The Nation Newspaper

Category: Discourse

  • Bode Agusto: A visionary financial strategist gone

    Bode Agusto: A visionary financial strategist gone

    • By Tokunbo Abiru

    The passing of Mr. Mubasheer Olabode Agusto, affectionately known as Bode Agusto, on October 19, 2023, signifies a profound loss for Nigeria and all of us privileged to have shared close professional ties with him. A true gentleman and an exceptional professional, Bode significantly influenced the careers of numerous bank executives and corporate leaders. His mentorship was invaluable, providing guidance and insight that shaped our professional paths.

    My association with Bode Agusto traces back to my formative years in the 1991 batch at the Guaranty Trust Bank training school, where Bode, in his capacity as a partner at PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PwC), played a pivotal role in shaping our professional trajectories. His insights and expertise from that period were foundational for many, including myself.

    Upon my appointment as the inaugural Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Bode’s unwavering support became evident. With a keen interest in the bank’s success, he generously provided invaluable financial counsel on a pro bono basis. His comprehensive expertise across various sectors, combined with his ability to navigate intricate financial landscapes, were instrumental during my tenure.

    As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my interactions with Bode Agusto revealed his deep commitment to national progress. He consistently provided professional insights into government operations and developmental economics. He played a pivotal role in shaping policies and macro-economic strategies that underpinned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. His dedication always leaned towards Nigeria’s betterment, putting collective progress over personal recognition.

    Born on September 14, 1955, Bode Agusto’s academic and professional achievements were nothing short of remarkable. His academic journey took him from the University of Lagos to esteemed institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But beyond his academic accomplishments, Bode’s legacy lay in his mentorship. He was ever-eager to share his wealth of knowledge, fostering a culture of continuous learning and upholding the highest standards of professionalism.

    His visionary spirit led him to establish Agusto & Co in 1992, Nigeria’s premier credit rating agency, after illustrious stints at PwC and Citibank Nigeria. He further served the nation under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, revolutionising fiscal management, achieving balanced budgets annually, and securing significant debt relief for Nigeria.

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    Beyond his professional accolades, Bode was renowned for his philanthropy, using his stature to benefit others. His commitment to societal upliftment underscored his belief in the responsibilities that accompany success.

    Bode Agusto will be remembered as a distinguished accountant, economist, and financial strategist whose contributions have set industry benchmarks. As we reflect on his impactful life, we recognise him as a beacon of excellence in accounting, finance, banking, and economic management, whose influence resonated well beyond Nigeria’s borders.

    In our sorrow, we also celebrate a life dedicated to service — to both God and humanity. Bode Agusto’s memory will forever inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

    May his lasting contributions in accounting, finance, banking, and economic management continue to illuminate future generations.

    Farewell, dear Egbon—Mubasheer Olabode Agusto.

    •Abiru is Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions

  • Pipelines: Contract renewal strengthens Tantita’s resolve to stop oil thieves

    Pipelines: Contract renewal strengthens Tantita’s resolve to stop oil thieves

    • Ex-agigator advocates more inclusion

    Phase 1 ex-militant leader, ‘General’ Joseph Figbele, has said renewal of the pipelines surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) by the Federal Government will strengthen the firm’s resolve to stop oil thieves in Niger Delta.

       In a statement yesterday in Delta State, Figbele, who leads the Coalition of Urhobo Ex-Militant Leaders, congratulated TSSNL owner, Government Ekpemukpolo a.k.a Tompolo, on renewal of the contract.

    He said Tantita has succeeded in execution of the contract, noting  the Federal Government and well intentioned Nigerians appreciate the firm’s efforts to stamp out oil theft.

    The coalition, in its statement co-signed by Figbele,  and its secretary, Abraham Ekokotu, hailed President Bola Tinubu for approving the renewal and awarding some sections to other interests.

     The duo said TSSNL has proved to be deserving of the contract, adding it has taken the capacity of the nation’s oil production to a height not envisaged owing to activities of oil thieves in Niger Delta. 

    The industry, they noted, is in a new era where vandalism, theft and adulteration of petroleum products are no more attractive to criminals who now see the illicit venture as suicidal owing to what they described as the efficiency of TSSNL at securing “our national wealth.”

    Figbele’s group praised Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, who took a ‘weird initiative’ to promote national interest and secure the wealth of the nation. It said prosperity shall be kind to Kyari for his patriotism. 

    The coalition urged the Federal Government to award the Urhobo axis of the pipelines security to its group, saying “we have been in the forefront of peace and security in the region.

    One of our pseudo groups, Anti Oil Theft Enlightement Initiative (AOTEI) had been on the drive to sanitise the industry, and ‘’this underscores our resolve to strengthen the fight against oil theft and raise the nation’s production quota’’.

     “Awarding us Urhobo oil facility to protect will add value to this administration because every Urhobo son and daughter will be carried along. Our coalition covers the interest of all, and not a single person should lay claim to representing Urhobo nation.

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    “As a Phase 1 ex-militant leader, no other Urhobo man comes before us in the protection of the interest of Urhobo youths and ex-militants. We will ensure that. If awarded the Urhobo section of the surveillance contract, we shall work with TSSNL.

    ‘’Our priority is not on how many cars are in our fleet but to ensure that the right persons are carried along to boost the work of TSSNL.

    ‘’We are a coalition of ex-militants with integrity and good conscience available to represent their people.

    ‘’We shall not engage in blackmail against any leader or group of persons to drive home our demand for the contract of securing our national assets,” the former war lord said, adding the coalition is not oblivious of a ‘gang leader’ who parades himself as leader of Urhobo ex-militants.

     He called on Kyari to ensure the right group is considered. “Anyone can parade himself as anything, but the authority should know the right persons to trust in the award of such sensitive contract.”

    ‘’We are peopled by men, women of honour and integrity and this we shall not trade off to sustain our patriotism, integrity and honour but we demand consideration for the contract to be awarded our coalition on behalf of Urhobo youths and persons,” the statement said.

     It called on the people of Niger Delta to rise and support the administration to achieve its goals of birthing a Nigeria where every segment is considered devoid of nepotism, tribalism and corruption.

    “An equitable Nigeria is what this administration is driving at on the plank of which we request the President to award us this contract to add our quota to national growth and development.”

  • It’s clean-up time in Lagos

    It’s clean-up time in Lagos

    By James Agbekorode

    Among Nigerian states, Lagos is the beautiful bride. That it uniquely bubbles with life and commerce is the attraction. Many in Africa know that it is one place where big things happen. And in terms of diversity and a strong economy, it also goes without saying that Lagos is a global envy. 

    However, bogged largely by an uncontrolled rural-urban drift and the negatives of a high population density, some parts of the state have become environmentally unfriendly. While some haters of Lagos poke fingers at the filth, shanties and other environmental nuisances as evidence of a failing Lagos, they neglect the positives Lagos offer and even shy away from the challenges unique only to the state as it threatens to burst at its seams.

    Thankfully, the Lagos State government is set to attack this environmental menace. Beginning in September, the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration went into overdrive in a bid to reclaim the beauty and orderliness of the state. And focusing on the environmental aspect of his THEMES (Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Making Lagos a 21st Century Megacity; Entertainment and Tourism; and Security and Governance) agenda, the governor took the sledge-hammer to attack infractions. Illegal squatters, dirty markets and clogged drains would become history and a renewed orientation to a cleaner environment is to be in place. 

    In less than three weeks, the governor gave a warning to illegal squatters in different areas of the state including Dodan Barracks and Lekki Phase 2. He ordered the demolition of Jankara and Bombata markets as part of measures targeted at the regeneration and deflooding of Lagos Island. The hammer also fell on some markets notorious for environmental indiscipline, especially filth. Ladipo Market, Oke-Odo Market, Oyingbo Market and Alayabiagba Market were shut for environmental nuisance. 

    According to reports, the closure of the markets came after serial warnings. The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that the environmental offences included indiscriminate waste disposal, unhygienic premises and non-payment of waste bills, among others. It is sad that the traders at these markets have continuously refused to abide by environmental regulations to ensure a beautiful environment. 

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    Speaking in reference to the popular Ladipo auto-parts market, Wahab said: “Ladipo Market, a prominent hub for automotive spare parts and related services, has been a focal point for environmental concerns due to various activities that contravene established regulations.”

    Anyone familiar with Ladipo Market would know that Wahab is correct. A similar scenario obtains in all the other markets that have been closed for environmental infractions. A megacity like Lagos should not have dirty markets. I mean, markets in places like Cairo, New York, Tokyo, and other major cities are not known to be dirty. Lagos’ case should not be otherwise. In this way, I commend the move by the Lagos State government.

    And as if in an all-out attack, the agency responsible for refuse collection and waste disposal in the state, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), is also wielding the big stick, as it sealed some plazas around Tejuosho Market, Yaba, for environmental offences.

    “Under our policy of zero tolerance for environmental infractions, LAWMA is totally committed to maintaining high environmental standards across the state,” said Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA Managing Director.

    “The ongoing enforcement actions are part of our broader efforts to sanitise markets, highways, and public spaces, to acceptable standards.” 

    In an ancillary move, the government embarked on clearing the canals and drains across the state. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources said the government would chase away squatters who have built over the canals and drains and prevented flood water from flowing into primary drains. So far, it has implemented this in Agege, Surulere, Lagos Island and other areas. This action is needed to revamp Lagos. 

    Also, the ban on street trading has been re-sounded. These would include traders on roads, rail tracks, under bridges, culverts, pavements and other public spaces. This move is welcome because it would protect residents from accidents and also serve to guide against the use of vulnerable children to be exploited for labour. It would also ensure the streets are cleaner as it would reduce the quantity of wastes that would be generated and indiscriminately disposed of. This is a win-win for society. 

    Though a civil society group, The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), in a recent press conference, urged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reopen the sealed markets citing the need for the traders to earn as reason. While this is a valid reason, it should also be noted that the traders owe themselves and the society the responsibility to keep the markets clean. But it is very surprising that the same group is advocating for street trading. 

    “The latest ban on street trading by the Lagos State Government raises more questions than answers,” Alex Omotehinse, the CHSR president said. 

    “There is no alternative means of livelihoods being considered by the government to support the overwhelming majority of the masses, who engage in menial trading and hawking activities for survival.

    “We are concerned about the implementation of the directive without the necessary engagement with stakeholders, either at the local government or community/grassroots level.” 

    In case Mr Omotehinse does not know what obtains in decent cities across the world, street trading is largely organised and regulated. It is not done on busy roads, culverts, pedestrian bridges, lay-bys. In those climes, street traders do not take over the roads or public spaces with their goods like the way it has become in some parts of Lagos. Pedestrians should not be forced to jostle with vehicular traffic just because some traders want to hawk on the streets. That is not how any decent city is run.

    And while the state government is going about sanitising the markets as well as clearing the drains, it behoves on residents to play their part too. The era of indiscriminate refuse disposal should be a thing of the past. Drivers and passengers should learn not to fling empty PET bottles or biscuit wrappers after consumption as well as other kinds of thrash on the streets but keep it in their vehicles to dispose of properly at the nearest dustbin. Also, to ensure efficient refuse collection and disposal, residents should endeavour to always pay their LAWMA bills promptly. The way some residents of streets like Ago Palace Way dump their refuse on the road medians must be discouraged. They should be made to procure proper refuse bins and these should be placed in appropriate corners and not to be displayed. 

    As the Lagos State government goes about these measures of beautifying the environment, I think it’s also time for law enforcement agencies like the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and Neighbourhood Watch officers to begin enforcement of the appropriate laws to check these environmental nuisances. The officers should be made to realise that the laws should not only be enforced during daytime on weekdays but also at night time and on weekends and public holidays. Offenders should be punished to serve as deterrence. 

    Lagos State can only do so much in the task to make our environment beautiful. The onus lies with all of us. If everyone tries to ensure their immediate space is clean, everywhere would be cleaner.

    • Agbekorede, a social commentator writes from Lagos

  • Respite beckons for users of Ota-Abeokuta road

    Respite beckons for users of Ota-Abeokuta road

    By Lekan Adeniran

    The handing over of the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway to the Ogun State Government by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government was long in coming. The entire stretch of the 77kilometer road has collapsed, with few good portions still wearing semblance of a tarred road. The handover, as announced by the new Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi in Abuja on Monday, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting means that the long drawn battle by Governor Dapo Abiodun to take over the road has finally paid off.

    The road has been in deplorable condition for more than 10 years. In September 2021, then Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, announced the intention of the Federal Government to review the contract for the reconstruction of the road. Fashola said that the road project, which was inherited from the previous administration, was initially awarded in 2000 at the contract sum of N6 billion. At the time of Fashola’s announcement, N56 billion was required to complete the project.

    But the road was never completed, despite the Federal Government insisting that it was under contract. The failure to complete the road means hardship for motorists who ply the road daily. Due to its complete failure and total collapse, motorists go through harrowing experiences manoeuvring gullies and craters deep enough to swallow trailers. One-way driving is common on the road, with the attendant risk of head-on collision.

    The highway is one of the most important federal roads in Ogun State. It is a link to the Agbara/Ota industry hub, which harbours the highest number of industries in the country. It is the fastest route to Abeokuta from Lagos, the nation’s economic capital. It also serves as a link to Ibadan in Oyo State and other states in the South West and the North and the South East/South South through Sagamu Interchange in case of any gridlock on the ever busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    The poor dilapidated condition of the road has been a source of concern to the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun since 2019. Despite it being a federal road, the administration has always shown concern over the plight of travellers on the road. Various interventions were made in the form of palliative measures. Prince Abiodun was also very consistent in demanding that Ogun State should be allowed to reconstruct the road. Various representations were made to the federal government to that effect. At one point, both Ogun and Lagos states jointly approached the Federal Government for the same purpose, and again, the efforts were rejected, even when a detailed and comprehensive proposal, including funding, was presented.

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    The new administration of President Tinubu presented another opportunity for Governor Abiodun to continue his drive and determination to persuade the Federal Government to relinquish the reconstruction of the road to the state government. On August 31, when Engr. Umahi visited him in his office, Prince Abiodun recalled his efforts, including with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in getting the Federal Government’s permission to take over the reconstruction of the road. The efforts never yielded any positive results.

    He said: “I would like to highlight the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road. Ota is a city that has earned us the prestigious title of being the industrial capital of Nigeria. It is a city where we share boundaries with Lagos State, and you can hardly tell the difference between Ota and Lagos State. That road, I think the contract must have been awarded maybe in 2012 or 2010 under the administration of President Jonathan. Since then, the contract has been subjected to so many reviews. When I assumed office, Governor Sanwo-Olu and I went to see President Buhari, and we wrote one letter on a joint letterhead requesting for that road to be transferred to us. We brought a letter from our bankers. At that point in time, it was probably about N70 billion that we wanted to put into the reconstruction of the road.

    “Then, there was no minister. We were told that because the road was under contract, what they would like to do was to partner with the states and we said okay, let us sit down, and discuss on the basis of the partnership. That road is about 77 kilometres. Let us discuss the basis of that partnership, Your Excellency, we made no progress.” The no progress means further deterioration of the road.

    Penultimate Saturday, at the grand finale of the Yewa Cultural festival in Ilaro, the governor seized on the presence of the leadership of the Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to appeal to the Federal Government once again to transfer the reconstruction of the road to the state because of its importance to the socio-economic development of the state. An elated Governor Abiodun was full of joy and was effusive in praising President Tinubu for the gesture. He said: “Approximately a month ago, the Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, paid us a visit to inspect the Federal Government’s road infrastructure in Ogun State. During this visit, we had the opportunity to express our concerns and aspirations for the improvement of these roads, which we believe would greatly contribute to the socioeconomic development of our state.

    “Today, I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Government has entrusted our administration with the reconstruction of the Abeokuta/Sango Ota Tollgate Road. This decision brings us great joy as it signifies a commendable step towards alleviating the challenges faced by road users on this particular route. I would like to express my utmost gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – GCFR for granting us this longstanding request.

  • Why President Tinubu is big on Policy Coordination

    Why President Tinubu is big on Policy Coordination

    By Temitope Ajayi

    One thing that has become a refrain in Nigeria for decades is that our country has never been in short supply of beautiful policies. What seems to be preponderance of views is that our national development was short-circuited as a result of policy inconsistencies and poor coordination.

    President Tinubu wants to address serious governance issues that have combined to stunt and distort economic growth for many years with the appointment of Hadiza Bala-Usman, former Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, as the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination. Usman is a very competent and strong-willed woman, who has already set out to deliver on the core objectives of her mandate – to ensure that government and governance deliver value to the citizens.

    There is no doubt that the policy environment is fragmented due to many reasons. One of them is that senior government officials fight for turf, instead of working together in synergy.

    The other reasons are corruption, personal interest at the expense of public good, misalignment of priorities and lack of effective monitoring and coordination. The office of the Special Adviser will now strengthen the presidency to ensure clarity on all President Tinubu’s priorities areas across MDAs and also set performance benchmarks for quarterly reviews for ministers. President Tinubu, at the inauguration of his Ministers, was emphatic when he told them that his administration carries the burden of expectations of over 200 million Nigerians, who will not accept any reason for failure.

    The government has embarked on economic reforms that have been hailed across the world, even when it also brought some initial pains to the people. The task before the office of the Policy Coordination is to now ensure that through efficient service delivery, Nigerians get the gains of the economic reforms.

    In separate interviews with Bloomberg and TVC, Usman revealed that all Ministers in President Tinubu’s administration have a shared understanding that they will sign a performance bond with the President, which will be their social contract, on the basis of which they will be appraised every quarter.  She also stated that the Ministers will have to take full responsibility for the optimal performance of the government agencies under their supervision because there will be Key Performance Indicators and consequence management framework for all appointees who fail to deliver.

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    Essentially, the role of the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination is to ensure that government policies and programmes run seamlessly across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The Special Adviser has started her work with tripartite engagements and briefing sessions with every Minister to let them understand that while there are policy deployments across MDAs, the Ministers must ensure expected deliverables are met. In her interview with TVC, Hadiza revealed that the assessment of ministers will commence in January 2024.

  • Dapo Abiodun’s long walk to tribunal victory

    Dapo Abiodun’s long walk to tribunal victory

    • By Jacob Akpagbo 

    n Saturday, September 30, the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal gave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the March 18, 2023 governorship election a reality check, throwing out their frivolous, vexatious and error-laden petition against Governor Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress (APC). In its unanimous judgment that lasted more than 11 hours , the tribunal struck out the petition for being “incompetent, defective, disjunctive and lacking merit.” The three members of the panel, headed by Justice Hamidu Kunaza, held that the petitioners failed to prove their allegations of non-compliance, overvoting, disenfranchisement of voters and corrupt practices during the polls. Said panel: “On the whole, the petitioners have not successfully proved the allegation of non-compliance with the Electoral Act and have not discharged the burden of proof”. The panel made it clear that there was no direct evidence to prove that voters were disenfranchised, that none of the witnesses established the allegation of corrupt practices against Governor Abiodun, and that the petitioners failed to show that the governor was tried, arraigned and convicted in the United States. Said Justice Kunaza said, “I uphold the election of Dapo Abiodun as the duly elected governor of Ogun State in the March 18 election.” And then the petitioners shed hypocritical tears, bowed by shame and mired in their own malfeasance.

    The judgment could not have gone the other way, because the petitioners turned the March 18 election, which they approached with desperation, into a joke in court, claiming that Governor Abiodun’s declaration as governor by INEC was merely purported. This, coming from a party whose vote buying antics were unmasked for all to see, and whose candidate is still on the run weeks after the Federal Government charged him with criminal conspiracy, vote buying and electoral subversion, was indeed strange. Details about the verve credit cards issued in the name of the candidate’s late mother, preloaded with N10,000 each and distributed to induce voters during the election, as well as the financial institutions that aided the crime, are all in the public domain, together with the testimonies of key witnesses and media reports of the arrests made during the election by security agencies. Vote buyers caught in their ignoble practice went to court to accuse Governor Abiodun of vote buying. They boasted to no end that the tribunal was going to ignore law and logic and award them undeserved victory, and came to court premises with song and dance, hoping to reap where they did not sow, a bunch of political marauders and pirates promoting the monetization of the electoral process as a grand tactic. They claimed that they scored the majority of lawful votes after APC’s unlawful votes are deducted and their own excluded votes added, but they never proved the unlawful votes credited to Abiodun or the source of their excluded votes, even as the figures in the petition (63,015 and 35,228) conflicted with the figures in their witness’ report (62,998 and 34,368). Never in the history of election petitioning in the country has a tribunal been beset with such a load of junk, puerile arguments and tortured logic.

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    For Governor Abiodun, all of this is no surprise. Throughout his political career, he has faced adversity. Nigerians cannot have forgotten the political landmines put in his way when he ran for governor in 2019. His posters were torn and his supporters, identified by their yellow vests, harassed and hounded. Even when he won election, he received no hand over notes, and the open-roof vehicle he used during inauguration was borrowed from another state. The challenges he has faced since March 18 are eerily similar to those he faced in 2019 when the then political Establishment sought to change his destiny without success. The lesson, quite simply, is that anyone who wishes to triumph must face adversity. As they say, nothing good comes easy. If he had got a second term without adversity, many of those thanking God on his behalf now would not really have appreciated what God has done for him. Given what he faced before his first swearing in, many could be forgiven for believing that he would be allowed to govern in peace. But that was not the case. His predecessor, who declared him his arch enemy, started campaigns of calumny around the state, declaring that he (Abiodun) would not get a second term of office. Like he did in 2019, Ibikunle Amosun got a candidate installed in an opposition party, ADC, and kicked off frenetic campaigns across the state, vowing to unseat him (Abiodun) and calling him names.

    As Amosun rode his rebel train, his major challenger in the March 18 2023 polls, as the nation would later discover through the charges preferred against him by the Federal Government, was perfecting plans to buy votes. As if that was not enough, former Governor Gbenga Daniel, a man whom he (Abiodun) had helped to secure a senatorial seat and support with all necessary logistics, made a 360 degrees turn against him at the governorship polls, canvassing support for the opposition in all Ijebu/Remo axis. Many people believed that Abiodun was finished; some appointees clandestinely worked against him. But he triumphed. And then came the tribunal war when the adversaries, deploying their huge financial war chest in service of political propaganda, and using hack and hired writers heavily mobilized with bribes, dominated the airwaves, proclaiming their ‘impending victory’ over the governor and his party. But at the eleventh hour, just as the timeline for dispensing with electoral petitions was about to end, the Ogun Election Petitions Tribunal delivered a landmark judgment that exposed the shenanigans of his adversaries. Anyone backed by God will always triumph, no matter the opposition. 

    The people of Ogun State know that their governor means well; they know that he means to change the face of development in the state, building infrastructure and attracting investments. The future promises to be exciting.

    Akpagbo sent this piece through jacobakpagbo@aol.com

  • Text of an address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in commemoration of the nation’s  63rd Independence Anniversary

    Text of an address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in commemoration of the nation’s  63rd Independence Anniversary

    • ‘I have  a heart that feels and eyes that see’

    On this solemn yet hopeful day, let us commend our founding fathers and mothers.  Without them, there would be no modern Nigeria. From the fading embers of colonialism, their activism, dedication and leadership gave life to the belief in Nigeria as a sovereign and independent nation.

    Let us, at this very moment, affirm that as Nigerians, we are all endowed with the sacred rights and individual gifts that God has bestowed on us as a nation and as human beings. No one is greater or lesser than the other. The triumphs that Nigeria has achieved shall define us. The travails we have endured shall strengthen us. And no other nation or power on this earth shall keep us from our rightful place and destiny. This nation belongs to you, dear people. Love and cherish it as your very own.

    Nigeria is remarkable in its formation and essential character. We are a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions and cultures. Yet, our bonds are intangible yet strong, invisible yet universal. We are joined by a common thirst for peace and progress, by the common dream of prosperity and harmony and by the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice.

    Forging a nation based on the fair application of these noble principles to a diverse population has been a task of significant blessing but also serial challenge. Some people have said an independent Nigeria should never have come into existence. Some have said that our country would be torn apart. They are forever mistaken. Here, our nation stands and here we shall remain.

    This year, we passed a significant milestone in our journey to a better Nigeria. By democratically electing a 7th consecutive civilian government, Nigeria has proven that commitment to democracy and the rule of law remains our guiding light.

    At my inauguration, I made important promises about how I would govern this great nation. Among those promises, were pledges to reshape and modernize our economy and to secure the lives, liberty and property of the people.

    I said that bold reforms were necessary to place our nation on the path of prosperity and growth.  On that occasion, I announced the end of the fuel subsidy.

    I am attuned to the hardships that have come. I have a heart that feels and eyes that see. I wish to explain to you why we must endure this trying moment. Those who sought to perpetuate the fuel subsidy and broken foreign exchange policies are people who would build their family mansion in the middle of a swamp.  I am different. I am not a man to erect our national home on a foundation of mud. To endure, our home must be constructed on safe and pleasant ground.

    Reform may be painful, but it is what greatness and the future require. We now carry the costs of reaching a future Nigeria where the abundance and fruits of the nation are fairly shared among all, not hoarded by a select and greedy few. A Nigeria where hunger, poverty and hardship are pushed into the shadows of an ever fading past.

    There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago. I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.

    My government is doing all that it can to ease the load. I will now outline the path we are taking to relieve the stress on our families and households. 

    We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilize the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.

    Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation. For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month.

    To ensure better grassroots development, we set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas. States have already received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices.

    Making the economy more robust by lowering transport costs will be key. In this regard, we have opened a new chapter in public transportation through the deployment of cheaper, safer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across the nation. These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares.

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    New CNG conversions kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process. We are also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs. This is a groundbreaking moment where, as a nation, we embrace more efficient means to power our economy. In making this change, we also make history.

    I pledged a thorough housecleaning of the den of malfeasance the CBN had become. That housecleaning is well underway. A new leadership for the Central Bank has been constituted. Also, my special investigator will soon present his findings on past lapses and how to prevent similar reoccurrences. Henceforth, monetary policy shall be for the benefit of all and not the exclusive province of the powerful and wealthy.

    Wise tax policy is essential to economic fairness and development. I have inaugurated a Committee on Tax Reforms to improve the efficiency of tax administration in the country and address fiscal policies that are unfair or hinder the business environment and slow our growth.

    To boost employment and urban incomes, we are providing investment funding for enterprises with great potential. Similarly, we are increasing investment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Commencing this month, the social safety net is being extended through the expansion of cash transfer programs to an additional 15 million vulnerable households.

    My administration shall always accord the highest priority to the safety of the people. Inter-Service collaboration and intelligence sharing have been enhanced. Our Service Chiefs have been tasked with the vital responsibility of rebuilding the capacities of our security services.

    Here, I salute and commend our gallant security forces for keeping us safe and securing our territorial integrity. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them today and their families. We shall equip our forces with the ways and means needed to perform their urgent task on behalf of the people,

    We shall continue to make key appointments in line with the provisions of the Constitution and with fairness toward all. Women, Youth and the physically challenged shall continue to be given due regard in these appointments.

    May I take this opportunity to congratulate the National Assembly for its role in the quick take-off of this administration through the performance of its constitutional duties of confirmation and oversight.

    I similarly congratulate the judiciary as a pillar of democracy and fairness.

    I also thank members of our dynamic civil society organizations and labour unions for their dedication to Nigerian democracy. We may not always agree but I value your advice and recommendations. You are my brothers and sisters and you have my due respect.

    Fellow compatriots, the journey ahead will not be navigated by fear or hatred. We can only achieve our better Nigeria through courage, compassion and commitment as one indivisible unit.

    I promise that I shall remain committed and serve faithfully. I also invite all to join this enterprise to remake our beloved nation into its better self. We can do it. We must do it. We shall do it.!!!

  • ‘Efforts to stop renewal of Tantita contract will fail’

    ‘Efforts to stop renewal of Tantita contract will fail’

    EX-militant leader, Israel Eshanekpe, has said efforts to stop National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) from renewing the pipeline surveillance contract of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) will fail.

    An Arewa Youth Congress (AYC) group had called on the Federal Government to tarry in renewal of the contract.

    Eshanekpe aka Akpodoro regretted Arewa youths left frantic North’s issues to dabble into concerns that has no direct bearing to them, alleging they are recruits of crude rustlers, economic saboteurs, racketeers and profiteers in the oil industry.

    Akpodoro, also mayor of Urhoboland in Delta State, said whereas their domain is a huge industry for insurgents, the group finds it rewarding to dwell on issues in the South, while insurgents openly desecrate their land unchallenged.

    He called on leaders of the “so called AYC to rally against killers and kidnappers in the North and leave Niger Delta to those directly concerned.”

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    The ex-militant leader noted criminal elements in Niger Delta are subdued by the  unrelentless war TSSNL is waging war on them, and naturally, those in collusion  would expectedly want the deathly blows stopped.

    Akpodoro advised the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL to hasten renewal of the  contract to continue the gains recorded by  the Government Ekpemukpolo (Tompolo)-led  TSSNL.

     On shore and offshore, Akpodoro noted oil thieves have no hiding place. The waterways are locked down against them, saying until the last oil thief is apprehended, TSSNL will not rest.

     He stressed no campaign of calumny can make Nigeria relapse into the era of crude thievery, saying other faceless groups gearing up in their bid to throw their dying kicks, will also fail.

     “TSSNL has done what the nation had failed to do over the years and we are happy. We no longer see security agents ferry stolen petroleum products in daylight. We no longer see them escort vessels with suspected stolen products.

     “As soon as TSSNL contract is renewed, the remnants of oil thieves Niger Delta will be mopped up. The region is ours and we will agitate for what is best for us. Arewa youths should agitate for the Federal  Government to recharge Chad Basin and explore economic potential of Sambisa Forest and stop engaging in these frivolities.” Akpodoro said.

  • Farmers seek Fed Govt’s input on dry season farming

    Farmers seek Fed Govt’s input on dry season farming

    Community Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria has urged Federal Government to provide input for dry season farming.

     In a statement by Founder, Austine Maduka, it noted the country can be food secured.

     Felicitating Nigeria at 63, it urged President Bola Tinubu to attend to smallholder farmers.

     On palliatives, Maduka said rural farmers were yet to get, hence the President should monitor the distribution.

    The body urged the President to order Service chiefs  to rid farms of bandits to enable farmers move in and cultivate.

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    “We thank the President Nigeria turns 63. As farmers we believe the country can feed itself if we are supported.

     “As we enter dry season, we call on Tinubu to support us with fertiliser, improved seeds, mechanisation and grants.

     “We are aware of emergency on food security, and we will work with him to achieve a food secured Nigeria.

     “We want him to look into distribution of palliatives because we have not benefited”, Maduka said.

     He backed directives to anti-graft agencies to recover money embezzled through CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Programme.

  • BAN gives ailing members N14.8m

    BAN gives ailing members N14.8m

    Brothers Across Nigeria (BAN), known for humane services, has given cheques of N4,951,000.00 each to ill three members.

     The beneficiaries are Banjo Olu in Ogun State, Ageh Daniel in Rivers State and Onokpite Ufuoma in Delta State.

    The assistance is part of welfare for members to offset their medical bills and recuperation.

    A few months ago, BAN presented N28.6 million to five families of deceased members.

     BAN also assists members with interest free funds to invest in businesses. Members apply for such loans through BAN Empowerment Commission. It is also collateral free.  

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    These deeds are not limited to members, it reaches the larger society and host communities of its chapters worldwide.

    BAN is reputed for giving to the society through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Nigeria and internationally.

    The organisation has been in existence since 1972 as a university organisation and has grown into an international organisation operating in over 50 countries.