The Nation Newspaper

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  • Climate Change: The disproportionate impact on developing nations

    Climate Change: The disproportionate impact on developing nations

    • By Adebayo Adeleye

    Climate change is a global issue, but its impacts are felt disproportionately by developing nations. The struggle and disappointment between wealthy nations and developing nations are rooted in the unequal distribution of climate change’s burdens and benefits.

    The Disproportionate Impact of Climate Change

    Developing nations are more vulnerable to climate change due to their limited resources, infrastructure, and economic resilience. They are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, from more frequent natural disasters to droughts, heat-waves, and rising sea levels. The World Bank reports that the lowest-income countries, which produce only one-tenth of global emissions, will bear the brunt of climate change’s impacts, including increased poverty, hunger, and displacement.

    The Role of Wealthy Nations

    Wealthy nations, on the other hand, have contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, yet they are not taking adequate responsibility for their actions. The recent COP29 deal on climate finance, which offered a paltry $300 billion from rich nations, has been met with disappointment and frustration from developing nations. This lack of commitment to climate finance is exacerbating the struggle between wealthy and developing nations.

    The Need for Climate Justice

    Climate justice is essential to addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on developing nations. This requires wealthy nations to take responsibility for their emissions, provide adequate climate finance, and support developing nations in their efforts to adapt to climate change. Climate justice also involves recognizing the rights and dignity of vulnerable communities and ensuring that their voices are heard in global climate negotiations.

    Read Also: Climate Change: The ongoing global initiatives that will shape our lives in years to come

    The Way Forward

    To address this disproportionate impact of climate change and the struggle between wealthy nations and developing nations, we need to prioritize climate justice and equity. This requires:

    Increased climate finance: Wealthy nations must provide adequate funding to support developing nations in their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

    Technology transfer: Wealthy nations must share their technology and expertise with developing nations to help them transition to low-carbon economies.

    Capacity building: Wealthy nations must support developing nations in building their capacity to adapt to climate change and develop sustainable economies.

    Global co-operation: We need enhanced global co-operation and coordination to address the global nature of climate change.

    Ultimately, addressing climate change requires a collective effort that prioritizes justice, equity, and human rights. We must work together to ensure that the burdens and benefits of climate change are shared fairly and that we create a sustainable and equitable future for all.

    • Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450.
  • Tinubu and rhythm of restructuring

    Tinubu and rhythm of restructuring

    President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement to unbundle the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, into six geo-political zones is an important landmark in Nigeria’s journey towards true federalism and regionalism, which lies not in the constitutional or institutional structure, but in the society itself. This move will go a long way in addressing the historical imbalance in the distribution of national institutions as well as fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity among Nigeria’s diverse populations.

    Ultimately, this development is a step towards addressing Nigeria’s deep-seated structural issues, which have been perpetuated by a centralized system. One can only pray that the president would also muster sufficient courage to extend this hand of fellowship to institutions like the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Police University and Nigerian Army University as this will not only promote regional balance, equity and fairness but also help reduce the concentration of military power in one area as well as promoting national security. The unbundling of the Law School, previously exclusive to the Southwest, serves as a precedent for this bold move.

    It is obvious that, even with the valiant efforts of the Federal Government, economic reforms can only carry the country so far. There will always be a limit to structural dysfunction! In our own opinion, the current Tax Reform Bills, which every patriot should support, is a savvy move towards restructuring through the backdoor. Tinubu is to be commended for this! But, again, there will always be a limit!

    Nigeria, in our opinion, was set back – by about 70 years or more – by the ill-advised, to put it politely, ‘suspension’ of the 1963 Republican Constitution. Thankfully, they did not go so far as to claim that it had been completely abolished or abrogated!

    The Tax Reform Bills are to be commended for, in the spirit of the 1963 Constitution, they seek to move the country back to a federation, based on production. The Bills are a very mild exposition of the famous description of federalism by the 13th Prime Minister of Canada, John Diefenbaker, who told a group of school children that “Federalism means that you eat what you kill.” For us, this is still the best description of federalism as was reflected in the 1963 Constitution, and the constitutions which had preceded it, which was the spirit upon which Nigeria’s independence was negotiated, and given.

    Nigeria until the suspension of the 1963 Constitution was one of the most balanced and productive in the world. It’s even an often-stated fact that the Eastern Region of Nigeria, under Chief Michael Okpara, was the fastest growing subnational of any country in the British Commonwealth. Tinubu, apart from his antecedents in the struggle for democracy, has already given us a glimpse through the Tax Reform Bills, that he is a federalist. Even for this singular effort, the Jagaban of Borgu already has a place in Nigeria’s economic history.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu will have no rival in Niger Delta in 2027, by youth coalition

    We must go back to the giant strides made between the 1914 amalgamation of the protectorates and the unfortunate events of January 15, 1966. Any cost-benefit analysis would show, without a doubt, that a political economy based on competitive federalism delivers the goods. By jettisoning this path, Nigeria squandered an opportunity which should have made it incontestably among the world’s top 10 economies, such as India and Brazil. By abandoning federalism based on production, Nigeria earned, starting from the first ‘oil shock’ of 1974, hundreds of billions of petrol dollars which did not translate into the basic industries which form the bedrock of a modern industrial economy.

    Matter-of-factly, no country has achieved modern industrial development without a strong foundation in industries like machine tools, iron and steel, and petrochemicals. This is why, despite being laudable, Dangote Refinery will still rely on imported vital parts for replacement and servicing. Take, for instance, a thriving machine tools industry in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State. If such an industry existed, it’s likely that at least 90% of the parts needed for Dangote and other industries would be sourced locally, leading to significant growth in Ijebu-Jesa’s size and economy. This, in turn, would have a profound impact on employment, revenue generation and overall well-being in the region.

    It is worthy of note that the Constitutions of Australia, Brazil, Canada, USA, amongst others, mirror the 1963 Republican Constitution and they have not suffered for it. Clearly, either piecemeal, as part of the Tax Reform Bills, or Local Government Reform, or the establishment of Development Commissions, or the ‘inchoate’ Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs), or wholesale, Nigeria’s journey towards true federalism requires a fundamental shift in its political culture, necessitating a return to the ethos and spirit of this Constitution.

    By using guile and tactical astuteness, Tinubu’s historical role must be to go back to the modus operandi of the 1963 Constitution. In his own heart, he knows that there is no alternative to this! This is the only perfect storm that will stand the test of time. It is the only way to cure the Nigerian malaise which is based on lack of revenue. Without a brutally competitive federalism, the country cannot unleash the revenue streams so vitally needed for sustainable development.

    A good example of our current quagmire is the sharing of FAAC for December 2024, which was approximately $2.7 billion. This figure is still a far cry from what a country of Nigeria’s size should be generating. Under a proper, productive base, Nigeria’s sharing of FAAC should conceivably be at least $3 billion a month, even in the worst-case scenario. This is underscored by the fact that Gauteng in South Africa has a bigger budget than Nigeria – while Nigeria’s budget for the Year 2025 is roughly $28 billion, Gauteng’s is about $43 billion. It is simply like Lagos State having a bigger budget than Ghana which is a sovereign state.

    The critical issue here is for the Tinubu government, which we wish all the best, to accept the incontrovertible fact that economic reforms must be interwoven, going hand-in-gloves with the structural reforms needed in the political economy to make economic reforms sustainable. Otherwise, any future government can reverse the striking gains that will definitely come out of the present reforms, as we are now witnessing in Donald Trump’s America.  

    Yes, the president’s economic reforms are on the right path with quiet compassion. However, to ensure longevity and sustainability, structural reforms are crucial. For instance, Nigeria’s federal budget, which stands at around $28-30 billion annually for a population of 200 million, is alarmingly inadequate and heading towards social stagnation.

    Well, that’s not to say that Nigeria’s restructuring efforts are not facing complex obstacles, including a lack of clear definition and consensus. To be honest, different interpretations of the concept lead to confusion, mistrust and resistance. Entrenched interests, power dynamics and insecurity also hinder restructuring. The political elite may resist changes that threaten their privileges, while the North’s dominance in politics and economy poses another challenge. To overcome these, establishing a clear and inclusive definition involving various stakeholders is essential.

    Let me by way of conclusion state that Nigeria’s journey towards true federalism requires a fundamental shift in its political culture, and Tinubu’s thoughtful gestures are a significant step in addressing its deep-seated issues. This shift involves recognizing that power isn’t “a zero-sum game, where one group’s gain must come at the expense of another.” Instead, it is about ensuring that every Nigerian has a stake in the country’s future! It is about weaving the threads of a new life together!

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

  • Credit guarantee instruments: Path to financial inclusion and economic growth

    Credit guarantee instruments: Path to financial inclusion and economic growth

    • By Olasupo Olusi

    In Nigeria’s bustling markets and commercial districts, millions of business owners share a common struggle: accessing tailored financing needed to scale-up their operations. A furniture maker in Benin City, Edo State, requires capital to purchase modern equipment but lacks the type of collateral acceptable to financial institutions. In Aba, Abia State, a garment producer with booming demand struggles to expand her operations due to high-interest rates on loans. In Jos, Plateau State, a vegetable farmer needs credit to invest in irrigation systems to combat dry-season challenges but is unable to meet stringent lending requirements.

    Meanwhile, a promising tech start-up in Lagos seeks bridge funding to scale but has no credit history. These scenarios play out daily across the country where accessing finance remains one of the most significant barriers for businesses in Nigeria. Various reports from both local and international development agencies indicate that about 5-10% of Nigerians have access to adequate financing

    This challenge is not unique to Nigeria. Globally, the World Bank’s Global Findex Database (2021) shows that only 10% of adults in Africa reported borrowing from a formal financial institution, compared to 16% in East Asia and the Pacific, 8% in South Asia, and 60-80% in Western Europe and North America. The disparities are stark, underscoring the structural barriers that restrict credit flow in developing economies. 

    In Nigeria, a limited capacity to package projects, lack of collateral, inadequate credit history and general risk aversion by financial institutions are key factors constraining credit access. Given the private sector’s critical role in job creation and economic development, addressing this financing gap is essential. As Nigeria aims to achieve its goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, closing the financing gap is critical – as they say, MSMEs are the engine of growth. Or for those who believe in the good book, “money answereth all”.  Credit Guarantee Instruments (CGIs) emerge as a transformative tool to unlock credit flow, deepen financial inclusion, and drive sustainable economic growth.

    Credit Guarantee Instruments (CGIs) are mechanisms designed to reduce the risks financial institutions face when lending to businesses. A third party, such as a government agency or a specialized institution, guarantees a portion of the loan, ensuring that lenders recover part of their losses if borrowers’ default. By reducing the perceived risk, CGIs incentivize lenders to extend credit to underserved sectors, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

    Globally, CGIs have proven effective in closing financing gaps. Recognizing their importance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced guidelines in 2022 for regulating and supervising Credit Guarantee Companies (CGCs). These guidelines aim to ensure transparency and accountability, setting the foundation for a robust credit guarantee ecosystem in Nigeria.

    Read Also: NELFUND’s loans hit N116.184bn

    Nigeria has experimented with credit guarantee initiatives such as the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL). While these programs showed promise, they fell short of achieving their full potential due to design flaws and implementation challenges. To avoid repeating these mistakes, Nigeria must adopt a tailored approach that incorporates global best practices while addressing local needs.

    A well-designed credit guarantee scheme could significantly transform Nigeria’s financial landscape by reducing lender risk and unlocking access to affordable financing for enterprises. This would encourage risk-based lending to businesses and to scale-up, boosting overall productivity and contributing to GDP growth, while also fostering job creation to lower unemployment. Furthermore, with improved access to capital, businesses could increase their investments in technology and innovation, enhancing their competitiveness in global markets. For instance, tech start-ups and agricultural enterprises could leverage financing to adopt advanced tools, expanding their market reach and operational efficiency.

    A Credit Guarantee Instrument could also significantly advance financial inclusion and encourage formalization. Many Nigerian business owners currently rely on informal financing or personal savings, leaving them vulnerable to economic shocks. A formalized credit guarantee scheme would create a more inclusive financial ecosystem, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can access the funding they need to grow.

    As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy away from fossil fuel dependence, CGIs can channel resources into non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and services. These sectors have immense potential to drive economic diversification, create employment opportunities, and reduce poverty. The knock-on effects of such growth—job creation, income generation, and poverty alleviation—could be transformative for the Nigerian economy.

    While development finance institutions (DFIs) such as the Bank of Industry and the Development Bank of Nigeria have made strides in supporting businesses, their reach remains limited by the need to optimize risk management. A CGI could complement these efforts by mobilizing private sector participation in commercial lending. Partnering with banks and financial institutions, the instrument could facilitate innovative lending products at lower interest rates and with reduced collateral requirements. This would expand the credit pool and encourage long-term investments in economic growth.

     As part of its recognition of the critical nature of CGIs in fulfilling its mandate, the Bank of Industry in December 2024 signed a $50 million dollars Loan Portfolio Guarantee Agreement with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) to provide funding for MSMEs and women owned businesses in line with BOI’s six thematic areas.

    Building a path forward

    To implement an effective CGI program, a coordinated public-private partnership is essential. The following steps should guide the design and implementation:

    • Tailored Design: The CGI program must address the specific needs of all Nigerian businesses. This includes limited collateral and high-interest rates while ensuring accessibility for MSMES. It must be designed to maximize accessibility for businesses without compromising lending standards.

    • Effective Risk Management: A robust risk management framework is critical. This includes thorough credit assessments, continuous monitoring of loans, and prioritizing borrowers with viable business models.

    • Stakeholder Collaboration: Success depends on collaboration among the government, financial institutions, and development partners. Banks must be incentivized to participate, while development partners can provide technical expertise and funding support.

    • Transparency and Accountability: Clear guidelines, accountability measures, and robust oversight mechanisms are vital to prevent misuse and build trust among financial institutions and beneficiaries.

    • Awareness and Capacity Building: Businesses must be informed about the scheme and supported in meeting credit requirements. Capacity-building initiatives, such as training programs on financial management and business planning, can empower entrepreneurs to leverage credit guarantees effectively.

    As Nigeria works toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy, establishing a National Credit Guarantee Company (CGC) is a strategic imperative. By reducing credit risks for financial institutions, such an initiative would make financing more accessible and inclusive for businesses across all sectors. This, in turn, would empower Nigerian entrepreneurs, accelerate economic diversification, and foster sustainable growth.

    Stakeholders, including the government, banks, DFIs, and development partners—must collaborate to bring this vision to life. A well-designed CGI program could unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s enterprises, laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive economy. The time to act is now. It is refreshing to see that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government is making CGIs more accessible to Nigerian enterprises in line with the pledge in his 2025 new year speech to kick off the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) before the end of second quarter.

    •Dr Olusi is Managing Director, CEO, Bank of Industry.

  • Gaza ceasefire: Too little too late

    Gaza ceasefire: Too little too late

    • By Mike Kebonkwu

    The war in Gaza signifies abysmal failure of human heritage and global peace-making. There is recession in global political leadership across countries of the world with right wing supremacists and maniacs taking over power in leading economies of the world today. The world has watched in helplessness the horrendous carnage in Gaza with brutal savagery.  The people of Palestine are entitled to heritage of their land as a free people with dignity, not living in apartheid and depending on food aids from donor agencies.  There have been sustained liberation struggles by the Palestinians led by Hamas. Hamas is an idea; you cannot kill an idea!  Hamas militants are not villains; they are freedom fighters and heroes to the people of Palestine and the Arab world.   They represent the core resistance against the State of Israel imposed apartheid system in the Middle East and the occupation of Palestinian land in Gaza.  The State of Israel also reserves the right to live in safety in the midst of hostile neighbours.  However, Israel was dead wrong to think that it can destroy Hamas and its capacity to make wars for the liberation of Palestinian people. 

    Hamas goes beyond the fighting force in Gaza and the entire land of Palestine; it includes the Islamic Jihad and their affiliates in Syria and Yemen.  It has common brotherhood with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard that provides it with training, armaments and logistics support.  It has sympathy with the entire Arab world and regional powers in the Middle East.  Israel is therefore unquestionably up against a very formidable foe and therefore must be eternally vigilant. 

    With the ceasefire, there were no victory songs in Israel.  It was a pyrrhic victory for the Palestine whose entire land has been laid waste.  With ceasefire, where do the people return to pick up their pieces again; with homes, farms and infrastructure having been turned to rubble?  The war interrogates the continuous relevance of the United Nations systems and its agencies that lack consensus in dealing with increasingly rising global crises. 

    Read Also: Nigeria will drive Africa’s growth with education, innovation — Shettima

    The international media remained complicit in the escalation of the conflict because of partisanship, praising the action of Hamas to high heavens after the October 7, 2023 invasion of Israel.  It was a delusion to assume that there was not going to be repercussion or consequences for that audacious attack.  After all, the hostages taken from Israel where hidden in tunnels in Gaza, not in Egypt. Hamas was alleged to have used civilians as human shields, and protected objects and infrastructure as command centres to launch attacks on Israel.  The violence was set in motion by Hamas invasion of Israelis villages.  It is not sensible to start a war and complain that your adversary is using excessive force. Notwithstanding, the horrendous carnage remains unacceptable and can never be justified.

    There is no doubt that what happened in Gaza qualifies as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity; but again, it is an act of war. The atrocious war in Gaza was provoked by the invasion of Israeli villages by Hamas militants.  It was an audacious attack well planned and ruthlessly executed.   It exposed massive intelligence and security failures that caught the Israeli Defence Forces napping.  Hundreds of hostages were taken, women, children and even soldiers, including foreign nationals.  It all happened also during a festival when the people of Israel were revelling and making merry; partying away. 

    It was a huge miscalculation by Hamas to take on a known foe whose behaviour is predictable, not given to sentiment and without the grace of turning the other cheek.

    The war led to unimaginable proportion of destruction of lives and properties leading to almost a scotched earth in the entire Gaza Strip with little or no respect for customary laws of war, or international humanitarian laws.  In active war and combat, there is a limit to the expectation of application of the rule of international law of arm conflict which is left virtually in the hands of combatants and troops’ commanders to determine legitimate military objectives and targets notwithstanding the set textbook limits. The world should have expected the ruthlessness with which this war was fought and the consequences.  Hamas militias were probably misled by sentiments of public perception and opinion of their right to self-determination and freedom of its people, but ignored the knowledge that Israel is also not known to run away with tails between its thighs to lick its wounds. 

    Hamas started a needless war and therefore does not lie in its mouth or  anybody else for that matter to raise alarm that the  adversary and enemy is using excessive force. Textbook theory for combat does not work in active conflict; it is not a simulation exercise or computer war game.  

    The ceasefire agreement extracted in Doha between Israel and Hamas is not going to signal the end to crises between Palestine and Israel or peace in the Middle East.  It is wishful thinking that Israel and Palestine will be at peace some day; not with that kind of brutal savagery and resentment that they hold one another.  If one man is left standing on each side of the divide in Israel and Palestine, the war will continue; it is a generational war without end. The ingrained animosity is deep-rooted in the gene and bloodstream of these neighbours who have common ancestry by religious account dating back to the time of Abraham.  The Arabs and Jews are progenitors of the two received religions of Islam and Christianity that incidentally preach peace, but ironically never live in peace with one another.

    The face of the war in Gaza is distorted and misrepresented to be between Israel and Hamas. This appears not to the case but a suppression of the texture of the crises; it is a regional crises.  Hamas is the unofficial army and government in Palestine.  They are armed and supported by some regional government in the Middle East.  They also have their affiliates with the Islamic Jihad, the Houthi in Yemen, and the Syrian regime in Damascus. They are trained by the Revolutionary Guards in Iran and given logistic backup by the Iranian regime.  It remains a proxy war of the larger Arab and Israeli question that do not concede to the Israelis the right to live.   

    To many people in the world, it is viewed through the prism of religion, culture and civilization of Islam and Christianity common amongst Africans and Asians with unquestionable religious credo. This is especially so, in Nigeria often divided along  Arab Islam, and Israel, Christianity;  even though the Israelis are predominantly more Judaism than Christianity.  The world is not concerned with common brotherhood of humankind but sectarian considerations.  Where you support ethnic militia to acquire weapons and attack the symbol of states while offering defences to them on the basis of religion and ethnicity, we should be ready for the inevitability of the consequences which will cause suffering to civilians; innocent women and children and displacement of population.  Let your freedom fighters and ethnic militias know their limits and boundaries so that we will not be faced with the situation of asking for investigation and trials of security forces for war crimes and crimes against humanity for collateral damages from the effect of war.  War does not bring cheese and chocolate on the table; it brings human suffering, death, agonies and pains.  After the ceasefire, where are the people of Palestine returning to, debris of fallen edifices?  The world may have failed the Palestinians, but Hamas should also take responsibility while Israel can never be justified for the level of destruction to Gaza.  The ceasefire is too little, too late!

    •Kebonkwu Esq is an Abuja-based attorney.

  • Empowering Africa’s agency and development in the age of AI

    Empowering Africa’s agency and development in the age of AI

    • By Obiageli Ezekwesili

    As we commemorate the 2025 International Day of Education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominates global discussions—from policy debates to boardrooms. This year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” underscores both the promise and concerns AI presents. While AI drives productivity and innovation, it also raises fears about job displacement. One truth remains: automation-resistant skills begin with strong foundational learning—basic literacy, numeracy, and transferable skills like cognitive reasoning, analytical thinking, and socio-emotional development.

    The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report highlights that as automation accelerates, uniquely human capabilities—analytical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, and leadership—will only grow in importance. These skills are the backbone of human agency in an increasingly automated world. As Africa continues to drive global workforce growth in the coming years, there is an urgent need to match this demand with quality supply. This process begins at the foundational level.

    These higher-order cognitive and socio-emotional skills are not inherently innate; the evidence indicates that they are cultivated through early and consistent exposure to quality foundational learning. A 2011 Stanford University study led by Vinod Menon found that just one year of structured early math instruction significantly strengthened brain regions responsible for working memory and numerical processing. This neuroplasticity in early childhood forms the basis for more complex problem-solving and analytical thinking later in life.

    Similarly, research by Mark T. Greenberg (2023), published by the Learning Policy Institute, found that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programmes improve academic performance while also enhancing resilience, emotional regulation, and pro-social behaviours.

    The AI revolution strengthens the case for foundational education. Human agency in the AI era is not built in coding boot camps—it develops in pre-primary and primary school classrooms, where children first learn to decode text, understand numbers, and think critically. A child who learns to read with comprehension is not just acquiring a skill—they are building the cognitive foundation necessary to question, analyse, and shape their world. Similarly, mastering basic mathematics creates the mental frameworks needed to use, control, and develop technology, including AI, rather than being controlled by it.

     The stakes could not be higher for Africa. With the continent poised to make the largest contribution to the global labour market due to its young and growing population, ensuring strong foundational skills becomes an economic necessity. We have observed leadership across the continent, with countries such as Rwanda and Mauritius publishing comprehensive national AI strategies and Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa pioneering AI applications in education. The African Union’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy also envisions us as leaders in technological innovation. But leadership requires human agency—the ability to shape, not just adapt to, technological change. Tackling AI risks, bridging the digital divide, and designing ethical AI systems all require the highest levels of human agency, which is predicated on structured investments in foundational learning.

    Read Also: NELFUND’s loans hit N116.184bn

    The urgency of this challenge could not be understated: nine in 10 African children cannot read or do basic arithmetic by age 10 (World Bank, The State of Global Learning Poverty). In an era where AI can generate text, create images, and solve complex problems, these children risk becoming passive users of AI systems they cannot critically evaluate. This is not just a digital divide; it’s an agency divide that threatens to reinforce neo-colonial patterns of technological dependence.

    The path forward is clear. African leaders must prioritize education at large—particularly foundational learning—as the bedrock of technological agency. Investing in foundational skills is not a trade-off between basic and advanced learning—it is the base upon which all future learning, including AI, is built. The evidence is clear: interventions such as Teaching-at-the-Right-Level (TaRL), which groups students by learning level rather than age to provide targeted instruction, and structured pedagogy programmes, which offer a systematic approach to teaching with scripted lessons, teacher training, and materials, can boost learning outcomes in early grades, deliver cost-savings, and in turn build uniquely human skills—such as analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, resilience, flexibility, and leadership. These skills will hold value in future labour markets and lay the cognitive foundation for technological empowerment.

     While foundational learning is crucial, a holistic approach to education in the AI era will require broader interventions. I join the Foundational Learning Hub and partners to call upon African governments, donors, the private sector, and the broader education community to leverage the advancements in edtech and apply them to strengthen our educational systems further. To ensure the best results:

     1. Ensure EdTech innovations uphold quality, equity, and privacy by grounding them in instructional rigour and evidence.

    2. Integrate EdTech into government-led foundational learning programmes to enhance, not replace, quality teaching at scale.

    3. African governments must prioritise the implementation of cost-efficient and proven pedagogical approaches like Structured Pedagogy and TARL; and provide an enabling environment for innovation and technology to support delivering them at scale.

    4. Address connectivity and infrastructure challenges by developing scalable digital public infrastructure.

    5. Embed digital literacy in curricula and equip teachers to teach with and about AI to maximise its impact.

    6. Increase donor investment in foundational learning and AI-driven education solutions while strengthening the evidence base for effective innovation.

     As AI advances, human agency must remain at the centre of Africa’s development. The question is no longer whether AI will transform the world—but whether Africa’s children will have the foundational skills to shape that transformation. The answer depends on what happens today in our primary school classrooms.

    •Dr Ezekwesili is founder and CEO of Human Capital Africa.

  • Towards ending maternal mortality

    Towards ending maternal mortality

    By Opeyemi Akindele

    It is an auspicious season. A new era of renewed hope for pregnant women in Nigeria as the federal government’s nationwide Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) programme, designed to provide vulnerable and economically disadvantaged pregnant women with free access to emergency Caesarean Section (C-Section) and other crucial maternal and neonatal healthcare services, advances in several states across the country.

    An important element of the programme, which is claims management, has also progressed significantly, with independent verification of 706 out of 887 claims submitted by participating facilities, representing an 80% verification rate. Payment efficiency is evident, with 663 verified claims already paid and 169 payments currently being processed. The programme operates in four pilot facilities and has expanded to seven additional healthcare institutions across multiple states, while over 31 tertiary facilities have expressed interest. The initiative has also reduced obstetric barriers by facilitating life-saving interventions, particularly in underserved regions, ensuring that critical maternal health services are now more accessible.

    Despite the success of the intervention, inclusive of the vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) surgical repair initiative, which has covered about 50% of the 172 priority LGAs contributing to high maternal death rates in the country, there have been some attempts at contorting facts as regards the programme.

    The CEmONC nationwide free C-Section programme was launched in August 2024 to reduce maternal mortality and address disparities in access to life-saving obstetric care among women. Since its inception, the programme has demonstrated remarkable achievements. Independent verification of claims has reached 80%, underscoring the programme’s accountability. With over N87 million already paid to settle 663 claims and others being processed, the initiative ensures timely reimbursement to participating facilities via the National Health Insurance Agency, fostering trust among stakeholders.

    From its launch in four facilities in Kano and Akwa Ibom, the programme has expanded to seven more in Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Borno. These facilities cater to high-burden regions, directly addressing maternal health inequities. The programme’s transparent claims management system has set a benchmark for efficiency, with payment being processed for 169 claims, illustrating the government’s commitment to sustaining momentum. Additionally, 31 out of 69 eligible tertiary facilities have formalised their interest in a tripartite MoU, lending credence to the programme’s scalability and appeal to stakeholders nationwide.

    The CEmONC interventions are targeted at the health-related top causes of maternal mortality and poor health outcomes among child-bearing women: postpartum haemorrhage, VVF, sepsis, and obstructed labour. Life-saving surgical and medical interventions are now within the reach of vulnerable pregnant women and new-borns, especially in high-burden regions.

    Apart from the free C-Section initiative, there are several other interventions under Presidential Initiative to unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, a strategic framework targeting systemic healthcare improvements due to be implemented this year, 2025. By the end of 2025, 40% of Level 1 Primary Health facilities will be upgraded to Level 2. This will enable these facilities to offer integrated sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning and post-abortion care, across all states.

    The federal government’s commitment to facility enhancement will bridge service delivery gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas. Over 60,000 frontline health workers are being trained in comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) service delivery. This capacity-building initiative will improve the quality of Family Planning (FP) and Post-abortion Care (PAC) services, directly impacting maternal and child health outcomes.

    The free C-Section programme is complemented by a fistula repair initiative targeting 50% of the 172 priority local government areas contributing to maternal mortality. These targeted interventions underscore the government’s resolve to address the root causes of maternal deaths.

    Dedicated National Health Fellows will be trained in programme implementation, performance, and financial management and deployed to oversee programme activities and support primary health centres across all 774 LGAs. This includes annual statutory audits at national, state, and local levels, ensuring compliance and enhancing credibility.

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    The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under the leadership of Professor Muhammad Ali Pate is working hard to ensure that every Nigerian family, especially our women and children, enjoys access to quality healthcare. Within months of President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Dr Abdul Mukhtar, laudable projects have been set in motion, including but not limited to the establishment of the Beta Lactam antibiotics manufacturing plant by Jawa Pharmaceuticals, employing over 700 Nigerians directly contributing to household income. Local manufacturing of critical diagnostics kits for malaria, HIV, and blood sugar by firms like Colexa Biosensor has been achieved, while WHO prequalification of some local pharma manufacturing companies has been facilitated with the support of NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. Additionally, modalities for vaccine production are being put in place.

    All these are direct consequences of the Executive Order signed by President Tinubu to unlock the value chain in the healthcare industry and stimulate local manufacturing of drugs, vaccines, medical textiles, and consumables with the objective of boosting the availability of drugs, reducing import dependence, and lowering costs of medications for vulnerable people.

    The nationwide free Caesarean Section programme is a cornerstone of the government’s broader healthcare agenda. It represents significant progress towards achieving universal health coverage, reducing maternal mortality, and fostering equity in healthcare access. The federal government’s proactive approach, underpinned by CEmONC and PVAC’s comprehensive framework, ensures that no woman is left behind, irrespective of geographic or socioeconomic barriers. The public is encouraged to support and celebrate these milestones, recognising their profound impact on Nigeria’s health landscape.

    •Akindele is an independent consultant at the intersection of health systems, strategy, and business development. He is based in Ibadan.

  • Badenoch and the diaspora mind-set

    Badenoch and the diaspora mind-set

    By Chike Okolocha

    Kemi Badenoch, nee Adegoke, Leader of the British Conservative (Tory) Party who represents North West Essex in the House of Commons, is a right-wing, combative and fearless politician who revels in controversy. Recently, she publicly disavowed her Nigerian heritage with a spectacular reference to police corruption. Maybe she should have chosen another example as police corruption, though rampant, is not unique to Nigeria. In 2023 alone, 85% of police officers in England and Wales charged for misconduct were found liable. And, according to a recent report by Andy Cooke, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of the Constabulary titled “Beyond the Badge: Deep-rooted Problems in Policing,” many British police officers routinely engage in unethical and illegal activity. Indeed police misdemeanour is universal as there is hardly any country in the world with a wholly popular police.

    She further indicated that she would rather restrict her Nigerianess to being Yoruba because of wanton terrorism in the northern part of the country. What about terrorism in southern Nigeria?

    Indeed, Badenoch’s problem with Nigeria cannot be attributed to her negative encounter with the police or terrorism in northern Nigeria. A recent podcast actually attributed her attitude to a more deep-seated alienation which afflicts many Nigerians in the UK and elsewhere. Nigerians in the UK have an astounding negativity about Nigeria. Any visiting Nigerian is immediately accosted as an accomplice in the chicanery at home. Woe betide the visitor if (s)he is a government official! Perhaps such officials deserve the blame.

    Diaspora Nigerians disclaim any liability whatsoever in the mess at home, and they give the impression that their departure should energise those left behind to recreate the country. They also tend to premise their probable return on the how quickly Nigerians at home are able to fix the country. Yes: they will return only when there is constant electricity, good roads and sundry infrastructure and whenever bribery, corruption and tribalism have been wiped out and employment is guaranteed. It does not occur to diaspora Nigerians that these ambitions on good life are shared by Nigerians at home too. The vast majority of Nigerians in Nigeria are not complicit in bad governance and corruption among officials.

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    As the first black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom, you are wont to expect some empathy from Kemi Badenoch for longsuffering Nigerians, but she cares very little about her identity. This attitude which she cultivated from her youth has worked for her. She relocated from Nigeria to the UK in 1996 at a tender age of 16 years (ostensibly to avoid the backlash of the Sani Abacha regime), enrolled for A-levels, studied in Sussex University, converted into old-school politics and gained degrees in engineering and law. She formally joined the Conservative Party in 2005, lost several elections and voted for Brexit in 2016, the success of which was her springboard into parliament in 2017.

    In the tumult of Conservative Party government, Badenoch fortuitously became the Secretary of International Trade in the short-lived government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, having joined in the revolt against Boris Johnson under whom she was a junior minister. She retained her position as Secretary of International Trade under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who gave her several other positions until the 2024 political tsunami that swept the Labour Party into power.

    Though Kemi Badenoch has a wealthy parentage, she arrived in England a lonely teenager without money. She had to work to support herself but apparently never suffered any deprivation in her life. Her identification with the rich is thus a function of her heritage and genial life experiences. She associated with the well-to-do and was in confrontation with the left-wing even in the university. Contrary to evidence, she criticised the notion of widespread institutional racism against the hoi polloi of minorities in the UK, citing her rise to the leadership of the Conservative Party as enough evidence. And, in defiance of her immigrant background, she is perhaps the fiercest anti-immigration politician in the UK, comparable only to Donald Trump in America.

    Also very interesting is that unlike Rishi Sunak who cherishes his Asian roots, Badenoch abhors multiculturalism and believes all immigrants must integrate and adopt British values. She has done that.

    It is not surprising that she is provocatively anti-feminist, declaring maternity pay as excessive and helping to vote down the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill. As an apostle of the status quo from which she has benefitted, Badenoch does not shy away from airing her anti-modernist views, claiming that not all cultures are valid; but she apologised for hacking into the website of Labour Party leaders, an offense she dismissed as a joke. Strangely, she claimed that left-wing politics destroyed Nigeria. One is at a complete loss on how to justify this bold assertion as Nigerian politics is bereft of a left wing unless we accept the posturing of the late Aminu Kano and those who call themselves “progressives”.

    Even more disconcerting is her claim that the Glorious Revolution of 1688 paved the way for political stability in the UK and this led to the Industrial Revolution, not white privilege, slavery, colonialism and imperialism. Her sentiments are identical with those expressed in the “Imperial Measurement”, a report by the conservative Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) which proclaims that the net economic impact of trans-Atlantic slave trade and British occupation of a quarter of the world’s land area during colonialism was negative. Rather, IEA gives credit to free market economics and liberal institutions for the rise and dominance of Britain and the resilience of its economy to date.

    Nothing can be farther from the truth as evidenced by the advocacy of the Heirs of Slavery campaign group in the UK which credits slavery with the economic ascendancy of the country. Through detailed historical and deductive economic research, the University of West Indies has concluded that the UK owed US$24 trillion in reparations for transatlantic slavery to 14 countries.

    Similarly, in a book titled “Slavery, Capitalism and the Industrial Revolution”, Maxine Berg and Pat Hudson placed slavery at the heart of early industrialisation as well as the growth of banking and insurance services in England. Without slave-grown sugar and cotton as well as slave cargoes, there would have been nothing like British shipping or marine insurance. They pointed out that the frequent burning down of slave-grown sugar refineries in the UK also accounted for the growth of insurance. And, would there have been a boom in the textile industry in the UK without slave-grown cotton? Note also that the emergence of a strong Royal Navy was a function of the protection and policing of the slave trade. The British Empire was a veritable source of easy profits and rents.

    Kemi Badeoch is obviously alarmed by the increasing validation of this view which she stoutly disavows. She knows that the growing popularity of debt to slavery will ultimately bring the UK under increasing pressures for justice. Rishi Sunak refused to apologise for the Slave Trade because of this fear. But time will tell if Britain can ultimately escape the imperative of paying reparations.

    Some have attributed the ultra-conservatism of Badenoch to her background in science and banking. This may be so but she has already garnered ample political experience which cannot be constricted by science and banking. She knows what she is doing. Badenoch is a consummate politician who understands the conservative mind-set which she has fully exploited to great success. We should expect her to do more of what she is doing. It remains to be seen if her pragmatism will catapult her to the office of Prime Minister and keep her there for a long time.

    •Prof Okolocha is of Social Science Academy of Nigeria, Abuja.

  • ‘Our golden age has begun’

    ‘Our golden age has begun’

    Vice President Vance, Speaker Johnson, Senator Thune, Chief Justice Roberts, justices of the United States Supreme Court, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and my fellow citizens.  The Golden Age of America begins right now.

    From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first. Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end. And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free. America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before.

    I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success, a tide of change is sweeping the country, sunlight is pouring over the entire world, and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before. But first, we must be honest about the challenges we face. While they are plentiful, they will be annihilated by this great momentum that the world is now witnessing in the United States of America.  As we gather today, our government confronts a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair. We now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home, while at the same time stumbling into a continuing catalogue of catastrophic events abroad. It fails to protect our magnificent, law-abiding American citizens, but provide sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals, many from prisons and mental institutions that have illegally entered our country from all over the world. We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defence of foreign borders, but refuses to defend American borders or more importantly, its own people.

    Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina, been treated so badly. And other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago. Or more recently in Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burn from weeks ago without even a token of defence. They’re raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now. They don’t have a home any longer. That’s interesting, but we can’t let this happen. Everyone is unable to do anything about it. That’s going to change. We have a public health system that does not deliver in times of disaster, yet more money is spent on it than any country anywhere in the world. And we have an education system that teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves, in many cases to hate our country despite the love that we try so desperately to provide to them. All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly.

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     My recent election has a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal, and all of these many betrayals that have taken place, and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and indeed, their freedom. From this moment on, America’s decline is over. Our liberties and our nation’s glorious destiny will no longer be denied, and we will immediately restore the integrity, competency, and loyalty of America’s government. Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250 year history, and I’ve learned a lot along the way the journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one that I can tell you.

    Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom, and indeed to take my life. Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again. Thank you. Thank you very much. That is why each day under our administration of American patriots, we will be working to meet every crisis with dignity and power and strength. We will move with purpose and speed to bring back hope, prosperity, safety, and peace for citizens of every race, religion, colour and creed. For American citizens, January 20th, 2025 is Liberation Day. It is my hope that our recent presidential election will be remembered as the greatest and most consequential election in the history of our country. As our victory showed, the entire nation is rapidly unifying behind our agenda with dramatic increases in support from virtually every element of our society, young and old, men and women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, urban, suburban, rural and very importantly, we had a powerful win in all seven swing states, and the popular vote we won by millions of people

     To the black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote. We set records and I will not forget it. I’ve heard your voices in the campaign, and I look forward to working with you in the years to come. Today is Martin Luther King Day and his honour, this will be a great honour, but in his honour, we will strive together to make his dream a reality. We will make his dream come true. Thank you. Thank you. National unity is now returning to America and confidence and pride is soaring like never before.

    In everything we do. My administration will be inspired by a strong pursuit of excellence and unrelenting success. We will not forget our country. We will not forget our Constitution and we will not forget our God. Can’t do that.  Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about common sense.

    First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. We will reinstate my remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch and release. And I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country. Under the orders I signed today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. And by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. I will direct our government to use the full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to U.S. soil, including our cities and inner cities.

    As Commander in Chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions and that is exactly what I am going to do. We will do it at a level that nobody has ever seen before.  Next, I will direct all members of my cabinet to marshal the vast powers at their disposal to defeat what was record inflation and rapidly bring down costs and prices. The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill. America will be a manufacturing nation once again, and we have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have, the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth and we are going to use it, and they use it. We will bring prices down, fill our strategic reserves up again, right to the top and export American energy all over the world. We will be a rich nation again and it is that liquid gold under our feet that will help to do it.  With my actions today, we will end the Green New Deal and we will revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry and keeping my sacred pledge to our great American autoworkers. In other words, you’ll be able to buy the car of your choice. We will build automobiles in America again at a rate that nobody could have dreamt possible just a few years ago and thank you to the autoworkers of our nation for your inspiring vote of confidence. We did tremendously with their vote. I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families. Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.

     For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties and revenues. It will be massive amounts of money pouring into our treasury coming from foreign sources. The American Dream will soon be back and thriving like never before. To restore confidence and effectively is to our federal government, my administration will establish the brand new Department of Government Efficiency. After years and years of illegal and unconstitutional federal efforts to restrict free expression, I will also sign an executive order to immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America. Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents. Something I know, something about. We will not allow that to happen. It will not happen again. Under my leadership, we will restore a fair, equal, and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law and we are going to bring law and order back to our cities.

     This week I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. We will forge a society that is colourblind and merit based. As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.  This week, I will reinstate any service members who were unjustly expelled from our military for objecting to the COVID vaccine mandate, with full back pay. And I will sign an order to stop our warriors from being subjected to radical political theories and social experiments while on duty. It’s going to end immediately. Our armed forces will be free to focus on their sole mission: defeating America’s enemies. Like in 2017, we will again build the strongest military the world has ever seen. We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also byy the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into. My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifie, that’s what I want to be, a peacemaker and a unifier. I’m pleased to say that as of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families. Thank you.

    America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth, inspiring the all and admiration of the entire world.  A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and we will restore the name of a great president, William McKinley to Mount McKinley, where it should be and where it belongs. President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent. He was a natural businessman and gave Teddy Roosevelt the money for many of the great things he did, including the Panama Canal, which has foolishly been given to the country of Panama after the United States, the United States, I mean, think of this spent more money than ever spent on a project before and lost 38,000 lives in the building of the Panama Canal. We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made and Panama’s promise to us has been broken. The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharge, charged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form. And that includes the United States Navy and above all, China is operating the Panama Canal and we didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama and we’re taking it back. 

    Above all, my message to Americans today is that it is time for us to once again act with courage, vigor, and vitality of history’s greatest civilization. So as we liberate our nation, we will lead it to new heights of victory and success. We will not be deterred. Together, we will end the chronic disease epidemic and keep our children safe, healthy, and disease free. The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation, one that increases our wealth, expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations, and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons. And we will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars launching American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars. Ambition is the lifeblood of a great nation and right now, our nation is more ambitious than any other.

    There’s no nation like our nation. Americans are explorers, builders, innovators, entrepreneurs and pioneers. The spirit of the frontier is written into our hearts. The call of the next great adventure resounds from within our souls. Our American ancestors turned a small group of colonies on the edge of a vast continent into a mighty republic of the most extraordinary citizens on Earth. No one comes close. Americans pushed thousands of miles through a rugged land of untamed wilderness.

    They crossed deserts, scaled mountains, braved untold dangers, won the Wild West, ended slavery, rescued millions from tyranny, lifted billions from poverty, harnessed electricity, split the atom, launched mankind into the heavens and put the universe of human knowledge into the palm of the human hand. If we work together, there is nothing we cannot do and no dream we cannot achieve. Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback. But as you see today, here I am, the American people have spoken. I stand before you now is proof that you should never believe that something is impossible to do. In America, the impossible is what we do best. From New York to Los Angeles, from Philadelphia to Phoenix, from Chicago to Miami, from Houston to right here in Washington, DC, our country was forged and built by the generations of patriots who gave everything they had for our rights and for our freedom.

    They were farmers and soldiers, cowboys and factory workers, steel workers and coal miners, police officers and pioneers who pushed onward, marched forward, and let no obstacle defeat their spirit or their pride. Together they laid down the railroads, raised up the skyscrapers, built great highways, won two world wars, defeated fascism and communism, and triumphed over every single challenge that they faced. After all we have been through together, we stand on the verge of the four greatest years in American history. With your help, we will restore America’s promise and we will rebuild the nation that we love and we love it so much.  We are one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God. So to every parent who dreams for their child and every .

    Will America will be respected again and admired again who dreams for their future, I am with you. I will fight for you and I will win for you. We are going to win like never before. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. In recent years, our nation has suffered greatly. ut we are going to bring it back and make it great again, greater than ever before. We will be a nation like no other, full of compassion, courage and exceptionalism. Our power will stop all wars and bring a new spirit of unity to a world that has been angry, violent and totally unpredictable. America will be respected again and admired again, including by people of religion, faith, and goodwill. We will be prosperous. We will be proud. We will be strong and we will win like never before. We will not be conquered. We will not be intimidated. We will not be broken and we will not fail. From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign and independent nation. We will stand bravely. We will live proudly. We will dream boldly, and nothing will stand in our way because we are Americans.

     The future is ours and our golden age has just begun. Thank you.

    God bless America. Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you

  • Tax Reform Bills, power devolution: paths to fiscal federalism

    Tax Reform Bills, power devolution: paths to fiscal federalism

    Olisa Agbakoba

    The recently proposed Tax Reform Bill represents a significant turning moment for Nigeria, with implications that extend beyond revenue distribution to the foundational principles of federalism.

    While the mechanisms for revenue allocation within the bill have ignited discussions, the issues at stake are deeper and politically sensitive.

    A key point of contention raised by the bill is whether the Federal Government should primarily act as a revenue collector and distributor or focus on its essential constitutional responsibilities.

    The current system, marked by excessive centralisation, impedes economic growth and undermines the principles of fiscal federalism.

    One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is its emphasis on Value Added Tax (VAT), which is fundamentally a tax on sales or consumption typically managed at the state level.

    The centralised control of consumption taxes is considered is an anomaly that limits the autonomy and fiscal capacity of state governments.

    This dependence on the Federal Government for revenue and subsidies is proving to be unsustainable, hindering innovation and restricting states from developing fiscal policies that align with their specific economic strengths and needs.

    The potential for revenue generation at the sub-national level is often underestimated. The existing system tends to discourage initiative and accountability, leading to a culture of dependency.

    By adopting a more decentralised approach, it would be possible to unlock previously untapped revenue streams. For example, Plateau State has rich agricultural potential due to its rich arable land; but it is constrained by an overly centralised revenue system.

    Similarly, Spain’s success in the global olive oil market illustrates how states can specialise and generate significant revenue based on their unique resources.

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    Additionally, Europe’s strong economies, many of which lack significant oil reserves, demonstrate that it is possible to thrive without relying heavily on a single resource.

    Proposed solutions -embracing fiscal federalism

    To unlock Nigeria’s vast economic potential and strengthen its federal structure, the following strategic recommendations are proposed:

    Decentralisation of VAT: Abolish the current federally controlled Value Added Tax (VAT) system and delegate its collection and management to state governments.

    This change would empower states to design their own VAT policies that are tailored to their unique economic circumstances, thus invigorating local economies.

    Promoting state-level revenue diversification: States should be encouraged to identify and cultivate their specific revenue sources.

    By investing in infrastructure, education, and skill development that are aligned with each state’s strengths, a more conducive environment for varied revenue streams can be created.

    Strengthening state revenue collection mechanisms: Provide states with the capacity and resources to effectively collect taxes at the local level.

    This requires investing in training, technology, and anti-corruption measures. A reduction in reliance on federal handouts will incentivise more efficient and responsible fiscal management.

    Redefining the Federal Government’s role: The Federal Government should concentrate on its core constitutional responsibilities, such as national security, defence, foreign policy, and regulation of interstate commerce. Revenue allocation should align with this redefined role, ensuring funding for essential functions.

    Establishing a fairer revenue sharing formula: Along with the transfer of VAT collection to states, it is crucial to develop a transparent, equitable, and predictable revenue-sharing formula.

    This formula should address disparities between states and guarantee adequate funding for essential national services, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of each state’s economic capacity and potential for revenue generation.

    The Tax Reform Bill presents a great opportunity to restructure Nigeria’s federal system. By embracing fiscal federalism, Nigeria can unlock its vast economic potential, enhance good governance, and promote sustainable development.

    The path forward requires not just a redistribution of revenue, but a fundamental shift in fiscal philosophy and a commitment to empowering states to become financially independent and accountable. This will lead to a more equitable and prosperous nation.

    • •Dr Agbakoba is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
  • Oborevwori: Raising the bar of governance

    Oborevwori: Raising the bar of governance

    By Jackson Ekwugum

     Gradually but steadily, many are now coming to terms with the unique leadership skills and patriotic fervour of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State. All the misconceptions, misinformation, and falsehood that were concocted about him by his traducers and naysayers are now giving way to the sudden realisation that Oborevwori is a classic study in governance with his unswerving sense of mission and determined strides. Because he is not one to hug the limelight or engage in needless political grandstanding, many, perhaps understandably, misconstrued his self-effacing mien and grassroots approach to politics and governance to be a sign of weakness, or inability to grasp the complexities of modern statecraft. But after 19 months on the saddle, it is becoming increasingly clear that Oborevwori is a masterclass in leadership.

    Evidence of his rising profile as a national political leader was on full display last December during the marriage ceremony of his son in Asaba. Political heavyweights across the political divide made their presence felt with their obvious enthusiasm and delight. The list of attendees included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his vice, Shettima (both represented by aviation minister, Festus Keyamo), governors, National Assembly members, ministers, and business tycoons in the likes of Tony Elumelu and Gabriel Ogbechie. Not to forget of course, Oborevwori’s predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

    The event spoke volumes of Governor Oborevwori’s ability to forge friendships and build synergy across board for the purposes of a stable polity and good governance, a fact that was eloquently attested to by the president in describing Governor Oborevwori as “a bridge builder and model political leader.” Such a profound validation coming from the president and leader of the ruling APC is a tacit endorsement of the governor’s trademark humility, and bi-partisan approach to governance that prioritises the interests and well-being of the citizens above any partisan or parochial considerations. It is to be said that Oborevwori is quietly emerging as a potent political force on the national stage.

    Even at home, notable political actors are taking note and, even if subdued, are weighing in on the governor’s character, leadership prowess, and achievements so far. Senator Peter Nwaoboshi was recently quoted by a blogger thus: “…I know Sheriff as a humble, fearless, and respectful young man who does not fall for pressure.” In truth, that is the paradox that is Governor Oborevwori. Humble yet fearless. Tough but tender hearted. Audacious, yet respectful. Blunt but empathetic. In a viral Facebook post and, obviously, in veiled reference to Governor Oborevwori, Felix Tony Nwaka, former commissioner in the state, alluded to the enigma that is Oborevwori. Titled, “WHAT IF HE TURNS OUT THE BEST,” Nwaka waxed poetic:

     “He appears focused on his assignment. What if he delivers on the job? What if he surpasses all his predecessors? Could this be the man we’ve all been waiting for? All the while we searched afar, he lay humbly at our feet. The gold that is covered with mud. Not as glorious as his forebears, but exudes a curious calm dignity. Is he the one appointed to take us to unprecedented heights of distinction? Could it be we are about to experience again the good old days? When we were the envy of all. When our exceptional exploits, powered by a united force, resounded at the farthest reaches imaginable. Who knows? You never can tell. Sometimes the expectations of man are at variance with cosmic constructions. Indeed, God works in mysterious ways. What can mortal do but to watch his reign and await the judgement of posterity?”

    As I finalised this piece, elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark delivered a resounding verdict. “Governor Oborevwori,” he emphatically declared, “has achieved remarkable progress in development and democracy enhancement in Delta State. I urge him to continue undistracted, ensuring that no community is left behind.” Hardly surprising, therefore, that Oborevwori is among the four nominees for Governor of the Year award by Arise Television and ThisDay newspaper.

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    These encomiums are pouring in as Governor Oborevwori last week commenced his state-wide inspection and monitoring of projects in the state. A rigorous exercise that will take him and his team to all the ongoing projects in the 25 local government areas of the state, it brought to the fore the governor’s relentless drive for excellence and passion for unrivalled service delivery. Even more significantly, it showcased the governor’s acclaimed street credibility. Touring projects in Asaba Capital Territory and environs, the contractors and site engineers were astounded by the governor’s understanding of the construction processes and attention to details.

    He came with his measuring tape to assess the exact size of the formworks on drainages to ensure they were in line with the approved designs. He could take one look at the rods being used on some of the sites and tell the contractor that they were using the wrong materials for the job. Each time, he was proved right. No surprises there, for long before he was thrust into the dizzying heights of public service, Oborevwori was a successful businessman with wide ranging interests in construction, real estate, and oil and gas. Most of the contractors and site supervisors were left rueing their bad luck as the governor expressed his displeasure and directed that the right materials be used at their own costs. And for good measure, two state officials are facing sanctions for issuing certificates and facilitating payment for uncompleted projects.

    The first two days of the inspection exercise revealed two things. First, Governor Oborevwori means business; he is not to be trifled with when it comes to delivering quality and excellent jobs. As he stressed at the press interview at the end of day two, he was not out to put up a “media show.” He simply wants the jobs done and done to specification. Nothing more. Nothing less. Oborevwori’s undiluted passion for excellence reflects in everything he does and he wants to see that translated into every project in the state. Secondly, he is not fazed by the rigours and inconveniences of inspecting every ongoing project in the state. Gifted with a voracious appetite for work, it was evident that Oborevwori is irrevocably committed to ensuring that Deltans get full value from every naira spent.

    The governor’s only distress comes from our national penchant to cut corners and maximise profit at the expense of the public good. His pain was palpable as he lamented that indigenous contractors were “majorly” culpable in this regard. Hence, his patriotic appeal to all and sundry to embrace the timeless values of honesty, transparency, accountability, contentment, and love for country and state.

    The message from the governor was clear: let us all be the change that we want to see in society.

    •Ekwugum is manager, Communications, Government House, Asaba.