News Wings

Tag: Federal government

  • Bodo-Bonny Road: Communities upbeat, eagerly await project completion

    Bodo-Bonny Road: Communities upbeat, eagerly await project completion

    For the first time in history, Bonny Island is set to be connected to mainland Rivers State by road. The Bodo-Bonny Road, spanning 35.7 kilometres, is a landmark infrastructure project that will unlock new economic opportunities for the region. Constructing this road, however, has been no small feat. Running through low-lying marshlands, tidal zones, and swampy terrain, the project has required advanced engineering to ensure that the road can withstand heavy rainfall, flooding, and unstable ground conditions.


    Despite these challenges, visible changes are taking shape along the route. On the mainland, work on the road foundation is nearing completion, while in Bonny, sections of the newly paved surface are already in use. Bridge structures are in place, and the installation of protective barriers is expected to commence soon. Road workers are laying the final layers in preparation for asphalt paving, which project managers say will begin in the coming weeks.

    A Julius Berger official on-site confirmed that work is advancing as planned. “We are making steady progress, and the project remains on track. The goal is to ensure the road is stable and durable, even with the challenging terrain,” he explained.

    Inside Bonny Island, finishing works on the concrete road are moving at a steady pace, with some sections already accessible. Workers remain committed, with activities continuing even during their break hours. The Bodo-Bonny Road is already drawing activity, with traders and small businesses setting up along completed sections.

    Julius Berger’s Administrative Manager, Barr. Samuel Hart described the progress as steady and well-coordinated. “This project spans three to four local government areas, and from our engagements, the communities see it as their own. They are eager to drive from Port Harcourt to Bonny without hindrance,” he said. Hart reaffirmed Julius Berger’s commitment to timely delivery, emphasizing that traditional rulers and local stakeholders are closely monitoring the work with anticipation.

    Chairman of the Bodo-Bonny Road Peace Committee, Chief Dr. O. R. Longjohn, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This project will unlock tremendous opportunities for Bonny Island, enabling socio-economic development across the region and beyond. Bonny Island plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, housing the nation’s largest oil and gas industries. Julius Berger’s work here is transformative, and we eagerly await completion.”

    Security remains a key challenge, but measures are in place at the project site. Assistant Security Manager, Abraham Ikhenoba, highlighted the role of military support in maintaining stability. “We frequently engage with local communities to understand their concerns. The enthusiasm for this project is palpable; residents see Julius Berger as a company deeply committed to Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

    For Project Director, Tim Nippert, the project represents both an engineering milestone and a national priority. “The terrain here is extremely challenging, requiring precise technical expertise, planning, and logistics. We are working hard to deliver this road. The current base course coverage ensures protection in case of early rains, allowing us to continue working through the season. By September, all three road sections will be ready for asphalt placement, with final preloading removal scheduled by year-end,” he said.

    The Bodo-Bonny Road project spans four local governments and is a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships. Funded through a tripartite agreement between the Federal Government, Nigeria LNG (NLNG), and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the road is expected to transform access to Bonny Island, reinforcing the critical role of infrastructure in fostering regional and national integration.

  • World Bank to grant Nigeria $1.7bn loan – Report

    World Bank to grant Nigeria $1.7bn loan – Report

    The Federal Government is set to receive a fresh loan from the World Bank, with approval expected for loans worth $1.7 billion. The loan is expected to be approved on September 26, 2024.

    The funds will be received via three major development projects aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s economic stability and resource mobilisation capabilities.

    The first project is the Nigeria: Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Programme, which is set to receive $500m.

    The second project, Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Governance, has proposed funding of $500m.

    While the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project will receive the highest funding of $700m.

    The document stated that these projects have reached the negotiation stage and are expected to be approved on September 26, 2024. (As of board presentation).

    The negotiation stage, the final phase of the loan process, indicates that the request has successfully cleared the appraisal stage between Nigeria, represented by the Minister of Finance, and the World Bank.

    If approved, Nigeria will have secured a total of $3.95bn in loans from the bank this year alone and a cumulative $6.65bn under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    The proposed loan projects, targeting crucial sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, are pivotal for the country’s sustainable development and economic stability.

    The Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, which will receive $500m, focuses on enhancing human capital by improving education, health, and social protection services.

    According to the draft copy of the Environment and Social Systems Assessment prepared by the bank, the project is to improve quality and utilisation of essential health care services and health system resilience in Nigeria.

    The document read, “The proposed HOPE-Health provides a Sector-Wide Approach platform, leveraging significant additional resources to support a critical agenda.

    “By aligning donor financing with the government’s resources, the proposed operation will foster convergence around a common set of results that are reflective of Nigeria’s disease burden.

    Continuing, it said, “The Programme Development Objective is to improve quality and utilisation of essential healthcare services and health system resilience in Nigeria. Four PDO-level indicators align with the PDO emphasis on utilization, and quality of essential health care services.

    “Number of women and children who receive tracer essential health services by community health workers. The number of PHC facilities achieving service readiness assessment criteria. The proportion of deliveries with skilled birth attendants present and the number of empaneled EDGE level 1 CEmONC facilities certified.”

    This project has the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and Federal Ministry of Education as the implementing agency.

    Also, the international lender stated that the loan request for the Nigeria: Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program, is to fortify Nigeria’s primary healthcare system by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and improving service delivery. This project will be implemented by the Ministry of Health.

    The third project, Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project, will focus on sustainable power generation and irrigation, both of which are essential for agricultural and industrial development.

    It will be supervised and implemented by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

    Our correspondent also observed that two loan requests including the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project – Scale Up project will receive $500m by December 16, 2024, and the Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project has been slated for an approval date of April 8, 2025.

    Recall that on June 13, the World Bank announced the approval of two loan projects aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economic stability and supporting its vulnerable populations.

    According to a statement from the bank, the combined package, totaling $2.25bn, comprises the $1.5bn Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing Program and the $750m Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms Program-for-Results.

    Already, the international lender has received $751.88m of the $1.5bn under the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation.

    So far, Nigeria has secured a total of $4.95bn in loans from the World Bank under the administration of President Bola Tinubu amid concerns over the country’s rising external debt servicing costs.

    Not less than six loan projects have been approved and they include loans for power ($750m), women empowerment ($500m), girl’s education ($700m), renewable energy ($750m), economic stabilization reforms ($1.5bn) and resource mobilization reforms ($750m).

    Data from the external debt stock report of the Debt Management Office shows that Nigeria owes the World Bank a total of $15.59 billion as of March 31, 2024.

    On Tuesday, it was reported that 20 state governors have borrowed N446.29bn in six months highlighting the significant financial burden the sub-nationals currently face.

    Culled from The Punch

  • MAN Partners Federal Government, Key Stakeholders to Host a Closed-Door Manufacturers Summit

    MAN Partners Federal Government, Key Stakeholders to Host a Closed-Door Manufacturers Summit

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has concluded plans to host a closed-door Manufacturers Summit with the Federal Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies from June 4th to 6th, 2024, at the Banquet/Conference Hall, State House, Abuja. The summit, which is strictly by invitation, is organised in partnership with the Presidency, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and EY.

    The three-day summit with the theme “Rethinking Manufacturing” is necessitated by the state of the manufacturing sector, which has remained a major concern to the Government, industrialists and Nigerians. Evidently, the theme underscores the need for practical solutions to the myriad of challenges limiting manufacturing performance through the adoption of innovative strategies that can guarantee higher productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of the sector. 

    His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR as Special Guest of Honour at the summit will preside over the opening ceremony. His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON will superintend the afternoon session.  Clearly, the presence of the Presidency underscores the commitment of the government to the revitalisation of manufacturing sector in Nigeria. Manufacturers are expectant that the engagements would provide valuable insights on the policy direction, expectations of the government and practical solutions to the binding constraints.

    The Summit will feature focus group discussions between top level government officials, industry operators and experts; insightful presentations on emerging trends and best practices in manufacturing; exhibition of made-in-Nigeria Products; networking opportunities for collaboration and partnership building; showcasing of innovative products, technologies, and solutions in the Nigerian manufacturing sector. Specifically, the focus group technical session will bring together relevant Government Ministries, Departments & Agencies, top-level CEOs of manufacturing concerns, Continental Trade Institutions, subject matter experts, Academia, under one roof to discuss the five pillars of the summit. These pillars and by extension the focus points of the summit include how to:

    • Promote growth, upscale productivity and improve and competitiveness.
    • Enhance energy security and infrastructure development.
    • Improve macroeconomic environment, ease of doing business and periscoping our ESG;
    • Improve patronage of made-in-Nigeria products and local content development and
    • Leverage regional and continental trade for export development.

    In addition, the summit will delve into critical discussions on how to achieve sustained manufacturing growth through the creation of conducive business environment, guaranteeing security, boosting agricultural production and strengthening supply chain resilience by leveraging technology.

    Finally, the expectation is to reach a consensus with the Federal Government on the imperatives for intentional development of manufacturing in Nigeria and the crafting of a time-framed strategic roadmap for resolving the identified challenges and attaining steady growth for the sector.

  • NCC Commended as AfricaNXT 2023 Begins

    NCC Commended as AfricaNXT 2023 Begins

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), at the opening of the AfricaNext show at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Monday, attracted industry commendation for its efficient regulatory processes that have given verve to the realisation of full digital economy in the country.

    Chief Executive Officer of CashToken Africa, Mr. Lai Labode, said the manner with which the Commission understands and supports the emergence of companies that have critical roles to play in actualising the dreams of the digital economy, promises that Nigeria will make the desired impact in the future of the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development.

    Labode said NCC’s approach to transform the telecom industry and contribute to the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda was reflected in the diligence, speed and smartness in processing recent applications including that of CashToken, which, he said, had led to a major collaboration with Mobile Network Operators.  

    Other participants also spoke about the demonstration of commitment to efficiency in NCC’s operations and attainment of excellence in regulatory oversight, a key item in the Commission’s extant Five-Point Agenda for transforming the telecom sector.  

    CashToken Africa, operated by CeLD, is a Nigerian company advocating performance-based customer rewards and nudging firms to reward their customers with life-transforming rewards.

    He spoke at CashToken Africa’s forum at the 2023 AfricaNXT conference focused on, “Socially Smart Business Models: Universal Cash Reward, Direct Sales Gamification and Wealth Redistribution.”  

    NCC is one of the sponsors and key agencies participating at AfricaNXT event and will take to the stands on Thursday, 9th February 2023, from 1.00pm-2.00pm, at the FutureNow Stage, with a theme that will focus on its mandates and efforts towards the realization of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government.

  • Feature- NDDC: No Strategy before New Appointment

    Feature- NDDC: No Strategy before New Appointment

    By Ayo Akinfe

    I am perplexed that President Buhari did not chart out the NDDC strategy first before appointing new board members

    [1] From henceforth, the Nigerian Delta Development Corporation (NDDC) will become a quasi-government body with 50% of its directors coming from the private sector

    [2] The NDDC will have 11 public sector directors, one from each of its 10 member states and one representing the federal government. They will sit on the board along with 11 private sector directors

    [3] These NDDC directors will elect a chairman who will run the corporation as a private concern

    [4] All NDDC contracts must involve a public bidding process done online and live. Every tender and bid must be publicly available for scrutiny

    [5] The office of the minister of Niger Delta Affairs will be scrapped. Instead what we will have is a minister for geo-political zone coordination operating across the whole country

    [6] If any private sector NDDC director has a conflict of interest in any contract, they must declare it. NDDC directors’ companies will not be able to bid for contracts in sectors in which they are operational

    [7] The NDDC will set itself annual targets when it comes to the construction of shipyards, ports, boat factories, etc. For instance, at least one port must be dredged a year

    [8] It will be the responsibility of the NDDC to build a coastal railway and coastal highway linking Calabar with Badagry

    [9] Every year, the NDDC must attract at least one major investor into the Niger Delta. This will include shipyards, boat manufacturers, fishing equipment makers, fish processing firms, etc

    [10] The NDDC will be responsible for cleaning up the Niger Delta and maintaining its environmental integrity

  • Shareholders associations knock Kogi Govt, say action on Dangote Cement, dangerous for investment

    Shareholders associations knock Kogi Govt, say action on Dangote Cement, dangerous for investment

    Group of Shareholders Associations in Nigeria have urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene and prevail on the government of Kogi State to stop further harassment of investors in Kogi State.

    They described as barbaric the use of thugs to embarrass investors, such as meted out on Dangote cement and other companies located in Kogi State, noting that such unsavoury development will strongly discourage both local and foreign investments into the country.

    It would be recalled that the Government of Kogi State last week, at the instance of the state governor, Yahaya Bello, invaded Dangote Cement, Obajana plant with over 500 armed members of the state’s security outfit, the Vigilantes, shot 27 staff and wounded several others.

    President of the Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Shareholders, Dr. Umar Faruk, while speaking on the development criticised the State Government for being so insensitive to its populace, thousands of whom are depending on the Dangote Obajana plant for their means of livelihood. He said it is unfortunate that someone who has championed investment, worth billions of Naira into a state in Nigeria, is being treated this way.

    He called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, caution the Governor of Kogi State to be more civilized and professional in its dealing with Investors in the State. According to him: “Why should the governor of a state in Nigeria, mobilized vigilantes to seal a publicly quoted company? The same Governor did exactly the same thing to First Bank, making the bank close some of its branches in the state. Is that not executive rascality, using the state assembly to commit such an atrocious act?

    “Federal Government should swing into action by protecting investors, else, the efforts being made to attract both foreign and local investors will come to naught. I hope the state realizes that Dangote Cement has foreign shareholders. What impression do you want these people to have of our government? I also urge the Federal Government to fish out those thugs, used by the State, for prosecution, so as to serve as a deterrent to others…This action will lead to loss of revenue, even for the Government, in terms of taxes, and erode the shareholder’s value.”

    In the same vein, founder of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) and President of Boys Brigade Nigeria (BBN), Sir Sunny Nwosu said a reasonable state government would have gone to court against any publicly quoted company rather than resort to a barbaric and ruthless method of chasing workers with guns and cutlass in the civilized age.

    “What the Kogi State Government did, honestly was very bad and disappointing. How can a state use vigilante with guns and cutlasses against a company that is feeding thousands of its people? A reasonable government should have gone to Court and not taken laws into its hands.

    “This action is bad and will smear the image of both the Federal and State government. It will also affect the ranking of ease of doing business in Nigeria. Kogi is blessed with so many natural resources, but with the attitude of this government, I doubt if any reasonable investor, either local or foreign, will want to do anything with the state anymore”

    The President, Pragmatic Shareholders Association, Mrs. Bisi Bakare said: “As an investor, we are not happy about the way things are going. If the State has problems with Dangote Cement on tax issues or any issue at all, there are a far better-civilized ways of handling it than sealing a factory that is contributing more than 30 percent of the cement Nigerians are consuming.

    “The governor should realize that his position is transient and that the people of his state, whom he has deprived their means of livelihood will always remember him for bad! Can you imagine the number of people that will be out of jobs and the huge revenue loss to the government, the company, and us, the shareholders? The state, to me, has done a very grave mistake and the earlier the company is re-opened the better.”

    Recalled that the Organised Private Sector (OPS) operators under the aegis of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have lent its voice to the ongoing spat between Dangote Cement and Kogi state government which culminated into the closure of the Obajana plant of the Cement company. 

    NACCIMA expressed regret that the issues between the company and the state over tax disputes ought not to have led to sealing of the company but should have been resolved in a conciliatory and amicable atmosphere.

    The body, in a statement signed by its Director-General, Olusola Obadimu, and issued in Lagos, said the state government should have trodden a path of caution and called for the immediate reopening of the factory for normal production activities to resume. 

    Obadimu stated that NACCIMA’s position was based on some key considerations bordering on the impact of the factory’s closure on the economy and thousands of people whose means of livelihood depend on the production activities of the factory. 

    “It is vital to note that it is a huge production plant that supplies key domestic input (cement) into the economy and employs hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, directly and indirectly. This is aside from its substantial budget for corporate social responsibility outside of taxes. 

    “Shutting off the factory does not necessarily help the controversial issue of compliance on tax remittable to Kogi state government. Rather a continuous operation of the plant would more likely facilitate a faster resolution of the dispute,” he said. 

    The NACCIMA boss then urged that the factory be reopened as quickly as possible to enable it to continue its operation and fulfil its necessary responsibilities, not just on tax obligations, but also keep the hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in its direct and indirect employment dutifully engaged; while sustaining its crucial services not just to the people and government of Kogi State but Nigeria in general. 

  • Feature: National Honours for the Academia in the Face of ASUU Strike

    Feature: National Honours for the Academia in the Face of ASUU Strike

    By Olutayo IRANTIOLA

    “An injustice to one is an injustice to all”

    The struggle for the soul of the Nigerian University system between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) continues into the eighth month. It has come with a series of fireworks ranging from taking ASUU to the Industrial Court; to the threat of proscribing ASUU. Unfortunately, some members of the union have lost their lives while some students have also been lost to the imbroglio.

    In the last seven and a half years that President Muhammadu Buhari had been leading this country, he has concentrated more on “building the nation” rather than doling out national honours. However, the President conferred a posthumous award of GCFR on Chief M.K.O. Abiola, presumed winner of the annulled historic June 12, 1993, presidential election. Other honours are the Federal Government’s National Productivity Order of Merit Awards and the Nigerian National Merit Award. I do not know of other honours that Nigerians have received lately from the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Going through the list, I noticed the name of the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh, received a posthumous National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award for her performance in the fight against the spread of the Ebola virus in the country earlier in the year. She would still be conferred with another posthumous award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger. We should borrow a leaf from the words of the Priest at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, “Now let us remove all symbols of power from the coffin, so that our sister, Elizabeth can be committed to the grave as a simple Christian.”

    I was awestruck when I saw the list of those that will be given the national honours; it seems quite patronizing. Largely for the political class, few public sector players, sportspersons, and the academia. I presumed this is a slap on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Amid the non-payment of salaries, some of them are being honoured by the nation that is starving them.

    The rate at which people have exited the country since the beginning of this melodrama has spiked, lecturers leaving the country in droves; students abandoning their academic pursuits in Nigeria and moving to other countries that have stable academic calendars; while others are switching from Federal and State Universities to private universities. In an opinion piece published by News Wings NG, the article posits it is very possible that what led to the “demise” of public primary and secondary schools is going to happen to Federal and State Universities with the reoccurrence of the strike.

    In 2011, Professor Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian literary giant, rejected the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR which he firstly declined in 2004. Another person nominated for honours at that time, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minority leader of the House of Representatives, wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan to indicate his rejection of the award of Order of the Federation (OFR) to be conferred on him. The lawmaker had queried the criteria used in nominating recipients for the 2011 National Honours. Gbajabiamila argued in the letter to the President that national awards should only be conferred on those who have made concrete contributions to the development of the country, unlike now, when it is being indiscriminately doled out as presidential favours.

    However, in the current list, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the current speaker of the House of Representatives, will be the first recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). Does it mean that this list is merited rather than being a presidential favour?

    Many of those from the diaspora, on the list, are being rewarded by the system that pushed them out. It might seem gratifying that their good works are being recognized by their fatherland, but they need to reflect on the circumstances that led to their forced exile from a land that cannot support their dreams to become great ones.

    With the paltry amount earned by the academia, they would need to fly into Abuja and, as expected, with a spouse. From whose pockets would these funds come? Even if it is paid by the Federal Government of Nigeria, will it compensate for the eight months of unpaid salaries? Remember, it is a “no work, no pay” strike.

    I have grown up hearing the aphorism, “an injustice to one, is an injustice to all.” I am sure that an award for one is not an award for all. If we keep losing this war in bit through “presidential favours” in the form of national honours. Then, the lives of innocent Nigerians, the students, have been wasted for no just cause.

    The world is watching if academia will take the lead in revamping the educational sector; the electoral process, as they are the major umpire in overseeing the process and, if will, they stand out to defend the students. This war will be won or lost to the political class if the academia keeps dancing to the tune of honours that would have little or no impact on lives.

    Olutayo Irantiola is a Lagos-based Public Affairs Specialist.

  • Feature: Which Generation will help finish the Greatness of Nigeria?

    Feature: Which Generation will help finish the Greatness of Nigeria?

    Title: Unfinished Greatness: Envisioning a New Nigeria

    Author: Dr. Kayode Fayemi

    Year of Publication: 2022

    Publisher: Prestige Imprint

    Reviewer: Olamitayo Ebunola Irantiola

    Nigeria already has greatness within her which should be built upon from one generation to another thus the journey remains UNFINISHED. 

    The book enumerated reasons some of the popular suggestions in envisioning a new Nigeria may fail. Prominent amongst these advocacies is collapsing the nation to build a new one. The book suggested that the idea should be aborted because it is still the same unchanged occupant sheltered in the nation.

    The book illuminated the benefits of 1914 amalgamation to nation-building contrary to the popular belief that is a mishap. The benefits of our diversity were enumerated and most importantly are the existence of all these cultures across the board even before colonization. Each of these cultures has been relating with one another and it is not the colonial master that introduced the culture to one another. Emphasis should be more on justice, equity, and inclusion to discourage tribes from taking advantage of the Federal system as a national cake that must be shared during their tenure. 

    Ideas were presented on the assignment of the Federal government particularly reducing the federal list and releasing some of the federal lists to the state to handle. Revenue sharing proposals as suggested by the Governor forum were postulated in envisioning a new Nigeria. 

    The book also explained the natural endowment such as population, mineral, natural and agricultural resources, manpower all of which have helped the country in international relations. It reveals how we can influence some decisions in foreign policy in the past and the restraint we are currently experiencing as a result of distraction from domestic problems at the Federal level. The book suggests that if Nigeria works, it will positively impact Africa and the world at large. The book equally proffers suggestions on how to help us build a better country. 

    The role of intellectuals in politics starting from the time of Socrates and his students, Great Britain, and the United States of America down to Nigeria was enumerated. The importance of Intellectuals to drive political leadership rather than staying from afar off with great ideas and making agitations. The popular belief is that politics is dirty and the intellectuals cannot taint themselves with the ills associated with it. Intellectuals are endowed with a good sound judgment that cannot easily be swayed by emotions, unverified claims, superstitious speculations, and all of these are daily required in tackling challenges.

    Lessons were taken from the life of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as a true Nigerian who is loyal to all the regions of the country through his birthplace, childhood, and work-life. His belief in the homogeneity of the nation fosters growth, using the dialogue approach rather than violence during the colonial era.

    The demand for more creation of states to allow government closer to people and avoid marginalization has also proven not to effectively justify fair distribution as expected. Homogeneity may seem difficult to achieve but what should be of importance is to accommodate our differences.

    The book advocated that agitations for succession should be discouraged and restructuring should be encouraged. As there could still be successions even in the small group using South Sudan as an example. War is not the way to go rather staying alive to fight the cause as would have been suggested by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

    Aminu Kano is also a notable man whose experiences were drawn from his life. A principled, courageous, and committed man to a cause and a life centers on ideas and idealogy. He had stunt followers who had faith in him not because he doled out money but because of his honesty and what he stood for which is a major lesson for our contemporary politicians. His strong desire for people to be educated is probably because he once practiced teaching as a profession. The book advocated for a new Sawaba declaration as once declared by Aminu Kano that entails access to education, healthcare, and employment so that citizens can believe in their country and their government. 

    The book delves into the history of the contribution of media to our democracy, the role of intellectuals in the media, and the role of independent media in envisioning a new Nigeria.

    Also, the book discussed the metamorphosis of the “Church” from a holiness brand that should not interfere with the outside world to the materialism brand causing the proliferation of churches in Nigeria making Nigeria be a new hub of Christianity. The theology of irrespective of what the society holds, the Christians are blessed which led to the disengagement of Christians in politics. The history of Nigeria is not complete without the impact of missionaries and even contextualization of the gospels which led to the formation of indigenous churches was born from political awakening. 

    Evidence shows Christians were involved in the first era of activism. Christians are awakened to use the sound biblical teachings of love your neighbour as yourself approach used by Obafemi Awolowo can be used in politics to guide against greed and selfishness.

    The book further schooled the Christian denomination to desist from the theology of fear, isolation, and conspiracy but instead association and cooperation. The need for the Christian denomination to speak truth to power, speak against criminality irrespective of religion and ethnicity. The new for the church to be free and fair to all political parties and engage in dialogues, criticize when need be and engage our fundamental human rights. 

    The prompt response of the government both at the Federal and State level, the Private Sector involvement in curbing COVID 19, and Strategies of how to overcome the impact of COVID 19 were enumerated to both the Federal Government and the State Government. 

    Security challenges of Nigeria were discussed and the lack of social security was traced to insecurity. The mere fact that people don’t have what to lose so they can as well destroy and be destroyed. Metamorphosis of insecurity in Nigeria and Boko Haram has been the most difficult to tackle because of the philosophy attached to it which is death is the reward. Also mentioned is the proliferation of drugs among the teeming youths. Multi-level policing and more localized power structures were advocated as some of the solutions propounded. 

    The author reviewed Nigeria’s democracy in the last twenty years and the sidelines were mainly the struggle to get the military out without proper planning of the next struggle, non-democratic approach in producing our constitutions. All of these do not discount the benefits of the Nigerian democracy although shreds of evidence from the African countries had shown that transformation is not sudden. The approach should be continuous baby steps till maturity.

    Democracy is more than just electing a leader but a lot more attached to it like strong protection for liberties, an independent judiciary, and a lot more. Confidence should be restored between the leaders and followers but the non-challant attitude of not checking the exert of power by those in authority should be discouraged. Unity must be upheld with justice, fairness, and equity.

    We really need to answer the question, “When will the Greatness of Nigeria reach maturity so that we can be sure that a new Nigeria will be delivered for generations yet unborn?” The volatility of the world has shown that a new Nigeria for Nigerians is still the best across all societal strata.

    Olamitayo Ebunola Irantiola is a pastor, author and family life practitioner based in Lagos, Nigeria. She can be reached via tayofalokun@yahoo.com

  • FG Has Reservations, Engages Facebook On WhatsApp Updated Privacy Policy

    The attention of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has been brought to the updated Privacy Policy of the WhatsApp messaging application.

    The Policy states that WhatsApp will share information about the users on their platform with their parent company (Facebook), as well as other Facebook companies.

    The information includes user phone numbers, “transaction data, service-related information, information on how you interact with others (including businesses) when using our Services, mobile device information, your IP address”.

    Furthermore, WhatsApp has indicated that users who refuse to accept their revised privacy policy risk not being able to use the service at all.

    The Federal Government released the Nigeria Data Protection Regulations (NDPR) in 2019 and is committed to upholding the data privacy of Nigerians.  We are also aware that the European region is exempt from the provisions of the updated Policy and it is also being challenged in a number of countries.

    The Honourable Minister has therefore directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as the Regulator of the Information Technology sector, to engage vigorously with Facebook to understand the processes, level of security, etc of the data of Nigerian users in order to ensure that Policies proposed for Nigeria strictly adhere to the provisions of NDPR.

    Nigerians can be assured that the Federal Government will give uttermost attention to the privacy of their data, in line with the NDPR and the National Digital Economy Policy for a Digital Nigeria.

  • Emirates Airlines suspended from flying into Nigeria effective Sept. 21- Sirika

    Emirates Airlines suspended from flying into Nigeria effective Sept. 21- Sirika

    The Federal government has reversed its approval for Emirates airlines to operate into Nigeria.

    From effective Monday 21st, 2020, Emirates airlines will no longer be allowed into Nigeria.

    The Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika in his Twitter handle today, says “PTF sub committee met today with EU Ambassadors to discuss Lufthansa, Air France/KLM ban.”

    “The meeting progressed well. Emirates Airlines’s situation was reviewed & they are consequently included in the list of those not approved, with effect from Monday the 21st Sept. 2020.”

  • Air Peace flies in FG COVID-19 medical kits from Turkey

    Air Peace flies in FG COVID-19 medical kits from Turkey

    The Federal government on Saturday night took delivery of its first batch of medical supplies in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus pandemic and for the treatment of those who are infected.

    Air Peace aircraft, Boeing 777 with registration number, 5N-BWI landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday night.

    Inside source disclosed that the flight left Nigeria early Saturday for the seven hours flight to Turkey and was able to lift the supplies and returned to Nigeria before midnight.

    The source also disclosed that this was the first batch of the medical supplies from the federal government, noting that the airline would leave for China Monday for another batch of medical supplies from the federal government.

    “Air Peace will also deliver another supplies for the federal government. It will leave for Beijing on Monday for 15 hours non-stop flight to China with its B777-ER with registration number 5N-BE,” the source said.

    The Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide on behalf of the airline gave kudos to the federal government for its efforts to rid the coronavirus disease from Nigeria, noting that the Nigerian government is way ahead of some countries in the fight against the virus, which is devastating mankind.

    “The management of Air Peace commends the federal government for being proactive in the preparation for emergencies, preventing the spread of the virus and also providing the kits and other medical equipment for the treatment of those infected by the pandemic.  This shows that government is ready to fight this disease and it is even more prepared than the governments of some of the advanced nations in the measures and strategies adopted to eradicate the virus,” Olajide said.

  • FG revisits Ikere Gorge Dam after years of neglect

    FG revisits Ikere Gorge Dam after years of neglect

    The Federal Government has revisited the Ikere Gorge Dam(an earth-fill dam with reservoir capacity of 690 million m3) in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    The Dam was said to have been initiated by the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo and started in 1983 by the administration of Sheu Shagari.

    It has been abandoned long time ago until recently when the federal government approved the concessions of 6MW Ikere Gorge Dam in Iseyin, Oyo State.

    The approval was contained in a statement issued recently in Abuja by Hakeem Bello, The Special Adviser on communications to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who revealed that the 6MW dam was part of the 5 Hydro Dams to improve electricity supply to Rural/Agrarian communities.

    Fashola said principal among the approvals received from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on memos presented by him was Ikere Gorge Dam, adding that the dam is a major earth-fill dam in Iseyin local government area of Oyo State on the Ogun River which has the reservoir capacity of 690 million m3.

    He said it has been in a moribund for over 37 years as it was initiated by the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, started in 1983 by the administration of Sheu Shagari but later abandoned by the previous administrations at the center.

    Minister announced the federal government’s readiness to revisit the abandoned project, adding that its completion would be a best shot to reduce over dependence on gas for power generation in the country and it would also help to stabilize power generation and supply in the entire South West Geo-political Zone.

    While appreciating the government, Raji Babatunde, an indigene of Iseyin appreciated the federal government for considered it noteworthy to approve the concession of 6MW Ikere Gorge Dam in the community, saying all members of the community are happy for hearing such news of development and progress.

    While speaking on behalf of Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Abdul-Ganny Ologunebi, Prince Semiu Azeez said it was a welcome development that federal government would revisit the project that has been abandoned for over 37 years.

    He said its completion would no doubt call for government’s attention in the community and environs, address the problem of unemployment and at large put permanent solution to epilepsy supply of electricity in South West as a whole.

  • FG to launch National Emergency Call Centre- Lawan

    FG to launch National Emergency Call Centre- Lawan

    The senate president, Ahmad Lawan, has disclosed that the Federal Government will launch an emergency call centre for the purpose of contacting various security agencies in times of distress. According to him, there was an ongoing collaboration between the national assembly and security agencies to find solution to the lingering security challenges in the country.

    Lawan further disclosed that the national assembly had requested the national security adviser, Babagana Mungono, to come up with a proposal for the purchase of drones to be deployed across the country.

    The minister of communication and digital economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, has also been directed to device means of tracking kidnappers and other criminals through active phone numbers. “

    In the last one month, I’ve been holding regular meetings with security agencies, including the Ministers of Communications and the Federal Capital Territory. “What we are trying to do is to get a better and result-oriented approach to fighting kidnapping and insecurity. “We have insisted that no amount of resources will be too much because we need to protect our people and secure the country.

    “It will remain a pipe dream if we continue to ask investors to come to Nigeria; even those in Nigeria will not invest properly if the security situation remains very dicey. “This is something that the National Assembly will have to do together with the executive arm of government. We have to look for something out of the ordinary for funding. “We have to go out of our way to look for resources outside the national budget. If we can release seven billion naira to Distribution Companies (Discos) or Generation Companies (Gencos), nothing stops us from looking for such money to address the security situation of the country.

    “We have already given a request for the NSA to come up with the different designs and models of drones. We hope there should be drones properly deployed to ensure kidnappers are arrested. “We have to find a way to be able to track kidnappers through phones. We should have launched the National Emergency Call Centre with a specific number about two weeks ago.

    “We have tried to reconcile all security agencies to have one specific number instead of separate and different ones. We want the emergency call centres to be established across the country. At the moment, we have only two major ones,” Lawan said.

  • Federal Executive Council changes name of Ministry

    Federal Executive Council changes name of Ministry

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Communications as Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

    Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said the digital economy had become a global trend and was making meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “I am here to convey the message to Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Communications which I supervise has been renamed and re-designated as the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy; so that the amendment is the that digital economy should be added to the name”.

    “We came up with the proposal knowing that digital economy today is about to dominate the world and even in Nigeria, if you look at it critically, the contribution of ICT to Gross Domestic Product(GDP) is increasing by the day”.

    “If you look at the second quarter of 2019, you will find out that oil and gas contributed 8.82 per cent to our GDP while non-oil sector collectively contributed 91.18 per cent while ICT contributed 13.85 per cent to our GDP. So, even the contribution of oil and gas as only 8.82 while ICT 13.85 per cent”.

    “Now, the global practice is that nations are moving into digital economy and we felt leaving digital economy as just a peripheral in our country will not be for our economy particularly in order to give more priority to the priorities of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    “There is need for us to have a ministry that will supervise the development and implementation of digital economy in Nigeria; most importantly, with regard to our economic recovery and growth plan.’’

    Pantami said that in order to  be in alignment with the global best practice, many nations in the world were coming up with new ministries as ministries of digital economy.

    He said that in the European Union, a commissioner had been assigned with the mandate of digital economy while  Scotland has also appointed a minister of digital economy.

    The minister said more so, that Thailand  had a minister of digital economy while in Africa,  Bukina Faso had also appointed  a minister of digital economy.

    He said that the move was to make sure that digital economy was not a peripheral aspect of Nigerian economy but  a central one.

    “In Nigeria, looking at the contributions of ICT and secondly, looking at how our population, most importantly, youths are addicted to ICT; they are naturally inclined to ICT; so, I feel it is very important”.

    “No one will argue with me that if you look at the richest people today in the world, they come from that aspect of digital economy”.

    “For example, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com; he came up with that idea of Amazon in 1994; up to the 2003, he couldn’t get any profit; by 2004, he  got his first profit and by 2017, 2018, 2019 constantly, he became the richest person in the world”.

    “What he did only significantly was to come up with that platform of Amazon.com; he doesn’t own any shop where you go and buy property but one that will provide that digital platform so that you will be able to connect potential buyers and potential buyers and potential sellers and that platform alone catapulted him to be the richest person in the world.’’

    He said that Nigeria had advantages in terms of population and resources; therefore, should harness digital economy as a global trend to improve its economy.

  • ASUU set for strike over FG’s payment system

    ASUU set for strike over FG’s payment system

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is poised for another showdown with the federal government over planned imposition of Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS) on her members.

    The leaders of the union had summoned an emergency National Executive Council meeting of the Union where it was agreed that the leadership should begin mobilisation of members for an action against the federal government.

    President Mohammadu Buhari had reportedly directed that any worker not on the IPPIS would no longer receive salary.

    The Chairman, University of Ibadan Chapter Professor Deji Omole on Sunday in Ibadan said that the union is not against accountability but will resist attempt by the government to violate existing laws and autonomy of the university.

    According to Omole, ASUU has offered to help the federal government design the appropriate template that will factor in the peculiarities of university lecturers in the IPPIS but that the government seemed bent on using the world-bank designed exploitative template.

    The ASUU boss said the template designed by government plans to enslave intellectuals as it does not make provisions for payment of arrears of promotion, study leave allowance, responsibility allowance among others.

    According to him, the federal government template was designed to phase-out university lecturers who are above 60 years which is against the new policy where professors retire at 70 years.

    Omole lashed out at the Buhari led government for consistently demonstrating his hatred for public funded universities by introducing many illegal policies that negatively affected the smooth running of the universities.

    The ASUU boss noted that Federal government has also failed to honour any policy that that will improve the quality of education in Nigeria.

    “Forceful imposition of IPPIS on university workers is a violation of the university autonomy act. It is therefore illegal. While ASUU is not against accountability on the part of the university administrators government should not be allowed to destroy public universities in its purported claims of fighting corruption. Our members should remained focus and committed in our struggles to protect public university education by resisting forceful imposition of IPPIS on university workers, ” ASUU said.