The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Restructuring Nigeria: Is regionalism the way?

    Restructuring Nigeria: Is regionalism the way?

    Recently, the nation’s media sphere, particularly the social media aspect has been awash with news of a plan to return Nigeria to the regional system of government which had been in operation from 1946 until the 5th of May 1967, when General  Gowon, seeking to break Ojukwu’s hold on the Eastern Region as the latter was preparing to pull it out of the Federation following Gowon’s apparent reneging on the agreements reached at Aburi Ghana. Gowon took Nigeria from a nation constituted by four regions and divvied it up into twelve states, for Nigeria, regionalism was a point of no return and successive military administrations, namely the Murtala, Babaginda and Abacha regimes further created 7, 2, 9 and 6 states respectively. While the creation of states was intended to attend to certain clamours by sub ethnic groups for their rights to statehood, the complex nature of the nation’s pseudo federal structure which placed more powers in the centre while the sub nationals were sub nationals in nomenclature alone, did not emplace the powers these regions had in these successive states, which naturally should have been the norm.

    Irritated with such a situation, many Nigerians have continuously called for a return of the country to the pathways of true federalism, the late Alex Ekwueme, Vice President in the Shehu Shagari administration proposed a return to regionalism in one of his brilliant submissions on the nation’s future constitutional development, others like Professor Wole Soyinka,the late Wizard of Constitutional drafting, Professor Ben Nwabueze and household names like Ayo Adebanjo, Bisi Akande, Femi Falana SAN and even the nation’s helmsman Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu have all made strong cases for the return to true federalism, now while there has been an increased form of consciousness there has sadly been little or no progress commensurate to the repeated agitations for the return to true federalism.

    Thus, the emergence and trending of a draft ‘bill’ titled, “A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with new governance model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, the draft seeks among others, new extant laws to be cited as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.” has somewhat excited Nigerians and led to debates on what prospects such a bill portends for the nation.

    Now, despite the denial by the spokesperson of the House of Representatives on the authenticity of the bill or its existence with the Committees on Rules and Business and Constitution Review, this bill which has sparked so much interest, represents the desire of Nigerians to enjoy again the existence of true federalism in an unaltered fashion.

    However, I am not optimistic about a purported return to regionalism despite its appeal to the average Nigerian, I much believe that the nation can still achieve true federalism without resorting to regional governments as was the case before 1967.

    My argument stems from the fact that a return to regionalism would not only play up the inter regional rivalry between regions as witnessed in the 1st Republic but also create an avenue for intra- regional squabbles between the ethnic groups within the regions. The question of what powers such regions would hold over the states or provinces could also lead to such squabbles.

    Returning to regionalism may see a particular ethnic group dominating the others as what was witnessed in the 1st Republic and even in the aftermath. For example in the First Republic, the Muslim Hausa Fulani apparently dominated the region that ethnic groups such as the Kanuri and the Tiv openly clamored for their own region. The creation of the MidWest in 1963 and the agitations for the Calabar Ogoja Rivers State or Region to be carved out of the Eastern Region are events that remind us of the challenges of such a system. Again, there is the propensity that regionalism may promote ethnic loyalties over that of the nation and how are we sure that the threats of secession may not arise or receive more oomph with a return to regionalism.

    Read Also: EEDC threatens to disconnect Govt Houses, army, others over debt

    Those reportedly clamoring for regionalism may yet accuse me of being pessimistic and not looking on the bright side but they have failed to ask what would happen if we rather strengthened the states and the Local Government System in Nigeria.

    In the awareness that the multiethnic nature of the Nigerian state did make the clamour for state creation a never ending story would regionalism now do away with the fears of the man in Ebonyi in the SouthEastern Region or would Ijaw interests be protected in the SouthWest region, that is assuming they go by such nomenclatures? However, strengthening the states and the local government system would not only reduce the ethnic tensions but also promote a healthy form of  competition and in turn strengthen true federalism.

    Devolving some of the powers concentrated at the centre to the states and in turn the LGA’s would reduce the scramble for the centre and turn the 36 or more states into hubs of competition.

    With the Local Governments becoming autonomous and controlling 40 percent of its resources and the creation of LG’s a state affair, we would see these LG’s spurring into action in terms of development and not what we have today where LG’s are non functional due to the lopsidedness of the present structure. Likewise allowing these states to take ownership of 30 percent of resources and leaving the rest to the government at the centre would also create an economical viable and functional nation which will witness even  development and end the cries of economic inequality and political lopsidedness.

    Nigeria can indeed achieve true federalism and restructuring without the return to regionalism, all that is needed are strong states and an enhanced LG system.

  • Tracking Nigeria’s response to open defecation scourge

    Tracking Nigeria’s response to open defecation scourge

    One of the problems bedevilling Nigeria is the health effects of open defecation whose impact, according to available statistics, is huge. In this special report, OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE writes that it is heart-wrenching that more than 100,000 children less than five years of age die each year as a result of diarrhoea which results from unsafe drinking water, unhealthy sanitation and other Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-related diseases.

    SOpen defecation practice remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Certain individual factors such as age, educational attainment, media exposure, household wealth status, and access to drinking water are relatively associated with open defecation practice.

    Moreover, community-level factors such as residence, country income status and region in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have a significant effect on open defecation. There is a significantly disproportionate pro-poor distribution of open defecation practices in the region.

    Each country should prioritise the elimination of open defecation practices that focus on the poorest communities, rural societies and areas that have limited access to water. Media exposure and education should be on the front burner. Moreover, public health interventions should target narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor in terms of open defecation practices among households, including provisions of subsidies to the poor.

    The United Nations (UN) recognises access to clean water, sanitation and health (WASH) as a human rights issue. Despite achieving some progress in improving access to these essential services, billions of people globally still lack them.

    According to a 2015 UN report and another by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2021 report, over 4.5 billion people or over half of the global population lack safe sanitation. Additionally, 946 million people continue to practice open defecation.

    With an estimated 46 million Nigerians still practising open defecation, it ranks one of the highest among the countries with the highest number of people that are still practising open defecation.

    T he Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu said the practice has the populace, especially children, in the areas of health and education and has contributed to the country’s failure to meet the MDG target.

    Furthermore, he stated that the sanitation situation in the country prompted the National Council on Water Resources in 2014 to prioritise the development of a roadmap that aims at eliminating open defecation in the country, in line with the United Nations global campaign for ending open defecation.

    He said: “This initiative tagged “Making Nigeria Open Defecation-free by 2025: A National Roadmap was developed by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with invaluable support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other key sector players across Nigeria.

    “In 2016, the National Council on Water Resources endorsed this roadmap as a means of eliminating open defecation in Nigeria.”

    The Roadmap,  according to him,  provides a guide towards achieving an open defecation-free country; using different approaches such as capacity development; promotion of improved technology options through sanitation marketing; provision of sanitation facilities in public places; community-led total sanitation; promotional and media campaigns; creating enabling environment and coordination mechanism.

    The minister noted that the strategy document is an indicative investment required for achieving the roadmap showing the cost by the government at all levels and the private sector, especially for the construction of sanitation facilities in public places and the cost by households for the construction of household sanitation facilities.

    The Roadmap, he further stated, provides a basis for the development of the Partnership for Water and Sanitation (PEWASH) programme which aims at establishing a multi-sectoral partnership among government, development partners and the private sector to support the empowerment of rural dwellers in Nigeria through the provision of adequate water supply and sanitation services.

    He promised that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources will provide the enabling environment, leadership and coordination required to achieve this target by working together with communities, civil society organisations, development agencies, the private sector and the government at sub-national levels to transverse the length and breadth of their communities to deliver hygiene promotion messages.

    According to a 2021 WASH National Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) survey, 47 million people in Nigeria still practice open defecation.

    In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared a state of emergency in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, demonstrating political will at the highest level of government and launched a national campaign tagged “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” to jump-start the country’s journey towards becoming open defecation-free by 2025.

    Current situation

    According to the latest data, 122 million people were practising open defecation in the West and Central Africa Region (WCAR) in 2015. The number has increased by 34 million since 2000 as the rate of progress in ending open defecation was insufficient to account for population growth. West and Central Africa Region accounts for 14 per cent of global open defecation with eight countries having more than five million open defecators, including Nigeria which ranks second in the world with 47 million. In addition, in 12 of the region’s 24 countries, more than 20 per cent of the population practises open defecation.

    Inequities persist in terms of location and wealth, with almost 85 per cent of the open defecators living in rural areas, while people in the poorest quintile are nine times more likely to defecate in the open than those from the richest quintile.

    Ending open defecation as key for WCAR children

    Open defecation contaminates the environment and spreads disease (diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery). These preventable child killers result from poor sanitary and hygiene conditions and contribute to stunting, which affects the physical and mental development of 28 million children in WCAR.

    Statistics show that one in four children less than five years of age exhibit severe stunting, while one in 10 is wasted due to frequent episodes of diarrhea. Open defecation also causes losses in productivity and valuable time that could be spent on productive tasks.

    When there is no toilet at school, children will go home to use the toilet or defecate on the school grounds. Girls are often absent from school during menstrual periods and lack access to quality products, infrastructure and information for managing their menstrual cycle in safety and dignity.  The World Bank estimates that inadequate sanitation costs African countries billions of dollars each year in lost gross domestic product (GDP).

     Also, UNICEF will work with governments to build supportive business environments and regulatory frameworks; enabling an enhanced engagement of the private sector to provide adequate and affordable sanitation services.

    Also, WaterAid, a UK non-governmental organisation (NGO) that focuses on adequate and clean water and sanitation said it is working closely with the Nigerian government as part of its commitment to making everyone access clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene by 2030. It praised what it called powerful women and youths; traditional and religious institutions’ voices that help them in changing the course of women and youths.

    In a document, the NGO illustrated the extent of work it has done, especially for women in the village of Orwua Nyam where it used to be tough to get potable water. It noted that women had to walk for a long distance to get water from a dirty river.

    The statement added that “the organisation has built a new hand pump so that women and girls can collect clean water without having to leave the village.

    It further stated that “people no longer fall sick and there is no need to cross the road in search of water. This means more time for work on the farm and at home, and the environment is neat. Everyone is knowledgeable about sanitation, including small children.”

     Tackling the toilet crisis

    The UK Water and Sanitation organisation has stated that over half of the population–116 million people–live without a private and safe environment that will enable them to have easy means to use the toilet comfortably.

    “Pupils in schools without toilets have no choice but to go to the bush to ease themselves–just metres away from where they play at break time. There’s nowhere to wash their hands, nor for girls to manage their periods hygienically.

    “Thanks to our sanitation project. More than 300,000 people across Ekiti, Enugu and Jigawa, three of Nigeria’s poorest states, now have decent toilets. About 119 communities have been declared free from open defecation. School pupils no longer entertain the fear of using the toilet,” it said.

    It further said that although the government has made some progress in reaching out to more people with clean water, one in five Nigerians are still going without having access to clean water. Many schools have no toilets; and health clinics struggle without running water. And, as thousands of people move to urban areas, makeshift homes are built without any access to essential water, sanitation and hygiene services.

    It’s estimated that 44.5 million people don’t have clean water close to their homes; that’s one in every five people while about 117 million people don’t have decent toilets of their own; as it is estimated that more than 65,000 children less than five years die every year as a result of diarrhoea which results from dirty water, poor toilets and lack of hygiene facilities.

    The document also stated that the organisation is working closely with the Federal Government as part of its commitment to provide everyone with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene by 2030.

    On what motivated people to imprThey attributed their successes to the sanitation project where, at least more than 300,000 people across Ekiti, Enugu and Jigawa, now have decent toilets and 119 communities have been declared open defecation-free. School pupils no longer fear going to the toilet. Instead, having decent toilets in homes and schools has become a normal trend.

  • Nigeria eyes $3.96 billion black soldier fly larvae market

    Nigeria eyes $3.96 billion black soldier fly larvae market

    International operators are collaborating to increase the number of Nigerian farmers benefiting from the growing global black soldier fly larvae market, which is expected to reach $3.96 billion by 2033. This is due to the rising prices of staple feeds such as maize and soybeans, which has led to a surge in production costs for livestock and aquaculture operators.

    With the rising demand for protein, black soldier fly larvae present a sustainable and cost-effective protein source for animal feed. In line with this, the Agricultural Social Entrepreneurship Foundation (ASEF International) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with New Generation Nutrition (Netherlands) and FIDAS Africa to provide training on insect farming for Africans.

    The MOU signing ceremony took place at the Business Incubation Platform Office of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

    The Chief Executive, FIDAS Africa, Omolola Oludare, disclosed that the primary objective of the training programme was to empower 100,000 Africans by providing them with income opportunities in the insect value chain. Out of these slots, 40,000 have been reserved specifically for Nigerians. Additionally, she indicated that  the platform aims to train 100 specialists and experts in the value chain who will be deployed for gainful employment across Africa.

    The Chief Executive, ASEF, Rosemary Omoyeni Adebayo, reiterated that the organisation’s role is to promote agricultural development and contribute to food security in Africa. She revealed that ASEF will be offering a 90 percent  subsidy for the training programme, making it more accessible to Africans.

    She stated further  that the foundation has reached out to 9,000 religious organisations, governors, relevant ministries, and financial institutions to garner support for  youths and women to participate in the training.

    She encouraged Nigerians who are interested in exploring new and less risky agricultural ventures to consider insect farming.

    Read Also: Nigerian appointed Secretary of global humanitarian organization

    At the ceremony,  the  visionary  of the Waste4meal project, Azeez Oluwole Saheed, said it is an innovative initiative that will help reduce the country’s reliance on imported animal feed and assist local feed mills in sourcing animal protein for feed milling.

    According to him, the project is expected to generate approximately 100,000 jobs across various African countries, with 40,000 direct jobs in 28 states in Nigeria and 160,000 indirect jobs along the value chain within a 5 to 7-year timeframe. He urged young people and women to seize this opportunity and sign up for training with FIDAS Africa, as participants will receive support to establish their own farms . He  added that l trained individuals will be organized into clusters within their respective states and will receive assistance to access technology, support, and financing from a consortium of 16 companies collaborating to advance the project.

    The Founder and Chief Executive of NGN, Marian Peters, highlighted the advantageous geographical position of sub-Saharan Africa in optimizing the insect value chain. With over 30 years of experience, Marian emphasized the significance of insect farming in climate actions, waste management, and food security. NGN has been actively supporting companies in various African countries and is now focused on assisting Nigerians in exploring the insect value chain for livestock feed production.

    In line with this commitment, NGN has sponsored the training of the initial group of insect farmers at IITA, starting in the last quarter of 2023. Furthermore, they plan to train more individuals throughout the year. Marian also mentioned the existing strong partnership with the University of Ibadan in the field of insect farming and training. This collaboration provides opportunities for young people to engage in a relatively low-risk agricultural venture.

  • Nigeria we hail thee…se eyi l’okan…? e lo f’okan b’ale…

    Nigeria we hail thee…se eyi l’okan…? e lo f’okan b’ale…

    Gold is gold, whether in the  palm of a king or in that of the slave or beggar. Thus, it does not  matter to me if the lyrics of  Nigeria’s first national Anthem were written by a foreigner, Lillian Jean Williams, who was thought to be a Mistress of Lord Frederick Lugard, Governor- General of Nigeria, and the music was composed by Frances Benda   or if it was home grown. What touches me is the effect on my spirit, what its makes me do.  I must be frank. I cannot recite ARISE O COMPATRIOT beyond the first stanza. Young persons say many old persons like me are like that… that we even have a computer phobias. They may be right in respect of some oldies, but not about me. I try  to be objective in every matter. When some Nigerians reject NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE simply because it was written by the European mistress of LORD LUGARD,Governor-General of Nigeria who combined about 252 ethnic nationalities,  languages and cultures into  a geographic space  she called Nigeria, why do they not reject European made motor cars or refused to fly in Europe aeroplanes.? Why do they accept European and Asian rice and reject Nigerian rice? Why do they prefer European pharmaceuticals to theirs? Why do they wear European dresses and bear European names,  accept European education and religion,go to work and live in  Europe, and hunger for European  nationality and passport? If I may ask another question: why  do they not live in village mud  houses  but in  hall mark European architectured  houses? We can go on and on.

    One  of my grouses with ARISE O COMPATRIOTS is that it was a Nigerian military imposition, just like the 1999 Constitution of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and his supreme military council(SMC) which does not carry the entire country along. The Ibos, who were defeated in the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, still  cannot accept that they are “compatriots” of Nigerian outside the South-east region of five  Ibo states.  They expressed it as recently as last week Monday (  May30, 2024) in their attempt to celebrate Ibo soldiers who were killed in the civil war. Five Nigerian soldiers keeping order at a road junction in one of the Ibo states were killed by unknown gunmen who were enforcing the Biafran celebration.  In my view,the “compatriots”that  ARISE O COMPATRIOTS sought to rouse to   love Nigeria are Nigeria’s military who fought and won that war and other Nigerians who believed in the forced unification  of about  252 tribes,  cultures and languages.

    When ARISE O COMPATRIOTS says”the labour of our heroes will never be in vain” , some Nigerians may ask:  WHOSE HEROES? Was Chief Obafemi Awololowo the hero of the Hausa/Fulani or of the Igbos? Did the Yorubas accept the Sultan of Sokoto, Sir Abubakar Ahmadu Bello or  Prime Minister Tafa Balewa  or Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, ceremonial Republican President, as  their leaders? Still this day, do they accept formal President Olusegun Obasanjo as their leader? Were the Ibos not antagonistic to leaders from the North and from the West?  In the  2023 Presidential election , did the  Igbos not still vote “one-way” for Peter Obi? Was the election not the most bitter, most ethnicity polluted in Nigeria’s ethic jingoistic elections? Could Joe Ajaero not be rooting for 2027 with unnecessary labour strikes?  Could Peter Obi be reading the hand writing on the wall by trying to vacate Labour Party and team up with PDP and ANPP? So, where are the “COMPATRIOTS”? And did they “ARISE”? Did they “OBEY NIGERIA’S CALL”? Thus, can we not see that ARISE O COMPATRIOTS was a mere wish with no spirit of reality driving it?

    Conversely again, this is my view, NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE is a REALIST Anthem. We have no other land but Nigeria. Our tribes and languages are different. We are, nevertheless, related by historical experience. Do we have a better option than mutually respecting one another and  peacefully working together for optimal benefits? No, we don’t. Any other option would be calamitous. 

    The third  stanza  recognises the existence of an Almighty Creator Who is Ruler of  all the Worlds. Isn’t this another Nigerian reality of a land  with, arguably, the largest number of churches and mosques and, probably, traditional religion shrines than any other place on earth? Easily,the mention of  His name  in our national anthem should awaken positive  and noble responses in our spirit if, truly, we recognise Him and wish that  His “kingdom come” to the earth as the  Christian religion,  for example, beseeches Him in The  Lord’s Prayer. It goes on to request that the Almighty Father “…help us to build a nation  where no man is oppressed”. This is a great prayer that would have been well answered, if we knew what we were doing.

    Colonisation by the British helped to do away with the  oppressive rule of  monarchies and human sacrifices, for example.  Literacy and superstition were social oppressors. Education came as  lighting. Foreign religion may not have taught us what we did not already know. It was, nevertheless, a re-enforcement of our traditional ideals and sense of justice. What we ought to have done  with this part of the anthem was to have held our leaders accountable to the promise that “ no man would be Oppressed in the new sovereign land”.  We did not. Rather, the tribes engaged in offensive political wars, the North and the East combining in an unholy alliance to destroy the fast growing and pace setter West. The  Mid-West region was created for minority peoples in the West,whereas the Eastern Region continued to oppress its minority peoples. The Northern Region did the same. What was good to do with the goose was not good to do with the gander. Elections became nightmarish.  The Western Region was broken, and its leaders, notably Chief Obafemi Awololowo and Chief Anthony Enahoro who especially moved the independence motion in 1953, were sent to jail of up to  10 or 15 years on treasonable felony charges by the same country they helped to liberate from colonial Great  British, when the Northern Region was not ready for independence. Was this not the oppression the anthem  beseeched the Lord to help us overcome? Treasonable Felony,  compared to treason, is like sleep compared to death. Today,Boko Haram is pure treason and we heard of  no celebrated trials like the treasonable felony trials of Chief Obafemi Awololowo and Chief Anthony Enahoro. Did Chief Awololowo and Chief Anthony Enahoro fire a single gun shot at Nigerians? Did they bomb, kill and maim?  Do we have two countries in one? Do we still not live with oppression? On  January 16 1966, Nigerian soldiers attempted to erase the oppression but, unfortunately,ended up in ethnic  tentacles of  Eastern Nigeria which opportunistically hijacked their military coup against oppression by the North,to bring power to the East for the purpose of subduing the weakened West and the illiterate North and oppressing them. Major General J. T. U Aguiyi- Ironsi aborted their plans, clamped them  into  detention and then  placed  the country under  UNIFICATION DECREE of 1966 which put the North  and the West  under the jack boots of the East, worsening the “oppression” the Anthem opposed. The North responded to the East in July 1966, six months later, followed with the unpardonable mass murder of Ibos in the North, a terrible human carnage which led  the Ibos to the declaration of secession and inauguration of their own  country called BIAFRA. Unfortunately, the Ibos dragged again minority peoples along with them to enslave in  Biafra. Nigerian promises of freedom for these oppressed minority peoples  led them to ditch Biafra in their search for freedom during the civil war. The changes in Nigerian political structure from three regions to four , to 12 states,19 and 36 reflect the battle against oppression, a Nigerian reality captured in the anthem. Why did the Obasanjo Administration make Nigeria behave like an Ostrich, forsakening  REALITY and living an  SUBTERFUGE in ARISE O COMPATRIOTS? Under Gen. Obasanjo, progenitor of ARISE O COMPATRIOTS, generals cheated peasants of their land for personal farm lands, Chief Awololowo and Chief M.K.O Abiola were denied Nigerian Presidency and an attempt was made to financially strangulate Lagos State for challenging oppression.

    Read Also: Nigeria Gold Reserves: Senator Natasha’s bill scales second reading

    The second stanza is a committal  to Nigeria: “Our flag shall be a symbol that  Truth and Justice reign” we are to “honour it in peace or battle” and “hand over to our children a banner without stain” .Truth and Justice did not reign in the First Republic. The flag was not honoured, otherwise there would have been no civil war, and the banner handed to us generation of “children” was badly stained with  blood from  all over the country, especially Ibo blood in the North. The Ibos have been blamed for firing the first shot by killing politicians all over the country except their own politicians in the January 1966 coup. We should have learned useful lessons from all of these, and  NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE should have make more meaning to us. No one held our leaders accountable to the  promises of the anthem.

    SE EYI L’OKAN?

    Wherever talk about NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE pops up, the follow-up talk is a question: SE EYI L’OKAN? that  means: Is this the priority?  I muse to myself: Every-one sees everything according to his or her frame of reference or  perceptive capacity. Some persons are far sighted, others narrow sighted or short sighted. We came out of the Biafran war in 1970.  In 1978 we came up with ARISE O COMPATRIOTS. This  Anthem’s authors  and patriots were Nigerian soldiers who defeated Biafran soldiers. Were Biafran Soldiers their compatriots? They merely submitted to superior fire power. Submission cannot endure because it is un-natural. What distinguishes the human spirit from the animal souls is the FREE WILL inherent in man as a gift from an Almighty Creator who did not design that man be His slave. This is why, all over the earth, submission of a people to another can only be temporary whether in battle, in economics or politics. Who would have thought UKRAINE would  stand up to RUSSIA for more than two years in the battle field? Did Bangladesh and Pakistan not leave India? Is Scotland not seeking  freedom from the United Kingdom? What of  Eritrea and Tigris from Ethiopia and South Sudan from Sudan? The Cze and the Slovaks not  similarly dissolve Czehoslovakia. “Iron Chancellor” Otto Von Bismarck took  Germany out of the Astro-Hungarian Empire. African  South Africans not recover their land from minority   white oppressors.  The Yorubas stopped the  Fulanis  Jihad.

    No-one can force another to be his or her compatriot in any matter, especially in nation-building, if they have no shared values. To worsen matters, the opening of ARISE O COMPATRIOTS is military drumming which generates a victor-vanquished atmosphere Gen.  Yakubu Gowon de-emphased  in Nigeria’s post civil war psychology. The Ibos  still feel under Nigeria seige, especially in the matter of elusive Presidency.  They are looking forward to 2027 from two prongs…  PETER OBI  dislodging ATIKU ABUBAKAR in the PDP and  JOE AJAERO capitalising  on the poverty  nation-wide which he does not mind  to worsen through devastating labour strikes or a jumbo pay  rise not matched by productivity. The poor will be glad to have more money in their pocket  and blame the government, not AJAERO for the consequences. Inflation could worsen. Jobs could be lost directly through retrenchment or just indirectly  when companies replace man power with machines. More machines will mean more  dollars going abroad and the Naira depreciating. Huge wage bills may force businesses to relocate to Ghana where wage levels are friendlier to capital investors. Retirees like me will me worse off. The unemployed and the jumbo wage earners will buy peppers and tomatoes in the same market. The labour leaders have no pity  for the unemployed. In no time, the jumbo wage earners will cry again,like Oliver twist, for more money.

     NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE underscores vengeance against a bullying President  Obasanjo who, for 22 months, sought but failed to financially  strangle Lagos State by  denying it federal income. Lagos survived the brutality. Now, the “Lagos Boy” is showing the  egocentric,garrulous and loquacious Obasanjo that a David can still  efface a Goliath with all his “gragra”. I pray Chief Awololowo, and Chief Abiola have gone far beyond earshot from Nigeria, otherwise they may be having a rounded laugh. What about Chief Olu Falae and Co? To re-build a wobbled and simultaneously cracked people they must subscribe to a reasonable and workable contract. They must see and feel this contract at work. The promises of the NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE are easier to see  and to feel than those of ARISE O COMPATRIOTS. Whether the impact will be held will depend on the people themselves if they hold their leaders accountable to the anthem. Is anyone stopping us  from living in “brotherhood”? Who is impeding “pace and Justice” from reining among us? Who stains  the “banner” we are to hand “ our children”?. Who is oppressing us, precluding, obliterating peace and the prospects of “plenty” or abundant life?. Will our  court mention in their judgements which ever parts of our anthem has been infringed by any public officer they are to send to jail.

    THE POOR

    Definition of  Nigeria’s poor is always difficult for me.  I number myself among them,but many persons pull me out of the queue simply because my skin appears fresh, a profit from avoiding naked sugar, fats that kill, salt, bread and  GMO foods in the  diet . I live  strictly  on what  I earn from the opportunity of writing for a newspaper. Joe Ajaero is right that journalists’ salaries are disgusting, but uniformising them in all organisations, as he suggests in his minimum wage for journalists, is not the solution. Newspapers and the electronic media earn incomes based on their dexterity in the market. Proprietors are not government or Father Christmases.  To check how my pockets could be, I spoke  to a woman  about 20 years younger than I am who roasted  and sold corn and plantain for sale by the road side near the entrance gate  of the  housing  estate where I lived. She sold about 500 cobs of corn every two or three days. She purchased them from Ifo, near Sango Ota, under 45 minutes drive from her operating base. Each cob cost about #20 from  peasant farms. I suggested to her, and she agreed, that transportation of each cob to Lagos could cost no more than #10 and another N10 for charcoal to roast a cob. So should “gifts to keep Kal officials at bay and “ #10 on every cob for  LAWMA ( waste disposal) and for “public relations”.All of that boils down to #70 on a cob which sells for between #150 and #200.  Transportation of 500 cobs must be cheaper than our budgeted #5000. Perhaps 2,500 will do. Kal cannot demand more than #5,000 every week. Ditto charcoal and public relations. In another words, a cob may return  a minimum profit of #100 to post #50,000 net gain on 500 cobs in a maximum of three days. That could imply about #16,500 every  work day.  This woman is semi- illiterate.  She told me she was a “poor” Nigerian who lived in a single room apartment with her six  member family a standard Joe Ajaero’s  poor Nigerian family. I told her she was not. I do not earn that kind of money. I doubt if my editor does, or if the manager of  my  bank branch earns it tax-free.

    The bottom line  of this story is that many of the persons we look down upon on account of their dressing and road-life  are financially better off than many of us are. The only major difference between us is that education and corporate life experiences and practices make us look better, think better and act better than they do.  If you are not careful, irrespective of your cutting edges, you are likely to follow them into SE  EYI L’OKAN swamp. A National Anthem is a MISSION STATEMENT. Every serious  business needs a mission statement as a compass to chart its way through the jungles of business. So, a country or nation without a mission statement its citizens can easily  relate to and with, is like a sheep without a shepherd.

    E LO F’OKAN BALE

    Calm down, the government keeps telling us as we too, often say. We should believe the government if the Minister of Information speaks the right  language to us, and regularly, too. We blame even tomatoes shortages on the government when the Agriculture Minister should have been educating us about havocs wrought by pests on the farms and of plans to freeze dry tomatoes into powder as soon as possible. If we are told by the Central Bank that cyber tax will be expended on the recruitment of 200,000 cyber  police officers and other ranks under their own inspector general, shall we not agree? Will that not mean better  policing of the banks and the internet space? Will it not reduce the job queues and free the regular, general duties Nigeria Police to do other things better with its 400,000 officers and other ranks?

  • How Nigeria we hail thee can shape pupils’ values, by stakeholders

    How Nigeria we hail thee can shape pupils’ values, by stakeholders

    Following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the re-adoption of the old national anthem, Nigeria We Hail Thee, stakeholders in the education space said that its lyrics are strongly-worded and capable of shaping the minds of pupils and youths to be patriotic and committed to nation-building and development. They underscored its significance towards national rebirth, re-orientation and renewal, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, last week,  signed into law the bill to revert to the old national anthem – ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’.  This was done to replace the current anthem with the former one adopted when the country gained  independence on October 1, 1960.

    The re-introduced anthem was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda. It was used between 1960 and 1978 before being replaced by ‘Arise, O Compatriots,’ composed by  Benedict Odiase.

    The Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the new national anthem. It has since been used at various functions and events across the nation.

    Significance of re-introduced anthem

    While it has generated mixed reactions as to whether this is what is needed at a time like this, stakeholders in the education space have stressed the significance of the  re-adopted anthem to shaping the minds, orientation and worldview of pupils and youths. They also noted that the lyrics not only have the power to make them patriotic, but also imbue them with a sense of deep patriotism and strong character needed for social transformation.

    Ogunbanjo: it’s an avenue for rebirth

    For Deputy National President, National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, the re-adopted anthem is an avenue for rebirth and re-orientation and a veritable tool to shape the minds of young pupils to be committed to the cause of building a great nation.

    The NAPTAN chief also called for the translation of the anthem to  all Nigerian languages so that the all tribes would appreciate the meaning.

    Ogunbanjo said: “This is an avenue for  re-orientation of some sorts, particularly with the general decadence going on in the country; corruption, banditry and all that. In a way, the National Assembly is looking at the psyche of Nigerians. Corruption was not much when ‘Nigeria we hail thee’  was in use back then. But with the ‘Arise Oh Compatriots’,  there was so much corruption from one leader to the other. What the government is trying to do is to ensure a new orientation.The anthem change is a good step in the right direction. But our pupils too must now be given a new re-orientation that the old anthem has come to stay. The way to orientate our children is to build a nation, where no one is oppressed.

    The anthem should also be translated into all Nigerian languages so that all the tribes would appreciate the meaning.

    “Nigeria is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. How can you say someone is a compatriot and such a person is looting you dry?  With this new anthem, let’s  start from the schools and extend it to others. It will bring about a rebirth and perhaps reduce our tendency to be corrupt. The government should also set a good example.”

    ‘It will evoke  strong emotions and a sense of unity’

    Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN). Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, noted that national anthems are a powerful symbol of a country’s identity and values, often  evoking  strong emotions and a sense of unity among citizens, thus by recitation and listening, children can be inspired to uphold the values in the anthem, foster a sense of patriotism and loyalty to the nation.

    Mrs. Oyelakin said it will bring everyone together, regardless of  differences and ethnicity, adding that it serves as a unifying force that reminds citizens, including the children of their shared heritage and common identity.

    She said: “The national anthem is a powerful symbol of a country’s identity and values. It often evokes strong emotions and a sense of unity among citizens and I could see that our children will be happy learning and in history, it will be that they learnt the old anthem as such a time as this.

    “It  is a symbol of unity.  The act of singing or listening to the national anthem will bring us together, regardless of our differences. It serves as a unifying force that reminds citizens, including the children of their shared heritage and common identity.

    Read Also: Nigeria Gold Reserves: Senator Natasha’s bill scales second reading

    “By singing the national anthem, individuals express their pride in their country and show respect for its history, culture and values. This can foster a sense of patriotism and loyalty to the nation.

    “I must say that this old anthem is bringing back history. I never knew this anthem because I was born in the mid-1980s. More like a connection to history, national anthems often contain references to historical events, heroes and values that are important to the country. By singing the anthem, individuals connect with their nation’s past and feel a sense of continuity with previous generations.

    “Learning and singing the national anthem is often a part of civic education in schools. Through this process, individuals learn about the symbols and ideals of their country, which can instill a sense of patriotism from a young age.

    “By singing or listening to the anthem, children can be inspired to uphold these values in key words in the anthem.

    “Overall, the national anthem serves as a powerful symbol that can evoke feelings of pride, unity, respect, and connection to one’s country. By engaging with the anthem, individuals can develop a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility that can help foster a strong and cohesive society.”

    ‘Leaders must practise content of the anthem too’

     Lagos State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Hassan Akintoye, said it was imperative to address the emotional disconnect that attended the singing of the national anthem in the country.

    According to him, addressing the emotional disconnect should start with leaders practising the content of the anthem.

     “It is not what we tell pupils that matter, but what they see us doing. Leaders must practise the content of the anthem too. Even the immediate old, some could not recite it or even the old. If the reality is different from what we are reciting, there won’t be connection. Majority recite it for recitation sake. It is when it reflects in our lifestyle.

    “It is not about the content now, whether the old that has become new or the immediate- new that has become old, what we need to change is the direction of leadership. However, we have started teaching the younger generation in schools.The fact is that it is when you are singing an anthem and emotionally stable that you can follow the content and that is when it would have impact. But with all citizens,singing an anthem is just a movement of their lips,there is no emotional connection. We have lost patriotism. It is not just about the statement of the anthem, but core values that the nation has chosen to promote. I learnt it when I was in primary school; it got us emotional (‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’).”

    ‘An avenue for renewed sense of patriotism’

    President, Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Mr. Emmanuel Orji, said the anthem provides an avenue for renewed sense of patriotism.

    His words:”The  fact that we are learning it afresh will afford us the opportunity to take it word after word and explain the meaning. It will impact us greatly in terms of our commitment to  the nation and children who are coming up. Sense of patriotism will also be enhanced.

    “It reflects our diversity and the need for us to be united. And at times, what people watch is not the words of the leader, but the actions of the leader. If the actions of the leader tell us this is the direction we are going, it  will bind us physically, spiritually, morally and culturally and Nigerian will be strengthened. The anthem we  were singing was inherited. So, there was no time to explain to pupils word by word the meaning.”

    Sunmonu: those in govt must show leadership’

     President, Congress of University Academics(CONUA)  Dr. Niyi Sunmonu said: “The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has a  lot to do in terms of how the content of the anthem percolates to our being. The anthem on its own will not do the magic. It is the government that would make it an action thing. Certainly, the content has a lot to do on bringing us together to forge a common front and aid our progress as a nation. The anthem alone cannot do the magic. When there is a will,  government  shows leadership by demonstrating the will. The interest of young citizens should be drawn to the anthem and there should be increased awareness regarding the contents.It is good to start at that level, to look at it from a different paradigm. Of course, the wording of ‘Arise Oh Compatriots’ engender hard work. Bringing to life the wordings is crucial, not just knowing the lyrics; acting out the lyrics should be part of what agencies of government should approach. Acting out the lyrics starts with government. Children or pupils may not understand the wordings now, but action of government is important.

    “However, the government should have got a buy-in from Nigerians by allowing the passage of the bill to go through public discourse so that there would be awareness and citizens would know what the government wants to achieve by reverting to the anthem. Then, it will be part and parcel of them before it is finally passed.”

  • Nigeria Gold Reserves: Senator Natasha’s bill scales second reading

    Nigeria Gold Reserves: Senator Natasha’s bill scales second reading

    Senate on Wednesday, June 5, at plenary passed for second reading, A Bill For An Act To Make Provisions For Nigeria Gold Reserve Industry Framework, And Other Related Matters.

    The bill was sponsored by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central).

    In her lead debate, Senator Natasha said the Nigerian Gold Reserve Bill represents a proactive step towards harnessing and maximising the potential of Nigeria’s gold reserves by establishing a robust framework for the harnessing, exploitation, and marketing of gold. 

    In a statement issued by her 

    Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, the Senator noted that central banks globally have been increasing reserves held in gold as a hedge against currency volatility and geopolitical risks.

    “Gold reserves are critical for the economic stability of a country, acting as a reliable store of value, particularly during financial uncertainties.

    “Before the fall of the Naira, that we are now experiencing the negative effects, one Naira was equivalent to one Dollar or even greater at a time. This was because the value of the Naira was measured against Gold. 

    “By virtue of Section 2 of the Financial Agreement (Decimal Currency) Act (the Act that established the use of the Naira), “the parity of the Naira shall be equivalent to 1.24414 grams of fine gold”. A gram of gold is currently approximately $75.70, this was the strength of the Naira before its fall,” she said. 

    The merits of the bill

    The Bill seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global gold market and ensure responsible and sustainable practices that benefit the country’s economy and communities.

    The Bill also seeks to establish the Nigeria Gold Authority (NGA) that will be charged among other things, with the administration of Nigerian Mining Act with regards to the country’s gold resources thereby creating a robust gold reserve industry for the nation.

    It also seeks to enhance the exploitation and sales of gold within Nigeria that will not only enhance the engagement and earning power of artisanal local miners but also ensure the maintenance of a strong Gold Reserve Ratio, as bulwark for strong and resilient economy that will create jobs in Nigeria through the gold industry.

    The Bill further seeks to diversify Nigeria’s Reserve base by engendering the broadening of the nation’s gold reserve ratio which currently stands at less than 2% of the total foreign reserve. 

    By erecting a local gold exploitation, harnessing and marketing industry with the Central Bank of Nigeria as the ultimate off-taker of all gold produced in Nigeria and with same, maintains a healthy Gold Reserve base, the Bill seeks to assist in hedging the Naira against depreciation and the economy against inflation, given the intrinsic value of Gold which, comparatively, remains stable as a store of value.

    The Bill presents a significant opportunity to drive economic growth and diversification by creating a conducive environment for investment in the gold sector, that can attract both domestic and foreign investors, stimulate job creation and boost revenue streams for the government.

    Recognising the importance of environmental sustainability, the Bill incorporates stringent regulations to minimise the ecological footprint of gold mining and processing activities. It emphasises reclamation and rehabilitation efforts to ensure the long-term health of our natural ecosystems.

    The Nigeria Gold Reserves Bill focuses on fostering positive relationships with local communities through transparent consultation processes, community benefits agreements, and the establishment of community development funds.

    It also seeks to ensure that the benefits of gold mining extend beyond corporate profits to uplift the lives of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Chiwen Eboh’s Nnewi The Land of Gold gets private screening

    The clear regulatory frameworks outlined in the Bill provide certainty to industry stakeholders while ensuring accountability and transparency in operations.

    The Bill received support from senators, who recognised its potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. 

    Senator Adetokunbo Abiru described the Bill as “timely and important,” while Senator Adeola Olamilekan commended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for her efforts to address illegal gold mining. 

    Senator Sanni Musa noted that the Bill would create job opportunities and help end illegal mining. 

    Senator Isah Jibril Echocho commended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for her initiative, stating that the Bill would enhance gold reserves utilisation and strengthen the Naira. 

    Senator Adams Oshiomhole suggested including capital punishment for illegal gold mining offenses. 

    The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, lauded Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s intelligent move to boost the economy.

  • UK lifts Nigeria’s manufacturing sector with $17m

    UK lifts Nigeria’s manufacturing sector with $17m

    The UK-funded Manufacturing Africa programme has scored a significant win for Nigeria’s clean energy sector. Three companies in the programme’s portfolio—Arnergy, Koolboks, and BURN Manufacturing have collectively secured $17million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), boosting Nigeria’s efforts to expand access to renewable energy solutions.

    These investments will provide energy for more Nigerians, reduce carbon emissions, lead to the creation of 1100 jobs, and support thousands of livelihoods.

    The three companies that are sustainability trailblazers are BURN Manufacturing, at the forefront of clean cookstove innovation which secured $12 million in carbon investment from Key Carbon Ltd. Their new local assembly facility in Northern Nigeria will bolster distribution efforts of electric cookstoves and biomass stoves across East and Central Africa.

    Arnergy is another leading renewable energy company in Nigeria that specializes in designing and manufacturing technology-enabled solar micro-grid and rooftop solutions. With a recent $3 million bridge financing from a Shell-backed impact investment company, the company has already raised $7.5 million in their Series B fundraise.

    The third is Koolboks which is revolutionizing access to refrigeration services, particularly for underserved communities and women entrepreneurs through their solar-powered cooling systems. Their pay-as-you-go technology and accessible business model has attracted a 1.5-million-euro subsidy from Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA), for launch and expansion in Uganda.

    Read Also: Umahi condemns destruction of 2nd Niger bridge superstructure

    Speaking on the development, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter said:

    “The UK Government supports the ambition of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda: to boost private-sector led economic growth in Nigeria. We’re funding the Manufacturing Africa programme to provide free advisory services to companies raising finance to expand their capabilities and create new jobs in Nigeria. It’s great to see these companies realise their goals with UK support.”

    Also, Business Communications Manager at Koolboks, Lolade Alonge, said: “Manufacturing Africa’s financial advisory support when raising our ‘Series A’ came in very handy and has helped us secure funds that will assist with our expansion plans.”

    The advisory services that #ManufacturingAfrica provided to these firms included financial analysis, modeling, commercial diligence analysis and strategic business planning.

    To date, Manufacturing Africa has supported 31 Nigerian companies in their journey to raise investment, in sectors including agri-processing, industrial parks, pharmaceuticals, vehicle manufacturing, e-mobility, and renewable energy.

    The programme has helped to attract $85 million into Nigeria’s manufacturing sector since 2020.

  • Nigeria’s move into AI’s large language

    Nigeria’s move into AI’s large language

    By Kosidichimma Anyanwu

    The year 2024 has seen landmark events in the growing knowledge and embracing of artificial intelligence (AI) around the world. Researchers, scientists, software developers, and several stakeholders have continued to announce advancements and innovations in AI technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics across laboratories in different continents. What we are experiencing is a surge in algorithm developments, increased computational power, and the expanding application of AI set to advance various sectors from digital media; to healthcare, education, finance, business, real estate, governance, and so on.

    This sudden shift and integration into daily lives and global systems is also raising smoke within the social and political environs where there is an increasing need to revisit relevant ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks, while continually monitoring societal impacts. However, throughout history, culturally unfamiliar evolutions in society, such as seen in the resurfacing of AI, have attracted cynicism — and understandably so. Therefore, amid an ongoing technology shift, there is a salient urgency for government and stakeholders across all sectors to conscientiously engage with the current trends as a signal of collective control over its potential societal impacts.

    While the largest nation in Africa, Nigeria, is grappling with multi-faceted socio-economic challenges, it is important to acknowledge and reinforce its timely interventions in the scurrying global advancements in AI. Despite its domestic dips and spikes, Nigeria continues to contend as one of the largest economies in the world. Hence, it is rightly positioned to make a significant global impact in this field given its largely underestimated advantages.

    Read Also: How to bridge Nigeria’s electricity gap, by Schneider Electric

    According to the OECD report, one out of every four Africans around the world and one out of every five persons of African origin is a Nigerian. Its population represents about 2.6 per cent of the human population accounting for a relevant global labour force and a large domestic market with potential to influence international economies. Nigeria also has the highest population of African immigrants in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, extending the country’s impacts to global economic powers.

    Moreover, one peculiarity of Nigeria’s leverage over its global counterparts lies in its undocumented yet thriving informal sectors. The country has one of the most significant and booming informal economic sectors of the world. Officially, IMF growth estimated Nigeria’s GDP in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms at $1.116 trillion by the end of 2023. However, Nigeria’s informal economy is estimated at approximately $1.230 billion in size, representing 58.2 per cent of overall GDP PPP levels. Consequently, World Economics’ Research’s updated database estimates Nigeria’s GDP to be $2.113 trillion — 89 per cent larger than the official figures using 2023 data, given the impact of the informal economy.

    In April, the Nigerian government announced its commitment to leveraging the power of AI systems. This aims to foster inclusivity by integrating indigenous knowledge systems and language bases through the launch of its multilingual large language models (LLMs). The country’s initiatives, including the formation of the Nigeria AI Collective, the launch of a multilingual LLM, and substantial investments in computing infrastructure, have far-reaching implications, particularly in the areas of content diversity, an inclusive digital economy which considers informal sectors and international trade expansion.

    Given factors including its demographic strength, economic diversity and size, and potential for comparison with global economic powers, its move into developing LLMs is a pivotal achievement in the international AI field that cannot be ignored.

    The development and deployment of Nigeria’s multilingual LLM stand as a pivotal moment for content diversity in AI. Traditional AI models often focus on high-resource languages, predominantly those spoken in the Global North, thus marginalising many languages and dialects spoken in Africa and other parts of the world. Nigeria’s LLM, trained in five low-resource languages and accented English, challenges this paradigm by ensuring these languages are represented and preserved in the digital age.

    This inclusion has profound implications. First, it enriches the AI training datasets, leading to more robust and versatile AI systems capable of understanding and processing a wider array of human languages. This diversity in language representation can drive innovation in AI applications, ranging from more accurate language translation services to culturally relevant content generation. It democratises access to AI technologies, empowering local communities and ensuring that the benefits of AI are more equitably distributed.

    Furthermore, this move can inspire other nations to prioritise their linguistic heritage, fostering a more inclusive global AI ecosystem. As Nigeria leads by example, other countries with diverse linguistic landscapes may follow suit, contributing to a richer, more varied digital content repository worldwide.

    Nigeria’s AI initiatives have significant potential to reshape the global digital economy by promoting inclusivity. The establishment of the Nigeria AI Collective and the enhancement of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR’s) capacity with support from global technology leaders like Cisco underscore a commitment to achieve this robust goal. 

    The goal of inclusivity is highly attainable if the stakeholders maintain a strict ecosystem that is open to participation, including AI enthusiasts, students, start-ups, and civil society organisations (CSOs), apart from elite researchers or tech giants. Such inclusivity ensures that the benefits of AI are accessible to a broader segment of the population including stakeholders who operate outside the purview of formal economic sectors.

    Nigeria will signal support for grassroots innovation at a global level by giving local researchers and companies access to cutting-edge computing infrastructure. The democratisation of AI technology may result in the creation of solutions for regional problems in a variety of fields, including banking, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Nigeria can therefore provide an example for other countries by concentrating on creating AI with moral guidelines specific to its socio-economic environment.

    Nigeria can manage the possible downsides of AI, like employment displacement and privacy problems, in a way that puts its citizens’ welfare first by developing its ethical frameworks. This strategy can be used as a model by other countries, contributing to the global development of a more just and equitable digital economy.

    The multilingual capabilities of Nigeria’s LLM also have significant implications for international trade. Language barriers often pose substantial challenges in global commerce, particularly for businesses and entrepreneurs in non-English-speaking regions. Nigeria’s LLM can promote smoother trade relations and negotiations by facilitating more effective communication across linguistic boundaries. This increases local Nigerian enterprises’ access to global markets.

    To increase their reach and accelerate economic growth, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can interact with overseas partners and customers more effectively. Additionally, as international companies try to get a foothold in Nigeria’s expanding market, the improved communication capabilities may draw in foreign collaborations and investments.

    Nigeria is poised to improve its trading prospects and make a positive contribution to a more integrated and cohesive global economy by overcoming linguistic barriers through investments in AI systems.

    Despite the optimistic outlook on Nigeria’s adoption of AI and LLMs, there are significant concerns that continue to warrant careful consideration. These range from a potential threat to human labour when not meticulously implemented, to contradictory ethical standards often dictated by the Global North, which may not align with the unique socio-cultural contexts of countries like Nigeria, and so on.

    •Dr Anyanwu, a tech and media expert, writes from Ireland

  • Nigeria to participate in world Junkanoo culture festival in Canada

    Nigeria to participate in world Junkanoo culture festival in Canada

    Nigeria will participate in this year’s World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture in Vaughan City, Canada scheduled for July 4th to 8th this year.

    Nigeria’s Country Representative for the World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture (WJFTC) and the World Carnival Commission (WCC) based in Ontario, Canada, Ambassador Felix Ihonre, highlighted the investment opportunities the festival will open for Nigerians abroad.

    Ihonre said the festival will bring together cultural and tourism leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Afro-diaspora, fostering cultural exchange, learning, and celebration.

    “Nigeria is excited to announce her participation in the upcoming World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture in Vaughan City, Canada, from July 4th to 8th, 2024.

    Read Also: How to bridge Nigeria’s electricity gap, by Schneider Electric

    “This festival provides an excellent platform for Nigeria to showcase her rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to a global audience through various expressions, including music, dance, choreography, masquerade exhibitions, art, and fashion,” Ihonre stated

    He emphasised the importance of sharing Nigeria’s cultural heritage with the next generation, especially Africans in the diaspora, marking over 400 years of cultural milestones.

    “The festival will also present significant investment opportunities for Nigerians and Africans abroad. By having our pavilion and showcasing Nigerian cultural heritage, we aim to attract investors to various sectors of Nigeria’s economy, including culture, tourism, and sports,”

    He also acknowledged the support from President Bola Tinubu’s administration and traditional rulers in revitalizing cultural reintegration both nationally and internationally.

    “This consistent support across all levels of government has significantly impacted our tourism industry and cultural values, locally and globally,” Ihonre noted.

    The festival anticipates the presence and participation of esteemed cultural heritage custodians, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba of Benin, Obong of Calabar, and the Supreme traditional rulers Council of Akwa Ibom and Mbale of Abia from Nigeria.

  • Nigeria can’t depend on donor funding to fight diseases, says NCDC boss

    Nigeria can’t depend on donor funding to fight diseases, says NCDC boss

    The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, yesterday said the nation cannot solely depend on donor funding to fight or control diseases.

    He said it is time for the nation’s lawmakers to increase the budget for the health sector.

    The NCDC boss said Nigeria needs to pay more attention to public health to prevent epidemics, urging Nigerians to embrace vaccination since it does not kill.

    Idris, who addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja, said NCDC depended on 70-80 per cent funding for its operation.

    He said: “Donor funding. Yes, it is embarrassing, I must tell you. But again, it is the trend in our country here because of the low funding of that sector. Even our knowledge or perception of the health sector is a bit strange.

    Read Also: How to bridge Nigeria’s electricity gap, by Schneider Electric

    “Everybody concentrates on clinical medicine. Once you build hospitals, they think that is the end. Unfortunately, that part is only 20 per cent of the health sector.

    “So, when they go for budget defence, they say these people are funding you. It is now left for us to go and convince the legislature that we are the owners of the problem; we cannot rely on external funding. What if the sources of funding dry off?

    “I think it is more of advocacy to the legislators and to the government in power to provide more funds for the health sector. It might require assistance from our media partners to help.

    “Health is an expensive industry, whether we like it or not. It is worse here because we are endowed with a lot of problems, including deforestation, climate change, poverty, lack of potable water, epidemics.

    “But our people who appropriate money do not understand this. It is now left for us to make them understand. It is only when epidemic affects their place that they run to you. For donor funding, the media can help with advocacy to the legislators and the government.”