The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

TARABA CHURCH CRISIS: Warring parties in fresh battle for control of headquarters

•Two bishops emerge as congregation breaks into three groups

A fresh round of crisis has erupted in Taraba State between the Micah Dopah-led group of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) and the breakaway Global Methodist Church of Nigeria (GMCN).

Already, the crisis has resulted in the emergence of two bishops elected in separate conferences.

The two groups are pitted against each other over the ownership of the headquarters of the church in Jalingo, which is currently occupied by the Global Methodist Church.

A cleric of the church and Director, Connectional Ministries of the UMCN southern conference, Rev Philip Micah Dopah, while speaking with journalists on Wednesday, asked the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN) to vacate the headquarters of the church, promising to raise funds to enable them build their headquarters in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

Dopah who condemned the taking over of the United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN) headquarters in Jalingo by the breakaway faction, the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN), hinted that the GMCN are bankrupt and therefore needed assistance to enable them to survive.

Dopah said: “The breakaway faction of UMCN now Global Methodist Church (GMCN) are frustrated and are currently facing financial difficulties.

“And that is making them to illegally acquire properties of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria, which is unacceptable.

“I have personally volunteered to render my free help to raise funds to enable them build their headquarters and leave that of UMCN alone.”

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Warning of the consequences, he added that nemesis would catch up with them if they refused to repent.

But in a swift reaction, the Global Methodist Church said they have legal documents on the ownership of the secretariat and that Rev. Dopah’s group does not have the right to claim ownership, having left the church about 12 years ago.

In a press briefing at the church secretariat on Wednesday, officials of the GMC led by its Conference Superintendent, Rev. Baziel Yayuba Yoila, also disclosed that the property of the church had already been shared.

Yoila stated: “He (Dopah) has no power to raise funds for GMC to build their headquarters, because he has left UMCN for the past 12 years.

“He is not qualified to raise funds. We have the funds to build our headquarters.

“The headquarters belong to the Global Methodist Church. It was built by the former governor of Taraba state, Rev. Jolly Nyame.

We have the legal documents to occupy the place. We are not begging for anything.

“The property he is occupying is illegal because we own the property. We allowed them to occupy the property in Zing, Lankaviri and within Jalingo for peace to reign.

“We have never asked for funds. If he is so rich, let him go and build a secretariat for himself. We are not bankrupt. We are growing.

“We are not sharing any property with Micah Dopah or even Ande. We own this property legally.

“When Micah left the UMCN with the property, we did not take him to court to bring the property back.

“They are occupying Lankaviri and Zing illegally and we left it to them. Because they broke away from the church for the past 12 years, they are not recognised.

“They don’t pay dues to the general church. That is why the general church recognized us and we are occupying this property based on our recognition by the general church.”

Another of the officials, Rev. Simon Jatutu, asked Dopah to “repent”, adding that the issue of property has been settled already.

He said: “The Micah group need to repent. When Micah exited the church 12 years ago, they went and registered the group in the CAC.

“They cannot claim property of the United Methodist Church. They have no power to claim the property.”

According to him, the GMC still belongs to the Methodist Church and only decided to exit the mother church because of the legalization of same-sex marriage.

He added: “Because of the illegality that happening in the UMCN, we decided to exit and we went through the legislation of the annual conference.

“The whole conferences within our leadership passed a resolution that once the church has adopted and agreed on homosexuality and all the rubbish, we were going to exit and we would do so with our property.

“That legislation was effectively carried out by voting. One, it has gone against the teachings of the Bible. Two, it has gone against the constitution of the country.

“The Global Methodist Church is not a breakaway faction. They transmuted into the Global Methodist Church by following due process.

“We only changed the nomenclature because the UMCN has adopted the practice of same-sex marriage.”

Investigation revealed that most of the UMCN churches within Jalingo have been taken over by the newly formed Global Methodist Church including the sprawling headquarters on Yola Road while the churches in Karim Lamido and Zing LGAs are controlled by the Rev. Micah Dopah group.

But the contentious church cathedral at Magami-Jalingo and the Mc Bride church, said to be the two largest auditoriums of the church, have been confiscated by state authorities to prevent an outbreak of violence.

Meanwhile, the crack in the general church has led to the emergence of three distinct groups with two bishops.

The UMCN only recently elected Rev. Emmanuel Ande as its bishop at a conference in Ghana. Ande was an aide to the erstwhile bishop of the UMCN, Bishop Yohanna John-Wesley- a founding member of the newly formed Global Methodist Church.

John Pena Auta was also elected bishop of the Global Methodist Church at San Jose, Costa Rica during the General Conference in September.

At present, there is palpable tension in the church concerning its prized asset: the headquarters on Yola Road in Jalingo, the state capital. There is presently a tight security presence made up of well armed members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the police and the local vigilantes.

The gate is locked with a chain and padlock by local security and opened only after a thorough check on visitors.

December 14, 2024
Assessing CBN’s economic policies powering naira’s rebound

Over the past year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced crucial reforms aimed at unifying the country’s exchange rate, eliminating distortions and restoring market transparency. This policy shift has enabled the apex bank to clear outstanding foreign exchange obligations, boosting the confidence of businesses—from manufacturers to airlines—to plan and invest strategically. Assistant Business Editor COLLINS NWEZE reports that the naira’s ongoing rally is the result of a series of sweeping reforms across the financial sector, setting the stage for a more stable and investor-friendly economic environment.

The naira’s ongoing rally in both official and parallel markets highlights the success of financial sector reforms driven by the Olayemi Cardoso-led Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This rally reflects months of innovative policies, culminating in the implementation of the new Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) on December 2. EFEMS tackles long-standing challenges of market opacity and inefficiency by enabling seamless trading and ensuring consistency among participants. As a result, the naira appreciated significantly against the dollar across all market segments. At the parallel market, it traded at N1,530/$, while at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market Window (NAFEM), it exchanged at N1,535/$, breaking key resistance levels in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market.

At the 2024 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) dinner on November 29 in Lagos, Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso expressed optimism that the measures introduced under his administration would soon yield tangible benefits for Nigerians. Acknowledging the economic pressures from rising inflation and currency depreciation, Cardoso reassured that the CBN’s strategic interventions were designed to address these challenges head-on.

Since assuming office in September 2023, Cardoso has focused on stabilising the exchange rate, curbing inflation, strengthening banks’ capital buffers, and fostering a business-friendly environment. To achieve these goals, the CBN has implemented key measures, including tightening liquidity conditions by raising the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 850 basis points to 27.5% and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 12.5 percentage points to 45%. Additionally, the Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR) was reduced by 15 percentage points to 50%, allowing for better financial stability.

These decisive steps have contributed significantly to the ongoing naira rally, with the local currency gaining strength across various market segments. The reforms are a testament to the CBN’s commitment to fostering a more resilient and sustainable financial ecosystem for Nigeria. This was followed by the apex bank’s pegging of the initial FX cash pulling for International Oil Companies (IOCs) at 50 per cent of available proceeds, while the remaining cash balance is only accessible after 90 days. The apex bank’s approved expenditure plans for the IOCs include settlement of Petroleum Profit Tax, royalty, domestic contractor invoices, cash call and domestic loan principal and interest payment. Other approved expenditure plans include transaction taxes- including Nigeria Content Development levy, education tax and forex sales at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.

The apex bank also rightsized the number of BDC operators to enhance regulation and re-commence periodic FX sales to them at a discounted rate. The CBN’s policy that limited PTA and BTA settlement to electronic channels to prevent round-tripping was also a masterstroke that supported the naira rally. Before now, many FX sold the travellers were in most cases, diverted to other uses. Besides, the CBN under Cardoso also initiated banking industry recapitalisation to strengthen capital buffers for banks and redefined Net Open Position ceiling for banks (25 per cent short and zero per cent long on foreign currency) to unlock FX liquidity.

On recapitalisation of banks, Cardoso said: “This strategic move ensures that banks are well-capitalized, enabling them to take on greater risks, particularly in underserved markets. With stronger capital bases, banks can provide more loans and financial products to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), rural communities, and other vulnerable segments that have previously struggled to access formal financial services”.

Cardoso said the recapitalisation policy not only strengthens financial stability but also serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth. “By enabling banks to extend more credit to MSMEs, we enhance job creation and productivity. Furthermore, with increased capital, banks can invest in technology and innovation, crucial for driving digital financial services such as mobile money and agent banking. These technologies are key to breaking down geographic and economic barriers, bringing financial services to even the most remote areas,” he added.

Views from other stakeholders

Analysts at Commercio Partners said Nigeria’s financial landscape has seen significant developments with the CBN introducing revised guidelines to enhance transparency and governance in the foreign exchange market. These guidelines emphasize ethical practices, real-time reporting, and regulated interbank trading while mandating compliance from banks, dealers, and BDC operators. Separately, the naira has appreciated steadily, supported by increased dollar inflows and the launch of the EFEMS, which has boosted market confidence by facilitating transparent and efficient FX transactions.

Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Ike Chioke said the recovery could be attributed to improved market confidence following the successful launch of the EFEMS designed to promote trading transparency. “Also, the liquidity supply boost provided by Nigeria’s successful pricing of $2.2 billion in Eurobonds earlier last week significantly boosted the exchange rate position against the dollar. We anticipate the Naira to regain more ground against the dollar this week, driven by aforementioned factors,” he said.

Chioke, listed other key policies of the apex bank that supported naira rally as the clearance of the $7 billion FX backlog and resumed sales of Open Market Operation (OMO) bills to Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) at market reflective rates. He said: “Besides, the CBN Removed limits on rates quoted by International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to incentives using the official channel for FX settlement. Eliminated the N2 billion ceiling on allowable interest-bearing deposits by DMBs at the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) window. The apex bank also committed the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to domicile a significant portion of revenue flows and other banking services with the CBN to enhance reserves accretion”.

President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said the move helped to ease pressure at the retail end of the FX market while applauding the extension of BDCs’ recapitalisation to June 3, 2025. He said: “The CBN is willing to partner with BDCs to ensure that the recapitalisation process is seamless. We are sending a message of unity, collaboration and opportunities to ABCON members to continue to strive to ensure they meet the new capital requirements.”

Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said the CBN’s decision to allow IOCs operating in Nigeria to sale 50 per cent of bulk FX proceeds at domestic forex market helped in increasing forex availability in the market, thereby aiding in exchange rate stabilization. He had predicted rightly that the impact will be more pronounced towards the end of the year.

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Michael Adigun, a Lagos-based, entrepreneur, said that the stability in exchange rate has already started to have positive impact on the prices of goods and services. “For instance the price for international school fees has dropped by 10 per cent; cost of medical tourism reduced by 15 per cent and prices of air fares for local and international trips dipped by 15 per cent”. Another Abuja-based civil servant, Stevens Okoye said: “The current developments in the foreign exchange market has started reigning in inflation as prices of most necessities are becoming relatively lower in the market. In a most serious note, the positive impacts include also heighten confidence of the public in the local currency as it eliminates currency substitution behaviour which hitherto being adding pressure on our local currency.”

Okoye said what is needed is to continually support the CBN policies, to further attract more benefits to businesses and economy. Also, the easing of capital control measures, including the timely facilitation of over $9 billion principal capital & dividend outflows by qualified investors, and the reversal of the 2016 ban on access to FX in the official market for importers of 43 essential items headlined the multiple steps taken thus far by the CBN to restore foreign investor confidence and foster an environment conducive for businesses to thrive.

Upon assuming office in October 2023, the apex bank leadership prioritised reforms to rebuild Nigeria’s economic buffers and strengthen resilience. Inflation, which had surged to 27 per cent, was one of the most pressing challenges, partly driven by excessive money supply growth. While the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth had stagnated at a meagre 1.8 per cent over the previous eight years, money supply expanded rapidly, averaging about 13 per cent growth annually. “This imbalance not only fuelled inflation but also contributed to a significant depreciation of the naira. As we all know, inflation creates uncertainty for households and businesses, acting as a silent tax by eroding purchasing power and driving up living costs,” Cardoso said.

The apex bank boss revealed that the nation was also grappling with a fiscal crisis, marked by unsustainable deficit financing through the CBN’s Ways and Means advances, which had reached an unprecedented N22.7 trillion by 2023—equivalent to almost 11 per cent of the GDP. In addition, quasi-fiscal interventions by the CBN, totalling over N10 trillion, undermined market confidence and weakened the effectiveness of our policy tools. These actions shifted focus away from CBN’s primary responsibility—maintaining price stability. “They compromised transparency by bypassing essential oversight mechanisms, which are vital for accountability. Moreover, they strained monetary stability, contributing to inflationary pressures and market distortions,” he said.

“Under my leadership, we have taken decisive steps to move away from these practices. We have ended years of fiscal deficits financed through CBN’s Ways and Means advances, reinforcing our commitment to price stability and promoting fiscal discipline,” Cardoso stated.

Continuing, Cardoso said: “Our tight monetary policy stance has altered the previous dire trajectory, and we expect a downward trend in 2025. Inflation remains unacceptably high, but the signs are encouraging, particularly given that the full effects of monetary policy typically take six to nine months to impact the consumer sector. Our commitment is unwavering: we will prioritise price stability until its benefits are felt by every Nigerian.”

December 10, 2024
AI-driven security needs to minimize needless data collection, respect privacy – Edoise

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Expert, Mr. Areghan Edoise has expressed concerns over the challenges organizations face when adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cloud security. In this interview, Edoise whose work focuses on the intersection of AI and Cloud Security, highlighted some of the obstacles to include high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, the opaqueness of AI models (also known as the “black-box” problem), and a lack of qualified experts who are knowledgeable about both AI and cybersecurity. In a co-authored research paper, titled; “AI (Artificial Intelligence)-Driven Cloud Security Frameworks: Techniques, Challenges, and Lessons from Case Studies,” Edoise explores how AI can transform the defense of cloud infrastructures while also highlighting the practical hurdles organizations face.

Can you tell us a little about your background and journey into cybersecurity?

I started my career as a computer science student, developing software in the logistics and supply chain industry. I later specialized in information assurance and cybersecurity to defend digital systems against changing threats.

It’s evidence that the sophistication of today’s cyberattacks is too great for traditional security tools to handle alone, this influences my interest in artificial intelligence.

What inspired you to focus your research on AI-driven cloud security frameworks?

These days, the foundation of contemporary business operations is the cloud. However, it has complicated vulnerabilities along with its flexibility. AI, in my opinion, is a natural ally of cloud systems since it can automate incident response, provide predictive defenses, and instantly adjust to threats.

What is the main contribution of your research paper?

The study offers a methodical examination of the integration of AI methods into cloud security frameworks. Additionally, it provides useful insights gleaned from case studies, showcasing both achievements and setbacks from which organizations can gain insight.

Could you explain some of the AI techniques you examined?

I investigated deep learning for intrusion detection, machine learning for anomaly detection, and natural language processing for security log analysis. From identifying insider threats to detecting zero-day attacks, each technique tackles a distinct cloud security pain point.

How do case studies strengthen your research findings?

Case studies offer empirical proof. For instance, a healthcare provider used AI to comply with HIPAA by identifying irregular access to patient data, and a financial institution used AI-based anomaly detection to reduce fraud losses. Theory in action is demonstrated by these examples.

What are some of the biggest challenges organizations face when adopting AI in cloud security?

High implementation costs, data privacy concerns, the opaqueness of AI models (also known as the “black-box” problem), and a lack of qualified experts who are knowledgeable about both AI and cybersecurity are the primary obstacles.

Some critics argue AI can itself be exploited by attackers. How do you view this?

They are entirely right. Adversarial AI is being experimented with by attackers to trick models. For this reason, explainability protocols, human oversight, and multi-layered defenses that foresee manipulation must be used in conjunction with AI systems.

How does your research address ethical considerations in AI security?

The most important thing is ethics. My framework places a strong emphasis on accountability, equity, and transparency. AI-driven security, for instance, needs to minimize needless data collection, respect privacy, and produce results that stakeholders can understand.

What lessons did you find from organizations that failed in AI adoption?

Lack of integration planning, inadequate data governance, and an excessive reliance on automation were the main errors. AI requires organizational and cultural preparedness; it is not a plug-and-play solution.

How do you see regulations adapting to AI in cybersecurity?

More explainability and auditable AI systems will probably be required by regulations. In my opinion, compliance frameworks will change over time to demand that businesses show not only efficacy but also openness and moral application of AI.

How can small and medium enterprises benefit from AI-driven security compared to larger corporations?

SMEs frequently lack specialized security teams, but they can still get enterprise-level protection at a fraction of the price with AI-enabled cloud services from providers. Cloud AI levels the playing field in many respects.

What role does collaboration play in building effective AI-driven frameworks?

It is imperative that government, business, and academia work together. By avoiding siloed approaches that leave defense gaps, sharing threat intelligence and datasets makes AI models smarter and more resilient.

What future trends excite you most in AI and cloud security?

Explainable AI, which enables stakeholders to comprehend why a system identified a threat, and federated learning, which trains AI models across distributed environments without disclosing raw data, excite me.

How does your work position you as both a student and an expert in the field?

I approach learning as a student with openness and curiosity. As a specialist, I offer tried-and-true research, case studies, and useful suggestions that businesses can use. I’m able to connect theory and practice because of this balance.

Finally, what advice would you give to students or early researchers in cybersecurity?

Continue to be multidisciplinary. These days, cybersecurity encompasses more than just firewalls and encryption; it also involves data science, artificial intelligence, ethics, and the law. You’ll be more equipped to influence the direction of digital defense the more you comprehend these intersections.

December 9, 2024
Adedoyin Fadare: Africa’s leading voice on AI privacy sets agenda for Continent

Over 2,000 policymakers, executives, and academics convened virtually as Adedoyin Fadare, recognised across Africa as a generational thought leader, delivered the landmark keynote at Privacy Hub Africa’s 2024 summit. Fadare’s address, “Unveiling the Privacy and Security Implications of Generative AI,” is widely credited with catalysing regional policy collaboration and raising Africa’s collective privacy standards.

As artificial intelligence transforms Africa’s digital landscape, Nigerian technology policy expert Adedoyin Fadare has become recognised as a leading voice championing privacy, ethics, and responsible innovation.

Within Nigeria, Fadare has been a visible advocate for responsible AI development. He supported public discussions on the National AI Strategy (NAIS), ensuring that ethical deployment and robust privacy safeguards remain central priorities. Several industry stakeholders credit his outreach for deepening organisational awareness and prompting efforts to align with emerging best practices in AI governance.

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Beyond legislative and strategic roles, Fadare engages regularly with professional forums, civil society groups, and educational workshops to demystify complex AI and privacy issues for broad audiences. His ability to translate legal and technical concepts into practical solutions is widely acknowledged and has led to invitations to speak at regional events and contribute to policy discussions among neighbouring countries.

By elevating privacy issues in the context of Africa’s fast-evolving digital ecosystem, Adedoyin Fadare continues to shape conversations and set a standard for thoughtful, accountable leadership at the intersection of technology and public interest.

December 7, 2024
Uzodimma’s fidelity pays off with FUTO’s honorary doctorate degree
- By Declan Emelumba
The honour is in recognition of your decades of meritorious, selfless and outstanding services that have positively impacted the lives of the good people of Imo State, the nation and humanity generally.”

That was an excerpt from a letter from the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, (FUTO), Prof Mrs Nnenna Otti, to the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, conveying the decision of the university to award him an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management (DMT) at its 36th convocation ceremony holding on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The Vice Chancellor attracted national attention last year as an incorruptible scholar when, as the Returning Officer for the Abia State Governorship election, she courageously upheld the will of the people, in spite of extraneous pressure. Second, FUTO, though located in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, is outside the influence of Uzodimma. If any of the three state-owned universities had conferred this honour on the governor, perhaps, it would have been viewed with suspicion. Finally, since the inception of FUTO, almost 40 years ago, it is not on record that it has awarded any Doctorate Degree to a serving governor of Imo State.

Why then was this prophet recognised at home from a no-nonsense Vice Chancellor from a federal institution outside his influence and in a record-setting manner? The aforementioned letter says it all, but the truth is that “you cannot put on a light and hide it under the bushel”. Uzodimma through his superlative performance as governor in the last five years and his inspirational leadership has demonstrated incredible responsibility, making him the shining light from the East.

When FUTO declared that Uzodimma had positively impacted lives for decades, it was no embellishment. As a private citizen, the governor was known as a great philanthropist who financed the education of many young men and women and set up businesses for thousands of others. As a Senator, between 2011 and 2019, Uzodimma served the nation meritoriously, saving billions of Naira for the country through his cost saving services as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs and Excise.

When he was sworn in as Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma met a state in coma, with deficit infrastructure, rampant corruption in high places and disoriented civil servants and the public who had lost hope in governance as a result of failed promises by past administrations. Instead of bemoaning the rot, he rolled up his sleeves and set to work.

It didn’t take long before Uzodimma made the difference. Although payment of salaries should ordinarily not be counted as an achievement by the government, but in a state where civil servants were being owed for months and pensioners were dying due to unpaid pensions, the administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma received applause from the workers for reversing their misery. Today, salaries and pensions are not only paid regularly and promptly, pensioners have started receiving their gratuities, an entitlement denied them for 20 years. This Christmas, like the past four years, the workers will receive a 13th month salary in the spirit of Uzodimma’s Shared Prosperity.

But what really attracted the attention of Nigerians who live or pass through the roads in the state was the rapid rehabilitation and construction of roads long abandoned by the previous governments. By the time he faced another election last year, Uzodimma had built a record 120 quality roads spread across the three senatorial zones of the State. Notable amongst these roads are the dualized Owerri-Orlu Road and of course the Owerri-Okigwe Road which had been intractable for decades. All the roads connecting Imo to neighbouring states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu also received attention while each of the 27 local government areas had five kilometres of roads constructed for them to ease movement of goods and services to the urban centres. These are verifiable achievements that those who use these roads can readily testify to.

It is remarkable that as Uzodimma was attending to the infrastructures, he tackled the education sector, a subject of interest to the FUTO authorities who also benefited from the governor’s roads revolution with the construction of the first phase of the Naze-Ihiagwa-Nekede Road. Hope Uzodimma on assumption of office, established two more universities in the state to ensure that thousands of Imo youths seeking admission to tertiary institutions get placements. Currently, he is funding three universities, one polytechnic and one college of education in addition to three schools of nursing and midwifery. He was also instrumental to the final takeover and conversion to a university, the former Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri. He also spearheaded the takeover and conversion to Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. Today, his intervention in the education sector has seen the rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools and the provision of laboratory equipment. The results have been breathtaking. Imo continues to lead in public examinations like WAEC, JAMB, and Nigerian Law School.

This intervention has been replicated in the health sector with the resuscitation of Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, which for years couldn’t produce medical doctors, but is now delivering its core mandate. All the schools of nursing and midwifery, whose accreditation had been withdrawn, have bounced back. Imo Specialist Hospital Umuguma is now functional, while three brand new general hospitals have been built and existing ones rehabilitated and equipped.

To the glory of God, Governor Hope Uzodimma has returned hope to millions of disillusioned Imo youths. At his signal, the government made space for our young innovators and developers to excel. Through ambitious youth empowerment programmes, thousands of youths have been taken off the unemployment market. Through the Skillup Imo project, no fewer than 40,000 youth have received training in digital technology and economy and have been empowered. Some are working abroad, hundreds more are working remotely for international organizations from Imo, while others have their own businesses. The results are impressive yet there are only the first fruits of Uzodimma’s transformational leadership. By the time we will feel the fiscal and social impact of these young stars, we would have come full circle in migrating from an analogue to a digital economy.

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Indeed, with his monumental achievements in infrastructure, human capital development and urban renewal, Uzodimma has turned his attention to the industrialization of the state to move it away from the civil service oriented economy which it has been reeling under for decades since 1976. Currently, the administration is committed to dredging the Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean to open up economic activities not only for Imo State but the South East. In the next few weeks, the state will start enjoying an uninterrupted power supply as a result of its huge investment in the power sector. An automated civil service which has perfected the ease of doing business, has received applause from the World Bank. The state recently won the World Bank’s trophy under the States Action on Business Enabling reforms (SABER), and was rewarded with Four million United States dollars!

Right now, Imo is primed to be the industrial hub of the Southeast. The rehabilitation of Concorde Hotel, the building of the Assumpta Roundabout Flyover and other ongoing activities point to a way of industrialization never seen in the state before.

Therefore, when FUTO confers the Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management to Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Saturday, it will be justified in its assertion that the Imo governor deserves it for his decades of outstanding and meritorious services not only to Imo State people, but Nigerians and humanity.

Congratulations, Your Excellency.

·Emelumba is the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy of Imo State
December 7, 2024
New Ijebuland Christian leader, Chris Okunowo: I’m not intimidated by Subomi Balogun, Odutola’s exploits

Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo, a seasoned businessman with major business interests in aviation and equipment supply, entertainment, banking and property development, is the Principal Partner of Chris O. Okunowo & Co. The former President of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, is due for installation as the leader of Christians in Ijebuland, the Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu, and his wife, Erelu Morenikeji Okunowo, as the Yeye Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu respectively today. The Bobasuwa II of Ijebuland, Bamolu of Egbaland and Aku’ajo of Awo-Ekiti, Ekiti State spoke with select journalists on how he inherited his Christian values from his family, attitude to life and how much his people and church members appreciate his contributions to Christendom and humanity. He also hints on the achievements of past occupants of the position such as Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola and Chief Subomi Balogun, saying that he would not be intimidated by their remarkable contributions to the development of Ijebuland Bola Olajuwon was there.

Looking back at your life, how would you describe yourself?

First, I thank God for who I am. I thank God that my entire life has been based on Christian values. I was brought up to appreciate the Christian values and I do not think that I have departed from them. I will like to think that I am easygoing. I do not like flamboyant lifestyle in any form. I believe in doing things right and in being fair. To the best of my ability, I like to be honest with the things that I do.

In total, it all means that I look up to God for direction all the time. Therefore, if anything happens to me, I take it in my strides. For me, failure is not incompetence. Failure is something that happens to every human being and it is a learning curve. If I fail on something, I take it up again. I draw a better judgment from it.

How do you feel about your new title?

You have to understand the role and significance of the title Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu. The first time this title was ever given out was to the late Chief Timothy Adeola Odetola, the then Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland. He was the first person to be made the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians.

Back in those days, it was not known as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Ijebu has a unique arrangement that predated CAN. So, you can see that it is rooted in the history of Ijebuland. The Muslims, Christians and members of the traditional religious institutions have always cooperated in worship and in lifting up Ijebuland. Otunba Michael Balogun became the second Asiwaju Onigbagbo. Now for this title, December 7th will mark the first time in the history of Ijebuland that the appellation “Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu,” that is the head of Christians in Ijebuland, will be used. Before now, it was only meant for Ijebu Ode. Thank God for the work of our Royal Father, Kabiyesi, the Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona. He has been able to build the consensus around Ijebuland to bring everybody together. And I am the beneficiary of that recognition.

My father had always been a very strong member of the movement that later became the CAN. We have the annual week of prayer, the universal week of prayer in Ijebu headed by the Awujale, who hosts all Christians on the first Monday of the year. The second day was given to Baba Odutola, who then was the Ogbeni Oja, to host Christians on Tuesday, and then my father would host on Wednesday. Thereafter, Prof. Bayo Adedeji became a host on Thursday and late Baba Oduwale on Friday.

My father passed on in 1987 and I became the beneficiary of that exercise and have been hosting it on behalf of my father. But I did not think that it would ever come to this. Do not forget that Ijebuland is the only part of Nigeria, and perhaps in the world, where there is no religious conflict. Christians, Muslims and traditionalists are all united and do things together. My grandfather was formerly a Muslim but later converted and became Daniel. We have always been involved with Christian activities.

Your new title will make you the rallying point for Christians in Ijebuland, but you are holding a purely traditional title of Bobasuwa II. How do you hope to combine the two titles?

There is no conflict. If you remember, the way things are done in Ijebuland, few years ago a law was passed, which was promoted by the Awujale, stating that even Obas, when they die, they would be buried according to their religious faith. The issue, in a manner of speaking, has already been regulated and we no longer have any conflict. When I took over as the Bobasuwa II of Ijebuland, I swore with the Bible. My father was the first Bobasuwa. It has nothing by way of conflict with my faith. They complement each other.

How do you feel that your installation with a new title and your 77th birthday coincided with December 7?

The title is not an age thing. It has to do with your contributions and what people perceive of you as an exemplar of what true Christian values should be. Candidly, it has nothing to do with age. It has to do with your contributions; what people perceive of you and your integrity.

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Just look back into the past few decades of the previous holders of this title in the persons of Baba Odutola and my dear brother, Otunba Chief Michael Balogun. I feel quite elated, humbled and challenged that the people and authorities considered me worthy of this position.

Like I said, the title is about integrity, which I have the benefit of showcasing in the past 37 years or so. And I hope and pray that for the rest of my natural life, I will not become something contrary to that. I will live the rest of my life as a Christian, as a God-fearing and principled man; as somebody who looks for the betterment of the society. This honour has been given to me by the grace of God and it is a challenge for me to make sure that the next person who takes it after me does not have it diminished.

The next level will be enriched by me and then I will pass on a good torch to whoever will come after me like it will be passed to me on December 7. It seems to me as recognition of one as someone who can be found trustworthy, credible and a role model.

Looking at the pedigree of those that have held this title in the past, are you confident that you can match up with their achievements?

It is not a competition. Everybody has an opportunity to do what he has to do. When these revered men took this title, they were probably younger than the age I am now. But if you put in mind to do the things that are right and proper, knowing that you are going to be an example to lot of people, then you need to fashion your life in a manner that it will engender respect, integrity and credibility.

For me, it is a call to service, and to put Ijebu Christians in the forefront. It is a privilege for me to be asked to lead Ijebu Christians at this time.

What specific infrastructure projects have you facilitated or supported in your community?

When you talk about infrastructure, the tendency is to look at only bricks and mortar. But that should not be. We are talking about people. Without people, there cannot really be any development. I may not have built bridges, and in any case, I am not expected to build bridges, all I can do is to support whatever government does and ensure that government recognises the value in the people of Ijebuland. It is not about me building hospitals, schools, etc.

Of course, I have participated in all of that. I am the chairman of the Ijebu Congress. It is a worldwide body of all the sons and daughters of Ijebu. So, I have the opportunity of galvanising both the Ijebus at home and in the Diaspora. I am also the chairman of the Ijebu Renaissance Group, which is a very unique organisation that looks specifically at developing Ijebuland. I am also a member of the Trustees of Ijebu Development Association to actualise development in Ijebuland. I am the patron of the foremost age group in Ijebuland. We have done so many things all around Ijebuland, including hospitals and education.

What is your take on the demand that traditional rulers be given a role in government?

There is absolutely nothing wrong in that. It is always for the betterment of the people that their appointed leaders are made to interface properly with government. Obas and other leaders should not be put in positions where they can give advice to government. They should have a channel for discussing with the government because they know the pains of the people much more than the politicians. I will support a channel by which government can reach out or create a forum for discussion with these traditional leaders so that free flow of discussions can help the ordinary man and woman.

Where were you when the news came to you that you will become the next Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile and what was your reaction?

I was in Ijebu Ode when the title was mentioned to me. How did I feel? I felt very humbled. I felt that it was God at work. For me, everything that I have done in my life, I have always put God first. I have told God that I will not want anything that will not glorify His name. And I have also asked God to take away anything that will not give me peace of mind.

The best thing is to work for humanity. Therefore, this gives me an opportunity to also write my own legacy and live the way the way the previous Asiwajus and indeed my father, the late Chief Emmanuel Okunowo, had lived.

How do you see the Ijebu Christian Association today and in the future?

It is a growing organisation. It is not perfect. We have to work at it to make sure that it gets better as we move along. And it is not one man’s journey. Baba Odutola started it. Otunba Balogun continued it and now, it is my turn by the grace of God. And I pray that I will also hand it over to somebody in a better fashion than it was given to me.

What will the Ijebus at home and in the Diaspora expect from you concerning the titles you are holding?

The title of Asiwaju Onigbagbo that I will receive on December 7 is purely based on service to Christianity while the title of Bobasuwa II of Ijebuland concerns the whole of Ijebuland, including women, men, Christians, Muslims and traditionalists. My prayer is that I can be a true representative of Ijebuland in all ramifications.

I am someone who believes in doing the right thing and forging forward. I must have an impact and it is my prayer that I will make positive impact on the lives of our people going forward.

Wives tend not to be supportive when their husbands are asked to take titles but we have noticed your wife’s active support for this title…

My wife is from Abeokuta. She is an Egba and she has her own titles in Egbaland. She is the Otun Iyalaje of Egbaland. She is the Olori Erelu of Kemta in Abeokuta. She is the head of all the female titled chiefs in Kemta. We have integrated.

The interesting thing about the December 7 is the fact that while it is also my birthday, it is also our 50th wedding anniversary. We have built up over the years similar values and have appreciated each other’s values. She was the first managing director of Sony Music, which was initially CBS Records, which we founded in Nigeria with the Americans. The CBS was bought over by Sony Japan and it became Sony Nigeria until we shut it down a few years ago.

What is your lifestyle like that you are still looking agile at 77?

I have said it that I am not the flamboyant type. I believe in less for more. I take life as it comes. I do things according to my Christian values. I enjoy myself. I used to be an athlete. I participated in the world university games for the University of Lagos. I exercise. I love music and dancing. I am involved in the entertainment industry. Fela, Lagbaja, Shina Peters and so many other major artists went through Sony Music and Premier Music. I was the one that got Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon’s permission to release Fela’s “Zombie.”

I live my life in a very simple but meaningful, way. I enjoy myself within the limits that are acceptable. I have a family that is very supportive. The worst thing in life is to go outside and conquer the world and not be able to hold your home. You will never have peace. I have peace and my family has always supported me in whatever I do.

What is your advice to CAN and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria?

It is to go back to this injunction of Jesus Christ: Love your neighbour. Period! If we can do just that, then we would have achieved our goals as Christians all over Nigeria. If we can sincerely do this, it is not just Christians that will benefit, our country will also benefit.

December 7, 2024
‘Friends, course mates physically carried me upstairs to attend classes’

Adaobi Chuma-Okeke, an Nguvu Change Leader, shared a poignant video on social media the day before the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2024, recounting her experiences as a person with a disability and calling for urgent action. Confined to a wheelchair, Adaobi reflects on the many struggles she faced in completing her education.

She said: “I finished my studies largely thanks to the help of supportive friends and classmates. I recall being physically carried upstairs to attend classes, and that experience, among many others, has inspired me to campaign for better accessibility in Nigerian schools.”

In her video and accompanying petition, Adaobi urges the Ministry of Education and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to take meaningful, concrete steps. She stresses that while there are laws and policies in place, such as the Disability Rights Act, these have yet to be effectively implemented, leaving many institutions inaccessible.

“Promises, policies and laws must result in real, tangible changes. If every school – from primary to tertiary – had proper ramps and/or elevators, it would open up opportunities for countless children with disabilities to access their education.

“I’ve risked injury, endured great pain and sacrificed comfort in my pursuit of learning, and I want to remove the barriers that prevent others from fully participating in their education,” she said.

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Adaobi’s message resonates with the theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” This theme aligns with the global disability rights movement’s slogan “Nothing About Us Without Us”, advocating greater representation, agency, and inclusivity in all spheres of life.

It calls for accessible public buildings, transportation systems, and services, but also for meaningful changes to the daily lives of disabled people.

The issue of accessibility is pressing, but it is not the only challenge the disability community in Nigeria faces. Beyond the physical barriers to education and public spaces, people with disabilities often encounter widespread societal discrimination and stigma.

Many Nigerians with disabilities struggle to find employment, as employers are either unaware of their legal obligations or are unwilling to make the necessary adjustments. The Disability Rights Act may exist on paper, but in practice, it is not consistently enforced, and disabled people continue to face exclusion in both the workplace and public life.

Moreover, there is a lack of awareness and training on disability rights among the general public and government officials, which exacerbates the difficulties faced by people with disabilities.

Adaobi’s call to action includes not only a demand for wheelchair-accessible infrastructure in educational institutions but also a broader push for inclusion in all public spaces, transport systems, and services.

She highlights the need for more comprehensive policies that promote equal employment opportunities, social inclusion, and improved healthcare for people with disabilities.

The need for dignity and respect for all Nigerians, regardless of their physical condition, is urgent. The government and private sector should take immediate and meaningful action to remove these obstacles and build a truly inclusive society.

December 7, 2024
Why I came out with my cancer story – Charly Boy

Nigerian legendary entertainer and social activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, is a man on a mission. After battling prostate cancer, he has become an advocate, while using his personal experience to raise awareness about men’s health and mental well-being. In this chat, he opens up on his survival journey and his mission to support other men facing similar challenges through a newly established foundation. EVELYN OSAGIE writes

IT’S no longer news that you had prostate even though the news came as a shock at the time. But more shocked were folks when you also said you could no longer perform sexual duties”. Many people thought you were just joking. Could you take us through the journey?

As I’ve always said, there are times and seasons in everybody’s life, a time when you like Egusi over Ogbono, a time when you like power bikes over scooters, and so on and so forth. I thank God that through his grace, I’ve been able to have very active, fulfilling youthful years, so I don’t think I’m missing out on anything, but the reason I went to town with my challenges was simply because I had to get that message out, I had to tell my fellow men that it’s alright not to be alright. I had to tell my fellow men to desist from not being able to be as open as I was going about my challenges, that there’s something sinister, something technically wrong with not being open, and I know most of this comes from how we men have been brainwashed over the years. They say, “a man is not supposed to cry”, “whatever you have that is paining you, just chest it, don’t even tell anybody”. And the worst of all, “if you’re married, don’t let your wife know, because she might use the information against you” and all of that.

I felt obligated to go and speak on behalf of men, to say this is the ‘wrongest’ thing that you can do to yourself. And of course, there were a lot of things that inspired that move in the first place, because Prostate doesn’t run in my family, not to talk about cancer, so when I discovered that that was what was going on, and being a health freak as I am, always checking and looking into my body, always having my regular checkups, I felt that something was amiss. And what was that? It started with the doctors, especially in Nigeria, even in Sweden, and abroad, who kept on telling me “oh, your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is okay”, it never passed 3.0, I know some people, their PSA is like 17, 30, but my own never passed 3.0.

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So, here I was feeling cool with myself, but I was going through changes, and what are those changes? There was a period that I was wearing diapers all the time, because I was constantly leaking. I was constantly going to the bathroom, no sooner had I taken a pee, in the next three minutes, I wanted to go back to the bathroom, and most of the time, by the time I got to the bathroom, I would have already peed on myself. There was no way I could have worn one underwear or boxer for more than half a day, because it would just stink the whole place, so I had to keep changing, but it was also attacking my brain. I started to have performance anxiety, because I noticed that my erections were becoming irregular, it was like my organ had a mind of its own, it would erect at its own time, not my time. I noticed that I had lost command of my own organ, and I couldn’t understand it.

As I said, the one that killed me the most was the performance anxiety, and after that, it was like I really had no interest in sex, not with my wife, not with anybody. Maybe I thought it was a “see-finish” situation with my wife, and I won’t lie to you, like I never lied to my wife, I said “okay, I would try other people, let me see”, and it was the same thing. I had travelled all the way to London, to go and see the experts, I think that was two years back, and they gave me one funny pill, I think it was about $17,000, it’s almost $20,000 today in the hospital. Where I go see that kain money? I no get money na.

What did you think saved you from this predicament that could have killed you as it did others?

What saved me was because I was talking everywhere, complaining to everybody.

I was lucky to meet one Nigerian there who had the same problem, and I was sharing my story and challenges with him, and he goes “listen o, there’s one guy here in London, but he’s always coming to Nigeria every other month, and he has decided to do something close to a Pro bono for Nigerians, because the thing is hitting Nigerian men badly.”

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So, of course, I immediately collected the doctor’s number, and he told me when he would arrive in Nigeria, and I like the fact that I finally did what I had to do in Nigeria. I didn’t run away to America, even though I no get money o, I like that I was able to do it in a hospital in Nigeria, because the guy did come, and after I went to see him, he said “you need to go and have this precise checkup”, I think it’s called MRI, this was to be done around my manhood, so that we can ascertain what exactly is wrong. The day I brought the report back to him, he said “you need to go in, I don’t like what I’m seeing”, and that’s how the next day, I was admitted into Reddington, and that same day I was admitted, I was operated on in Reddington. Now, I understand why men are scared because of this, I had Stage 1 Prostate cancer, I was lucky because my pee and everything were mixing with my bladder, it had become cancerous, so there was a need to just stop it in its track, and that’s why the next day after the examination, I was admitted. I stayed in Reddington Hospital for about five days, and my recovery was kind of quick. I can’t say now, that I’m totally free. This operation happened last year around May.

What was the post-surgery experience like for you?

After a successful surgery, you can imagine someone like me, who’s really not a religious person, my wife carry me go church, she said we must thank God, and of course I went to church, invited a few people, but wetin still dey cry for bush, still dey cry for bush, because throughout my challenge, I noticed, like I said earlier, that I had become so uninterested in sex. I used to think that as I don collect some 47 years from my wife, see finish don enter, but that wasn’t true, I just turned off, because my “thing” still wasn’t rising when it was supposed to rise, and I didn’t have the full command of my organ, and you know, for a man, your penis is like your prized possession.

How were you able to deal with the realisation that you may never be able to perform the way you used to?

For a man wey no too get money, and him thing no dey too function, you feel less of a man, and that is why a lot of men that I know, they don’t want to talk about it, they want to just carry it as their own cross. But as I keep saying, it is bad. The sooner you check up to know what’s happening in your body, the better and the more prepared you are.

What inspired the setting up of the Charly Boy Foundation?

Now, like I’ve said earlier, while I was wondering what to do, and Louis Stan Ekeh, the computer guy who owns one of the biggest franchises with. Xenox Computers, who heard one of my interviews on TV/radio, and said to me “you know, Charlie, the way I’ve seen you answer questions, I think this is what you should sign off with. Let this be part of the legacy you leave since you’re good at talking to people and having sessions with men. Why don’t you do this as a full-time job?” And I said that’s the best idea I’ve ever heard and that’s how I jumped into action. And the thing about me is once you give me a good idea, I just run with it.

So that’s what inspired the setting up of the Charly Boy Foundation and we began working with different people; hospitals in the East, in Umuahia, in Owerri, Enugu, and Abuja. Through the Charly Boy Foundation, we can help more men, because men these days are going through a whole lot. We are in partnership with these organizations. And our primary duty was to raise funds knowing that men can be slow in medically checking themselves, and I, as the Chief Campaigner for awareness against Prostate Cancer, my duty is to relate with the men in such a way that they can have a test done, at least, for the first time.

How does the foundation plan to secure the funds needed to subsidise the cost for prostate cancer test for those in need?

Depending on your location, it typically costs about 50k to 100k but the foundation is ready to offset half or perhaps even three-quarter of the test fee and this is why we need funds and donations to help other people who may not have the wherewithal to pay for the basic test.

After the basic test and the results are not so bad, we can also help with follow-up medications but if the results say it is quite serious, we can randomly select certain patients and make funds available for a full surgery. So, this is our modus operandi but the thing is, I really can’t do it alone. I’m not a doctor, nor do I have anything to do with the medical sector. My job is majorly to create awareness and publicize to the men that openness is important in these challenging times.

What would you like to say to Nigerians who have been fairly blessed with enough resources to support this kind of project?

So, for any family that has gone through what I have gone through, they will understand, and all they can do is help us with their widow’s mite, whatever they can afford. The truth is I don’t see a lot of NGOs that are catering for men because it’s all about women and children, I mean, men are human beings too. The Charly Boy Foundation is not just about mens’ health and wellness; it’s about our mental state. Our mental state is being eroded seriously like never before. The mental state of most Nigerians now is something to be very, very worried about, so we have professionals who can talk to people, as long as people can learn to open up, and let new information into their minds, because our state of happiness or depression, depends on what we’re entertaining in our minds.

December 7, 2024
Relocating open drug marketers to CWCs for a healthier future

•Establishing Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) to replace Nigeria’s chaotic open drug markets is a crucial step towards improving public health and strengthening the healthcare system. By addressing unregulated drug distribution, this initiative aims to curb the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines, safeguarding the nation’s pharmaceutical sector

To combat the growing menace of substandard and falsified (SF) medicines in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) have taken a bold and significant step toward overhauling the country’s disorganised and chaotic drug distribution system. This transformative action is not only a pivotal moment in the reform of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector but also a decisive move in the fight against SF medicines, which have long posed a serious threat to public health. The disorderly nature of open drug markets, where counterfeit and substandard medications are often sold without regulation, has been a major contributor to the spread of these dangerous products across the country. This reform promises to address the root causes of the crisis, while safeguarding the health and well-being of all Nigerians.

Speaking at a joint media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, highlighted the ongoing challenge posed by open drug markets to regulatory agencies. She commended the relocation of Kano’s open drug market to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), describing it as a benchmark for other states to emulate. The NAFDAC boss also emphasised that the CWC model offers a structured and regulated environment for the sale and distribution of pharmaceuticals, significantly reducing the risks associated with unregulated drug markets. “This milestone in Kano sets a precedent for how we can transform the pharmaceutical landscape across the country,” Adeyeye noted, urging other regions to adopt similar initiatives to ensure public health and safety.

This effort culminated in a landmark court ruling in February 2024, which ordered open drug marketers in Kano to relocate their operations to the newly established Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Dangwauro, Kano. This initiative, which has been endorsed by regulatory authorities and health experts, marks a critical turning point in Nigeria’s continued battle against the growing menace of SF medicines that have plagued the nation for decades.

As a nation, Nigeria faces a profound challenge in its drug distribution system. The chaotic and unregulated nature of open drug markets, particularly in cities like Kano, Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba, has been a persistent concern for regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and PCN. The lack of proper oversight and structured distribution channels has led to the infiltration of substandard and falsified drugs into the market, with devastating consequences for public health. Substandard and falsified medicines are often ineffective, or worse, harmful, leading to treatment failures, prolonged illness, and even death. This situation, while a pressing issue for regulators, has also had far-reaching economic consequences, contributing to a healthcare system that struggles to meet the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.

The decision to relocate drug marketers to a more controlled and regulated environment within the CWCs is a vital step in addressing these challenges. The Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWC), designed as hubs for the centralised, regulated distribution of pharmaceutical products, have been identified as a crucial part of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG). These centres aim to bring together all pharmaceutical stakeholders under a single regulatory framework, thus reducing the risks associated with unregulated distribution, while ensuring that medicines are stored, handled, and distributed in line with established safety and efficacy standards.

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“The chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria and open drug markets have been a sore point to drug regulatory agencies, especially to NAFDAC. This disorderly chain of movement of medicine in the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the final consumer, is inimical to the efficacy of pharmaceutical products and is the primary cause of Substandard and Falsified (SF) medicines in circulation. The consequence of this is treatment failure or even death. Therefore, to make Nigerians healthier and reduce mortality, NAFDAC and our sister agency, PCN, must continue to fight against SFs.

“The fight started decades ago when the Presidential Committee on Pharmaceutical Sector Reform (PCPSR), constituted in 2003, developed strategies towards the sanitisation of the drug distribution system in Nigeria. The Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWC), where the open marketers can be relocated for proper monitoring, is a product of the PCPSR. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, is one of the architects of CWC and in full support of the centres,” she said.

At the joint press briefing, the Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babasheu Ahmed, issued a stern directive to operators of open drug markets in Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba, urging them to prepare for relocation to the newly approved Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) in their respective cities as soon as the facilities are completed. The Registrar’s warning follows a landmark ruling by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Kano Federal High Court on February 16, 2024, which mandated the relocation of open drug marketers in Kano to the Dangwauro Coordinated Wholesale Centre. Pharm. Ahmed emphasised that once the CWC facilities in Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba are ready, open drug market operators will be required to move without delay. He added that no extensions or grace periods would be granted, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring a regulated and safer pharmaceutical distribution system across Nigeria.

He described the Simon Amobeda ruling that ordered the movement of open drug marketers to Kano CWC as monumental because it would make the control of drug distribution better regulated and eliminate substandard medicines. “The continued fight against SFs to make our citizens healthier has been blessed by the judgment of Justice Amobeda. It is most significant for both NAFDAC and PCN because it shows the resolve of the two agencies to get rid of SFs in our markets and sets a good pathway toward attainment of Maturity Level 4. In August 2024, an attempt was made to commission the market but the Director, Investigation and Enforcement (Chairman of Federal Task Force), Mohammed Shaba had meetings with several stakeholders.” The PCN Registrar also revealed that the council has stopped a move by the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers to commission a Drug market in Dalar Gyada In Kano contrary to the Act establishing PCN.”

The role of NAFDAC and PCN in regulating the pharmaceutical sector

In Nigeria, NAFDAC and PCN are the two key regulatory agencies tasked with overseeing the distribution and sale of pharmaceutical products. NAFDAC’s mandate includes regulating the importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of drugs, food, medical devices, and other regulated products. PCN, on the other hand, is responsible for regulating pharmacy practice and ensuring that pharmacists and other drug distributors comply with the laws that govern pharmaceutical sales and practices in Nigeria. Together, these agencies work in tandem to monitor and enforce compliance with the regulations, ensuring that the public is protected from the dangers of unregulated drugs.

As stakeholders have canvassed over the years, the relocation of open drug markets to the CWCs will significantly enhance the ability of these agencies to enforce their mandates effectively. The CWC in Kano, the first of its kind in Nigeria, provides a controlled environment where medicines can be properly regulated, and where oversight from both NAFDAC and PCN is facilitated. In addition, the establishment of CWCs in Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Onitsha—four of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical trading hubs—represents a robust framework for regulating the drug distribution process across Nigeria.

The CWC model has the potential to drastically reduce the number of substandard and falsified medicines in circulation. For NAFDAC, the ability to regulate the sale and distribution of medicines in these centralised locations will significantly reduce the chances of counterfeit products entering the market. In the past, drug dealers operating in unregulated open drug markets have circumvented the stringent checks that NAFDAC has attempted to enforce, often leading to the proliferation of SF medicines. The relocation of these dealers to the CWCs is expected to curb this problem by improving monitoring, enhancing traceability of pharmaceuticals, and fostering greater collaboration between regulatory bodies and the pharmaceutical industry.

The ruling by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano on February 16, 2024, represents a significant milestone in the fight against SF medicines. By ordering the relocation of open drug marketers to the CWC in Dangwauro, the court has reinforced the importance of regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s drug distribution system. The judgement not only validates the efforts of NAFDAC and PCN to control drug distribution but also sets a precedent for future enforcement actions in other major drug markets across the country. In response to the ruling, NAFDAC and PCN launched an enforcement action on February 17-18, 2024, sealing over 1,370 wholesale medicine outlets across three open drug markets in Kano—Sabon Gari, Malam Kato, and Mai Karami Plaza. These outlets, which had long been operating outside of regulatory control, were found to be major sources of SF medicines. The sealed outlets were given a deadline to relocate their businesses to the newly established CWC, marking a decisive step in the broader strategy to sanitise Nigeria’s pharmaceutical distribution system.

This court ruling also sends a strong message to other drug marketers in Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba—cities where open drug markets have similarly contributed to the proliferation of SF medicines. It serves as a reminder that the days of unregulated drug distribution are numbered, and that the future of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market lies in compliance with established regulations and participation in the CWC system. The relocation of drug distributors to the CWCs is a positive development for the health of Nigerians. By eliminating the unregulated drug markets, which have been hotbeds for substandard and falsified medicines, Nigeria is taking a significant step toward protecting the health of its citizens. As Prof Adeyeye has consistently emphasised, “A healthier nation is a wealthier nation.” The move to centralised, regulated drug distribution not only ensures that Nigerians receive medicines that are safe and effective, but it also fosters a stronger economy by improving public health outcomes.

The benefits of a healthier population are manifold. Healthy citizens are more productive, experience fewer healthcare-related setbacks, and contribute more effectively to the economy. By tackling the root causes of substandard and falsified medicines, NAFDAC and PCN are not only saving lives but also creating an environment where the healthcare system can thrive. The success of the CWC initiative will serve as a model for other sectors in Nigeria, demonstrating the power of regulation and collaboration in driving positive change.

However, the fight against substandard and falsified medicines is far from over. While the establishment of CWCs in Kano, Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba represents a critical step forward, much work remains to be done to fully eradicate the problem of SF medicines in Nigeria. The tiding is that the efforts of NAFDAC and PCN are supported by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, who has been a vocal advocate for the CWC initiative and the broader pharmaceutical sector reform.

According Pate, the creation of the CWCs is part of a long-term strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s pharmaceutical distribution system is robust, transparent, and accountable. However, the successful implementation of this strategy will require continued cooperation between regulatory bodies, government agencies, and pharmaceutical stakeholders. NAFDAC, PCN, and other key partners must continue to work together to ensure that the CWCs operate efficiently and that compliance is strictly enforced. In addition, there is a need for ongoing education and awareness campaigns to help all stakeholders—especially the medicine distributors—understand the importance of adhering to the new regulations and embracing the CWC system.

The Nigerian government’s commitment to building more CWCs in other key cities, as well as expanding the reach and capacity of existing centres, will be instrumental in the fight against SF medicines. The cooperation between NAFDAC, PCN, and other stakeholders, including state governments and local authorities, will be crucial in ensuring the success of this initiative and the continued improvement of Nigeria’s public health system.

December 5, 2024
JUST IN: One feared dead in Ifon/Ilobu fresh communal clash in Osun

Tensions rose on Tuesday, December 3, in Ilobu and Ifon communities in Irepodun and Orolu Local Government Areas of Osun State, following the killing of a farmer amid a protracted land dispute.

The Nation reports that the conflict between the two communities has resulted in numerous deaths and destruction of property in 2023 and the early 2024.

The latest victim, identified as Sikiru Onaolapo, was reportedly shot dead while working on his farm in the disputed Oke Ekutu area.

His body was taken to the palace of the Olobu of Ilobu as residents appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke for intervention.

Speaking on the incident, the Otun-Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Leke Ogunsola, stated: “Sikiru Onaolapo, from the Olobo compound, went to his farm this morning and was shot dead. Witnesses said the deceased mentioned one Muideen Alabata from Ifon before passing.”

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Chief Ogunsola urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the killing and apprehend the culprits.

However, Jide Akinyooye, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Ifon-Orolu Progressives Union, denied the allegation, stating that no indigene of Ifon was responsible for the farmer’s death.

He said “Investigation should be carried out into the incident but I can tell you we don’t have anyone bearing such a name in Ifon. Some people have been visiting the disputed land which had been acquired by the Osun State Government then our king warned his subjects against going to the area.“

When contacted, the spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola did respond to calls and text messages put to her phone over the matter.

December 3, 2024