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Tag: Nigeria

  • Nigeria will reward your faith

    Nigeria will reward your faith

    • Mohammed Idris

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again demonstrated his seriousness about charting a sustainable course for Nigeria’s prosperity, using the tool of foreign policy and engagement. On his second trip to the Middle East as President, he attended the Saudi-African Summit convened by the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on Friday, November 10, 2023.

    President Tinubu joined other African leaders in the discussions, that centered on strengthening longstanding relations with a country that has successful translated its wealth of natural resource into solid economic and geopolitical standing on the world stage.

    From the Nigerian perspective, there is no doubt a lot that we can learn from and partner with Saudi Arabia on, starting with their successful efforts in diversifying an economy that has historically relied almost exclusively on oil and gas. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated great seriousness towards building a post-oil economy that is also a world leader in the green economy, charting a path that Nigeria can follow in.

    Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have a long and robust diplomatic history, dating back six decades. In 2003, we established a Binational Commission, and in 2019 agreed to establish a Joint Business Council, which President Tinubu is now very keen to make an immediate reality.

    Saudi Arabia has also over the decades been active in humanitarian and philanthropic interventions in Nigeria, through such institutions as the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. President Tinubu made sure to express gratitude to the King in this regard, while also acknowledging the efforts of Nigerian professionals who are contributing to the Saudi economy in various sectors, including medicine and sports.

    Speaking at the Summit, President Tinubu alluded to the evolving nature of the relationship between the two countries. He said, “Within the past six decades, our bilateral cooperation, which was initially hajj-centric, has witnessed diversification to cover a number of areas of common interest.”

    The President seized the occasion to highlight two very important messages which he has always stressed in his engagements with foreign governments and businesses: the bold economic reforms—in the areas of petrol subsidy and foreign exchange management—that he wasted no time introducing upon assumption of office, and the fact that, under his watch, Nigeria is fully open for business and investment, and will do everything to protect the sanctity of all domestic and foreign investment.

    These are two of the key planks upon which the lasting social and economic prosperity of Nigeria will be built. The first one will free up significant amounts of resources for investment in infrastructure, social investment and food security, while the second one will attract the capital required to build a globally competitive economy.

    Everywhere the President has been, abroad, and even at home, he takes the pains to emphasize and reiterate these two foundational messages, an affirmation of his belief in the fact that as President, he is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Nigeria.

    At the end of the Summit, the leaders agreed to set up Working Groups in the areas of Politics, Security and Military Affairs; Economic, Trade and Investment Affairs; Cultural and Educational Affairs; and Humanitarian and Health Affairs. These Working Groups are expected to commence work within the next six months.

    Two important engagements happened on the sidelines of the Summit, which are very crucial to the economic development of Nigeria, and to the realization of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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    The first engagement was a bilateral meeting between the President and the Crown Prince of the Kingdom, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on Friday November 10. Two very beneficial Saudi pledges to Nigeria emerged from this bilateral meeting, which I was privileged to attend: the first was a pledge that Saudi Aramco will invest in the revamp of Nigeria’s state-owned oil refineries, with a view to ensuring completion within three years, while the second was a pledge to support the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing reforms by making available a substantial dollar-denominated deposit to boost forex liquidity.

    These are two transformational investments that will go a long way in stabilizing and strengthening President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, and help fast-track the journey towards reaping the full benefits of these reforms. In addition, the Saudi Government pledged to invest in agriculture and food security in Nigeria, as well as public infrastructure; two of the many areas in which it has recorded laudable domestic successes.

    The second Presidential engagement was the Nigeria-Saudi Investment Roundtable, which the President chaired himself, just as he did with the Nigeria-India Business Roundtable in New Delhi in September, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit hosted by India. The President has always shown his determination to be a hands-on leader, and he utilizes every available opportunity to send this message out to the world.

    The Roundtable was attended by a high-powered Saudi delegation, including the Ministers of Trade and Investment, and of Commerce, as well as several Saudi business leaders drawn from a wide range of sectors.  On the Nigerian side, in addition to Mr. President, there were also Cabinet Ministers, including my colleagues in the Ministries of Finance; Budget & Economic Planning; Industry, Trade & Investment; Solid Minerals; Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy; Agriculture; Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, and Petroleum Resources (Oil).

    Subnational Governments were represented by the Governors of Bauchi, Niger and Katsina States, while the private sector had leaders like Alhaji Aliko Dangote (Dangote Group); Gilbert Chagoury (Chagoury Group); Mr. John Coumantaros (Flour Mills of Nigeria) and Mr. Wale Tinubu (Oando) in attendance.

    Again, at this Roundtable, President Tinubu reiterated the two key messages of Reform and Openness. He said, “When I took office, I declared the immediate commencement of bold and fundamental economic reforms. We have executed them, and we sustain the reform process,” adding, “I believe in the full application of free market economics. Your money will flow easily in and easily out.”

    The following day, Saturday, November 11, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an Extraordinary Summit, also in Riyadh, at which President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and which I attended.

    The Summit condemned in strong terms Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, calling for an immediate halt to all Israeli military operations. The Summit also asked the UN Security Council to “adopt an immediate resolution condemning Israel’s barbaric destruction of hospitals in the Gaza Strip, the prevention of the entry of medicine, food and fuel into it, and the cutting-off of electricity, water supply and basic services, including communication and internet services, being a collective punishment that constitutes a war crime under international law.”

    Earlier, at the Saudi-African Summit, President Tinubu had reiterated Nigeria’s position, which is an insistence on an immediate ceasefire, and the implementation of a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The President is determined to ensure that Nigeria’s voice is heard on all key issues affecting the world; a Nigeria that is bold and vocal about what it desires, in all areas. 

    A little over a week after the Saudi trip, President Tinubu was again on the move, this time to Berlin, Germany, on the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, to attend the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) Conference, on November 20, 2023. To better appreciate the importance of the relationship, it should be remembered that Germany and Nigeria share the distinction of being the continental economic giants of Europe and Africa respectively.

    For President Tinubu, it was yet another Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) opportunity. First, he was on a panel that discussed the theme, “Fostering local value chains and investments in Africa – The role of the German private sector”, where he noted that since his assumption of office, “we have embarked on transformative changes, removing all obstacles hindering businesses.”

    Then he attended a Bilateral Meeting with Chancellor Scholz, following up on the Bilateral Meeting that they held just three weeks ago, when the Chancellor was in Abuja on an Official Visit. The two leaders further discussed infrastructure (energy and rail), mining, manufacturing, and curbing illegal migration. President Tinubu also met with Germany’s President, and Head of State, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

    To cap it all, President Tinubu hosted and presided over a German-Nigerian Business Forum, just as he had done in Saudi Arabia. Two major MOUs were signed on this occasion: the first one between Riverside LNG of Nigeria and Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG of Germany, on a gas export partnership that will see Nigeria exporting around a million tonnes of LNG per annum to Germany, while the other one was between Union Bank of Nigeria and DWS Group on cooperation in renewable energy, valued at $500m.

    The President reminded the audience of his solid track record, both in the private and public sectors, which has prepared him for this assignment leading one of the most important emerging economies in the world. “‘You can rely on us; we can rely on you; both of us can chorus Hallelujah at the same time,” he declared.

    Very similar emphatic concluding words, to his declaration at the Saudi-Nigeria Business Roundtable, after listening to various pitches and presentations from the Saudi businesses present: “I am determined to be your partner in progress and prosperity. Nigeria will reward your faith. Our people are ready, and we will not disappoint!”

    Powerful words that should make every Nigerian proud.

  • Creative industries as Nigeria’s new oil

    Creative industries as Nigeria’s new oil

    • By Ola Awakan

    Nigeria has a rich creative industry with great potential and global footprints. They are an increasingly important piece of the puzzle in national development plans as they break all the barriers of traditional governance and economic strategic armchair approach. These industries within the larger framework are but not limited to the arts- visual and performing, culture, heritage, food, fashion, film, music, and much more. They have all too often been overlooked as legitimate avenues for jobs and gross domestic product. But that is starting to change in Nigeria as they help to drive sustainable development and create jobs. Unemployment is gradually forcing the government to embrace the kingship of creative industries as the construction of more diverse and economically viable markets. Jobs in the creative economy have proven robust to the economic shocks that have persistently harmed Nigeria’s core sectors.

    The economy entered a recession in 2016, yet as the oil sector struggled, the creative industries grew significantly. The music sector alone is predicted to more than triple its current value by 2025, while Nollywood film output continues to outperform worldwide expectations. The industry keeps moving the goalposts for millions of unemployed individuals. Technology and the digital revolution have created opportunities for Nigeria to be a leader in frugal innovation.

    For example, digital cinematography has supported Nollywood’s quick expansion, propelling it to the world’s third-largest film industry by value, after Hollywood and Bollywood. The success of Nigerian music, fashion, and film, to mention a few, demonstrates how the creative economy can spark a value chain between artists, entrepreneurs, distributors, and support services to boost jobs and contribute to GDP growth.

    Yet challenges to growth remain. The Nigeria Creative Industries Development Bill, 2023, which seeks to provide an enabling environment for the creative industry must conscientiously become a “generational gospel truth” that can attract a significant portion of the $2.9 trillion creative industry market share. The bill simply must be re-evaluated in its current form and address the concepts of innovation, proper planning and development of local infrastructure, tax rebates for both nationals and companies investing in the sector, and adopting the friendly environment and financial model that South Korea, India, and China have built.

    The current components of market success with the surge of digital streaming global entities are signals that reflect the beauty of Nigeria’s creative industries and its unexploited materials of culture. Smartphones, tablets, and overall technologies are making the creative industries the most exportable Nigerian products. Nigeria has not been able to connect the greatness of its existence to its creative culture, nor has it been able to reconstruct its national image as a symbol of identity, patriotism, and binding force. Nigerian music fills cafés, Nando’s, and global cities in Europe, America, Asia, and across Africa without any royalty that brings some sort of revenue to the individual musicians and government treasury. Mr. President, renewed hope can inspire more creative ideas and ingenuity to lead the world.

    Buga by Kizz Daniel (Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe) became a global sensation that has also captured the mind of Mr. President and some other global leaders who danced to its rhythmic simplicity, aesthetic dexterity, and rooted in Nigerian textual nuances during the political campaigns. This is a musical ingenuity that was conceived by independent-minded individuals like others such as Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Asake, Borna Boy, Olamide, and so on. They are creating the unique brand of Nigerian culture that has been shaping the heart and soul of this imaginative country for decades. It’s so important that the global efforts of Nigeria’s creative industries be guided and supported as a new treasure trove. Symbolically, our national creative cultural expressions require government protection through the National Plan of Action on Creative Industries as one of its ethos.

    It is expected of the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to unleash novel plans, measure the contributions of the creative industries to employment and GDP growth, facilitate strategic alliances between the public and private sectors to incentivize capital investment, and strategically harness the global values of technologies through Nigeria’s own innovative power. When the government truly recognizes the value of the creative industries and makes a conscientious effort to support and promote them, Nigerian film, fashion, music, and others may leapfrog and stake their claim as part of the global mainstream and foreign exchange generation. It must be admitted that there are challenges, but one can clearly see the opportunities in leveraging the creative industries paradigm to provide institutional support for entrepreneurs and small businesses and turn some otherwise unprofitable public-sector behemoths into centres of innovation. This mind-set, which throws away the bathwater while retaining the baby, underpins this submission.

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    The monster of poverty is perpetuated in Nigeria’s rural and peri-urban areas by widespread youth unemployment, low incomes, and a high number of dependents. Some locals have realized that their areas hold significant untapped potential in various materials of culture that, if properly harnessed, have the capacity to lift millions out of poverty and act as the engine of growth for creative industries and a new oil well that can signpost an emerging new economy in Nigeria. While Nigeria’s creative industries have huge potential to become a new block of economic bandwidth that is driven largely by the country’s young population, they are still hampered by a lack of dedicated presidential imprints with an office tasked with overseeing their growth as a blue economy. Such a gap has gone unaddressed, and it continues to widen, thereby denying the creative industries across the 774 local governments, the right access to finance, innovative resources, ideation to incubation, monitoring processing, a national brand, and most importantly, an articulate market, which continue to lead to unsustainable and unregulated practices, fragmented approaches, and weak contents. These deprive these young communities of the significant impact that the creative industries ecosystem can have as Nigeria’s 21st-century economy revolution if properly resourced. It is imperative that this administration intentionally focuses on redefining the nation’s creative industries and leading their new waves as the most transformative, dynamic, and investible blueprints that can serve as renewed hope for the 130 million young Nigerians.

    It should lead national efforts to provide creative actors with creative hubs across all the 36 states of the federation, serve as a driving force for new investment with more capital, liquidity, appropriate policies, and cutting-edge technology, and fuel robust exportation with new forex earnings, thereby helping solve decades inefficiencies that the industry has been experiencing and enabling long-term planning and promoting sustainability.

    More so, this administration should champion a robust pathway for the actualization of creative industries as both national assets and economic prosperity. It will build a global worldview of new creative industries that are exportable and generate foreign exchange for our economy. Much more than addressing the investment in the creative industries, it should develop a comprehensive approach and build a national-wide consortium with educational institutions globally to readapt a new research culture (R&D), build capacity (professional qualifications in the creative economy), and broadly refocus the policies that guide the industry on behalf of Mr. President.

    I stand to submit that noble ideas can be harnessed in this country and not necessarily outside the shores of Nigeria for Nigerians. It is critical to work with creatives in the diaspora because all hands must be on deck to drive the nation’s new goldmine sector as the catalyst that will inspire the renewed hope and endless possibilities Nigerians yearn for.

    • Awakan is an award-winning broadcast journalist and dramatist.
  • Church leaders will run Nigeria better, says Oladiyun

    Church leaders will run Nigeria better, says Oladiyun

    General Overseer of Christ Livingspring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM) Lagos, Pastor Wole Oladiyun, has argued church leaders have all it takes to manage Nigeria better.

    He said they will do a better job running Nigeria having demonstrated competence and compassion in helping people over the years.

    He spoke with reporters on Monday to kickstart the 25th anniversary of the church. The anniversary holds from December 3-10 at the Omole, Lagos headquarters of the church.

    He said the church has been moving from one height to the other since its establishment, changing lives and impacting destinies.

    According to him: “It has been 25-years of God’s abundantly grace, steadfast love, and unending mercies, that we are still standing strong after these years has been God’s grace, we are not we are products of grace.

    “We have been been planting and ministering for the past 25-years and God has been faithful and sometimes i wonder what we have done to receive these blessings.

    “It was indeed an humble beginning for me. CLAM started on April 2nd 1998 on a rough but assured footing, no worship venue, no music, no approachable congregation but i was sure of the call and God’s assignment for me.

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    “Things were so difficult that my wife asked if i was sure of the call. she wasn’t doubting God but needed to ask and be sure if we were going in the right direction and I can tell you, Pastor Mrs Bukola Oladiyun has remained my source of strength and inspiration to the glory of God.”

    He added that hearing from God and doing His will have been the major success factors of the ministry.

    “One of the things I thank God for is the gift of hearing clearly, God has been speaking and revealing his will to me since i was 10-years old in CAC. Over the years, the Holy Spirit has helped me and this has been the main stream of our existence and success. I hear from God and do whatever he tells me to do,” he stressed.

    CLAM, according to him, believes in soul winning, evangelism and humanity and over the years has been progressing in preaching the gospel of Christ across Nigeria, United Kingdom, United State and Canada among many others.

    On the impact of the church in the society, he said: “We have an hospital here that has successfully done four brain surgeries and have successfully done a hip surgery. We are training over 20 youths on Python and AI development. We annually spend N80-100m on giving and God’s has always been faithful to us.”

    Oladiyun, a trained Civil Engineer, entrepreneur and pharmaceutical expert, said he has no regret accepting God’s call.

  • Nigeria Air project for review, says Aviation Minister

    Nigeria Air project for review, says Aviation Minister

    The Federal Government is not in a hurry to start off the controversial Nigeria Air as a national carrier, Aviation & Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, said yesterday.

    Some details of the contractual agreement with the private investors – Ethiopia Airline, will be reviewed, Keyamo said.

    He was responding to queries on the status of the airliner during the post-Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting’s briefing at the State House, Abuja.

    The minister said the fate of the national career will be determined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that he would not be preempted.

    Nigeria Air was founded in 2018 with ownership stakes shared among Ethiopian Airlines (49%), Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) (46%) and the Federal Government (5%).

    Although the company, was unveiled on May 26 with a branded Boeing 737-800, it has remained a dormant airliner ever since, raising dusts about its status.

    Providing a clue to the state of the airline, Keyamo revealed that some of the details of the agreement signed with the major stakeholder in the deal, the Ethiopian Airlines, rather required another critical look, in the interest of the nation, citing waiver granted and the staffing arrangements.

    He said it would be irresponsible of him, as minister, to see the concerns raised by all stakeholders and close his ears, adding that he had done his evaluation of the situation and had passed his observation over to the President, whom he said, would determine the next line of action.

    On what to expect from the suspended Air Nigeria project, Keyamo explained that the project, if allowed to carry on the way the agreement was structured, will create monopoly for Ethiopian Air, at the expense of other local airliners.

    He further explained that the agreement had agreed to cede appointment of employees at all levels to the Ethiopian investors, a situation he lamented.

    “I have deliberately not granted a full press interview, I have heard all kinds of things going on, all kinds of brickbats in the social media, but I cannot preempt my President. I cannot. All the documents, all the reports, everything, we have forwarded to Mr. President, the issues we’ve met on the ground.

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    Keyamo said: “But just to say that it would have been irresponsible of me as minister to take over office and I feel the pulse of Nigerians, even the National Assembly raised concerns over that, and so many stakeholders.

    “It would have been responsible to close my eyes totally to those concerns. So because of that we suspended it, to say that let’s just look at all the issues and recommend.

    “Now we have looked at all the issues and it’s before Mr. President. But let me just give one or two snippets because of Nigerians who are quick to judge.

    “In the agreement, you are giving tax waivers to Ethiopian Airline coming into Nigeria. They asked for tax waivers for five years and you granted them, to come and compete with your local airline who are paying those heavy taxes. How? You want to create a monopoly? That’s why when they tell you that we want to crash price by… it’s a lie. It’s robbing Peter to pay Paul.

    “Because they have removed all taxes from you and you’ve granted them tax waivers, initially they will crash prices, but once you’ve driven every other person out of the market, you’ll now have a monopoly, then you can now hike it 500%, nobody dares to challenge you.

    “The only thing that brings down prices in the commercial world is fair competition. In the agreement they also made a proposal that they will appoint everybody; top management, everybody Ethiopian, in Nigeria, and we agreed. We agreed.

    “I’m just giving you snippets. I’ll do a full interview, I’ll not give more. So when I’m ready to talk I will talk, but I cannot preempt Mr. President. We have raised all the concerns before him”, he said.

  • Cricket: Nigeria brighten World Cup chance after edging Tanzania 

    Cricket: Nigeria brighten World Cup chance after edging Tanzania 

    The Nigeria Men’s Cricket Team, the Yellow-Greens , yesterday secured a three-wicket victory against Tanzania  in Windhoek, Namibia to shake off their  slow start at the  ongoing International Cricket Council Men T20 World Cup Qualifier.

    Nigeria retuning to United Cricket ground after their slip up against Kenya on Thursday, needed a win to against Tanzania to restore any hope of top-two finish from the seven nation qualifiers.

    Sylvester Okpe, Nigeria’s captain said the team knew nothing would do at this stage of the game outside a win.

    “It was a win we needed, we have no excuse but to lock down this win. Our match against Kenya wasn’t what he had hoped for and a rain washed Rwandan encounter that saw us share points didn’t help our cause. So, this was a needed win,” he said.

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    The game got off with Nigeria fielding, having loss the toss to the Tanzania side. With a smart use of the power-play, the East Africans rallied Nigeria to 139 runs in their innings.

    Captain Abhik Patwa scored 52 runs, off 40 balls, while Ivan Selemani posted 26 from 22 balls containing  Nigeria’s pace bowlers in the process.

    The second innings was marked with tweaks in the team’s traditional batting order that saw Ashmit Shreshta come in at number three while Prosper Useni and Ridwan Abdulkareem are also promoted up the batting order.

    The changes gave Nigeria some freshness with Useni stepping up again to deliver critical boundaries that lifted the team when the run-rate leaked.

    He chalked up 31 runs off 19 balls. Sesan Adedeji, Yellow-Green’s number four put up 24 off 26 balls while spin-bowler Abdulkareem contributed 16 runs off 12 balls (including two wickets he snatched in the first inning).

    President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, who joined the team in Windhoek  yesterday said the interesting part of the win was the confidence the team played with.

     “We would love to pick the World Cup ticket, but that is a bit difficult now given the results of our last two matches. We are more focused on using this event as a  measure of our continual development programme for the team.”

    Uganda national team created an upset in Windhoek earlier in the day, when they defeated Zimbabwe, test playing nation, in their first competitive encounter.

    Nigeria continues their quest with an encounter against Uganda on Monday, November 27 at the United Cricket ground by 2:00 pm.

    Other nations battling for the 2024 T20 World Cup ticket include Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and host Namibia.

  • France to increase trade partnership with Nigeria

    France to increase trade partnership with Nigeria

    The French Government is interested in deepening trade relationship with Nigeria on agricultural exports, Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Olivier Becht, has said.

    Becht stated this at the weekend during the launch of the Food for Nations digital trade platform.

    The digital trade platform is a brainchild of JR Farms designed to help players within the agribusiness value-chain gain access to the French market and the rest of Europe via trade.

    Becht expressed confidence that with the launch of the platform, trade relations between Nigeria and France on the agribusiness front would significantly improve.

    He said: “This platform marks a significant milestone in the ties between France and Nigeria. The agri-food industry stands as a beacon for cooperation between our two great nations.

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    “France, with its culinary heritage and its advanced technical know-how plays a pivotal role in harnessing the quality and diversity of food in the Nigerian market.”

    Chief Executive Officer of JR Farms Olawale Rotimi described the event as a celebration of partnerships that have birthed growth.

    He said the company had signed an agreement with two French companies to train selected cohorts on best agribusiness practices.

    Expressing optimism that the Food for Nations platform would connect Nigeria to the European market, Rotimi said JR Farms is already in talks to birth the first food cargo in Nigeria, in partnership with Air France.

    He said: “We want to collaborate with Nigeria and Africa.  Already, we have these collaborations happening. Where we are seated here today is a product of collaboration. We want more of these collaborations and economic ties between Nigeria and France.”

  • Nigeria and the plight of containerism

    Nigeria and the plight of containerism

    By Ganiu Bamgbose

    SIR: You will not find “containerism” in any English dictionary. I wanted a strange word for the strange situation I wish to describe. 

    Containerism is any situation where container (the package of a product) takes glorification over content (the actual product). It is the preference for that which sells over that which serves. It is the mind-set that boycotts pain to arrive at gain. Containerism places impression over expression and takes story out of glory.

    It is worrisome how parents who know nothing about what their children engage in welcome such children warmly when they return with unexplainable and undefendable riches and wealth. Many parents grew at a time you must not come home with an ill-gotten wealth, but it matters no more; just come home with the bags. 

    Containerism also has its manifestation in the educational sector. Starting with secondary schools, it is now the norm for private schools to advertise themselves on print and electronic media with the number of distinctions they are capable of making students get in external examinations.

     “Do you want your child to get seven A’s at a sitting? Search no more!”

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    This is what many schools pride themselves in. One wonders how this becomes a statement of value upon which young people are to be moulded.

    Now at tertiary institutions of learning, the gist of every convocation ceremony is always the number of first class students the universities are graduating. It does not seem to matter any longer if these are first class brains; let there “sha” be first class and yearly there are. What happens with universities priding themselves in students’ innovations and interventions in different fields? This does not seem to matter so much like the A4 paper which passes an unmeasurable judgement of excellence. If these A’s and First Class(es) are as they are so presented, should this not be evident in the country’s level of development?

    Shall we also ask what the many researches and publications by academics do for the country? Definitely nothing commensurate to output. 

    It is not any different in the political sector. The quality of manifestoes is determined by the availability of money to support its motion. In fact, thou shall not aspire if your account cannot explode like wildfire. Money answereth electoral calls in the country.

    It is my submission that until we begin to take the subject of integrity seriously and until we stop underplaying content for container, containerism will continue to hinder genuine development in the country. Everyone is a stakeholder; everyone has a role to play. We all must live beyond mediocrity to guarantee individual and national prosperity.

    • Ganiu Bamgbose, PhD, Lagos State University, Ojo.

  • Interrogating and refining the past

    Interrogating and refining the past

    By Oluwole Ogundele

    Despite the fact that we stand upon a huge mountain of natural and cultural heritage resources, government’s plans and development agendas, still do not pay sufficient attention to its (mountain) exploration and exploitation. Suffice it to say that self-confidence and creativity are basically derivable from critically interrogating and/or refining the past of a people. Appreciating and appropriating cultural heritage resources are a pre-condition for designing and building fine-grained visions for the future. These are some of the practical ideas for action. This approach is capable of taking the country out of the woods.  Indeed, wisdom starts from here.

    It is painful that Nigeria does not emulate positive facets of Britain’s educational philosophy which puts indigenous epistemologies at the centre.  Britain has simply written books on archaeology and early history for its primary school pupils. Cultural/historical consciousness including self-confidence starts from this level of education. However, Nigeria is still crawling like a baby after 63 years of independence largely because the past does not feature creatively in the present. Monumental ignorance reigns supreme in the land. It is quite illogical to try to understand the todays and craft the tomorrows embedded in spiritual and material abundance, without carefully exploring the yesterdays. This past is often located in the belly of the earth.

    Nigeria continues to ignore past cultural heritages and/or histories entailing specifics like traditions, customs, rituals, kingship systems, culinary tastes and preferences at its own peril. Nigeria must liberate itself from the shackles of colonial education in order to move forward. Those who are disdainful of their cultural values and value systems can be called a bunch of illiterates, no matter the number of university degrees they possess. Contrary to popular thinking, literacy goes beyond the domain of reading and writing.

    Any educational philosophy not rooted as much as possible in the Nigerian indigenous epistemologies, is a colossal waste of resources including time. Those who do not appreciate and appropriate the lessons of history are most likely going to repeat its failures. Therefore, we need to push back the frontiers of socio-cultural and historical understanding through a process of critical appraisal and refinement.

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     The step pyramids in the Udi locality of eastern Nigeria, broad streets with lights in Benin City, iron metallurgical practices in the Nok region of the central part of the country, and world-class bronze casting at Ile-Ife in ancient Yorubaland, were too fundamental to robust humanity, to be glossed over. These fine-grained artefacts and knowledge systems should form the foundations of modern Nigerian society defined by socio-political and economic sustainability.

    In this connection, there is an urgent need for a radical curricular and instructional/pedagogical overhaul in the country. New experiences and interests as well as training have to be brought to the classroom. These are critical to the teaching-learning process. However, this idea should not be bastardised by the main stakeholders in education. It is not acceptable to turn themselves into slaves of the exploitative, reactionary modern globalisation, engineered and ruled by such Bretton Woods Institutions as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is with a special emphasis on curriculum planning and development for the Nigerian varsities.  The school is a sub-system of the larger community system. In other words, our educational philosophy has to be as much as possible, environment-based, even as we participate in the international community. Nigeria is no longer a colony of Europe. Outsiders should not be deciding for us the mode of curriculum and by extension, education to adopt.

    Nigeria must begin to mesh cultural/historical knowledge with applications.  Art, science, and technology are branches of a big tree of knowledge despite the numerous specialisations. Cultural tourism development is one major area of knowledge applications. Another possibility is political stability including human progress in a wide range of ways. Let us start using what we have, to get what we need, understandably because nothing is wrong with our genes.

    Every part of the country is full of ancient cultural resources of huge economic and educational value, waiting to be harnessed for domestic and international tourism.  Some of these world-class cultural resources can successfully rival the Israeli and Saudi Arabian heritage expressions, in the face of a proactive approach to heritage management in Nigeria. Again, unprecedented insecurity remains a devil to wrestle with. It is a deceit to be talking of international or even local investments in today’s Nigeria where kidnappers, terrorists, and other criminals are having a field day. In addition, the federal or even state government should kindly stop giving serious appointments to mediocrities, just on the basis of cronyism and other related primordial sentiments. We can turn Nigeria into a workable project via the lens of uncommon determination and patriotism.  Leadership positions are a platform for looting our common treasury. This mess did not start today. Most of the past leaders were also to blame. The followers are being consistently suffocated by harsh economic policies and corruption. Why should members of the National Assembly, ministers, and other top government functionaries be buying highly exotic cars for themselves while about 200 million Nigerians remain desperately poor? Why are the federal lawmakers giving themselves reckless, unprintable allowances or material benefits despite our weak national economy?  The taxpayers’ monies are only for the political class. Meanwhile, to pay the N35,000 monthly palliative to each federal worker is difficult. In my university, only the one for September had been received. Do these politicians have chromosomal abnormalities? Certainly, PBAT-a superb social engineer, cannot be happy with this development.  Prices of drugs are extremely high. The price of Ventolin inhaler which was recently N1,700, has gone up by 450 percent. Who says that death is not very cheap in today’s Nigeria?

    If what appears daily in the local newspapers is correct, then the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have undermined its integrity. Let us begin to use aspects of our belief systems involving such deities as Ogun, Shango, Maguzanci, and Amadiora as social control mechanisms. This is with respect to oath taking by the political leaders. There is a deep crisis of confidence. The president, members of the national assembly, INEC chairman, ministers, directors-general, governors, and judges among others, have to swear to the above local divinities before commencing their national assignments.  Any political appointee running away from taking this oath, because of his Christian or Islamic faith, comes under suspicion of unethical conduct. Such a person is a potential danger to our fragile democracy.  Local divinities do not play politics. They are a material and spiritual signature of justice and equity down the ages.  Kings who abused their powers were dealt with accordingly. Thus, for example, absolutism/authoritarianism had no permanent space to stand in Nigeria before the advent of Europe. We must stop this gargantuan mess (unfettered corruption) including a blatant disregard for the sensitivities/feelings of the led. African religions are deeply embedded in spirituality. Most Nigerians are deeply agonising (due to tough economic/financial policies) as they await the promised comfortable cushions by the government.  We need leaders of exemplary character.

    • Prof Ogundele is of Dept. of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan.

  • Unlocking Nigeria’s potential through U.S. partnership

    Unlocking Nigeria’s potential through U.S. partnership

    By David Greene

    Nigeria is on track to be the world’s fourth-most populous country by 2050. It already has the largest economy in Africa and, with 60 percent of its population under the age of 25, it stands on the threshold of a demographic dividend that can dramatically transform its economy for the better. Nigeria’s strategic partnerships are essential in harnessing this potential, and the United States is playing a leading role. As we near the six-month mark of President Tinubu’s administration, our relationship has emerged as a key for success. One year ago, at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC, President Biden renewed our commitment to deepening engagement across the continent. Here is how we are doing that in Nigeria – working in areas that matter most to everyday citizens, such as growing the economy, strengthening democracy, improving health outcomes, ensuring security, and addressing the climate crisis.

    Nigeria’s economic potential is vast, and with the right macroeconomic framework, a sound fiscal strategy, and a strong commitment to rooting out corruption, it can become a preferred destination for foreign direct investment. American investors and companies are eager to engage with Nigeria, and the United States government is doing its utmost to build our bilateral trade and investment ties.

    Consider these examples: We have joined forces to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation, with investments from U.S. tech giants such as Microsoft, Cisco, Meta, Google, and Starlink. This partnership has built a platform to train unemployed and underemployed women and youth. Moreover, it has been a catalyst for quality investment, accounting for more than a quarter of all venture capital flowing into Africa.

    Collaborative efforts in agriculture further underscore our commitment. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently dedicated $22 million to strengthen Nigeria’s cocoa value chain, supporting more than 60,000 cocoa farmers, processors, marketers, and other agribusiness service providers in what is Nigeria’s number two foreign exchange-earning export. From tech to agriculture, these steps go beyond statistics. They translate into tangible outcomes: good jobs, seed money for new ventures, and higher-value agricultural exports.

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    The United States is also a steadfast partner in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector. With World AIDS Day – December 1 – approaching, it is worth recalling that over the past two decades, PEPFAR, the leading U.S. initiative to address HIV/AIDS, has invested nearly $8 billion in Nigeria, providing more than 1.6 million individuals with life-saving HIV treatment.

    In response to COVID-19, the United States donated more than 44 million vaccine doses, helping the Nigerian government approach its target vaccination rate of 70 percent of the eligible population. Partnerships like the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, with an annual budget of more than $71 million, have reduced child death rates and strengthened health systems.

    Those investments are just part of our overall development assistance to Nigeria. In fiscal year 2022 alone, the U.S. government allocated over $1.2 billion dollars in such support. These funds provide humanitarian assistance, and improve health, economic development, education, social services, democracy, human rights and governance, and peace and security.

    In the latter two areas – democracy and security – we aim to support an inclusive future where Nigerian citizens’ votes count and translate into responsive governance, and where they can live in peace. We are a steadfast partner in seeking to strengthen election processes that will enhance accountability to meet citizens’ expectations, and pursuing innovative projects to help communities resolve differences without violence.

    Through cooperation with and training of Nigeria’s military and police, we are building more capable forces. Collaborating with civil society, law enforcement, and the judiciary, we are confronting the security challenges that stand in the way of economic growth while upholding a shared commitment to human rights. Initiatives include building Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capacity, bringing technology to courtrooms and case-management systems to help in the administration of justice and reduce pre-trial detention, and supporting efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in police forces.

    Our partnership to address the climate crisis reflects our mutual recognition of this challenge, and our respect for Nigeria’s role as both an energy producer and a country profoundly impacted by the effects of climate change. In the lead up to COP28 – the 28th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change, which begins this week – the United States and Nigeria are aggressively seeking solutions. For example, U.S. support for Nigeria’s leadership as a Global Methane Pledge champion has led to action that is reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of all.

    These programs and cooperative efforts advance a joint agenda that is built and driven by the highest levels of our leadership. President Biden met with President Tinubu in September, and numerous senior U.S. officials have come to Nigeria in recent months to confer on meeting Nigeria’s energy needs, driving U.S. trade and investment in Nigeria, and strengthening our law enforcement cooperation. These engagements strengthen our ties, address Nigeria’s pressing needs, and tackle shared challenges.

    Ultimately, realizing Nigeria’s potential hinges upon enhancing its fiscal and economic health – and capitalizing on its strategic partnerships to build on that foundation. The opportunity has never been greater. Nigeria, with its youth, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit, is poised to seize this moment.

    We commend the government for its bold actions thus far to try to move the economy to a more solid footing. The United States is your partner in that effort – through investment, better security, a stronger workforce, and resilient institutions – that benefits all Nigerians and expands prosperity for both our peoples. Our journey ahead has its obstacles, of course. But together we will find a path toward a shared prosperity.

    •Greene is Chargé d’Affaires, United States Embassy Abuja.

  • Nigeria risks N19.9tr future liabilities

    Nigeria risks N19.9tr future liabilities

    Nigeria risks an estimated N19.9 trillion in contingent liabilities from 2024 to 2026.

    This is due to non-performance or breach of the contractual obligations under joint venture agreements (JVAs). 

    To block these revenue leakages and wastages, the National Assembly is set to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007.

    JVAs in the oil, gas, and power sectors expose the country to financial risks and potential international legal battles. 

    Some revenue-generating agencies have entered into JVAs, imposing a hefty monthly commitment of $40 million with the “take or pay” clause. 

    In effect, Nigeria must pay the agreed amount regardless of whether the products or services are utilised. 

    The JVAs’ terms leave the country exposed to potential international arbitration proceedings.

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    In cases where contractual obligations are not met, Nigeria may face legal disputes, potentially leading to hefty penalties or compensatory payments. 

    A coalition of civil society organisations under the GIFT cluster of CSOs commended the National Assembly on the move to review the laws governing these agencies.

    Executive Director of OrderPaper, Oke Epia, and his counterpart in the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), Faith Nwadishi, said in a statement: “The latest move by the legislature aligns with its objective and recent public awareness and stakeholder engagement efforts on needed policy reforms in public finance management. 

    “The amendment of the FRA will, amongst other things, address the issues of accountability, transparency, and lack of prudence in public finance, and also empower the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to stand up to its responsibility in checking wanton disregard for the provisions of the law by MDAs of the Federal Government. 

    “Through our GIFT Nigeria project, designed to catalyse reforms around transparency, accountability, and good governance (TAGG) vis-à-vis public finance management (PFM) and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project by Palladium, we have advocated vigorously for an amendment of the FRA 2007 to bring about enduring solutions to the public finance management challenges plaguing the country.

    “We, however, urge the 10th National Assembly to go beyond mere expression of commitment to actually achieve the desired objective of amending the FRA, unlike its predecessor, which failed to pass the amendment bill after several efforts by stakeholders, including the GIFT cluster and CSOs to make it do so.”