Process Plant and can be reused in the environmental rehabilitation after mining.

    This onsite operation drastically reduces the number of trucks on the roads which will significantly reduce dust, noise and safety hazards as well as prevent damage to the public roads from excessive heavy trucks.

    Recent concerns have emerged over Lithium Concentrator plants in Nasarawa and Kaduna which are not associated with licensed mining operations. Issues regarding the sourcing practices of these plants, including potential links to illegal mining, have sparked calls for greater transparency and protection for legitimate operations in Nigeria’s mining sector. The ethical implications of sourcing materials from operations that may not adhere to legal and environmental standards are under scrutiny.

    With Nigeria’s first Tier One lithium mining operation, Ambassador Dr Tukur said “the Jupiter Project is a transformative impact on the local economy, setting a precedent for sustainable resource management and inclusive growth in the region.”

    •Itodo is a media personality and sent this piece from Abuja.

  • Effect of state of emergency proclamation

    Effect of state of emergency proclamation

    Itse Sagay

    Arising from the current crisis in Rivers State, many of the protagonists on one side have been calling on the President to declare a state of emergency. Although the motive of those calling for a state of emergency in that state has not been expressed, the impression being created is that somehow the governor will either be removed or suspended by the President during the existence of such a state of emergency.

    The circumstances under which a state of emergency can be proclaimed in a state can be found in Section 305 of the Constitution, particularly subsections (3(c), (d) and (e)), for our present purposes. They provide as follows thus: “(3)(c) There is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part of such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security. (d)There is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger. (e) There is an occurrence or imminent danger or the occurrence of any disaster or national calamity affecting the community or a section of the community of the Federation.”

    A careful perusal of sections 11 and 305 of the Constitution shows that the proclamation of a state of emergency is as concerned with a national calamity involving destruction of infrastructure and life-sustaining facilities as it is with political unrest which threatens safety and stability in any Nigerian territory.

    The process of proclamation of a state of emergency is very significant and deserves a brief consideration. Any such proclamation by the President must be confirmed within two days by a resolution of the National Assembly if it is in session or within 10 days when the National Assembly is not in session, otherwise, the proclamation of emergency will lapse. In other words, confirmation by the National Assembly of a proclamation of emergency by the President is necessary for the proclamation to be sustained.

    Contrary to the impression being created by those calling for a state of emergency in Rivers State, such a proclamation can have no effect on a governor’s tenure in office. Section 305 does not make provision for the powers to be exercised by the President and National Assembly in a state under a proclamation of a state of emergency. For this provision, there is need to go to Section 11 of the Constitution: “The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order and providing, maintaining and securing of such supplies and services as may be designated by the National Assembly as essential supplies and services.”

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    Clearly, the aim is to bring succour to a community or communities in distress, not to assume governance over a state. For example, when a proclamation of emergency over Bornu State was made by President Jonathan, it was intended to give impetus to the Federal Government to fight Boko Haram in Borno State. That is exactly what happened and the Government of Borno State remained in place and in fact cooperated with the Federal Government’s intensive war against Boko Haram. The proclamation is more concerned with ending a dangerous situation rather than taking over a government.

    The proclamation could also be made in order to involve the Federal Government in bringing succour to people in territories affected by flood, fire, earthquake, etc. Nigerians are too focused on political matters and thus have a narrow and very wrong view of the purpose and scope of proclamations of States of emergency.

    Thus, the proclamation of a state of emergency does not necessarily paralyse the organs of that state, i.e., prevent the State House of Assembly or the governor from continuing to carry out their normal duties.  According to Section 11(2): “(2) Nothing in this section shall preclude a House of Assembly from making laws with respect to the matters referred to in this section, including the provision for maintenance and securing of such supplies and services as may be designated by the National Assembly as essential supplies and services.”

    However, the National Assembly may take over the functions of the State House of Assembly during a state of emergency. “At any time when a State House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions, by reason of the situation prevailing in that State until such time as that State House of Assembly is able to resume its function.” Even this is a temporary measure.

    However, under no circumstances, will the proclamation of a state of emergency affect the position of a Governor in office. The proviso to Section 11(4) expressly declares as follows: “Provided that nothing in this Section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from the office”.

    On the contrary, a governor, with the concurrence of the State House of Assembly is empowered under Section 305 (4) to actually invite the President to issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in his own State. “When there is existent within the State any situation specified in sub-section 3(c), (d) and (e) of this Section, and such a situation does not extend beyond the boundaries of the state”.

    So, what exactly happens when a state of emergency is proclaimed?  This is clearly stated in Section 11(1) of the Constitution which has already been quoted above, i.e., the power to make laws with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order and providing, maintaining and securing of such supplies and services as may be designated by National Assembly as essential supplies and services. Emphasis here, therefore, is for the provision of essential supplies and services for the troubled state and not the taking over of the state’s government by the President.

    It is, therefore, clear that there has been a huge departure from the law and culture of the First Republic (1960 – 1966) where the Constitution made provision for the suspension of the governor or Regional House of Assembly during the existence of a state of emergency. (See Section 65 of the 1960 Constitution, the Emergency Powers Act 1961 and the Emergency Regulations made under it which gave the Prime Minister totalitarian powers over the affected states).

    Indeed, the special proviso in Section 11(4) of the Constitution barring the removal or suspension of a governor during the proclamation of a state of emergency is based on a deliberate intention to avoid the mistake of the First Republic which led to a crisis which eventually could not be contained.

    The suspension of the governors of Ekiti State and Plateau State by President Olusegun Obasanjo, during his tenure as the President between 1999 and 2007, was clearly illegal. Thankfully, this aberration by President Obasanjo was corrected by a better-informed President Goodluck Jonathan, when a state of emergency was proclaimed over Borno State during his tenure as the President.

    Openly admitted quite rightly that he had no powers under the present Constitution to suspend a state governor, who was democratically elected as himself, under any circumstances. Thus, Obasanjo’s aberration was thus eliminated.

    It is, therefore, important for those who are calling for a proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State to realise that a governor cannot be removed or suspended under our present Constitution and the constitutional democracy we are presently operating.

    •Sagay is an eminent professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)