The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • Digital technologies will spur more ICT jobs

    Digital technologies will spur more ICT jobs

    The information communication technology (ICT) sector has literally become the cash cow of the country contributing about 20 per cent to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). The CEO, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Nigeria, Wole Abu, says increased technology adoption will inevitably spur job creation and boost the economy. Abu speaks on how to halt the high mortality rate of internet service providers, roles of the startup ecosystem and others in an interview with LUCAS AJANAKU.

    How can Nigeria boost its current ICT sector to increase contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)?

    Collaboration is key making it crucial for the government and the private sector to work together to ensure that the ICT sector increasingly contributes to the growth of the economy. Reducing regulatory barriers and promoting Public Private Partnerships (PPP) with the academia, would be a big help, as would incorporating connectivity infrastructure into public work projects. In addition, the government should make it a priority to make it easier to build the necessary facilities. We are talking about cell towers, fibre optic networks, and data centres.

    Additionally, tax cuts to infrastructure providers would provide incentives for companies to contribute to the public good. Steady supply of power is a challenge in Nigeria. Many African nations face this, and governments in those countries need to work towards providing steady and reliable power through the national grid as ICT cannot thrive without adequate electricity.

    Digital literacy is also important, and governments need to equip children and youths with the skills for a digital future. They can do this by providing a school curriculum that teaches them the necessary digital skills.

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    The government has talked about job creation through the ICT sector. How can this happen?

    The increase of job creation through the ICT sector can be achieved through enhanced adoption of digital technologies.  It is also important to note that the adoption of digital technologies to drive job creation is necessary but insufficient on its own. National policies, electricity, road access, education, and skills as well as attainable financing are all parts of the solution. Bold policy actions and initiatives that create a conducive environment for digital technologies will lead to positive employment impacts visible to governments, enterprises, and households. This emphasises the importance of collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders to drive investments, targeted regulations, and market-induced price reductions to help address affordability. Investments can include common access facilities for all, especially hubs for entrepreneurial training and support.

    A key aspect is also digital literacy and retaining talents. The way you retain top-tier talent is by providing an environment which is conducive for them to work for not only fantastic companies but world-class companies. For that to happen in Nigeria, a lot of things need to change. First, before we look at retaining talents, we need to look at training talents for the future. We need to train through the school curriculums to produce sought-after tech talents.

    Once they are in the employment market, businesses must create a favourable work environment and offer them opportunities for career development, learning, and skills – not just on-the-job training, but academia too. We must provide them with opportunities to upskill and gain qualifications. Today, most people are self-taught. We need to invest massively in training and development programmes because tech talent is in high demand globally.  Considering we have over 200million people in Nigeria with over half of them under 25, there is great potential to create more professionals to not only fulfill our needs, but also export to the world.

    Nigeria and other 12 countries recently experienced internet shutdown due to four submarine cable cuts. How can this be averted in the future?

    The recent events emphasise the importance of choosing an internet service provider (ISP) with built-in redundancy and automatic traffic rerouting to maintain service during unexpected events. For us at Liquid Intelligent Technologies, our investment in multiple undersea cables along the East and West coasts allowed us to carry traffic with minimal disruption. We operate an intelligent subsea cable system that automatically reroutes network traffic during such outages, thus ensuring service reliability on our resilient architecture. This differentiates Liquid Intelligent Technologies from other wholesalers that do not have access to similar infrastructure.

    How can the growing number of mortalities of small players such as ISPs be stopped in the industry?

    Survivability of ISPs entails overcoming the major issue of improving customer base, despite the existing challenges and competition. ISPs business in Nigeria is viable but there is the need to partner with the public sector for an enabling business environment. The sector needs regulatory support in terms of licensing issues, spectrum availability and price, inter-sector policies framework, Right of Way intervention, human security, and safety at the plants. There should be a level playing ground for all ISPs and mobile network operators (MNOs) to play in.

    It is ultimately the responsibility of the ISPs to secure a niche in the industry, the right cost of data purchase and other sound business strategies that will ensure continuity and growth.

    ISPs need to find key players to collaborate with for wider broadband reach as well as save costs. They must also consolidate and expand serviceable footprints. The growing demand for data capacity, digital services, 5G and the increasing need to invest in infrastructure efficiently are major opportunities for ISPs and should be harnessed to drive growth.

    Nigeria has one of the fastest growing startup ecosystems on the continent. How crucial is this ecosystem to Nigeria’s economic growth?

    A strong startup ecosystem, supported by entrepreneurship, fosters economic growth, and contributes to a country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. Startups are major job creators, especially in a country like Nigeria with a large youth population, providing opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. In terms of innovation and technology, they introduce new products and services, bringing fresh ideas that improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness across industries. The startup ecosystem also attracts the much-needed foreign direct investment (FDI), as evidenced by the emergence of ‘unicorns’ in Nigeria; startups that have grown into small medium enterprises (SMEs), some even expanding to other African countries. Successful startups contribute to talent development and retention, providing career opportunities and a supportive environment that helps retain local talent. Additionally, startups have a significant social impact, addressing key issues in health, education, and other sectors, improving the overall quality of life of their communities.

    What role does the IT sector overall play in supporting the startup ecosystem?

    The IT sector plays a pivotal role in supporting startups and the economy at large, providing the essential infrastructure, software, and services that are critical for modern businesses. To this end, Liquid is committed to working with the government to achieve the objectives in Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan and to transform Nigeria into a leading digital economy, a vision enshrined in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy. Through our comprehensive suite of cloud computing, network, data centre storage, and cyber security products and expertise, we empower startups to leverage technology securely and gain a competitive edge in the digital age. Our 110,000km fibre network spanning the continent enables us to provide the reach, tools, and virtual platforms required to grow businesses.

    What are the key challenges facing Nigerian startups, and how can reliable IT solutions address these challenges effectively?

    A key challenge is infrastructure and connectivity, including inconsistent power supply. Liquid’s cloud solutions reduce the need for on-premises infrastructure and reliance on mobile technology for operations. Access to funding is another challenge; the internet connectivity we provide helps startups access online investment platforms, launch crowdfunding campaigns, and use blockchain-based solutions for fundraising and financial transactions. Finding the right talent is also a common hurdle, and we support startups through training and skills development initiatives.

    How can service offerings such as that of your organisation benefit startups in terms of scalability and innovation?

    We begin by deeply understanding their businesses, enabling us to offer scalable cloud solutions tailored to their specific stage in the business lifecycle. Through research and analytics, we gain insights into the local environment, regulatory challenges, cultural nuances, and other factors, allowing us to customise our solutions to meet their unique needs. Our cloud-based services provide startups with a highly scalable infrastructure that supports various verticals such as talent development and management, cyber security, digital marketing, e-commerce, and technical training and support. This scalability ensures that startups can adapt and grow their operations without being constrained by infrastructure limitations. Additionally, we support startups through partnerships and collaborations, facilitating their participation in events and providing access to networks that can foster growth and innovation.

    Through strategic partnerships with leading players, Liquid Nigeria is redefining network, cloud, and cyber security offerings, bringing innovative business applications, intelligent cloud services, and world-class security to Nigeria. What sets us apart from the competition is our comprehensive suite of services that encompass everything a startup needs to thrive, and our geographical spread across over 50 countries. Operating in Asia, the Americas, South America, and Africa allows us to understand and navigate diverse regulatory and cultural environments, making us an ideal partner for startups looking to scale across Africa and beyond.

    How do you ensure data protection of startups in the ever-evolving digital landscape with cyber crooks always on the prowl?

    In today’s digital landscape, cyber security and data protection are of paramount importance for startups. Many startups may not have the expertise or resources to effectively protect themselves, which is where Liquid Nigeria comes in. We embed security into everything we do, offering tailored cyber security services to protect startups from these threats. We also partner with leading cyber security providers, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of industry trends and can deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers. This not only protects startups from potential threats but also builds trust with their customers, ultimately supporting their growth and success in the digital age.

    What role can partnerships and collaborations with local organisations and stakeholders, including government, play in further strengthening the ecosystem with reliable IT solutions?

    Partnerships and collaborations with local organisations, stakeholders, and the government play a crucial role in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. Liquid has established partnerships with leading technology companies, and we actively participate in the startup ecosystem, collaborating with innovation hubs across the continent. We partner with startup accelerators, co-working spaces, incubators, and other players in the ecosystem, offering cross-promotion of services. For example, we have partnerships with banks to provide bundled offerings for startups, including access to the internet and cloud services, helping them transition into the digital space. Additionally, we work with education and research institutes to improve access to the internet and provide relevant content to tertiary institutions. We also partner with companies providing tools for specific segments such as logistics, agriculture, and fintech.

    Looking ahead, what are the prospects for Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, and how can you continue to lead and innovate in the realm of IT solutions to support this growth?

    With a rapidly growing tech talent base, increased access to funding, and legislation such as the Startup Act, the ecosystem is poised for significant growth. Key sectors such as fintech, logistics, healthcare, and renewable energy are expected to experience massive expansion. Startups require flexible and scalable solutions as they respond to their growth, and our infrastructure, platform, software, and network services cater to these needs. Our support programmes also provide discounted services, training, and mentorship to foster the next generation of innovators. We are also partnering with artificial intelligence (AI) companies to develop platforms and applications that enable startups to quickly build and iterate on solutions. As entrepreneurs at heart, our vision is to leave no African behind.

    By digitally empowering Nigerian startups, we help them take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead in Nigeria’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

    When you talk about partnership, how has your company demonstrated this?

    We have partnered with over 30 new businesses in Nigeria since entering the cloud space. Through these partnerships, we have successfully onboarded several businesses that are now thriving, creating jobs, and becoming industry leaders. This is testament to our commitment to supporting startups and helping them grow and succeed in Nigeria’s ever-evolving digital landscape.

  • Electricity crisis: Lagos, Edo,Oyo await NERC authorisation

    Electricity crisis: Lagos, Edo,Oyo await NERC authorisation

    • •Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo get the nod to generate, distribute power

    Can state governments truly take on the challenge of generating, transmitting and distributing electricity, given the substantial capital required for such projects? Would governors prioritise investing in initiatives that may not yield significant returns during their limited tenures? The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, consistently highlights the prolonged gestation period of electricity projects as a major hurdle. Rather than solely blaming weak regulation for the industry’s challenges, he advocates for the recapitalisation of electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) or involvement of core investors capable of meeting the sector’s financial and technical demands. He actively seeks new investors to help reduce Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses.

    Since the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) delegated oversight powers to Enugu, Ekiti and Ondo states last week, energy experts have raised pertinent questions about their potential impact on operations. Will these states merely regulate existing underperforming firms, or can they enact meaningful changes? Shedding light on the country’s energy mix, NERC’s Vice-Chairman, Musliu Oseni, revealed on April 3, that gas plants and hydroelectric sources account for 75 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively. However, the feasibility of state governments generating, transmitting and distributing electricity remains a subject of debate. While some doubt their financial capacity and question their motives, others ponder whether they will explore renewable energy opportunities or solely focus on leveraging existing power infrastructure for revenue. With NERC’s recent decision to cede regulatory power to state bodies such as the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), the landscape of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has shifted after 19 years of NERC’s monopoly.

    On April 22 2024, this move marked a significant departure from the status quo, as regulatory authority was transferred to the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau and the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau the following day.

    According to NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba and Commissioner Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe C. Akpeneye, regulatory oversight was transferred to Enugu, Ekiti and Ondo states effective May 1, 2024. This decision, rooted in the amended Electricity Act 2023, marks a significant shift from the previous centralisation of the electricity market. The NERC management emphasised that decentralisation became feasible after presidential assent was granted to relevant amendments of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on March 17, 2023.

    Sanusi and Akpeneye added that “Paragraph 14(b) Part II of the Second Schedule to the 1999 CFRN which provides that “a House of Assembly may make laws for the state with respect to generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to areas not covered by a national grid system within that State” was amended to “a House of Assembly may make laws for the State with respect to generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to areas within that state.”

    The NERC management highlighted that this amendment granted legislative autonomy to federating states in Nigeria, allowing them to legislate on electricity generation, transmission and distribution within their jurisdictions. As Enugu, Ekiti and Ondo states seize this opportunity to separate their electricity markets from NERC control, other states like Oyo, Kaduna, Edo, Nassarawa, and Lagos are reportedly following suit. This shift not only alters the landscape of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry but also redefines the states’ roles in power generation and distribution.

    However, the true test lies ahead as these states must now demonstrate the financial capacity to operate independently beyond mere legislative authority.

    Read Also: NERC transfers regulatory oversight to Ondo

    It’s important to remember the presence of the Federal Government-owned Nigerian Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) in Jos, Plateau State. Originally established to support the thriving tin production business of the Nigerian Tin Mining Company, NESCO continues to operate even after the decline of tin mining in the area. Today, it remains active, supplying electricity to various customers in the city.

    Before the 2023 Electricity Act, several states had expressed interest in establishing and managing their own power plants. Lagos State, for instance, embarked on this path over 15 years ago, seeking to generate its own electricity. Similarly, Edo State stands out as a success story with its 550MW Ossiomo Gas Power Plant, supplying power to various consumers. More recently, the Aba Geometric 188MW Power Plant, in partnership with Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE), resumed electricity supply to the Aba business cluster, marking a significant departure from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). While these power plants may not be operating at full capacity, they continue to operate and contribute to the electricity supply.

    But how has the order transferring power to the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission changed the landscape of the power market in the state? Basically, NERC has, in compliance with the Act, granted the ESERC power to regulate its intra-state electricity market activities once the order takes effect.

    NERC ORDER NO: NERC/2024/039 states that: “On completion of the transfer under subsections (2) and (3), whichever occurs later in time, the commission shall have no further regulatory responsibility whatsoever for electricity market activities carried on entirely within the state to which regulatory responsibility has been transfered.”

    The law has further empowered the state commission to incorporate and license a company: powers firm that it oversights. NERC said: “B. EEDC shall complete the incorporation of EEDC SubCo within 60 days from (1st May, 2024), the effective date of this Order and, EEDC SubCo shall apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from EERC. C.EEDC shall identify the actual geographic boundaries of Enugu State and carve out its network in Enugu State as a standalone network with the installation of boundary meters at all border points where the network crosses from Enugu State into another state.”

    In essence, the state commission will now grant licenses to companies owned by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for operation within the state. However, the EERC will not regulate the activities of the EEDC in areas beyond the state’s territorial boundaries.

    Additionally, any significant electricity firm emerging within the state will also be subject to licensing and regulation by the EERC. Despite its name, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission lacks regulatory authority over the EEDC’s franchise areas in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States. These states will continue to fall under the oversight of the NERC until they establish their own regulatory commissions. This is so because the EA 2023 says, “Notwithstanding the provisions of section 63(1) and subsection (5), the generation, transmission, system operation and distribution of electricity in a State that has not exercised its option under subsection (2) shall continue to be regulated by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of this Act until such a time as that State exercises the option.”

    In the instance of transferring regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Ekiti State to the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EERB), NERC stated that it has issued an order based on the state’s application for a regulatory bureau. This action aligns with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) and the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended), facilitating the transition of regulatory responsibilities from the Commission to the EERB.

    Accordingly, the transfer Order by NERC has the following provisions:- Direct Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company PLC (IBEDC) to incorporate a subsidiary (BEDC SubCo and IBEDC SubCo) to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Ekiti State from BEDC and IBEDC. BEDC and IBEDC shall complete the incorporation of BEDC SubCo and IBEDC SubCo within 60 days from 22 April 2024 and the sub-companies shall apply for and obtain licences for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from EERB, among other directives. All transfers envisaged by this order shall be completed by 22 October 2024.”

    But unlike Enugu State that all its notable electricity market activities are hitherto under the franchise of only Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Ekiti State electricity market business has been under the operation of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), hence the above NERC order. Similarly, NERC also transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Ondo State to Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB) in compliance with the same Act. The commission said: “The transfer Order by NERC has the following provisions: Direct Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to incorporate a subsidiary (BEDC SubCo) to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Ondo State from BEDC. BEDC shall complete the incorporation of BEDC SubCo within 60 days from 22 April 2024 and the sub-company shall apply for and obtain licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from OSERB, among other directives. All transfers envisaged by this order shall be completed by 22 October 2024.”

    The EA 2023 is explicit that the BEDC shall now register a distribution branch company that is licensed by the OSERB. From the view of the foregoing, the Act has brought the operators nearer to its customers in the above mentioned states. Since the new commission or bureaus will oversee their licensees, there is the high hope that it will result in a better customer relation and improved service delivery. However, some industry players have always raised the questions about source of funding since Nigeria’s commercial banks seem to have shut their doors of lending against the power sector.  Owing to their huge exposure to the industry and the unwillingness of both governments and private investors to service the debts, the local banks are out of the options. Thus, only the next few years shall tell whether the new electricity legislation has induced more light or darkness.

  • Ports Single Window: A potential game changer to boost economy

    Ports Single Window: A potential game changer to boost economy

    In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s trade landscape and boost economic growth, President Bola Tinubu recently inaugurated the National Single Window platform, designed to revolutionise clearance processes at ports, improve economic metrics, increase transparency and reduce trade costs. A cross-government initiative that aims to simplify trade processes, unlock economic potential and position Nigeria as a global trade leader, NSW promises to create a single digital platform that links ports, government agencies and stakeholders, enabling a seamless and efficient trade ecosystem. In this special report, OLUWAKEMI DAUDA delves into the vast potential benefits of the initiative and the challenges that may hinder its successful implementation

    At numerous maritime industry gatherings nationwide, stakeholders are fervently discussing the Federal Government’s implementation of a National Single Window (NSW) to eradicate human interference, combat corruption and enhance port efficiency, unanimously applauding the initiative. This follows the recent inauguration of the National Steering Committee for the single-window project in Abuja by President Bola Tinubu, who emphasised that the project aims to streamline import and export processes across the nation, simplifying procedures by eliminating the need for interactions with various agencies across multiple locations to obtain necessary documents, permits and clearances.

    The Federal Government’s decision to establish a National Single Window (NSW) platform at ports was initially announced by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, in January of this year, attributing the initiative to President Tinubu’s vision under the theme of Renewed Hope for rebuilding the economy, fostering economic prosperity and addressing port competitiveness and efficiency concerns. Adeniyi reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the NSW to expedite goods clearance and exports, marking a promise fulfilled six years after the Muhammadu Buhari administration pledged to create the platform in 2018 but failed to do so before leaving office last year. He underscored the clarity of the policy advisory documents delineated by the Tinubu administration, notably spotlighting the introduction of single-window technology as a crucial direction for port operations—a development warmly embraced by the Nigeria Customs Service, which is keen to align with this initiative, recognising its pivotal role in driving port operations efficiency.

    NSW and why it is necessary in Nigerian?

    A single window represents an integrated network of entities involved in a nation’s international trade, leveraging cutting-edge information and communication technology (ICT) methods, international data standards and streamlined information  systems to replace traditional paper-based processes. Essentially, it serves as a centralised facility enabling stakeholders in international transport and trade to submit uniform official documents and information through a single entry point, thereby fulfilling all transit, export and import requirements. When documents are submitted online, they typically only need to be submitted once, with common paperwork including commercial invoices, certificates of origin, export/import trade declarations and Customs manifest declarations, among others.

    Starting from January 1st of this year (2024), it has become mandatory for ports worldwide to adopt Single Window (SW) systems for electronic exchange of information concerning ships’ arrival, stay and departure at ports. Investigations further reveal that Nigeria stands as the sole country in Africa without such a platform. In 2018, under the previous administration led by former President Buhari, the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, pledged to establish a National Single Window platform to be overseen by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), with funding proposed from the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme. However, this commitment went unfulfilled before his departure from office. The absence of a Single Window platform is estimated to cost Nigeria an annual revenue loss of N1.08 trillion.

    Stakeholders in the maritime sector, speaking separately to The Nation, unanimously assert that one essential measure to expedite cargo clearance at ports and realise the diversification agenda is the implementation of a Single Window programme. One of the stakeholders, Samson Atanda, said: “The implementation of a single window system enables international (cross-border) traders to submit regulatory documents at a single location and/or single entity. Such documents are typically Customs declarations, applications for import/export permits, and other supporting documents, such as certificates of origin and trading invoices.”

    Atanda lamented that Nigerian-bound vessels are being diverted to Benin Republic, Ghana and other neighbouring ports because of endemic corruption in the ports as a result of unnecessary delays during cargo clearance at the ports. The maritime lawyer recommended that the policy on single window on the clearing of goods should be fully implemented to discourage physical examination of cargo by men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). “As of 2017, Ghana had commenced the registration of vehicles doing business at its port in preparation for full automation of the processes this year. Ghana has a $1.5 billion fully-automated terminal jointly built by the APM Terminals, Bolloré Africa Logistics, Meridian Port Services and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority,” Atanda said, adding that the expanded port could accommodate the world’s largest container ships in their breakwater and access channel. Like Ghana, other ports in Africa have automated their processes, making clearing faster and easier.

    Atanda said if the Federal Government can put the NSW in place, Nigerians who patronise other African ports would return to the ports by the time the human interface has been removed. The Maritime Single Window is intended to have a positive impact on port operations, increasing port efficiency, reducing vessel time in port, optimising processes, cutting emissions and boosting the overall safety of vessel calls.

    Challenges ahead

    In practical terms, a Single Window environment provides one ‘entrance,’ either physical or electronic, for the submission and handling of all data and documents related to the release and clearance of an international transactions. Former President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, highlighted several challenges associated with implementing the Single Window in the country, including a lack of political will among those in power, deficiencies in legal frameworks and insufficient technological skills among senior and junior government officials at the ports to embrace the Single Window system. Shittu emphasised that the primary aim of the Single Window is to eliminate human-to-human contact, underscoring the imperative for political will to actualise this goal. He further stressed the necessity of addressing the challenges hindering its adoption before its implementation. “There is the need to ensure that the port access road is accessible, scanners are used in the port and there should be an improvement in our multi-modal means of cargo evacuation,” he said.

    An importer, Felix Abraham, expressed concerns over lack of an enabling law to back sharing of data. He called on the National Assembly to address the issue urgently. “The Single Window for Facilitation of Trade (SWIFT) Project was a collaboration between the International Maritime Organisation and Singapore. It was aimed to develop the SW system to allow importers and exporters the facility to lodge their clearance documents online at a single point and required permission, if any, from other regulatory agencies is obtained online without the trader having to approach participating government agencies.”

    Other stakeholders pointed out several critical challenges with Single Window implementation, including insufficient support from government agencies at ports, complex procedures and document requirements, constraints in budget and human resources, organisational and human resistance to change, inadequate coordination among entities like NPA, NIMASA, Customs and other regulatory agencies, as well as with the trade community, legal hurdles and challenges, inadequate legal frameworks, resistance to accepting a designated leading agency, lack of information and communication technology (ICT), and security concerns regarding centralised information sharing and electronic documents. Moreover, Single Window implementation is viewed as a national-level project requiring significant changes across government ministries and agencies, alongside substantial investments. Many experts speaking to The Nation identified the lack of government support as a critical challenge, noting that the government tends to prioritise physical infrastructure development over soft infrastructure projects like Single Window.

    The issue of lack of political will may not be a concern, as President Tinubu, speaking at the inauguration of the National Steering Committee for the single-window project in Abuja a few days ago, emphasised that the project aims to facilitate ease of import and export trade in the country and promote integration at both national and regional levels. President Tinubu further stated that the project would streamline import and export processes by eliminating the need for interactions with multiple agencies across various locations to obtain necessary documents, permits and clearances. He expressed his commitment to creating a conducive environment for the project’s success despite challenges, pledging to empower the committee to overcome obstacles.

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    “The national single window is a game changer that will revolutionise the way we conduct trade by simplifying government trade compliance through a digital platform. We unlock the doors to economic prosperity, and all other opportunities. This initiative will link our ports, government agencies and key stakeholders by creating a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before.

    “The benefits of this initiative are immense. Paperless trade alone is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion. Countries like Singapore, Korea, Kenya and Saudi Arabia have already seen significant improvement in trade efficiency after implementing the Single Window System,” Tinubu said

    The unveiling of the National Single Window Project is driven by the aim to revolutionise trade facilitation and stimulate economic growth, leading to the designation of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) as implementing agencies and financial managers, with the project Secretariat housed within the FIRS. During the committee’s inauguration, FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, highlighted the alignment of the project with President Tinubu’s agenda for economic stimulation through enhanced trade facilitation at ports, citing estimated annual losses of $4 billion due to inefficiencies and costs in Nigerian ports. Adedeji stressed the project’s potential to address revenue leakage, facilitate international trade and redirect lost resources toward societal development, describing the National Single Window as a “catalyst” for achieving a 7% annual GDP growth rate and projecting an annual economic benefit of approximately $2.7 billion.

    According to the FIRS chair, the National Single Window Project transcends mere technological advancement; it symbolises a gateway to a more interconnected, efficient and transparent system by integrating ports, government agencies and key stakeholders engaged in national, regional and international trade. Adedeji further highlighted that this seamless ecosystem aims to save time for businesses, foster opportunities in education and healthcare, and facilitate small businesses’ access to global markets. Additionally, the transition towards paperless trade alone is anticipated to yield an annual economic benefit of approximately $2.7 billion. “The heavy cost, delay and inefficiency at our ports has been a constant burden. It is estimated that a staggering $4 billion annually is lost due to this inefficiency. By addressing revenue leakage prevention and facilitating effective trade, we will reclaim these lost resources and channel them towards the betterment of our society,” he said.

    He cited success stories from countries like Singapore, Korea, Kenya and Saudi Arabia, which have all witnessed significant trade efficiency improvements after implementing similar initiatives. He also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to join these ranks and reap the  rewards of a streamlined and digitised trade environment.

    Benefits of National Single Widow

    Beyond trade facilitation, the National Single Window is a powerful tool for expanding the tax base and capturing the informal e-commerce sector. By providing a unified digital platform for cargo clearance and logistics, the project aims to bring more businesses into the formal economy, ensuring fair contributions to national development. Adedeji added that the project’s potential to optimise intra-Africa trade by linking Nigeria’s National Single Window with other African nations. This move aims to position Nigeria as a leader in regional trade facilitation, fostering economic ties and creating new collaborative opportunities.

    The lack of a comprehensive trade facilitation system in Nigeria has led to bottlenecks, corruption and decreased revenue, he said, noting that the National Single Window represents a decisive response to these challenges. “Moreover, by linking national single windows with other African nations, we will expedite cargo movement and optimise intra-African trade; this repositions Nigeria as a leader in regional trade facilitation, fostering strong economic ties with our neighbours and creating new opportunities for the groups and collaboration.

    “The current international trade environment is complex, involving a disparate system and requiring an average of 40 documents per transaction. Nigeria’s lack of a comprehensive trade facilitation system has led to bottlenecks, corruption, poor delay, decreased revenue and a negative business environment. The national single window is a decisive response to these challenges. By improving trade facilitation, revenue generation, economic growth, transparency, security and streamlining process, we will transform Nigeria into a global trade powerhouse,” Mr Adedeji said.

    At the core of the project’s success lies data harmonisation, facilitating efficient capture, analysis and reconciliation of regulatory trade documents, thereby positioning the port as a maritime hub in Africa. Maritime lawyer and university lecturer, Mr. Dipo Alaka, emphasised that implementing a National Single Window involves multiple stakeholders and necessitates long-term commitment from both government and business sectors. Alaka noted that the platform must be tailored to fit the country’s environment and level of development. Similarly, clearing agent, Kayode Ogunsanu, stressed the importance for the Federal Government to anticipate prevailing global trends at each phase of port development, planning ahead for 20, 30 or even 50 years and making necessary adjustments along the way. “The introduction of a national single window platform is another key plank in the President Tinubu strategy to make the port a hub of maritime in Africa,” Ogunsanu said

    Former Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, emphasised that for Nigeria to establish itself as the African maritime hub, it requires the implementation of a single window platform to deliver superior efficiency, quality and reliability of service. “Promoting efficiency is a major challenge confronting many African ports. A global bench-marking study by SAP found that ports that leverage technology to drive productivity improvements enjoy 36 per cent higher operating margins than similar peers and that is why the Federal Government is working tirelessly to institute a single window operation in our ports. Port automation and digital solutions are potential game-changers, not only for cargo throughput but also profitability.”

    Peterside stressed the importance for African leaders to emulate Singapore’s approach in making strategic decisions and investing in port infrastructure and technology to enhance efficiency and boost the economy.

    Regarding the need to end 100% physical examination by Customs, a senior official from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy highlighted that the Federal Government stands to gain an additional $800 million annually from ports and border stations if government agencies align with the Single Window initiative. The official urged the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to compel agencies like the NCS and the police to integrate into the platform, thereby facilitating trade and increasing revenue. Additionally, they called on the National Assembly to support the initiative with legislation.

    The official emphasised the Single Window as a commendable initiative that Nigeria should embrace to revolutionise its ports. They noted that the platform would enhance trade competitiveness by improving import, export and transit procedures, as well as information sharing systems. Furthermore, they highlighted that the facility would enable paperless Customs declaration, compliance, and online approval, ultimately reducing the need for physical goods examination and integrating all government agencies at ports.

    According to him: “The single window facility will also need to be supported by legislation from the National Assembly. The National Single Window is the ultimate in port operation. But it must be multi-agencies integrated for it to be successful. The port is a transit point and our ports must be seen and used as such. That is why there are dry ports across the country to decongest the port and NPA as the landlord must have a say.”

    What the government should do next?

    Findings have revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has established a foreign exchange (Forex) window for investors and exporters to enhance market liquidity and ensure prompt execution and settlement of eligible transactions. Efforts by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have simplified tax payments and remittances through the e-filing system, while importers and exporters benefit from streamlined documentation requirements for imports and exports.

    To propel further progress, the government should establish a clear and unequivocal mandate backed by genuine political will; restructure government agencies in the port, including identifying the leading agency for the initiative, defining roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders and ensuring obligations and accountabilities for success; develop a practical work programme with key milestones, matched by appropriate human and financial resources; define individual responsibilities and goals for all participating agencies, incorporating ample face-to-face support during implementation; foster genuine collaboration among stakeholders; and acknowledge that despite challenges in implementing the Single Window system, global examples showcase significant cargo clearance reforms achievable even in challenging environments like Nigeria’s.

    The establishment of a National Trade Facilitation Strategy (NTFS) is also crucial for the Federal Government to delineate a coherent reform vision and assign definitive roles, responsibilities, and obligations to all its port agencies. This framework will facilitate coordination among agencies and serve as a focal point for support from other stakeholders. Government needs to establish a Trade Information Portal that will allow traders to access all relevant trade rules, regulations, procedures, fee schedules and forms from all the agencies through a single user-friendly Web site- an electronic single window system.

    The role of banks is crucial in several aspects: they must be compelled to provide support on key technical elements such as legal and regulatory frameworks, fee models and governance structures. Additionally, banks are instrumental in financing the development of a comprehensive strategy to enhance government capacity and facilitate the transition to a single window system. In essence, national single window systems offer a practical solution for improving cargo clearance performance and can act as a catalyst for overcoming institutional resistance to cooperation and change. However, developing and implementing these systems is complex, with most challenges revolving around collaboration among individual agencies to achieve a collective goal. While technology plays a role, the primary focus lies on fostering collaboration. Banks, having acquired practical experience, understand what works and what doesn’t. Through trial and error, it’s evident that certain prerequisites must be in place to support reform efforts. Carefully planned preparatory work, particularly by development partners, significantly enhances the likelihood of success.

    The National Single Window (NSW) serves to establish a platform and processes for a paperless (electronic) system, encompassing all information exchanged by traders, government departments (including Customs), transportation systems (maritime, air, road, rail, and inland waterway), port and terminal operators, and various trade participants such as freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping agents, banks and insurance companies. The governance system overseeing this transition from paper-based to electronic systems poses a major challenge, requiring comprehensive conversion and change management activities. Embracing the NSW is imperative for the country to sustain engagement in expanded and efficient global maritime trading activities, offering considerable and enduring benefits. Conversely, countries delaying NSW implementations risk facing significant barriers to national trade efficiency and economic growth.

    “Those that need to collaborate with the government in its drive to have a national SW are importers, exporters (consignors and consignees), trade professionals (freight forwarders, Customs brokers and shipping agents), shipping companies, airlines, road, rail and inland waterways, duty free zones, dry ports and multi-modal cargo depot, ports and airports, container terminals, bulk terminals, port gate operations and Customs and all agencies that have a trade compliance responsibility, licensing, permit issuing and/or inspection responsibilities.

    The need for collaboration has given the requirements for faster information delivery, often in advance of shipping, for security and other purposes, and the growing needs of data harmonisation in international supply chains. “The ability of government agencies to handle data efficiently and swiftly has, in fact, become a key element in international competitiveness, especially in port operations. A single window is designed to overcome this complex system of data submission and regulatory control. It is designed to sit at the national junction of national and international trade data exchange, thereby presenting a single point of access to all other relevant trade systems.”

  • Bandits, terrorists kill 90 policemen in one year

    Bandits, terrorists kill 90 policemen in one year

    Against a backdrop of mounting concerns over the security situation in the country, a sobering report sheds light on the grim toll exacted on law enforcement officers in the line of duty. From March 2023 to March 2024, Nigeria has mourned the loss of 90 brave police officers, felled by the bullets of gunmen. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports that the tragic incidents, attributed to various violent incidents including terrorist attacks, armed robberies and abductions, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms

    In the past year, there have been 90 police officers killed in the line of duty by gunmen. These incidents occurred between March 2023 and March 2024. Among these tragic events was the ambush, killing and dismemberment of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Bako Angbanshin in Odumude community, Ahoada East local government area of Rivers State. Angbanshin’s body was later found and exhumed six months after the attack. According to a top police source, these figures reflect violent incidents nationwide, including attacks by terrorists, Boko Haram, armed robbers, abductions, and gang clashes.

    The source said: “Between March 2023 and March 2024, documents have shown that 90 police officers have been killed through violent incidents, including attacks from terrorists, Boko Haram, armed robbers, abductions and gang clashes. These include officers that were killed and were made public recently. It is sad but that is the fact. That has and will never deter the police officers from carrying out their duties to protect the all and sundry. We are always ready for duty.”

    In 2023, a series of tragic events unfolded, marking the loss of several police officers in the line of duty. Here’s a concise timeline of incidents involving the killing of policemen in 2023: In March, gunmen targeted law enforcement officers across multiple states. On March 5th, in Anambra State, one policeman lost his life while two others sustained injuries in an attack. Later that month, between March 13th and 18th, a total of sixteen policemen were killed in Ngaski town and Gafara community of Ngaski LGA in Kebbi State, as well as in Niger State and Imo State. The violence persisted into April, with incidents such as the killing of two officers by soldiers in Taraba on March 20th, and an attack on a checkpoint in Enugu on March 26th that claimed the lives of two policemen. In Edo, on April 6th, three policemen were killed, and another was injured.

    In subsequent weeks, the violence spread to other regions. On April 7th, unidentified gunmen shot a policeman dead at the Marine Base Junction in Port Harcourt. In Imo State, on April 21st, five police officers fell victim to gunmen’s attacks. The following days witnessed more tragedies, including the killing of a policeman by a suspected Yahoo boy in Ibadan on April 26th, and the abduction and subsequent killing of Sergeant Ifeanyi by gunmen in Delta State on April 28th. The violence escalated in May, with particularly gruesome incidents such as the beheading of Assistant Superintendent of Police Linus by unknown gunmen in Aba, Abia State, on May 3rd. On May 16th, two policemen were killed in a convoy attack in Anambra State, followed by the shooting of two policemen dead in Imo State on May 20th. The month of June saw continued violence, including an attack on Rochas Okorocha’s convoy in Imo State on June 18th, resulting in the death of one policeman. In July, bandits targeted police operatives at Oleh Roundabout, Delta State, on July 23rd, killing two officers and setting their patrol vehicle ablaze. Later, on July 26th, another attack occurred on a Commissioner’s convoy in Aba, resulting in the death of two police personnel. The violence persisted into August, with a policeman attacked and killed by Okada riders in Lagos on August 11th.

    The tragic toll on law enforcement officers continued unabated into the latter months of the year and even spilled over into the New Year. Here’s a sobering account of the grim incidents: In August, gunmen targeted a police inspector in Rivers State, killing him and seizing his rifle and beret. The violence persisted into September, with the ambush and murder of Divisional Police Officer Bako Angbanshin in Odumude community, Rivers State, on September 8th. Just over a week later, on September 19th, at least five policemen were killed in an attack by armed men in Imo State. The violence escalated on September 20th, with the alleged killing of two police officers by unknown gunmen in Enugu State. October brought further tragedy, with armed robbers killing Nigerian police officer Joseph Fidus at his residence in Ogun State on October 14th. On October 21st, bank robbers claimed the lives of four policemen in Benue State. The violence continued on October 27th, when gunmen attacked and killed two policemen during an arrest in Aba.

    In November, the scourge of violence against law enforcement officers persisted. Hoodlums killed two policemen in Ebonyi State on November 17th, and another two officers fell victim to a suspected IPOB attack in Ebonyi Police Command on November 18th. On November 22nd, an army officer allegedly killed a police officer at Adamawa Police Station. The violence culminated on November 27th, when unknown gunmen killed two police officers at Ahaira Junction in Imo State. December saw no reprieve, with two policemen losing their lives in an attack on Chris Uba’s convoy in Anambra State on December 28th. The violence extended into the New Year, with two policemen killed in a bandit ambush in Zamfara State on January 6th. On January 20th, a police officer was killed and another injured in an attack by bandits at Saki Jiki village in Katsina State.

    February brought further tragedy, with at least four police officers killed in Borno State after a gun battle with suspected Islamic insurgents on February 3rd. The violence peaked on March 2nd, when six policemen were killed in an ambush in Delta State, with six others still missing. Just days later, on March 8th, six more policemen lost their lives as suspected gunmen attacked a police checkpoint in Ebonyi. The loss of six courageous officers has been described as devastating by police authorities. Among the fallen heroes were two inspectors and four sergeants. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who conveyed the heartbreaking news, revealed that the officers were on a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, when they fell into an ambush and tragically lost their lives.

    While the exact date of the incident was not disclosed by Adejobi, The Nation gathered that the officers had been missing since January. The decomposed bodies of some of the fallen officers were later recovered by a combined team of security agents and local vigilance men in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state. The victims hailed from various units, including the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Abuja, Police Mobile Force (PMF) 51 Oghara, and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Asaba, in Delta State. The fallen officers were identified as Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT), Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF), Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF), Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF), Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT), and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF), all of whom served with distinction and dedication to their duty.

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    Among the officers currently missing in action are Inspector Onoja Daniel, enlisted on 1st February, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix, enlisted on 1st January, 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, enlisted on 1st April, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu, enlisted on 1st June 2006; Sergeant Moses Eduvie, enlisted on 17th October, 2011, all from the 51 PMF unit; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT), enlisted on 17th October, 2011. Last Monday, a posthumous award memorial recognition was held to honour the families of the officers killed in Delta State, presided over by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. At the event, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, generously donated N20 million to the families of the fallen officers. Additionally, the Senate pledged N1 million each to the families of the deceased officers, while also donating N20 million alongside presenting cheques to them, as arranged by the police force. Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, expressed deep sadness over the tragic development, emphasising the importance of equipping the police force adequately. He lamented that while the government can provide support, it cannot entirely prevent criminal actions as long as criminals continue to perpetrate crimes.

    “Police should respond adequately if there is any such action against the force. It is a good thing that the government through the IGP appreciated them alongside others who donated money for their family members. Other policemen will be happy and they will know that they are not working in vain. They will be more dedicated to their duties. Nigerians should know that the policemen are doing their job and they deserve support. Security is everybody’s business. They should give information to security operatives across the country,” he said.

    Senator Iroegbu, a security expert, strongly denounced the alarming rate at which policemen are being killed in the line of duty. He emphasised that these brave men and women serve as the emblem of the nation’s authority and deserve unwavering respect for their pivotal role in ensuring safety and security, regardless of the circumstances. He said: “The surge in attacks on security personnel in Nigeria, particularly targeting the police and military, is utterly condemnable. However, these incidents also underscore deep-seated issues within our security infrastructure and policing system. Citizens increasingly view security forces not as allies but as adversaries, signaling a breakdown in trust and understanding. While some attacks may stem from grievances against perceived injustices and rights violations, resorting to violence is never justified.

    “These alarming trends highlight broader challenges within the state, portraying a narrative of insecurity and lawlessness where governmental authority is undermined by militias and non-state actors. The erosion of civil-military relations further exacerbates these issues, reflecting a breakdown in communication and cooperation between security forces and the public. Addressing these complex challenges requires a comprehensive approach. We must prioritise efforts to improve civil-military relations and enhance governance and development. Empowering communities and establishing community and state police initiatives can bridge the gap between citizens and security forces, fostering collaboration and mutual trust.

    “Moreover, bolstering security measures to instill a sense of safety and confidence among the populace will engender respect and appreciation for law enforcement agencies. Ultimately, fostering a culture of respect and cooperation between security forces and the public will contribute to a more secure and harmonious civic space, reducing the need for militarisation.”

  • ‘We didn’t plan for seven children, family planning treatment failed us’

    ‘We didn’t plan for seven children, family planning treatment failed us’

    • Okada rider’s wife delivered of triplets after four children cries out

    • Says family planning device at public health centre failed her three times

    Everything around their abode typifies squalour — a windy road dotted with craters, stray dogs charging at passers-by, a junk of cars-swathed mechanic workshops and kiosks of liquor vendors with men on drinking binge. The distressed couple, Emmanuel Olawale Jacob and Muibat his wife wallow in hopelessness in their dingy room at No 14 Ola Mummy Street, Pipeline area of Aboru, Lagos.

    Still struggling with raising four children as an okada (commercial motorcycle) rider, life became a nightmare for Jacob as his wife was delivered of a set of triplets on December 17 last year, turning him into a father of seven children made up of six boys and one girl.

    But neither Jacob nor his wife was excited at the news of the arrival of a set of triplets because they never planned to add any more to the four they already had. They, however, suffered a disappointment as the family planning treatment Muibat underwent at a public hospital failed and she got pregnant again only to be delivered of three baby boys.

    “We didn’t plan to have seven children. It was the family planning treatment I received at a public health centre in Alimosho that failed me,” Muibat said.

    “It was my fourth attempt at family planning. I had done three before and they failed, but did not result in pregnancy.

    “I was assured by the health centre’s doctors of the treatment’s efficacy. I was told that it would expire by the end of 2024. I was however shocked last year when I became pregnant and was delivered of a set of triplets in December 2023.”

    Muibat is a street sweeper attached to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). She used to sell foodstuff until she lost her capital after her husband suffered the misfortune of being displaced from his auto-mechanic workshop some years ago.

    The birth of the triplets was not without challenges. Shortly after they were born, defraying the medical bill for their delivery became a problem. The babies and their mother were detained in the hospital for weeks until a kind-hearted man of northern extraction helped to settle the bill.

    But while the couple were celebrating the gesture, they were again confronted with the shocking news that their landlord had sold the house where they lived with their children.

    Muibat said: “Since I was delivered of these babies, life has not been fair to me and my husband. We didn’t expect three babies at all.

    “At the hospital where I gave birth to them, we could not pay the money required for delivery.

    “As a result, I was detained at the hospital until a Good Samaritan came to our rescue and cleared the bill.

    “While we were still rejoicing over this, information got to us that our landlord had sold the house where we lived while the new owner had ordered that all the occupants must move out within one month.

    “The small room the nine of us are sharing now is one of the storerooms in our church. It was given to us for free by our former pastor who has since sold the church building and relocated to somewhere else.

    “Again, the new owner of the building has told us to leave by the end of this month (April), and we don’t know where to go to because we don’t have money to get a new accommodation.”

    The 40-year-old native of Ilero community in Oyo State added that the cost of feeding the triplets named Ayobami, Ayodele and Ayoola has taken a toll on the family and she has had to find an alternative in a local cereal made purely from dry corn.

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    “We cannot afford the cost of processed infant food. What I have been doing now is to give them breast milk and cornmeal.

    “Even at that, we can no longer afford the cost of preparing the corn meal and we need help from Nigerians with good hearts to rescue us from this hopeless situation so that we don’t lose these babies and others to hunger.”

    Sharing his plight during the encounter with our reporter, Jacob, a trained auto-mechanic specialising in repairs of Japanese cars, said he was displaced from his workshops many times by officials of the state government who forcibly ejected him and others.

    He explained further that he suffered a similar fate in other places where he got land to establish workshops, adding that he opted to earn a living as an okada rider after he lost his workshops and had nowhere to practice his vocation.

    He said: “I didn’t start my life as an okada operator. I trained as an auto-mechanic and Japanese cars are my specialty.

    “It happened that I operated from a workshop on Olowu Street in Ikeja and I was doing fairly well until state authorities enforced the regulations against the location of auto-mechanic workshops in residential areas.

    “After we were forcibly ejected from the workshop, I joined hands with others to establish other workshops in about three places but we were displaced by land speculators who forcibly annexed the workshops and sold them to people who converted the places to residential apartments.

    “I lost many of the clients I was servicing their cars who were patronising me at the workshops. Exasperated by my joblessness and piling bills, I decided to give okada a try to earn a living and feed my family.”

    Despite his solace in okada business, Jacob could not get any enduring reprieve as he moved from one problem to another.

    According to the 60-year-old indigene of Ado-Odo town in Ogun State, three motorbikes were confiscated from him by the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences in quick succession.

    “Having lost my workshops to the enforcement by state officials and land speculators, I took to okada riding but lost three motorbikes to the state task force who impounded them during raids on our parks at Iyana Ipaja.

    “After the setback, I got two motorbikes and again lost them to robbery. One of the two motorcycles was stolen where it was parked in my house while the other one was snatched from the person I asked to operate it and deliver proceeds to me.

    “The robbers that snatched the motorbike inflicted deep machete cuts on the man during the robbery operation.”

     Jacob said his hope hangs in the balance as help is not coming from anywhere despite his appeals to certain public and private quarters.

    “I don’t have a dime as I speak,” he said.

    “Having lost my means of livelihood to robbers, I have taken a job as a driver of a school bus in a private school on a paltry salary that can barely feed me not to talk of my family of seven.

    “I was so confident, based on the assurance of doctors that the family planning treatment given to my wife was efficient and that it would prevent her from becoming pregnant since we were done with having more children.

    “However, it failed us, and my wife was confirmed to be pregnant shortly after she was administered with the family planning method in the early months of 2023, and she was subsequently delivered of a set of triplets in December.

    “When she became pregnant, we had no money to do a pregnancy scan. Otherwise, we would have known that she was carrying triplets in her womb and possibly cried out in time for help.

    “Although my younger brother assisted me with money while my wife and the babies were held at the hospital, he is currently battling sight problem and he has spent a lot on the treatment of his eyes.

    “A few individuals I approached are not also forthcoming, and at the moment, the person who gave us this room, who is our former pastor, has asked us to quit this place because he has sold the building to a new owner.

    “My headache now is how to get new accommodation for my family and take care of my children, especially the new babies.

    “As I speak with you, the man who bought this property from our former pastor has given us till 28th of this month to vacate our small room.

    “Initially, he asked us to leave by the beginning of this month, but after sending people to plead with him on our behalf, he agreed to give us concession till April 28, failing which he could forcibly eject us from this building.”

    He added: “The cost of feeding the babies is too much for me. My wife who is currently battling a sight problem could have helped me a little if she was still working as a sweeper. But she stopped working when she became pregnant and has not resumed work as she has to take care of the babies.

    “Every week, I spend about N5,500 on milk, which we mix with corn meal to support the exclusive breastfeeding of the babies, and the burden is quite on me to look for money to take care of my family.

    “I am therefore appealing to the public to rescue me from this hopelessness through financial support to cater for these new babies and the rest as I cannot afford to watch them starve and die of hunger.”

     Donations can be sent to a Zenith Bank account number: 2214525106 in the name of the father of the babies, Emmanuel Jacob. He can also be reached on his mobile phone number 08024067769.

  • Lagos CP Adegoke Fayoade: I chose police job above university lecturer

    Lagos CP Adegoke Fayoade: I chose police job above university lecturer

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade is not new to Lagos having previously served as DPO (Ilupeju and Victoria Island) and Deputy Commissioner; he sat down with Assistant Editor TAIWO ALIMI to talk about his framework to policing Lagos, why he chose Police ahead of University lecturer and other issues.

    You came in as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State in December of 2023, making it about four months on the saddle, what are plans or templates for policing a metropolitan city like Lagos? 

    I assumed office as CP Lagos on the 14th of December 2023. Before now, I served in Lagos first as DPO and as Deputy Commissioner in charge of State CID and as Deputy Commissioner in charge of Administration Zone 2, so I know Lagos very well. And before coming to assume office as CP Lagos, I have critically looked at the challenges ahead and prepared myself for the challenges. 

    Lagos, being the economic nerve center of Nigeria and indeed Africa with a population of, by my estimation about 30 million Nigerians, is not an easy place to police. I know there will be a lot of challenges and for Lagos to remain the economic nerve center of the country has to remain crime-free, so that investors all over the world can continue to invest in Lagos. And Lagos being a metropolitan with a high level of literacy, almost 100 percent literate people, you know you are policing a civilized people so you lift your game and ensure that crime is not allowed at all. Where it happens it must be minimal.

    I drew out my plans and one of which I know other CPs have been battling with is removing motorcycle operators (okadas) from prohibited areas.  From my experience of policing in Lagos, criminals hide under the guise of okada operator to operate because it is a very easy getaway for them once they rob their victims or try to get away with their loot. So, the government has always insisted that okada should not operate in certain areas. But, you know that the use of okada has been a means of livelihood, and the okada operators will not take it lightly. They will always violate the law and unless stricter measure is used they are not going to abandon the prohibited route easily. So, I know that is one of the things I have to tackle headlong.

    Secondly, I’m aware of the fact that cult activity is also one of the things that disturb the neighbourhood, which I have to tackle. These young boys will just gather themselves and start terrorizing people in the community. They will form themselves into different groups and want to claim supremacy that this group is superior to the other and they end up fighting them selves.  They even employ the use of lethal weapons; guns and what have you to fight themselves. Once they start the community is not at rest. Everyone will be scampering for safety and people will be running so as not to be caught in the firing that always occurs between two gangs.

    I also discovered that traffic robbery was becoming prominent because once there is traffic; they will mingle with the traffic and begin to rob unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians.

    I also discovered that the neighborhood must be well protected. The patrol should be intensified, especially night patrol and our men should be in the neighbourhood to prevent houses from being bugled in the night or invaded by these hoodlums.

    Apart from these I also know that I have to sensitise the police force. I have to make them put more effort into serving the general public. That is to say, the DPO area commander should always be on their toes to supervise their men to do what they are supposed to do. One thing that I know is that once you give an assignment and you don’t follow up, you will not get results. So, you must be on their track every hour.

    These are things I thought of before I came in and some of these things or all of these things I have to put in place to create a safer and secure Lagos. And since I came I’ve worked very hard with the support of my officers and men to restrict the okadas from operating in prohibited areas reduce traffic robbery and make sure that these boys don’t have their way easily robbing innocent Nigerians. I’m also working hard to ensure that attacks in neighborhood robberies, and stealing are brought to a barest minimum. Lagos is a moving city and not a sleepy one, police must be on their toes 24 hours, so most of our DPOs don’t have time to go to their homes, they remain in their posts to make sure that their boys are working very hard. In these last few months, we have made many discoveries; we have recovered so many arms and ammunition. We have been able to arrest a lot of criminals, armed robbers, and kidnappers, and made very good arrests that have led to relative peace and calm in our city and most of our neighborhoods.

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    We have also been able to build more trust between the members of the public and the Police. Police are now more accessible and available to members of the public. I’ve also said that reporting cases must be made easy. How can it be made easy? It is for the police to change their attitude. They must be friendly, and able to listen attentively to the complaints, and they must accept complaints unconditionally and attend to them professionally and speedily. My idea of good reception in our stations is also gaining ground. Our officers must be conscious and attentive to the members of the public and I’ve always told them that they must exhibit high civility. The public must be respected and they must attend to them professionally.  Once that becomes a habit, members of the public will automatically respect the Police.

    So, all these we have put in place because, without the support of the people, we cannot police Lagos State well. Within the neighborhood, there are criminals, and cultists who live there and so unless we work closely with the society and we build trust we cannot get our service well delivered but once we can work with the members of the public, information will flow. Where criminal hideouts are, kidnappers and armed robbers will be easily exposed through this information.

    And that is our target to nip criminal activities in the bud before it happens. Take the fight to their hideout and prevent them from coming out. Neutralize them before they attack. To make sure that crime doesn’t happen at all. And that is the strategy that we are emphasizing and what will give Lagos the ideal safety that we are looking for. Once crimes are not allowed to happen, people will feel very safe. To be proactive, to dominate the security space, and to ensure that crime does not happen.

    The issue of trust that you mention will take me to the next question.  During the last worker’s national strike in February, the Lagos Police came out distributing cold water and biscuits to protesters in Lagos in volatile areas like Ojota. How did you arrive at this model that has got a lot of people taking?

    My philosophy of policing has always been people-centered. I believe that whatever policing that is put in place must serve the interest of the people. And that has been my style all along.

    When the issue of the strike came to be everyone was expecting Lagos to explode and once that happens it goes round to other parts of the country. We had to put a lot of measures in place for this not to happen. We had a series of meetings with civil society, the labour union, the market men and women, and others. We appealed to them not to protest and if they must do it must be done peacefully. And we told them that if they must do it we would provide all the necessary security to make sure that hoodlums and those who want to use the situation to foment will not have their way. That is what we agreed on and on the day of the protest, I even promised them that I was going to be part of it. That I will move around with them. They thought I was joking.

    So, on the day, they took off from the end of Awolowo Way and moved towards Alausa, and I was with them. Before the major protest, there was a civil society protest a day before and I gave them water and biscuits. They trekked from Ojuelegba to Maryland and they were going to the Fawehinmi Park in Ojota. I gave them water and biscuits and the second day I thought to myself if I could give those people water and biscuits, let’s do the same thing for the workers protesting.

    The intention was to ensure that everybody remained healthy and strong throughout the protest and no one collapses. We don’t want any casualty whatsoever. We want it to be incident-free. So, I said let’s get water and biscuit so that we can energise the protesters. So, I got enough water and we had a biscuit for that matter. At the end of the day, we give glory to God, the protest was peaceful and there was no incident. Not a single confrontation. No one slapped anyone. We were just moving and exchanging banters in a friendly manner and we moved up to the National Assembly gate and the Majority Speaker and other members of the House came out and addressed them. Femi Falana SAN was there with other top human rights activists and it all went well.

    You have said a lot about the sacrifice that your officers and men have to make to keep Lagos secure, what about their welfare? The welfare of the Police has been on the front burner for a very long time. What is your opinion on this?

    I must tell you that Police welfare has always been improved upon even though there is still a lot to do, especially when it is compared with other police settings outside Nigeria. I must tell you that the job of the police is very tough. It is a herculean job. We work timelessly. No policeman works for eight hours like a civil servant. The shortest time a policeman does is maybe 12 hours and sometimes you may have to extend that 12 hours to 24 hours. So, there is a need for encouragement and better welfare. Succeeding governments have been trying and I know that the welfare of police will be a continuous one.

    There are many hotspots in Lagos, like Agege, Ojota, Ketu, Ikorodu, and many other places. In these places activities of cult boys are rampant what is the Command doing to reduce to the barest minimum their activities?  

    Yes! We are doing something already to make the hot spots become soft spots. We have targeted these hot spots. I have the list of them and we are removing miscreants in all these places. Some of them might be taken over by the government because if there is no activity there, these miscreants and criminals will return to the place. We are going to make the raid a continuous one. In the last few days, we have taken about 1500 miscreants out of the hot spots and we are going to intensify our raid. I want to say that their numbers keep increasing and they are becoming a threat to the state. So, we will continue to intensify efforts to remove those who are criminals and those who have no means of livelihood, usually those who have turned to criminal activities. We will make the state too hot for them. Once they are arrested we shall take necessary action within the arms of the law. Our intelligence gathering and networks have also increased. We know their hideout and we shall continue to go after them so that these areas can be peaceful.

    On a lighter note we want to know more about our CP, did you set out to become a policeman or was it something that was not planned for? 

    Yes! I set out from the beginning to be a policeman, not necessarily to be a policeman I wanted to do a uniform job. Two things I want to do in this world; one, to be a lecturer in the University, and the other to be a policeman or do another uniform job. When at a point I got enlisted in the Police, I also got the opportunity to be an assistant lecturer at a University. I was asked to come and do my Masters and be an assistant lecturer. I was confused and had to approach a cousin of mine who is more elderly. I said ‘These are the two options I have and they are coming at the same time. Which one do I take?’  He now advised me this way; ‘if you are a lecturer and you rise to the exalted position of professor you might even become a Vice-Chancellor, you will be useful to us but your usefulness will be limited to the four walls of the University, but if you become a policeman and you are lucky to rise steadily to the rank of Commissioner and if you are lucky get above it, before even before you get to that position, you would have done a lot for many of us. So, in terms of being useful to the community and to yourself, I think you should take this police option.’ That is why I took to that advice; I went to the Police Academy.

    How do you unwind when you are not policing?          

    I love to watch news; and network news. I do some sports too. I play table tennis and tennis. And I love to watch films that are crime-related. And I also find time to stay with my family because we don’t have much time to be with them.   

    In terms of manpower and policing Lagos and Nigeria in general, do you think we have enough policemen, and if not is that not a hindrance to policing Lagos adequately?   

    We have a good number of policemen in Lagos, but that is not to say we have enough policemen. The United Nations standard is one policeman to 400 people. Presently what we have in Nigeria is lower than that. I don’t think we have attained that figure. By my estimation, we have about 600 persons to one policeman, but if this recruitment is going to be done every year; 30, 000 every year as promised by the government, and it is done judiciously, by 2027, we would have improved exponentially despite the rising population. If it is continuously sustained for another four years we might be able to attain the United Nations standard. Lagos needs more policemen. Lagos may be the fastest-growing city in Africa and the population is increasing every day being the economic nerve center of the country. Lagos needs more policemen. People are moving to Lagos and the interiors are getting more populated. We also need more police stations to cover those areas. I believe the Inspector General of Police (IG) is addressing this issue and very soon it will be taken care of.

    How much support are you getting from the Lagos State government?

    The support is tremendous. It is great. Honestly, it is commendable. They are supporting us and very soon about 250 patrol vehicles will be released to the Command. That is a huge support. In terms of logistic support, it is also very high and I will also thank the Lagos State government for this support. I don’t think that there is any other state that supports the police this much.   

  • Shade Okoya: Shattering glass ceiling in male-dominated sector

    Shade Okoya: Shattering glass ceiling in male-dominated sector

    Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Okoya, MON stands out as a leading figure in the manufacturing sector. She has continued to shatter the glass ceiling in the male-dominated terrain.  The Bewaji of Lagos, who has been honoured and recognised at the academic front and national level, knows her onions. Since the mantle of leadership fell on her as the managing director of Eleganza Industries Limited, she has used her magic wand to turn the  famous conglomerate around. She turned 47 on April 25 and also celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary. BUKOLA OJO, writes on the industrial genius and workaholic entrepreneur whose enterprising acumen continues to dazzle in the manufacturing sector.

    It has been over 25 years since her path crossed with the industrial giant of the famous Eleganza Industry, Chief Rasaki Akanni Okoya, but this amazing and talented diva has continued to shine like  diamonds in the sky as a wife and mother and as an outstanding entrepreneur.

    Her early years with the Aare of Lagos and Landlord of Oluwanishola Estate saw her raising four wonderful children. Done with child bearing, the Ijebu Ode, Ogun State born beauty plunged herself into the art of manufacturing. And having leaned the ropes under the tutelage of an established husband, this  combined with determination and interest, she soared. 

    Today, she has held her head high and commanded respect as one of the outstanding business magnates in Nigeria.

    With over 60 years of experience, Eleganza Industries has invested heavily in machines and molds. Now at the helm of Eleganza Industries Limited, she oversees operations on a vast 35-acre site near the Pan Atlantic University on the Ibeju-Epe Expressway.

    The facilities in the factory are state-of-the-art, producing a wide array of goods that meet both high-quality standards and international benchmarks.

    She is proud of Eleganza’s exploits in manufacturing. Take for instance the plastic chairs. Their robustness, elegance, and durability are second to none. With over 200 diverse designs, it is hard to believe these chairs are crafted in Nigeria—they rival global standards. Some feature upholstered seats, which add to their appeal.

    She said during an encounter with journalists: “We’re setting sights on exporting these chairs globally, confident that their distinctive designs and marketability will resonate worldwide.

    “Their affordability is another plus, thanks to locally sourced materials from our petrochemical industry.

    “Available in various colors and shapes, they’re perfect for any event, making venues both presentable and inviting.”

    Speaking further, she said they also cater for schools. “ln addition to our renowned chairs, we offer tables and desks that surpass traditional wood in durability and elegance.

    Read Also: No to bully in schools

    “They are cost-effective too, thanks to our use of local petrochemical materials, making them accessible for any school.

    “Schools highly favour them for enhancing classroom aesthetics and student comfort.”

    Reeling out what has made Eleganza stand out over the years, she added: “Our cooling boxes and food warmers set us apart as West Africa’s pioneers.

    “Despite growing competition, our standards remain unmatched.

    “Our coolers are known for their superior durability and cooling efficiency; a testament to our unrivaled experience.

    “Our  Casserole Sets collection boasts over 150 patterns, combining durability with style, available in various colours.

    “We lead in quality and durability, making us the top choice with no compromise on quality and affordability.

    “Not limited to household items, it caters for babies.

    “For the little ones, our baby diapers are designed for extended wear without discomfort or rashes, ensuring durability and the utmost care for baby’s skin.”

    Managing an industry of this size is no easy fit for anyone. How has she been able to succeed in steering its affairs in a male-dominated world successfully?

    “To be honest, it has not been eas. But with hard work, determination and the Grace of God, we were able to scale through.”

    For Mrs. Okoya, the sector she operates in has been beset by many challenges in the last few years (FX, input costs, energy costs etc). So, how is she navigating these challenges to stay afloat?

    “Our biggest challenge is electricity because we strictly operate on generator, which makes life not easy for us.”

    Also, industries have been urged to embrace backwards integration to reduce FX exposure. How much has this helped her and how much of her needed materials are locally sourced?

    “On some products like our plastic products, almost 90% are local materials, due to local petrol-chemicals.”

    For her magic wand and business acumen, she has been credited for a lot of the transformation efforts the business has undergone in the last decade to keep Eleganza relevant.

    To this,  shesaid: “Well, I am humbled and at the same time give God the glory. The company has been in existence for almost 60 years.

    “And having leaned under him I decided to take the bull by the horns to team up collectively and bring it to life.

    “I persuaded him to bring everything back alive. That is why we are in our present new Iocation on Lekki-Epe Expressway.”

    Her driving force?

    “My husband’s interest in industry is very high. It is all his life, and to enjoy my marriage, I have to join forces with him.”

    Looking at current realities, would she say production costs and cost of goods would see any reprieve soon?

    ‘Yes, there is big hope for Nigeria. I join prayers with my husband that we should industrialise Nigeria, especially our youths. We must teach them how to make good money.

    “Cottage industry in all the states for these youths will be the answer with private finance and trade by barter with some countries to bring their machines in and teach our youths.

    “A lot of costs will be down and life will be normal. There will be less crime. That is my daily prayer.”

    Manufacturing is the bedrock of any economy, how best can Nigeria improve on industrialization?

    “By encouraging our youths, who are in the majority. As I have explained, there will be more millionaires in the country and majority will be happy, cost will be automatically forced down and crime will be a word of the past.”

    If given the opportunity, what would she do/advice can be done to revamp this sector for proper optimization and growth?

    “Cottage industry is a minor procedure which does not require major capital or attention and yet it will give a lot of relief to our daily lives.”

    As a major player in the plastics industry, how is she encouraging sustainability and recycling processes?

    “Recycling will be a lot of help and it makes cost cheaper and easier, and it will be this part of cottage industry for the youth which will make life easier, which is my daily prayer.

    “Our products stand out for their excellence, with soaps that are unique, pleasantly perfumed and produced on state-of-the-art German machines; disposable and reusable plastic cups and plates that are elegant, durable, and available in over 100 shapes, and a range of quality cosmetics for beauty, elegance, and comfort.”

    Like many companies in Nigeria, in spite of her commitment to quality, Mrs.  Okoya says she  faces a significant challenge such as  power supply.

    She said: “Reliant on generators and diesel, production is difficult. But we are working hard to resolve the issue. We hope to overcome this hurdle within a few months.”

    On Thursday April 25, the business magnate turned 47 and also marked 25 years of marital bliss with her soulmate, Alhaji Rasaki Okoya.

    The Oluwanishola Estate was opened to all dignitaries from all walks of life in lavish combined celebrations hosted by her loving husband.

    Mrs. Okoya no doubt is a society matriarch and a head turner with stunning styles. But beyond this, she dedicates herself to the factory six days a week, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.

    Her time is divided between the factory, her four children, her husband, and occasional social events on weekends. This University of Lagos trained graduate’s dedication, commitment to duty and style are truly inspiring.

  • Minna residents groan under threats unleashed by youth gangs

    Minna residents groan under threats unleashed by youth gangs

    Flamingo axis is a no go area. Please motorists and pedestrians should use alternative routes for safety. Presently, Maitumbi boys are heading towards that area with their weapons.”

     “Avoid the Dana area and along Texaco by bridge. The landlords have started since but police is around to calm the situation.”

     “Please avoid Obasanjo road, the thugs are out again. Take alternative routes.”

    “Please avoid Mobil, Obasanjo Complex, Limawa, Ogbomosho, Sabon Gari, Paida and Unguwar Daji this night, serious fight is ongoing there at the moment. The police are overwhelmed.”

    The foregoing were messages circulated among Minna residents on Whatsapp, Facebook and other social media platforms, warning them of the affray engaged in by thugs and youth gangs in order not to fall victim to the mayhem they unleash on the Niger State capital on a daily basis.

    The youth gangs go by various names depending on the areas where they are located. In Minna, the popular ones include Kpakungun Boys, Soje Boys, Bariki Sale Boys, Maitumbi Boys, Limawa Boys, Kwangila Boys, Stadium Road Boys and Tundun Nasarawa Boys, among others.

    The boys who form these youth gangs are aged between 10 and 18 years. They usually look fierce and could be seen with various dangerous weapons including knives, cutlasses, clubs, catapults and stones.

    The boys are dreaded by residents of Minna metropolis. So much so that some parts of the city are usually avoided by residents once it is 5pm as no one knows when the next brawl would erupt.

    Read Also: No to bully in schools

    Many people have been killed. Many others have been injured while properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed by the gangs. Getting caught in their brawl can lead to injuries, destruction of vehicles and even stealing of handsets and valuables.

    In the latest clash amongst the gangs on April 13, a tailor and a security officer were among the victims of the Maitumbi clash. The tailor was caught up in the clash while he was on his way to deliver Sallah clothes to his customer.

    The hoodlums broke people’s shops and went away with items worth millions of naira in Maitumbi after an ugly clash with security agents In the Kadna area of Tunga Goro in Minna, the gangs there got involved in fighting, looting people’s properties and raiding shops.

    During these fights, properties including private cars, motorcycles, tricycles and shops were destroyed by errant youths. The miscreants did not spare even security agents, women and underage children as they seized the opportunity to snatch mobile phones, jewellery, cash and other valuable personal effects from their victims.

    One of the victims, Mrs Akin Alofetekun said that she was in Maitumbi uphill for a special prayer session when her car was completely vandalised by the hoodlums. She said it was by the grace of God that she and other people with her were not harmed.

    Early in the year, a journalist, Celine Moses Alkali, was caught up in one of such attacks, leading to the loss of her phone. Her daughter was also traumatized and had to be admitted in the hospital for days.

    The people in the state capital have become overly concerned over the consistent youth restiveness that has seemingly gone out of control and have called on the governor to do something about it.

    Concerning one of the latest incidents, the Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said that two persons were killed while six suspects were arrested.

    The heinous activities of the youth gangs led to the cancellation of the Sallah Durbar which used to be the climax of the Sallah celebration. For the past two Sallahs, the Durbar have been cancelled because it was learnt that the youth gangs seize the opportunity to clash and perpetrate other forms of notorious acts.

    Several of the youths involved in the gang fights have been arrested at one time or the other by security agents, but they are usually released with intervention from some prominent persons. The development has become very worrisome, especially when the youths return home from detention, announce their return to the community and continue to do worse than they did before their arrest.

    Last year, the Niger State Police Command arrested more than 40 of these youths from Stadium Junction, Limawa, Angwan-Daji, Bosso Road, Flamingo Junction, Morris Junction and Barkin-Sale with cutlasses, scissors, knives, swords, cell phones, shisha pipes/pots, saws, scales, iron bars, illicit drugs and screwdrivers. 

    The Niger State House of Assembly has also joined in condemning the increasing number of youth gangs and has called on the government to take decisive action against the perpetrators and sponsors of the youth unrest in Minna.

    The Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, said: “The return of youth restiveness in the state, particularly in Minna, the state capital, is capable of eroding all the gains so far recorded by the present administration in the area of security and the maintenance of law and order.

    “Though we commend Governor Umar Mohammed Bago and the various security agencies for the prompt actions taken so far to tame the situation, there is a need for decisive action against the perpetrators and their sponsors.”

    The lawmakers stated that Niger State House of Assembly would revisit the law against thuggery in the state in order to empower the security agencies to deal more decisively with the perpetrators.

    Penultimate Monday, the legislators also summoned the heads of all security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the state to find a way out of the situation.

    LG chair in bid to end youth gang wars

    The Chairman of Chachanga Local Government Area, Aminu Ladan, has taken it upon himself to ensure there is relative peace in Minna and has begun a house to house and street to street arrest of the youths involved in the gang wars.

    This is coming after a security meeting was held at the palace of the Emir of Minna on April 7 where a directive was issued that anyone that causes unrest or seen with weapons in a bid to do so should be shot at sight by security agents.

    However, while this directive may have gone out, the security agencies cannot carry out the directive until it is passed into law by the House of Assembly.

    Ladan said during the meeting that the days of arrest and bail has ended, adding that any community leader caught involving himself in covering or trying to bail those arrested for causing unrest would be removed and dealt with.

    “The state government has backed me up and has given me the permission to direct the police and order security outfits in the state to put an end to the days of arrest and bail of anyone caught disrupting the peace of the good people of the state, and henceforth, anyone seen causing unrest should be gunned down immediately.

    “Those miscreants have already caused a lot of damage to the residents, the government and even to the security personnel, as they have injured a lot of officers on duty, including a DPO.

    “They have become thieves. They attack security men and also damaged government properties recently. These are among the reasons why the government has decided to gun anyone down who chooses to disrupt the peace of the emirate,” he stated.

    Apparently unfazed by the reluctance of the security agencies to carry out the shoot at sight directive, the chairman, whose local government council is one of the mostly affected by gang wars, has taken it upon himself to lead local vigilantes and police operatives to the areas where these gang wars occur and arrest those involved.

    In a space of one week, more than 20 teenagers and youths involved in various fights that occurred during the Sallah celebration have been apprehended.

    Describing his method as an initiative on crime control,  Ladan and the security operatives have succeeded in disrupting chains of attempts by criminals and arrested several thuggery kingpins, seized many illicit weapons and prevented the commission of crimes.

    He has maintained that there is no more space for criminal elements to operate in Minna as he expressed his determination to continue to fish out any criminal element from their hideouts and ensure protection of lives and property through increased operations.

     Governor Bago declares state of emergency on thuggery

    The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has since declared a state of emergency on thuggery in the state in his bid to checkmate the youth gangs across Minna metropolis.

    He said the state government would no longer condone any form of criminal activity in the state as his administration has zero tolerance for rascality and thuggery, adding that security agencies have been directed to deal decisively with anyone caught taking part in thuggery or other criminal activities.

    He added that sponsors of the criminal elements will also not be spared even as buildings harbouring criminals would be demolished.

    The Governor also disclosed that proactive steps of combining conventional and non-conventional security strategies to contain other forms of terrorist activities that could pose threats to the peaceful people of Niger State were being taken.

  • Kwashiorkor, malnutrition loom as indigent parents ration proteinous foods

    Kwashiorkor, malnutrition loom as indigent parents ration proteinous foods

    • Experts list affordable protein sources for children

    • Fish, meat prices skyrocketing inflation – NBS

    Following the rising costs of food items, poultry, meat, and dairy  food in particular, many indigent parents have had to cut off or  drastically reduce the quantity and quality of the food they give to their children. INNOCENT DURU examines the implications for growing children and how parents can circumvent the challenges.

    Paul, a security man and father of two earns N28,000 as salary every month. Prior to this time, he could manage to buy fish or meat for the family to cook and keep life going. But with prices of proteinous food items going up every day, he has found it difficult to make provisions for his family as he had managed to do in the past.

    “I can’t afford to buy  fish or meat like I used to.  How much am I earning as salary that I would buy just one fish for more than N3,000?   Shawa fish that people were not eating before have become gold. It is no longer affordable for people like me. The same thing applies to eggs and even beans. These are proteinous foods that children need to grow, but since I can’t afford them what can I do? 

    “Ordinary power milk that the children used to take has also gone out of reach.  We don’t even know what chicken looks like anymore. If you see chicken in my pot , a miracle must have happened somewhere and somehow.

    “It is disheartening but the concern is no longer about meat or fish anymore. It is about putting something in the stomach to keep life going.”

    The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, during the week said the country’s  headline inflation rate reached 33.2 percent in March 2024. This represents a 1.5 percentage points year-on-year (YoY) increase from 31.7 percent recorded in February 2024.

    The NBS noted  that food inflation increased YoY by 2.09 percentage points to 40.01 percent in March from 37.92 percent in February.

    Checks on the bureau’s reports for February and March revealed that the soaring prices of fish, meat and other proteinous foods contributed to the rising  inflation rate.

    The ugly development has compelled  more people to quit poultry, meat and dairy food that give protein.

    Mrs Emmanuel, who washes for a  local dry cleaner in Alimosho Area of Lagos, says she has completely done away with iced fish and meat. The woman wore a famished look as she spoke with our correspondent. Her child was also without vigour. It was evident from the  baby’s look that she is a victim of poor nutrition. 

    “I have not eaten fresh fish or meat since the price went up,” Mrs Emmanuel interjected our correspondent as she goes on to rhetorically ask, “Where will I get the money to buy them at such exorbitant rates?”

    Asked how she has been coping without meat and fish, she said: “What I have been doing is more of having flavour of fish in my food. I buy smoked fish for N500 and add it to my food or soup.

    “The N500 worth of smoked fish could be just one or two or three small fish. I cut them into pieces and scatter them in whatever I am cooking.

    “The idea is just to have a taste of fish in what I am eating. The idea of eating one big chunk of fish is gone with the situation in the country.  My prayer is that the price of smoked fish should not skyrocket.”

    Although she understands the nutritional implications of not eating proteinous food in the right quantity, she said: “There is nothing one can do about the situation at hand. It is rather unfortunate that what I managed to enjoy growing up, my children can’t enjoy a bit of them. I hope and pray that things will get better.”

    While Mrs Emmanuel relies on smoked fish to make soup,  a Lagos housewife,  Adenike, said she has resorted to using cow skin popularly known as ‘ponmo’ to make her food.

    “Ponmo is the way out even though the price is also soaring. It may not be as nutritious as fish and meat but the fact is that ponmo helps us to have  something to  put in our soup when eating.

    “Before now, we could buy a crate of egg when it was sold for a little over N1,000 and put in our stew, but that is not possible anymore.”

    She noted that even food vendors have cut down on the quantity of meat, fish and egg that they prepare to sell because people can no longer afford  them like they used to.

    “A food vendor in my area used to cook a crate of egg every day, but now she doesn’t cook up to half of a crate because people can’t afford to buy one for N200″ she said.

    She said her customers now prefer to eat beans and garri instead of rice, which will require them to include meat, fish or egg in their food.

    Read Also: No to bully in schools

    “Go and check the people selling fish and meat and see if they are still selling as they used to do in the past. Some of them have closed shop,” she said.

    More parents share experience

    Speaking in the same vein, a businesswoman who identified herself simply as Ese said: “It is obvious that there will be nutritional challenges with less or no protein for our children. But you can’t be talking about nutrition in the face of hunger.”

    Before now, she said, “the poor could brag of eating whatever the rich man was eating. When a rich man ate live chicken, the poor ate frozen chicken. When the rich ate live turkey, the poor would ate frozen one.

    “But that is not possible anymore for poor people like me. I can’t afford to buy frozen turkey again. It costs about N7,000 a kilo. Two of us can finish a kilo at a go. 

    “Frozen chicken costs about N5,000 a kilo. How many people will that go for and for how long?

    “The same thing applies to fish. Ordinary crayfish that we used to give taste to soup is no longer affordable. Something drastic needs to be done about all this.”

    Also speaking, a trader, Mrs Nnaedozie, said she has drastically cut her consumption of meat, fish and egg.

    “They don’t  come cheap anymore. A kilo of Titus fish is about N4,700, and ‘kote’ is N3, 200. If they cut either of them into pieces, the most you will have from a kilo is seven pieces. If you buy two kilos, you will have a maximum of 14 pieces.

    “A family of four or five will only eat that for two or three days  at most. This is excluding other expenses involved in making the soup.

    “Tell me how I would continue to eat fish the way I used to do when the price was less than N2,000?

    “The same goes for meat. N5,000 meat is no longer  visible in the pot. A tin of milk or ordinary sachet powder milk is no longer affordable. The issue is more of filling the stomach and not about nutrition.”

    Sharing her experience with a family friend she visited recently, she said: “I took some packs of noodles to them and immediately the children saw the noodles, they started dancing. They said they hadn’t eaten it since the price went above N200 a pack.

    “They cooked the noodles while I was still there and ate everything without asking for eggs like children would normally want to do. Their concern was primarily about filling their stomach and not about meat, fish or egg that can go with it.

    “It was then I knew that we that are still managing to get fish or meat once in a while are blessed.”

    Experts speak on dangers of poor intake of protein

    Nutritionists and dieticians have said that children are predisposed to certain health challenges if they don’t take the required quantity of protein needed for their growth.

    Explaining what protein is and its importance to the well-being of children, a Nutrition advisor /Programme Officer Tunakin Nutrition Centre Nigeria Limited, Lagos, Temitope Bodunde Ayegbusi (MNSN), said animal protein sources such as poultry, fish, meat, milk and egg are referred to as complete protein because they contain all the nine essential inherent amino acids.

    “These nine essential amino acids include Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Metheonine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine which are obtained from adequate diet consumed to play crucial roles in the body which includes growth and development, repairing worn out tissues, maintenance, synthesis of hormone, enzyme, nerve impulses, cell signaling and other body constituents.

    Children, he said, “need protein-rich foods for growth and development in contrast to adult that need it for maintenance.

    “Protein as a nutrient is very essential to achieve optimum physical and mental growth among young children while its deficiency, shortage or inadequacy leads to serious manifestation of hunger and protein energy malnutrition (PEM).

    “PEM is divided into two (2) which is (i) Kwashiorkor (not eating enough protein despite eating a reasonable amount of calorie) and (ii) Marasmus (not eating both enough protein and calorie).

    “Symptoms of problems associated with consumption of food deficient of protein among young children include irritability and fatigue followed by slowed growth, weight loss and muscle wasting, oedema (generalised swelling), skin change, enlargement of liver and abdomen and weakening of the immune system, leading to frequent infection and death.”

    However,  he said, “protein-rich foods which are majorly animal sources remain essential to the development of young children but the cost is creating a serious challenge among parents with low socio-economic class or extremely poor households.

    “This burden of its implication has led to investigation of foods to alternate the high-cost animal source of protein (poultry, fish, meat, milk and egg). Plant food sources like soya beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, rice, quinoa, buckwheat, seeds, nuts, fungi (mycoprotein) and insect such as African palm weevil larvae contains a significant amount of protein that can meet the requirement of the young children if properly combined in their good ratios.

    “Soya bean contains high protein contents that can be processed into a variety of products such as soy flour and soymilk which can be used to fortify the food consumed by the young children to alternate milk, meat and egg that are very expensive to afford.

    “The quality of soybean protein is compared to that of milk, meat, egg and fish. Of plant-based protein, soybeans are considered the highest biological value with a significant amount of the nine essential amino acids that will meet the requirement of the young children.

    “With soybean, mycoprotein and insects that are less expensive and rich source of protein, the hazardous effect of animal protein sources cost will be drastically reduced.”

    Other experts speak

    Also sharing her thoughts on the importance of protein, especially for children, and how to source for alternatives in the face of the biting economic challenges, Lilian Felix,  a nutritionist, said: “Protein is an essential nutrient and is crucial to good health. It is required for growth and maintenance of body tissues, keeps the immune system strong, transport and store nutrients and acts as an energy source.

    “Not eating the right amount of protein can affect a child’s development. When a child does not get enough protein, it leads to various health problems such as stunted growth in children, kwashiorkor, loss of muscle mass, fatty liver, increased severity of infections, skin, hair and nail problems, edema.”

    Continuing, she said: “A lot of people today are living on a tight budget due to the economic situation. In a time where so many people are out of work, facing uncertain financial future, getting food that is both wholesome and affordable can be a challenge to feeding well.

    “Already this will lead to lots of nutritional deficiencies because most people will consume more of “mono-diet” which means eating what they only have and fail to consume other nutrients that they can’t afford, which will cause deficiency of another essential micronutrient.”

    The nutritionist noted that while having financial setbacks can certainly present its challenges, it is possible to prepare “your own healthy meals and stay within budget. Not everyone can afford ranch produce or poultry outputs to consume, but there are lots of affordable alternatives to the food that will amount to an adequate diet.”

    How do we source these other micro nutrients whenever we can’t afford them?” she rhetorically asked and went on to provide an answer: “We source these micro nutrients from our locally-sorted foods within our community.

    “Let’s look at how to supplement these nutrients in our diets using our local foods. What most people count only as protein are beans, chicken, turkey, egg, beef, fish, corn beef, milk and sardines, to mention a few.

    “Please note that eating protein does not amount to eating only meat. There are other sources of getting protein through our meals that you don’t need to break a bank to source for and it’s of benefit to your health.”

    Listing some local sources of protein, she said: “I believe we all know what locust bean is. This food is highly proteinous in nature and can replace protein completely. So even if you don’t have meat to cook, you can add locust beans to your food. It will replace the protein.

    2. Guinea Corn: Grains are fantastic sources of protein and relatively economical.

    3. Tofu: Also known as bean curd, is made from soy bean milk. It is an extremely low fat and nutritious alternative to meat, containing high amounts of protein, calcium and vitamin E.

    4. Mushroom: The mighty mushroom has thrice the amount of protein than most veggies, making it a great addition to pasta, pies and all sorts. Combine with other protein rich foods such as eggs, tofu and pulses for a super healthy free meal.

    5. Lentils (kidney beans etc) have one of the highest levels of protein.

    6. Castor seed (ogiri-okpei)  is a nutritious protein substitute. It contains potassium, iron, phosphorus and other vitamins. It can be added in your soups.

    7. Crayfish is a cheap source of protein and sea food that is similar to the much expensive shrimp and lobster, but is much less in price compared to them

    8. Periwinkle is a potential source of good‐quality proteins. It contains most of the essential amino acids in adequate amounts for human nutrition and is not expensive.

    9. Nuts such as groundnut, almond nut, walnut, cashew nut, etc are fantastic everyday sources of protein. One  cup of almond provides more protein than egg while cashews are high in antioxidants and promote good cardiovascular health.

    9. Bambara nut is a high-protein plant food that can be used as a functional ingredient in food formulation. It can be used to make ọkpa.

    “Bambara nut protein can be used to make plant-based milk, soups, shakes, and noodles that have a creamy and smooth consistency. It can also be used to create food products that have a firm and chewy texture, such as meat analogues, sausages, cheese, yoghurt, and tofu.

    “Other sources of protein that are inexpensive and can benefit your health include soybeans, milk, Greek yogurt, oats, chia seeds, egg, sweet potatoes, avocado.You can add kidney beans to stews and salads.

    “Chia seeds can be added to your smoothies, juice, mixed into yogurt and oatmeal, or sprinkle on top of a salad. This tiny black seed has a ton of protein and other nutrients.

    “Avocados can be added to many recipes to give your meals a nutritional boost.

    “You can use it to substitute regular spreads like butter and margarine. It can be added to your salad, smoothie.

    “All these can be sourced within our community. It is advised that parents become more creative with food sourcing for their wards. There are more than five ways to prepare a particular meal.”

    To save more, she said, parents should learn to go to local markets where they can get these products cheaper and even stock up for some time before repeating.

    “Budget is the greatest tool to fight financial turmoil. The thrust is only you know your income and what works for you than anyone else. Use what you have to cushion the effect of the economic situation while your create more chances to earn better,” she added.

    A holistic nutritionist, dietician and food processor, Obembe Oluwaseun, advocated nutrition education.

    Instead of poultry and dairy produce, he said, “we can make do with plant nutrients- that is phytonutrients. Phyto-nutrients are very effective in reversing cardiovascular disease and making the body mechanism balanced too.

    “We need to encourage people even within the small space in their compound to plant too. For example, in front of my house, I planted  vegetables.

    “If everybody can go into nutrition sensitive farming, I think it’s going to be encouraging. It will even cut some expenses in the house too.”

    Amplifying what his colleagues said earlier, he said: “Lack of protein in the body leads to kwashiorkor. When the six classes of nutrients are not present in the body, people go into malnutrition.”

    Adding to the list of alternative protein sources mentioned above, Obembe said: “It is not only beans that is rich in protein. Beans too contains carbohydrates. So, when we are talking about alternatives, we talk about tofu, quinoa,  lentil, and groundnut butter. Those are alternatives to cutting the price of poultry and dairy protein sources in the market.

    “People can start to take tofu (wara) as an alternative. In the past, they used it as a  substitute for meat. When there’s no meat, they used tofu to cook. Water foods that have gone into extinction should be brought back.

    For example, some local snacks like ‘kokoro’ and ‘ojojo’ should be brought back, and they are very cheap.

    “Mukuna (werepe) that itches when it touches the body, the pea in it is proteinous and it is very good for typhoid. There is also Kulundi too. It has carcinogenic properties.

    “These are protein substitutes. It is not only meat and fish that you get protein from.

    “Why is it that the people in the rural areas live longer than the people in the city? It is because they live on natural endowment.”

  • UNICEF, NGE and DAME join forces for Nigerian children

    UNICEF, NGE and DAME join forces for Nigerian children

    A groundbreaking collaboration between the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) promises to shine a spotlight on the rights and challenges facing Nigerian children was formalised in Abuja. DELE ANOFI takes a look at how the tripartite collaboration aims to lead to the betterment of Nigerian children’s lives

    A new era of promise dawns upon the Nigerian child as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) unite to spotlight both the potential and challenges facing Nigeria’s youngest citizens. This groundbreaking alliance signals a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of its children, calling upon policymakers to wield their political will in addressing these issues comprehensively.

    Recognising the influential role of the media in disseminating crucial messages and driving societal change, UNICEF Nigeria has partnered with DAME, renowned for its commitment to recognising outstanding media content, to amplify advocacy and raise awareness on pressing child-related issues. This strategic collaboration underscores UNICEF’s dedication to leveraging the power of media platforms to advance children’s rights across the nation. In a landmark moment at the United Nations Building in the Federal capital, Abuja, on April 20, 2024, the triumvirate cemented their commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement serves as a cornerstone for bolstering children’s rights advocacy, harnessing the influential reach of the media to promote and protect the rights of children throughout Nigeria.

    UNICEF Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, underscored the significance of this tripartite agreement, emphasising its profound implications for UNICEF, a global organisation steadfastly dedicated to championing the cause of children worldwide. By joining forces with esteemed media partners and stakeholders, UNICEF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of every Nigerian child, ensuring they are empowered to thrive and flourish in a nurturing environment. As this collaborative journey unfolds, the collective efforts of UNICEF, NGE and DAME promise to ignite a transformative wave of change; placing children’s rights at the forefront of the national agenda.

    Munduate said: “Children in Nigeria live daily, with different vulnerabilities, different risks, different problems and challenges. Some of them are common around the entire country. Some of them are diversified depending on the context and the area, the region of Nigeria. So this makes it more challenging for us to inform first of all to form all stakeholders meaning all adults in the country because all of us are responsible for the children.

    “So, the memorandum of understanding that we are signing today goes beyond an agreement. It is a declaration of a unified vision of accountability to harness the powerful boys of the media for the betterment of children’s lives. So the role of the media cannot be overstated, because it informs and motivates the public. It also creates demand and needs perhaps most critically, it influences those in power to take decisions, to create not only policies because policies can be very wonderful documents, but it creates that push that it’s needed for all of these policies to be implemented. It creates the push so that the budgets are rightfully prioritized and allocated for children. So through this collaboration and partnership, we wish to amplify our advocacy and our awareness campaigns to ensure that the child’s story is heard that the children’s voices are heard and understood, that their rights are not only recognized but they’re also safeguarded.”

    On why it is absolutely important to engage the media editors and DAME in this drive, Munduate said, “This is the first time that we’re signing such a partnership, a partnership with the giants, I would say, not only the media but the giants that are part of the sector of the society of Nigeria that can influence and can really drive a change, positive and better change for the realisation of children’s rights in the country. So the partnership promises a different narrative on children’s rights across the nation.”

    According to her, issues concerning the Nigerian child should no longer be taken lightly. “In whatever activity we do, we have a responsibility for children. Whatever our role is, we have a responsibility for children. And, you know, mainly on those children who are more vulnerable and who are more and it was left behind in the country. And we must understand that when we speak about children’s rights the right to live, the right to thrive and the right to the insured. It guarantees them the social services that are needed to accomplish this and provides the opportunities for them to shine develop and grow. Our shared efforts will focus on advancing a narrative that supports and nurtures the youngest among us, providing them with the protection that is needed to thrive. We will develop training programmes, for example for journalists on key issues. For example, why this is important for polio eradication, how to engage in joint research endeavours and also how to celebrate the immediate contribution that drives the change and the positive change that is needed. This partnership will also spotlight the need for policies that benefit children’s welfare through insightful and impactful reports,” Munduate noted.

    She also gave an insight into what UNICEF hopes to add to the partnership, saying, “The next two years will see us working with our partners to create media content that not only informs but also inspires to support education, health, nutrition, water sanitation, and of course protection of children against any form of violence including child marriage, female genital mutilation, and labour exploitation among others.”

    Read Also: UNICEF, Nigerian Media Leaders partner to raise children’s rights advocacy

    At the agreement signing ceremony, Lanre Idowu, Trustee of DAME, expressed DAME’s excitement at the prospect of opening a new chapter, emphasising that the partnership to promote the welfare and well-being of the Nigerian child is not a recent development but dates back to 2005.  “We have been working with them since 2005, that’s 19 years as partners in promoting media interest in the conditions of the child in the context of our setting, the Nigerian child. What is the nature of the relationship? They have been promoting two prizes at the Diamond Awards for Excellence for the media to show more interest in things that affect the Nigerian child, so, they have been our partners in that regard. So we’re not strangers to each other, we’re partners, we’re friends. In the same way, the guild of editors has been a professional partner.”

    Idowu highlighted that DAME’s enthusiasm regarding the new MOU stems from the understanding that all three parties are committed to making deliberate and continuous efforts to spotlight issues concerning children. These concerted efforts aim to encourage policymakers to muster the necessary political will to achieve desired objectives. Additionally, part of the agenda includes media simplification of children’s issues to enhance comprehension by stakeholders. “So the three of us have worked together to promote two prizes, one for the Nigerian journalists, and the other for the media and Nigerian media organisation that pays serious attention and serious focus to issues concerning the child. So now we have come together to say yes, we have been partners in terms of promoting their words can we take the relationship a step higher? And that is why we feel that there are so many issues concerning the welfare of the child that can be better reported, that can be better understood, that can be better analysed and more regularly than they have been doing before now.

    “With this, the media will call attention to the issues; they will try to engage policymakers to show more interest in those issues that affect the child. This is key because the child is vulnerable on account of age and if you don’t pay special attention to the child, you endangering the future of that child. So we want to assure the future of the child by ensuring that problems of today are tackled promptly,” the DAME Chief said.

    Pointing out what the MoU entails, the DAME Trustee particularly identified UNICEF’s resourcefulness in the collaboration as new windows of opportunities are presented to the media practitioners. Putting it into context, Idowu said: “So, the collaboration will involve organising workshops, training, sharing information and listening to the media to give feedback also, so that when there is that much more dialogue, there will be a better understanding of what the issues so that we can have children who will face the future, knowing that the State where they live, believes in them, the State is committed to their welfare. And so who is the winner? It is the Nigerian child. At the end of the day, UNICEF will be sharing with us knowledge, resources, information, and partnering with us to expose us to the current development, and current thinking in these areas. With that, we can also give them feedback about our peculiar situations, why some policies not working. We should be able to, as editors and journalists, explain those things. As reporters, we tell stories and then when we tell our stories, we need sources, we need people, knowledgeable people; they will provide those resources that will be able to point us to where we can look. They will be able to share with us what they know and we’d be able to assess and evaluate and give them the feedback that is bound to strengthen their plans and programmes for the development of the Nigerian child. So it’s a partnership of everybody coming to the table with one thing or the other. What do we have? We have our skills and our skills will be to tell stories as best as you can. So it’s not left to us what we do with those resources, and since we have a focus, which is the Nigerian child, it is a win-win situation for the Nigerian children.”

    On his part, Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, underscored the urgent need to prioritise issues affecting Nigerian children. He lamented the prevalent focus on political and economic matters, often overshadowing critical child welfare issues. Anaba called for a shift in editorial focus, saying, “Currently we are talking about political issues, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and all sorts of conflict. Who are the victims of these conflicts? Of course, it is the Nigerian child. If you talk about terrorism in the North or South, who are the victims? It’s the children and other vulnerable groups. I think as editors, we have been too engaged, talking about politics without looking back, saying okay if an unprecedented number of children are out of school and malnourished, if polio is coming back, nobody’s talking about it.”

    Anaba said the opportunity has presented itself for a change of the narrative in favour of the Nigerian child, “I think we all have a shared responsibility to look back and focus and say look, the future is here. What do I mean by that? If we do not take care and deal with these issues plaguing the child and other vulnerable people, we are endangering our future. So that’s why I’m excited by this MOU. It will give us, as a Guild, an opportunity to talk to our colleagues to look back, and that we should not all be carried away by politics alone but also give attention to issues that will help governance by talking more about the child, about diseases afflicting the child, about who are the victims of conflicts. It is our responsibility to talk about them to draw the attention of the government to these issues concerning the Nigerian child. That is why this MOU is quite exciting for me that for once let’s look at how to help the children and help our future, and that’s why I think this partnership will help our country in the long run,” he added.

    In the words of Lanre Idowu, the DAME Trustee, the MOU is a win-win situation for the Nigerian child given the core value of the collaboration. Hopefully, each party involved will be able to proudly assert that the Nigerian child has received the most advantageous outcome from their contributions during the two years of the collaborative effort