The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • Why I founded Candy Love Nature Care – Asatuchi Queen Smith

    Why I founded Candy Love Nature Care – Asatuchi Queen Smith

    CEO of Candy Love Nature Care, Asaruchi Queen Smith, has spoken on why she started the company.

    Based in the UK, the firm produces skin care and beauty products using natural ingredients. Started in 2017, the enterprise is taking the centre stage in the provision of safe skincare procedures while also abiding by international best practices.

    Asaruchi Queen Smith, who hails from Rivers State, said that the quest to nourish her skin created Candy Love Nature Care, an idea that has transcended borders. Apart from having its headquarters in the UK, it has branches in Port Harcourt and Lagos, with the latter situated in Lekki Phase 1 area of the commercial nerve centre.

    Disclosing how it started, Asaruchi Queen Smith stated that after acquiring the required knowledge, she started to produce skincare products for her personal use. But overtime, she transformed it into a full-blown commercial venture, which she supervises by herself.

    “It all started from my skin really, I thought it would be an amazing feeling to take control of my health and body after using a few skin care products out there and I could not get the result I wanted. I understood that people’s skin reacts differently to different products but I just wasn’t able to find what was excellent for me.

    “One day, the idea just hit me to start trying out with making skin care products for myself. I was convinced that the experience couldn’t go any worse than what I had earlier. I then went ahead to learn a couple of courses and later got a Diploma in skin care,”Asaruchi Queen Smith said.

    Asaruchi Queen Smith stated that she was a Youtuber before becoming certified in skincare. Asides referrals and recommendations, the Candy love nature care owner shared patience and understanding characteristics of her clients have played huge roles in the success the company has proudly achieved under seven years. According to her, the trade is a trait she took after her dad.

    “I am a patient and understanding person, which all clients know. I handle customers with patients and understanding. My skincare brand is a well known home and aboard. Just to let you know, a few months ago, we opened our Lagos branch in Lekki phase one.

    Surprisingly, customers have started patronizing the store. Candy love nature care is a passion for me and also an inheritance from my dad.”

    Asaruchi Queen Smith, who is also an expert in nail treatment, pedicure, manicure and spa, shed light on some of the products and their efficacy.

    “This Candy love Nature Care set will lighten you up to 5-6 shades in less than 6 months. This is the best selling set from our old and new clients all over the world. One of the base ingredients is collagen, and what does collagen do in your skin? It helps to remove wrinkle and anti-aging, protect you from having stretch marks, and glow your skin,” Asaruchi Queen Smith stated.

  • Lagos bolsters revenue oversight with cutting-edge audit training

    Lagos bolsters revenue oversight with cutting-edge audit training

    Every year, Nigeria suffers significant financial losses due to fraud and corruption, amounting to billions of naira. These losses manifest in various detrimental outcomes such as stalled projects, financial instability, organisational dysfunction, and even humanitarian crises. The root causes of fraud stem from inadequate controls and governance structures within organisations, which leave processes vulnerable to exploitation. Recognising the urgent need to address this issue, the Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Lagos State Office of Internal Audit and the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business in Alberta, Canada, conducted a comprehensive five-day training programme recently for government officers focused on enhancing auditing practices. The objective of this initiative was clear: to fortify internal controls and combat revenue leakages, particularly in non-tax Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). CHINAKA OKORO reports.

    The threat of fraud and corruption poses a ubiquitous governance challenge that transcends the boundaries of organisations, irrespective of their size, industry, or geographical location. Experts in development consistently assert that corruption and inadequate governance significantly hinder the economic progress of any society. Year after year, the staggering toll of fraud and corruption becomes evident, with billions of naira lost to these nefarious activities. The consequences are far-reaching, encompassing inefficiencies, project failures, financial crises, organizational collapse, and in the most severe instances, humanitarian catastrophes.

    Corruption exerts a profound negative impact on economic growth, manifesting in dismal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures and inadequate infrastructural development. Additionally, it fosters the underutilisation of both natural and human resources, effectively stunting the advancement of societies and organisations alike. It’s crucial to recognize that corruption and the absence of reforms in the economic and public sectors are intrinsically linked, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities and institutions striving for progress.

    Fraud often thrives in environments where controls are poorly designed, and governance structures are weak, thereby undermining the integrity of an organisation’s processes. Establishing robust internal control procedures, coupled with an effective response plan, is indispensable in the fight against fraud and corruption. To safeguard against the detrimental impact of fraud on organisational development, it’s imperative for entities to implement stringent internal control mechanisms aimed at mitigating the risk of fraudulent activities. The pivotal role of internal audit in this regard cannot be overstated. Internal auditors play a critical role in ensuring that management has implemented effective systems to detect and prevent corrupt practices within the organisation. They meticulously examine financial statements to verify accuracy and identify errors or omissions. Additionally, they conduct comprehensive risk assessments for each department to align with overarching business objectives. Furthermore, internal auditors scrutinise inventory and expense reports to gauge the efficiency of the organisation’s operations.

    Recognising the significance of internal audit in bolstering governance and combating fraud, the Lagos State Government took proactive steps by organising a five-day training programme for its officers in auditing. The objective of this initiative was to enhance the capacity of government officials to conduct audits effectively, particularly in the realm of non-tax Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), with the ultimate goal of preventing revenue leakages. By investing in the professional development of its officers and prioritising the reinforcement of internal control mechanisms, the Lagos State Government demonstrates its commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and efficient resource management. Such initiatives are pivotal in safeguarding public funds, promoting economic growth, and ensuring the sustainable development of the region.

    The training, conducted by the Lagos State Office of Internal Audit in collaboration with the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business, Alberta, Canada, had a specific aim: to cultivate champions capable of auditing revenue collection processes comprehensively. From enumeration to billings and payments, the training sought to empower participants to scrutinize every stage of revenue generation meticulously. Moreover, the training had a broader objective of equipping the 25 internal auditors with the skills necessary to contribute to the realisation of Lagos State’s development goals. By focusing on non-taxable revenue collection, the programme aimed to elevate the current collection rate of 16% to an ambitious 40%. Achieving this target necessitates the effective oversight functions performed by trained auditors, ensuring accountability and efficiency in revenue management.

    Recognising the pivotal role of skilled auditors in driving revenue growth, Mrs. Oyeyemi Ayoola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Audit, emphasised the significance of the training. Addressing the participants, she clarified that the programme’s primary focus, in its initial phase, was to cultivate “Revenue Systems Auditor Champions.” These champions would possess the expertise to conduct daily audits of revenue collection processes, thereby strengthening the revenue system’s integrity and enhancing the state’s fiscal sustainability. “The training of internal auditors is part of the Lagos State’s continuous efforts at broadening the non-tax revenue base to enhance compliance, to generate enough revenue to meet the objectives of its THEMES PLUS Agenda, which include delivering infrastructure for the benefit of the residents. The state revenue collection process is automated and monitored through the software called Electronic Banking System of Revenue Collection Management (EBS-RCM).”

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    Mrs. Oyeyemi Ayoola reiterated that the primary emphasis of the training remains on non-taxable revenue. She stressed the importance of reassessing the existing system and subjecting it to the diligent oversight functions of internal auditors. The overarching goal is to elevate the performance of non-tax revenue processes from the current 18% to an ambitious 40%. By directing attention to non-taxable revenue streams, the Lagos State Government aims to optimise revenue collection mechanisms beyond traditional tax avenues. This strategic approach underscores the importance of diversifying revenue sources and maximizing income streams to enhance the state’s financial resilience and sustainability. Through the rigorous oversight and audit activities led by trained internal auditors, the government seeks to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and ensure compliance with regulations. By achieving the targeted increase in non-tax revenue performance, the state can unlock significant financial resources to support its developmental agenda, foster economic growth, and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.

    “Summarily, the programme aims at ensuring preventive and corrective actions to grow Non-tax revenues, review and improve Non-tax revenue processes to block leakages, conduct audit trail of non-tax revenue to vouch for adequacy of collections, ensure compliance; and provide assurance and validation. The target is to grow non-tax revenues from an average of 16 per cent to 40 per cent of total revenue,” Ayoola said.

    Mrs. Oyeyemi Ayoola clarified that Lagos State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) comprises two main categories: tax revenue and non-tax revenue. Tax revenue, managed by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, encompasses various taxes such as personal income tax and capital gains tax. Conversely, non-tax revenue consists of fees, licenses, fines, and other income streams managed by different ministries, departments, and agencies in alignment with their respective mandates. Highlighting the diverse nature of non-tax revenue sources, she stressed that revenues collected, regardless of their classification, are deposited into the Lagos State Consolidated Revenue accounts through various banks across Nigeria. This consolidated approach ensures transparency and accountability in revenue management while facilitating efficient resource allocation for developmental projects and public services.

    Also, the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Abdulkabir Ogungbo said the training was aimed at expanding the Non-tax Internally Generated Revenue base as well as driving compliance of internal systems that would assist the state in achieving its expenditure target. The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Internal Audit, Kikelomo Dawodu, in her welcome address, said development is a catalyst in every endeavour of life; hence the need to ensure there were sufficient funds to keep Lagos running by ensuring that financial leakages are blocked to deliver better services to Lagos residents. Mrs Ayoola thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for the opportunity provided for the internal auditors to gain more knowledge in the area of modern methods of auditing, as they would leverage technology to generate more revenue for the state. The Special Adviser also said the training had been impressive and impactful and would enhance the revenue system in the state. She added that Lagos State will not relent in its commitment to fill all the gaps in the state’s daily operations, in auditing non-tax operations for the benefit of the citizens.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Internal Audit, Mrs. Kikelomo Dawodu advised the participants to impact on their various offices and agencies with the new knowledge they have gained. This, she said, is because any professional session driven with technology which is faster and result-oriented is not a waste. One of the participants from the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mr Gandi Semako Oluwatosin commended the Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser and the Permanent Secretary for selecting them to participate in the training, which, he said, exposed them to a modern approach to increase non-tax revenues.

    Participants of the training expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the valuable insights gained, emphasizing the significance of incorporating technological advancements into auditing practices to mitigate financial leakages effectively. One participant highlighted the importance of utilizing software skills to bolster auditors’ capabilities in preventing revenue losses, thereby augmenting Lagos State’s revenue base. The state’s commitment to modernizing audit processes reflects its overarching goal of leveraging technology to enhance the welfare of its residents. Mrs. Olowoidiaba Rashidat, representing the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), underscored the imperative of transitioning towards a more robust tax revenue system.

  • Ernest Chukwuma shines as ABUAD’s top medical graduate

    Ernest Chukwuma shines as ABUAD’s top medical graduate

    In a resounding testament to academic prowess, Ernest Chukwuma distinguished himself as the best graduating student among 161 newly-inducted medical doctors at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). His distinction underscores ABUAD’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence. In this special report, Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF writes that Chukwuma’s journey, fuelled by passion and inspired by mentors, embodies the university’s ethos of shaping future leaders in all fields of human endeavour.

    With the spotlight firmly fixed upon him, Ernest Chukwuma radiated an aura of exceptional brilliance during the February 9, 6th induction ceremony of the 161 newly-qualified medical doctors of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). Amidst the palpable anticipation of the event, Chukwuma’s momentous achievement as the best graduating medical student elevated him to a position of reverence among his peers and mentors alike.

    His ascent to this pinnacle of academic distinction was not merely a stroke of luck but a testament to his unwavering dedication and scholarly prowess. Within the hallowed halls of ABUAD, Chukwuma’s name had become synonymous with excellence, a beacon illuminating the path for aspiring medical professionals. Yet, his accolades did not end there. In a display of unparalleled mastery, Chukwuma etched his name into the annals of medical academia by securing five distinctions across a spectrum of medical specialties: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Integrated Medical Courses, and Pathology. Each distinction served as a testament to his comprehensive understanding and mastery of the intricate nuances within the field of medicine.

    As the ceremony unfolded, Chukwuma’s remarkable journey resonated with all in attendance, serving as both inspiration and aspiration for the next generation of medical practitioners. His achievement was not merely a personal triumph but a collective celebration of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines ABUAD’s ethos. In the wake of his triumph, Chukwuma stood as a living embodiment of the university’s commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity and fostering academic excellence. His journey from a diligent student to the epitome of medical brilliance symbolised the transformative power of education and the boundless possibilities it offers to those who dare to dream.

    Amidst the applause and accolades that enveloped him, Chukwuma remained humble, his gaze fixed not on the laurels of the past but on the boundless horizons of the future. For him, the journey had only just begun, with each achievement serving as a stepping stone towards a future defined by service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the healing profession.

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    His journey towards stradom began in 2019, a pivotal moment midway through his MBBS programme, when Chukwuma’s remarkable intellect garnered international recognition. At the tender juncture of his medical studies, he was bestowed with an honourary Doctor of Science Degree (D.Sc.), with a Fellowship of the International Agency for Standards and Ratings. This prestigious honour was a testament to his groundbreaking research and scholarly acumen.

    Chukwuma’s ascent to scholarly stardom was catalysed by his groundbreaking  research article titled “Theory of Photon Quanta.” This seminal work not only elucidated intricate scientific principles but also garnered global acclaim. In a feat unparalleled, Chukwuma’s research emerged victorious among 5,547 nominations, triumphing over 87 meticulously screened contenders to clinch the esteemed 2019 Global Championship Award in Science.          

    Published in the revered Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, a physics and space science journal, Chukwuma’s research reverberated across academic circles, challenging conventional paradigms and pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry. His visionary insights and meticulous methodology captured the imagination of scholars worldwide, cementing his status as a luminary in the realm of scientific inquiry. The Annual World Championship in Science Award, organised by the International Agency for Standards and Ratings, stands as a testament to excellence in academia. This prestigious event recognises the best among the brightest, honouring exemplary theses, dissertations and milestone research articles from distinguished scientists and academics across the globe.        

    Amid the fervour of international acclaim, Chukwuma’s unwavering commitment to excellence remained steadfast. His journey, marked by relentless pursuit and unwavering dedication, symbolised the transformative power of intellect and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream. In the annals of scientific history, Chukwuma’s name would forever be etched as a beacon of ingenuity, a testament to the indomitable human spirit, and a harbinger of discoveries yet to unfold. His meteoric rise from a budding medical student to a celebrated scholar exemplified the power of passion, perseverance and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

    The announcement of Chukwuma’s award resonated with the gravity of his achievement, as his research article emerged victorious amid stiff competition, prevailing over 5,547 nominations meticulously scrutinised from a pool of 87 contenders for the coveted title of the World Championship in Science for the year 2019. This accolade carried with it international validation, underscoring the global significance of his contributions to the field of scientific inquiry.

    The mandate of the World Championship in Science Award, as articulated in the announcement, is to spotlight and celebrate exceptional scientists and academics from across the globe. Chukwuma’s inclusion in this prestigious roster of honourees positioned him alongside luminaries such as Dr. Xiaohui Song from the United States, Dr. Hiroshi Bando from Japan, Dr. Ingo Schmidt from Germany, Dr. Yasin Idweini from Jordan and Dr. Kenichi Meguro from Japan, each of whom had left an indellible mark in their respective fields of expertise.

    Yet, behind Chukwuma’s meteoric rise to scholarly prominence lay a profound source of inspiration: his unwavering admiration for Albert Einstein, the iconic German physicist whose groundbreaking work on the theory of relativity continues to shape our understanding of the universe. From a tender age, Chukwuma had harboured a deep-seated desire to emulate Einstein’s intellectual prowess and transformative impact on the scientific landscape. Driven by this profound admiration, Chukwuma embarked on a journey fuelled by curiosity, tenacity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. His milestone achievement in 2019 stood as a testament to the transformative power of inspiration, catapulting him into the ranks of the world’s most brilliant minds and affirming his status as a torchbearer for the next generation of scientific inquiry.

    As Chukwuma’s star continued to ascend, his journey remained intrinsically intertwined with the legacy of Einstein, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of mentorship, inspiration and the indomitable human spirit to transcend the confines of time and space in pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Said Chukwuma: “I had watched a movie about Albert Einstein, the great German physicist, who invented the Einstein Refrigerator. How he wanted his voice to be hear d in his chosen field and how his voice was eventually heard. I too want my voice to be heard. With these awards, my voice is being heard, but this is just the beginning. I believe that by the grace of God and of course more hard work, many awards are still on the way.”

    Chukwuma’s revelation, shared in the wake of his triumphant win in 2019, shed light on the serendipitous genesis of his journey to scholarly acclaim. Despite his status as a medical student, his heart remained tethered to the realms of physics, his true passion and intellectual playground. It was in a physics class, amid the hushed whispers of curiosity and the tantalising allure of the unknown, that Chukwuma posed a question that reverberated through the corridors of academia. Yet, to his astonishment, the question lingered in the air, unanswered and elusive, a tantalising enigma that ignited the flames of inquiry within his soul.

    Undeterred by the absence of an immediate response, Chukwuma embarked on a quest for knowledge, determined to unravel the mysteries that lay concealed within the fric of the universe. With unwavering resolve and boundless curiosity as his guiding stars, he navigated the labyrinthine corridors of scientific inquiry, his thirst for understanding propelling him ever forward. It was amid this crucible of inquiry that Chukwuma found his answer, a revelation that transcended the confines of the classroom and opened the door to a world of infinite possibilities. From that moment onward, his trajectory was irrevocably altered, as he embraced his calling with fervour and embarked on a journey fuelled by the relentless pursuit of truth.

    In his remarks at the induction ceremony, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), the esteemed Founder & Chancellor of ABUAD, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly-inducted medical doctors, celebrating their remarkable achievements and urging them to view their induction not as the culmination of their journey but as the commencement of a new chapter filled with boundless opportunities and untapped potential. Emphasising the importance of excellence and quality service in their future endeavours, Aare Babalola underscored the profound impact that the inductees would have on the world around them. As torchbearers of knowledge and ambassadors of compassion, they were entrusted with the noble task of alleviating suffering, healing the sick and advancing the frontiers of medical science.

    For Chukwuma and his fellow inductees, the words of Aare Babalola served as a poignant reminder of the immense responsibility that lay upon their shoulders. Armed with knowledge, fortified by wisdom and guided by the principles of integrity and compassion, they stood poised at the threshold of greatness, their destinies intertwined with the collective aspirations of humanity. His words: “I personally expect you to go higher academically and professionally. Never give up, dream high. Remember that it is not a crime to dream big, but it is a sin not to dream high. Your induction today should not be seen as the end, but the take-off points for you to attain greatness in your career.

    “I am not unaware that the country is going through a difficult time having regard to insecurity, corruption, scarcity of money, fuel scarcity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, high rate of inflation, very poor foreign exchange rate, huge debt burden and the “japa syndrome”. I advise you not to be discouraged. Problems are bound to come. The world is a world of problems. It is only those who have the courage to confront these problems frontally and overcome them that are successful in life. You already have imbibed the culture of this university, therefore, you are already sufficiently armed to confront and overcome these problems,” he said.

    In a heartfelt address, the ABUAD founder thanked parents for choosing ABUAD, emphasising its unique features. He urged continued guidance for the new doctors, highlighting the disparity in philanthropy. Babalola unveiled plans for a Museum and Hall of Fame, expressing hope for their future success and contributions. Reflecting on his recent achievement as the best graduating student among the 161 newly-inducted medical doctors, Chukwuma  said, “I am very happy. Words are not enough to express my delight following my emergence as the best graduating student. I thank God Almighty for making this possible. I’m grateful to the university for finding me worthy to receive this award.”

    He continued, acknowledging the pivotal role of ABUAD in shaping his journey, “I’m also grateful to the university for shaping me to be the man I am today. I am especially grateful to the founder, Aare Babalola. He has been a great source of inspiration and drive for me. I thank my wonderful friends and family for their incredible support along the way.”

  • Developers offer rent-to-own initiatives to promote home ownership

    Developers offer rent-to-own initiatives to promote home ownership

    Through a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Lagos State Government and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), five prominent property developers are spearheading a groundbreaking initiative known as “rent-to-own.” This innovative scheme enables tenants to transition into homeownership by acquiring their h ouses and paying rents over a specified period. Effectively turning tenants into landlords, this initiative has the potential to serve as a blueprint for addressing Nigeria’s staggering housing deficit, estimated at 28 million units as of 2023. If replicated nationwide, this initiative could significantly mitigate the housing crisis. VICTORIA AMADI delves deeper into this transformative endeavor.

    Nigeria continues to grapple with a persistent housing crisis, as underscored by recent estimates from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC Nigeria). According to PwC’s Nigeria Economic Outlook, the country’s housing deficit stood at a staggering 28 million units as of 2023. This alarming figure paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by millions of Nigerians in accessing adequate and affordable housing. Adding to the complexity of the situation, the United Nations Population Fund reported a high birth rate of 36.026 births per 1,000 people in 2023, against an estimated population of 223.8 million individuals. These statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address Nigeria’s growing housing needs amidst rapid population growth.

    The recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report, published last week and obtained by The Nation, sheds light on Nigeria’s daunting housing deficit. Despite the country’s substantial shortfall in housing units, demand for housing remains subdued, attributed to elevated rental and construction expenses, coupled with declining disposable incomes. However, even before the release of the report, prominent property and estate developers had pledged to play their part. Through structured “rent-to-own home acquisition schemes,” they aim to alleviate, if not entirely eliminate, Nigeria’s staggering 28 million housing shortfall.

    At least, five developers are said to be currently leading the charge in deploying such structured rent-to-own home acquisition schemes that allow tenants to acquire their houses, pay rents over a period and own those houses. The five developers, which have since latched on Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Lagos State Government and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to make home ownership seamless and affordable to Nigerians, include Legrande Properties, Mixta Africa, Alpha Mead, Family Homes Funds (FHF), and Lagos Ministry of Housing.

    For instance, in what is widely acknowledged as a timely and compelling proposition, Mixta Africa has been offering interested subscribers the opportunity of starting out as tenants paying their due rent and subsequently becoming landlords/homeowners within a remarkably short period of three years. The property developer does this through its rent-to-own home acquisition scheme known as ‘DUO,’ which is a homegrown housing ownership solution targeted at mid-income earners who have difficulty paying outright for a house or experiencing delays in accessing a mortgage.

    Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, the Chief Commercial Officer (CEO) of Mixta Africa, elaborated on the DUO initiative, stating that it provides interested subscribers with the chance to fulfill their aspirations of homeownership while experiencing the perks of residing in a tranquil and luxurious environment. The initiative ensures that tenants can enjoy all the comfort, convenience, and recreational amenities essential for a healthy lifestyle. Akinkugbe-Filani emphasized that DUO offers renters the unique opportunity to transition seamlessly from tenants to homeowners through a simple and straightforward transaction process.

    Akinkugbe-Filani, however, told The Nation that DUO, as a rent-to-own scheme, is currently applicable to Mixta’s fully completed two-bedroom Marula Park home, located in Lagos New Town, off Lekki- Epe Expressway, with Beechwood Park and Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate as its close neighbours. “The thought of being a tenant paying your due rent and subsequently becoming a homeowner within three years is the major attraction,” the property developer emphasised.

    Legrande Properties, a Lagos-based property developer, has also come up with a rent-to-own initiative aimed at meeting the huge housing needs of Nigerians. Accordingly, the company is currently developing 5, 000 affordable housing units in Lagos. Its Managing Director, Babajide Durojaiye, however, explained that the initiative is an opportunity for only contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF), and that the initiative is premised on its new project called, ‘Alexandra Courts Estate’ in lbeju-Lekki, Lagos.

    The project, according to Durojaiye, is a PPP with Lagos State Government and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). “It (the project) also provides opportunity for loans to off-takers who are contributors to the NHF scheme up to N15 million,” he said, adding that Legrande Properties has also earmarked 2,500 units for staffers of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and civil servants at the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) Renewed Hope City at Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.

    On its part, Alpha Mead, another developer, said it has initiated two models, ‘Rent4Less’ and ‘Rent-to-Own,’ to enable affordability of housing for Nigerians. The Group Managing Director, Alpha Mead, Femi Akintunde, said the company’s intervention stemmed from its worry that landlords, over the years, have been charging one to two-years rent on their properties. He also noted that government’s idea of considering monthly rent payment is not the right way to go since “One cannot legislate on what he does not own.”

    “What should be done is to meet the objectives of landlords and tenants for the system to work,” Akintunde told The Nation, noting, for instance, that Alpha Mead’s Rent4Less approaches landlords with large units, enabling them pay upfront and fill it up with tenants who want to pay monthly. “Rent-to-Own’ combines our affordable housing solutions and mortgage accessing capabilities to help subscribers on Rent4Less own their homes,” he added.

    Also, with its mandate to provide 500, 000 housing units in five years, while creating over two million jobs in the process, Family Homes Funds (FHF) has been facilitating home ownership for Nigerians through its product, ‘Help-to-Own.’ On the strength of its product, the Funds, The Nation leant, has contributed 40 per cent of the total cost of new homes for low-middle income individuals as loan.

    Interestingly, the product does not require repayment of the loan in the first five years after which monthly payments are made, starting from an interest rate of three (3) per cent, and rising gradually to a maximum of 15 per cent in the 20th year. It is for first time home buyers and for individuals who can provide a minimum deposit of 10 per cent of the purchase price and can take responsibility for any associated fees. The product is also for those who earn between N500, 000 and N1.7 million yearly.

    The Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Housing is also not left out in the renewed push to put affordable and decent shelter on Nigerians. Despite being seen by many home seekers as an exploiter and a major competitor with private developers, the State Government also has a Rent-to-Own housing scheme that targets first time home buyers. This scheme is a response to the concerns raised over the unfriendly conditions attached to home ownership through the Lagos Homes Mortgage Scheme (LagosHOMS).

    LagosHOMS has about 4,355 housing units it inherited from the mortgage scheme. These houses came from 12 housing estates that include Sir Michael Otedola Estate, Odoragunsen, Epe, Odo Onasa, Agbowa, Igbogbo Housing Estate, Ikorodu, Egan -Igando Housing estate, Alimosho, Lateef Jakande Gardens, Igando also in Alimosho.

    Other estates for the scheme are CHOIS City, Agbowa, Olaitan Mustapha Housing Estate, Ojokoro, Iponri Estate, Surulere, Sangotedo Estate, Eti-Osa and Ajara Estate, Badagry. The scheme enables individual subscribers to pay only five per cent of the cost of the housing unit as commitment fee and the balance is spread over a period of 10 years with minimal interest.  According to the State’s Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, Rent-to-Own, has recorded about 1,230 beneficiaries from inception. Although, at moment, these initiatives are focused on Lagos, the consensus of stakeholders in the real estate sector, including property developers and prospective homeowners is that if sustained and replicated across the country, they could be the much-needed tonic to galvanize ubiquitous home ownership schemes in Nigeria and ultimately close or reduce the country’s huge housing deficit.

  • Nigerians waiting to celebrate you, Uzodimma tells Super Eagles

    Nigerians waiting to celebrate you, Uzodimma tells Super Eagles

    Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma has appealed to the Super Eagles to work extra hard to bring home the AFCON title on Sunday.

    He said Nigerians were waiting to celebrate them.after the final match with hosts Ivory Coast on Sunday.

    Uzodimma, in a statement on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser,Oguwike Nwachuku, advised them to work hard to win the match.

    The Governor reminded the Super Eagles players that they have a record of beating the Elephant of Côte D’Ivioire in the past, including doing so at the group stage in the ongoing tournament.

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    He added that Nigerians have been waiting earnestly for the AFCON Cup since 2013 when the Super Eagles last achieved the feat.

    “You did it before, you can do it again and again because you have what it takes to do so,” Governor Uzodimma said.

    He noted that government and well meaning Nigerians are prepared to give them all the necessary support they need to be the African Champions once again.

  • ‘How Akinlude’s defeat in Mushin primary made Otedola Lagos governor’

    ‘How Akinlude’s defeat in Mushin primary made Otedola Lagos governor’

    • Excerpt from Bayo Osiyemi’s new book, Wilderness Trodden, due for launch soon

    The words of God are true and eternal. It is an empirical statement that I am first to embrace.

    In the early 90s, I was drafted to run for the chairmanship of Mushin Local Government Council, against my wish.

    I had joined others in our Social Democratic Party (SDP) to back a senior official of the PZ Industries Limited, Councillor (Clr) Obafemi Sunmonu to pick our party’s ticket and run against Chief Willy Akinlude for the chairmanship of Mushin Local Government.

    Then, the boundaries of Mushin Local Government of 14 wards extended to Itire-Ikate, Oshodi-Isolo up to Mushin-Alimoso border at Ejigbo.

    But when the race became fierce, it was glaring to party leaders that Clr Sunmonu might not be able to summon sufficient financial muscle to face Akinlude in the party primaries and win. Of course, then in the Progressives camp in Lagos, winning the party primaries was tougher than winning the general elections against opposition candidates. That was then.

    The party chairman in Lagos State, Alhaji Muniru Baruwa, summoned me to his Ikate-Lawanson home in Surulere area to inform me that the SDP was having a rethink about fielding Sunmonu against Akinlude who was being backed by a reformers group intent in ending Jakande’s “Baba-so-pe” leadership caucus in Lagos; and that the leaders, ostensibly with the imprimatur of Jakande himself, felt I had been considered enough to be a better alternative to face Akinlude.

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    I was lost in thought as to how I became the party’s new choice, honestly contrary to my wish.

    Though I was hesitant,  I knew one would be marked down for destruction if one refused party orders. I was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea – courting Sunmonu’s ire for standing to block his chance or provoking stern reprisal from the party; I chose to avoid the party’s big stick.

    The reasoning of the party leadership at the time was that Sunmonu, as a salary earner, would not be able to summon the huge resources needed to  upstage Akinlude, an affluent pool punting promoter, being backed in the background by better financially-able leaders intent of sweeping off Jakande’s leadership hold on Lagos politics. Of course, everyone in Lagos then knew that Jakande group was not that financially strong.

    How the party zeroed in on me, remained a mystery to me until later, although I had frightfully accepted to be drafted to the race.

    It was much later I learnt that one of the outspoken leaders in the Jakande camp, Chief Tele Olukoya of Ibowon, Epe Division, had squealed, that after my tenure in government with Jakande, I had set up a PR communications company of my own, that was already doing well; and that he was sure I’d have the required funds to face Akinlude squarely, instead of Sunmonu.

    It was true at that time that I had warmed myself to the heart of an up-coming young businessman who entrusted his companies media and PR assignments to my Penby Communications Limited.

    I was in charge of Otunba Mike  Adenuga’s businesses, media wise, such as Worldspan Holdings, Consolidated Oil that eventually won Oil drilling licence and later acquired Shell, that became National Oil before its name changed to Conoil;  Devcom Merchant Bank and Equitorial Trust Bank.

    I made good money from those companies, aside from Mike Adenuga’s large heartedness.

    I therefore had huge war chest to prosecute my party’s primary electioneering campaign in Mushin and defeat Willy Akinlude in the process.

    That victory was disputed by Willy and his backers, and their sulking made them embark on anti-party, to move ahead to vote against the SDP and elect Babatunde Odele as chairman for a three-year term then.

    I challenged that contrived election victory at the tribunal and won, due to the quantum of evidence I adduced through my agents. That victory was short-lived as it was aborted at the high court by the shocking verdict of the heavily-bearded Justice Desalu, now deceased.

    There are takeaways from this experience. They include:

    1. Sunmonu, after initial protestations, eventually and fully supported my candidacy;

    2. Working against one’s party for whatever reason is unarguably bad and usually comes with adequate consequences sooner or later.

    In this particular instance, Willy Akinlude fell victim of the ill-thought executive power-wielding of the man he helped into office; just as Governor Agbolade Otedola did not adequately reciprocate Jakande’s group efforts in getting him elected into office instead of their partyman, Yomi Edu of the SDP.

    3. Ill-gotten electoral advantage does not confer on its beneficiary, enduring happiness; just as electoral wrong, perpetuated at any time, will be redressed, if not by man, but by God, sooner or later.

    Odele realised this to his chagrin, when his three-year scheduled term of office, was truncated after only one year by the military that created Oshodi/Isolo out of the old Mushin Local Government council and eventually appointed me to complete the remaining two years of Odele’s term as chairman, caretaker or not.

    4. God is all-knowing and all-powerful, hence His words are always true and eternal.

    While my electioneering campaign against Odele was peaking up to election time, my late wife, Esther, had a dream which she revealed to me that I would not win the election but that she still saw in the dream that I eventually became chairman, after that foiled first attempt. Because my own level of faith was not as strong as my wife’s at the time, I couldn’t comprehend how I would still become chairman after an election she had dreamed I lost.

    But, “God moves in mysterious way His wonders to perform, His purposes ripen fast, unfolding every hour”. It eventually happened that without another election, I still became a beneficiary of the same election held two years earlier!

    “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89).

     “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

  • Inside story of Oyo pastor’s killing by herdsmen

    Inside story of Oyo pastor’s killing by herdsmen

    • Deceased cleric had several previous encounters with herders

    The killing of a pastor by suspected herdsmen in Oyo State penultimate Monday has sparked an outrage with protesting residents at the palace of the monarch of the town calling for justice. KUNLE AKINRINADE reveals that the deceased clergyman had previous encounters with the herdsmen before the tragic turn of events.

    Pastor Segun Adegboyega did not know that death had sneaked into his abode as he was about to have his breakfast on Monday. His son panted into the house in Gege village, Ogbomosho, Oyo State and raised the alarm that some familiar herdsmen were destroying his farm and feeding the crops to their cattle.

    Adegboyega could not wait to have his first meal of the day. He raced to the farm near his home and warned the herders to leave or prepare for a showdown.

    Inside sources told our correspondent that the herders refused to leave Adgeboyega’s farm and instead continued to graze on the crops.

    It was said that Adegboyega confronted the recalcitrant herders and pelted their cattle with stones to pursue them from his farm. But the fiendish herders were said to have brought out a machete and hacked him to death.

    “Pastor Adegboyega was an easygoing person. Aside from his calling as a priest, he also took to farming and had a farm in the backyard of his home in Gege village.

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    “The herdsmen that killed Pastor Adegboyega were known to him and other residents and that was not their first encounter.

    “The herdsmen had been warned by Adegboyega not to graze on his farm. Unfortunately, the herders came to the farm again and destroyed crops, and this led to an altercation during which Adegboyega pelted them with stones and he was stabbed to death by the herdsmen.

    “The pastor fell down in a pool of blood while the herdsmen fled the scene. But they were pursued, overpowered and apprehended by residents and subsequently taken into the custody of the Owode Divisional Police headquarters.”

    A resident who identified himself simply as Okewale described the deceased clergyman as unassuming and industrious.

    “He was about to have his meal when he was killed by the unrepentant herdsmen, who he had warned on several occasions not to come to his farm or graze their cattle there.

    He (Adegboyega) was a gentle person. He was always willing to be a peacemaker and one of the few community leaders that loved to see the development of this agrarian community.”

    It was gathered that the three herders were first taken to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, from where they were handed over to the police.

    Olaoye assured the aggrieved residents of the community that the culprits responsible for the killing would not go unpunished.

    The monarch said: “As your father, I wish to say this is an ugly situation and uncalled for.

    “I have spoken my mind to the Area Commander of Owode Police Headquarters, who is here with me. And I want to assure you that justice will be served.

    “I equally sympathise with every one of you. May God continue to watch over you and the entire land of Ogbomoso.”

    The monarch also told the family of the clergyman that he would ensure that justice was done.

    He said: “I wish to say this is an ugly situation and it is uncalled for. I have spoken my mind to the Area Commander (of Owode police headquarters), who is here with me and I want to assure you that justice will be served.

    “I equally sympathise with every one of you. May God continue to watch over you and the entire land of Ogbomosho.”

    The remains of the deceased pastor have been deposited in a mortuary.

  • Why Nigeria experiences declining cocoa production, export

    Why Nigeria experiences declining cocoa production, export

    Stakeholders in the cocoa industry are worried about the decline in cocoa production, exportation and foreign dominance of the business in Nigeria. GBENGA ADERANTI writes on the challenges and efforts being made by stakeholders to resuscitate the dying industry.

    To Nigerian farmers, cocoa is a golden crop that provides them a means of livelihood and even wealth. Irrespective of the kind of farming they practice, the average Nigerian farmer would still want to plant cocoa, no matter how little.

    Cocoa planting being a trans-generational activity, majority of the farmers probably inherited the farms from their forebears. Little wonder Nigeria once ranked among the leading cocoa producing countries in the world.

    With the discovery of oil, the interest in cocoa business waned and the once highest revenue earner for the country was supplanted by oil.

    Ironically, while the demand for cocoa has continued to spike in the world market, only a few farmers appear to be interested in the business. Many of the farmers who are in the business are operating at subsistence level, barely making ends meet as they are confronted with a plethora of challenges.

    Nigeria is currently the fourth largest producer of cocoa globally. The country rakes in about N34 billion annually from exporting cocoa beans alone. This is besides other revenues from cocoa by-products like butter, cake, liquor and powder.

    While the country trails Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia behind, its output is still comparatively low. Ivory Coast produces 2,200,000 tons of cocoa beans annually, while Nigeria’s total annual output is about 340,163 tons.

    According to a report, in the 1950s, Nigeria’s share of the world cocoa trade increased from roughly 14% to 18%.

    In the mid-1960s, the volume of cocoa exports grew from approximately 100,000 tons to 229,000 tons yearly over the 1963-67 period.

    Cocoa exports grew at a compound average growth rate of about 7% per year in the 10 years between 1956 and 1967. By the early 1960s, the production of cocoa had risen by about 80% above the previous 1950-51 high following the acreage increase in cocoa cultivation of about 15%.

    The increase was attributed to the widespread use of insecticides, fungicides, improved seedlings and other improvements that had been seriously promoted through subsidies, credit schemes and extension services by the Western Regional Marketing Board.

    In the ’70s/’80s, Nigeria was the second largest producer of cocoa in the world, producing over 450,000 MT of cocoa. But over the years, Nigeria has continued to experience a slide in cocoa production.

    Cocoa production slides

    Speaking on the factors responsible for the decline in cocoa production in Nigeria, one of the stakeholders in the cocoa industry and founder of the International Cocoa Diplomacy, who is incidentally the traditional ruler of Eti-Oni, a cocoa producing community in Atakumosa East Local Government, Osun State, Oba Dokun Thompson, believes that the discovery of oil contributed to the decline in cocoa production in Nigeria.

    As a result of the revenue that accrued from oil, the government was able to fund several projects, new cities were built, new jobs created and people were required to take up these new roles and opportunities.

    However, it was the period when there were more jobs than applicants or qualified applicants, and the government also invested a lot in developing the education sector to respond to the needs of advancement. Oba Thompson recalled that  “those who were left behind in the cocoa producing communities started aging as the communities also suffered neglect and those who would have become next generation farmers tried to grasp these emerging opportunities elsewhere, migrating to the new urban centres, leaving behind only those who were perceived old, weak and uneducated to the cocoa farms.

    “The effect was reduced production in terms of output as well as productivity in terms of quality, as it is always very difficult to teach older people new ways and methods of doing things that they are used to doing in the same manner for several decades. The gap now led to reduced production to well below 150,000MT per year.”

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    The monarch stated further that value addition to Cocoa is not just about processing to industrial products of cocoa liquor, cocoa butter or cocoa powder, which is the secondary stage or the tertiary stage of processing into finished and consumable products of chocolate and confectionery, cosmetics or even the pharmaceuticals. “There are a lot of opportunities also being missed on the soft side of value addition in the area of education, research, data gathering and analysis, tourism, entertainment, merchandising, packaging, etc, and the country loses over $2 billion every year.”

    He commended the federal government for recognising cocoa as a vehicle that can be used for inclusive development “and to have allocated N100 billion to an Agric Development Fund in the 2024 budget is an indication the government truly means business.”

    According to a paper presented by O.S. Afolayan of the Nigerian Army University Biu , Borno State, 14  of  Nigeria’s  36  states grow cocoa of which more than  80%  are from the Southwest geopolitical zone.

    Afolayan posited that the inability of Nigerian farmers to produce cocoa like in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire is attributed mainly to loss of soil fertility, world price fluctuation, aging plantation and negligence of agriculture in favour of crude oil by the government. Since the 1970s, crude oil has remained the highest source of foreign  exchange earnings while cocoa, a versatile, renewable and sustainable  source of  revenue, is yet to reclaim its  lost glory.

    The Nation gathered that cocoa production in Nigeria is also retarded by the declining productivity of the existing old cocoa trees. It was also gathered that Cocoa production in Nigeria is undertaken mostly by poor, small scale and low-technical farmers who use neither fertilizer nor manure for soil fertility improvement. These farmers therefore face difficulties in setting up new cocoa farms and  rehabilitation  of old ones.

    Even though Nigeria’s cocoa has continued to suffer one form of rejection or the other, Oba Dokun Thompson maintained that Nigeria has the best species of cocoa in the world. “What we don’t have is the evidence to back it. ICCO in the International Cocoa Agreement, ICA 2010 divided cocoa-producing regions into 2 classes – Bulk Purchase Cocoa Producers and Fine or Partially Fine Flavour Cocoa Producers. This classification is not based on any particular scientific research but on geographical delineation, and those who buy cocoa have used these categories to continue to undermine cocoa depending on the producing region to keep the price as low as possible.”

    The monarch said: “What we are seeing today with the cocoa price reaching an all-time high is a result of cocoa production going burst. What I mean by that is there was a lot of enthusiasm and interest to produce as much cocoa as possible without the corresponding manpower to manage the process that will ensure the output achieved can be managed so when there is a simple issue around climate change that could bring about, for instance, the swollen shoot disease, the response time is such that production output is badly affected.”

    Last year, ICCO amended the ICA 2010 and included Ghana and Cameroon to produce some degree of fine flavour cocoa, and Nigeria was not included.

    “We are currently working on a research project with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences and Teesside University, UK on the quantitative analysis of the flavour profiles of cocoa produced in Nigeria based on agricultural practices.

    “I believe the conclusions of this project will give better light on these classifications and also provide the evidence and data that will back the quality of cocoa produced in Nigeria,” Oba Thompson said.

    The decline in cocoa production and exportation and the foreign dominance have continued to be a source of concern to all stakeholders. At a recent joint press conference in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Abba Bello, represented by Mr Tayo Omidiji, NEXIM Bank’s Head of Strategy and Corporate Communication, said it is time for Nigeria to add value to its cocoa exports as a major step towards maximising the benefits of investments in the sector.

    He observed that Nigeria has lost its leading position in the production and export of cocoa over the years to now rank about the 4th producer behind countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Indonesia. This problem, he said, can be attributed mainly to the aged plantations and lack of investment in the sector over the years.

    According to him, the cocoa industry is worth about $200 billion annually, out of which the entire West African producing region (made up of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameron and Nigeria), accounts for about 70 -75% of the global output, earning only $10 billion.

    He said while Nigeria has continued to be a major producer of cocoa, a report by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in 2021 revealed that Nigeria produced 208 MT of cocoa beans in 2021 but generated a total income of $628 million.  However, Germany, which did not produce cocoa, earned a whopping $57.3 billion from the export of cocoa products.

    As a way forward, the Managing Director of Sunbeth Global Concept, Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, called on the Federal Government to put necessary policies in place to prevent the exploitation of cocoa farmers by enhancing the cocoa value chain that would also protect the local cocoa economy players.

    Tackling major challenges

    To arrest the decline in cocoa production and exportation, stakeholders came together to chart the way forward at the 2024 International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF) held in Abuja and Lagos. At the end of the conference, the forum issued a communique in which it observed that the cocoa sector is dominated by a few global players, creating an oligopolistic market which makes trading difficult because they determine the price, sustainability measures and certifications, required training modules for farmers, and so on.

    The forum also observed that “although Nigeria remains the 4th largest producer of cocoa with about 6.5% of the world’s production output and remains the 4th largest exporter with receipts of close to US$700 million, the industry continues to decline even though cocoa can be produced in over 24 states in the country with tremendous potential for growth.”

    According to the communique, Europe remains the biggest market for West African cocoa and its derivatives, but cocoa from the region will be subjected to the new EUDR policy which will come into effect on January 1, 2025 and will possibly disrupt the industry supply chain and the country’s forex earnings from cocoa and other products namely coffee, soya, timber, palm oil, rubber and cattle and their derivatives.

    The forum stated further that the different aspects of the Nigerian cocoa supply chain and the smallholder cocoa farmers appear to be unaware of the new EUDR policy and its compliance requirements and remain unprepared as to who is responsible for what.

    “The Nigerian Cocoa Industry does not have any form of policy, mapping, identification or data that can help respond to the EUDR or COP28 resolutions and to also plan for social and economic development purposes.”

    According to the stakeholders,  the US is the second largest importer of raw cocoa beans and eliminated all tariffs on cocoa and its derivatives exported from Nigeria, which is an important factor for investors and a key market to further explore, adding that “there are several value chain development opportunities within the global cocoa industry that are not being explored due to a lack of the cocoa culture and full appreciation of the value propositions with the country losing over US$2 billion every year.

    “The built-up processing capacity in the country is about 200,000MT to convert cocoa to butter, liquor and cake/powder but is operating at about 30% capacity because the cocoa industry and the domestic market are not properly structured in the manner that will attract the right investments to develop the market to compete with western market offerings.

    “Africa contributes only 3% to the global trade, and four countries, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Ethiopia, contribute 2% while the remaining 50 countries in the continent together contribute 1%.

    “The regional and continental market lacks the right policies, infrastructure and harmonised standardization to take advantage of the market size and the potential it offers.

    “There is a lack of proper and creative funding to fully develop the opportunities within the industry. Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, CRIN, is underfunded and NEXIM Bank is not structured or funded like its similar counterparts e.g. AFREXIM or EXIM Bank of India to undertake major investments and financing of necessary and required major infrastructure projects to further the export trade.

    “Manufacturing has become unattractive due to the lack of necessary infrastructure to support the services rendered that will make the cost of production and quality competitive with imported products, and we need agriculture that must lead into industrialization.

    “N100 billion was set aside for an Agric Development Fund out of the 2024 Agric Budget of N900 billion to support endeavours such as the ICD Forum which had world views because the country will be competing with other countries which may have several policies and subsidy regimes to take advantage of market share. And it is important to recalibrate government policies now and again to compensate for gaps and to provide infrastructure that will ensure various sectors of the economy work.

    “The average age of the Nigerian cocoa farmer is about 50 years, and the youths are boycotting farming altogether with capacity to apply best agricultural practices reduced at an alarming rate while cocoa plantations are facing several threats including land degradation from illegal miners, and there is no known definition or government policy about land degradation or deforestation and the livelihood of the members of any farming community.”

    The forum therefore recommended that cocoa must be de-commoditized as the prerequisite to fully achieve value addition and make cocoa a vehicle for inclusive development, wealth, and prosperity creation with sustained awareness about the economic value of cocoa and its value chain opportunities.

    It also advised that the country needs to transition from being a cocoa-producing to a consuming one. There must be deliberate consumption of cocoa products as a way to create the cocoa culture being promoted by ICD, including cocoa derivatives or cocoa beverages in the existing school feeding programme, as this will also encourage domestic and international investments into the sector.

    It stated further that there is a need to establish a cocoa development fund in partnership with the private sector to drive all the investment needs and strategies for development of the industry into a self-sustaining model through collaboration with ICD developing a working committee of key stakeholders to develop the plan that will organise and structure the sector, identifying all the different components and putting the right rules in place to attract funding with the goal of creating a cocoa marketing agency that will guide the transformation of the cocoa industry, guarantee farmers income and provide rural infrastructure as key to incentivise the youths.

    CRIN, it said, needs to be provided with improved and targeted funding for research and development, flavour profile quantitative analysis, data collection and collation with development of a mechanism in collaboration with ICD for cocoa classification and denomination as well as governance and monitoring protocols to improve the specialty chocolate and cocoa offerings in the country.

    It urged the introduction of technology and innovation into the sector by ICD with sustained education and training for farmers and capacity building for entrepreneurs employing ICD modules for market intelligence and ability to properly apply the right skills and understanding to optimise production output and productivity with the highest quality and standards obtained.

    Governments were also advised to use tariffs to protect economic activities and it is important to introduce policies that will discourage export of raw cocoa beans, encourage value addition at origin, promote, guide and guard the cocoa industry as well as protect local players.

    Improve capitalization of NEXIM to be able to double its investments in value-added projects with the introduction of concessionary finance for export and youth-driven initiatives.

    “There is a need for an ICD, NEXIM and CRIN driven strategy session with youth entrepreneurs and selected key players to carefully craft out interventions that will incentivise youth participation in the cocoa industry and agribusiness.

    “CRIN should be funded to multiply the production capacity of its new TC- series improved hybrid seedlings and inputs which should be made available to farmers in conjunction with ICD distribution methodology for free to double the country’s annual cocoa production output in the next 3 – 5 years.

    “Government intervention should be properly directed. State governments should consider the proximity of proposed industrial hubs for the purpose of cocoa processing activities to the source of raw materials and should develop diagnostic reports in conjunction with ICD of moribund processing plants and escalate to the Federal Government for intervention.

    “The FG should look into mutually recognition agreements with regard to the EUDR. There is also an urgent need to map out deforested regions since 1 January 2021 in relation to cocoa production and other affected products so as to be in compliance with the EUDR in collaboration with ICD.

    “The FG needs to critically look into the tariff rates quotas for commodity imports and exports to determine market-friendly measures to balance producers and consumers,” it added.

    The forum also said there is a need to create a circular and sustainable cocoa economy and also aggressively develop the domestic and continental market to take advantage of and leverage the potential of the market size.

    FG should declare an emergency in the cocoa sector with direct intervention to all cocoa-producing states. The FG should also support the creation of state marketing boards in the derivation-sharing formula to fast-track the development of cocoa at the state level.

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security should support cocoa-producing states through a World Bank project with a focus on cocoa revival across the producing states.

  • Welcome to Gomorrah: Gombe’s sin city where women, beer are valued more than food

    Welcome to Gomorrah: Gombe’s sin city where women, beer are valued more than food

    It was 6pm. The sun, shining red in the mist of cold harmattan haze, was going down on the plateau of Rainbow Roundabout, the entrance of Tunfure, a suburb of Gombe town located about five kilometres from the Gombe State capital.

    Rainbow Roundabout is a landmark at the entrance of Tunfure, a growing city inside Gombe, largely dominated by indigenous Tangale, Waja, Lunguda, Shongom, Chamawa, Yoruba, Tiv, Tera, Igbo, Fulani, Kanuri and other tribes.

    Life in Tunfure is a huge contrast with life in the inner city of Gombe beginning from Jekadafari, where businesses close at 6 pm and would not reopen until about 10am the following day. Tunfure, on the other hand, is alive for 24 hours of the day with bustling business activities at hotels, clubs and beer parlours scattered all over the community, making it an attraction for first time visitors and tourists.

    “Even if a visitor lodges in a hotel inside town, they would still find their way to Tunfure to unwind after the day’s work,” said Loruba, a Lunguda artisan and resident of Tunfure.

    Until about 10 years ago, Tunfure was a plane farmland in Gombe with few houses built by settlers. But the coming of Labour and Investment Quarters, two estates dominated by the working class people of Gombe, opened up the area for a sizeable number of young married couples in search of affordable homes to start their families and nouveau rich men and middle class people who invested in real estate business to earn extra income in the largely agrarian community of Gombe.

    “Later, with the establishment of higher institutions like Gombe State University, Federal College of Education and Federal University, Kashere, Tunfure became the choice area for lecturers, students as well as visitors to Gombe,” said Chinedu, a restaurant owner at Tunfure.

    Nightlife in Tunfure starts from 8 pm and runs till about 6 am at beer parlours, clubs and hotels located at various cool spots all over the area with women and men in their hundreds hanging around.

    “In Tunfure, women and beer are of more value than food, because no matter how high the cost of beer, they will never haggle on it. But if it is food, they would say remove the meat and give me only rice and wanke (beans),” said Chinedu.

    But for Tabitha, a roasted fish seller, Tunfure is where she earns her living and therefore cannot be compared with other areas in Gombe.

    She said: “As a single mother, this is what I do to earn a living and raise my two children.

    “I sell roasted fish to customers, and to do that, I have to be here by 6pm roasting fish before customers start arriving at 8 pm.

    “I normally close around 2am to have some sleep before I go to market in the morning for fresh fish and then wait till evening to start roasting them.”

    By 9pm on Thursday, the various cool spots in Tunfure were already filled up with all available chairs occupied by men carousing women with bottles of beer on the table.

    The DJ dished out some old school music of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Michael Jackson, Kool and the Gang and modern Afro beats of Kizz Daniel, Davido, Mohbad and others.

    Some of them took to the floor as men and women walk in and out of the small lodge inside the resort. Of course, plates of pepper soup are regular companions of the beers on the table.

    On Thursday, Nigeria’s victory against South Africa at the ongoing African Cup of Nation (AFCON) was the topic on most tables.

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    Parked outside were various brands of exotic cars. As the night grew darker more and more girls walked in to take their seat beside men. The signal here is highly coded and does not allow for dogo turenchi. Some bottles of beer usually settle the deal between a lady and her client.

    Tunfure’s nightlife has a semblance of Ojuelegba in Lagos or Mokola in Ibadan. Friday and Saturday are prime days with ladies in their bikini around the swimming pool and the premises smoking cigarettes and Shisa with reckless abandon. Every corner is occupied with young men and ladies who are busy with one another.

    “The economic hardship is not helping matters,” said Loruba.

    “Most of the ladies you see here are actually not really expensive. Some of them are married or single mothers looking for just N2000 or N3000 for upkeep.

    “So after some bottles of beer with her, if you can part with that amount, you are good to go,” he added.

    He however emphasised that if a client runs into a more expensive lady, he may likely not find the night comfortable for himself.

    Vivian, a mother of two in her twenties, is a Tiv woman from Benue State. She lives in a brothel inside Gombe where she pays N3,000 per day.

    “If I have to pay N3,000 per day, it means that the least I can take from a client is N5,000, and that is if it is in my apartment. Outside, of course it will be higher and you will take the bill for the lodging.”

    Inside her room was a small iron bed that could barely take two people, and on top of the small stool beside the bed are condoms which she said were for safety.

    “With that, I’m covered. I trained my three children with the runs,” she added.

    For Vivian, “life can be very boring inside Gombe except a client comes to pay you a visit. But at weekends, I come to Tunfure for adventure, and what I make during the weekend here takes care of the dull weekdays.”

    Another young lady, who identified herself as Varsity, is a student of Federal University, Kashere. “But I come to Tunfure every weekend to raise some money for upkeep.

    “You know it is not everything you ask from your parents, especially in this harsh economy. My own is if you have a client, you can give me a call. I know you journalists are amebo (laughs). So while you are doing your amebo, you can have needs too.”

    With her ebony black skin and average height, Varsity is a beauty to behold. She is in the class of classy city girls of Kano or Yola except for her dressing that reveals a large chunk of her average size boobs.

    “I prefer going out with older men,” she said, “because they know how to take care of you better than all these young boys.

    “But when I am ready for marriage, I will go for my age mate-o”, she said flashing her white set of teeth beneath her big sexy eyeballs.

    Vivian, though a mother of three, is equally a black beauty. Her youthful look and flat belly belie her motherly experience. She is calm and speaks better English than other ladies who are mostly baa turenchi (no English).

    She said: “I am a graduate. Of course, a lot of people do not know that this is what I do for a living, but they know I work in Gombe with NGO. I mean my NGO-o (general laughter)”. 

    The group of four girls on the table made the night lively for the lecturers friends and their visitors from Abuja and Lagos.

    Esther on the other hand, is a student from Gombe State University who lives in Tunfure.

    “You know on the campus there is a common saying that every girl in the hostel has an “Uncle” in Tunfure taking care of her. This is because life here is very tough, especially for female students who are not working.

    “It is expensive living on campus, using kerosene to cook because the university’s authorities banned the use of gas on campus.”

    Esther’s toned brown skin has dark spots on her fingers and ankles, but her carefully painted facial make-ups and brown wigs make her the focus of attraction throughout the night. She is a lover of soccer and a good fan of Nigeria football.

    She said: “Oga journalist, you know I already lost my appetite yesterday when we were watching that match.

    “My beer and pepper soup, I left them cold on the table when the match ran into extra time.

    “But after we won the match, I swallowed them as if they were still fresh.”

    Her passion for soccer made her to wear Nigeria’s national team’s jersey even the day after the match.

    “I am still celebrating our victory against South Africa and I promise myself that I will continue to wear this jersey till we win that cup, because it brings our team good luck.”

    In the midst of blaring music from the DJ, the group of visitors moved from one joint to another with the four ladies till 5am.

    All the while, the roads in Tunfure were still busy with okada (commercial motorcycle) operators moving girls and men around the area.

  • Forging a new path for ECOWAS

    Forging a new path for ECOWAS

    Amid recent geopolitical turbulence, a pivotal gathering of experts and stakeholders convened in Lagos last Monday, organised by influential organisations including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG). Against the backdrop of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the indefinite postponement of elections in Senegal, the gathering aimed to navigate the pressing issues facing the region. With a shared commitment to fostering regional stability and democratic governance, participants deliberated on strategies to ensure the speedy restoration of democratic rule in the affected countries. In this special report, Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF encapsulates the profound insights and resolutions emanating from the gathering

    As a pivotal regional force for economic, social, and political advancement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is being severely tested. In recent years, political turmoil and security crises within some member states have shaken the foundation of the bloc’s commitment to growth and unity. Since August 2020, the region has been plagued by a flurry of coups, undermining democratic governance and disregarding constitutional norms. To confront these formidable challenges head-on, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) across West Africa, including prominent bodies such as the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria), Nigeria Network of NGOs, and Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), convened for an interactive meeting to address the pressing issues affecting ECOWAS and regional integration in West Africa. It was a platform for dialogue and collective action to navigate the turbulent landscape facing the region.

    The meeting, convened in Lagos on Monday, February 5, 2024, delved deep into the current state of affairs within ECOWAS and the way forward. With mounting concerns over escalating instability and the looming specter of potential disintegration, participants fervently discussed the urgent measures required to safeguard the regional bloc’s integrity. Acknowledging ECOWAS’s pivotal role as a beacon for regional integration in Africa, experts underscored the significance of the organisation’s achievements. Notable milestones include the facilitation of free movement of persons, the implementation of trade liberalisation schemes, and, most notably, the establishment of a Customs Union. The landmark entry into force of the Common External Tariff (CET) in 2015 stands as a testament to ECOWAS’s commitment to fostering deeper integration within the region.

    Advocacy for a more  integrated West Africa

    In his opening remarks, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of CISLAC and Chairman of Transition Monitoring Group, emphasised the critical need for a more integrated West Africa in combating the scourge of violent extremism, terrorism, and other trans-border crimes plaguing the ECOWAS region. Highlighting the pivotal role of regional cooperation in addressing these pressing challenges, Rafsanjani underscored the significance of measures implemented by the Community to promote collaboration among member states on criminal matters. He cited examples such as the protocol on mutual assistance on defence matters and the convention on small arms and light weapons, which have significantly bolstered regional efforts to combat terrorism and crime. Rafsanjani stressed that a united ECOWAS is essential in the fight against terrorism and organised crime in the region, underscoring the imperative of solidarity and collective action to safeguard peace and stability across West Africa.

    “As civil society organisations in Nigeria and the West African region, we are resolute in working to ensure ECOWAS stays focused on promoting genuine democratisation processes in the region. It is against this backdrop that this CSO interactive meeting is holding to put out a common position which emphasises more political, economic and security stability for West Africa. On this note, CSOs urge politicians in the region to desist from truncating democracy at the detriment of the people. It is disturbing to see the trend of events where politicians abuse democratic processes and ascribe to themselves arbitrary powers over constitutional governance. These trends are against the critical pillars of ECOWAS Vision 2050.

    “In line with this, the CSOs in Nigeria and West Africa condemn the indefinite postponement of the February 25, 2024 election in Senegal without consulting widely with the people. This type of action is viewed as an abuse of power and must be rejected in the region as it is the type of undemocratic behaviour capable of instigating a military junta. It is therefore important for the government of Senegal to immediately fix a new date for the election to be held. CSOs working in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa are interested in ensuring economic development that is capable of reducing the poverty and infrastructural deficit in the region. Therefore, we will continue to support regional stability to boost the economic viability of West Africa.”

     Rafsanjani further underscored the far-reaching implications of recent regional events, cautioning that their ripple effects could potentially destabilise the peace and economy of numerous countries within the ECOWAS region. Emphasising the paramount importance of dialogue in resolving disputes, he reiterated the imperative for ECOWAS to refrain from resorting to the use of force, aligning with the operational guidance outlined in the Protocol on Non-Aggression. He emphasised the collective responsibility of every ECOWAS member state to not only belong to the community but also actively implement measures and mechanisms aimed at achieving the critical objectives of economic and social prosperity for every citizen. Looking ahead to the realisation of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which prioritises the transition from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of the People, Rafsanjani underscored the necessity of activating the National Focus Pe rsons of ECOWAS.

    ECOWAS Vision 2050 explained

    Speaking on ECOWAS Vision 2050, Solomon Adoga, TMG’s Senior Programme Officer, provided insights into its inception, highlighting its evolution from an assessment of ECOWAS Vision 2020 with stakeholders represented. Adoga emphasised the remarkable success of the ECOWAS integration process, noting its status as one of the most successful among all Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa. Originating in 2007, ECOWAS Vision 2020 aimed at eradicating poverty, consolidating regional peace and security, and promoting sustainable social and economic development. Anchored on the slogan ‘moving from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of Peoples’, the vision was structured around five pillars: peace and security, good governance, development of regional resources, economic and monetary integration, and promotion of the private sector.

    While ECOWAS made significant advancements in various areas, including regional integration, peace and security, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development, Adoga acknowledged shortcomings in peace, security, and stability, citing examples such as Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Transitioning to ECOWAS Vision 2050, titled ‘ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All’, Adoga outlined its five pillars: Pillar 1: Peace, Security, and Stability, emphasising the need to strengthen human security through sustainable initiatives to address multidimensional security threats; Pillar 2: Governance and Rule of Law, focusing on establishing and enhancing the functionality of strong and credible institutions to uphold fundamental rights, democratic governance, and justice delivery; Pillar 3: Economic Integration and Interconnectivity, aiming to enhance trade, market integration, and the achievement of economic and monetary union, in addition to facilitating the free movement of people and goods; Pillar 4: Transformation, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development, centered on improving living conditions through quality education, job creation, especially for youth and women, and enhancing resilience to public health challenges.

    “This pillar is also based on the structural transformation of economies driven by the digitalisation of the economy, entrepreneurship, science and technology and structuring investments in growth sectors. And lastly, pillar five has to do with social inclusion. This pillar places the ECOWAS citizens, mainly women, children and youth, and all vulnerable people (including people with disabilities and the elderly) at the heart of development and the integration process. By 2050, ECOWAS will have to meet the challenges of social cohesion among its people, create the conditions of a sense of belonging that is characteristic of Community citizenship that would foster the emergence of a cultural identity based on shared values,” Adoga said.

    Read Also: BREAKING: ECOWAS Ministers meet over Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

    Chiemelie Ezeobi, Group Features Editor at THISDAY, underscores the ECOWAS SSRG’s mission to strengthen states’ abilities in addressing security threats and providing justice services. Despite ECOWAS initiatives like peacekeeping forces, Ezeobi highlights persistent issues like coups. She identifies barriers to ECOWAS unity such as mistrust and high travel costs, stressing the importance of regional integration for economic progress. Drawing from personal experiences, Ezeobi emphasises the need for effective communication and coordination in joint security efforts.

    The way forward

    Speaking on the pivotal role of civil societies in West African regional integration, Kop’ep Dabugat, the General Secretary of the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), stressed that while regional integration initiatives were historically state-driven, recent developments in the ECOWAS revised treaty of 1993 underscored the importance of meaningful civil society engagement. Dabugat outlined key dimensions introduced by the revised ECOWAS treaty, including fundamental principles guiding integration such as non-aggression among member states, maintenance of regional peace and stability, and promotion of human rights and democratic governance. He noted  the treaty’s emphasis on issues of peace, security, and stability, which were absent in earlier versions, as well as the introduction of new community institutions like the Community Parliament, Economic and Social Council, and Community Court of Justice.

    In a comprehensive communique issued at the conclusion of the event, the stakeholders highlighted critical concerns regarding recent developments in the West African region, particularly the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS. They emphasised that such withdrawals would significantly impede the progress made in peace, security, and economic cooperation within the region, especially in combating terrorism and promoting regional integration. The stakeholders expressed deep apprehension about the potential ramifications of these withdrawals, noting that they could exacerbate existing security challenges, increase corruption and illicit activities, and undermine democratic principles across West Africa. They underscored the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation, urging ECOWAS to convene an emergency summit to address the situation comprehensively.

    Moreover, the stakeholders called for concerted efforts to ensure the restoration of democratic governance in the affected countries and emphasised the importance of free, fair, and credible elections. They advocated for ECOWAS to review and strengthen its protocols on good governance to prevent electoral manipulation and unconstitutional changes of government. In alignment with the ideals of ECOWAS Vision 2050, the stakeholders proposed various measures to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness and accountability, including the transition to elective representation in the ECOWAS Parliament and the operationalisation of consultative mechanisms at the national level. Additionally, they urged civil society and media to actively engage in peace-building efforts and support democratic processes in the region.