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Tag: criticism

  • Local Governments under criticism as Awujale marks 85th birthday

    The Local Government structure in Nigeria came under heavy criticism as speakers called for its dismantling at the 3rd annual lecture of the Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance.

    At the lecture titled ‘Grassroots governance: the soft underbelly of Nigeria’s political architecture’ to commemorate Awujale’s birthday, which held at the Adeola Odutola Hall, Ijebu Ode at the weekend various speakers asserted that Local Governments have failed woefully in doing the work for which they were created, which is helping to alleviate poverty at the grassroots through social development.

    “Rather than doing that”, regretted Professor Ayo Olukotun, Head Department of Political Science Olabisi Onabanjo  University and current occupier of the Oba Adetona Professorial Chair, “the local government is serving as money conduit pipe for the officers and the political fathers that installed them”.

    Professor Kingsley Moghalu, former Presidential candidate also called for the total dismantling of LG. He said that the real issue of failure in the country is the question of the long delayed restructuring of the 1999 constitution. “Without restructuring Nigeria, we can never get the LGs right.

    Also speaking, Professor Remi Sonaiya, the only female presidential candidate in the last election, one of the discussants, while also agreeing that the LG structures in Nigeria should be dismantled stressed on the need for awareness creation in the LGs. “We must educate our people of their civic responsibilities. They should demand accountability and better services from those that rule them.

    Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga stated that the annual lecture is a legacy that should be sustained over time. “This is arguably one of the most generous initiatives in the country so far, it should be cherished and key stakeholders need to join in to give their supports so we can ensure this stays forever in our country”.

    Responding, Oba Adetona thanked guests for honouring him, revealing that he is optimistic that Nigeria would benefit from the initiative and enjoined other well-meaning people to lend their support to a good cause.

    Oba Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland regretted that LGs were not what they used to be and what they were created  for. “They positively impacted lives before but now, the revise is the case”.

     

  • Osun APC to PDP: your criticism of Aregbesola faulty

    Osun APC to PDP: your criticism of Aregbesola faulty

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun State has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in the state to bury their heads in shame for “faulty and vicious criticism of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.”

    In a statement by its spokesperson Kunle Oyatomi, the party said: “The latest assessment of financial expert in the economic hub of Nigeria – Lagos – has shown that as a result of the prudent financial, political and economic management of our leader, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and his government, Osun emerged the second best in 2017, in terms of poverty alleviation and, as a consequence, became the second wealthiest among the 36 states of the federation.

    “The APC government and Aregbesola stand elegantly vindicated while the PDP leadership stands condemned for its ignorance about governance, financial and economic management. A people, a state or a country is not considered wealthy because of few billionaires a crooked system creates but because of the majority of people it lifts from poverty.

    “That is what the Aregbesola administration has done in the last seven years, despite the economic recession that had created problems for the country. But with a viciousness and arrogance of ignorance displayed by the Omisores of this world, the Dr Jide Fatokun and Otunba Sunday Ojo Williams with other opposition elements, Ogbeni Aregbesola and the APC have been pilloried and scandalised for alleged mismanagement of the state.

    “However, all of that nonsense has been derisively put to shame and hopefully to rest by the authentic assessment of respected Nigerian financial consultants, using the Federal Government data and other international reports and indices.

    “Highlights of the assessment done by Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) are as follows:

    *That Osun was the second wealthiest among the 36 states of the Federation in 2017.

    *The state was ranked the second less miserable and poverty-ridden in the year 2017.

    “*That in spite of the fact that in the top three economic analysis in Nigeria, which had Osun with lowest federal allocation, the state was not been delinquent in the payment of salaries owing to the ingenuity of the modulated salary structure that yielded positive results.

    “*And as a result of the later above, despite the financial quagmire experienced by all states across the federation,  Osun was able, in 2017, to turn up as the second best in the measured ‘Misery Index’ with a 16.37 per cent inflation rate.

    “*Finally, the financial experts concluded in this assessment that ‘it is the state government under Gov. Aregbesola watch, with deliberate investment in infrastructure, education, social services, human capacity development and sincere political leadership  (that) created an economy with under-employment, unemployment and inflation, well below national averages.”

  • Abia police present scorecard amid criticism

    The Abia State police command has been criticised for failing to tackle rising crime in the state. A member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Ossy Prestige raised the alarm on the crime situation in the commercial nerve of the state. Prestige demanded the immediate deployment of combat-ready policemen in the city to arrest the situation. His call was amplified by the leadership of the Abia State chapter of the All Peoples Congress (APC), urging Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to tighten security in the state. They expressed the fear that if nothing urgent was done, the economic development of the state and Aba would be affected.

    In response, the State Commissioner of Police Adeleye Oyebade launched the Tactical Response Squad (TRS) following the deployment of more personnel and two armoured personnel carriers (APC) by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris.

    The state police command has said their response has yielded fruit, leading to several arrests of hoodlums and recovery of arms.

    Speaking on the command’s achievements, the Police Public Relations officer, DSP Geoffrey Ogbonna said “The Abia State Police Command under the leadership of CP ‘Leye Oyebade, in continuation of her onslaught against crime and criminality in the state, recorded handful of achievements. These were made possible by harnessing the various strategies identified in crime prevention and control.

    “On 07/05/2017 at about 2330hrs, a report was received from one Ibe Torty Kalu ‘m’ of Aba at the Police Control Room in Aba that his Peugeot 504 Saloon Car with reg. no. AJ 72 AAA dark blue in colour was snatched by three (3) armed men at Okigwe road by Rail at about 2315hrs. Consequent upon the report, patrol teams in the area were placed on alert. Then on 08/05/2017 at about 1530hrs, the said vehicle was recovered by detectives attached to Ndiegoro Division at Ibadan road by Ibere road where it was abandoned. Investigation is in progress.

    “On 08/05/2017 at about 1100hrs, following a report at CPS Aba that one Chibueze Agunwa ‘m’ of Osunkwo Triangle Road Aba, defiled 5 years old girl on 22/4/2017 at about 1800hrs and ran away. The suspect has been arrested and will be arraigned in court soonest.

    “On 08/05/2017 at about 1630hrs, a case of defilement was reported at CPS Aba against one Ugochukwu Oleka ‘m’ of Iroanusi Road Aba. The suspect committed the act on an unknown date against a girl of 13 years old in her house. Investigation has been concluded and medical report reveals that the victim is two months pregnant.

    “Upon intelligence gathered by detectives from CPS Aba about the activities of notorious syndicates that specialised in snatching exotic vehicles from neighbouring states; the operatives from CPS Aba on 08/05/2017 at about 1540hrs, recovered one Toyota Highlander Jeep with Reg No. SSM 631 TP from where it was hidden. The owner has been contacted and he affirmed that the vehicle was snatched from him in Lagos in the year 2015. The operatives equally recovered one Lexus RX 300 Jeep with Reg. No. ABC 472 LK on 04/05/2017. Efforts are on ground to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    The police also reported that they arrested a suspected motorcycle thief, two alleged cultists, one burglary suspect as well as recovering some stolen vehicles, among others.

    Ogbonna urged members of the public to provide the police with useful information that would lead to the arrest of suspected hoodlums in their neighborhood, stating that the police was ready to shield informants.

  • Meter manufacturers kick against malicious criticism

    Electricity Meter Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (EMMAN) has warned that it would no longer condone acts capable of undermining its position in the industry. Its Secretary, Mr. Muhideen Ibrahim, said the allegation levelled against the company by some distribution companies (DisCos) that it produces inferior meters compared to the ones imported from China and other countries, was not true.

    He said local meter manufacturers have suffered a lot in the hands of DisCos and their foreign partners, which publicly criticised them for producing substandard meters. Besides, the DisCos said EMMAN members did not manufacture the meters, that they only import accessories and assemble them.

    Ibrahim said: “Criticism is part of life. Without criticism, it would be difficult to improve on the quality of one’s product or services. But the criticism must be objective in order to achieve the goal intended. That is the area where meter manufacturers in Nigeria are having grouse with people that are criticising their product.

    “While it is true that there are producers of substandard products in the country, it would be hasty to generalise that all Nigerians are fake. In the meter manufacturing sub-sector of the industry, meters were produced in line with international standards. That is why the products are certified by duly recognised institutions before they were sold.’’

    Ibrahim also said some DisCos were buying the locally-made meters because they are good and can give them good results. “Why did DisCos keep buying our meters? If the meters are of lower quality, as some sections of the society are made to understand, they would have stopped since,” he added.

    He said the Federal Government licensed four companies to produce meters, adding that the firms have tried to improve capacity in recent times. The companies are MOMAS Nigeria Limited, UNISTAR Nigeria Limited, MOJEC Nigeria Limited, and EMCON Nigeria Limited, he said, stressing that MOMAS has the capacity to produce 50,000 meters monthly, while the other three firms produce between 20,000 to 30,000 meters a month.

    He lauded the Federal Government for its local content initiative, urging it to fulfill its promise of making Nigerians consume what they produce, in order to grow the economy.

    He said countries such as China, Korea, Germany, United States and others grew because they were able to improve on their production, urging Nigeria to follow their footsteps.

    Also the Chairman, MOMAS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kola Balogun, said the sub-sector has what it takes to compete with their counterparts abroad. He said the firms were able to manufacture prepaid meters and smart meters, despite infrastructural deficiency in the country.

    He said DisCos were importing smart meters at a higher cost, adding that paying local producers of meters for services rendered to them has become a problem to electricity distributing companies.

    Balogun said: “The only snag or problem is that there is no infrastructure in place to do it. This is in the area of technology. Providing smart meters require a communication infrastructure, and that technology is not in place in Nigeria. Do we have the technology in place? No. When they say smart meters, they are talking about meters that provide a two-way communication. The communication takes place between the consumers and their meters.  You can sit in your office and know what is happening to your meters at home.”

  • Fed Govt welcomes constructive criticism on 2016 budget

    Fed Govt welcomes constructive criticism on 2016 budget

    •Buhari orders budget proposal placed on website

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will continue to welcome well-meaning criticism of its policies, its budget and expenditure, the Presidency said yesterday.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the government decided to take the stance because it was the only way the change promised the country would have a meaning.

    To this end and in line with established tradition, he said the President has directed that the draft 2016 appropriation budget, which is before the National Assembly, should be put on the website of the budget office so that Nigerians can read it with a view to making their observations.

    With the directive, he said suggestions that the Presidency was misleading the public on any aspects of the budget could no longer stand the test of time.

    The statement, which was a reaction to a newspaper story that said: “2016 Budget: Buhari to spend more on State House Clinic than on all federal govt-owned teaching hospitals,” noted that the Budget Office supplied a summary of the allocations to the various sectors under the Ministry of Health, which showed clearly that the published story was inaccurate.

    The statement reads in part: “The budget office has affirmed that in terms of both capital and recurrent allocations, the draft budget has put far more money in the 17 teaching hospitals than it did in the State House Clinic.

    “Having said this, we are not by any stretch of imagination suggesting that the draft budget is beyond comments or reproach. Nor do we wish to dwell on this simply to make a point. To do that will drive away good citizens from pointing out needed corrections and, ultimately defeating the change mantra of the administration.

    “The budget is a Nigerian budget and citizens reserve the right to examine its content and provide their own perspectives.

    “As the draft goes through the approval process, this and many other aspects will continue to generate interest, criticism, commendation and sometimes condemnation in discussions in the parliament, the media and the court of public opinion.

    “We believe that the process of “change” will be affected by, and stands to gain from these debates, especially where there is good faith on all sides.

    “Government has no reason whatsoever to mislead the citizens on the budget and on all other matters for whatever reason.”

  • Falana: criticism of Supreme Court verdict not contemptuous

    Falana: criticism of Supreme Court verdict not contemptuous

    Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has said it is not contemptuous to criticise the judgment of the Supreme Court, especially on the apex court’s stay of proceedings in Senate President Bukola Saraki’s trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    Saraki’s lead lawyer and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Joseph  B. Daudu (SAN), was reported to have threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against some “disgruntled persons” to protect the image of the Judiciary.

    But Falana, in a statement  yesterday in Lagos, maintained that the right to criticise the judgments of courts is part of the fundamental right of every citizen to freedom of expression guaranteed in Section 39 of the Constitution.

    The eminent lawyer described as interesting the reaction of the former NBA president on the matter because he (Daudu) started the debate on the ruling.

    Falana said: “It is on record that as soon as he came out of the court, after the ruling in the case, Mr. Daudu addressed the press, saying the defence had been vindicated by the pronouncement of the apex court on the issue of stay of proceedings. Certainly, the commendation of Supreme Court by the senior counsel for ruling in favour of his client  is not  contemptuous!

    “Indeed, the Supreme Court has always appreciated constructive criticisms of its decisions, having regards to their finality and overall impact on the nation’s legal system. In  Adegoke Motors v Adesanya (1989), 3 N.W.L.R. (Pt 109) 250 at 274-275, the reverred Chukwudifu Oputa J.S.C  alluded to the finality of the decisions of the Supreme Court when he said:  ‘We are final not because we are infallible; rather, we are infallible because we are final. Justices of this court are human beings who are capable of erring. It will be shortsighted arrogance not to accept this obvious truth. It is also true that this court can do inestimable good through its wise decisions. Similarly, the court can do incalculable harm through its mistakes.’

    “In the same vein, the late Justice Kayode Eso  said, in the case of Adigun v Governor of Oyo State (No 2) 2 N.W.R (Pt 56) 197 at 214-215:  ‘The decision of the Supreme Court is final; final in the sense of real finality, in so far as the particular case before it is concerned. It is final forever, except there is legislation to the contrary, and it has to be a legislation ad hominem.’

    “Those colleagues who think, rather erroneously, that they are defending the Supreme  Court, ought to be reminded of the state of the law on stay of proceedings before the enactment of the ACJA.

    “Following the embarrassment caused by the conviction of (former Delta State Governor) James Ibori in a British Court after he had been freed by a Federal High Court  on the basis of the preliminary objection raised by the defense team, led by Mr. James Daudu (SAN), the Federal Government expressed concern over the manipulation of the legal system by politically exposed persons. In response to the serious complaint, the heads of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Federal High Court issued Practice Directions to fast-track the trial and appeals arising from cases of corruption, money laundering, human trafficking, kidnapping, rape and terrorism.’

    Falana said the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal had adopted measures to discourage parties and their counsel from resorting to interlocutory appeals to frustrate the hearing and determination of cases of economic crimes and terrorism.

    The frontline lawyer noted that  there was no moment to insist that the abolition of stay of proceedings and interlocutory appeals is illegal and unconstitutional.

    He said:                                                                             “Therefore, contempt proceedings will certainly provide an opportunity for me to join issues with the lawyers who are manipulating the criminal justice system to shield  members of the ruling class from prosecution for grand corruption while indigent suspects are railroaded to jail over minor economic offences.”

  • Buhari: selfish elite behind criticism of my appointments

    Buhari: selfish elite behind criticism of my appointments

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday fired back at critics of the appointments he has made so far. He blamed the elite for orchestrating criticisms of his appointments into government positions.

    The President spoke through his deputy, Prof Yemi Osinbajo at the opening of the 21st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja Buhari.

    He described as unfortunate that Nigerians pay more attention to sectional and religious interests, rather than the competence of the appointees, claiming that misgivings on the elite.

    The President noted that those seeking the promotion of selfish interests were fuelling complaints on where government appointees come from, adding that the fact that a northerner is in government does not necessarily mean good fortune for his people.

    He, however, said the fact that Nigerians unite in their conviction that the majority of the people are extremely poor remained incontrovertible.

    His words: “You find out that the elite, whether from the Southwest, Northwest or wherever, are willing to collaborate in stealing the resources of the state. It is important to point out that the idea of where a person appointed into government comes from is meant to divert attention.”

    The present administration, he said, remained genuinely committed to ensure that every Nigerian of good and proven integrity has access to serve in the Buhari-led government.

    According to him, the ongoing war against corruption would be waged by by example, pointing out that the President has insisted that all officials of government must demonstrate this leadership virtue.

    He said the government was already demonstrating this by not interfering in the operations of anti-graft agencies. “What is required now is the national orientation and the will to curtail corruption both in the public and private sectors”, he said.

    The President said that only merit will be recognised and rewarded in what he called the ‘New Nigeria”, urging the citizens to realise that there must be discipline in all spheres of life.

    He disclosed that from government’s calculations, it will spend approximately N51 to N60 to feed every school pupil in keeping faith with the administration’s campaign promises.

    With the projection, the President noted that it would not cost the government as much as being speculated to implement the school feeding programme.

    In his introductory remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) faculty of economics, Dr. Temitope Oshikoya, stated that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was at the cross-road because of slowing Gross Domestic Product and rising unemployment, noting that the all require “lowering of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), Liquidity Ratio (LR) and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)” .

    These decisions, he said, could however “stoke inflation and banking liquidity with inflation at 9.3 per cent – a 10 per cent foreign exchange gap of  $30.4 billion in the external reserves – and as a result, monetary policy is complicated with rising inflation and unemployment.

    He urged the Federal Government to enhance tax administration reform by increasing Value Added Tax (VAT) rate to 10 per cent, diversify its base and close loopholes.

    With these measures, Oshikoya noted that “VAT revenue could increase from $5.1 billion to $18 billion or one per cent of GDP to 3.5 per cent.

    He also called on the government to initiate a $40 oil price benchmark and zero-based budgeting for next year.

    Dr. Oshikoya noted that it will cost the country over $300 billion or N60 trillion to execute equity and efficiency programmes and warned that “there is no free lunch.”

    Oshikoya gave a breakdown of what it will cost to implement these two programmes to include: equity programme, social inclusion programmes of social welfare (N1,250 trillion), unemployment allowance (N65 billion), one meal per day (N435 billion), National Identity Card Scheme (N100 billion) and Regional Growth Fund (N300 billion) – all totalling N2.150 trillion

    He listed other programmes as education and health for six universities (N120 billion); new vocational schools (N36 billion); special education (N6 billion); world-class hospital (N500 billion) and for national health expenses per year (N8. 800) –all totalling N9.462 trillion.

    To execute a nationwide efficiency Programme Oshikoya stated that infrastructure projects like will cost N18.000 trillion, electricity (N5.400 trillion); petroleum refinery (N100 billion) and the environment (N20 billion)- all totaling N23.520 trillion, aside from the national mortgage scheme, expected to cost N16.000 trillion; Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Loan Guarantee (N10.000 trillion) and Agric Commodity Trade Board (N250 billion)

    He put the yearly projection at N61.3 trillion.

     

  • Politicians urged to shun sentimental criticism

    The National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) Ambassador Dickson Akoh has urged politicians and others to remove sentiment from any criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that it is too early to lampoon the new government.

    Akoh pointed out the dangers of such attack, saying it can distract Buhari and his government.

    The PCN boss spoke in Abuja at the 17th anniversary of the PCN.

    He commended Buhari for the financial bailout granted the state governments to enable them offset the backlog of unpaid salaries and allowances to workers who are being owed for several months.

    His words: “The PCN believe that Nigeria has passed through a phase and now has a growing opportunity for the desired change under the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “We are of the view that it is indeed too early to embark on any form of sentimental criticism of the new government, as such posture is capable of distracting an administration that needs proper and careful planning before hitting the ground running.

    “I hereby enjoin Nigerian youths, particularly members of uniform youth organisations, as agents of change and social order worldwide not to join any dissenting force but align themselves with the Buhari administration in the onerous task of nation building.”

    Akoh said the major task ahead is to work relentlessly to ensure the passage of the bill seeking for an Act for the Establishment of the PCN by the 8th National Assembly adding that: “You are quite aware that the bill which scaled through second reading in the 7th Assembly and was slated for public hearing could not be concluded because of the electioneering campaign embarked upon by the legislators.”

     

  • Obasanjo’s criticism of Jonathan reckless, says Fani-Kayode

    The Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of President Goodluck Jonathan as reckless.

    According to him, the issues Obasanjo raised against Jonathan were serious and grave.

    At a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, Fani-Kayode said Obasanjo’s statements were capable of derailing the nation’s democracy and creating chaos.

    According to him, the ex president’s grouse with Jonathan was personal because the sitting president had refused to be controlled by the former leader.

    Obasanjo accused Jonathan of plotting to scuttle the rescheduled general elections, for fear of going to jail if he loses the contest to the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    The ex-President also accused Jonathan of plots to perpetuate himself in power “by hooks and crook”, likening his antics to that of ex President of Ivory Coast Laurent Gbagbo who refused to hand over when he lost an election.

    Gbagbo was eventually humiliated out of office, to pave the way for his opponent who won the election.

    Fani-Kayode said: “President Obasanjo spoke about President Laurent Gbagbo and he claimed that President Jonathan was attempting to do a Gbagbo in Nigeria. The question that must be put to him is this: ‘who got Gbagbo out?’

    “Was it not Jonathan’s government that played a key role in ensuring that democracy was fully established in the Ivory Coast and did he not play a key role in ensuring that the Gbagbo’s plan to stay in power forever did not work?”

  • ‘Criticism should not be paralytic’

    ‘Criticism should not be paralytic’

    Paul Akingbola has just graduated from the French Department of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). He is a former president of Junior Chamber International (JCI). He recently won a public speaking contest and song competition at the 2014 JCI World Congress in Leipzig, Germany. He tells HAMEED MURITALA (Mass Communication) about his experience in Germany.

    Tell us your experience at the Junior Chamber International World Congress in Germany?

    The congress hosted young people from over 200 communities in the world. As participants come from various cultural and religious backgrounds, there is always something to learn at the congress. But, despite the different skin colours and beliefs, we all have a common goal, which is to strategise together and make the world a better place. It is all about humanitarian services. It was a load of experience for me, because each participating country was given an opportunity to showcase its culture, food and languages. This is to promote respect and symbiotic business relationships.

    You participated in competitions at the congress and you won in two categories. How did it happen?

    Yes, there were competitions during the congress, but the ones I participated in were the JCI World Public Speaking Championship and the JCI 100th Anniversary Song Competition. I came first in the two contests. The Public Speaking Championship began in Nigeria, where I represented the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), before proceeding to the national competition tagged: “James Adekunle Fadairo Speech Contest”.

    Winning the contest gave me the privilege to represent Nigeria at the Africa/Middle East level. I also won and this gave me the leverage to represent Africa/Middle East at the global level, which was held at the world congress. I met winners from other regions; and after our presentations, I was announced winner. In the anniversary song competition, I also won. My song was endorsed by the congress and I was asked to perform it at the banquet dinner.

    How did you feel winning the Public Speaking Competition?

    I was overwhelmed with joy, because being the 2014 champion is a privilege. It was the first time in about 10 years that the trophy is coming to Africa; not just Africa but Nigeria. I give glory to God for the feat.

    What do you think gave you the advantage over other contestants?

    Everyone is good, but no one is perfect. I know three major things worked for me. The first was that, I didn’t cram my lines. Others mastered their lines and when they missed a single line, they got lost. The judges are professionals. The second is that, I was able to carry along other nationalities. I understand French and a little of Dutch. This worked for me. Other contestants only communicated in English language, forgetting that some members of the audience came from different parts of the world.

    The third was that I was able to entertain the audience, because I understood that it was not a speech contest, it was a public speaking championship. The contest was all about how you could carry along your audience

    What is your driving force?

    Passion for change has been my driving force.  I always ask myself what I should do to contribute to my society. Social change is the most important thing that can make our world a better place. God has also been an indispensable driving force. When you have ideas you want to make work, and you realise that there are challenges ahead, putting your trust in God will motivate people to help you.

    What is your advice to students?

    We must wake up; it is high time we stopped sleeping. Let us do something to make Nigeria better. We should desist from criticism; let us stop believing in analysis that is giving us paralysis. The more analytical we are, the more we get back our voice. Let us take action. The greatest global movements have been ignited by the actions of certain visionary youths.