A visionary government can be a force for good. The best sustainable way to improve the lives of the people is through targeted social investment. 

Social investment means investing in people to improve their skills and capabilities. It also means to lift up communities by improving the quality of people's lives through targeted public spending.

In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is building 20,000 housing units for low income workers. This is the most systematic and targeted public housing scheme in the history of Rivers State, since 1967.

Is Governor Fubara taking a page from Singapore's developmental playbook?  

 At independence in 1959, only 9% of Singapore's population had public housing. Today, over 80% of Singaporeans live in houses built by the government. In fact, Singapore has the best public housing scheme in the world today. 

Decades of visionary leadership and social investment helped move Singapore from a developing country to the ranks of advanced economies.

In Nigeria, it is widely believed that the 36 states have been punching below their weights for far too long. If Nigeria is to meet its development targets, then states must begin to think and develop almost like independent entities within the federation. 

Indeed, states in Nigeria must serve as centres of innovative leadership, good governance, and inclusive growth.

This is why, in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is right to insist that public resources must be used for the benefit of the people. 

Therefore, the Rivers State government has placed the present and future needs of the people squarely at the centre of public policy. 

When completed, below are FOUR benefits that the Rivers State Government's public housing scheme can create:

1. Fast Social Mobility: 

When completed, the 20,000 housing units will move low-income workers and their families from poor, informal settlements (ghettos) to an organized, sustainable community. This is government-assisted social mobility like we have never seen before in the state. As the example of Singapore shows, decent and affordable housing is one of the solid pillars upon which a people's prosperity can be built. 

2. A LEAP OUT OF POVERTY:

When affordable public housing is combined with the new minimum wage, and the ongoing rejuvenation of public schools and health services in Rivers State, the people's lives will be improved. The people will be placed on a sustainable path out of poverty.

3. SOCIAL INVESTMENT CREATES INCLUSIVE GROWTH:

Development is about improving the people's material conditions and the environment in which they live. By investing in decent and affordable housing for thousands of low-income workers in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is making government meaningful to the most vulnerable people in the state.

Furthermore, social investment such as public housing reduces social inequity and increases inclusive growth in a practical and direct way that people can actually feel and own.

4. REDUCTION IN CRIME:

Finally, over the medium and long terms, Governor Fubara's public housing policy is expected to lead to a significant reduction in crime and criminality in Rivers State. 

As thousands of people move from unplanned and poorly-policed informal settlements to a more organized urban housing scheme, it will be easier for law enforcement agencies to provide protection for everyone.

Ultimately, the government recognises that a better quality of life for the people of Rivers State is the most effective hedge against crime.

________________________

Dr Austin Tam-George is a former Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

He serves as a member of the Harvard Business Review (HBR) Advisory Council, an opt-in research community of business professionals.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed to bring the development he achieved when he was governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust published on Saturday, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum said he has tried to advise the present administration on its policies but it seems Tinubu is resistant to advise.

While expressing respect for Tinubu, the Bauchi Governor admitted he had mistaken with expectations that Tinubu will bring the same magic he brought to Lagos.

According to him, Tinubu performed well in Lagos when he had a team comprising of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Minister Kayode Fayemi.

Bala Mohammed wondered why the duo are not involved in the Tinubu administration, stressing that the President should bring back knowledgeable people and not just those who are ready to give blind praises.

He said: “The NEC is an advisory body headed by the Vice President. As governors, we can express our views, but often we feel frustrated. What I said wasn’t meant to insult President Tinubu. I respect him greatly—he has mentored many people across Nigeria, regardless of state or religion. I had high hopes that when he becomes president he will bring the same magic he brought to Lagos. But I was mistaken. Perhaps he’s overwhelmed or resistant to advice.

“When I said his policies aren’t working, I was speaking as an opposition member. We can’t be expected to support him blindly as his party members do. In fact, I’ve shown considerable restraint, as a statesman, by not saying things that could ignite a national crisis. But there are serious issues in his administration-within the oil and gas sector, the lack of real action on insecurity, the surface-level economic policies, the handling of labour issues, and their overall approach to governance.

“The government’s economic policies, particularly around fuel and the welfare of the people, are not working. I’m saying this modestly-our monetary policies are failing. President Tinubu needs to bring in capable people to work with him, not me specifically, but experts from across the country. Nigerians are suffering from hunger and anger, and good governance means managing people’s aspirations and minimising discomfort.

“If the removal of fuel subsidy was supposed to help, we’re not seeing that. What we need are policies that actually put food on the table. Even if we pay the minimum wage, it’s not enough to bring relief. That’s why I called for a review. And maybe he’s trying to review things, but the continued rise in fuel prices suggests otherwise. How can workers afford to commute? How can people buy basic goods like a bag of maize?

“President Tinubu needs to show empathy and apply the same skills he used in Lagos on a national level. He had a strong team before-like former Vice President (Yemi) Osinbajo and former Minister (Kayode) Fayemi-where are they now? He should bring back knowledgeable people, not just those who say “ranka dede” (blind praise). That’s what I’m advocating.”

[NaijaNews]

Bitter kola, also known as Garcinia kola, is gradually becoming one of the highly sought products in Nigeria and other countries across the world. The nut is occasionally eaten by a few people, especially in the northern part of Nigeria as the region doesn’t grow it much, and it was initially sold cheaply as against what is now being experienced. Weekend Trust gathered that the price of the nut is now out of reach of the common man.

Alhaji Usman Dauda is a bitter kola merchant at the famous Mariri Kolanut Market in Kano and according to him, the nut has gradually become one of the nuts in high demand, not only in the local business space, but also in the international market. He explained that though the nut is currently in high demand in the North, it is known to be grown in the South-west, South-south and North-central regions of Nigeria.

He revealed that though the nut is currently highly consumed within the nation, findings have shown that countries like China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and several Asian countries are taking the nut from Nigeria, hence the hike in the price.

He added that many people have ventured into exportation of bitter kola as the demand by foreign countries heightens.

“Perhaps, the rise in demand of the nut by other countries is responsible for the increase in price. However, the consumption of the nut has also increased due to some other issues. It will interest you to note that the nut is being exported in different forms;  it could be taken out dried or in powdered form, depending on the specification of the buyer and the country it is being taken to,” he said.

Another merchant, Malam Ubale Umar, said the transformation in the bitter kola business happened within the last five years, adding that initially, bitter kola business wasn’t lucrative and one needed just a small capital to start it.

According to him, the business became what it is today due to the exportation potentials of the nut, explaining that small scale exporters can start the business using simple devices such as phones. He further stated that another advantage of the nut is that it is neither a perishable item nor does it require special storage facility.

He revealed that many people in the business are rich.

Findings have also revealed that bitter kola gained serious recognition during the Covid-19 pandemic when it was believed that the nut could cure any form of flu and also provided the body with the needed immunity against the virus.  Although, there was no medical confirmation that bitter kola could cure Covid.

Hajiya Hafsat Idi claimed that she started using bitter kola after the Covid-19 pandemic. According to her, she became ill during the pandemic and bitter kola was introduced to her as a remedy to her illness. She said she was healed after three days of using bitter kola and ever since, she’s made it a habit to take one piece of bitter kola every day.

“Though bitter kola has become very expensive these days, I have made it a habit to take a nut every day. Initially, a piece was sold for between N20 and N50, but now, that same size costs between N100 and N200. Some are even smaller. Many people take the nut for medicinal purposes and I was told that bitter kola is used in the formulation of various medicines,” she said.

A visit to the famous Kano Mariri Kolanut Market revealed that, presently, the nut is scarce compared to months ago. Weekend Trust gathered that demand for the nut has made the product scarce, just as the price has gone up.  Our correspondent reports that the quantity sold for N25, 000 months ago is now N80, 000.

Murtala Karmo Mai Namijin Goro, who has been in the business for decades, is one of the biggest bitter kola dealers in the market. He said he had never witnessed this sort of boom in the business. He attributed the rise in demand and price to the belief that the nut has high medicinal value, coupled with its new exportation status. He said many people ventured into the business for exportation purpose.

“Those involved in the exportation business said the nut has huge potentials, and it is clear that the exporters are now smiling to the bank as the business opportunity is said to be expanding. I found out that despite the fact that the volume being exported is low now, there is the tendency that with expansion in nut cultivation, the export will soon be huge,” he said.

Considerable experimental evidence has been adduced to support its chemical constituents against several ailments in the community, including malaria.

According to a Kano-based nutritionist, Malam Ali Aminu, bitter kola has some nutrients that are good for the body. He said the nut has various health benefits that include: alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and amino acids. According to him, these compounds give the nut antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in boosting the body’s immune system and protect the body cells from damage.

“The nut contains caffeine and theobromine, which serves as tonic for speeding up heart beat among other benefits. However, there is the propensity for addiction due to its caffeine content,” he said.

Another nutritionist, Sani Bello, said people have to be careful in the consumption of the nut, as too much of it could cause insomnia, nervousness and heart palpitations due to its caffeine content.  He also said the nut is not good for people with gastric ulcers, heart disease, anxiety disorders or high blood pressure.

A herbal medicine dealer, Malam Isah Baffa, said bitter kola features in virtually every medicine they produce.  He said it is one of the main ingredients they use in the preparation of malaria medicine and others.

“No doubt, bitter kola is scarce these days because almost every herbal medicine you know has a portion of bitter kola in it and we were told that even the white people use it in their medicines as well,” he said.

[DailyTrust]

Veteran Nigerian comedian, Ali Baba, has narrated how his joke about the former military leader, General Sani Abacha, almost ended his life.

The 59-year-old reflected on the incident during his appearance on Leadership Podcast.

Recalling the tense atmosphere surrounding one of his performances during Abacha’s regime, he said, “The first close encounter I had with death is when general Sani Abacha was the President.

“So, I went to anchor an event in Abuja. So when it was time for the Akwa Ibom cultural group to perform. Abacha was still wearing one of those dark Rayban sunglasses that could be folded.

“I stopped the cultural group dance and faced Abacha, saying, ‘Your Excellency, sir, it’s almost 10 pm why are you wearing dark shades? Remove this shade nah or don’t you want to see their performance?

“Abacha then removed his glasses and talked to his aide. Immediately I saw DSS officers going backstage to wait for me. Immediately I noticed DSS presence, I went down the stage to sit on the ground next to Abacha. He then made jokes about me and questioned why I refused to go backstage.

“I said don’t worry, sir, let them arrest me here. He then looked at me and smiled.”

DAILY POST recalls that late General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 to 1998, after a coup that ousted interim President Ernest Shonekan.

His regime was infamous for abuses, with opposition figures being imprisoned, tortured, or killed.

[pDailyPost]

…says dad was unhappy being linked with Dimka’s coup

Proprietor of Little Saints Orphanage, Rev. Mrs. Dele George, is the first child of the late military and civilian governor of the old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states), Brigadier Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia. In this interview with OLAOLU OLADIPO, she spoke on the life and times of the soldier-turned politician as well as the influence her father had on her. Excerpts:

How are you related to the Brigadier Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, the late military and civilian governor of the old Bendel State?

I’m his first child, first daughter, and the first fruit of his loins.

Your father was an accomplished soldier and statesman as well as a civil war hero; as a daughter, what kind of father was he to you and your siblings?

My dad was a unique man in all his ways. He was a soft and kind disciplinarian of some sort. In fact, throughout my childhood I never heard him scream at any of us even in the face of extreme provocation. Once in a while he would not spare the rod when we were very young, but generally he was a loving, caring, protective and very generous provider for the family and all that came in contact with him while alive.

What kind of husband was your father to your mum?

To the mother of our family, he was a loving and a very caring husband. The love between them was quite visible for all to see. It was obvious they were committed to each other.

People of his time wee known to be disciplined and tough; would you describe your father as such?

I will say, he did not bring that same toughness to the home. Whenever he stepped into the house, he was all smiles and gentleness. However, when you saw him at the office his countenance was usually stern, and you were careful in approaching him. He was a tough soldier at the office and a dad at home. Whenever we stepped out of line he berated us verbally not physically as we got older.

What kinds of things would a child do then that would make your father angry?

Breaking the rules of the house would always upset him. Like staying out late after curfew; 7pm was our curfew in those days. Parties were organised in the day time, not at night like it is today, so there was no reason to stay out late.

Was there any occasion that he had to punish you or any of your siblings and what did you do?

I remember my cousin got a whipping one time when she came back home by 8pm! Some of my siblings also got smacked when they did badly in their exams. I got whipped once when I did not get my cutoff mark in a particular exam. That was my last whopping; I was 12 years old when this incident occurred.

What was his typical day like, I mean when did he wake up and what were the first set of things he did early in the day?

In those days, he usually woke up at 3am to listen to the BBC. Though, I didn’t know when he slept. He was dressed and ready to go to work by 5am.

After the early morning things, when did he eat his breakfast and what was his favourite food?

Breakfast was at 7am, and it was usually tea and continental breakfast. He went to work and usually returned home by 7pm.

Being a notable public figure, what calibre of people came around to see him at home?

When he became a politician, everyone came to see him, I mean people like fellow politicians, traditional rulers, other governors, professionals and market leaders. Our house was like a conference centre. When one group left another arrived. We were always entertaining guests. He was loved by many who wanted to spend time with him.

Did he tell you the reason or those circumstances that prompted him to join the Army?

No, he did not but I believe it must have been circumstances that drove him into it. He was in his twenties.

Could you share with us his civil war experience that he shared with you?

He did not have to share it with me. I was right there when the Biafrans came, captured Benin and invaded the government house in GRA. The governor, my dad and a lot of other soldiers that were there were thought to be captured by them. Benin was in a state of pandemonium. Days or weeks later, I don’t remember, but my dad arrived in Benin City with a battalion of soldiers and liberated Benin, and took over the government from the Biafrans. He only told us how he had to fight his way from Ore to Benin and that it was tough going through the bushes. When they entered Benin at Oluku Junction, the ovation was loud and continued for many days, because the Benin people thought they were going to be subjugated to the Biafrans. It was after the liberation that my dad became the Military Administrator of Bendel State, then later the Military Governor. This is why he is my hero to this day. When I saw him in that army green battle uniform, I wanted to be a soldier! But today I am a soldier in the army of God!

What was his relationship with other notable Generals and other army officers?

He was always in touch with echelons of the armed forces. He was very close to some of his colleagues.

He rose to the rank of a Brigadier before he retired from the army; did your father harbour any form of regrets joining the army?

The only regret he had was when he was falsely accused of taking part in the Dimka Coup in 1976. He was detained and interrogated for over one year. He was lat- er found innocent and released.

What did he do when he left the army?

After he was released, he retired and went into full time farming and business. He started a poultry farm, block making industry and many other small-scale enterprises. I just graduated from university when he was released and he was solemn and reclusive but not bitter. I tell you today, my dad was the strongest man I knew, the most tolerant and most forgiving.

Your father was known to be a sports enthusiast, it is to his credit that the country benefited a lot from his investments in sports, what do you think prompted his love for sports?

The love of sport was inherent in him. I remember as a six-year-old, our mother used to take us to watch him compete. He became an instructor and coach as a Major, and he won many laurels at sports events in the army. When he had the position and opportunities to invest in sports he did so with great enthusiasm. By the way, I inherited that gift from him. I competed in 400 and 800 metre races when I was in secondary school and I was really good.

Could you please tell us the circumstances that prompted him to join partisan politics in 1983?

He was invited into Politics in 1981 by a political party to contest for the Governor of Bendel State.

What did you see of him as a civilian governor, which was different from what you saw of him as a military governor?

The only difference in his approach as civilian and military governor was his mode of dressing. Wearing civilian clothes instead of khak; his manner of approach to governance was the same. He was a dynamic visionary, an astute and very capable governor, greatly loved and remembered affectionately. All the monuments, structures and institutions he founded are still in existence today. They all testify to dynamism, foresight, creativity and implementation capabilities. Bendel or Edo state can never forget him for generations to come. He left his mark.

When was the last time you saw him and what was the occasion like?

I saw him daily in the last month of his life. It was a very traumatic time for the family. No matter how old your parents are you don’t want them to depart to glory. When one is young you tend to think that your parents will live forever but as you get older their mortality stares you in the face.

Are you satisfied with efforts to immortalise him?

It doesn’t matter to me if humans immortalise him or not and I am very sure it will not matter to him. He did what God empowered him to do. The truth be told, the dead do not care about this side of existence. One’s mortality will only be immortalised by the number of humans that were transformed, reformed and restored for the better while one lived.

If you are not satisfied, in what way do you think he should be immortalised?

Since you ask me, they should name every institution, monument and structure he founded after him. I’m sure peo- ple will say that is too much. Whatever one does one should do for God and for the benefit of humanity and not look for earthly reward but a heavenly reward. It is written in the bible that the world we live in will eventually pass away and everything will be made new. Structures, monuments, and institutions will all pass away but my dad lives in the hearts of those he touched, and God is the one that rewards. My joy is that we will meet again in eternity. I really miss him and he remains my HERO.

[newtelegraphng]

Nigerian gospel artiste, Somtochukwu Nsofor aka Essemm, has embarked on a mission to break the Guinness World Record for the longest hours of continuous singing.

The current record holder, Indian Singer, Sunil Waghmare, set the bar at 105 hours but Essemm is determined to surpass this with an impressive 128 hours of non-stop singing.

Nsofor, while addressing newsmen, said that the aim was to surpass the current record of 105 hours, held by Indian singer, Sunil Waghmare.

The record attempt which will be held in Lagos is open to the public, with live-streaming options available for audiences around the globe.

Nsofor said that it was not just about breaking the record but “Seeing Jesus Christ on a global scale. I do not think anybody has broken the record talking about Jesus Christ.”

Emphasising the significance of using music to spread the gospel, Nsofor popularly called Essemm said that “I believe music is a powerful tool to heal and transform lives and I want the effort to serve as a testament to the strength of faith.

[TheNation]

Just within the week, specifically Thursday October 24, 2024, Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, clocked 10 – a feat worthy of recognition by the country’s standard.

Having received its Air Operator Certificate, AOC, in 2014, the carrier commenced scheduled flight operations in the same year; and ever since then, it has risen higher, higher and higher than many predicted. 

Indeed, such a lofty accomplishment would not have been possible without its charismatic Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, who has continued to defy the odds associated with operating in a difficult terrain like Nigeria.

In a country where many airlines, including Bellview, Chanchangi, Med-View, Oriental, Sosoliso, Okada and some others, have operated and packed up – to the amusement and detriment of the travelling public – Air Peace has continued to give Nigerians hope.

In countless ways, the carrier has shown that it has come to stay and would, in its own capacity, expand and play a major role in filling a fraction of the void in the airline subsector.

As Air Peace celebrates a decade flying, Saturday Vanguard has harvested its CEO’s words as recorded on the carrier’s social media page, specifically X, over the week, offering readers a glimpse into the circumstances that nudged him to start an airline that is now the country’s pride.

On how the thoughts to start Air Peace developed

I (Onyema) never thought I was going into the airline business or aviation for that matter. Growing up and going through schools, I never thought that I would go into aviation or the airline business. My father always knew that I like philanthropy a lot and I like touching lives even as a student. In secondary school, my mates will tell you that I would come with the provisions given to me by my parents and share them with others, leaving me hungry for the rest of the day. So, my father said instead of giving people hand-outs and they come back again and again, why not look for a kind of business that would provide a  lot of jobs for people. He knew that I was very interested in creating massive job opportunities for the teeming unemployed masses in the country. Therefore, he told me to look for something to do for them. So, I set up agriculture, importation and so many other things. And someone said: “Allen, if you want to realise this ambition of yours, go into aviation.” That person is a friend of mine called Chris. I call him Chris Norma, Norma was his nickname. He told me to go into aviation because one Boeing 737 or one aircraft could give up to a thousand jobs and that widened my thoughts immediately.

On knowing next to nothing about aviation but still ventured into it

I was naïve because I never knew anything about aviation. So, I decided to go into it. From the benefit of my experience till this day, it is not true that one aircraft could give 1,000 direct jobs. Yes, it could create 1,000 indirect jobs but not 1,000 direct jobs. Yet, airline business creates massive job opportunities for people and this is the reason  I went into aviation. I went into it to create jobs for the people. I went into it with the mindset of helping others because it is my belief in life and my conviction that unless my brothers and sisters – when I say my brothers and sisters I mean mankind – prosper  that would give me inner peace. So, I have always believed in living legacies, touching lives and that is my motivation.

On being on the right path and staying the course

Very often, people tell me that I am already on the right path and all I need to do is stay the course. So why complicate your life stressing over Nigeria? For me, working hard and seizing opportunities for persons of benefit is normal.

On untapped opportunities in Nigeria

But beyond the normal, there is a huge untapped opportunity for Nigeria to soar. Everything is here – from a geography that places us at virtually the centre of the world to a rich variety of cultures and breathtaking landscapes. From vast arable lands and reserves of natural resources to millions of resourceful and energetic people.

On his greatest satisfaction

I believe there is greater satisfaction in being among millions of successful people than to merely be a successful individual. After all, happiness ought to be shared. This is the motivation for building a world-class airline that proudly flies the Nigerian flag and millions of our people to the farthest corners of our land and beyond.

On some of Air Peace’s accomplishments

Today, we operate into 17 international and regional destinations with London Gatwick being our latest addition. Tomorrow we present new destinations and new opportunities for our people whether we are heading out to explore the world or coming home to make the Nigerian dream a reality, my name is Allen Onyema, we are Air Peace.

Major milestones and awards 2016

Airline of the Year – Daylight Annual Leadership

Domestic Airline of the Year–  Tell Magazine

Diamond Special Recognition Award for Contribution to the Growth of Aviation Industry in Nigeria

2017

Best Domestic Airline of the Year – Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers, NATCA

Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers Achievement Award

Began its first regional flight operations from Lagos to Accra, Ghana

2018

First and only Nigerian airline to acquire the Boeing 777’s

Best Airline in West Africa – Balafon Award of Excellence

Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Flag Carrier of Repute

Best Local Airline of the Year, Nigeria Travel Awards – Jumia Travels Nigeria

Company of the Year – Leadership Newspapers

Operated a commercial flight with an all-female flight crew

2019

Launched its first international scheduled flight operations from Lagos to Dubai (via Sharjah)

Airline of the Year Award – Daily Independent Newspapers, Nigeria

Best Domestic Airline – Tourism Awards

Company of the Year – Business Hallmark Awards

2020

Launched operations in South Africa

Company of the Year – Bsinese Day Aviation

Air Peace airlifted 268 Nigerians back to the country from China

Evacuation flight to India, Turkey, China, Israel and the United Arab Emirates, UAE

2021

NAAPE Gold Standard Safety Award 2021

Distinguished Safety Performance Award – Federal Airports Authority, FAAN, Kaduna

Humanitarian Airline 2021 Award – Aviators Africa Tower Awards

Company of the Year – Business Day Aviation

The first airline in Africa to acquire and operate the E2-195 Jets

Took delivery of five brand-new Embraer E2-195 Jets

2022

Airline of the Year Award – Daily Independent Newspapers

Nigeria Best Domestic Airline – Tourism Awards

Company of the Year – Business Hallmark Awards

Air Peace launched its first commercial flight into China.

2023

After 60 years, became the first Nigerian airline to commence direct flights to Tel Aviv, Israel

Launched its inaugural commercial flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Inaugurated its first commercial flight to Mumbai, India

Best Safety Compliant Airline Award – FAAN Osubi

Evacuated 277 Nigerians from Egypt amid the ongoing crisis in Sudan

2024

Vanguard Newspaper votes CEO, Allen Onyema  Nigeria’s  PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR, 2023

ICAN Business Achievement Award

Airline Of the Year – African Industrial and Development Conference

Outstanding Brand of the Year – Marketing Edge Awards

Began its scheduled flight operations to London Gatwick Airport

[Vanguard]

As December 31st looms closer, a sense of trepidation is mounting across Nigeria over the status of the old ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1,000 notes. Rumors have spread like wildfire that these notes will cease to be legal tender by the year’s end, raising concerns of another wave of cash scarcity and economic strain, similar to the crisis that crippled the country earlier last year. Amidst this, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has a duty to act swiftly and decisively to quash these rumors before they snowball into a national crisis.

The need for CBN to engage in an aggressive information campaign targeting Nigerians at all levels cannot be overstated. This article calls on CBN to embark on an urgent, nationwide grassroots campaign to clear the air, alleviate panic, and reassure Nigerians that they have nothing to fear regarding the continued acceptance of these notes. The campaign should particularly focus on marketplaces and grassroots communities where misinformation tends to circulate most rapidly and where many Nigerians rely primarily on cash for daily transactions.

For many Nigerians, cash remains the lifeline of daily economic activities, especially within rural and suburban communities where digital banking and payment infrastructures are sparse. Early in 2023, the country experienced the devastating effects of a cash crunch in the bid to phase out old notes and roll out new notes in the name of currency redesign. Reports of people unable to access cash for food, transportation, and medical expenses flooded the media, and the effects were felt across all demographics but hit hardest among low-income earners. This was a grim period marked by nationwide hardship, and no Nigerian would want to experience a similar ordeal again.

The approaching December 31st deadline, cited by rumors to be the cut-off for the old notes, has evoked memories of this recent past, sending shockwaves across the country. The lack of clear and widespread communication from the CBN has allowed these unfounded claims to spread, triggering fears that another round of stringent policies may be on the way. If CBN delays in clarifying the status of these notes, panic could set in, fueling a withdrawal rush, speculative hoarding of the new notes, and possibly, a repeat of the cash crunch that left countless families in severe distress.

At this juncture, it is expedient to opine that the inspiration to express this view came when the House of Representatives urged the CBN to begin gradually withdrawing old naira notes and increasing the circulation of new N200, N500, and N1, 000 notes. They also called for commercial banks to only transact with customers in new notes to phase out the old ones. This motion, proposed by Rep. Victor Ogene, addresses the upcoming December 31, 2024, deadline set by the Supreme Court, after which old notes will no longer be legal tender. Ogene emphasized the need for the CBN to launch public awareness campaigns to prevent a repeat of the cash shortages experienced in 2023. The motion has been referred to the Committee on Banking Regulations for further action.

To effectively dispel rumors, the CBN must ensure its information campaign penetrates deeply into Nigeria’s grassroots communities, where misinformation is both common and influential. The importance of marketplaces as hubs of information and transaction cannot be overstated. These venues are not only where the majority of Nigerians engage in daily commerce, but also where rumors gain traction and spread swiftly. In these spaces, people depend heavily on word-of-mouth and often have limited access to official information channels.

A nationwide campaign targeting these grassroots venues can take the form of market visits by CBN officials, collaborations with local governments, and partnerships with community leaders. Local radio stations, which remain a trusted source of information in many communities, should be leveraged for continuous broadcasts that clarify the currency status. In addition, CBN can utilize social media, traditional media, and even mobile loudspeaker announcements to make sure the information reaches every corner of Nigeria.

To successfully reach Nigerians at every level, CBN officials should organize visits to major markets in each state, engaging traders and buyers directly. This would allow officials to distribute pamphlets and speak with market leaders, who are often influential in spreading information. Traders should be assured that the current notes will remain valid, and they should be urged to inform their customers.

Secondly, community engagement through local Leaders is indispensable in this case. This is as Nigeria’s community leaders hold significant sway, particularly in rural areas.  In fact, CBN should engage local chiefs, village heads, and religious leaders to help spread accurate information about the status of the notes. These leaders could help dispel myths and assure their communities that CBN has not issued any such directive on invalidating the old notes by December 31st.

In a similar vein, radio is one of the most far-reaching media platforms in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where television and internet access may be limited. Therefore, broadcasting clear messages on local stations in various Nigerian languages will ensure that every Nigerian can access the information, irrespective of their primary language. This approach also gives an air of urgency and legitimacy to the campaign, helping reassure the population.

Without a doubt, Nigeria has a high rate of social media usage, especially among younger demographics. CBN should use its official social media channels to post updates, conduct Q&A sessions, and debunk misinformation about the old notes. Engaging with the public on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can also help clarify misconceptions in real-time.

Also, in many rural areas, mobile loudspeaker announcements are commonly used to communicate information directly to the public. CBN could deploy this approach in major markets, particularly on busy market days, to ensure that people have accurate information while they go about their activities.

Without a doubt, the previous cash crunch had a severe impact on small businesses, traders, and daily wage earners. Many lost income, and some businesses even folded up due to a lack of operational funds. The informal sector, which accounts for a large part of Nigeria’s economy, relies heavily on cash transactions. A sudden withdrawal of high-denomination notes would disrupt the economic stability of countless Nigerians, who rely on these denominations for their livelihoods.

An aggressive information campaign that debunks rumors about the old notes will not only calm the public but will also prevent an unnecessary rush to banks and ATMs, which could lead to liquidity challenges. If people are not fully informed, they may panic, believing they must deposit all old notes before the year’s end. This could lead to long lines at banks and financial institutions, draining both cash reserves and customer patience.

With only weeks left in the year, there is no time for complacency. CBN must take the reins now and ensure every Nigerian is well-informed. Delaying the campaign any further could result in confusion, panic, and a further strain on the country’s economic stability. CBN’s silence will only encourage the spread of misinformation, and by the time action is taken, it may be too late to reverse the effects.

The current administration has made various promises to ease the financial strain on the population, and ensuring a smooth transition through this period is one way to honor these commitments. However, with the currency rumors still unchecked, trust in government institutions could be further eroded. People may begin to question the CBN’s motives, suspecting that it plans to implement sudden and draconian measures.

In recent months, Nigerians have faced economic challenges that are largely beyond their control, and rumors regarding the validity of currency notes only serve to exacerbate an already difficult situation. CBN has the tools, resources, and influence to tackle this issue head-on. All that is needed is a sense of urgency, an understanding of grassroots dynamics, and a commitment to ensuring that Nigerians are equipped with accurate information.

This article calls upon CBN to rise to the occasion, to avoid another national cash crisis by clearing up the misinformation about the December 31st deadline for old ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1,000 notes. A well-coordinated grassroots campaign will not only keep Nigerians informed but will also strengthen their trust in the financial system and in the CBN’s mandate to protect the currency and the economy.

With prompt, widespread communication, Nigerians can enter the New Year with a sense of security, assured that their hard-earned money remains safe and usable. As the countdown to December 31st continues, CBN must act now, for every moment of delay brings Nigeria closer to another potential crisis that we cannot afford.

Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna, says he is receiving half of his salary as part of measures to cut the cost of governance.

Sani spoke to State House correspondents in Abuja on Friday after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa.

“We made it clear that we need to reduce the cost of governance in Kaduna state. To date, we have not bought a single vehicle for any government official in Kaduna state,” he said.

“That has really helped us. We’ve reduced the allowances of all our commissioners, advisers, and even myself—I receive half of my salary. Since I became governor of Kaduna state, I have not acquired a single new vehicle as governor.

“So we’ve significantly reduced the cost of governance, and that’s the way forward if we truly want to address our challenges and improve key areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.”

He told journalists that the government has purchased 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to enhance public transportation in the state.

“We’ve bought about 100 CNG buses in Kaduna state, and we’re calling on Mr. President to come to Kaduna to commission them for us. All this is in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” the governor said.

Sani said the number of out-of-school children in the state has been reduced by 300,000 in the past six months.

He cited data from the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics, which indicates that 768,739 children are out of school at the basic level (basic 1 to 9).

“I informed President Tinubu that in the last six months, we have reduced the number of out-of-school children by about 300,000 because we built around 62 secondary schools in Kaduna, added 2,340 classrooms in primary schools, and employed teachers,” he said.

Sani noted that 12 secondary healthcare centres have been reconstructed, remodelled, and equipped, while 62 road projects spanning approximately 700 kilometres are at various stages of completion across the state.

The governor said recent efforts to bolster security across Kaduna are yielding results, noting that there has been peace in historically volatile areas like Birnin Gwari, which have been affected by insurgency and banditry.

“In the last few months, we have not experienced any major security issues in Kaduna. This stability is due to close collaboration between state security agencies and local communities, which has been instrumental in intelligence gathering and maintaining peace,” he said.

[TheCable]

“The Niger Delta Ministry is gone”, courtesy of some rejigging in government by the President. I was quick to call for the scrapping of that needless ministry the moment it was created. Not because the people of the Niger Delta did not deserve a lot more than they were getting from a federation to which they were contributing so much, but because we must sit down and calmly ask ourselves what real development the various intervention agencies, from OMPADEC, through NDDC, to the now-defunct ministry of the Niger Delta have brought to the people of the area.

Our people say that you should watch out for something fishy where, and when, you find two people carrying out virtually the same task, in the same environment and at the same time. It is either that they are part of a conspiracy to fritter away resources under false pretences, or they are too dumb or too selfish to realize and admit what they are doing.

Welcome to the views expressed on this page four years ago, on 24th February, 2020, under the title “Scrap the NDDC, Others” which are made even more desperately relevant today by the redesignation of the Niger Delta Ministry. The article in question can bear near-total repletion here.

As was said then: “One of the questions that people of the Niger Delta, and Nigerians in general, must answer for themselves today is whether the Niger Delta Development Commission (Read Ministry of the Niger Delta) has brought real development, or is capable of bringing real development, to the oil producing states of Nigeria. The other question is whether development commissions generally, especially as they are now turning into a new industry for replicating the functions of existing Institutions of State in Nigeria, represent a step forward for any nation in the 21st Century”.

The piece continued: “In answering these questions, we must make a distinction between money being budgeted and sent to the NDDC and evidence of sustainable economic and other interventions by the commission over the last two decades. The Commission has the highest number of abandoned projects in the country. Besides the Federal Government, it is also the most indebted of all institutions of state today. Except in one or two isolated cases, when some people at the helm tried to make some real difference, the NDDC has remained a metaphor for sleaze, patronage and titanic elite battles for unscrutinised plunder.

It has remained the epicentre of great battles, the bulk of which has nothing to do with the long-term welfare of the people. The dream that led to its creation has remained a delusion and the struggle to retain it has remained the business of the political elite, who are benefitting from it. It waddles about, year after year, ostensibly ‘developing’ the oil producing states.

But to dare suggest that such a hapless cash cow that is being used by the elite to plunder the state in the name of the people be scrapped is to draw the ire of vested interests. That is why, despite the burgeoning scandals, scrapping it and having the monies go to the states instead is not one of the options on the cards. One can understand the objection that most of the states themselves are performing miserably on all fronts. But the advantage of scrapping the plethora of commissions will be the reduction of “thieving points” for the elite”.

The article under reference here continued: “The Federal Government will create more of such commissions. Sections of the elite that are not holding substantive positions in government can then also be settled by such appointments. Already there is the North East Development Commission. Others are in the offing, as the clamour to get at least a tooth into the Nigerian cherry, outside the strictures of official public administration, grows in crescendo. And it is working.

The South-east, North-west and other regional commissions are being rehearsed in the maternity section and labour rooms of the National Assembly. And when we now have all these commissions, then what? There will still be the federal government, federal ministries, state and local governments, wards and councils. There will still be federal and state budgets, worked out into details of what should be spent on various aspects of our national life. So, why balkanise the state and waste public funds so mercilessly”?

The above was penned four years ago. And it did not stop there.

“What we see, looking ahead”, the piece continued, “is that new commissions will expand the avenues for patronage. They will also ‘democratize’ opportunities for the questionable exercise of political discretion. All these will be happening below the radar of rigorous state scrutiny. So, we are likely to have more commissions, instead of less. And that is because we are saddled with a leadership class that mistakes the existence of institutions and the passing of laws and budgets for leadership and service delivery. If that were not the case, someone would have sat down to take a detailed inventory of the uselessness of the over 500 government agencies in the land.

Hardly is there any parliamentarian, governor, or head of a government agency who does not use a bullet-proof SUV. Check the cost of one such vehicle. Then multiply it by, say one thousand. Add a pilot vehicle, a security vehicle, a bus for the press crew, among others. Then consider that new ones are bought every three to four years. Now add the security personnel and other appurtenances. What do you have? What do most of these people, individually and collectively, deliver to the Nigerian citizen to warrant the runaway expenses?

“It is time for us to sit down and ascertain whether we must remain locusts, or turn into farmers who are attentive to the global weather”, the article said in 2020. The readings out there are telling us that this is the season to shrink expenses, expand value-yielding engagements and generally be guided to adopt sustainable templates for our continued existence as a nation. But we are not looking in that direction at all. That is why the takings of our lawmakers are still what they are, at both federal and state levels.

That is why our governors, across all political parties, are still clinging to the public robbery called Security Votes. That is why the federal government is still unrelenting in its desperate acquisition of a rash of loans, the bulk of which will not go into any investment, or development project. It is all for consumption and nothing more”.

Then the write up brought in a historical precedent that left a telling impression thus: “Remember that the late Gen. Sani Abacha as Head of State said it would put the accruals from the increase in fuel price into very important national development projects. It set up the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF). But the PTF was, first and foremost, a vote of no confidence on the existing institutions of state, since it was venturing into their statutory functions.

The other point is that all PTF budgeting and spending were in areas covered by existing ministries, departments and agencies. This created the problems of accountability, of cohesion in government policy and developmental efforts; as the PTF operated without recourse to measures already put in place, following the budgets and projects of the various ministries and agencies.

Thus came PTF roads, PTF drugs and what not; all at peculiar costs. Worse still, the consumption tax that provided the PTF resource was sourced mostly from the South, while over 75% of the projects executed with it were in the North. By the time the military was ready to hand over to the civilians in 1999, the Trust Fund had drawn much distrust. It had neither brought development, bridged the shortcomings of the agencies it tried to bail out, nor risen above board in many respects.

But those benefiting from it had become even more determined to ensure that the incoming civilian regime of Obasanjo retained it. Thus, the media was approached, including some of us on The Guardian Newspapers Editorial Board, to drive a ‘media consultancy’ that would push a strong campaign, to arm-twist the then President-elect into not scrapping the PTF after being sworn in.

But I refused to get involved; and gave my reasons. A media consultancy must be accompanied by an overriding sense of social responsibility. This means that the person who has the capacity to influence public opinion, or public policy, has a higher duty to his conscience and the greater public good. The PTF was all about procurements, supplies and constructions, and also given that it was set up in the expectation that the weak institutions of state should recover and take up their statutory functions, I argued then that the incoming civilian president should be given the chance to revive the Nigerian state”,

My point in 1999 was that Obasanjo should not be saddled with an extra institutional contraption that would create an unwieldy administrative structure and also undermine accountability by being almost a parallel government. And so, I rested my case. I recall that my comments drew some derisive laughter from one particular senior journalist at the time – not from The Guardian stable.

When I saw proof in the media that the ‘consultancy’ must have caught on, with several write ups giving very elaborate reasons why the incoming Obasanjo Presidency should retain the PTF, for “doing a damn good job,” I made my own intervention in The Guardian titled: “Obasanjo, Remember the PTF.” In it I argued that one of Obasanjo’s first duties as president should be to scrap the PTF and strengthen the statutory institutions of state, for effective service delivery”.

Now that we have several development commissions it would be a grand display of profligacy for the nation to have as many administrative structures to manage them. We need convergence, economies of scale, and a scaling down of administrative apparatus, which is precisely what the recent action of the Federal Executive Council has brought about. My personal preference would be for the government to tinker with the revenue allocation formular, as well as the job of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, and then give all monies to the states. Therefore, I take the good news about the scrapping of the Niger Delta Ministry as the first leg of a very important journey

Quote

Now that we have several development commissions it would be a grand display of profligacy for the nation to have as many administrative structures to manage them. We need convergence, economies of scale, and a scaling down of administrative apparatus. That is precisely what the recent action of the Federal Executive Council has brought about. My personal preference would be for the government to tinker with the revenue allocation formular, as well as the job of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, and then give all monies to the states. Thus, I take the good news about the scrapping of the Niger delta ministry as the first leg of a very important journey.