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Category: Discourse

LEAP Africa shows further commitment to impactful change with 11th awards

LEAP Africa has hosted the 11th Social Innovators Programme and Awards (SIPA) at West Africa Deal Summit, on Victoria Island, Lagos.

This year’s event: “Actions to Deepen Catalytic Capital in West Africa,” attracted thought leaders, impact investors, and social innovators.

SIPA celebrates young changemakers by equipping them with skills and resources to establish sustainable social enterprises. Twenty social innovators from Africa were welcomed into the programme, marking LEAP Africa’s further commitment to fostering impactful, long-term social change.

This transformative journey culminated in an annual conference and awards that honours participants’ achievements.

A pivotal point this year was the breakfast meeting with Chair of Nigerian National Advisory Board, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, who addressed participants’ questions on importance of embedding social equity and local insight into their enterprises.

“To create lasting impact, the best business model must directly solve a real problem and offer an economically viable solution,” she said.

Board Chair of LEAP Africa, Mrs. Clare Omatseye, noted importance of showcasing Africa’s pioneering social innovatorse making transformative impact on the continent.

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“We are proud to showcase Africa’s trailblazing social innovators who are transforming communities on the continent. By empowering these leaders and strengthening connections with impact driven investors, we are catalysing a future of sustainable, inclusive growth for Africa,” she said.

Executive Director, Kehinde Ayeni, praised the partnership between LEAP Africa and Impact Investors Foundation.

She stressed importance of collaboration in advancing social innovation and the transformative potential of organisations uniting for a common cause.

The event included an award ceremony celebrating achievements of social innovators. Outstanding Fellow Awards were given to Asiimire Justine, and Adaeze Akpagbula for their solutions to localised challenges.

The Innocent Chukwuma Award for Youth and Gender Empowerment in Southeast was received by Uche Udekwe for his work through Natal Care, and The Seyi Bickersteth Award for Financial Accountability was awarded to Mago Hasfa for upholding financial accountability, transparency and sustainability in social enterprise.

November 18, 2024
Oyedepo gets award

Pastor David Oyedepo Jnr, son of General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), Pastor David Oyedepo, has got Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow award.

The award was presented to him by Rotary Foundation Chair of Rotary Club of Ota, Salau Doris, a second level of major donor of Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

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Paul Harris Fellow is a person who has been recognised as having done something significant for others.

Guest speaker award was also presented to Oyedepo Jnr during installation of 42nd President of Rotary Club of Ota.

The award was presented by the President, Rtn Jackie Kassim, in the presence of other members of the club.

Rotary Foundation helps

November 18, 2024
Localising humanitarian and development programmes in 2025 Nigeria
- By Judith-Ann Walker
As the Nigerian government, at national and state levels, addresses development and humitarian assistance priorities in 2025 budget estimates, a new generation of catalytic programmes are being rolled out, simultaneously, to equip Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and innovators to complement government’s efforts. Importantly, the new initiatives are being rolled out as launch events under the rubric of localisation.

The first such event, a project launch, was held last week, 14-15 November, 2024 at the State House Banquet Hall where a large gathering of stakeholders, at the instance of the Office of the Vice President, deliberated on the merits of the Humanitarian Supply Chain Management – Partnership for Localisation Study. The study is conducted under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and supported by USAID. Given the demonstrable commitment and zeal of the Nigerian CSO humitarian community to localisation, the study will, no doubt, document local CSO comparative advantages and innovations as well as capacity gaps. The study will go on to propose capacity strengthening strategies for CSOs, positioning them to take leadership along the humanitarian procurement value chain. Findings from this study hold the promise of empowering community associations in situations of humanitarian emergencies to deliver supplies, services, commodities and resources to beneficiaries in line with principles of cost effectiveness, accountability, reliability and responsiveness.

The second event in the localisation space is the launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Project on 18th November 2024, at the Presidential Villa. The GCNg is a development facing project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology (FMIST) to foster, fund and advance local innovations to solve key problems in science, health, food systems and development in Nigeria. The first Request for Proposals funding call will be made public and unveiled on the 18th November and published on the GCNg’s website.

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As part of the Global Grand Challenges family of 15 initiatives, inspired by a think piece at the Gates foundation in 2003, with first awards in 2005, the Nigeria Grand Challenges project, is long awaited and much anticipated. GC Rwanda was launched in 2023; GC Senegal was launched in 2022; and 3 GCs for Africa, South Africa and Ethiopia were all launched in 2015. Between 2005 and 2024, 21 years of Global Grand Challenges funding by 15 GC initiatives, a total of 4,024 awards have been made with only 88 or 2.2% awards made to Nigerians. The largest number, 44 or 50% of all awards to Nigerians, was made by only one of the 15 initiatives – Grand Challenges Canada (GCC). Professor Peter A. Singer, the then CEO of GCC and current Special Advisor to the Director General of the World Health Organisation, took a personal interest in Nigerian innovations, showcasing projects in his 2013 reflective Letter from the CEO’s desk.

The launch of GCNg is a phenomenal opportunity to inspire and support out-of-the-box thinkers and actors working to address the country’s many challenges, to apply good science and local knowledge in coming up with innovative and sustainable solutions. As GCNg rolls out at the Presidential Villa in the presence of previous Nigerian award recipients, this is a consequential moment for localising the science of change, including innovations in behavioural change sciences. It is instructive that the only two Nigerian awards made under the category of Development Grand Challenge since 2011 were made to the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) to implement a behavioural change innovation, engaging Muslim Opinion Leaders to promote maternal health in Northern Nigeria. These two opportunities offer possibilities for building communities of local solutions-oriented innovators to address the many challenges of 2025.

•Dr Walker, Brookings Scholar and Ashoka Innovator, is CEO of dRPC, a Nigerian non-profit organisation formed in 1994 by lecturers. She pioneered postgraduate programme in Development Studies at BUK, Kano.
November 18, 2024
Students get N20m research grants for service-oriented projects

Grooming Centre Nigeria, a microfinance institution, has given 50 doctoral students and 100 undergraduates research grants worth N20 million.

Each postgraduate student got N200,000, and each undergraduate student N100,000.

The 2024 Grooming Centre University Research Grant is the sixth, as students from 55 universities and polytechnics received the cash last week at a ceremony in Lagos

Technical Committee member, Dr Abraham Okpe, noted that this year was the first time (since inception) there would be maximum 150 beneficiaries from 513 applications.

He said 513 were screened to 359 proposals.

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Okpe said the grant began six years ago, with 393 students benefitting so far. He said 10 indicators were used for grading; contextual relevance, originality, sustainability of ideas, SMEs-based content.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga, a lecturer at Lagos State University, who spoke on financial inclusion, stressed the relevance of financial inclusion to tackling poverty, supporting income and boosting entrepreneurship.

Founder, Godwin Nwabunka, said the centre is poised to improve the scheme in terms of monetary value.

He said: “We went out for 150 and we got it. We reached over 500 institutions this year. So, we need to expand. We also need to look at inflation and value of the naira.

“We will track beneficiaries and ensure projects translate to services. The ecosystem provides more opportunities. We also mentor people. Entrepreneurship is the major thing we promote…”

A beneficiary, Obuoro Grace, HND student at Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, said she did an app to assist poultry farmers.

November 18, 2024
Ex-worker sues firms for unpaid benefits

Former Group Financial Controller of Ibeto Group, Sunday Eze, has taken his former employer to National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Asaba over alleged unpaid salary and retirement entitlements.

Defendants are Ibeto Group, Ibeto Industries, Ibeto Petrochemical, Ibeto Hotels, Ibeto Cement, Max Shipping Services, Union Auto Parts Manufacturing Company and Odoh Holding.

Eze was employed as the group Financial controller by Ibeto Group on November 6, 2001, with effect from December 1, 2001, and worked for 19 years.

He said on May 21, 2021, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Madubugwu Ibeto, convened a meeting attended by him and other executives.

Ibeto informed them that one of the company’s clients had made an initial payment of N2.7 billion for the first two years of a tenancy agreement for Ibeto Terminal in Port Harcourt.

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Eze said Dr. Ibeto promised to settle his outstanding salary of N17,861,995.54, which was owed up to April 30, 2021, in three or more instalments.

The claimant said Ibeto informed him his salary would be reduced to half from May 2021 for an initial six months, after which the arrangement would be reviewed.

Eze said he formally retired from his position and requested that all outstanding entitlements be paid.

At the last hearing on November 14 before Justice O. A. Ogunbowale, the claimant’s counsel appeared but the defendants’ legal representatives were absent.

Justice Ogunbowale adjourned till February 5, for hearing.

November 18, 2024
Lagos marks Day for Tolerance

Lagos State has joined others to mark International Day for Tolerance, calling for peace, inclusivity and unity.

With the Theme: ‘Tolerance Projects Beauty in Diversity of Human Groups,’ the event, at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, featured a ‘Walk for Tolerance’, from Adeyemi Bero Auditorium to Allen Junction, Ikeja, to sensitise residents on the need for tolerance.

The walk was followed by a panel discussion at the auditorium, bringing together stakeholders, including Muslims and Christians, to reflect on importance of tolerance.

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Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Special Adviser on Internal Audit, Oyeyemi Ayoola, noted role of tolerance in fostering peace and stability in a world of intolerance and discrimination.

“Lagos State stands as a shining testament to the power of tolerance. Our differences are not a source of division, but a strength that enriches our shared experience and fuels collective growth,” he said.

November 18, 2024
Situating Dangote’s tantrums in the quest for a perfect downstream market

By Tanimola Adedeji

Nigeria and its citizens are currently going through enormous pains as a result of the quest to emplace as close to a perfect market as can be in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry. Over the years, a number of factors distorted the market, chief of which was the fuel subsidy regime. With the big elephant out of the room, the process of recalibrating the next big factors of supply and price is wreaking havoc on the system with players pitching their tents on various sides in a bitter game of recriminations. At the centre of this game is Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his multi-billion-dollar petroleum refinery.

Since earlier in the year when the Dangote Refinery began to source feedstock for the plant to commence operations, Dangote has managed to cut a somewhat curious image for himself, the image of Esau as painted at Genesis 16:12 in the Bible: “This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.” (NLT).

Dangote has almost literally raised his fist against everyone in the industry. When he is not attacking the upstream regulator, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for not helping to guarantee crude oil supply to his plant, he is up in arms against the downstream regulator, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for granting licenses to marketers to import petroleum products. He is on record to have attacked the NNPC Ltd and the International Oil Companies for not selling crude oil to him. Lately he has shifted the battle to the marketers for not buying refined petroleum products from his refinery. He has dragged the NMDPRA and some marketers to court to stop them from importing petroleum products when his refinery has enough products in-country. He has accused the NMDPRA of lacking the capacity to certify the standard of products, which is quite unfortunate. We pray that the day does not come when the quality of his products will be called to question. If that day comes, it will be difficult to verify the standard of his own products since it will be difficult for the public to trust the regulator he has denigrated and he cannot be a judge in his own case!

In all these battles, Dangote comes across as someone who is not ready for a deregulated market. And this is quite baffling because one of the reasons cited by some of those who were granted licenses to build refineries but could not do so was that the regulated market regime made their projects unbankable as lenders raised questions about sustainability. A deregulated market ensures that both refiners and marketers sell at market-driven prices that guarantee a decent profit for business sustainability.

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But as the market is in the process of reset into being a deregulated or perfect market, Dangote appears not to be comfortable with it. His tantrums manifesting in the form of battles with all other players in the industry are all geared towards manipulating the market reset process to create a market situation that suits and favours him. If not, what is the rationale behind his insistence that all marketers must willy-nilly buy from him? Is he willing to accept the direct opposite of his position which is that he must willy-nilly sell products to local marketers whether they can afford his price or not, and that he cannot export products until he satisfies the local market?

That Dangote has set his eyes on running a monopoly in the downstream sector for a long time is not in doubt. Way back in 2019/2020 when the Petroleum Industry Bill was being debated in the National Assembly and his refinery had not got to the point of commissioning, he wanted the lawmakers to insert a clause in the law banning importation of petroleum products. When that didn’t fly because of the implication on the overall national energy security, he insisted that the clause be rephrased to read that only refineries owners should be allowed to import petroleum products if there is a shortfall in local production. So, his fixation on having a downstream market that is skewed in his favour is really nothing new. The method of achieving that is what has changed from benign to malevolent.

The latest of his tactics is the spurious argument that Nigeria is the only oil producing country that keeps on importing petroleum products. This argument is not true as there are many oil producing countries that import products for a number of reasons. The reasons could range from refining capacity limitation to economic considerations and supply-demand mismatch. While not advocating a wholesale importation regime for Nigeria, and while it is good for us to develop local refining capacity, it is not economically wise to be stampeded into a decision of outright ban on importation, as Dangote wants Nigeria to do. That was the wisdom in the rejection of his proposals by the lawmakers in 2020. The lawmakers understood that any of a number of things could come up that could require that products be imported.

In fact, a country like Saudi Arabia with more that 10 times Nigeria’s production capacity sometimes resort to product importation. Others like Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Iran, Algeria, and Angola often import petroleum product despite their strong credentials in crude oil production. It is just like crude oil importation, many oil producing countries do import certain grades of crude oil to blend with theirs for refining in order to maximize the yield of certain products. The notion of self-sufficiency in matters of crude oil and refined products is actually very fluid and is better handled by regulatory agencies on the basis of as-the-need-arises and not on the basis of emotions.

It is understandable that as a business man, Dangote wants to make as much money from his huge investment in the refinery as possible. But such aspiration is better realized on a sustainable basis in a fully deregulated market that is as close to a perfect market as possible. The competition that is enabled by such a market creates enormous efficiencies and benefits for both the producers and consumers.

The market is on a reset mode. It is in the interest of everyone – refiners, marketers, retailers, and consumers – to allow the process to run to its logical conclusion where water would find its level. Throwing tantrums everyday like a spoilt child whose lollipop was taken away, accusing marketers of importing sub-standard products, and insisting that the regulator lacks capacity to certify the quality of products are wrong-headed strategies that could at best yield temporary results. Fortunately for the market and unfortunately for Dangote, majority of Nigerians see through the shenanigans and know exactly that he is fighting to establish a monopoly. However, the oil industry is a different kettle of fish altogether. Though the downstream may be local, it has international linkages that insulate it from such manipulations.

It is a good thing that other countries are beginning to explore the possibility of patronizing his refinery. He should concentrate on beefing up production to service his growing customer base rather than short-circuit the ongoing market reset process.

•Tanimola Adedeji, an energy market analyst, wrote in from Lagos.

November 15, 2024
Unpacking the 2024 Joint Annual Health Review meeting

“For the first time, we have fulfilled two major commitments: conducting this Joint Annual Review and presenting the State of Health Report for Nigeria. These reports symbolise our dedication to transparency, accountability, and progress. Governments have all contributed to this effort. Their dedication and resilience are at the heart of our healthcare system, and we continue to rely on their commitment to carry forward these foundational legacies. As we build on this legacy, we are reminded that our mission to deliver an efficient, equitable, and quality health system for all Nigerians would not be possible without the efforts of those who came before us. We stand on the shoulders of these giants in the health sector, learning from their experiences and carrying forward their vision for a healthier Nigeria,’’ – Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

This extract from the keynote speech of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate at the Sector-Wide Joint Annual Health Review meeting foregrounds the historic spectrum of the event.

The Sector-Wide Joint Annual Health Review (JAR) meeting was held in Abuja from 6 to 8 November 2024. It was the first of its kind and provided a robust platform for the rigorous interrogation of challenges, evaluation of achievements, and the mapping of strategies and priorities for the health sector.

In the course of the three-day event, groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), which offers free cesarean sections to all eligible Nigerian women meeting the established criteria, and the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment Report, were launched.

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According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the V&A Report provides essential insight into the impact of climate change on health across Nigeria. By identifying climate-related health risks, the Report supports the creation of a resilient health system capable of addressing the challenges posed by a changing environment, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable health security and the well-being of Nigerians.

‘’Another key outcome was the establishment of a dedicated Expert Working Group (EWG) focused on strengthening our national health data systems. The EWG will implement regular health mini-surveys, bridging the current five-year gap in data collection from the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Through timely and reliable data, the group will empower us to track progress, address emerging health threats, and make informed, data-driven decisions essential to the sector’s success,’’ the Ministry said.

The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) has spurred interest and commendation since its launch. The reason is obvious. It is a transformative programme — innovative by design and novel in scale.

Here are a few highlights of the initiative, which was launched on the second day of the meeting.

The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) is a strategic action plan to reduce maternal mortality through intensified intervention suites along the supply and demand components in priority 172 local government areas across the country.

Here, demand implies the desire and need for healthcare services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It encompasses several dimensions, which include quality care, awareness and education, etc, while supply entails the availability and accessibility of healthcare services, resources, and products necessary for the care of pregnant women, new mothers, and their infants.

Objectives of the MAMII strategy:

Increase facility utilisation by 60%

Increase delivery by skilled birth attendants by 60%

Reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by 30%

Key supply-side thrusts of interventions have been identified

Training of 120,000 frontline healthcare worker

Improving PHC functionality and expanding BHCPF PHCs to 17,600

Deployment of MNH innovations (PPH bundle, calibrated drapes, MMS, etc.)

Availability of responsive emergency management and referral systems, including sustainable health financing.

One of the high points of the JAR meeting was the presentation by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on the performance of key reforms and the strategic blueprint for 2024 – 2026. Of interest is the functionality level of the primary healthcare centres. The strategic objective remains: Every Nigerian has equitable access to quality PHC services they need through a system that they trust.

There are levels to PHC functionality. By definition, partially functional implies, “the PHC has the potential to provide antenatal and immunisation services”. Functional level 1 — “capable of providing antenatal and immunisation services”, and functional level 2 — “Everything in place for a pregnant woman to deliver a baby safely 24/7”.

BREAKDOWN OF FACILITIES BY FUNCTIONALITY AND ZONE

N = 8,421 facilities across 37 states

Total analysed facilities: North-Central (1,381), North-East (1,010), North-West (2,029), South-East (1,287), South-South (1,218), South-West (1,496)

Partially functional: North-Central (138-10%), North-East (60-6%), North-West (470-23%), South-East (203-16%), South-South (212 -17%), South-West (106 – 7%)

Functional L1: North-Central (953 – 69%), North-East (594 – 59%), North-West (1,071 – 53%), South-East (993 – 77%), South-South (775 – 64%), South-West (1,061 – 71%)

Functional L2: North-Central (290 – 21%), North-East (356 – 35%), North-West (488-24%), South-East (91 – 7%), South-South (231 – 9%), South-West (329 – 22%)

PHC REVITALISATION: PROGRESS AS OF OCTOBER 28, 2024

1. Total facilities projected for revitalisation: 4,022; 377 are being funded from national sources; 200 are globally funded with 72 being solarized and a record of 3,37352 Impact / BHCPF for States2.

2. Workplan & BOQ submitted: 3,384 and 360 are being funded from national sources with a record of 3,024 Impact / BHCPF for States2.

3. BOQ issued (no objection): 2,587 and 156 are being funded from national sources with a record of 2,587 Impact / BHCPF for States2.

4. PHC revitalisation objection contracts awarded to vendors: 213 with a record of 57 Impact / BHCPF for States2

5. PHC revitalisation work commenced: 272; 227 from State Funds4 and 253 from the private sector.

6. PHC revitalisation work commenced: 280; 45 from State Funds4 and 27 from the private sector.

Citizens can now view PHCs in their communities to access quality primary health care and to provide feedback for continuous improvement.

The launch of the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment Report, which is in furtherance of building a resilient system that will address the impact of climate change on health, was another milestone of the JAR meeting. Professor Pate launched the report on the last day of the event.

The Minister said the launch was a significant and proactive plan by the federal government to deal with the evolving perils of climate change on health.

‘’Climate change is a wicked problem. It is a wicked problem in the sense that it is complex, it is multi-perceptive. It interconnects with several other elements and, when we solve one, on another problem actually features. Whether it is in the injuries that we saw in Maiduguri and a few of other states this year or the flooding or in parts of Lagos state where we saw cholera outbreaks. Because of the rising water table, whether it is in the protracted cycle of transmission of malaria or the dengue fever that we saw in Sokoto a few months ago. Or flooding that destroys farmlands. So, this is a very complex issue,’’ he said.

• Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement

November 13, 2024
Okowa and EFCC: The facts, the fiction, and the fairy tale

By Olisa Ifeajika

We have observed the desperate attempt by some dubious elements and a section of the media to malign His Excellency, Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, over his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). With few exceptions, the media reports and commentaries have been mostly sensational, mischievous, and gross misrepresentations and distortions of the facts of the matter. They fall far short of the journalistic standards of factual reporting, fairness, balance, and simple logic. Most of these reports are riddled with outright lies, wild conjectures, and unverifiable claims, with the unmistakable diabolical intent to beguile and incite the unsuspecting public against Dr Okowa. But you cannot pull down him whom God has lifted. Like previous failed attempts to drag Dr Okowa’s name in the mud, this renewed offensive against him by his traducers is an exercise in futility.

The Facts of the Matter

The first point that needs to be made is that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr Okowa. As is customary with the anti-graft agency, the former Governor was invited to answer questions relating to some petitions that were filed against him by some disgruntled elements. Upon his return from vacation, and as a man with a clear conscience, Dr Okowa proceeded to the EFCC office in Portharcourt as requested. The substance of the petitions was that Dr Okowa allegedly corruptly enriched himself and used state resources to acquire 80% stake in Premium Trust Bank. He was also alleged to have diverted state resources to build housing estates in Asaba and Abuja and two hotels in Asaba, for himself.

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Governor Okowa cleared himself of those allegations as the estate in Abuja is owned by a public figure. The ex-Governor lives in his own private house in an estate in Asaba that is occupied by other residents who are home owners. Similarly, the owners of the hotels in Asaba are persons known to the public and the EFCC, while Okowa has zero financial interest in Premium Trust Bank. These are facts that are easily verifiable from the Corporate Affairs Commission and by virtue of the Freedom of Information Act.

The allegation that the former Governor allegedly diverted N1.3 trillion oil derivation funds is as ludicrous as it is outlandish. This is just a rehash of the same spurious allegations that some malicious, myopic, vindictive, and prejudiced persons concocted while Governor Okowa was still in office. These haters simply latched on to the EFCC invitation to launch a well-orchestrated propaganda, using their hirelings and hack writers in a section of the media. It is obvious that these people, including their puppets in the media, are bereft of commonsense. Otherwise, how can anybody in his right mind allege that N1.3 trillion was diverted for personal use? Are we to believe that Okowa’s administration did not pay salaries or execute a single project in eight years? It will take an individual to appropriate an average of N16b every month for eight years to amass a whooping sum of N1.3 trillion as alleged. The implication of such a scenario happening is that there will be no money to run the government or pay the salaries of the state’s almost 50,000 workforce. Prejudice is a terrible thing, and those caught in its web, often develop a warped sense of reasoning.

For the avoidance of doubt and for the benefit of the public, we wish to bring to the fore some salient information from the audited accounts of the Delta State Government for the eight years that Okowa presided over the affairs of the state.

Total Revenue (FAAC, IGR, Other receipts) = N2.65 trillion

Salaries = N628.5bn

Pensions/Contributory Pensions/Social Benefits = N141.22bn

Overhead/Consolidated Revenue Charges = N489.83bn

Grants/Contributions = 107.88bn

DESOPADEC = N221.2bn

Internal Loans Repayment/Public Debt Charges = N200.38bn

FAAC Deductions for Loan Repayment = N150.63bn

Total Capital Expenditure = N729.2bn

Among the flagship projects executed by the Okowa administration include the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat, which recently won the Nigerian Institute of Architects award for Most Iconic Corporate Building in Nigeria, the Ogheye Floating Market in Warri North LGA, the 19.7km Obotobo 1 –Obotobo 11 – Sokebolou – Yokri coastal road in Burutu LGA, Maryam Babangida Film Village and Leisure Park Asaba, Koka Flyover in Asaba, and Asaba Storm Water Drainage. The Warri Storm Water Drainage project, designed to tackle the perennial flooding in Warri and environs, was at advanced stage by the time Okowa left office on May 29, 2023.

In road infrastructure, the Okowa administration constructed over 2,000 kilometres of roads (including bridges) and 1,400 kilometres of drains. The administration established three new universities and six model technical colleges that have remained functional. Of course, there was the novel youth entrepreneurship development programmes of the Okowa administration that saw thousands of youths become small business owners and employers of labour. As a result, Delta was ranked the Best State in Human Capital Development in the 2017 states peer review by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria. Furthermore, Delta State under his watch enjoyed peace and security.

UTM INVESTMENT

The insinuation that the state government’s investment in the first Floating Liquified Natural Gas project promoted by UTM, a private indigenous company in the oil and gas sector, is a phantom project is at best laughable and at worst disingenuous. As a state rich in oil and gas, the administration of Okowa saw a viable opportunity in the project and, upon approval by the Delta State Executive Council and the House of Assembly, purchased equity in the company with N42.05b in two tranches of five percent and three percent. The authenticity of this project is evidenced by the signing of the Shareholders’ Agreement between UTM, NNPC limited, and the Delta State Government on December 19, 2023. Today, the state government’s investment has appreciated to at least N190.85 billion underscoring the wisdom and foresight of the Okowa administration.

CONCLUSION

It bears restating that Dr Okowa has nothing to hide. His governance of Delta State was marked by fiscal discipline, prudent management of resources, and excellent service delivery. As a matter of fact, the state won World Bank awards in Overall State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme (All DLIs), Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Efficiency of Public Expenditure, and Debt Sustainability. Dr Okowa is a man of unassailable integrity and we welcome any honest attempt to investigate his eight-year tenure as we believe it will vindicate his exemplary stewardship of the state.

We know that the current campaign of calumny against Okowa is at the behest of unscrupulous politicians who see him as the biggest threat to their 2027 political aspirations. Instead of engaging in lies and propaganda, we urge these persons to work at winning the hearts and confidence of the people. Power resides in the electorate and they are the ones who determine who is to govern or represent them.

Finally, we urge our media practitioners to always abide by the ethics of the profession. They should not allow themselves to continue to be used by desperate power mongers whose stock-in-trade is to engage in political subterfuge, stoke the fires of hatred, and foment crisis in the polity.

• Ifeajika was Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okowa (2019-2023)

November 13, 2024
‘Why Ondo should elect Aiyedatiwa’

By Olatunbosun Oladimeji

The people of Ondo will have another opportunity to decide who will preside over the state in the next four years from the Alagbaka Government House on Saturday, 16 November.

As recently indicated by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, interests are very high in the election with over 50, 000 new Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs collected. With the election just a few days away, the candidates have upped their campaigns.

As usual, some of the hitherto obscure candidates on the ballot are stepping up to make outlandish claims, promising to ‘build bridges where there is no water’ with the intention of bamboozling the electorate.

One of their strategies was a blackmail scheme orchestrated through a video clip that was recently released to the public domain. The evil the video clip could have done to the robe of the newly discovered stylish dancing governor was averted when nothing to show his look and voice to the personality in the clip.

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In the past and now, it’s obvious that the governor has been receiving accolades from the public due to his outstanding performance in office. Notably, on Sunday, November 2, the governor delivered a spectacular performance at the Channel TV debate, moderated by renowned journalist Seun Okinbaloye, of which the two major candidates in the Ondo governorship election participated.

Looking into the micro and macro of the governorship of the November 16 election,

some of the political analysts have said only two candidates out of the lot who will be on the ballot have the chance to emerge as the winner when the outcome of the November 16 poll is declared. But I think such analysts are generous and probably, wanted to portray the election as still very open or not attune with the situation on ground.

A standing glaring scene came open with the direct open firing punches from the arch rival, Agboola Ajayi, through the opportunity he had with Channel TV debate when Ayedatiwa laughed him off with all the arsenals in his kits when he said to Alfred Agboola Ajayi to stop breeding fake datas and rot news sourcing of the Ondo State government which he knows nothing about. That might be the last punch expected to stop the strongest of the opposition in the gubernatorial election.

But for me, the choice for the people of Ondo State is clear and unambiguous – for the continued progress and well -being of our dear state, every thumbprint on the ballot should go to Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the flag bearer of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the incumbent occupier of Alagbaka Government House.

And I know that so many people in Ondo State have realised this fact and this was the reason for the massive defection of leaders in the opposition parties to the APC ahead of the election.

Such defections were in realisation of the fact that the other option not only portends danger, it will be a reward for a man whose only claim to fame was disloyalty.

But the less said about him and his dead on arrival ambition, the better. Indeed, to me, he is a distraction not worth dwelling on at this critical time when the people of the state are faced with the task of determining the future of Ondo State.

Rather, my aim in this article is to impress our people why Aiyedatiwa should be kept in office to continue his many ‘Lucky Strides’ on Saturday, November 16.

Since he took over leadership of our state earlier this year following the unfortunate demise of his boss, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa had initiated projects and embarked on initiatives designed to boost the social economic fortunes of Ondo State across various sectors. Continuing on the footsteps of his late boss, Aiyedatiwa has embarked on projects designed to make a difference in the lives of the people.

The good news is that the generality of the people of the state appreciate these lucky strides, hence the commendations and the huge turnout at the APC campaign rallies as Aiyedatiwa goes around the state soliciting for the support of the people for a fresh mandate.

The massive defection of chieftains of opposition parties to the APC while pledging to ensure that Aiyedatiwa emerges winner of the November 16 election is further proof that the generality of the people realised the significance of letting the lucky strides continue for more years.

While there have been lucky strides in many areas, in this write up, we will focus on the massive rehabilitation of roads across the state with many of the projects completed and others nearing completion by the Governor.

Some of these projects include the Oda road dualisation project nearing completion, the Onyearugbulem-Irese flyover in Akure, the 15 km Oda Cocoa Board road in Oda town, the 3.5km Ebute Ipare road in Ilaje, 11.9km, the 6km   road , in Housing Estate, Otapete-Owo, the 6 km Iselu to Isuada-Owo road, the Omolege-Agunbiade road in Owo, and the 10.9km Idanre-Obajare Road in Idanre area of the state.

Also, projects like the Oda road dualisation, Ijoka road dualization and the Irese/Shagari Flyover in Akure, Owo dualization, Igoba road construction, etc are getting attention while approval has been given for the rehabilitation of 60km of selected roads across the state with asphalt-overlay. And as part of the bid to stop incessant accidents in Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South West local government area of the state, Aiyedatiwa has finalised plans for the dualisation of the road that runs from the town through the frontage of the main gate of the Adekunle Ajasin University.

Also, the contract has been awarded for the construction of 28 km Iyansan-Akotogbo-Iju-Osun road in the Irele local government area to connect Ondo Free Trade Zone with Edo State and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route in the state.

In the same vein, the construction of many rural roads have been initiated by Aiyedatiwa across the three senatorial districts in the state for development of grassroots working through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAMP).

Outlets roads leading to farmsteads and urban areas in Owo are graded for easier access to farming and transportation of foods and goods to the general public domain and the people.

In all, about 700 Kilometres of rural roads will be constructed across all the 18 Local Government Areas of the State. Of course, to make the roads work more pronounced, this will be complimented by constructions of nine of Agro-Logistics Centers (ALCs) designed to boost the rural economy.

Significantly, Aiyedatiwa’s consistent payment of counterpart funds for RAAMP, in line with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the World Bank and the French Development Agency made the construction of the roads possible.

Speaking while flagging off the 3.5km Ebute Ipare-oke rural road project in Ilaje local government area, Ondo southern senatorial district, Aiyedatiwa said his administration’s focus on the infrastructure projects, especially road constructions and rehabilitation, was to transform the rural areas.

According to him, the new roads would help address the economic gap between the rural and urban areas by facilitating smoother transportation and creating opportunities for the local farmers.

No doubt, Ondo State is set to witness the significant turnaround in the areas of roads and other infrastructure developments in the next four years.

There are revolutionary developments going on in the education, health, agriculture, development of human capital and others that will form the subject of our subsequent article ahead of the election. The intention was to stop the obvious attempt by buccaneers to deceive our people.

Like they say, morning shows the day, the signs are very positive and this is why no other person other than Aiyedatiwa and the broom symbol of his party deserve your thumbprints on Saturday, November 16.

• Oladimeji, a writer, political analyst and activist was a former Senior Special Assistant on Publications to the late Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

November 13, 2024