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Tag: Nigeria

  • Nigeria, Denmark agree on climate action framework

    Nigeria, Denmark agree on climate action framework

    The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ajuri Ngelale, has announced an agreement with his Danish counterpart, Tomas Anker Christensen, on a framework for monitoring climate action programs in real time.

    Ngelale disclosed this in an update he provided during the virtual meeting, held in Geneva, which outlined President Bola Tinubu’s green industrial vision and Nigeria’s critical climate initiatives.

    According to him, the agreed next steps will prioritize de-risking capital formation in global climate finance discussions, supporting Nigeria’s campaign for value chain localization in the global south.

    Earlier, Ngelale met with Green ICT Champion, Diseye Isoun, who briefed him on progress in decarbonizing Nigeria’s telecoms infrastructure, highlighting emission displacement opportunities and job creation potential.

    The collaboration aims to establish integral frameworks and achievable benchmarks for Nigeria’s climate action efforts.

    Read Also: Benue NASS caucus hails youths for shunning protest, acknowledges Akume, Utsev efforts

    “The week ended with a very important virtual engagement with my counterpart, Denmark’s Special Climate Envoy, Tomas Anker Christensen on Friday, in Geneva, Switzerland, as we laid out President Bola Tinubu’s green industrial vision and other critical climate action initiatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The conversation led to an agreed set of next steps which will play a crucial role in providing a framework for monitoring climate action programmes in real-time while also placing de-risking capital formation at the forefront of global climate finance discussions as Nigeria leads the campaign for value chain localization in the global south.*

    “Earlier, I was briefed on progress being recorded in Nigeria’s push to decarbonize its robust network of telecoms infrastructure facilities by Green ICT Champion, Diseye Isoun, who flew into Switzerland for the meeting.

    “There are tremendously exciting emissions displacement opportunities in the sector that will create job opportunities in the months ahead. Isoun is working hard to ensure that our frameworks are integrous and that our benchmarks are achievable,” Ngelale said.

  • National Troupe of Nigeria back on stage

    National Troupe of Nigeria back on stage

    For four days last week, the management of the National Troupe of Nigeria led by the Artistic director Kaltume Bulama Gana kept the arena bubbly as they trained both old and new artistes in several sessions of workshops and trainings. The workshop was to fine-tune the agency and keep dancers, drummers, singers, performers and so on, abreast of what obtains in the sector at the moment. Edozie Udeze who watched the workshop reports on the real essence of those issues that make the Troupe excel at all times.

    For four days last week, the premises of the National Troupe of Nigeria, within the sprawling complex of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, was full of life and activities. For far too long, the National Troupe was bereft of activities. But the new leadership led by Kaltume Bulama Gana has chosen to infuse life into the Troupe for more effective discharge of their national call to duty. Gana is the Artistic Director of the Troupe, someone who came with the strong belief that it is time to hit the road running.

    The four day workshop/training was filled with activities revolving around the old staffers and artistes recruited last year to beef up the numerical strength of the Troupe. As the training and workshop were going on simultaneously, the artistes wore bright faces full of smiles as they pelted down on drums. As the drums went on in somewhat staccato and frenzy sounds heralding the beauty of music the rhythmical sounds of different local instruments, the trainers prowled the arena with different instructions.  The instructions were basically aimed at guiding and directing the artistes, both old and new who were happy to be busy again.

    The sounds reverberated; they echoed, they resonated far into the corners of the National Theatre. The drums beat heavily; they welcomed the people into the bosom of the amphitheatre inside the premises of artiste’s hostels. The sounds travelled far and deeper, while dancers displayed various styles of motions and movements and patterns.

    From far off, the sounds seemed to say to the ears and to the initiated – The Troupe is back with a bang. On hand was Dr. Arnold Udoka directing the dancers, guiding them professionally on the movements on stage. Udoka who came from the University of Calabar, Cross River State, was a former director of dance with the Troupe. His iconic presence reignited those years of commitment and seriousness when the Troupe was a national pride in and out of season. Udoka bestrode the stage with his irresistible aura as he adorned himself in his typical Anang traditional white cap. At every moment he beckoned on a dancer teaching him or her how to twist his waist, how to move the legs to achieve the desired results. It was a perfect show of professionalism in dance form.

    Read Also: Bridging the Communication Gap between the Government and the People: Nigeria’s Path to Reconciliation

    Full of smiles and seriousness, the training went on unabridged for hours under the intense weather. It was that zeal to achieve perfection, to make the nation proud that propelled both Udoka and the artistes on endlessly. They all bubbled. They thrilled. They synchronized. They produced uniformed dance steps that cut across many ethnic geographical areas of Nigeria. Thence, dance took the centre stage. Udoka spared no loose ends to achieve a perfect production. He himself danced, demonstrated and engineered the people. For once, artistes heralded this new moment of life and love of what they believe in. Truly the National Troupe is back.

    On the other hand, Isioma Williams, the iconoclastic drummer who took them on drumming sessions hovered gently in front of the drummers. With an impeccable but serious smile on his face, Isioma dished out instructions. His hands moved methodically in the air as he strolled slowly but with a touch of professional dexterity in front of the drummers. The drummers obeyed. They listened to him. They glued their eyes to the rudiments of his fingers. Isioma’s eye contacts spoke music, they addressed the drums. Then the sounds bellowed. They enunciated action.

    Each drum spoke a different language, deep, provocative and invocative. Each with a different symbol only understood by the initiated. The mixture of new and old drummers was done on purpose for easy blending. As they beat away shaking their heads the arena quickly took on a festal mood. For a while, it looked as if a festival was going on. And the artistes, now adorned in uniform emboldened with the symbols of the National Troupe and national colours, the blend gave some blossoming beauty to the workshop.

    As soon as the outdoor shows were over, the crowd moved into the hall for the final display of dances and songs. Inside the hall parts of the lessons of the days were replayed to the fullest. Consequently, Gana, Udoka, Isioma and the entire staffers beamed with smiles of satisfaction. The singers sang with profusion and joy. The dancers moved with the fluidity of the best expert dancers for which the Troupe is known over the years. Indeed Gana was moved to dance; Udoka became alive once again while Isioma gesticulated effusively. It was moment for the staffers to join the stage and showed solidarity with the artistes.

    For once every member of staff lost his/her shyness. The gregarious nature of the Troupe immediately came ashore. It was indeed beauty epitomized in a way never seen by the members of staff of the National Troupe of Nigeria. The atmosphere indeed called for a celebration to usher in this new era of renewed vigour and discharge of duty by Gana and her able team.

    Why the workshop?

    Kaltume Gana said “The idea of the workshop is to prepare the National Troupe for the goals ahead. As you know, the Troupe is the apex dance outfit of the nation, Nigeria. I want to build on the Troupe’s longstanding commitment of nurturing and fostering a strong organizational culture. When the staffers, both old and new are well equipped through this training it becomes easier for them to operate more efficiently. My call to duty is a mandate given to me by Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is for me to head the National Troupe of Nigeria and to make it an enviable Troupe for the good of Nigeria. So this workshop is to kick start the season, to help everyone here to understand their roles in this onward movement to add success and values to the Troupe”.

    She went on: “The mandate here is to continue to make the Troupe the culture ambassadors of Nigeria. It is the mission of the troupe to remain on top; to remain dedicated to excellence in all aspects of its operations. The artistes have to be fit. It is also my mandate to continue from where my predecessors in office stopped and to keep that high cultural values of the Troupe ever aglow. The areas of dance, music, stage performances, drama and so on have to be kept active and alive. This is also the soul of the Troupe and these have to be maintained to keep the Troupe on. We have to keep the children’s theatre in place as well. It is for these reasons that we felt it is time to train and train them continually to be in tune with their calling.

    Gana is not done yet; she said more. “The world keeps evolving. Therefore we have to move on with the trend in the world. And this is why we keep the training and workshop updated to ensure the artistes and indeed members of the staff are not left behind. The training is for the artistes to be abreast of the events in the sector, in culture arena generally. They have to know the latest rudiments of performances, drama and so on and they have to be performing from time to time. Therefore the training will continue from time to time for them to continue to be relevant”.

    For Udoka, the essence of the training is basically to re-instill in the artistes the act of seriousness and professionalism. “They have to be kept ever ready, ever active, ever relevant. I am here basically on the invitation of the Artistic Director, Bulama Gana who wished me to train the artistes on the ideals of dance. When the invitation was extended to me, I took permission from the Vice Chancellor of my university, University of Calabar to be here. The training lasted four days and today is the last day as you can see. I am here to assist in the training and it has been very interesting and instructive. The training is to remind the artistes-dancers, drummers, actors, singers, all, what the human body is. It is to remind them about the place of dance, more so, culture in the society. It is to remind them as well how you can use dance, culture, et al, to unite Nigeria”.

    He went on: “You can see some dances here from different areas of the society; they come together as forms of unity, forms of cohesion in Nigeria. Dance is a form of communication, a powerful instrument to keep the people together. The workshop therefore looked into all sorts of ingredients of dances, motions, movements that will help for unity, love and national consciousness. Dance is for education. This was why it was a forty eight hours workshop, very strenuous, but rewarding because we had time to take them through many dances and movements. We took them on motions and movements. We were able to teach them many Nigerian dances from different parts, with songs and drumming. We took them on new ones while we also improved on some of the old ones I had taught them before I left in 2018. My coming is like a family re-union. The artistes were happy to receive me. I was also happy to see lots and lots of them again”.

    As for Isioma, the training was mainly for him to let them know that there are many different types of drums. Each drum has a definite message, definite purpose beyond the ones they are used to here in Lagos. “It is not only the Yorubas that have drums. There are different types of drums for different reasons and purposes from different parts of Nigeria. These and more were parts of what I taught them”.

    The four day training also enabled Meniru Onyia from Federal Ministry of Culture in Abuja to teach them some essential civil service rules. The show ended well with a warm appreciation by Bulama Gana who was obviously elated to see her efforts bear fruits.

  • How unpleasant visa processes, airport protocols marred our memories of Nigeria

    How unpleasant visa processes, airport protocols marred our memories of Nigeria

    •Visitors query why coming to Nigeria should be more tedious than going to UK, USA

    First impressions, they say, are always crucial. Whether for tourism or socio-economic/investment adventure, the impact of a first impression on a visitor to a country may make or mar future interactions. ADEOLA OGUNLADE in this piece catalogues the varying experiences of some visiting foreign nationals.

    IDUBWI’S Journey of frustration and hope

    When Dr. Jackie Lidubwi, a renowned journalist and media trainer from Kenya, embarked on her journey to Nigeria, her heart was filled with excitement and anticipation. She was eager to reconnect with her Nigerian brothers and sisters, to immerse herself in the vibrant culture, and to contribute to the Clean Air Africa initiative organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with AirQo. However, her enthusiasm was soon dampened by an unexpected arduous visa application process that left her questioning why Africans have to face such barriers travelling within their own continent.

    Recounting her experience to The Nation recently at the sideline of the recently concluded Clean Air Africa 2024 in Lagos, her frustration was palpable. “I was so excited about coming to Nigeria to see my ‘oga’ brothers and sisters,” she began. “But I was somehow disappointed with the visa process. It was very long and tiring. It’s like you are going to the US. Besides, even the US is not so expensive.”

    Dr. Lidubwi’s visa experience reflects broader concerns about intra-African travel and the barriers that still exist despite efforts towards continental integration.

    She said: “We shouldn’t have to try so hard to come and meet our brothers in other parts of Africa? I had to apply for a visa three times. It was on the third occasion that I got the visa. And every time you applied, you know you have to pay. So it was a very expensive trip coming to Nigeria. I had to pay five times the cost of obtaining visa from Kenya to Nigeria. And I know so many of my colleagues had the same problem”.

    So for the renowned journalist, the bureaucratic hurdles were not just an inconvenience; they represented a deeper issue.

    “As an African, why should I pay a visa to come to another African country? And why should it be that difficult for me, an African, to come to another African country?” she questioned. Her sentiments echoed a growing concern among many Africans who find themselves entangled in red tape and high costs when travelling within the continent.

    Now she contrasts her experience with other African countries like Ghana and Zambia, where the processes are much simpler and she does not even need a visa.

    “For the first time I had a challenge in applying for a visa. Can you imagine? Because I trained journalists around Africa. I was in Ghana in April; I was in Zambia in February. In fact, in Zambia and Ghana, you just wake up and you go. There’s no visa, you just enter. So why should we have a problem coming to Nigeria? I mean, Ghana was seamless. There is no visa in Ghana, you just walk in. All the way from Kenya? Yes, you just walk in”.

    Despite these challenges, Dr. Lidubwi’s dedication to her work and her commitment to the cause of clean air did not waver. Her participation in the Clean Air Africa initiative underscored her resolve to make a difference, even in the face of adversity. The event, which aimed to address air quality issues across Africa, brought together experts, policymakers, and activists to develop sustainable solutions for the continent’s pressing environmental challenges.

    Dr. Lidubwi’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of individuals who strive to foster unity and progress in Africa. Her experience also highlights the need for policy reforms that facilitate easier movement and collaboration among African nations. As the continent continues to grapple with various socio-economic and environmental issues, the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation cannot be overstated.

    Her tale serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for African leaders to break down the barriers that hinder the free movement of people and ideas across the continent. For Dr. Lidubwi and many others like her, the dream of a united and prosperous Africa remains alive, fuelled by hope and the relentless pursuit of a better future.

    A troubled journey

    The enthusiasm with which Dr. George Mwaniki, Head of Air Quality for World Resources Institutes, Africa, a Kenyan national, embarked on his second trip to Nigeria was quickly overshadowed by a series of unexpected and frustrating events. As he recounts his experience, it becomes clear that the administrative hurdles and ineptitudes he encountered were not only disappointing but also indicative of deeper systemic issues.

    Mwaniki troubles began long before he even set foot in Nigeria. Despite having visited Abuja in 2019, when obtaining a visa on arrival was a relatively straightforward process, his most recent trip was fraught with complications. “This time coming, I was stuck in the airport for four hours, doing nothing,” he recalls. “It was a total disaster.”

    In Nairobi, he was informed that visa stickers were unavailable, necessitating a visa on arrival in Nigeria—a service that cost nearly $250. This hefty fee, coupled with an inefficient manual process, left Mwaniki questioning the country’s approach to tourism and international relations. “Who will come and visit this country if that is the kind of money you are charging for people to come just see?” he asks.

     “Even after paying all that, you end up spending four hours at the airport. And the whole process is manual. Maybe there is a reason why the government does that. The government might decide to do manual because they are afraid of private data or that people can hack in the system. I can understand that, but having one gentleman writing the names on a book for two flights! And they were small flights. These were flights that had like 150 people. Supposing you have one of those big jets that come with 750 people. If you have two, three jets of those; that means you spend a day or two days or even a week”.

    Mwaniki noted: “My experience was horrible. It is the worst by far. I don’t think I have gone to any country and spent more than five minutes to get a visa. Most other countries I go to are commercial countries. Kenya is part of commercial countries. You are admitted for 30 days. No visa requirement. I have been to non-commercial countries. You also get visa on arrival. And it is quite a smooth process.

    “I think coming to Nigeria again will be a long call. Who wants to sit in an airport for four hours? For example, I won’t come back here for a workshop or a conference. If somebody invites me for a workshop or a conference or a passive kind of meeting, there is no way I am going to expose myself to that kind of services. And in the real sense, if we come here, if we bring people here and we stay here for a week; we are spending money in the economy. And this is good for Nigeria.”

    Tarnished reputation

    Mwaniki’s disillusionment only deepens as he reflects on his experience compared to visits to other African nations.

    “I have been to 36 countries in Africa,” he says, noting that his Nigerian experience was by far the worst. “I don’t think I have gone to any country and spent more than five minutes to get a visa.”

    “Even in Somalia, often considered a failed state, the visa process was faster and more efficient than in Nigeria. The poorest country in the world is Burundi. I have been to Burundi. The experience is fantastic. You interact with people. Clearance is fantastic.”

    This stark contrast raises significant concerns about Nigeria’s immigration procedures and their impact on the country’s reputation.

    The Broader Implications

    Mwaniki’s experience is not just an isolated incident but a symptom of broader systemic issues. “When you have serious challenges in an outward-facing institution like immigration, what about the institutions that are internal? If this is what I’m experiencing as a foreigner, first time; what does an average Nigerian experience every day in an inward-facing institution?”

    As the most populous country in Africa with the largest economy, Nigeria should be leading the way in efficient and welcoming international relations. Instead, as Mwaniki notes, “it is leading the way in the reverse, in the wrong direction.”

    He therefore calls for immediate and significant reforms, emphasising that the current state of affairs not only deters visitors but also hampers potential economic opportunities.

    A Call for Change

    Mwaniki ‘s story underscores a critical need for change in Nigeria’s immigration policies and practices. The inefficiencies he encountered are a microcosm of larger issues that, if left unaddressed, could hinder the country’s growth and development.

    “For Nigeria to truly thrive, it must streamline its processes, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and create a more welcoming environment for visitors and investors alike. Only then can it fulfill its potential as a leader in Africa and on the global stage”, Mwaniki said.

    ‘I paid four times the price on the website’

    Hilina Bayew, an Ethiopian air quality researcher at New York University in Abu Dhabi recently embarked on a journey that was as challenging as it was enlightening. From navigating the intricate visa process to experiencing the rich culture of Nigeria, Hilina’s story is one of resilience, cultural exploration, and a desire to see beyond first impressions.

    Bayew’s journey began with what should have been a straightforward task: obtaining a visa to Nigeria. As an Ethiopian, she expected the process to be relatively smooth. However, it turned out to be one of the most stressful experiences of her life.

    “The stress was real,” she recalls. “There was a price indicated on the website, but I ended up paying four times that amount. There were additional fees that were not listed online, and the logistical issues were far from ideal.”

    Despite the hurdles, Bayew persevered. She paid the unexpected fees, including some in cash at the embassy, and navigated the maze of requirements.

    “I asked, what is this fee? They are like, oh, this is our agency fee. You need to have a servicing fee. They made me pay in cash, which was very odd. You had to pay cash at the embassy. I think if I had gotten my visa on arrival, it would have been a bit better, but just the number of requirements that they have; it didn’t make that much sense to me. It was a little challenging”, Bayew said.

    The experience left her questioning the efficiency of the system but also strengthened her resolve to see Nigeria for herself.

    First impressions and cultural insights

    Upon arriving in Nigeria, Hilina attended a conference, which limited her initial interactions with the local culture. However, she remained open-minded.

    “I don’t want to have a biased view,” she says. “I think there’s a mixture of experiences—some good, some not so good—but that’s with every place. I want to give this place more of a chance.”

    Initially, her impressions of Nigeria were mixed. The first few days were challenging, but as she spent more time exploring, her perspective began to shift. “The first day, I would have said no. The second day, no. Now, we’re at a maybe. Tomorrow, maybe I’ll say yes. It’s getting better.”

    Comparisons and culinary adventures

    Having travelled to Ghana previously, Hilina couldn’t help but compare her experiences in the two West African countries. She had fallen in love with Accra from the beginning, captivated by its history, culture, and food. The visa process for Ghana was straightforward, and she enjoyed the local cuisine, particularly the jollof rice.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Denmark agree on climate action framework

    “My friends are like, no, you have to go to Lagos first and try it. But I can confidently say that Ghanaian jollof is better,” she laughs.

    In Nigeria, Hilina made an effort to embrace the local cuisine, trying various dishes including “swallow” foods. Although she was familiar with Ethiopian cuisine, she found the Nigerian flavours and food culture unique and intriguing.

    As her time in Nigeria drew to a close, she reflected on her journey. With a few days left, she hoped to explore more and immerse herself further in the local culture. Her experience had its ups and downs, but it was ultimately enriching.

    “I still have two full days. Maybe tomorrow I’ll explore and get a better experience. I want to see more of the culture,” she says with optimism.

    Hilina Bayew’s story is a testament to the complexities and rewards of international travel. Despite the initial challenges, her openness to new experiences and cultures shines through, offering a reminder that first impressions are just the beginning of a much richer journey.

    Hilina’s journey from Ethiopia to Nigeria, marked by bureaucratic hurdles and cultural discoveries, highlights the resilience and curiosity of a dedicated researcher. Her story encourages us to look beyond initial frustrations and embrace the richness that new experiences bring.

    Discovering Nigeria: An Expat’s Delightful Journey-Serrão Pires

    Evanilton Edgar Serrão Pires, Engineering Department, Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa Tundavala (CEPT), Instituto Superior Politécnico Tundavala (ISPT), Lubango, Huíla-Angola.

    When Serrão Pires first landed in Nigeria, he was brimming with anticipation. “Actually, I was impressed,” he recalled with a smile. Despite the initial delay at the airport due to long lines and less-than-optimal processes, he was unfazed. “It is normal when you have a lot of people on the line and the processes may not be so optimised. It was good and I enjoy knowing the country,” he said.

    Serrão Pires was quickly captivated by Nigeria’s vibrant culture and welcoming people. “You have such fine people here and the culture is amazing,” he said. “Like most parts of Africa, we have really good food.”

    When asked what aspects of Nigeria captivated him the most, Serrão Pires didn’t hesitate. “The food, the hospitality; Africans are really very friendly,” he said. The warmth and friendliness he encountered made his experience even more enjoyable.

    One culinary experience stood out for him – the creamy soups. “You have a lot of soups here that are milky and they are the best,” he enthused.

    However, not all Nigerian dishes suited his palate. “I am not very fond of spicy food. So, spicy food was unbearable for me,” he admitted with a laugh. Despite his aversion to spice, Serrão Pires was curious about the local cuisine. “I have been asking some people how you like so much spice. I would like to see where they are cooking it and probably have a taste. That was really hard for me,” he shared.

    Serrão Pires’s visit to Nigeria was not just about exploring a new country; it was about reconnecting with old friends and colleagues. “Yes, I will [like to come back],” he affirmed. “I have a lot of friends that I worked with. I have worked with a lot of Nigerians for years now. It was an amazing opportunity to get to know the country firsthand.”

    Reflecting on how Africans could be more united, Serrão Pires emphasised the importance of community and communication. “We need to increase the amount of gathering and the communication and the sharing.”

    Serrão Pires journey to Nigeria was filled with new experiences, delicious food, and heart-warming connections. It was a testament to the country’s rich culture and the hospitality of its people, leaving him eager for his next visit.

  • Nigeria, Denmark agree on climate action framework

    Nigeria, Denmark agree on climate action framework

    Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ajuri Ngelale, has announced an agreement with his Danish counterpart, Tomas Anker Christensen, on a framework for monitoring climate action programs in real-time.

    Ngelale disclosed this in an update he provided on the virtual meeting, held in Geneva, outlined President Bola Tinubu’s green industrial vision and Nigeria’s critical climate initiatives.

    According to him, the agreed next steps will prioritise de-risking capital formation in global climate finance discussions, supporting Nigeria’s campaign for value chain localization in the global south.

    Ngelale met with Green ICT Champion, Diseye Isoun, who briefed him on progress in decarbonizing Nigeria’s telecoms infrastructure, highlighting emission displacement opportunities and job creation potential.

    The collaboration aims to establish integrous frameworks and achievable benchmarks for Nigeria’s climate action efforts.”The week ended with a very important virtual engagement with my counterpart, Denmark’s Special Climate Envoy, Mr. Tomas Anker Christensen on Friday, in Geneva, Switzerland, as we laid out President Bola Tinubu’s green industrial vision and other critical climate action initiatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

    Read Also: Paris 2024 Olympics: Nigeria’s Ajayi, Ashe advance into 100m men’s semis 

    “The conversation led to an agreed set of next steps which will play a crucial role in providing a framework for monitoring climate action programmes in real-time while also placing de-risking capital formation at the forefront of global climate finance discussions as Nigeria leads the campaign for value chain localization in the global south.

    “Earlier, I was briefed on progress being recorded in Nigeria’s push to decarbonize its robust network of telecoms infrastructure facilities by Green ICT Champion, Mr. Diseye Isoun, who flew into Switzerland for the meeting. 

    “There are tremendously exciting emissions displacement opportunities in the sector that will create job opportunities in the months ahead. Mr. Isoun is working hard to ensure that our frameworks are integrous and that our benchmarks are achievable,” Ngelale said. 

  • Nigeria sets world record for highest number of lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously

    Nigeria sets world record for highest number of lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously

    In an unprecedented effort to promote maternal and child health, Nigeria has set the world record for the highest number of 31,250 lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously.

    This record breaks the record of 21,000 lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously attempted by the Philippines.

    The event, which was held across Nigeria, saw Niger State set a new record for the most lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously in states across the country with 1,800 lactating mothers breastfeeding at the same time.

    The state government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, UNICEF Nigeria, and other partners mobilised the women from the 25 local government areas to break the world record for the most simultaneous breastfeeding by lactating mothers.

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    The event, which was held to flag off the 2024 World Breastfeeding Day, had a target of 30,000 lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously but recorded 31,250 lactating women breastfeeding at the same time.

    In Niger State, the event was held at the Justice Lego Kutigi Conference Hall in Minna, marking the commencement of World Breastfeeding Week.

    The Niger State Commissioner of Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Bello Tukur, said breastfeeding will address malnutrition and preventable diseases, urging mothers to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and utilise primary healthcare centres (PHCs) for routine care.

  • Navigating Nigeria’s future: call for dialogue and collaboration

    Navigating Nigeria’s future: call for dialogue and collaboration

    The current situation in Nigeria, marked by protests, unrest, and economic challenges, underscores the urgent need for dialogue, reconciliation, and concerted action to address pressing issues and pave the way for progress and development. As Senator Orji Uzor Kalu rightly points out, the ongoing protests have deviated from the principles of peaceful assembly and are causing harm to the economy and society at large. In this context, it is imperative to suspend the protests indefinitely, engage in meaningful dialogue, and chart a collaborative path forward for the benefit of the country and its citizens.

    The current protest in Nigeria has failed to meet every parameter that defines a protest. Indeed, half education is a dangerous tool; as the saying goes, “Half education is worse than ignorance.” In this case, the protester’s lack of proper education led to the downfall, akin to falling on their own sword. The consequences of being misinformed or partially educated can be potent and destructive, highlighting the importance of seeking and acquiring a comprehensive education to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and discernment. This lack of education and turbulent approach undermines the legitimacy and impact of the protest, emphasizing the significance of knowledge and strategy in effective advocacy.

    There are several reasons why the current protests in Nigeria may fail to meet the criteria to be referred to as a protest.

    Firstly, the protests may lack a clear and unified message or demands. Without specific goals or demands, it can be difficult for the protests to gain traction and effect change.

    Additionally, the protests may lack organization and leadership. Without clear leadership and organization, it can be challenging to sustain momentum and coordinate effective actions.

    Furthermore, the protests may lack widespread participation and support from the general public. For protests to be successful, they often require broad-based support and participation from a diverse range of people.

    Overall, the current protests in Nigeria may fail to meet the criteria to be referred to as a protest due to a lack of clear goals, organization, leadership, and widespread public support.

    On day one of the protests, disturbing reports emerged of violence and evidence of politicians financing demonstrations against the government. This insidious manipulation of public dissent for political gain further undermines the legitimacy and integrity of the protest movement. Such actions not only detract from the noble intentions of those genuinely seeking positive change but also perpetuate a cycle of unrest and division within society. It is crucial to scrutinize and condemn these nefarious tactics to uphold the true essence of peaceful protest and democratic discourse.

    The presence of violence and the involvement of politicians in sponsoring protests can detract from the legitimacy and effectiveness of a protest. Violence can undermine the message and goals of the protest, causing harm to individuals and property, and potentially alienating potential supporters.

    Additionally, when politicians are involved in sponsoring protests, it raises questions about the authenticity and motives behind the demonstrations. Politicians may have their own agenda or interests in supporting protests, which can take away from the grassroots nature of a protest and undermine its credibility.

    For a protest to be effective and have a positive impact, it needs to be peaceful, well-organized, and driven by genuine grassroots movements with clear and unified demands. The presence of violence and political interference can hinder the success of protests and make it difficult to achieve meaningful change.

    In addressing the current turmoil in the country, the government must consider a range of strategic interventions. First and foremost, fostering open dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders, including protest leaders and community representatives, is essential to understanding the underlying grievances and finding common ground for resolution. Additionally, implementing transparent and accountable governance practices, such as enacting meaningful reforms and combating corruption, can help rebuild trust and restore confidence in the government’s ability to address the people’s concerns. Furthermore, investing in social programs and infrastructure development to improve the quality of life for citizens can help alleviate some of the systemic issues fueling the unrest. Ultimately, a combination of proactive communication, effective governance, and holistic development initiatives is crucial for the government to navigate the complexities of the current situation and promote lasting peace and stability in the country.

    Read Also: Violent protest: Military on standby to restore law, order, says CDS

    Essentially, the government should intervene as a matter of utmost urgency in the current protest situation in Nigeria in several ways, including:

    1. Dialogue and negotiation: The government can engage in dialogue with protest organizers to address their grievances and find peaceful solutions to the issues at hand. This can help de-escalate tensions and build trust between the government and protesters.

    2. Law enforcement: The government can deploy law enforcement officers to maintain public order and ensure the safety of all citizens. Law enforcement should act in a professional and non-violent manner to prevent further escalation of violence.

    3. Political reforms: The government can address the grievances of protesters by implementing political reforms that address issues such as corruption, inequality, and lack of accountability. By taking concrete steps to address these issues, the government can demonstrate its commitment to addressing the concerns of the protesters.

    4. Economic reforms: The government can implement economic reforms to address issues such as unemployment, high cost of living, and lack of economic opportunities. By improving the economic situation of the country, the government can address some of the underlying issues that are fueling the protests.

    5. Reconciliation and healing: The government can work towards reconciliation and healing by acknowledging past wrongs, promoting unity and understanding among different groups, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and tolerance.

    Overall, the government should prioritize peaceful and inclusive approaches to addressing the current protest situation in Nigeria, while also taking concrete steps to address the underlying issues that are driving the protests. By engaging in meaningful dialogue, implementing reforms, and promoting reconciliation, the government can work towards resolving the current crisis and building a more stable and prosperous future for all Nigerians.

    Intriguingly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s viewpoint is one perspective core to the ongoing situation in Nigeria. In his statement, he emphasizes the need for peaceful dialogue and adherence to international laws regarding protests. He suggests that the current protest’s actions are not in line with the principles of peaceful assembly and may lead to further chaos and economic harm.

    While it is important to consider all viewpoints in such complex situations, the effectiveness and legitimacy of protests can vary depending on the context and actions taken by both protesters and authorities. It is ultimately up to the government, civil society, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, address grievances, and find peaceful solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria.

    It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being and safety of the people, protect human rights, and work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Nigerians. By fostering understanding, respect, and cooperation, it is possible to navigate through difficult times and build a more resilient and equitable society.

    Having previously dismissed the notion of protests at this juncture, citing my belief in the diligent efforts of the Tinubu administration to reshape Nigeria’s trajectory towards prosperity, it is imperative to now explore the pathways forward for the nation amidst the current challenges. In light of recent events, it is evident that a proactive and comprehensive strategy is needed to address the various sociopolitical and economic issues facing Nigeria. As such, a holistic approach that encompasses political dialogue, governance reforms, social investments, and infrastructure development is essential for steering the country towards a path of sustainable progress and unity. In charting this course, stakeholders across all sectors must collaborate and prioritize the long-term collective interests of the nation, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s future trajectory.

    Of course, moving forward, the way forward for Nigeria at this critical time involves a combination of immediate actions and long-term strategies to address the current challenges and pave the way for sustainable development and progress. Some key steps that could be considered include:

    1. Dialogue and reconciliation: The government, civil society, and protesters should engage in sincere, inclusive, and productive dialogue to address grievances, build trust, and find peaceful and mutually acceptable solutions to the issues at hand. Reconciliation efforts should also be made to heal divisions and promote national unity.

    2. Addressing economic challenges: Nigeria should implement comprehensive economic reforms to stimulate growth, reduce poverty and inequality, create jobs, and improve the standard of living for all citizens. This may involve diversifying the economy, investing in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

    3. Good governance and accountability: Enhancing transparency, accountability, and good governance are essential to restoring trust in government institutions and promoting public confidence. Efforts should be made to eliminate corruption, improve public service delivery, and ensure that government actions are guided by the principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law.

    4. Social inclusivity and equity: Addressing social inequalities, discrimination, and marginalization is crucial to building a just and inclusive society where all individuals have equal opportunities and access to essential services. Policies should be designed to promote social cohesion, protect human rights, and empower marginalized communities.

    5. Security and peacebuilding: Strengthening security and promoting peace and stability are vital for creating an enabling environment for socio-economic development. Efforts should be made to address security challenges, combat violence and conflict, and promote dialogue and reconciliation among diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural groups.

    6. International cooperation and partnerships: Nigeria should engage with the international community, regional organizations, and development partners to leverage external support, resources, and expertise for addressing national challenges, promoting sustainable development, and advancing common goals.

    Essentially, by pursuing these and other strategic initiatives, Nigeria can overcome current obstacles, build resilience, and chart a path towards a more prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive future for all its citizens. It will require collective efforts, political will, and sustained commitment from all sectors of society to realize these aspirations and achieve sustainable development and positive change.

    In conclusion, the complex challenges facing Nigeria require a multi-faceted approach that combines dialogue, economic reforms, good governance, social inclusivity, security, and international cooperation. By coming together in a spirit of unity, understanding, and mutual respect, Nigerians can overcome divisions, build a prosperous and peaceful nation, and create a better future for generations to come. It is only through collective action, shared responsibility, and a commitment to positive change that Nigeria can realize its full potential and truly thrive as a vibrant and inclusive society.

    • Ademola, Nigeria’s first professor of Artificial Intelligence, writes from London

  • Nigeria, WEF agree on enhanced climate action collaboration

    Nigeria, WEF agree on enhanced climate action collaboration

    The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ajuri Ngelale, has said there is an agreement to advance new opportunities for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and the World Economic Forum’s Centre of Nature & Climate and the Centre for Energy and Materials.

    The SPEC announced the pact in an update he gave on his consultations with other stakeholders.

    He spoke about his engagements in Geneva, capital of Switzerland, where he presented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Green Industrial Vision and highlighted Nigeria’s climate action sector activities.

    The Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) briefed Ngelale on the next stage of their partnership with Nigeria, which has been recognised as a leader in Africa in addressing the plastic waste crisis.

    Ngelale assured GPAP that Nigeria would intensify efforts to promote proper plastic waste management, incentivise industries, and create a waste-to-energy district in Evergreen City, generating wealth from a circular economic ecosystem.

    The agreement demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to collaborative climate action and green economic opportunities, showcasing the potential for synergy and progress through global partnerships.

    Read Also: Conference of Patriotic Nigerians seeks end to protest 

    “On Wednesday in Geneva, Switzerland, I was briefed by the leadership of three technical teams who are working within the World Economic Forum’s Centre of Nature & Climate as well as the Forum’s Centre for Energy and Materials.”

    “We agreed to advance new opportunities for enhanced collaboration following my presentation of H.E. President Bola Tinubu’s green industrial vision with further insight into the wide-ranging activities presently being carried out in Nigeria’s climate action sector.

    “Aside from two extensive meetings with two important Centres of the Forum, I was briefed by the Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) on the next stage of GPAP’s partnership with Nigeria where data had shown that Nigeria had assumed the top position in Africa in responsiveness to the plastic waste crisis across multiple criteria of assessment.

    “I assured the GPAP leadership that we would re-double our efforts and create incentives for Nigerian industries to eschew poor plastic waste management practices while incentivizing the industry of plastic waste collection and advanced recycling within the context of a dedicated waste-to-energy district of Evergreen City, where wealth will be generated from the circular economic ecosystem that plastic waste pollution can eventually power.

    “There are many reasons to be excited about the ongoing handshake between Nigeria and the rest of the world on existential matters of climate action and the resulting green economic opportunities being presented.

    “Today’s interactions once again reminded me of all that can be achieved when we strive to work collaboratively with others — to learn, to listen, to share, and to execute in synergy,” Ngelale said.

  • Nigeria’s ‘me too’ protests

    Nigeria’s ‘me too’ protests

    If you follow the headlines and social media chatter, by tomorrow Nigeria should be a heaving cauldron of rage. Promoters of nationwide protests are promising ‘10 Days of Rage.’ One of the groups led by veteran agitator Omoyele Sowore that has identified with the action has ‘Revolution Now!’ as its rallying cry.

    By every definition, revolution suggests a violent overthrow of the existing order. Equally, the promise of rage from mobs of the people, directed at those in authority is ominous. Little wonder that the government is taking the threats seriously. It is mobilising as if war is imminent. Everyone from governors to ministers and sundry supporters of the administration have been preaching peace – trying to talk would-be protesters out of their proposed action.

    It’s fast turning into a typical Nigerian farce. While anti-government protesters are frothing at the gills with righteous rage over the cost of living crisis, supporters of the administration who argue that the protests are just another political ploy of frustrated election losers to secure regime change by any means necessary, are equally mobilising to have their say. It could just turn out to be 10 days of duelling rallies.

    Since the beginning of the year discontent has been bubbling under the surface as food and petrol prices spiked. The long drawn process of negotiating a new minimum wage  – with a brief labour strike thrown in to spice things up – deepened that air of tension.

    But much as the raw materials for agitation have been present locally, this protest is far from original – with most of those backing it admitting to receiving inspiration from the recent violent uprising in Kenya. Those protests left parts of central Nairobi in ruins, with 40 dead and the country in shock over what had just played out. The youthful protesters could claim a victory of sorts after President William Ruto withdrew the contentious Financial Bill which came with myriad taxes.

    Read Also: Tinubu inaugurates southern Nigeria traditional rulers

    For Nigeria, there are parallels to the situation in Kenya. Ruto took office in 2022 following a bitter election battle in which his predecessor didn’t back him. On his very first day in office, he scrapped the country’s age-long petrol subsidies – triggering fierce criticism as prices spiked. This mirrors President Bola Tinubu’s journey. He, too, emerged after an ugly electoral battle which his rivals fought up to the Supreme Court. He announced the end of fuel subsidies at his inauguration and floated the naira. What followed was raging inflation that has so far defied a myriad of interventions.

    For those who are ever ready to copy the latest fads in other countries as panacea for Nigeria, the Kenyan example looked attractive given the president’s quick capitulation on the Financial Bill. But after the smoke cleared and the hotheads had a chance to review the wreckage, it was debatable what the riots achieved. One of most notable enhancers of the protests, parliamentarian George Ndung’u was forced to issue a craven apology for his role in the crisis after seeing the consequences of what he had fanned.

    For those who are so gung-ho about protests, the assumption is that they can bring about much that is good. Unfortunately, beyond venting and being a channel for people to let out their frustrations, they don’t achieve much. After the burning, maiming and killings, Kenya hasn’t become heaven just because someone set a part of parliament on fire. You then have to wonder whether somebody’s proposed ‘10 days of rage’ would bring the price of rice down to N18,000 or a litre of petrol to N180.

    The presumption is that the president and other leaders at different levels are so oblivious of happenings in the country that they require nationwide protests whose eventual outcomes are unknown, to wake them up or force them to work miracles they’ve been unwilling to produce until now.

    One of the key weaknesses of the protest supposed to start tomorrow is the woolly way in which it is conceived. Officially, it is tagged the #EndBadGovernance protests. But what constitutes good or bad governance? A shopping list that has been floating around on social media has among other things the return of fuel subsidy and release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as demands. This is the same subsidy that all presidential candidates at the last election committed to remove.

    For some naive souls who will join themselves to the protests, it is supposedly about hunger. But the nebulous demand for an end to ‘bad governance’ plays into the hands of those who insist that it is the latest political chess move by embittered election losers.

    One of the clear lessons of the #EndSARS protests is that it had a clear, achievable goal that was captured in its name. For as long as the focus remained on police brutality and terminating the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), the agitation went swimmingly.

    The government quickly capitulated and scrapped the unit. But the organisers didn’t know when they had won. Instead of moving on they began tacking on new demands in the giddy and vain belief that their newly-discovered street power was all-conquering. It was overreach that played into the hands of the authorities.

    Unlike the Buhari regime which initially responded in a lackadaisical manner to the #EndSARS crisis in Lagos, the Bola Tinubu administration isn’t taking things for granted. That certainly comes from experiencing at first hand how quickly an out-of-control protest nearly brought the country’s commercial nerve centre to its knees. The scars are still fresh. Many of the facilities that were razed by protesters still out of commission.

    Given that no price can be put on human life, the discourse in the aftermath largely revolved around whether there were killings at the Lekki Toll Gate. Everyone has their own version of what happened at that location on that sad night. What didn’t become cause celebre are the killings that happened elsewhere. Policemen were murdered, their stations razed. Prisons were forced open and dangerous criminals let loose. Most of those escapees are roaming free, wreaking havoc till this day. No one can forget the haunting images of scores of newly-bought BRT buses casually burnt in the name of rage.

    No one who lived through that episode would take the threat of a similar protest by faceless organisers lightly. Wisely, the government has acknowledged the right of those who have been hurt by its policies to protest. Where there is a departure is that those who are quick to parrot constitutional guarantees of freedom of assembly are not so fast to state that the rights of protesters don’t supersede those of other Nigerians who want to get on with their lives, or to get to their work place in peace.

    Given our past experiences, none of these organisers can guarantee things won’t spiral out of control, or that their protesters won’t be hijacked by other forces.

    The country is at a critical juncture. President Tinubu’s reform may have had a bruising effect, but he has also made an effort to provide relief. They are by no means enough. But the charitable must admit that he’s only had a year to do the job. His critics expect him to perform transformational magic in that time.

    He is supposed to banish fuel scarcity that has plagued the country since the 70s in 13 months. From 1999 to 2023, billions of naira were ploughed into turnaround maintenance of the nation’s refineries, yet none is working as of date. Tinubu is supposed to simply lay hands on them and they miraculously come back to life.

    Most of the so-called demands of the protesters are things that only a military dictator can deliver. The president on his own cannot amend the constitution or restructure the country without the National Assembly. The release of Kanu is matter complicated by many court cases. It’s pointless discussing some other ridiculous demands which only confirm that those who wrote them have been spending too much time watching TV talking heads.

    So would Nigeria go up in flames tomorrow as some fear? I doubt it very much. A damp squib would be delivered because those driving these ‘me too’ protests are not clear as to what they expect out of this action. They are keen to start something but have no exit strategy. Like those who came before them with #EndSARS they will soon discover that rage has its uses, but it can also be badly abused; and good governance goes beyond conjuring another trendy hashtag. Hopefully rage will give way to constructive engagement.

  • How Nigeria can manage her diversity

    How Nigeria can manage her diversity

    By Stephen Olabode

    Though Nigeria has enjoyed 25 years of unbroken democratic rule since 1999, the nation still suffers from several issues along its diversity lines. While the democratic system has solved some of the problems caused by the military, it faces myriad of ethnic and cultural challenges, posing threat to national unity.

    This largely can be blamed on leadership and ineffective governance systems. Issues like insurgency, farmers-herders clashes, agitation for secession, communal conflicts, poverty, etc, have become order of the day. Despite Nigeria’s potential to thrive on the wings of diversity, poor leadership and corruption have caused a great setback. These corrupt practices, nepotism, favouritism, misappropriation, and embezzlement of public resources cause resentment and mistrust among diverse groups reinforcing stereotypes and creating tensions.

    Nigeria is yet to achieve full potentials of democracy. Communities in rural areas often lack access to dividends because there is no effectiveness of local government. A lot of these communities have suffered neglect and could not have a fair share of the federal allocation of resources needed for development. This causes marginalization and make them feel excluded.

    Ordinarily, no human will feel safe where their interests are not protected. More reason why groups from various parts of the country have been calling for secession owing to claims that their interests are no longer safe in the country. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah said at the 21st convocation ceremony of the University of Abuja that, “when people do not feel a sense of being equal before the law, then differences become manifest”.

    Read Also: Tinubu addressing demands, no need for protest – FEC

    Embracing inclusion in all facets of Nigerian society is essential for effectively managing the country’s diverse cultural landscape. We must rejig and redesign our educational system entirely to celebrate and promote our cultural values.

    For instance, only the indigenous languages of major tribes are taught as subjects in schools. Moving on, provisions must be made to include the indigenous languages of other minority groups in school curriculum and should be taught to interested students. This will give these tribes a sense of relevance, preserve culture richness, and promote value.

    While the federal system of government is crucial in promoting national integration and unity, it has been observed that the system has attracted too much concentration of powers to the centre. In a democratic society, power belongs to the people. As such, Nigeria must decentralize power as a way to promote inclusion, effectiveness, and solve diversity issues by reintroducing regional government and local government autonomy.

    To further strengthen cohesion and unity, the government should give more recognition to minority and marginalized ethnic groups through sports and tourism development. Cultural heritage sites and artefacts should be developed and protected as national assets. Our National Sports Festival should include more indigenous sporting activities, especially those of the minorities.

    It is important that every citizen embrace one identity regardless of our different language and tribe. The individuality of Nigeria’s Atlanta ’96 winning team did not carry their various ethnic identity to the Olympics but a single national identity. This, we must emulate to build a nation of our dreams.

    The effort to manage our diversity must be an intentional and a concerted one. Through national orientation, good leadership, legislation, and policymaking, Nigeria can harness the strength of its diversity to propel the nation towards a future where tribes and tongues harmonize in a symphony of progress and prosperity.

    • Stephen Olabode, Abuja.

  • As cartel hangs Nigeria in the balance

    As cartel hangs Nigeria in the balance

    • By Wole Olujobi

    Nigeria, again, is on the tenterhooks. After a cliff-hanger poll that returned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the February 25, 2023 presidential election, the pre-June 12, 1993 presidential poll subterfuge and tactics that denied Nigerians the best electoral process and claimed the life of the winner, the late MKO Abiola, are being resurrected to give effect to the scheme of Nigeria’s mafia that runs the nation’s political economy. 

    For these partisan taskmasters and their collaborators in the dark world of oil business, it is a matter of life and death in the business of holding the levers of power to enjoy the monopoly of interests.

    The method is holding the nation to ransom by crippling the economy, create conditions for unrest, use the negative and often the intended effects of their evil schemes to manipulate the civil society to an act of rage, create conditions for mass poverty among the productive segments of the society, fund the youth groups to become despondent and willing tools against their own fortunes, create a large pool of hell-raisers and let out these dogs of war to fight a battle they don’t stand a chance to benefit anything. That is the tactic of the mafia groups all over the world in their evil plots.

    Organised crime is a highly centralised enterprise that seeks to infiltrate politics and extract public resources for private benefits.

    In Italy notorious for cell crimes, for example, the mafia frequently threatens politicians to obtain government contracts that pay handsomely. Individual politicians or businessmen who threaten those business interests may find themselves in danger. Physical assaults, arson and threats are the mafia’s favoured tactics to drive their agenda. For instance, after the director of a Sicilian national park in 2016 in Italy strengthened anti-mafia checks on local firms applying to work in the park, he narrowly survived a night-time assassination attempt.

    Unfortunately, as organised crime groups enrich themselves, they impoverish the people. Their tactics include using insiders to carry out their crimes and targeting people who are business competitors, just like the alleged involvement of stakeholders in the critical nerves of the nation’s economy, namely NNPC and Central Bank, among others, in the ongoing economic crisis allegedly fuelled by certain interest groups.

    Ordinarily, mafia has no interest in hurting ordinary people: they targeted their competitors and devise means to always have the upper hand. But again, ordinary people are parts of the tools used by mafia groups to achieve their plans.

    Read Also: Tinubu addressing demands, no need for protest – FEC

    In case of Nigeria, there are two competitors in the contest ring for power: the established authorities and the cabals that protect personal interest above state’s interest.

    Unfortunately in most cases, the mafia often operate within the establishment or they have collaborators within the system. For the latter, like the ‘Ndrangheta’ mafia group in Italy widely considered the richest and most powerful mafia in the world, personal interest of members is far more valued than the collective interest of the public.

    It is in this context that the current fuel supply brouhaha in Nigeria can be located in a contest between public interest and personal interest of the cartel.

    The style, they say, is the man. For the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with the frightening records of sleaze and its offspring in the Labour Party that thrive in mob tactics in driving their agenda, the manipulation of the pedestrian rabble into an act of rage against the opponent is the most clinical way of achieving predetermined ends.

    Just like the mafia did ahead of the February 25, 2023 presidential poll, the target of the current mob tactics of the cartel is the resumption of subterfuge that played out ahead of the February 25, 2023 presidential poll to stop Tinubu from taking the nation’s presidential cake.

    The tactics included EndSARS riots in Lagos with Tinubu’s assets, real or imagined, as objects of mob attacks, fake opinion polls predicting Tinubu’s loss, unfounded certificate forgery allegation and allegation that Tinubu planned to foist his family members on government’s establishments to hold the most strategic positions in government.

    For the mafia, those who stole their states’ assets to acquire private properties around the world or who held one of the biggest stakes in Panama Files saga and those who used Special Purpose Vehicles to steal the country blind through the Obasanjo’s fraudulent privatisation programme, to acquire public utilities, were better than a man who turned Lagos State to the third biggest economy in Africa.

    Now the beat is changing to alter the dance steps of the nation in a hurry for growth in a world wracked by universal economic meltdown that is stifling the most developed nations of the world, but which Nigerian cartels are painting as Nigeria’s sole local crisis.

    After years of fuel subsidy chaos that saw a few Nigerians stealing billions of dollars that left majority of Nigerians in poverty, Tinubu’s solution to the theft has reawakened the mafia to bare their fangs, incinerate the nation and distract the president to fail in his development agenda and, ultimately, to see his untimely exit from the Aso Rock in order to install a contraption that will protect the interest of the mafia.

    Nigeria runs a mono-economy that thrives on oil production. To hurt Tinubu, degrade his capability and capacity to deliver on campaign promises, thus paving the way for his failure and forced exit from the Aso Rock, they ensured that the nation’s refineries are incapacitated, to cripple the nation’s capacity in the business of oil production that is the live wire of the economy.

    Aliko Dangote built one of the biggest and most modern refineries in the world that has potential to end fuel misery among Nigerians. In order to discredit the billionaire businessman that they see as a threat to their interest, even as Dangote, in overt conspiracy, is being denied supply of crude for his refinery in a country that ranks among the biggest in crude production.

    Protest is a universal concept in civil demand for good governance. But when the import of civil protest is couched in fatality like the one being planned by the cartel in Nigeria’s oil business in cahoots with the failed candidates in electoral contests, the intent is other than noble and has the trappings of national combustion, the end of which may be difficult to predict. Yet, there is no let-up in the impish plot to cause national uproar that holds no promise for the health of the nation.

    The mafiosi of the right in their diabolical intents have invaded all the nooks and crannies of the country, plotting violent demonstrations, asking Tinubu to vacate the office. For them, unlawful and forceful takeover of government is a viable option to take power after they failed to secure Nigerians’ endorsements at polls.

    Just like the practice among the mafia worldwide, they combine these criminal acts with political blackmail by organising mobs across the country to stage protests asking Tinubu to abdicate office.

    Like in Italy, Mexico and Colombia, Nigerian mafiosi have since compromised ordinary unwary citizens to rebel, declaring that while Tinubu has run aground the nation’s economy, Dangote produces substandard oil not fit for the nation’s industrial machines. They won’t acknowledge that what Nigeria is going through today is consequent upon the effects of their past criminal activities, which forced Nigeria to a consumption economy instead of production economy that fuels economic development and prosperity among citizens.

    The current mob attacks planned by the mafia tagged “Days of rage” commencing from August 1, speaks volumes of the intendment of the planners in cahoots with the mafia sponsoring them ahead of the jostles for the 2027 presidential ballot. Just like they called for Tinubu’s head before the election, they still insist on harvesting his head in a platter.

    As things stand today with the cabal and oil mafia raving and raging with their sledgehammer ready to nail the nation’s economic coffin over the personal interest of the few, Nigerians must wake up from their inertia to take their fates in their hands to resist the mafia’s man’s inhumanity to man and claim their destinies in a prosperous nation governed by a visionary leadership.

    •Olujobi, a journalist and Commissioner in Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, writes from Ado-Ekiti.