My fellow citizens,

1. I want to talk to you about our economy. It is important that you understand the reasons for the policy measures I have taken to combat the serious economic challenges this nation has long faced.
2. I am not going to talk in difficult terms by dwelling on economic jargon and concepts. I will speak in plain, clear language so that you know where I stand. More importantly, so that you see and hopefully will share my vision regarding the journey to a better, more productive economy for our beloved country.
3. For several years, I have consistently maintained the position that the fuel subsidy had to go. This once beneficial measure had outlived its usefulness. The subsidy cost us trillions of Naira yearly. Such a vast sum of money would have been better spent on public transportation, healthcare, schools, housing and even national security. Instead, it was being funnelled into the deep pockets and lavish bank accounts of a select group of individuals.
4. This group had amassed so much wealth and power that they became a serious threat to the fairness of our economy and the integrity of our democratic governance. To be blunt, Nigeria could never become the society it was intended to be as long as such small, powerful yet unelected groups hold enormous influence over our political economy and the institutions that govern it.
5. The whims of the few should never hold dominant sway over the hopes and aspirations of the many. If we are to be a democracy, the people and not the power of money must be sovereign.
6. The preceding administration saw this looming danger as well. Indeed, it made no provision in the 2023 Appropriations for subsidy after June this year. Removal of this once helpful device that had transformed into a millstone around the country’s neck had become inevitable.
7. Also, the multiple exchange rate system that had been established became nothing but a highway of currency speculation. It diverted money that should have been used to create jobs, build factories and businesses for millions of people. Our national wealth was doled on favourable terms to a handful of people who have been made filthy rich simply by moving money from one hand to another. This too was extremely unfair.
8. It also compounded the threat that the illicit and mass accumulation of money posed to the future of our democratic system and its economy.
9. I had promised to reform the economy for the long-term good by fighting the major imbalances that had plagued our economy. Ending the subsidy and the preferential exchange rate system were key to this fight. This fight is to define the fate and future of our nation. Much is in the balance.
10. Thus, the defects in our economy immensely profited a tiny elite, the elite of the elite you might call them. As we moved to fight the flaws in the economy, the people who grow rich from them, predictably, will fight back through every means necessary.
11. Our economy is going through a tough patch and you are being hurt by it. The cost of fuel has gone up. Food and other prices have followed it. Households and businesses struggle. Things seem anxious and uncertain. I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help not hurt the people and nation that I love.
12. What I can offer in the immediate is to reduce the burden our current economic situation has imposed on all of us, most especially on businesses, the working class and the most vulnerable among us.
13. Already, the Federal Government is working closely with states and local governments to implement interventions that will cushion the pains of our people across socio-economic brackets.
14. Earlier this month, I signed four (4) Executive Orders in keeping with my electoral promise to address unfriendly fiscal policies and multiple taxes that are stifling the business environment. These Executive Orders on suspension and deferred commencement of some taxes will provide the necessary buffers and headroom to businesses in manufacturing sector to continue to thrive and expand.
15. To strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand and create good paying jobs, we are going to spend N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024. Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start a sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation and improve productivity. Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1billion credit at 9% per annum with maximum of 60 months repayment for long term loans and 12 months for working capital.
16. Our administration recognises the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth. We are going to energise this very important sector with N125 billion.
17. Out of the sum, we will spend N50 billion on Conditional Grant to 1 million nano businesses between now and March 2024. Our target is to give N50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country.
18. Ultimately, this programme will further drive financial inclusion by onboarding beneficiaries into the formal banking system. In like manner, we will fund 100,000 MSMEs and start-ups with N75 billion. Under this scheme, each enterprise promoter will be able to get between N500,000 to N1million at 9% interest per annum and a repayment period of 36 months.
19. To further ensure that prices of food items remain affordable, we have had a multi-stakeholder engagement with various farmers’ associations and operators within the agricultural value chain.
20. In the short and immediate terms, we will ensure staple foods are available and affordable. To this end, I have ordered release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices. We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.
21. Our plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows:

-Our administration will invest N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.
-N50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.

22. This expansive agricultural programme will be implemented targeting small-holder farmers and leveraging large-scale private sector players in the agric business with strong performance record.
23. In this regard, the expertise of Development Finance Institutions, commercial banks and microfinance banks will be tapped into to develop a viable and an appropriate transaction structure for all stakeholders.
24. Fellow Nigerians, I made a solemn pledge to work for you. How to improve your welfare and living condition is of paramount importance to me and it’s the only thing that keeps me up day and night.
25. It is in the light of this that I approved Infrastructure Support Fund for the States. This new Infrastructure Fund will enable States to intervene and invest in critical areas and bring relief to many of the pain points as well as revamp our decaying healthcare and educational Infrastructure.
26. The fund will also bring improvements to rural access roads to ease evacuation of farm produce to markets. With the fund, our states will become more competitive and on a stronger financial footing to deliver economic prosperity to Nigerians.
27. Part of our programme is to roll out buses across the states and local governments for mass transit at a much more affordable rate. We have made provision to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses.
28. These buses will be shared to major transportation companies in the states, using the intensity of travel per capital. Participating transport companies will be able to access credit under this facility at 9% per annum with 60 months repayment period.
29. In the same vein, we are also working in collaboration with the Labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. I want to tell our workers this: your salary review is coming.
30. Once we agree on the new minimum wage and general upward review, we will make budget provision for it for immediate implementation.
31. I want to use this opportunity to salute many private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already implemented general salary review for employees.
32. Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us. But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All of our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work.
33. Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully on line. However, we are swiftly closing the time gap. I plead with you to please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your well-being.
34. We will get out of this turbulence. And, due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.
35. In a little over two months, we have saved over a trillion Naira that would have been squandered on the unproductive fuel subsidy which only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters. That money will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families.
36. For example, we shall fulfill our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon his or her education because of lack of money.
37. Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On this principle, we shall never falter.
38. We are also monitoring the effects of the exchange rate and inflation on gasoline prices. If and when necessary, we will intervene.
39. I assure you my fellow country men and women that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn.
40. Now, I must get back to work in order to make this vision come true.
41. Thank you all for listening and may God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Everton may still be interested in Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho this summer as Sean Dyche explores what attacking options are available to him.

The 26-year-old Nigerian international striker scored eight goals for the Foxes in all competitions last season.

And while Everton have a “mild interest” for the Nigeria international, “no approach has yet been made”.

That is according to BBC Sport, who report that Everton boss Sean Dyche has confirmed that the Toffees have missed out on some key targets this summer.

Dyche said: “It’s a tough market. 

“There is only so much that we can do, so we are working very hard – I can assure everyone of that – to construct deals that can work.

“There is no exact moment until it’s over the line. 

“There have been situations where we have been into where we thought we were going to get it over the line and we don’t – that’s the way it goes.

“A lack of goals is always a concern because you need to score to win games.”

[EagleOnline]

Holders the United States survived a huge scare to reach the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw against Portugal, who were unlucky not to claim a sensational win at Eden Park that would have taken them through instead.

The USA struggled to impose themselves against opponents ranked 21st in the world and appearing at their first World Cup, and Portugal almost won the game in injury time when substitute Ana Capeta hit the post.

Holding on for the draw means Vlatko Andonovski’s side finish in second place in Group E.

The Netherlands go through as group winners after a 7-0 demolition of a Vietnam side who were beaten just 3-0 by the Americans in their first match at the tournament.

That means pre-tournament favourites the USA will move to Australia to play a last-16 tie on Sunday against the winners of Group G, in all likelihood Olympic silver medallists Sweden.

Nothing about their performance here in front of almost 41,000 in Auckland, or in their two previous matches at the tournament, suggests the United States will find it easy going against a side who finished third at the last World Cup.

It is just the second time in Women’s World Cup history that the USA have failed to top their group, although on the last occasion, in 2011, they reached the final before losing on penalties to Japan.

They had never before won just one group game, and the regression from four years ago in France is striking.

That time they won all three matches in the first phase, rattling in 18 goals without reply.

Andonovski has insisted a youthful new team will need time to find its feet, but an urgent step-up will be required if they are not to be eliminated early in the knockout phase.

The US have never before failed to reach the semi-finals in the eight prior editions of the World Cup.

– Lavelle handed start –

Andonovski made two changes from the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, with Rose Lavelle rewarded for her game-changing role off the bench in that game with a first start at the tournament.

Savannah DeMelo made way for her, while Lynn Williams was brought in on the right wing as Trinity Rodman dropped out.

Portugal had to win to go through but played as if there was no pressure on them at all, with Andreia Norton shooting over early on and the lively Jessica Silva dragging a shot wide from a good position soon after.

They had more of the possession, and the much-fancied Americans struggled to match the intensity or aggression of a Portugal team who had beaten Vietnam 2-0 in their last match.

Starting a World Cup match for the first time, Williams found the going tough but did have her team’s best chances in the opening half, including a snap-shot in stoppage time that was saved by goalkeeper Ines Pereira.

The US started better in the second half but Andonovski was alarmed enough to call for Megan Rapinoe, the veteran replacing Sophia Smith just after the hour mark.

Yet clear chances remained at a minimum and there were some nervy moments at the other end, like when Naomi Girma was booked for a panicked pull on Silva late on.

There was more panic in the US defence in the first minute of injury time when Capeta, who had just come on, smashed a shot off the upright as the holders grimly held on.

In a developing geopolitical situation, tensions are brewing within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the issue of military intervention in Niger Republic. Guinea has raised concerns that such an intervention could lead to the dislocation of ECOWAS as a regional body.

The call for military action in Niger Republic stems from ongoing security challenges and political instability in the region. However, Guinea’s President, Alpha Conde, has expressed reservations about the potential consequences of such a move, stating that it could cause disarray and discord among ECOWAS member states.

Instead, Guinea is urging ECOWAS to prioritize the welfare of African migrants in Tunisia, highlighting the humanitarian crisis that many of these migrants face. The country contends that ECOWAS should concentrate on collaborative efforts to address migration issues and provide support to those in need.

On the other hand, Burkina Faso and Mali have taken a different stance, voicing their unwavering support for Niger against any military intervention. According to a joint statement released by the leaders of Burkina Faso and Mali, they believe that a military intervention would be deemed a “declaration of war” and could escalate tensions in the already volatile region.

The situation is drawing widespread attention, with implications for regional stability and cooperation. As ECOWAS member states navigate through these complex issues, the region faces a crucial test of unity and collective decision-making.

The ongoing discussions among the ECOWAS member states have drawn international interest and concern. The international community is closely monitoring the situation to understand the implications it may have on security, migration, and diplomatic relations within the West African region.

As events unfold, ECOWAS leaders are under pressure to find a balanced approach that addresses the security concerns in Niger Republic while safeguarding the unity and stability of the regional body. The outcome of these deliberations will shape the future direction of ECOWAS and its role in addressing regional challenges.

Source: Instablog9ja

The Nigerian Army says combined troops of 82 Division, the Nigeria Police and security agencies have successfully raided hideouts and training camps belonging to IPOB/ESN in Orsomoghu forest, spanning Anambra and Imo States.

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, in a statement on Tuesday, said the troops were alerted about the violent activities of IPOB/ESN in Onitsha, Nnewi and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as New Market in Enugu State.

According to the statement, during the operations, the troops cleared IPOB camps in Ekeututu, Orsomoghu, Lilu and Mother Valley camps of the dissidents.

It said troops came in contact with the group’s armed fighters, who detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) also known as Ogbunigwe using locally fabricated mortar tubes.

“The valiant troops however overpowered the irredentist group in the firefight, compelling them to abandon their position as they fled with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes,” the statement said.

He said the troops arrested five fleeing members of the group and recovered one IPOB flag, one CCTV camera and two detonated IED bombs and a fabricated mortar tube.

The statement added that five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained varying degrees of injuries from the IED detonated by the criminals.

The statement encouraged all law-abiding citizens of the South-East to continue to support ongoing operations with actionable information and to disregard the unlawful two weeks sit-at-home order by going about their normal daily activities and businesses.

[DailyPost]

Nigerian leaders must realise that nations are not built to the personalisation of governance and justice. They have to draw a line between what they want and what the country wants. There is a reason the symbol of justice is blindfolded. Laws are laws and must be respected, no matter how they run against the desires of the leaders. It is by respecting the constitution and court judgments that a country can make both her citizens and foreigners have confidence in her.

Last week, the Department of State Services created some embarrassment for Nigeria with the show of shame it displayed at the Federal High Court in Lagos State. And sadly, it was obvious that the DSS had the blessing of President Bola Tinubu, because there was no statement from the presidency condemning that act, neither was there any announcement meting out punishment for the leadership of the DSS.

The Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, was in court over the case brought against him by the DSS. Shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration, Emefiele was suspended as the CBN governor and then arrested. Curiously, rather than charge him for some serious offence regarding his tenure as the governor of the CBN, he was charged for the possession of a gun that was allegedly found in his residence the day the DSS arrested him, making people to wonder if the Tinubu administration had nothing against Emefiele before the secret police went to effect his arrest.

On Tuesday when the court sat over his case, it granted him bail because his alleged offence was bailable. However, the court placed him in the care of the Nigerian Correctional Service, which used to be called the Nigerian Prison Service, pending his fulfilment of his bail conditions. This did not go down well with the DSS, which wanted to keep him in its care. As the court session ended and efforts were on to take Emefiele out by the NCoS, some hooded members of the DSS swooped on members of the NCoS. They manhandled the operatives of the NCoS while those within the premises of the court, including journalists, booed them and videoed them with their cameras and phone cameras. The DSS men were not deterred. They pressed on until they eventually got Emefiele and whisked him away.

On Thursday, an Abuja High Court rejected an application by the DSS seeking to detain Emefiele for another 14 days. Yet the DSS has not released him.

Acts like this are captured on camera and news stories and published both online and in hard copies. People all over the world see them and make their conclusions that Nigeria is a lawless country or a dictatorship. Interestingly, these are the people the presidency is making efforts to convince to invest in Nigeria. He has already travelled to some countries purportedly to woo foreign investors to invest in Nigeria. One wonders how foreign leaders who have seen such acts of impunity and lawlessness will be keen to invest their funds in Nigeria.

Investors are not Santa Claus. Investment means putting funds into a business with the hope of getting profits. If an administration does not obey the pronouncements of its country’s law courts, how can it respect the funds of an expatriate? What gives individuals and organisations the confidence to invest in truly democratic countries is that they are sure that laws and policies of such countries are clear and are respected by whoever is in power. They are confident that if there is a dispute and they decide to sue the government, the court would dispense judgment impartially. And if the judgment is against the government, the same government will respect that pronouncement. This is why when people feel oppressed in most parts of the world, they usually seek refuge in Western democracies.

The actions of the DSS on Emefiele give the impression that the Tinubu administration does not seem to be pursuing justice against Emefiele but vendetta. It has been a curious form of power show exhibited by most past presidents. For example, when Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua came into office in 2007, the current National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was removed as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. It did not stop there. He was demoted by two ranks. Then he was eventually sacked from the police. He fled the country. The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, was also targeted. He also fled the country. Both men did not return to Nigeria until after the death of Yar’Adua and the assumption of office of Dr Goodluck Jonathan in 2010.

A similar thing occurred under the presidency of Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). Upon Buhari’s assumption of office in 2015, the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), was arrested and detained. Despite various court rulings, Buhari refused to release him. It was alleged that Buhari was getting his pound of flesh against Dasuki for his participation in the coup of August 1985 that ousted him. Buhari also kept the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, incarcerated from 2021 until the end of his administration in May 2023 despite the various court rulings against his detention.

Similarly, it is being alleged that Tinubu is punishing Emefiele for his action of changing the design of the naira and making naira scarce during the campaign period for the 2023 elections, an action which is insinuated to have been embarked upon to weaken the presidential bid of Tinubu. Among the key presidential candidates, only Tinubu (and his aides) complained about the naira redesign, accusing Emefiele of economic sabotage before the election. Some governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress even went to court to get an order of the court reversing the announcement made by the CBN on the non-acceptance of the old naira notes after a certain date. Ironically, even though Buhari confirmed verbally that he endorsed the monetary policy taken by Emefiele, Tinubu has completely looked away from Buhari and made Emefiele the fall guy.

What runs through all this is the issue of personalising governance and mixing up justice with vendetta. There is a queer attitude of all Nigerian security agencies about justice. They all seem to derive some joy in locking people up as long as possible, even without any court sentence. They play all kinds of tricks and give all kinds of excuses to keep people in detention. One can see that they are more concerned about “teaching their victims a lesson” than with bringing such people to justice.

Justice seeks to use the law to decide the fate of an accused person, while vendetta seeks to punish an accused person for personal reasons. Justice makes people cautious about their actions. It also makes people regret their wrong actions. But vendetta completely takes away attention from the issue at stake and turns the accused person into a victim of power show. No positive lessons are learnt from it. Conversely, victims may become thick-skinned and avoid doing the right thing in future, because of their belief that doing the right thing does not pay.

Nigerian leaders must realise that nations are not built to the personalisation of governance and justice. They have to draw a line between what they want and what the country wants. There is a reason the symbol of justice is blindfolded. Laws are laws and must be respected, no matter how they run against the desires of the leaders. It is by respecting the constitution and court judgments that a country can make both her citizens and foreigners have confidence in her. It’s only when citizens and foreigners have confidence in a country that they can invest in such a country and rest assured that their investment is safe.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said salaries of members of the National Assembly were not enough to take care of demands from their constituents.

Akpabio stated this on Monday, while contributing to the debate on a motion sponsored by Abdulraman Kawu Suleiman, member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) representing Kano South, on the need to avert impending strike planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

He said with the volume of requests from various constituents represented in the National Assembly, lawmakers’ earnings were too inadequate to cater for those requests.

Akpabio conceded that though hardships associated with the removal of subsidy on petroleum products were enormous, there was need for the people to be more patient with government while steps were being taken to ameliorate sufferings of the people.

In defending his motion, Kawu said “the strike would cripple the country as movement would be severely curtailed as commercial transport operators would withdraw their services, while markets, schools and healthcare facilities would be forced to shut down.”

Kawu added said the action could heat up the polity when it occurred, and the gains from the strike would be far below the costs to either of the parties in conflict.

He said,“The strike threat by the NLC, if not averted, could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses, hunger, frustration, more hardship that would lead to unquantified financial losses and reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“NLC strike is also a bad reputation for the Nigerian economy and the educational system because it portrays the country in a bad light to the external world and discourages foreigners from coming to do business or study in Nigeria,” Kawu said.

The Senate after the debate mandated its leadership to interface between the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Federal Government in order to avert strike.

[Vanguard]

Growing up, sitting at the table with multiple diplomats was always an intriguing experience. Their debates on foreign policy issues forced me to learn about international relations and hear analyses I never thought I would need.

Now, many years later, I always analyze international actions through a Nigerian national interest perspective — asking first and foremost, what’s in it for Nigeria?

Reading about the recent coup in Niger and the various opinions, especially on social media, it is clear that many people do not fully grasp why the July 26th coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum is significant for Nigeria.

When analyzing the implications of the coup in Niger, we must take into account multiple factors. However, to keep things concise and practical, let's focus on the major implications and historical occurrences.

In 1919, after the defeat of the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria) by the Allies (France, the British Empire, the Soviet Union, Japan, Italy, and the United States) in World War I, the Treaty of Versailles was adopted. This treaty resulted in territorial losses for Germany and its allies, leading to the redistribution of African territories among the Allied nations.

During this distribution, even among the victors, there were concerns about the allocation of territories, with the United States favoring French influence in Africa over the Soviet Union's. This means that the United States and the Soviet Union had a somewhat cold relationship 28 years before the Cold War actually started.

However, it's worth noting that over a century has passed since the Treaty, and many African countries are celebrating five or six decades of their independence. Nevertheless, we cannot underestimate the enduring influence of our former colonial masters on our political leadership, our economic decisions, and our socio-cultural leanings.

For instance, among the 16 West African countries, 8 use the West African CFA Franc as their official currency. This currency is issued by the Central Bank of West African States and is pegged to specific requirements and restrictions set by the French Treasury. As a result, while these countries are politically sovereign, they lack full economic independence.

This is why, almost every time there is a coup or orchestrated uprising in an African country, those who have the patience to follow the strings, will oftentimes find a colonial master or world power pulling from behind as a puppeteer. 

In 2019, two years prior to the 2021 coup d'état in Mali, Russian Wagner forces arrived in Bamako. Today, after the coup, they protect Mali's leaders in exchange for lucrative contracts managing mines and local natural resources. Quid pro quo.

Likewise, almost a year ago in Burkina Faso, a young captain in the special forces, Ibrahim Traoré, led a coup overthrowing President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had also come to power in a coup a few months earlier. Both incidents were followed by people taking to the streets waving Russian flags and expressing anti-French sentiments.

In January, Burkina Faso announced the end of its military pact with France — expressing a desire for self-defense and self-determination. Similarly,  just a few days ago, Mali announced the end of French as its official language. All this cannot have happened by coincidence.

Now, shifting our focus back to the situation in Niger, its implications for Nigeria, and the underlying issues that demand consideration, we must first recognize that the success of most coups largely depends on the response of the citizens in the country. How did the people of Niger react? Do they genuinely desire the reinstatement of the former President? 

Secondly, the global community, especially ECOWAS states, should reflect on the realities that enabled the coup to happen in the first place. What reasons did the junta give? 

Thirdly, given the growing anti-French sentiments in various African nations, should we consider France's hegemonic influence in these Francophone countries as a contributing factor to the occurrence of three coups?

Lastly, we must question the West's commitment to democracy if it has allowed several African leaders to carry out 'constitutional coups' by extending or eliminating term limits to maintain their hold on power. This point is a story for another day.

Here in Nigeria, we must embark on some soul searching and ask ourselves several critical questions. Firstly, should we genuinely involve ourselves in Niger's affairs, given the pressing issues we face at home with IPOB in the South-East and Boko Haram in the North?

Secondly, can Nigeria realistically contemplate a military intervention? Do we have the necessary senior administrative military experience to undertake such a campaign, especially considering that over 200 ranking military officers, many with crucial foreign experience, have been retired during Presidents Buhari and Tinubu's leadership appointments?

Thirdly, how does Nigeria's historical non-alignment strategy come into play? Assisting in removing coup plotters in Niger may oppose Russian interests, whereas leaving the coupists in power could conflict with French interests.

Therefore, in light of these complexities, we must reflect on what is ultimately in Nigeria's best interests. Yes, if the situation in Niger escalates into a large-scale conflict, it may create a significant land corridor between Nigeria and Libya, where terrorists from the Islamic State currently occupy substantial areas. Such instability in Niger could also lead to a power vacuum that Boko Haram might exploit.

Furthermore, we cannot overlook the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise from prolonged conflict, impacting the entire continent. Consequently, taking no action is not a viable option. However, what action should be taken? 

As we strive for a credible solution, it is crucial for the international community, from ECOWAS to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), to holistically examine the situation and reach a unified conclusion. The disparity between the AU's 15-day ultimatum and ECOWAS's 7-day ultimatum plus immediate sanctions raises the question of whose ultimatum the Niger junta should follow.

From an economic perspective, Niger holds significant importance, providing 15 percent of France's uranium needs and accounting for a fifth of the EU's uranium stock. Additionally, Russia, which either directly or indirectly supported the coup in Niger, also supplies the EU with a fifth of its uranium stock.

Looking ahead, this coup may have less to do with the individuals in power and more to do with Russia's potential control of 2/5th of Europe's energy needs. Consequently, the situation in Niger appears to be another proxy war concerning resources. Hence, hiding behind the toga of ‘adherence to democratic rule’ is just another soundbite that we have heard before many other international interventions.

The truth is, the more you look, the less you actually see. However, whatever unfolds, Nigeria should always think of Nigeria first. Everything else should be considered secondary.

I rest my case.

One of the major sore points in the Nigerian story has been the negative role played by non-state actors in the making and the unmaking of Nigeria – those characters who drag the country back and down, those who seize state assets, those who steal our crude oil, the merchants of death and disgrace who denigrate and devalue the Nigerian green passport and collective humanity but there are also many non-state actors whose actions project the nation positively, reminding us that in the midst of the increasing mass psychosis in our land, the blood of humaneness still runs in some veins.

In this category, you would find the philanthropists – the men and women who give back to society and whose actions confront the rest of us with strong intimations of what it means to be human- Femi Otedola, Michael Adenuga, Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Mrs Folorunso Alakija, Otunba Subomi Balogun, now of blessed memory, Florence Otedola (DJ Cuppy), David Adeleke (Davido) and so on. While some of them may be associated with the state either directly or by proxy, a common link is the fact that they have shown a consistent pattern to identify with the downtrodden, the underprivileged, the poor and the down and out in society. I would place into this category the genuine non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are doing quality work as a bridge between state and society, certainly not those camouflage, profit-seeking NGOs that do more harm than good and whose clandestine purpose is to access donor funding for selfish reasons. They know themselves. It would be a most useful academic exercise someday to inquire into the role of non-state actors, in a comprehensive, detailed and objective manner to locate their roles properly within the matrix of nation-building: the diverse personas involved, ideologies and complexities, reach, influence and impact.

I have tried to draw attention to this as I reflect on my attendance at two events on Friday, July 28, namely, the Air Peace/NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame which took place in two parts: a morning event titled “The 4th Conversation: From Olympic Boycotts to Hosting the World – West Africa’s March to FIFA 2034”, which held at the premises of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) at Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, Lagos and in the evening, the Investiture of Air Peace Sports Diplomacy Ambassadors, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, also in Victoria Island Lagos. The key objective was to honour Nigeria’s 1976 Olympics team and the 1980 Green Eagles African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Team. I had more than one reason to be at both events, but the part that is directly relevant to this review is the fact that I am an Associate Fellow of the NIIA, which by the way earned me a reserved seat in the front row. But to return to my earlier point about positively-oriented non-state actors, I begin by drawing attention to the fact that both events were supported and sponsored by Mr. Allen Onyema and his company, the airline known as Air Peace.

Onyema and his team, with the support of consultants – Chief Segun Odegbami, Z-Edge Consulting’s Kikelomo Atanda-Owo and others came up with a plan to honour the men and women who could not participate in the 1976 Montreal Olympics in Canada, because of the decision by African countries to boycott the Olympics. The boycott was as a result of the apartheid politics in South Africa and especially New Zealand’s Rugby tour of South Africa at the time. African countries chose to boycott the 1976 Olympics because the organizing body allowed New Zealand to participate in the Olympics. Africa had made it clear that it would not participate in the Olympics if New Zealand, openly supporting the racist, apartheid government in South Africa was allowed to participate. African leaders made good their word. Nigeria went to the Olympics but it was the first country to leave, followed by Kenya. In total, 27 African countries boycotted the Olympics. Their exit almost crashed the 1976 Olympics, and the city of Montreal, the host city alone lost over $2 billion. But the point was made. The protesting countries had made an ideological point: racism was unacceptable especially as the Olympics was being held shortly after the 1976 Soweto massacre which resulted in the death of over 100 persons. It was one special moment in African history when Africans spoke with one voice even if two countries- Senegal and Ivory Coast went ahead to participate. The effect of the boycott was that many of the athletes who had prepared so much to compete and shine at the event had their dreams aborted. They had to make the sacrifice because of the choice made by their countries. Filbert Bayi of Tanzania who had been Commonwealth Games and world record holder in 1500 metres, who was looking forward to the Olympics in 1976 was denied the dream of participation. He was in Nigeria at the Friday events. So was Ron Freeman, US Olympics world record holder in 4 X 400 metres relay.

The whole idea was to honour the heroes from Nigeria who did not even get a chance to participate in the 1976 Olympics because Nigeria had taken an ideological position, from a foreign policy end on apartheid in South Africa. The other set of honorees were members of the 1980 Green Eagles squad that won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) for Nigeria. It was a team that brought glory to Nigeria and unified the nation. On Friday, the joint forces of Allen Onyema’s Air Peace and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs came together to honour and iconize these forgotten, under-appreciated heroes. It was a beautiful town and gown collaboration, signposting useful lessons in private sector, non-state actor participation in nation building, and the value of soft, sports diplomacy and the expansive scope of an intellectual think tank like the NIIA. Allen Onyema provided the funds and the logistics. NIIA gave it an intellectual cover and allure and provided the grounds for actual and useful historification.

As I did before in this same column with the examples of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Otunba Mike Adenuga, I recommend Allen Onyema for special commendation. Many would remember him as the entrepreneur who continues to use his wealth to support helpless Nigerians. When Nigerians were stranded in South Africa due to xenophobic attacks in September 2019, he sent his aircraft to South Africa at no cost to bring the distressed Nigerians back home, without collecting a kobo from the Nigerian government. In 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, many Nigerians were stranded in many parts of the world, Onyema again dispatched his aircraft to rescue persons and deliver relief materials at no cost to the persons or government. Again in 2023, when crisis erupted in Sudan, Allen Onyema sent aircraft to Egypt to evacuate stranded Nigerians. At every point, he keeps showing that legacy creation is more important than the creation of wealth for profit motives. He told the audience at the NIIA on Friday, July 28, that he is motivated by love of nation, not wealth. “I cannot go to the grave with my wealth. It is better to use what we have to help our country and build a legacy”, he said. He got a standing ovation. He also received fulsome praise from Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former DG of the NIIA (1975-83), and former Minister of External Affairs (1985 -87) who described him as “a noble Nigerian with generosity in his DNA” ” and further from Professor Eghosa Osaghae of NIIA who described Allen Onyema as a man who is “redrawing the contours of non-state actors.”

The irony is that this same Onyema who was the star at the NIIA last Friday has not been properly honoured by his country. His love for Nigeria remains unrequited and yet he keeps doing more. His name originally appeared in one of those last-minute National Honours List by the Buhari administration, but it was eventually removed before the event. It must be that some clowns in the corridors of power thought he didn’t deserve to be so honoured and probably smuggled their own unknown, less deserving names onto the list and they now parade themselves as persons worthy of recognition. Nigeria is a country where the thieves get the crown, and the more honest people are turned into spectators. When people are asked to give to their country, it is only fair to expect the country to appreciate them in return. Onyema is probably too modest to demand the recognition that he deserves.

His joint operation with the NIIA in the area of sports diplomacy is pointedly the catalyst for this review. He and the NIIA at the risk of sounding repetitive have done so well, and I must now add to the commendation list Professor Eghosa Osaghae, an absolutely brilliant scholar, teacher and author who since his assumption of office as DG NIIA (2021) has transformed that place, and reinvented it as an intellectual power house for Nigeria. NIIA is Nigeria’s equivalent of Britain’s Royal Institute of International Affairs, or Chatham House as it is more commonly known, and America’s Council of Foreign Relations (CFR). These bodies do research, think for government and recommend policies. The NIIA has had an illustrious history under the watch of Dr Lawrence Fabunmi, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Gabriel Olusanya, Professor George Obiozor, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Professor Joy Ogwu, Professor Osita Eze, Professor Bola Akinterinwa and others, but Professor Eghosa Osaghae has brought a new dynamism to the place. For a while, NIIA became an events venue for book presentations, birthday lectures and all kinds of NGO events, a watering hole for photographers and people selling all kind of things, but Eghosa Osaghae has cleaned up “his father’s place” and restored it to its original glory established by “NIIA ancestors” like Professor Akinyemi who correctly stood in for President Olusegun Obasanjo as Chair of the occasion and did an excellent job of it.

Osaghae is a product of the finest tradition of scholarship, the Ibadan School of Political Science and he has in the course of his career distinguished himself as a teacher, prolific scholar, orator and administrator. His outlier qualities were on display on July 28 to the benefit of the institution that he leads. NIIA now has a transformed courtyard where there is a wall of fame, honouring all the heroes who missed the 1976 Olympic because they had to make a sacrifice and respect their country’s resolve to stand against apartheid in South Africa, and the 1980 Green Eagles who won the 1980 African Cup of Nations. The names of these heroes are now forever enshrined in a wall of fame at the NIIA courtyard. It is a long list – names like Modupe Oshikoya, Gloria Ayanlaja, Benjamin Omodhiale, Taiwo Ogunjobi, John Okoro, Chuks Abigide, Bruce Ijirigho, Dele Udoh, Dennis Otono, Emmanuel Okala, Joseph Erico, Mudashiru Lawal, Christian Chukwu, Godwin Odiye, Haruna Ilerika, Sanni Mohammed, Samuel Ojebode, Kunle Awesu, Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amaesimeka, Sylvanus Okpala, Shefiu Mohammed, Baba Otu Mohammed, Felix Owolabi, David Adiele, Henry Nwosu, Okey Isima, Charles Bassey, Obisia Nwakpa, Davidson Andeh --- a long list of 57 names! Those names are now emblazoned forever on a wall of fame at Nigeria’s Institute of International Affairs, turning that foreign think-tank into a tourist/intellectual centre under Professor Osaghae’s watch.

The other high point at the morning event was the keynote address by Professor Idy Uyoe who gave a thrilling, engaging presentation on the theme of the day. He took us through the history of the apartheid, racist regime in South Africa and why Africans had to stand up in support of their long-suffering brothers in South Africa, the 1976 boycott of the Olympics, the heroic 1980 Green Eagles as the Super Eagles were formerly known, and then the question which he posed and answered: Is it possible to bring the FIFA World Cup to West Africa in 2034, and how? Uyoe kept us glued to our seats and the screen, the first event in the NIIA 4th Conversation series. It is most apposite that the organizers have started with such an important theme as the value of sports as a tool of soft diplomacy, but more importantly, the need to recognize the contributions of the nation’s sports heroes. In Nigeria, sports heroes are rarely remembered. Jerry Okorodudu, 1994 USA Olympics star died recently. His corpse was seized for a few days because his family could not pay a certain N600, 000 hospital bill. In 2019, multi-billionaire, Mr. Femi Otedola had to pay the medical bills of former international and coach, Peter Fregene. He also did the same for Christian Chukwu, who by the way was at the events on Friday in Lagos, looking good, now ageing well. Nigeria’s sports heroes deserve better treatment.

The more telling import of the day’s event was driven home at the evening investiture event of Air Peace Sports Diplomacy Ambassadors at the Eko Hotel and Suites. Having been duly told that pepper soup and jollof rice would be served aplenty, I showed up and stayed till after midnight. The intellectual part having been dispensed with during the day, Air Peace and Allen Onyema rolled out the drums. It was a night of fun, fest, felicity and feferity to celebrate our heroes past and the living legends that through sports did Nigeria proud. Many of them were in attendance physically, those who had passed were represented by family members. Time has passed. The year 1976 was 47 years ago. It has been 43 years ago since Nigeria won the Cup of Nations. Half of the heroes that were in the hall could not climb the stairs to the stage. Quite a few relied on walking sticks for mobility. It was an emotional moment. These were the same athletes who broke records in the prime of their time. These were the same footballers who once upon a time shut down the city anytime they played at the National Stadium and inspired the flowery, poetic genius of sports commentators like Ernest Okonkwo and Ishola Folorunsho. The best of them looked truly like time has passed. Allen Onyema and Air Peace gave them plaques of honour, decorated them with sashes of honour, gave them a cash gift of N1.5 million each, and free air tickets on Air Peace to their chosen destinations locally and internationally. There were mushy tears of joy! Oh, what a night, made even more memorable with interlude performances by Timi Dakolo, the Extreme Dancers, Chief Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, KCee and Ludareh Music. There was a lot to eat and drink.

Nigeria has an obligation to become a country that looks out for its best in all disciplines and provides for them even when they are past their prime, and this can be best done, through collaborations with the private sector. There are many more to honour. Well done, NIIA. Thank you, Air Peace.