The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has sacked the Executive management of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture Lending (NIRSAL).

A source at the organisation confirmed that the affected directors got their letters on Friday.

The pioneer Managing Director,  Mr. Aliyu Abdulhameed, had earlier been sent away over an alleged multi-billion Naira fraud and has been under investigation. 

His replacement, Abbas Umar Masanawa was removed in the latest exercise. 

Although the CBN said the exercise was part of reorganisation,  insiders said that it was part of the decision of Mr. Cardodo to remove those with unwholesome records.

What remained unclear was how all the directors would be involved in the mismanagement of the resources of NIRSAL. 

Other directors who were sacked were : Kennedy Nwaruh, Executive Director, Operations; and Olatunde Akande, NIRSAL Plc’s Executive Director, Technical.

It was not clear if other staff in the Directorate cadre would be affected in further similar exercises.

But it was learnt that uncertainties about the fate of other senior staff was of a great concern to the workers.

[Vanguard]

Arrested and detained EndBadGovernance protesters have filed an application before a federal high court in Abuja seeking to vacate an order allowing the police to detain them for 60 days.

Nigerians staged a nationwide protest against economic hardship from August 1–10.

The protesters demanded a reduction in the cost of governance, a return to the petrol subsidy regime, food security, and fiscal discipline, among others.

The demonstration, however, turned violent in some parts of the country, with looting and vandalism recorded in some states.

Following the protests, the police announced the arrest of perpetrators in some states.

On August 22, Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, granted an ex parte application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1223/2024 brought by the inspector-general of police to detain 49 respondents in the FCT for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.

However, the respondents have filed an application seeking to vacate the order against them on the grounds that their fundamental rights were breached.

Amongst several other grounds, the respondents/applicants, through their legal team led by Femi Falana, contended that “the honourable judge acted without jurisdiction when his lordship made an order committing the defendants to correctional centre pursuant to Section 299 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015″.

“Pursuant to Section 293 (1) ACJA 2015, only a magistrate court that has jurisdiction to try an offender that was brought within a reasonable time,” the application reads in part.

“At the time of the hearing of the motion ex-parte, the respondent/applicant was in custody of the applicant/respondent at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and not produced before the court.

“The motion ex-parte was predicated on suppression and misrepresentation of material facts.

“The motion ex-parte constitutes a gross abuse of the process of this honourable court.

“The complainant/respondent motion ex parte did not disclose any fact capable of linking the respondents/applicants to any terrorism activity.”

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for hearing of the motion by the court.

[TheCable]

Anytime I hear or read about the fluidity with which people get into and dash out of marriage, I wonder where they ever got the idea that marriage was a bed of roses. Like everything in life, marriage is a roller-coaster of experiences, which is why anyone interested in the institution must attain a level of psychological and emotional maturity that can sustain them in the turbulence that they are most certainly going to experience.

Even the holy book says that he who must marry would have troubles, and in my few years of marriage, and from conversations with family and friends, every marriage has their peculiar challenges and most of the time, what we need are the requite skills to deal with issues as they emerge as well as a constant assessment of the relationship and the readiness to make amend and nurture the marriage. It is a transition that I have been through and can speak to competently. Let me share a bit of my experience with you.

It was love at first sight between me and my husband. We met at a birthday party of his friend that I gate-crashed with my flatmates during our university days. Nine months later, he proposed, and the young, naïve me had no clue why I wanted to get married, but I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this man. I loved the idea of “I’m getting married.” After all, my parents had been married for many years and were still together. I believed that once you graduate, you’re supposed to get married. That was my understanding then. However, over the years, that love at first sight, those moments of laughter and good conversation, turned into moments of tears, no communication, resentment, and thoughts of “Why did I get married? Did I marry too early? Should I have waited a bit?” So, how did we get there? How did we move from that place of unquestioning love and passion into a place of near hatred for one another. With hindsight, our relations travelled the following trajectory. 

The Honeymoon Phase

We got married with dreams in our eyes, believing that we were made for each other and that nothing could shake or break us. Our first year together – the honeymoon phase – was supposed to be where we enjoyed fresh love, believing that our love could conquer anything. However, this wasn’t a sweet honeymoon phase for us. We argued a lot over silly things like, “Why didn’t you tell me you were going out after work?”

The First Cracks

As time went on, the initial bliss started to fade. We had our first child! What a beautiful moment; our family was growing! They say the birth of a child brings connection, but for us, we were drifting apart. I was focused on the baby, my emotions (I wasn’t very happy with my body; breastfeeding was painful; first-time mum confusion). He did his thing; I did mine. We were both happy for the birth of our first child, and we did things together for our child but not for us.

The Shift in Dynamics

One of the major turning points in our relationship was the shift in our roles and responsibilities. We had our second child, and gradually, I found myself shouldering more of the role of a mother and a wife. My husband, who once was so supportive, started to take my efforts for granted. His lack of appreciation and involvement made me feel undervalued and alone. During this period, I had to learn to create my own happiness and not rely on him; I had to give myself some self-love.

Communication Breakdown (Resentment Year)

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. Unfortunately, our ability to communicate deteriorated over time. Conversations turned into arguments, and silence became our default mode of interaction. The emotional connection we once had was replaced by a growing distance. Every attempt to address our issues seemed to fall on deaf ears, further deepening my resentment. I would often look at him and ask myself, “Why did I get married?”

Emotional Disconnect

One of the most painful aspects of our journey was the emotional disconnect that developed between us. The intimacy and affection that once defined our relationship were replaced by a cold and distant coexistence. I longed for the emotional support and companionship we once had, but it felt like we were living in separate worlds. The person who was once my closest ally had become a stranger.

Moving Forward

 Acknowledging the resentment I felt towards my husband has been a painful but necessary step. I realised that for my own well-being, I needed to act. Whether it’s seeking counselling or having a candid conversation about our future, it’s crucial to prioritise my own happiness and mental health.

This whole marriage journey has been a learning experience. It has taught me the importance of clear communication, mutual respect, and emotional support in a relationship.

As I move forward, I carry these lessons with me, hoping to find a path that leads to healing and happiness.

My story is a testament to the fact that relationships require continuous effort and commitment from both partners. Without this mutual dedication, even the strongest bonds can unravel, leading to resentment and sorrow. I believe that when the two people in a marriage prioritise communication and remain teachable and ready to adapt to the dynamics in their relationship, they can make it work. Marriages and the homes we create from it are central to the stability of our societies, they are a great foundation for sustainable development, and we must all do our best to contribute to building healthy families.

There were exuberant celebrations at the national secretariat of the NLC in Abuja and at its state offices when the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, returned from the police headquarters after meeting with police chiefs in Abuja. Ajaero was invited for interrogation for allegedly being involved in serious crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing.

Immediately after the invitation was made public, Nigerians suspected that the allegations were not only spurious but also a camouflage to detain the recalcitrant labour leader for his unstinting struggles for workers’ welfare.

There were apprehensions within the labour unions and their affiliates that the NLC president would be locked away for no clear reason. NLC has also been at war with Labour Party officials, particularly its national chairman, Julius Abure, over the control of the party.

To forestall being detained, Ajaero had briefed a prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who went to the police headquarters with him, while the NLC issued a statement threatening a nationwide strike should he be kept by the police.

Clearly, the threat saved Ajaero from incarceration; and I must commend the NLC for standing up to and resisting the fascist tendencies of the government. There are indications that the Bola Tinubu administration is increasingly becoming intolerant and irascible. Many journalists have been detained and harassed by the government for doing their jobs, and I have long suspected that labour would be the next victim.

Ajaero’s sin is that he’s been quite unbending in fighting for workers’ minimum wage. By resisting the police, NLC has shown that it is possible to fend off the government’s dictatorial tendencies.

I have been so worried and alarmed by the ease with which security agencies pick up journalists and throw them into jail without a court trial. The NUJ, NGE, BON and other bodies in the media industry must borrow a leaf from the NLC in defending the rights of journalists.

We must remember that the price of our liberty is eternal vigilance. Nigerians must rise up and defend their hard-won democracy.

Renowned Economist and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has thrown his weight behind the Windfall Tax on financial institutions by the Federal Government, describing the policy as a win-win situation, and one aimed at fostering social good and entrenching equitable distribution of resources for Nigerians.

Windfall taxes are designed to capture extraordinary profits that arise from unexpected economic events. 

In Nigeria’s case, these profits have largely resulted from the recent naira devaluation, which has significantly benefited banks. 

Therefore, a nuanced understanding of this concept is critical to the overall conversations around the policy and its implementation.

He stated this during an on-air interview on the topic: ‘Understanding the Workings of the Windfall Tax Policy in Nigeria’, on ‘Business Nigeria’, a business and economy focused programme on TVC, on Wednesday August 28, 2024.

The Windfall Tax, Rewane said, “would come up with the concept of a joint venture where the government has part of it, and the private taxpayer has part of it. 

“So, in all this model, everybody is in what I call a ‘win-win’ situation.”

The FDC CEO made references from his presentation titled: ‘Windfall Tax: Incentive or Penalty?’ noting that as citizens, the government wants you to have a say in how the tax is spent and administered. 

“So, we want a swap. Rather than pay us cash tax, we give you a road to zero, right? And that road is ours. We build it and people will see it and we get quite a good capital out of it. 

“We get economic capital, and everybody sees it as part of your social responsibility. You would have an asset with benefits for people.”

Rewane pointed out that traditionally, government activities are funded by taxes and other forms of revenue including levies, rates, and others, and “this factor in companies or sectors making extraordinary income. 

“The higher the tax revenue, the greater the ability of the government to fund its goals and its activities for social good.”

According to him, there are four elements that constitute a nation’s GDP, namely: government expenditure, investments, consumer income or aggregate consumption, and net exports. 

In the same way, he said, taxes are subject to four principles. Firstly, a tax must generate revenue. 

Secondly, it must be easy to administer, must be neutral, and must be equitable.

Rewane argued that the Windfall Tax policy buttresses the Robin Hood philosophy of the rich paying more than the poor or the socio-economically vulnerable. 

“Assets provide an impetus for growth. The assets belong to the government. 

“But it is funded on the profits of the taxpayer. But the most interesting alternative is to have the asset belong to the taxpayer”, he said.

Rewane pointed out that the windfall tax is not a Nigeria-specific tax policy, but one that has been adopted by many other nations. 

He cited the examples of countries like the United Kingdom which had a 35% windfall tax on oil and gas companies in 2022, and Portugal which had 13% windfall tax on energy companies and food retailers to reduce inflation and boost renewable energy investment.

Czech Republic on their part used 60% of its Windfall Tax to subsidize energy costs and support social assistance programmes, while Germany channelled 90% of its tax with proceeds to support people by putting a break on energy tariffs.

Rewane explains that Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio is currently 9.4 percent, lower than that of Ghana (12.3 percent) and South Africa (26 percent). 

This discrepancy is partly due to a lack of confidence in the government’s ability to deploy tax revenues effectively. 

He argues that if taxpayers believe their money is being well-spent on public goods and services, they are more likely to comply with tax policies.

According to Rewane, the discussion around the windfall taxes falls within the broader context of Nigeria’s economic goals. 

The government aims to achieve a one trillion-dollar economy by 2028, with an average growth rate of 5 to 6 percent. 

To reach these targets, it is essential to balance revenue generation with investment and consumption, ensuring that all elements of the economy are working together to drive growth.

Rewane urged for more understanding on the part of the citizens and organised private sector, saying that the government, by its mandate, has a major role to play in the economic development of the country and is not oblivious of the fact that some people are making extraordinary gains and that these gains need to be distributed evenly for common social good.

“Our concern here should be: How can we make this more efficient, so it becomes a win-win? The government wins, the people win, and the taxpayer being the public entity that made the primary profit also wins,” he said.

A critical aspect of Rewane’s argument is the importance of trust between the government and taxpayers. 

He asserts that for any tax policy to be effective, there must be a perception that the revenue collected is being used efficiently and transparently. 

This is especially true in Nigeria, where public scepticism about government spending is high.

The revered economist also spoke on the responsibilities and expectations of institutions to taxes, saying, “We have a moral and social responsibility to pay our taxes, but that does not include exploitation or extortion. We don’t want that to happen. 

“The greatest incentive for people to pay taxes is that people can see that the taxes they have paid has turned into material benefits for them. 

“They can see the roads, they can feel the power supply, they can see the water, and they can see it’s for social good. So, that’s the litmus test for getting people to pay tax.”

Since last week when I called the attention of men to the little-men-little-third-leg matter, I have heard things, many things. Apparently, many men didn’t know  that keeping malice with their wives really is less than manly.  That’s why they have been shaking the table. How dare Funke accuse them of malice? Quick answer, it is maliciously evil to turn off the money tap of the family because you are quarreling with your wife. 

Again, I was asked where I procured the audacity to call out men’s third leg, whether big or small and or ineffective. 

Bros, I was first being nice, really. I wanted you to know that being great in the sack is great but not greater than a happy and well-kept wife because great things can happen in ‘illegal’ sacks too. That last part has almost caused a civil war.

Funke! They screamed in conspiratorial unison. Are you saying women, our wives are doing illegal sacking? Sorry, I plead the fifth, as Americana say when they don’t want to answer a question that could implicate them. Me I do not know anything. All I know is when someone is being starved, he or she might be tempted to check out the greener pastures of a generous neighbour.

In other words, a wife whose husband is starving of housekeeping allowance will most likely find a generous friendly man attractive. She may also shift all her energy and passion to her business or career. When a woman shifts in anyway, the end thereof is rarely ever good for all concerned. The only good point made in the last six days on this matter is that, when it comes to who is more malicious in marriage, women take the cake but ONLY when it comes to closing the borders of Jerusalem. But seizing car keys, refusing to release house-keeping allowance and responding to ‘welcome back’ with grunts are all a man’s thing. Women, we only close our legs when we are upset, and the closure doesn’t last long. Men who know what to do know what they do. I can’t reveal that secret today.

Anyway, my point is, withholding your money and body from your spouse is also domestic violence. However, last week was to call men’s attention to their bad behaviour as financial terrorists in the home. Guys, stop it. What is bad has no other name. Give your wife money, even if there’s unresolved cold war. Because if you don’t, it has the capacity to degenerate into Russia-Ukraine War.

But today, Sayo is crying. She’s a serial domestic terrorist. Because she’s shapely, sexy and great in bed, she had learnt to deploy (or is it un-deploy) sex to her advantage. Even after two pregnancies and the rigours of baby-friendly breastfeeding, Sayo’s shape is still in the lip-smacking zone. She has energy in that department too. You know those women who leave their husbands panting? Yeah, so she knew her onions and had her husband where she wanted him. The sad side is that she also had the mean capacity to seal up the honey pot for a whole month. Her husband was a strong man to have coped. That was what we all thought. Until Sayo came crying

Sayo’s house-help is pregnant for her husband. Her husband has claimed responsibility with his ‘full chest’. The maid is crying too but refuses to discuss abortion. Sayo, however, is refusing to accept full responsibility that her closed leg and locked up oil rig has brought her. She is refusing to accept any blame

“I gave you everything.”

“What didn’t I do for you, for this marriage?”

“Is it just a few days of quarrel and me saying no that led you into the pants of my maid, an ordinary dirty maid?”

Let us sympathise with Sayo. She feels cheated but who doesn’t know that an angry third leg will take its stroll, anyway, anyhow, anywhere? And the problem is not just a few occasion of “not tonight” and “leave me alone” that Sayo is guilty of. She had been doing the evil thing for 10 long years!

You see! It’s a miracle that Sayo’s husband’s wild oats on those hard days he went a-sowing did not yield half a dozen kids.

Of course, all hell has since broken loose and Gaza has lost its peace. This is what I warned against last week. Men took umbrage when I warned that no man should expect that there would be no consequences of being a domestic financial bandit. A husband who stops housekeeping allowance disbursement just because his wife was rude or came home late is a financial terrorist. Nemesis will be waiting for him down the road.

For the woman, the wife who thinks her sweet crude is the only sweet crude, ask Nigeria. Those who are eyeing that third leg you are denying keyless entry are doing press-ups. They have enrolled in a gym to lose weight. They are doing ‘orisirisi’ unmentionable things to capture your ‘thing’. Keep locking up your thigh; we shall all be here when your cookies crumble. What are friends for, if not to give you listening ears and shoulders to cry on? Because girl, you gonna cry premium tears. Let’s just pray that the woman who rescues and relieves your husband’s third-leg-in-distress is not one of your friends or a 42- year-old fine babe who has been waiting for a miracle for so long. Girl, borrow yourself brain, and open up as and when due and demanded.

Now that we have looked at both sides of the coin, can we all agree that there’s actually domestic terrorism in every marriage and that whichever party is found guilty of banditry will pay the price? Good. How about ensuring that the oil rig access is given to the man who won the bid and only him? And men should know henceforth that their money is our money, to be spent lovingly and nicely. It’s how God designed it.

But in case of angry moments when a denied third leg is rearing to take its cap somewhere else, I suggest calmness, deep shaky breaths, cold shower and 30 minutes of comedy show or social media skits. Guys, find other means of ‘punishing’ your wife. My ‘Pope’ has recommended hard and intensive deliverance service in bed. He also advised that you keep your wife busier in the kitchen by being picky with your choice of meals. For instance, after she has spent time making spaghetti Bolognese, change your mind and ask for Ofe-Nsala and pounded yam or Amala and Gbegiri. Ask for moin-moin three times a week. And then ‘vex do the deliverance’ in every position. Trust me, the matter will be resolved sooner than you think.

My sister, each time you think of closing your shop for the owner of the business, close your eyes and imagine your maid enjoying your ‘privileges’ and getting pregnant. Think of your maid becoming your  co-wife. Picture your husband leaving you forever. Closed shops are not good for anybody’s health. In any case, how long can a whole deliverance service last?

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Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI

Time: 12:00pm

Guest: Dr. Mrs. Adetoun Emiola Department of Art & Social Sciences Education, University of Lagos.

Topic: "18-year age limit for NECO, WASSCE, varsities"

Date: 31st August, 2024                          

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/92877141732?pwd=VEJWb29OL2VVekZUTHRpdWYxK0xxZz09

Meeting ID: 928 7714 1732

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There are and will always be all kinds of children. They consist of those that are well brought up and those that are ill-bred. There will be good children and vagabonds will abound. There are deprived ones, evincing lack of parental responsibility and care.  A legion of them flooded the streets during the recent #EndBadGovernment protests which they seized as cover to break into shops and department stores, looting. There are on the other side of the divide a host born into indulgence in the name of love and chest-beating showmanship, but with attendant blighted future. It cannot be for nothing that the Scriptures admonish parents: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverb 22:6) Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible; King James Version (Proverb 22:6). And here following is an account I received during the week which is thought-provoking. It is a letter written to all parents. The writer starts with her experience observing child upbringing in the United Kingdom and the same discharge of parental responsibility in Nigeria. The account is better in her own words and it reads:

“Dear All—Let’s be real. I wish to start by adding the benefit of my time as a student and then resident in the UK. Living in Abuja now. The first thing that I discovered about UK-born White, English undergraduates was that all of them did holiday or weekend job to support themselves—including the children of millionaires amongst them. It is the norm there—regardless of how wealthy their parents are. And I soon discovered that virtually all other foreign students did the same—except status-conscious Nigerians.

“I also watched Richard Branson (owner of Virgin Airline) speaking on the Biography Channel. To my amazement, he said that his young children travel in economy class—even when the parents (he and his wife) are in upper class. Richard Branson is a billionaire in Pound sterling. A quick survey would show you that only children from Nigeria fly business or upper class to commence their studies in the UK. No other foreign students do this.” When the writer lived in the UK, and until recently, there was no aircraft attached to the office of the Prime Minister in the UK. “He travels on BA (British Airways, a commercial airliner). And the same goes for the Royals.” The Queen did not have an aircraft for her exclusive use.

“These practices simply become the culture which the next generation carries forward. Have you seen what Kate Middleton (the wife of Prince William) drives? VW Golf or something close to it. But there is one core difference between them and us (generally speaking), they (even the billionaires) work for their money, most of us steal ours.

“If we want our children to bring about the desired change we have been praying for on behalf of our dear country, then please, please let’s begin now and teach them to work hard so they can stand alone and most importantly be content and not having to ‘steal’ which seems to be the norm these days. We have Nigerian children who have never worked for five minutes in their lives insisting on flying ‘only’ first or business class and using the latest cars fully paid for by their ‘loving’ parents.

“I often get calls from anxious parents: ‘My son graduated two years ago and is still looking for a job, can you please assist!’ ‘Oh, really! So where exactly is ‘THIS CHILD?’ is my usual question. ‘Why are you the one making this call dad/mum?’ I am yet to get a satisfactory answer, but between you and I, chances are that the big boy is cruising around Abuja with a babe dressed to the nines, in his dad’s sparkling new SUV with enough ‘pocket money’ to put your salary to shame. It is not at all strange to hear a 28-year-old who has NEVER worked for a day in his or her life in Nigeria but ‘earns’ six figure ‘salary’ from parents for doing absolutely nothing. 

“I see them in my office once in a while, 26 years old with absolutely no skill to sell apart from a shiny CV, written by his dad’s secretary in the office. Of course, he has a driver at his beck and call and he is driven to the job interview. We have a fairly decent conversation and we get to the inevitable question—So, what salary are you looking to earn? Answer comes straight out—N250, 000. I ask if that is per month or per annum. ‘Of course, it is per annum.’ Oh, why do you think you should be earning that much on your first job?’  ‘Well, because my current pocket money is N200, 000. 00 a month and I feel any employer should be able to pay me more than my parents.”

“No wonder corruption continues to thrive. We have a society of young people who have been brought up to expect something for nothing, as if it were a birthright. Even though the examples I have given above from parents of considerable affluence, similar patterns can be observed from Abeokuta to Adamawa. Wake up mum! Wake up dad! This syndrome—‘my children will not suffer what I suffered’ is destroying your tomorrow. You are practically loving your child to death.

“I learnt the children of a former very senior public functionary with all the stolen (billions) monies in their custody, still go about with security escort as wrecks. They are on drugs; several times because of the drug, they collapse in places. The escort will quickly pack them and off they go. What a life! No one wants to marry them. 

“Henry Ford said, ‘Hard work does not kill.’ We are getting everything wrong in Nigeria now, including family setting. It is time to prepare your children for tomorrow, the way the world is going, only those that are rugged, hardworking and smart working will survive. How will your ward fare?”

All that is narrated in the foregoing is borne out of ignorance of the purpose of life on earth on the part of the parents concerned and the children who are the beneficiaries of misplaced love. As the writer has rightly observed the attitude of the parents is “my children will not suffer what I suffered.” The suffering of the parents itself had its origin, all in ignorance, not even just of the purpose of life, but also of the unswerving mechanisms that govern life in which they will find their role as parents. There may have been over-breeding by equally ignorant forebears of the parents themselves necessitating scarce resources being spread thin. That was also where the forebears had a faint sensing of the place of education, using the old Western Nigeria as an example. Children were sent to school with the proviso that after school hours or/and during holidays, the wards would join them on the farms. In 1954, wards joining parents on the farm soon became a campaign weapon. The NCNC campaigned that the free primary school education of the ruling Action Group was designed to deprive parents of their children joining them on the farm. They also incited voters against capitation tax levied on taxpaying adults to fund education and health. It was one of the four reasons the Action Group lost the Federal parliamentary election into the Federal House of Representatives of that year but won the elections into the Regional Assembly of 1956 and other subsequent elections as enlightenment through education ensued and spread. 

The other three reasons were land acquisition for agricultural development particularly of rubber plantation for domestic use as well as for export. The land owners organized to vote against the Action Group. Another reason was the Customary Court reform which ended illiterate and old men being President and members of customary courts in the region. They were replaced by educated people. The aggrieved backed by Mabolaje/NCNC alliance mobilized to vote against the party. The fourth reason was the 1953 law which brought about the democratization of the local government councils. The law required that councilors were thenceforth to be elected. Hitherto, they were nominated and handpicked. As of that time, elections were held only into Lagos Municipal Council in the whole country. These were the hot potatoes which the Opposition sold to the electors. However, as the bandage dropped from the eyes of the electors, especially as more illiterates began to benefit from the government adult education programme, the ruling Action Group won all subsequent elections from 1956. This distinction by way of digression has to be made so that the 1954 federal polls are not confused with the 1951 elections into the Western House of Assembly which Awolowo’s Action Group won, beating the NCNC with a wide margin: AG, 38 seats to NCNC: 24. Independent parties’ alliance with AG, 15 and similar alliance with NCNC: 3. The total number of seats was 80.

According to the Daily Times publication of 08 January, 1952: “Action Group majority in the Western House of Assembly was publicly and officially acknowledged at the first meeting of the Western Regional Legislature held here this morning.  Forty nine of them with badges pinned on their dresses waited outside the hall and posed for photograph. They insisted on sitting together as a party and the Civil Secretary, Western Region, granted their request.”

What I am getting at is that in the early days, many struggled to pay their way until the free education revolution in the Western Region came about in 1955. The next stage of struggle was to have secondary education and university studies. Many had to be sponsored by the church and their communities. Many after the secondary school education fought their way to Europe where they combined work with studies. They returned to form the first crop of the elite circles, and these were and still are those who, remembering what they went through, mostly vowed that their children would not go through their thorny and harrowing paths to get to the summit of the mountain. 

In the realization of their resolve, they took away the struggle from their children, the souls lovingly put under their care by the Creator in answer to their supplication. They did not know that their own experiences were good for them and, indeed, greatly beneficial to them. Lacking in knowledge, they sought to spare their children of similar struggle and experiences. They were unaware that life is a struggle. Today, children have been made to develop a sense of entitlement and make demands on their parents. In struggle lies the unfolding of talents and abilities. It is through friction with material substances that we gain in consciousness to move into self-consciousness which is the whole purport of life. This cannot be achieved by standing aloof and distancing oneself from struggle. Dr. Stephen Lampe puts it this way in his book, The Spirit of Truth Brings the Everlasting Testament: “The variety of experiences acquired between the Spiritual Realm and the earth activate consciousness and then self-consciousness.” In the struggle we break from within to recognize the omniscience and omnipotence of the Most High. The more successful we are the more we recognise the greatness of the Most High Creator—that it is immeasurable; it is inconceivable. 

Daniel Swarovski, industrialist and author, says in his treasure book, The Time is Ripe: reflections, essays and lectures: “The tendency of physical and mental laziness is contrary to the necessity of life on earth which requires movement, for without work, without industry we cannot master life…Many strangers to nature find the necessity to work irksome. And politicians try to soften the blow, wooing the masses for votes…” 

According to the enlightenment of these times, each human being is here on earth at his own request or because of his own fault to atone for, and he is led to the parents and circumstances that he deserves and which will facilitate the fulfillment of the purpose of his sojourn. The journey is far and great the exertion, it is revealed in higher knowledge. Children may therefore not make claims on their parents. The incomparably unique Work, In The Light of Truth, The Grail Message, states: “Parents merely provide the possibility for an incarnation, and nothing else. And every incarnated soul must be grateful for the opportunity offered!

“The soul of the child is only the guest of its parents. This fact alone gives sufficient explanation to enable one to know that in reality a child can claim no rights in regard to its parents! It has no spiritual claim on its parents! Earthly rights, however, have arisen solely out of a purely mundane social order, brought about by the State so that it need not take any obligations upon itself.”

As I have stated often, man is a spirit. The wrappings around him in which he manifests as a body are his garments he needs for his sojourn on earth and which he discards at death. He enters the Beyond as soul in which he is encased, another set of wrappings made of substances of that plane. The Message states:   “Spiritually, the child is a complete personality in itself. Apart from its physical body, which it needs as a tool for its activity on this gross material plane, it has received nothing from its parents—only a dwelling which the already independent soul can make use of.

“Still through procreation the parents assume the obligation to care for the dwelling place they have thus created, and to maintain it until the soul which has taken possession of it is itself capable of undertaking its maintenance. The natural development of the body will indicate when the moment for this has come. Whatever is done beyond this is a gift from the parents.”

Because of the relatively inner maturity of a sizeable population in Europe, permitting them considerable inner radiance, the White community is closer to the truth with children learning early in life that they are on their own; they do holiday or weekend job to support themselves. We Africans may be beating them in class and examinations; intellectual sagacity is different from inner maturity which is evinced in their refinement, nobility of spirit, etiquette and standards, and the beauty of their environment as well as their sense of orderliness. Of course, there is no gainsaying that decline has set in everywhere, in all parts of our world. 

In the bustling markets, noisy motor parks, and crowded beer parlors of Nigeria, the pulse of the nation’s economy is often felt most acutely. These are places where everyday conversations are garnished with idiomatic expressions that vividly capture the realities of life under economic pressure. It is no surprise, then, that when someone remarked in pidgin, “If government Na healing balm, dis one Na Aboniki,” the sentiment resonated deeply with many.

Aboniki, a popular menthol balm known for its intense heat and powerful sting, has become a fitting metaphor for the kind of government policies that, while meant to alleviate pain, often seem to cause more discomfort than relief. Today, the economy is unarguably as pepperish as Aboniki, with its sting is been felt by millions of people across the country.

Descriptively put, Aboniki is a well-known product in Nigeria, widely used for its potent effects in relieving pain and soothing muscle aches. However, its application is not without a sharp, burning sensation that can be overwhelming, particularly when applied to sensitive areas. This duality, offering both relief and a searing sensation, makes it an apt symbol for the current state of the Nigerian economy. Just as Aboniki balm can both soothe and irritate depending on how it is used, the economy today has become a source of intense discomfort for many, as rising prices, high unemployment, and dwindling purchasing power have left people struggling to cope with the harsh realities of daily life. The comparison to Aboniki underscores the paradox of policies that, instead of easing the pain of economic hardship, seem to intensify it, leaving citizens feeling the burn rather than the balm of relief.

Given the foregoing views, it is expedient to let the government realize the fact that its initiated policies since May 29, 2023, and which are all at the implementation stages are stinging, and that the Tinubu government must rethink its approach as the people can no longer afford to be suffering in pain.

In fact, as Nigeria grapples with its current economic challenges, the policies of the Tinubu administration have come under intense scrutiny. The government has frequently assured the public that the discomfort being experienced today is temporary, a necessary phase in the journey toward eventual economic stability and prosperity.

However, for many Nigerians, this promise of future comfort does little to soothe the immediate pains of soaring prices, dwindling job opportunities, and an overall decline in the standard of living. The current situation presents a glaring contradiction: policies intended to bring relief are instead causing widespread distress, much like applying a balm that burns more than it soothes. It is clear that the government must rethink its approach and develop policies that can deliver relief without the accompanying pain.

To achieve this, the Tinubu administration needs to think outside the box, moving beyond conventional strategies that have repeatedly failed to yield the desired outcomes. The focus should shift from policies that require the public to endure hardship now with the hope of future benefits, to those that can provide immediate, tangible relief. This could involve re-evaluating policies that disproportionately affect the poor, implementing targeted subsidies that ensure basic goods remain affordable, or creating job opportunities that provide real income growth. Moreover, there need to be a concerted effort to restore public trust by ensuring transparency in how government funds are used and by genuinely addressing the corruption that siphons off resources meant for public welfare.

Without a doubt, Nigeria’s economic challenges are complex and deeply rooted, but they are not insurmountable. The key lies in adopting innovative, people-centered policies that prioritize the well-being of citizens today, not just in some distant future. The government must recognize that the pain currently being felt across the nation is not just an unfortunate side effect of economic reform, but a clear indication that the current approach is flawed. By listening to the needs of the people and crafting solutions that provide immediate relief, the Tinubu administration can begin to rebuild the trust and hope that are essential for any lasting economic recovery.

In fact, in the unfolding narrative of Nigeria’s economic struggle under the Tinubu administration, the situation has become painfully reminiscent of a child being beaten for crying out in hunger. Just as it is unjust to punish such child for expressing a basic need, it is equally troubling to see a government attempt to silence the legitimate cries of its citizens. The analogy goes further: the people are not just hungry; they are in pain, as if the administration has rubbed Aboniki, an ointment known for its burning sensation, into their eyes. Rather than addressing the root causes of the suffering, the government seems more intent on covering people’s mouths, preventing them from voicing their grievances. This approach is not only counterproductive but also deeply unjust, and undemocratic.

In a democratic society, the right to express dissatisfaction is fundamental. When citizens speak out against policies that have worsened their living conditions, they are not merely complaining; they are holding their leaders accountable. The Tinubu administration’s attempt to stifle dissent, whether through intimidation or rhetoric, only deepens the sense of alienation and frustration among the populace. Instead of silencing the voices of those who are suffering, the government should heed their cries and take meaningful action to alleviate their pain. This means acknowledging the failures of current policies and making necessary adjustments to ensure that relief, not further hardship, is delivered.

In fact, the administration’s focus should shift from managing public perception to addressing the very real issues that are causing widespread distress. The people are not asking for the impossible; they are simply demanding what is rightfully theirs, a chance to live with dignity, free from the crushing weight of economic hardship. The government must do the needful by implementing policies that provide genuine relief, rather than continuing to inflict pain and then punishing those who dare to speak out. True leadership listens to its people, understands their plight, and works tirelessly to improve their lives. Therefore, It is time for the Tinubu administration to embrace this principle and make the well-being of Nigerians its top priority.

BUA Cement has announced a dividend payment of N2 per ordinary share to its registered members during the 8th Annual General Meeting held on August 29, 2024.

The company also ratified the appointment and re-election of members to key positions within the organization. 

In its recently released second-quarter results for 2024, BUA Cement reported a significant 77% year-over-year increase in revenue for the period ending June 30, 2024. However, the company faced a 54% year-over-year decline in pre-tax profit due to foreign exchange expenses. 

Despite this, the company has approved a dividend of N2 per ordinary share of 50 kobo for the period ending December 31, 2023. 

Other Resolutions: 

• The company approved the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, along with reports from the directors, auditors, and the audit committee. 

• A dividend of ₦2.00 per ordinary share of 50 kobo for the period ending December 31, 2023, was approved. 

• The directors were authorized to remunerate the company’s auditors for the year ending December 31, 2024. 

• The remuneration of the company’s managers was disclosed in compliance with Section 257 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020. 

• The remuneration for the year ending December 2024 was set at ₦9.1 million for non-executive directors, ₦10.4 million for independent non-executive directors, and ₦13 million for the chairman. 

Additionally, a resolution was passed in accordance with Rule 20.8(a) of the Nigerian Exchange Rules concerning transactions with related parties or interested persons. 

The company and its related entities were granted a general mandate covering all recurring transactions with a related party or interested person, provided these transactions are of a revenue or trading nature or necessary for the company’s day-to-day operations. 

Election & Re-election

• Appointment of Ms. Ganiat Adetutu Siyonbola as an independent non-executive director and Mr. Chikezie Ajaero as executive director. 

• Re-election of Mr. Chimaobi Madukwe, Mr. Kabiru Rabiu, and Mr. Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, as directors of the company, who are retiring by rotation. 

• Selection of members to constitute the statutory audit committee for the financial year of 2024: 

• Shareholder Representatives: Mr. Ajibola Ajayi, Mr. Kabiru Tambari, and Mr. Oderinde Taiwo. 

• Board Representatives: Mr. Kabiru Rabiu and Ms. Ganiat Adetutu Siyonbola. 

The chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, in a statement emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering value to shareholders.  

BUA Cement remains committed to maintaining efficient operations despite challenges related to foreign exchange expenses and the overall business climate.

[Niairametrics]