The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerians

  • Ex-Appeal Court justice to Fed Govt: get more Nigerians into farming

    Ex-Appeal Court justice to Fed Govt: get more Nigerians into farming

    • Govt advised to end petroleum products’ importation
    • Lawyers decry judges’ condition of service

    A retired judge of the Benin Division of the Court of Appeal, Justice Fatima Akinbami, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensure that more jobless Nigerians go into farming.

    She also said the government needs to end importation of refined petroleum products and make public and private refineries to work optimally.

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Wale Babalakin, who spoke on behalf of the Body of SANs, said the condition of service of Nigerian judges has been disgraceful.

    Justice Akinbami, Babalakin and other eminent personalities spoke yesterday at the valedictory court session and book launch in honour of the Appeal Court Justice, who was bowing out of the Bench at 70.

    The event was held at the Court of Appeal at the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Benin, the Edo State capital.

    The 802-page book, titled: Fulfillment of A Challenge, was written by Justice Akinbami and published by Pearl Publishers International Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The events were also attended by Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu; a director of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation titles, Prof. Adebayo Williams; Justice Akinbami’s husband, Chief Kola Akinbami; their children, and others.

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    The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion; the presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, Justice Teresa Orji-Abadua; Justice Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo of Delta State Division of the appellate court; the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa; Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi; and Chairman of Benin Branch/Lion Bar of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nosa Edo-Osagie; also attended the events.

    Justice Akinbami clocked 70 on August 15 but her valedictory court session could not hold because the courts were on vacation then.

    She said: “I have travelled to the six geographical zones of Nigeria and I observed that a large number of people are not gainfully employed. Adults wake up in the morning and, instead of going to work, they play the game of ludo. Others sit and watch Nollywood movies from morning till night. Most parts of the country are not desert. Therefore, they could be used for agricultural purposes. 

    “The focus of the new administration should be vigorously directed at getting unemployed citizens to engage in farming, immediately. Food production must be pursued by all able-bodied adults. There is no alternative to food production, locally, so that ordinary people in Nigeria would have basic food to eat.”

    “There is need to curtail the importation of food of any sort. Therefore, the pressure on the country’s foreign exchange would be used for more critical purposes to grow the economy.

    “Another area that should be given consideration is the issue of importation of refined petroleum products. There is need for an amendment to the Constitution in the area of natural resources. The states ought to be allowed to be the main beneficiaries from the different minerals that exist in their domains. The current situation is not equitable.”

    Babalakin described Justice Akinbami, who is married his uncle, as “a reflection of pedigree, scholarship, carriage, and elegance”.

    Decrying the condition of service of the nation’s judges, he said: “The condition of service of judges is a personal disgrace for every senior lawyer that we have not put hands together to position the judiciary in its rightful place… 

    “We emulate the English system, in terms of practising this way. But we are a poor contrast, because there is no judge of the High Court of England that is not exceptionally comfortable. It is not possible to be a High Court judge in England without being a person of considerable resources. We lawyers are guilty, and we must find a solution to this.” 

  • Attitude and development: Tracing a missing gap

    Attitude and development: Tracing a missing gap

    Sir: For a while, I have borne on my mind the serious effects of attitudinal deficiencies among Nigerians, but I got sufficiently motivated to comment on it when I saw different videos of the effect of the downpour in Lagos at the weekend. In some places, there were no drains and in many other places drains were obstructed by filth so there was no flow and that resulted in different levels of challenges for commuters and residents in Lagos. What do we deduce from this? 

    Even with appropriate drainage system everywhere, if we do not become human beings with the right attitude who understand that filth should not just be dropped anywhere and everywhere, it would keep looking like we do not have a working government even when the attitude of the citizens may be causing a greater hindrance to the development of the country than the inaction of the government. How does the government come into community members stealing materials supplied for the construction of roads for their own use? How does the government come into the vandalisation and abuse of public infrastructure by the citizens who use them? Is the government also to blame for the “big man” who winds down from his car to dispose of his soda can or who defies traffic light because no one is watching?

    Is government the reason you eat your orange as commuters and throw away the pith from the bus? Is government the reason the bus driver increases fare because there are many commuters?

    Read Also: Be patient with Tinubu, SWAGA boss urges Nigerians

    In psychology, attitude refers to a set of emotions, beliefs, and behaviours toward a particular object, person, thing, or event. Attitudes are associated to experiences or upbringing and they have a powerful influence over behaviour and affect how people act in various situations.

    When an American wakes up, he says “God bless America”. This is a mind-set and an attitude. How do you see Nigeria? It is okay if you do not like, trust or believe in some political leaders but it cannot be okay when this dislike extends to your country and you can utter expressions such as “this country cannot be good again.”, “Nigeria is finished”, and even ask people questions such as “why will you believe in this kind of country?”

    So much is connected to attitude that we cannot afford to be silent on its collapse in our society. We must work collectively on attitude repair by doing what is right and urging others to do same. Parents must train their children with the right values. Teachers cannot limit their tasks to teaching just the contents of their subjects. Preachers must tell their congregation that they are members of a whole and must live right in the society. Government too must show the right attitude by making the citizens feel the benefits of being patriotic. 

    I close this piece with the story of the man who promised to change the world in 10 years. He failed then pleaded for another 10 years to change Africa. He failed again then asked for yet another 10 years to change Nigeria. When he failed this time, he begged for the last chance of another 10 years to change his state. After failing at the state level, then he said to himself, “Instead of wasting 40 years trying to change the larger society, I could have begun by changing myself then my household. My household would have changed our neighbours and our neighbours would have affected our community positively.”

    Let the change we all desire begin with us. Repair your attitude!

    • Ganiu Bamgbose, Lagos State University, Ojo.
  • The trouble with Nigerians

    The trouble with Nigerians

    • By Zayd Ibn Isah

    Iconic writer, Chinua Achebe, in his book, “The Trouble with Nigeria”, famously stated, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land, climate, water, air, or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility and embrace the challenge of setting a personal example, which are the hallmarks of true leadership.”

    Unsurprisingly, this statement by Achebe has come to be frequently cited by political commentators who often examine the nation’s problems. While I agree with the late writer’s assertion that a failure of leadership lies at the heart of the challenges facing the nation, it’s also evident that there are issues with the mind-set, actions, and behaviours of the average Nigerian when it comes to matters of public interest.

    This is not to exonerate those in positions of power in the country by painting everyone with the same brush. Certainly, there are good leaders, just as there are good followers in Nigeria. It’s crucial to acknowledge that while we may criticize our leaders for forsaking the aspirations of the people in pursuit of filthy lucre, we mustn’t forget that they were once like their followers. They, too, criticized those who governed them before finding themselves in their shoes, only to sometimes surpass their predecessors in the very behaviours they once decried.

    In today’s Nigeria, it seems almost an abomination to live within one’s means, even as a public or private worker. You will be considered a failure if after 35 years of meritorious service to your country, you do not flaunt wealth brazenly or possess luxurious mansions and exotic automobiles scattered all over the country.

    The prevalence of living beyond one’s means in Nigeria became apparent to me through a story a friend shared with me not too long ago. This particular tale involved a senior uniformed personnel who, after 20 years of service, had little to show for it. In contrast, his nephew, who secured the same job with only a basic education certificate through his influence, already owned a mighty edifice in the village and drove expensive cars after just three years on the job. At a point, the former personnel’s family had even suggested he should return home to farm since the job was clearly not favouring him! We have reached a point where amassing ill-gotten wealth has become the rule rather than exception. Just like the average Nigerian, the family members didn’t even care how and where the latter officer got his money from. All they knew was that their boy was doing well. And of course, one would instantly be labelled an “enemy of progress” if they were to dare question their boy’s source of income.

    Recently, I came across an interview in Punch newspaper featuring 32-year old Yusuf Suleiman from Kano State, who made a sterling discovery that the Kano State Government was still paying his late father’s salary. He promptly returned the money to the state’s treasury. This decision drew mixed reactions from the public; some labelled him “a blockhead and a finished man”, while others commended him for his honesty.

    The average Nigerian often exhibits a sense of entitlement and sees nothing wrong with living beyond their means. There is a prevailing belief that the country’s wealth belongs to everyone and no one in particular. Consequently, when individuals attain positions of authority, they frequently prioritize their own interests. Those who resist the prevailing norm of “chop make I chop” may incur the wrath of their colleagues and even family members. I once read a story about a Nigerian professor who won an election to represent his constituency in the senate. After four years of diligent service to his people, his wife and children were dissatisfied that he wasn’t as rich as his colleagues. It is stories like this that make me chuckle and wonder whenever I hear Nigerians saying, “We are highly religious people.” While I agree that we are indeed religious, but there seems to be an abundance of “religiosity” in Nigeria with a scarcity of genuine spirituality.

    Read Also: Tinubu: we will create wealth for all Nigerians

    That said, it’s essential for us to engage in introspection. While we collectively agree with Achebe that the core issue plaguing Nigeria is undoubtedly a failure of leadership, we must not forget that these leaders we criticize for their inability to improve the country’s fortunes emerged from within our society. As such, it’s time for some self-reflection. Greed and a lack of patriotism are deeply embedded in our problems. It’s often remarked that Americans think about what they can do for America, not what America can do for them. However, when you share this sentiment with the average Nigerian, the response might be, “What has this country even done for me?” But what is the essence of singing the national anthem and the national pledge if we can’t live up to their letter and spirit?

    All in all, there is a popular adage that the ruin of a nation begins from the homes of its people. Parents have a significant role to play in reshaping the future of this country. They should live by example, and our children must be taught that it’s not okay to take what does not belong to them. Late Dora Akunyili once said that she learned how to live within her means and not take what did not belong to her from her parents, and that’s why she was able to make meaningful changes regardless of the circumstances. Speaking about Akunyili, I would like to conclude this article by sharing her thoughts during an interview session with journalists for us to reflect upon in our quest for a better Nigeria.

    “Today as we speak, our citizenship as Nigerians, we cannot take it to the bank. We want to bequeath to our children, a Nigeria citizenship that they can take to the bank. Otherwise, God will not forgive us. And when we talk about inefficiency in education sector, political sector, governance and all, everything boils down to corruption. And corruption is not about giving or taking money. Corruption is not about giving or taking money. Corruption is about not doing the right thing. And why are we corrupt? Because of lack of understanding, because we do not understand that we don’t need too much, our wants may be too many, but our needs are very little. And I don’t even envy corrupt people; they destroy themselves, their children and generations unborn. And when we look at the way we behave to ourselves and to this country, Nigeria, for which we have no other country that we can call our own, it’s all because of bad attitude, that attitude of the past and even the present, that we are saying through rebranding that we must change, if we don’t change, nothing will change…”

    I believe every right-thinking citizen of this country can agree with all that Prof. Dora Akunyili said in that interview. Unless there is a shift in perceptions and attitudes from both the leaders and the led, our aspirations for a united, peaceful, and prosperous country will always remain a distant dream.

    • Isah can be reached via: lawcadet1@gmail.com
  • Tinubu approves initiative to provide eyeglasses for five million Nigerians

    Tinubu approves initiative to provide eyeglasses for five million Nigerians

    President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, declared his support for a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Programme and the Peek Vision Foundation to provide more than five million pairs of eyeglasses to Nigerians with sight impairments.

    A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu declared his support for the initiative when he received the Founder and CEO of Peek Vision Foundation and Co-Founder of the Vision Catalyst Fund, Prof. Andrew Bastawrous, on a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to the statement, the President who made a pledge on behalf of the federal government during the visit, recounted how close to home his first intervention in eye health was, narrating how his late mother encouraged him to take up the challenge of providing vision care for the needy of society.

    “My first experience was with my mother of blessed memory. She was ill and she could not recognise me. When I intervened, she was treated and given a pair of glasses. The next question she asked me was: I have you, and you are able to do this for me. What about those other women and their children who may not have somebody like you to intervene for them?

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    “So I made a promise to her that I would pursue the mass provision of eye care vigorously and that I would provide free eye screenings and surgeries to people because of that question my mother asked me and because of her passion to see others healed.

    “We eventually impacted the eye health of millions of people in Lagos, and you could see their joy over the immediate sight enhancements when they were given a pair of glasses,” the President fondly recalled.

    Highlighting the pressing need for improved eye health services in Nigeria, President Tinubu expressed concern about the more than 24 million Nigerians grappling with varying degrees of vision impairments.

    “We must act now because sight and vision is critical to economic development and growth,” the President said, recalling his visionary “Jigi Bola” programme, which was initiated during his tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State in 2001 and provided free eye screenings and surgeries to Lagosians while setting a new precedent for proactive eye care initiatives in West Africa.

    “I am in support of this initiative, and I will encourage the mobilisation of further commitment to see this through and to reach vulnerable people all across our country. Some parents may not pay attention to this, but I will, because I am touched,” the President concluded.

    Expressing his commitment to the cause, Prof. Bastawrous said: “Good vision unlocks human potential. It improves earning, learning, and wellness for individuals, communities, and countries.”

    He shared his personal story and the transformative power of vision care: “When I was 12, I was told by my teachers that I was clumsy and lazy, but the results of an eye exam explained that I had very poor vision. And when I put on a pair of glasses, I saw the leaves on a tree for the first time, and my life completely changed two weeks later, I was using my first pair of free eyeglasses and I saw stars clearly for the first time. My grades improved, and the trajectory of my life completely changed, all because of a very cheap intervention that is 700 years old. Had that not happened, I would not be standing in front of you today. I would not be a professor, and I would not be involved in the work I am doing because sight gives opportunity,” the Peek Foundation CEO shared.

    Professor Bastawrous noted that eye care is still chronically under-resourced in many countries, adding that the estimates in Nigeria show that 0.0002 percent of the health budget is spent on eye health.

    “The good news is that President Tinubu has an excellent team in the health sector, and some of them have demonstrated tremendous leadership in the sector. What we would like to offer is to bring our Peek Vision methodology and platform to Nigeria to help unlock resources from multiple sources. In the countries where we have worked, Peek in Botswana unlocked 10 million dollars for the school programme, and in Kenya, 17 million Euros. Through the Vision Catalyst Fund, we have secured a donation of 200 million pairs of glasses, and we would like a significant proportion of that to come to Nigeria,” he concluded.

    At the end of the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate was joined by the Coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme, Dr. Oteri Okolo and the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chukuma Anyaike, as he presented a National Policy Document on Eye Health to the President.

  • 60m Nigerians involved in gaming prone to data breaches

    60m Nigerians involved in gaming prone to data breaches

    Over 60 million Nigerians are prone to data breaches every month as a result of their involvement in one form of gaming or another, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji has said.

    However,  Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani said all institutions of government and those in the private sector must work together to ensure that citizens personal data are kept with the highest standards of confidentiality.

    Tijani who highlighted the significance of personal data as conferring greater power and responsibilities on data processing institutions in the country,  insisted that Nigeria Data Protection Act should be implemented to align with global best standards and practices.

    “Data privacy is a right of citizens and must be maintained under the highest standards of confidentiality. The present administration will strengthen data protection framework to align with international standards. We must nurtured the culture of transparency and integrity on how data is used in Nigeria.

    “President Bola Tinubu is keen on driving inclusive society. He wants to build a Nigeria that works for all of us. So I urge you to scale up this conversation beyond technicalities,  it should become values that we all hold very dear,” Tijani said.

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    Dr Olatunji who described the 60 million Nigerians who are involved in gaming as vulnerable, said there is already an on going collaboration with the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission to ensure that the personal data of those involved are secured and protected. He said the way and manner by which the data of citizens who are into gaming are put out and processed rendered them vulnerable to data infractions and breaches.

    According to him, his Commission and the regulatory body for Lottery promotion in Nigeria are into partnership for a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure that the data of the 60 million innocent citizens are not breached.

    The Minister and Dr Olatunji made the remarks at the Continental Hotel,  Abuja, during the opening ceremony of a two-day Sensitization Workshop on Data Privacy and Protection.

    Dr Olatunji said the NDPC also had fruitful deliberations with the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,  on the moves by the Apex Banks to collect social media handles/addresses of accounts holders in Nigeria. He said those discussions are still ongoing, but it had been agreed that there was no need for such requests from accounts holders.

    Dr Olatunji said henceforth Ministers, and Chief Executive Officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs,  would be held liable for the breach of citizens data in their custody,  insisting that it is the position of the Data Privacy and Protection Act recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

    He explained that the Sensitization Programme had become imperative to draw attention of Data Processors to the need to align themselves with the provisions of the law and avoid going to prison or paying huge penalties for data breaches.

    The Commissioner stated that there would be sectoral guidelines for all data processors to enable them adapt to the challenges of carrying out their duties without infractions, noting that over 200 data  processing institutions have been verified by the Commission in recent times.

    Dr Olatunji who said the sector is capable of generating millions of jobs for Nigerians within the shortest periods because of its huge potentials,  said within the past two years over 250 million naira revenue has been generated for government by the Commission, while about 500,000 jobs have been created as well.

  • Foundation lifts 200 indigent Nigerians with cash

    Foundation lifts 200 indigent Nigerians with cash

    No fewer than 200 indigent Nigerians have received cash gifts from a US- based charity organisation, Tilova for Africa, to support their businesses as well as cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    Co-founder of the organisation, Mr. Martins Nwabueze, said the gifts, ranging from N50,000 to N500,000, will be given to individuals to support their businesses till the year ends.

    He said the selection of the beneficiaries were based on their conditions, loyalty and belief that the money would assist them shoulder their responsibilities in view of their present conditions.

    Expressing worry about Nigeria’s worsening economy, occasioned by subsidy removal; Nwabueze pledged his organisation’s continued support for families within their power.

    He said: “To mark my son’s, Osinachi’s, 15th birthday, we decided to empower 200 Facebook followers of Tilova for Africa.

    Read Also: Ojo partners trust funds for loans

    “We embark on this empowerment programme to alleviate the suffering of the needy among our Facebook followers in this very unpleasant economic situation.

    “Cash gifts ranging from N50,000 to N500,000 will be given to individuals from now till December,  to support their businesses.”

    Nwabueze called on governments of African countries to intensify efforts to ensure many people were taken out of poverty.

    He advised those interested in being assisted to follow them on Facebook or visit their website at www.tilovaforafrica.com

    One of the beneficiaries, Ms Chioma Mba, a Lagos-based single mother, said life had been tough since her husband abandoned her for giving birth to three girls without a male child.

    “I really appreciate Tilova for Africa for the N250,000  cash gift. It will support my business and help me cater for my children,” she said.

    Another beneficiary, Jaiyeoba Omotolani, a physically-challenged orphan and a single mother of one, expressed her gratitude to the organisation.

    “I had disability as a result of polio at age three and I lost my parents at age 15. I am also taking care of my three nephews, who lost their parents in 2017.

    “Life has not been easy for me because of my condition. The N250,000 from Tilova is a huge relief. May God continue to bless the organisation,” she said.

  • Nigerians should tell positive stories about country -Amb Isola

    Nigerians should tell positive stories about country -Amb Isola

    The Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Chief Sarafa Tunji Isola has lamented the fact that Nigerians, most often than not, do not tell positive stories about themselves, their country, and especially their leaders, accusing them of being quick to condemn than commend.

    This lack of sense of patriotism, according to him, is part of the factors that slow down development of the country.

    Ambassador Isola, who spoke at a  breakfast business meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel at 02, London  facilitated by Apostle Lawrence Achudume in collaboration with Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, said on the contrary, Nigerians are hardworking, intelligent and goal getters.

    “We are entrepreneurs, we are adventurers; so push agenda for values and tell good stories to make a difference,” he said.

    “I feel proud; I raise my head high anywhere in the world as a proud Nigerian.”

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    Ambassador Isola further said: “There is that spirit called the Nigerian Spirit, which is resilient, hardworking and innovative, but the problem is that Nigerians don’t tell positive stories about themselves.”

    While admonishing Nigerians to believe in themselves and the country and confess positive things about the country, Ambassador Isola said: “Why should you allow other people to tell your stories for you as Nigerians? The social media should be used positively instead of using it for misinformation, falsehood, and half truth.

    “The world is so diverse and there is need to break the walls; there should be a paradigm shift from consumption to production. Nigeria is a place to go for investment”, he added.

    According to him, there is nothing wrong in people criticising their leaders, insisting however, that criticism must be in corrective ways.

    Speaking on the essence of the breakfast meeting, Ambassador Isola said networking is important to business development, as no business can thrive without partnership, adding that Nigeria is a place to go for investment.

    The Lead Pastor of the Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume in a remark said nobody can build the country except Nigerians.

    “Do not think of western nations in the development of Africa. The Western Media will not advertise the country; all they will do is bad publicity to make you hate your country.”

    Guests  Speakers, Wole Elusakin, CEO, Pomegranate Nigeria Limited  and Ahmed Lawal, Managing Director, Wealthbridge, posited that entrepreneurs rule the world, noting that Nigerians abroad should surround themselves with quality people and professionals who will expose them to opportunities that can bring favourable returns from investment.

    The speakers opined that the current administration is opened to partnership with the business community, pointing out that the opportunity should be maximally utilised.

  • ‘Nigerians must be patient with Tinubu’

    ‘Nigerians must be patient with Tinubu’

    • Association gets president

    The outgoing National President of Jama-at-tul Islammiya of Nigeria, Arc Taofeeq Agabje, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    Agbaje said the new administration needs time to settle down and come up with its programmes.

    He spoke during the 11th Triennial delegates’ conference of the association at Magodo, Lagos.

    Agbaje said: “Things can’t turn around overnight. However, it is important that the government also cut down costs so that the citizens will realise that everyone is affected,”

    He called on Muslims to unite to confront their challenges.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Sultan of Sokoto on 67th birthday

    Chairman on the occasion, Justice Habeebullah Abiru, said: “Muslims should fight for their people and shouldn’t wait until they hold political positions before helping other Muslims. Christians help one another whether or not they hold political positions.

    “The political landscape in the last election has shown that we need to stand together and bring about a society that allows Muslims to exercise their rights without any discrimination.”

    Abiru said there is a need for Muslims to leverage on the development in the country to protect their rights.

    Guest speaker and Chief Imam of Unilag Muslim Community, Prof Ismail Musa emphasized that diversity is not limited to the Muslims but the non-Muslims too.

    Prof Musa said: “Our country is pluralistic and in most cases, the Muslims and non-Muslims are always at loggerheads. The problems and conflict in Nigeria is a manifestation of lack of diversity in Islam because we look at diversity in negative ways. The commonalities are much more than the diversities. There are a lot of things we have in common.”

    Prof. Musa reiterated that Muslims are not well represented in governance like the Christians.

    “The injustice we suffer today is because of our lack of unity.  May Allah continue to strengthen and support us,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the association on Sunday elected Alhaji Ashim Adebowale Oyekan, an engineer as the new president.

    Oyekan will run the affairs for the next three years.

    He promised that he and other members of the National Executive Council (NEC) will be forthright in the tasks ahead, consolidating the gains made by the Islamic organisation.

    Oyekan was a former Commissioner of Environment and Physical Planning and Agriculture, Co-operative and Rural Development in Lagos State, between 1992-1993.

  • First Lady to Nigerians: better days coming

    First Lady to Nigerians: better days coming

    From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja 

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged fellow Nigerians to look beyond the present difficulties in the country and exercise patience to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    Senator Tinubu gave the assurance while hosting wives of Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), led by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and President of the Defence and Police Wives’ Association, Mrs. Oghogho Musa.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by her spokesperson Busola Kukoyi said the First Lady assured fellow Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was doing everything possible to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal and ensure that the gains of the policy materialize for general prosperity. 

    She said her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was supporting the government to reduce the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the citizenry.

    Senator Tinubu said this was the reason she solicited the support of the wives of the Service Chiefs for the initiative to succeed.

    “We will need your various associations from time to time, at least, to be able to reach out to women in your various barracks, to reassure them that we mean well for this country. They should be patient. Whatever we can do to ameliorate what the subsidy has meted to us, we believe there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

    “It is a greater Nigeria we are looking out for. It is a legacy for our children and generations yet unborn. We will leave a Nigeria we can relate better with as Nigerians. We look for the good of this nation, and the wealth of this country can be greatly enhanced,” she said.

    The First Lady also promised that the RHI would soon be reaching out to widows of fallen military officers.  

    Mrs. Musa assured Senator Tinubu that the various associations under Defence and Police Officers’ Wives were poised to partner the Renewed Hope Initiative in all areas of its scope of coverage, namely: Agriculture, Education, Health, Economic Empowerment and Social Investment. 

    She stressed that such areas were of interest to all the associations.

    The First lady was decorated as the Grand Matron of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives’ Association, as enshrined in the constitutions of the various associations.

  • Nasarawa stakeholders demand increased funding for agriculture

    Nasarawa State stakeholders in agriculture have called on the State Government to increase its budget

    allocation to the sector to 10 per cent in line with the Maputo declaration.

    They made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of a 1-day workshop on “Agriculture Budget Priorities” for Nasarawa State, organised by Oxfam Nigeria, on Friday in Keffi.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the communiqué read by Mr Joshua Jonathan, President of the Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), on behalf of other stakeholders, noted that increased allocation and funding to the sector would enhance economic development and food security.

    They also demanded for the inclusion of small holder farmers in the agricultural budget process in order to capture their needs and address their priorities.

    The stakeholders also stressed the need for the recruitment, training and retraining of extension workers in the state to augment the 100 currently serving them.

    They also encouraged the Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme to collaborate with professional organisations, research institutes and non-governmental organisations to build the capacity of extension workers to impact on the production of small holder farmers.

    Similarly, the stakeholders urged the state government to encourage farmers to engage in dry season farming by providing water pumps and and other infrastructure.

    They maintained that irrigation farming was more profitable than rain-fed farming in the quest for sustainable food security.

    Other areas of intervention sought by the stakeholders from the state government included improved technology farm inputs, proper guidance on how to access available credit facilities.

    Also of concern to them was the need for the state government to make concerted effort through  appropriate legislation to provide land for women and youth farmers in the state.

    The group also encouraged the state government to upgrade all the seven grazing reserves in the state to boost livestock production.

    ……………………………………………….