There is no denying the fact that palliatives, by their very nature, are designed to provide short-term relief in times of crisis. While they may offer a brief respite from immediate hardships, they do little to address the root causes of the economic difficulties that plague the nation. Given the foregoing backdrop, it is not out of place to argue that Nigeria’s current economic challenges, ranging from skyrocketing inflation to widespread unemployment, cannot be remedied by handing out token gestures of assistance. Instead, these challenges require a comprehensive and sustainable approach that tackles the systemic issues head-on.

In fact, the drawbacks that are inherent in dishing out palliatives to the people might had been the reason why the People’s Democratic Party Governors’ forum on Friday called on the federal government to subsidize agriculture, health, Education rather than distributing palliatives.

In a Communiqué issued at the end of the meeting in Jalingo, Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, and also the chairman of the forum described the distribution of palliatives by the federal government as an insult to the sensitivity of Nigerians.

The governors, who urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the distribution of palliatives, argued that these temporary measures are not sustainable and, in reality, amount to nothing more than crumbs offered to the masses. This perspective is not only valid but also necessary for guiding the nation toward a more stable and prosperous future.

In fact, it is not an exaggeration to opine that the experience of other African nations underscores the limitations of palliatives as a solution to economic hardships. In Kenya, for example, the government has repeatedly turned to palliative measures in times of crisis, only to find that they offer little more than temporary relief. The underlying issues, such as high unemployment, poor infrastructure, and economic inequality, have persisted, leading to continued struggles for the Kenyan people. This highlights the need for long-term strategies that address the root causes of economic difficulties rather than simply applying short-term fixes.

It will be recalled in this context that the PDP governors rightly pointed out that palliatives, however well-intentioned, create a dependency that does not empower citizens to rise above their circumstances. The focus should not be on providing temporary relief, but on implementing policies and programs that will foster long-term economic growth, job creation, and social stability.

Given the outcome of the PDP’s Governors meeting, it can be opined in this context that to truly uplift the nation, the Tinubu administration must prioritize initiatives that go beyond immediate handouts. In fact, policies aimed at revitalizing key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology will create jobs and stimulate economic activity. Furthermore, investing in education and skill development will equip the youth with the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Another critical area for attention is infrastructure development. Improving transportation networks, power supply, and access to clean water will not only enhance the quality of life for Nigerians but would also attract investment and spur economic growth. The government must also focus on improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Additionally, addressing corruption and ensuring that public funds are used effectively and transparently will help restore trust in government institutions and ensure that resources are allocated where they are needed most.

In fact, while palliatives may offer short-term relief, they are not a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s economic woes. The experience of other African nations like Kenya, as earlier mentioned, shows that such measures do little to resolve long-term hardships. The Tinubu administration must heed the advice of the PDP governors and shift its focus toward implementing policies and programs that will create lasting change. By addressing the root causes of the nation’s hardships, the government can build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits all Nigerians, not just today, but for generations to come.

In fact, it is expedient for the leadership of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) with specific mention of Mr. President in this context to heed the voice of the Opposition.

The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as in a thriving democracy, the role of opposition parties is not merely to challenge the ruling party but to provide constructive criticism, offer alternative perspectives, and suggest policies that could benefit the nation. Often, these suggestions are dismissed outright, perceived as politically motivated or baseless. However, history has shown that ignoring the voice of the opposition can be detrimental to the health of a democracy and the well-being of its citizens. It pays for the ruling party to always listen to the suggestions made by opposition parties, as not every piece of advice or criticism can be adjudged as wrong.

Without a doubt, the opposition parties are an essential part of any democratic system. They serve as a check on the ruling party, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the people. When opposition parties critique policies or propose alternatives, they do so not just to gain political mileage, but to offer different viewpoints that could lead to more balanced governance. The diversity of opinions is the bedrock of a vibrant democracy, and it is this diversity that prevents the concentration of power and encourages accountability.

There have been numerous instances globally where ruling parties have ignored the warnings and suggestions of opposition parties, only to regret it later. In Nigeria, for instance, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has at times been accused of dismissing the warnings of the opposition, particularly regarding economic policies. The opposition’s criticism of the government’s handling of issues like inflation, unemployment, and the devaluation of the naira has often been brushed aside as mere political posturing. Yet, these issues have persisted, suggesting that a more inclusive approach to governance might have yielded better results.

Similarly, in the United States, the Democratic Party’s opposition to certain policies of the Trump administration, such as the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, was initially dismissed. However, the eventual outcomes highlighted that some of the opposition’s concerns were valid, and a more collaborative approach could have mitigated the situation.

Criticism, when constructive, should not be feared or dismissed. Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for growth and improvement. President Tinubu should remember that opposition parties also represent a significant portion of the population. Their perspectives and suggestions are a reflection of the concerns and aspirations of the citizens. By considering opposition viewpoints, the ruling party can create more inclusive policies that address the needs of a broader spectrum of society.

Moreover, embracing opposition suggestions can foster a sense of national unity. When the ruling party demonstrates that it is willing to listen to and act on good ideas, regardless of where they come from, it builds trust among the electorate. It signals that the government is truly working for the people, not just for those who voted them into power.

Analyzed from the foregoing perspective, governance should not be about winning arguments but about making the best decisions for the nation. Ruling parties must, therefore, adopt a mindset that is open to suggestions, even from those across the political aisle. This approach will not only enhance the quality of governance but will also contribute to the stability and progress of the nation.

In fact, while it is natural for the ruling party to be wary of the opposition’s motives, it is crucial to recognize that not all criticisms or suggestions from the opposition are wrong. By listening to and incorporating valid points from the opposition, ruling parties can avoid the pitfalls of echo chambers and ensure that their policies are robust, inclusive, and in the best interest of the nation. After all, in a true democracy, the best ideas should always win, no matter where they come from.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has thrown its weight behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, urging the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to accord the governor his “rightful” position as the leader of the party in the state.

The group in a communique issued on Friday at the end of its meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State urged the national leadership of the party to allow Mr Fubara to take his position as the rightful leader of the party in the state.

“The PDP Governors’ Forum restates its stand with the Governor of Rivers State, and will engage the NWC of our great party to revisit the congress with a view to correcting the anomaly and allowing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, to take his rightful leadership position of the party in the State.”

The communique was read by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, the chairperson of the forum.

This is contained in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIME on Friday by Governor Fubara’s spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi.

The communique is against the backdrop of the prolonged political rifts between Mr Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the minister of FCT over the control of the political structure in the state.

The political feud between Messrs Fubara and Wike, which has defied interventions has split both the Rivers House of Assembly and the ruling PDP in the state into two factions with each faction loyal to either of the leaders.

The national leadership of the party which appears to be in support of Mr Wike recently conducted party congresses in the state despite a court order secured by allies of Governor Fubara against the exercise.

With the conduct of the exercise, it indicates that loyalists of Mr Wike are still in control of the party at the state level.

The PDP Governors in the communique promised to engage the party’s NWC to revisit the congresses with a view to “correct the anomaly.”

The political crisis in the oil-rich Rivers snowballed into street violence in June, leading to the death of two persons, including a police officer after Governor Fubara dissolved Wike-backed elected council officials following the expiration of their three-year tenure.

[Premium Times]

Nollywood actress, Beverly Osu has started a hunt for a romantic partner, revealing that she is ready to leave her single life behind.

In a recent interview, the successful actress expressed her desire for companionship, saying that she is eager to meet someone special.

Osu described herself as a blessing to her future husband, joking stating that she’s in a relationship with Jesus, whom she believes will never let her down.

“I’m in a relationship with Jesus, he can never disappoint me. Any man that bags me has bagged something great. Dear future husband, wherever you’re, your blessing is waiting for you”, she said partly.

[ThisNigeria]

As I was saying…Among the mails this column regularly receives was one from Ghana in which the sender raised a thought-provoking and interesting question. Why does a Ms Blessing live in misery, begging for data, Favour is struggling to feed; Wisdom does not get sense; Victory failed exams and Courage even fears dogs whereas “in the United States, you see names like Bush, Stone yet they make progress. Why is it so?” Confirming the enquirer’s observation, I did state that in Europe, in the United States and Canada, people bear Mr. Brown, Dr. (Mrs.) Green and as rightly noted, Mr. Bush and Mr. Stone. There is Mr. Gladstone. If we go by the dictionary definition we can claim to know the meaning of Bush and Stone. Brown and Green denote colours. We then ask, how come a man bears Mr. Green and another Mr. Brown or Miss White and they are the ones who make self-evident progress? They are developed, they are endowed materially, and once people are developed, their nation must be developed, reflecting the state of being of the people. The radiant state of the inner being already gives a hint of why the United States is developed. Again, why is it so?

As I did state last week, each person comes with his or her name. He is the name he or she bears. The name each person will bear in future in the event of another opportunity of a reincarnation is partly being put together in the present earth life while he still carries the previous one that he has not discharged. Plants and trees have names for identification. There is a picture that flashes before our gaze when we hear lilies mentioned. And there are different kinds of lilies. We have Touch Lily, Peace Lily, Canna Lily, and St. Joseph’s Lily, each presenting its own unique picture before our eyes. It is a different picture that forms before our gaze when Sunflower is mentioned. Sunflower is different from Yellow Trumpet florists call Costus Spectabilis. Look at Bougainvillea with its compelling rays and enthralling colours. Trees have their names, so do rocks and soils. All names come about from the pressure of the Law. Colour, content, and form all vibrate and emit rays that enable us distinguish one plant from the other, and one flower from the other. In the rays precipitates fragrance. The wonders of Nature, the work of the house builders, the loyal servants of the Most High—the Nature Beings, weaving and tending. What does man, the arrogant modern man, know!

In Africa, a great many names are supplicatory and hope-filled. A Blessing could mean gratitude for an opportunity of another earth life and the experiences, one of which is a lack of purchasing power to the extent that she is begging for data. The experiences are only to polish her and get her to focus more on the higher goal. If blessed too soon, she may lose focus. For a Victor, it is a pledge that he would apply himself unremittingly to the demands of the higher goal in which alone lies victory, a manifestation of the victory of the Light that blesses his exertions.

The Jews went through excruciating experiences, and hard blows from the Romans, including being subjected to slavery when they began to deviate from the cause for which they were prepared as the first race on the surface of the earth to come to the recognition that there is only one God, the Creator of all the worlds. In 586 B.C. Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. Being the closest to the Truth, however, it was only natural that they would be and they were the Chosen People, blessed with Grace and privilege to receive the Lord Jesus Christ in their midst. The harrowing experiences served to keep them on course for the fulfillment of the sacred promises. The prophets did not give up on them. In the account by Dr. E. Walkhoff titled From World History During the Past 3,000 Years, “After the death of Solomon (Ca. 925 B.C.) the Jewish tribes separated into the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Feuding among themselves and becoming at last mere puppets in the hands of their enemies. The prophets Elijah (Ca. 830 B. C.), Isaiah (720 B. C.), and Jeremiah (Ca.630 B. C.) waged a desperate battle against the growing superstitions. In the year 621 B.C., however, the Ark of the Covenant, with the Ten Commandments –assumed to be lost—was found again in the Temple of Jerusalem. Once more the ancient faith was restored to its rightful place.” Ezra waged his own battle, after they returned from Babylonian captivity by enforcing the Ten Commandments.”

The same point as in the case of Blessing can be made for “Favour” who cannot feed. What is being pointed out to us is that in accordance with the Law of Sowing and Reaping and Law of Movement, a person who bears Favour is expected to do good to harvest goodness and change of her condition. She is also to work hard to unfold the talents and abilities contained in her name. The name is not a licence for her to go to sleep. The Law of Movement does not permit a standstill in any part of Creation. The name is thus a reminder that it is in the heeding of the Law through the unfolding of talents and abilities that lies the promise of a Favour. The experiences keep us awake, on the alert, and polished and if the right lessons are learned, there will be a turning around of fortunes. In his great work, Christian and Reincarnation, Dr. Stephen Lampe states: “The bitter fruits of the bad seeds we sowed are spiritual helpful reminders that we strayed from the way ordained by the Creator. Any adversity, pain or suffering should be seen as cues, hints of the need to re-examine our understanding of the Laws of the Creator and how we stand in relation to them…As we learn the right lessons and make necessary adjustments so that we sow only sweet seeds, the Law of Sowing and Reaping assures us bountiful harvest of sweet fruits, at the appropriate time. And this, surely, is Love.”

There has been a variant of the question as to why the United States is the most prosperous with the largest economy in the world, a country inhabited by Messrs Stone, Bush, and Brown. How come it is a land of opportunities, the dreamland of most young men and women? It is the most technologically powerful nation, indeed, a nation that went to the moon as far back as 1969 while African countries with all the prayers are backward, riddled with diseases. There is depravity; a great many of the leaders are lawless, so the argument goes.

However, it is little remembered that the United States was established between 1096 and 1300 by immigrants from Europe. Several parts were ravaged by wars and intractable social unrest brought about at the time of the Crusades. The experiences shook them, got them polished and matured. Following the experiences they recognised the essence of nobility as a virtue, and sought after it. The mature state of their inner being, of the penitent souls, came to recognize the Laws bearing the Will of the Most High. They put themselves, in consequence, in a different class of human beings who turned their gaze upwards in collective thanksgiving and the United States became what is generally, up till today, referred to as “God’s Own Country,” a land of hope founded on high principles derived from the uniqueness of refinement of the founders’ inner being. Any polished inner being is bound to attract the help of the Light. It is even more so when the majority of a people are refined inwardly. The blessing of such a land is a certainty. Are we not told that righteousness exalts a nation? Never mind that decline is overtaking everywhere on planet earth today, including the United States.

As for the Jews who are recorded as first in several economic and technological indices, their ascendancy follows the anchorage of the Light power in their land, Israel. The Lord Jesus Christ walked through the land as a result of which His Light Power was anchored therein. Even though the Jews, with their priestly and political establishments in the lead, out of envy and fear of loss of power and public acknowledgment, rejected Him as the expected Messiah and got Him murdered, their depravity and treachery could not dampen the Rays of the anchorage of the Light attendant to the Lord’s mere presence there. He traversed the length and breadth of the land. As they tap from the Rays even if unconsciously, the land will continue to manifest wonders in a variety of human endeavours. However, it should be stated that the present communities of Jews living in Israel have not necessarily always been Jews nor have all Americans always been Americans. We are distributed at reincarnation to different parts of the world in accordance with the degree of the development of our inner being. The Laws, including the Osmotic Law, perfectionists and incorruptible that they are, will always place everyone where he belongs and deserves, parents and communities.

While on reincarnation, I may as well share with us a YouTube post to which my attention has been lovingly drawn. In it as if to confirm the revelation In the Light of Truth, The Grail Message, the incomparable gift to all mankind, that states that each child is unswervingly led to its parents, the post contains what it captions Kids Reveal Memories of picking Their Parents. One said to its mother after a parable about blue birds: “You are my mother; I saw you from above the clouds. I had to slide down, came through the crown of your head. I saw you. I could see you and I chose you.” Another by name Jane said to her parents that she was glad to choose them as her mother and father– according to her mother: “People that would serve her needs.” Yet another child, Ryan, is filled with compassion for people with disabilities. And he said to his mother that he would like to go into the military and also be a policeman. He said to her: “I picked you as my mummy; I followed you in the snow.” Here is a child of two who has never seen snow and has never been exposed to violence. He shocked his mother one day saying he had a “different mom and daddy. They were shot and killed in their bed.” Confidently, according to his mother this time, he said that his name was Eric Johnson.

There is also on YouTube, the story of the reincarnation of a victim of year 2001 attack on the Twin Trade Centre in New York. The elaborate and moving account reads: ”There was always something extra-ordinary about Cade from the moment he was born. His parents, Molly and Rick had been told they could never have children and felt blessed to have a miracle son. But by two-and-a-half months old, he was trying to walk and reached all of his infant milestones extremely early. Even his own grandmother admitted he was different. ‘He was like an old man. He wasn’t like a bouncy baby. He just looked at you like: ‘Who are you?’ she said. By the time he was two, he was using ‘very intricate, intelligent words’ and could ‘hold conversation with adults,’ according to his mother.

“It was around the age of three when the youngster started saying he remembers dying. Speaking to LMN for a programme called The Ghost Inside My Child in 2011, Molly recalled: ‘I would be in bed and Cade would just start crying in the middle of the night and he would wake up screaming about working in a tall building and he could see the Statue of Liberty from his office. He told me that he was falling with the building like the way he died. It’s surreal to have a three-year-old talking about New York and talking about death. Honestly, I started to think…could he have been in the World Trade Centre? But there was a huge part of me that said, wait a minute, that can’t be.”
Cade’s dad, Rick added: ‘We didn’t show him anything, there was no way he could’ve known about it. It was before pre-school.’ The family didn’t know anyone involved in the terror attacks at the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001, and Cade, who was born in 2004, had never been to New York. I noted it as oddism but I never thought anything of it. I just thought he had a vivid imagination’, Molly told the programme. But as Cade got older, he became ‘obsessed with planes’ and was ‘frantic’ around tall buildings. His gran, Fae, said: ‘Cade was totally petrified by the airplanes, like they were monsters. He wasn’t scared of them being in the air. It’s more like he was scared of where they were going.’

Video footage shows a seven-year-old Cade in the car while driving around a busy city with tall buildings. He states: ‘That feels creepy. I just don’t like to look up. I would not like to go in that tall building…that big shiny one looked just like the Twin Tower. It brings back a lot of memories but I’m not going in it, ok?’ Molly admitted that she would make excuses for her son’s behaviour for a while but it got to a point where she ‘couldn’t deny it anymore.’ She said: ‘he just flat out, said that he was in a building that was hit by something, that it exploded and that he had fallen.‘The pieces suddenly came together like a puzzle, the planes, the tall buildings. This person was at the World Trade Centre.’ Cade tells programme-makers: ‘The plane hit the World Trade centre then it got stuck in the building.

‘When I was falling, I was still alive and then all the rubble hit me. I didn’t feel anything because I died.’ Molly was left feeling helpless, unable to know what to do to help her son get past the memories admitting she feels ‘very sad for him.’ He even started asking her to change his name insisting that he wasn’t called Cade. He told her what his name was and she set to work, investigating. She shared her son’s story on a web board hoping to find answers and discovered there had been a man who worked and died at the Twin Towers whose ‘life mimics what Cade describes his life and death was.’ I was absolutely shocked. I pulled up the obituary, the pictures, but I’d never thought about contacting the victim’s family,’ she said.

‘Continuing to follow through with anything to do with 9/11 may interrupt their mourning process. But also, what would you say? Your son didn’t die, he is just someone different now. I would imagine if someone called me with that, I would hang up the phone.’ Molly said she now knows the truth about who the man was but added: ‘as a mother, I am feeling very helpless. I can’t make this memory go away. I don’t know what to do; I don’t know how to fix this.’ She described her and her husband’s heartbreak at being ‘lost for years’ over their situation and said Cade struggled to make friends because other children would call him a liar and laugh at him. Teachers also took a dislike to him.

Molly and Rick said their priority was to help their son to ‘be comfortable in his Cade body’ admitting they ‘wouldn’t trade him in for anything in the world. I need him learn to be Cade, to learn to be a kid again, learn to laugh and I think we’re going to get there, I do, Molly added.

The programme ended with news that Cade had started playing in a football league and was improving in school but was still having nightmares. No further information about Cade has been published since. He would now be aged 20.

After the interview recently surfaced on YouTube, many wondered how Cade was getting on as some recalled similar situations.

The foregoing is yet another account of, indeed, proof of reincarnation. I have treated this subject directly and indirectly in this column about four times. Since our world is a school, in the wisdom of the Creator, like in the earthly school patterned after the cosmic school, allowance is made for a repeat class so that areas of deficiencies can be corrected. It is a phenomenon in which the inflexible justice of the Most High can be read. There is no human being on earth today who has not lived here before, some about 50 times. It takes some 200, others 500 years to come back. Many as short as within four years of their death as is shown in the account of Cade who came back barely four years after he died in the disaster of the World Trade Centre. The knowledge of reincarnation is practically in all cultures. Try as the modern man may have tried, he has not succeeded in getting his fellow men to deny the phenomenon. How do you explain Babatunde, Nnena, or Yetunde if these do not touch on the African concept of reincarnation? The denial by a number of priests is based on the misinterpretation of the scriptures that “It is given unto man to die but once, after which is judgment.” The passage refers to spiritual death, not the earthly exit during which the earthly cloak is discarded and the man enters the beyond in an ethereal garment which serves, together with the animistic, as the wrappings for the spirit. The spirit encased in the wrappings is recognized as soul. Didn’t even the Lord say: “But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased”? (Matthew 17:12). The Lord’s response was in answer to the question: “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” We are in the time of enlightenment and judgment. The intensification and acceleration of events in the world today are features of the judgment. It is the time everyone here on earth and on the material planes in the beyond is faced with the choice: Salvation or damnation! When the ongoing purification reaches the crescendo, all men, all nations will fall on their knees and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Love, and Imanuel as Justice, Both Arms of God, and with God in Holy Trinity!

Former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro has ranked Atalanta star Ademola Lookman as a more technically skilled player than Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Peseiro, who worked with both players during his tenure as head coach of Nigeria’s national team, offered his insights in a recent interview with SportItalia via Football London.

Peseiro, who led Nigeria to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, praised Lookman’s technical abilities and goal-scoring prowess, suggesting that the Atalanta winger stands out in this regard.

“Ademola Lookman is more technical than Osimhen, more inclined to create the game, and is now also scoring. He is performing very well this year,” Peseiro stated. He credited Lookman’s development to his time under Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini and noted the winger’s high-level performances.

Peseiro also discussed the growth of both Lookman and Osimhen, attributing their progress to the strong tactical systems at Atalanta and Napoli.

“It’s no coincidence that they have both grown this year. This is because they are both within a good system of play. Atalanta and Napoli want the ball; they want to play and attack. In these conditions, players get excited like this. Italian football has changed a lot in the last few years,” he added.

Both Lookman and Osimhen have been linked with a summer transfer move to top European clubs, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Reports suggest Arsenal are closing in on Lookman’s signature in a significant £42.5 million deal, with defender Jakub Kiwior potentially included as part of the transaction.

[BusinessDay]

In Nigeria, small business owners are facing unprecedented challenges. The harsh economic realities of the past year have put immense strain on entrepreneurs, from boutique owners to domestic appliance sellers.

For Mrs. Nkiru, who owns a boutique in Ago Okota, Lagos, patronage of her beautiful dresses has seen little grace in recent times; as customers’ attentions dwindle beneath the lashings of economic strife.

Once upon a time, customers flocked to her fashionable abode in satisfactory numbers to admire and ultimately buy from her dazzling collections. Now far removed is their interest as their wallets cannot meet the challenge of current prices.

“A gown of N5,000 before is now twice the amount,” Nkiru lamented.  

Now the era of “buying on credit “ is what she clings to in hopes of maintaining the patronage and loyalty of her trusted customers.

This trend has inspired brow-beaten reactions from tired entrepreneurs who yearn for nothing more than a sliver of relief,  as hardship continues to beat at the door of their endurance.

The boutique owner’s plight 

Nkiru vividly illustrates the difficulties faced by fashion retailers. “When you compare last year to this year, things are much worse,” she explains.

Prices of clothing have surged due to the depreciating value of the Naira against the dollar, leading to a significant drop in consumer purchasing power.

“Last year, you could buy a variety of clothes for a set amount, but now that same amount only gets you a fraction of what it used to,” Nkiru says.

She recalls a recent experience where N300,000, which would have purchased around 100 gowns last year, now only buys about 30.

Nkiru’s situation is exacerbated by rising costs across the board. “The cost of living has gone up, so people prioritize food and basic necessities over fashion. The result is that customers buy less and ask for credit more often,” she laments. 

She reports that her weekly sales have dropped considerably. “Where I used to have customers buying several items in one visit, now they often only purchase one or ask to pay later,” Nkiru says.

This shift has led to delayed payments, with customers taking weeks or even months to settle their debts.

The cost of goods has also risen sharply. A gown that once cost N5,000 now goes for N15,000, leaving little room for profit. “Everyone is struggling to make ends meet,” she says, noting that even landlords are raising rents, forcing some small businesses to close.

Domestic Appliance Retailer’s Woes 

Mrs. Mariam, who sells kitchen utensils and home appliances, is equally disheartened. “It has been tough,” she admits. Sales have dwindled as people focus on basic needs rather than discretionary purchases.

“The prices of appliances have tripled,” Mariam explains. “A mop that was N900 last year now costs N1,800. A set of pots that was N16,500 is now N12,000 for just one piece.” Such price hikes have made customers hesitant to buy new items, preferring to make do with what they have. 

Mariam also notes a dramatic drop in patronage. “Last year, we could make between N20,000 and N30,000 a day. Now, some days we make nothing at all,” she says.

The contrast is stark: where a customer might have spent N40,000 in one visit, now they only spend a fraction of that amount.

The increased cost of living affects her business’s profitability. “Even if you make a sale, you might end up using the money just to cover daily expenses,” she laments. “The situation is dire, and saving is almost impossible.”

Provision Store Owner’s Struggles 

Mrs. Okoye, who runs a provision store, echoes similar sentiments. She describes how the cost of staples has soared.

“Last year, a small pack of noodles was N5000. Now it’s N7,677,” she says. The rise in prices has squeezed profit margins and made it difficult for businesses to thrive. 

Rent is another significant burden. “My rent has increased from N180,000 to N240,000 over the past two years,” Okoye says.

To cope, she has diversified her offerings, including selling alcoholic beverages to attract more customers.

Despite these efforts, the challenges persist. “The small gain you make from selling products isn’t enough to cover costs and generate profit,” she explains.

Hairdresser’s Decline  

Lady P, a hairdresser, notes a dramatic change in customer flow. “Weekends used to be our busiest times, but now we see fewer customers,” she observes. The reduction in clientele has forced her to close on Saturdays, a day that was previously a steady source of income.

“Last year, we bought a bag of honey beans for N70,000. Now it’s N147,000,” she reports. Prices for other staples have similarly increased. “Rice prices fluctuate, but you’re still paying more. A carton of spaghetti, which was about N18,500, now costs N18,800.” 

Lady P also mentions that some goods, like beans, have become so expensive that customers are buying less. “People aren’t buying beans as much as they used to,” she says, noting that some products have been sitting unsold for weeks.

Laundry Service Challenges 

B-Smart Laundry Service is also feeling the pinch.

“We used to get about 10 customers a day, but now it’s down to five,” the owner explains. The cost of materials like Lylon and soaps has increased, leading to higher prices for customers. 

“People are choosing to wash their clothes at home because they can’t afford our services,” she says. The cost of cleaning a suit, which was N700, has now risen to N1,500. Such price increases are driving customers away, affecting the business’s bottom line. 

The Bigger Picture 

The experiences of these small business owners paint a grim picture of Nigeria’s current economic landscape. The percentage difference in prices from last year to this year reveals a stark reality:

• Clothing: N5,000 last year to N15,000 this year – a 200% increase.
• Mops: N900 last year to N1,800 this year – a 100% increase.
• Pot: N16,500 for a set (which is four in one) last year to N12,000 for just one piece this year.
• Noodles: N5,000 last year to N7,677 this year – a 53% increase.
• Beans: N70,000 last year to N147,000 this year – a 110% increase.
• Rice: N70,000 last year to N70,000+ this year (fluctuating but not below last year’s price).
• Spaghetti: N18,500 day before to N18,800 recently – a 1.6% increase.
• Laundry (suit): N700 last year to N1,500 this year – a 114% increase.

These figures highlight the severe impact of inflation and economic instability on small businesses. Entrepreneurs are not only grappling with higher costs but also with reduced consumer spending.

As they navigate this challenging environment, the resilience of Nigeria’s small business sector is tested like never before.

The road ahead remains uncertain, but the stories of these small business owners reveal a critical need for systemic changes to alleviate the economic strain and support local enterprises.

 [Nairametrics]

Nigeria Police have confirmed that its personnel arrested and detained the missing whistleblower, PIDOM.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuwiya Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Naija News reported that PIDOM, a social media whistleblower, who has leaked many government and security agencies classified memos to expose corruption, was declared missing on Friday.

In a series of reports by Naija News, on Friday, Nigerians and human rights activists, including former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, condemned the police for going after PIDOM.

Adejobi, on Saturday, said Isaac Bristol, who is behind the PIDOM handle, was arrested at a hotel in Rivers State.

The statement read: “In a well-coordinated effort, officials from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) apprehended Bristol Isaac Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, on allegations of committing serious offenses that undermine the integrity of government operations. The arrest took place on August 5, 2024, in his hotel room Rivers State.”

He added that allegations against Bristol include leakage of classified documents and other cyber-related offenses. He assured that due diligence would be done in his case.

“There are several allegations levelled against the suspect, including unlawful possession, leakages of classified documents, cyber-related offenses, and others. We will do due diligence in carrying out thorough investigation into the cases.

“The force will leave no stone unturned to continually enforce the law and bequeath to Nigerians a more secure nation,” he added.

[NaijaNews]

Over 100 former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have filed lawsuits against the apex bank at the National Industrial Court (NIC), seeking compensation and general damages following their recent dismissal.

According to reports, the staff were laid off as part of a reorganisation strategy implemented by President Bola Tinubu administration.

The plaintiffs argued that their termination, which came with years still left on their contracts, was abrupt and unjust. They are now demanding payment for their outstanding salaries, allowances, and other entitlements.

Lead Counsel for some of the affected staff, Mr. Ola Olanipekun (SAN), presented the court documents to journalists in Jos, Plateau State.

Olanipekun stated that the legal action was taken to enforce the plaintiffs’ rights to fair hearing. “The unlawful actions of the apex bank have caused monumental damages to my clients, amounting to hundreds of millions of Naira,” he said. “We are asking the court to ensure that the CBN pays all claimants their due monthly salaries, allowances, and other entitlements.”

Olanipekun highlighted the case of one claimant, who had nine years of service remaining. This individual would have earned N1,621,455.70 monthly, had the employment not terminated. The counsel is requesting that the court orders the CBN to pay N178,360,127.00—covering the period from the termination until the claimant’s expected retirement date on August 4, 2033.

Additionally, the claimant seeks N100,000,000 as general damages for wrongful termination, along with N30,000,000 to cover litigation costs. They also request a 21% post-judgment interest per annum on all awarded sums until fully paid, plus any further orders the court deems appropriate.

The Originating Summons, dated August 22, 2024, is supported by a 27-paragraph affidavit submitted by the claimant.

Recall that LEADERSHIP reported the mass layoffs in May 2024, citing the documentation in a letter titled “Re-organisation of the CBN”.

[Leadership]

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has commenced payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.

President Bola Tinubu had signed the new Minimum Wage bill into law a few weeks ago.

This was after back and forth with the organised labour.

However, many governors have said they can not pay N70,000 minimum wage as a result of economic reality.

But the Adamawa governor initiated the payment of the new minimum wage for state workers, starting from August 2024, with a promise that local government workers will begin receiving the increased salary in September.

This has sparked widespread celebration among civil servants in the state.

Multiple sources, including state workers who received their salaries, confirmed the development to Daily Trust.

Some workers expressed appreciation to the governor for fulfilling his promise while describing him as a “man of his word.”

The implementation of the new minimum wage has been hailed as a significant achievement for the Fintiri administration, which has been nicknamed the “Fresh Air Government” by its supporters.

[DailyTrust]