The unfailingly abiding emotional investment I have in the wellbeing of common people springs forth from my experiential and mediated identification with the twinge of hunger and misery that poverty breeds.

As people who read my columns know, my father, who died on December 31, 2016, was an Arabic/Islamic Studies teacher at a government-owned primary school for almost four decades. His salary was modest and often not guaranteed both during military regimes and civilian administrations. So, my siblings and I grew up in relative deprivation.

But there were choices he made as a father that earned him our unalloyed filial respect, loyalty, and love in spite of our lack. He never ever ate outside for any reason. Even when he was invited to preside over naming or wedding ceremonies, as Malams of his stature often were, he didn’t eat the food he was offered at the venues of the ceremonies. He would always bring it home to us. 

When his colleagues would ask him why he didn’t eat outside, he would tell them that he couldn’t bear to luxuriate in outside culinary treats when the children for whom he lived stayed hungry at home or ate inferior food. He thought it was unjustifiably selfish. 

He also never had more meat on his plate than we had when we had lunch or dinner. Each time our stepmother gave him more pieces of meat than she gave us children, like clockwork, he would consistently share the extra pieces with us and would watch us like a protective mother hen as we ate. 

If he didn’t have enough money to buy new clothes for us, he never bought for himself. In fact, he would often buy clothes for us at the expense of donning threadbare clothes. His fellow Malams were often better dressed than he—because of us.

 And he always ensured that, no matter the circumstance, our school fees were paid—even if we couldn’t afford to buy all required textbooks.

 We didn’t need to be told that he loved us with the entire fiber of his being. We could feel, even touch, his pure, total affection.

So, on days we had no food, or had food but without meat, and on festive occasions when we didn’t have new clothes like our agemates did, we were never resentful. We knew we would have anything if he could afford it. And even when he disciplined us severely—and he was a strict, stick-wielding, no-nonsense disciplinarian—for our youthful transgressions and indiscretions, we forgave him easily. As young as we were, he made us understand the concept of tough love without articulating it.

That’s why I miss my father sorely every single day, and why he continues to be my most important role model. 

There is a parallel between being the father—or mother—of children and being the president of a country. Just as selfless, responsible parenting automatically inspires filial respect and love, compassionate, responsible governance engenders patriotism and makes possible national self-sacrifice from citizens.

The more I read stories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s profligate expenditures and vain acquisitions amid the once-in-a-generation cost-of-living crisis that ordinary Nigerians are going through as a direct consequence of his economic policies, the more I think of my late father.

 If my father had splurged on himself while his children starved, would we have been as emotionally attached to him as we were—and still are posthumously? Would he have been able to persuade us that we didn’t have the fine things of life because he lacked the means to buy them for us?

Nigeria has one of the world's highest poverty rates. Most Nigerians now live in way worse poverty than I lived in when I was growing up. Yet Tinubu’s economic reforms consist basically in denuding citizens of some of the subsidies we had taken for granted—relatively cheap petrol (which leads to affordable transportation and food costs), subsidized education (which allows the son of a primary school teacher like me to go to university), etc.

The justification for these “reforms” is that Nigeria is too poor to be able to sustain programs that help the poor to survive and thrive. So, sacrifice is required to rejig the economy. Money saved from the (temporary) withdrawal of the state from the lives of the people will be invested to ensure a greater, brighter, more prosperous tomorrow. Untrue, but fair enough.

But why is the sacrifice a one-way traffic? At the time that everyday folks have been told to contend with unsustainably extortionate petrol and electricity prices, which have had a domino effect on all aspects of life, President Tinubu bought for himself a new presidential jet worth $150 million, which is the equivalent of more than N150 billion!

This is aside from the fact that the sum of N12.7 billion has been allocated in the 2023 supplementary budget for the maintenance of the presidential air fleet. A country too poor to provide much-needed subsidies for its poor shouldn’t have a president who flies in an expensive plane or an air fleet that guzzles that much money to maintain. 

The UK is a much wealthier country than Nigeria. It gives its citizens the sorts of subsidies that Nigerians have been blackmailed into accepting that they are unworthy of, but the UK Prime Minister had no dedicated aircraft until 2016 when a plane was purchased for the Prime Minister (and “other ministers and senior members of the royal family when they travel on official engagements”) at the cost of $15 million.

UK government officials, including the Prime Minister, used to charter commercial jets for official travels. Until 2016, the “United Kingdom was, in fact, the only one among the Group of Seven industrialized countries without a dedicated government VIP jet,” according to the Points Guy website.

Recall that Tinubu caused a well-deserved national stir when he ordered the purchase of a presidential yacht worth N5 billion sometime in 2023. It also came to light that he bought for himself a bulletproof Escalade SUV worth N1.5 billion, among other examples of indefensible epicurean lavishness.

In response to my last week’s column, a government apologist (who knows if he is a government appointee?) pointed out to me that, “The price of petroleum [in Nigeria] was the second lowest in the world (in dollar terms) by the time the subsidy was (partially) removed.”

He said this as an indictment. He is miffed that Nigeria had the second lowest petrol price in the world. I doubt this is even true, but even if it were true, what’s wrong with that? It’s like a wealthy but stingy father who splurges on himself telling his starving children that they don’t deserve the crumbs he throws their way because there are poorer neighbors with way hungrier children than they. 

So, the rich but penny-pinching father stops the crumbs to the children but continues to luxuriate in conspicuous opulence while telling his children to learn to sacrifice for a greater tomorrow. That’s not a father worth respecting or obeying. 

A president who indulges in the kind of primitive acquisitiveness and conspicuous consumption that are becoming the trademark of President Tinubu at the expense of subjecting the broad masses of the people to the most extreme deprivation that Nigeria has witnessed in living memory has no moral right to expect patriotism or willing sacrifice.

If President Tinubu and members of this government are serious about “sacrificing,” in light of the fact that Nigeria is “broke,” they should first give up their own “subsidies.” There is neither honor nor dignity in being the overfed father of starving children. 

In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigerian security forces have once again proven their mettle by successfully rescuing 20 medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State, a feat that has sent waves of relief and joy throughout the nation. The daring rescue operation, carried out with precision and courage, stands as a testament to the dedication and bravery of our security personnel who tirelessly put their lives on the line to protect the citizens of this great country.

The kidnapping of these young medical students, the future healers of our nation, had cast a dark shadow over the country, sparking widespread fear and anxiety among families, friends, and the larger society. However, the swift response and the tactical acumen displayed by the security team in this operation have not only restored hope but also reaffirmed the belief that Nigeria’s security apparatus is capable of overcoming the most daunting challenges.

The rescue operation, which took place under the cover of darkness, involved a coordinated effort between various branches of the security forces. Intelligence units, working round the clock, tracked down the kidnappers to their hideout, while elite units planned and executed the rescue with surgical precision. The operation was a display of remarkable coordination, where the lives of the students were placed above all else, ensuring a successful outcome without a single casualty among the hostages.

As gathered from Channels Television, the operation was coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser, adding that the security agencies comprise the police, DSS and military personnel and equipment were involved in the operation, with the support of the Benue State government.

“Though the students have regained their freedom according to security sources, details of the rescue operation are still sketchy at the moment.

“News of the abduction of the students hit the media space last Friday, attracting reactions from Nigerians who condemned the rising rate of kidnapping in the country.

“The victims were said to be on their way to Enugu State, passing through the Otukpo Local Government area in Benue before they encountered bandits.

“They were en route to Enugu for a programme when they ran into the kidnappers around Otukpo.

“The students were said to be travelling in a convoy of two buses and were coming from the northern part of the country when they ran into the ambush on Thursday evening at about 5:30 pm”.

It will be recalled that a few days after their abduction, their captors had established contact with the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million to secure the release of their hostages.

Responding to calls for the rescue of the students, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, immediately ordered the rescue of the victims.

In similar vein, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned the kidnapping of students. Egbetokun described their abduction as “truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable”.

He said, “In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command and ensure the swift rescue of our beloved students. This initiative encompasses the mobilization of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.

“The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students.

“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the zeal of the force to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the perpetrators and others alike, as the Nigeria Police Force is determined to sustain the fight against crimes and criminality, most especially kidnapping of Nigerians.

“The IGP equally appeals to the general public to provide useful information and actionable intelligence that may aid the ongoing investigation and the rescue operation. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the nearest police station the state’s command control number or the FHQ via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and other helplines.”

Against the foregoing backdrop, this heroic act by our security forces is not just about the rescue of 20 students; it is a symbolic victory against the forces of terror that seek to destabilise our society and instill fear in the hearts of ordinary citizens. It sends a clear message to criminals that Nigeria will not bow to their nefarious activities, and our security forces will pursue them relentlessly until every Nigerian can live without fear.

The nation owes a debt of gratitude to these brave men and women who, in the face of danger, chose to protect and serve. Their actions remind us of the countless sacrifices made daily by our security personnel, often away from the limelight. These are individuals who face immense risks, often with limited resources, yet remain undeterred in their mission to safeguard the country.

As we celebrate the safe return of these young students, we must also reflect on the need to continue supporting our security forces. They need more than just our praise; they need adequate resources, training, and the backing of all Nigerians to continue performing their duties effectively. Strengthening the security apparatus of the nation should be a collective effort, involving government support, community cooperation, and unwavering trust in our forces.

At this juncture, it is expedient to opine that the successful rescue of the kidnapped medical students is a bright spot in what has been a challenging period for Nigeria. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are heroes among us, brave men and women in uniform, who are willing to stand in harm’s way to protect others. The Nigerian security forces have once again proven that they are up to the task, and for that, they deserve the highest commendation.

“The National Judicial Council at its 106th Meeting held on 14 & 15 August 2024, recommended Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.”  The new CJ starts her tenure today, howbeit in an acting capacity until confirmation, which is a foregone conclusion. Congratulations are in order. Very cheering news. 

The new Chief Justice, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun CFR, popularly known as Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is a tested Jurist and an illustrious daughter of an illustrious father. They don’t come with better pedigree as she does, stoic, stern, firm and principled. Her father late HAB Fasinro was the first Town Clerk of the Lagos City Council, a Senator, legal luminary, historian, author and foremost religious leader of his time. Her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), is a qualified Public Health Nurse who built her career in the civil service of Lagos State from where she retired. She is currently the head of the prominent Savage Family of Lagos.

Following in her father’s footstep, the new CJN as she would henceforth be known has made her mark in the temple of justice since she was appointed a Senior Magistrate, High Court Judge, Federal Court of Appeal Judge and subsequently, a judge of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In the parlance of we unlearned folks, we would say, she had risen through the ranks.

She is entering a turbulent sea as far as the judiciary in Nigeria’s political firmament is concerned. Everywhere is talk of separation or araba, ethnic irredentism, restructuring and devolution, power reconfiguration and reconstitution of the polity, all requiring judicial interpretation when push comes to shove. 

Nigeria is practically in a state of ebullition. From local governments, state administrations to the central authority, there are calls for revisiting the legislative lists and a refashioning of the revenue formulae of the political system. Who runs the primary education system? What of the primary health administration? Which tier of governments oversees collection of rates, waste disposal and local taxes in motor parks? Cases thrown up by disputes over these issues will eventually find their way to the apex court under her. Very serious matter to contemplate.

There are many other constitutional issues that will arrest her attention in the next four years of her tenure. May Allah give her the wisdom of Solomon to wade through the minefields of a neo-colonial state mired in identity crisis. 

It is therefore appropriate to emphasize the need to address the issue of justice, equity, and fairness which Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CFR, must address during her tenure. There is no doubt the present structure of the post-colonial state called Nigeria is a bedrock of colossal political injustice, inequity and generational unfairness. These are issues that need to be tackled through judicial intervention and interpretation. 

Allah, through the Holy Quran speaks to us about the concepts of justice, equity and fairness. These are three interrelated concepts that combine to make a spiritual whole. Justice is the sum-total, in a sense, of all recognized rights and duties, as it often consists of nothing more than a balanced implementation of rights and duties, and of due regard for equality and fairness. The Qur’an is emphatic on the objectivity of justice, so much so that it defies any level of relativity and compromise in its basic conception. A perusal of the Qur’anic evidence on justice leaves one in no doubt that justice is integral to the basic outlook and philosophy of life.

Allah (SWT) said in the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Hadid: *We sent aforetime Our apostles with Clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance (of Right and wrong), that men may stand forth in justice; . . . . (Quran 57: 25)

There is no gainsaying the fact that the major themes of the Qur’an include God-consciousness, fairness, equity, justice, equality and balance in all our dealings. These concepts are drummed into the believers every Juma’at service in the form of admonitions where we are enjoined to heed the words of Allah in Surah Al-Nahl: Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you that ye may receive admonition. (Quran 16:90)

It stresses the doing of what is right because it is the truth. We are urged to establish justice and deal with all in a manner that assures equity, fairness and balance and safeguards the rights, property, honour and dignity of all people. God assures us that even though He is All-Powerful, and none can challenge His Authority, He deals with all with truth, kindness, justice, and the rights of none will be transgressed on the Day of Judgment.  

Allah says in Surah Al Anbia’ Ayah 47: We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. (Quran 21:47)

When Prophet Muhammad, (SAW), said “help the oppressor and the oppressed”, he was stressing this same concept. The Companions responded that they understood what “helping the oppressed” meant, but what did he mean by “helping the oppressor”? He replied, “By preventing the oppressor from oppressing others”.

In Surah Al Ma’idah, Ayah 9, it is said that we should stand firmly for Allah as witness to fairness: O ye who believe! . . .Be just: That is next to Piety: And fear Allah. For Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do. (Quran 5:9)

A person’s faith does not become perfect until he observes fairness with respect to himself and others. In exchange, God shall increase his honour and glory. Man, by nature, prefers his own self and loves everything that is associated with him. 

In one way or the other we are all guilty of infractions of some of these injunctions, particularly our leaders. From the flinching tramp, the woman who digs for gold, the rich with their insatiable thirst for more, to the legislator, who is the sole beneficiary of his legislations and the executive who corners the people’s commonwealth to feather their own nests, we are all guilty. *When justice, equity and fairness depart from a society, that society is finished. A great task therefore rests on the shoulder of our new Chief Justice.

After 11 years at the Supreme Court, 66-year-old Justice Kekere-Ekun, who was born on May 7, 1958, will steer the judiciary for four years till 2028, when she will clock the mandatory retirement age of 70. In Sha Allah. No doubt she will be in the ring side of the usual litigations that will accompany the 2027 elections. May Allah teach her how to navigate the political tide.

A life bencher, Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun started her career in private practice from 1985 to 1989, after which she was appointed as a Senior Magistrate Grade II, Lagos State Judiciary, in December 1989.

She was appointed a judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996, same day as Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, the present chief judge of Lagos State.

She served as Chairman of the of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 to May 1999.

She was elevated to the Court of Appeal on September 22, 2004, where she served in various divisions of the court and as presiding justice of two divisions of the court in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Kekere-Ekun was elevated to the Supreme Court bench as the fifth female justice of the court on Monday, July 8, 2013, filling the vacancy created by Hon. Justice Olufunlola Adekeye, who retired in February 2013 as the first female Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 

She obtained her LL.B. in 1980 from the University of Lagos and her LL.M. from the London School of Economics and Political Science in November 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.

Our prayer has always been that she will one day become the CJ, hence I have always called her my Chief Justice. Alhamdulillah, it has come to pass, in my lifetime. We give all praise to Almighty Allah. It is to Him all the glory belongs. 

Congratulations to our sister, wife, mother and grandmother, our very own Hon. Chief Justice. We must also congratulate our brother Bearer Abdelfattah Akintola Kekere-Ekun for being a companion par excellence. A husband of inestimable value, compassionate, very supportive and understanding. I remember him going to all the various places our wife had always been posted to, ensuring her comfort even at his own discomfort, being made a home-alone husband. Very few men would have weathered through without getting lost in, ‘you know what’. 

We must also congratulate the children for bearing the vicissitude of living without their mother, especially since her elevation to the higher bench. 

And finally, I must pray for the repose of the soul of her father, late Pa HAB Fasinro, who would have been the happiest man today. But He must be having a ball in heaven with his friends, Pa Jose, Razak Balogun and Rabiu Balogun and other brethren. Inna Lillah wa ina ilehi rajiun. May Allah grant them all Jannatul Firdous. Aameen.

As for us at the Crescent Bearers, we might sooner than later confer on Bearer Kekere-Ekun the award of *Bearer Supreme Court First Gentleman (BSCFG)* and also Bearer DJ Supreme (BDJS) for his indefatigable rendition of good smooth jazz on the CB platform. 

In summary, the Kekere-Ekuns are a quintessential humble and contented couple and are not given to ‘karini’ or ostentatious living: Qualities which are sine qua non of people in exalted position. The new CJ is a woman of character, highly principled like her late father and of high moral standard like her mother. She is not loud but assertive when the matter of legal dispensation is called for (you should ask the robbers she sentenced when she headed the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 to May 1999). Like we used to say, ‘her gentility should not be taken for stupidity’. You will do so at your peril. May her tenure be beneficial to the judiciary and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Let me end with what the Psalmist said: This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. . . . we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:23 & 24 KJV

Ihdinas siraatal Mustaqeem. (Quran 1:6) _Guide us to the straight path, the path of those upon whom you have bestowed Your grace, that is, the people of guidance, sincerity and obedience to Allah and His Messengers.

Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend.

In the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s political landscape, there exists a common belief that fluency in a native dialect equates to good leadership. However, this is a misconception that could lead to the wrong choice of leaders if allowed to persist. While the ability to speak a native dialect is an admirable trait, it should not be the defining criterion for electing a leader, especially in a country as diverse as Nigeria.

Take the case of Asue Ighodalo, a prominent figure who has recently gained attention in Edo State’s gubernatorial race. Ighodalo, despite his impressive credentials and vision for the state, has faced criticisms from certain quarters solely based on his perceived lack of fluency in the native dialect. These critiques overshadow his proven track record of competence, integrity, and leadership in both the private and public sectors.

Similarly, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party candidate in the last gubernatorial election in Lagos, was victimized for not being fluent in Yoruba, the predominant language of the state. Despite his strong credentials, innovative ideas, and genuine commitment to public service, many focused on his linguistic skills, or perceived lack thereof, rather than the substance of his campaign. This misplaced priority distracted from the real issues at hand and reduced the electoral process to a superficial examination of language rather than leadership qualities.

The argument that a leader must be fluent in the local language to connect with the people is rooted in cultural pride, but it is important to recognize that leadership extends far beyond language. Effective communication is certainly vital, but it is the substance of what is communicated, the ideas, policies, and vision, that should matter most.

Asue Ighodalo and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour are prime examples of how a leader’s capability should not be judged solely by their linguistic skills. Both have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to public service. Their focus on economic development, infrastructure, and social welfare are precisely the qualities that should be at the forefront of voters’ minds, not their ability to converse in the native tongue.

After all, colonial masters who ruled Nigeria and left decades ago remain a significant part of the country’s history, and their influence is still visible today in the form of enduring infrastructure. These infrastructures, ranging from railway lines, bridges, schools, and administrative buildings to hospitals, continue to serve Nigeria’s populace, standing as testaments to the colonial era’s contributions to the country’s development. Despite the many criticisms of colonial rule, these structures provide a complex legacy that cannot be ignored.

Interestingly, the colonial leaders who presided over these developments did so without fluency in any of Nigeria’s native dialects. They ruled and administered the country, navigated its complex ethnic and cultural landscape, and instituted policies that led to significant infrastructure development, all while communicating in English, a language foreign to the majority of Nigerians at the time.

This historical context challenges the notion that fluency in a local dialect is a prerequisite for effective leadership. If colonial leaders, without understanding or speaking local languages, could still leave a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s infrastructure and governance systems, it suggests that the ability to communicate in a particular dialect should not be the sole measure of a leader’s capability, particularly in Edo State.

In contemporary Nigeria, the debate around leadership often includes discussions about a leader’s fluency in local dialects as a measure of their connection to the people. While it is true that speaking a local language can enhance relatability and trust, it is not a definitive indicator of leadership quality or effectiveness. A leader’s vision, integrity, competence, and ability to deliver results should be the primary criteria for their suitability, rather than their linguistic abilities.

In fact, it is not a misnomer to in this context opine that leadership should transcend language barriers, focusing instead on the capacity to address the nation’s challenges, improve the lives of citizens, and foster unity among its diverse populations.

Reason for the foregoing view cannot be pooh-poohed with mere wave of the hand as denying a capable leader the opportunity to lead based on his or her fluency in a local dialect ignores the lessons of history and risks overlooking individuals who might bring about significant positive change. Instead of prioritizing linguistic proficiency, we should focus on the broader qualities that make for effective leadership. Just as the colonial masters left behind infrastructure that still serves us today, we should seek leaders who will leave a legacy of progress, irrespective of the language they speak.

Without a doubt, the emphasis on language fluency can inadvertently sideline candidates who possess the right skills and intentions to lead. It narrows the pool of potential leaders and risks promoting those who may lack the necessary qualities to drive progress simply because they are fluent in the local dialect.

In as much as it is challenging but not impractical to expect a leader that was raised in the Diaspora to be fluent in his or her local languages, it is germane to opine that what truly matters is the ability to understand the diverse needs of the people and to communicate effectively in ways that resonate with all, regardless of language.

This issue resonates even more deeply for those in the Diaspora. The fact cannot be ruled out that many Nigerians are married to spouses from other ethnic groups across the country. As a result, it is often difficult for their children to learn and speak our native dialects fluently. Should these children, who may one day return to contribute to their various states of origin, be disqualified from leadership opportunities simply because they do not speak the language of their ancestors? The answer, clearly, is no.

Therefore, electing a leader based on their ability to speak a native dialect rather than their capacity to govern effectively is a disservice to the electorate. It is essential to evaluate candidates on their policies, vision, integrity, and ability to deliver on their promises.

As Nigeria continues to evolve, it is crucial that the electorate moves beyond parochial considerations and embraces a more holistic approach to leadership selection. The future of governance in Nigeria depends on choosing leaders who can bring about meaningful change, not just those who can speak the local language.

In fact, while cultural identity and language are important, they should not overshadow the qualities that truly define good leadership. As the cases of Asue Ighodalo and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour illustrate, leadership is about vision, competence, and the ability to serve the people, not merely the ability to speak their language. For those of us in the Diaspora, where linguistic diversity within our own families is a reality, this understanding is even more pertinent. Let us vote for leaders who can lead us to a better future, regardless of the language they speak.

Healthcare professionals are leaving Nigeria in droves despite the Federal Government’s efforts to retain them, BusinessDay has found.

Sixteen thousand doctors have exited Nigeria in the last five years, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said.

About 75,000 nurses and midwives left Nigeria within the same period for the United States, Europe and Asia, according to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

Over the past six months, several healthcare workers have made efforts to exit Nigeria but were unable to process their travel documents due to unofficial restrictions imposed on license verification by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), limiting them to Nigeria alone.

One of such restrictions is that applicants who want to relocate must have active practicing licenses for at least six months before expiration.

Micheal Nnachi, president of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), told BusinessDay that policies that restrict the migration of its members are unacceptable, noting that efforts are afoot to tackle them

“We cannot allow any policy that will restrict the movement of nurses, especially in search of greener pastures. We can’t do that,” Nnachi said.

Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya, a family physician, said unless nurses and other health workers are better treated by the government, any effort to retain them at home will be fruitless.

“Nigerian nurses are overworked, underpaid, overused, under-appreciated and unfulfilled with their work in Nigeria. This is why they want to leave Nigeria,” Ogunsanya said.

“The answer to underpaid, overworked, and unfulfilled health workers is not to hold them hostage in a system and a country they no longer want to be in. We need to address the issues, pay them better, make work more fulfilling, and build a country that professionals are happy to live in,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has been rolling out different initiatives to attract healthcare workers to the system, including a new policy offering various incentives to those in the country and the diaspora.

According to a new policy document, special credit facilities, mortgage financing schemes and tax holidays will be created to provide a conducive operating environment for health workers. There will be a periodic review of healthcare workers’ salaries, benefits, pensions, and allowances.

While the policy recognises healthcare workers’ right to international mobility for employment, it also stipulates that this mobility should adhere to principles of social justice, human rights, equity, transparency, and fairness.

However, the criteria for determining what constitutes ‘fair,’ ‘just,’ and ‘equitable’ remain unclear, as there is a risk of potentially hindering career advancement opportunities for some healthcare professionals.

Faruk Abubakar, secretary general and registrar of the NMCN, did not respond to BusinessDay’s inquiries on the current situation of nurses and midwives license verification on the two occasions he was reached via calls and texts.

In March 2024, the council began to implement revised guidelines for the verification of certificates for practice abroad, demanding that nurses and midwives must have at least two years of work experience after receiving their permanent practicing license before working abroad.

It also stipulates that applicants who want to relocate must have active practicing licenses for at least six months before expiration.

They must also provide letters of good standing from direct supervisors at their workplace or training institutions, extending the verification process to at least six months.

Nurses and midwives have begun to fight for the abolishment of the policy or a review that considered their interests.

Abubakar insisted that the Federal Government will not back down on the contentious verification policy in a televised interview conducted earlier, noting that it needs to place the collective welfare of Nigerians ahead of individual pursuits.

He said more than 42,000 nurses left Nigeria over the last three years as training institutions struggle to produce an average of 6,700 nurses yearly.

In 2023, about 15, 000 nurses left Nigeria, implying that despite yearly spending on producing skilled manpower in about 285 schools of nursing and midwifery, Nigeria lost almost all to the international nursing labour market.

“If we allow every Nigerian to leave as they graduate, who is going to handle our healthcare services? We are not against anyone traveling, but Nigerians must be served and provided for with quality healthcare since we produce some of the best work across the world,” Abubakar said during an interview on Channels TV.

He further disclosed that nurses in Nigeria earn between N135,000 and N200,000.

However, depending on the level, experience, and qualifications, the annual salaries of nurses and midwives range between £20,330 and £93,735 yearly in England, according to data gleaned from the United Kingdom website on pay scale in healthcare.

The registrar said the Federal Government aims to produce 47,000 nurses in 2024.

[Businessday]

Chinese authorities have successfully extradited a suspect in a $14 billion crypto pyramid scheme from Thailand.

The suspect named Zhang allegedly masterminded a massive pyramid scheme involving cryptocurrency to the tune of $14 billion and became the first financial crime suspect to be extradited using the China-Thailand extradition treaty since it took effect in 1999.

The extradition was announced by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security on its official website giving a breakdown of the development from the time the financial crime was committed to the moment of extradition.

“ On the evening of August 20, with the strong assistance of relevant domestic departments, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, and Thai law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Public Security’s “Fox Hunting Operation” working group successfully extradited Zhang, a major economic crime suspect suspected of organizing and leading pyramid selling activities, from Thailand to China. This case is the first economic crime suspect extradited from Thailand by China after the China-Thailand Extradition Treaty came into effect in 1999.”

It is understood that since 2012, the MBI Group, headed by the criminal suspect Zhang, has required participants to pay fees ranging from 700 to 245,000 yuan to obtain platform membership by issuing virtual digital currency, using high rebates as bait, and using the number of members developed and the amount of funds invested as a method of remuneration or rebate basis to carry out illegal online pyramid schemes. The group has developed more than 10 million members, and the funds involved exceed 100 billion yuan.

In November 2020, the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau filed a case against Zhang in accordance with the law; in March 2021, the Interpol China National Central Bureau issued a red notice against him. On July 21, 2022, the Thai police arrested Zhang. Subsequently, China made an extradition request to Thailand in accordance with the bilateral extradition treaty. On May 21 this year, the Thai Court of Appeal made a final ruling to extradite Zhang to China. On August 14, the Thai government made an administrative decision to support the court’s final ruling.

An official from the Ministry of Public Security’s “Operation Fox Hunt” office said that the successful extradition of Zhang demonstrated the Chinese government’s firm determination and will to safeguard citizens’ rights and interests and defend the dignity of the law. It was a major achievement in China-Thailand law enforcement and judicial cooperation and was of milestone significance in consolidating and deepening the law enforcement and judicial cooperation between the two countries. It will also play a positive exemplary role in the future extradition cooperation between China and other countries.” Chinese Ministry of Public Security stated

In 2021, China banned crypto trading activities on the mainland but many investors still found their way around the rules.

The Chinese authorities have been very strict with crypto entities fleshing out stringent policies to tackle crypto entities operating in the country.

What to Know  

Recently, China classified crypto transactions as money laundering in an update to its Anti Money Laundering (AML) laws in a bid to simplify the process of prosecuting crypto-linked money laundering cases.

[Nairametrics]

Given the unacceptable reality that Former President Donald Trump was on course to defeat President Joe Biden in the American November Presidential election, I had shut off myself from news regarding American politics. When the former won the election in 2016 against Hillary Clinton, I started avoiding the CNN and any cable TV news channel that are substantially obliged to carry the news of the American President. Excited at the subsequent growing American alienation from his self-destructive presidency, I returned and enjoyed watching him unravel.

In the belief that he was a fluke, and certain that Americans would collectively sigh never again, I joined in saying good riddance to bad rubbish. Tragically, it was premature optimism. He was about to be gifted the American Presidency again by Joe Biden, and then Kamala Harris emerged. Harris is all that Trump is not. I can put the contrast no better than Nate White “he has no class, no charm, no coolness, no credibility, no compassion, no wit, no warmth, no wisdom, no subtlety, no sensitivity, no self-awareness, no humility, no honour and no grace – all qualities, funnily enough, with which his predecessor Mr. Obama was generously blessed. So for us, the stark contrast does rather throw Trump’s limitations into embarrassingly sharp relief”.

“Now, polling conducted in the immediate run up to this week’s Democratic convention in Chicago shows the vice president entering not just with momentum, but with a slight advantage over Trump nationally and in most key battleground states — a dramatic reversal from the big hole President Joe Biden was in before he abandoned his candidacy just four weeks ago”.

After reading an article written by my close friend Reuben Abati titled “RITUALS, BLOOD AND DEATH, THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF ASO VILLA”. my sisters called me to verify the experience Abati had narrated- in the light of my related experience as political adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo. The gist of the article was that the presidential palace politics under President Goodluck Jonathan was demonology personified.The inquiry coincided with my revelry at the dramatic entrance of Kamala Harris into the race for the American presidential election and how it had turned things around for the Democrats.

The change of baton bore semblance to a peculiar occurrence in the 2003 governorship contest in one of the Yoruba states (as alleged). The spiritual consultant to the governor (seeking reelection) had requested the names of all the candidates who would be contesting against him. The governor dutifully provided the names of all those who had indicated their participation in the governorship contest. The spiritual handler then assured the governor that he had binded all the fellow contestants and rendered them of no consequence. At the last minute, one of the political party platforms was compelled to change the candidate contesting on its platform. Now, the new candidate was not among those who have been thwarted by the spiritualist. The net effect was that the new candidate went ahead to win the election.

Abati recalled “I was given an apartment to live in inside the Villa. It was furnished and equipped. But when my son, Michael arrived, one of my brothers came with a pastor who was supposed to stay in the apartment. But the man refused claiming that the Villa was full of evil spirits and that there would soon be a fire accident in the apartment. He complained about too much human sacrifice around the Villa and advised that my family must never sleep overnight inside the Villa”

“I thought the man was talking nonsense and he wanted the luxury of hotel accommodation. But he turned out to be right. The day I hosted family friends in that apartment and they slept overnight, there was indeed a fire accident. The guests escaped and they were so thankful. Not long after, the President’s physician living two compounds away had a fire accident in his home. He and his children could have died. He escaped with bruises. Around the Villa, while I was there, someone always died, or their relations died. I can confirm that every principal officer suffered one tragedy or the other; it was as if you needed to sacrifice something to remain on duty inside that environment”.

I had a tangentially comparable personal experience. I was in Lagos when I received a call from one of the political bigwigs in the inner circle of President Obasanjo. In the belief that I was in Abuja, he requested I should come and see him right away. When I told him I was in Lagos, he was flustered. Why should this man become so agitated on account of my non availability, I wondered. So I called an Aunt who usually prays for me and told her of what had just transpired. After praying on it, she called back to tell me that something bad was about to befall the man’s son and wanted to transfer the danger to me. Two weeks later, the man, indeed, lost a son.

I had worked closely with a President who would occasionally wondered aloud how he could have signed off on some memo he objected to especially those with monetary implications or a significant political appointment. You might have heard of members of political cabals who uniformly lost their first born. In my town, all the seven kingmakers who colluded to install a king who was not the choice of the oracle died one after another within a year. There is equally a fable that a decline in the population of hyena in the Kaduna-Abuja forest portends a bad omen. Apparently, hyena is a core element in the preparation of charms targetting somebody’s life at the top echelons of government.

President Obasanjo narrated a spectacle he witnessed. He had gone for a weekend retreat at Otta. He received a guest who was decked in suit and tie. He was playing a popular Yoruba recreational game (Ayo) with an elderly relative. For whatever reason, the man in suit started deriding the Yoruba cosmology as quackery. When he would not relent, the elderly man playing ayo asked him if he really believed what he was saying. So after a few seconds the Yoruba veteran then directed him to remove his jacket, he complied. He again ordered him to remove his shirt and trousers. He did. Obasanjo had to intervene when the man was going to remove his underwear as instructed.

In 1983 at Okemesi, it was time to conduct the primary election to choose the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN candidate for the state house of assembly election. One was a young charismatic candidate who was overwhelmingly favoured to win the primaries. The other was a mild mannered university academic and Okemesi Prince. The latter narrated his experience at the election to me.

He had a midnight visit on the eve of the primaries comprising a delegation of leading traditional chiefs who could not countenance the idea of a prince losing the election. So they requested from him ingredients for a ritual sacrifice comprising a rat, withered fish, salt, palm oil and the like. They then assured him he would prevail in the contest.

At the primaries the following day, supporters of each candidate were instructed to queue behind their candidate. The voters behind the charismatic candidate were, at a glance, three times more than those behind the prince. When they voted, the result showed the exact opposite of the distribution of the voters. It indicated the prince defeated the other candidate by a wide margin and all of this was in the open. Because the result was unbelievable, the voting process had to be repeated thrice with the same outcome.

It will require a special kind of credulity to believe that those engaged in the desperately transactional pursuit and sustainous of political power will not prioritise a recourse to the marabou, Adahunse and false pastors and prophets in the order of Temitope Joshua as of the essence. The bigger the stakes, the longer the extent to which politicians will go to court divine intervention in their affairs. An ambassador to Riyadh once came to report that a vice president had sequestered the consulate in Jeddah to house marabou engaged to cause the death of his principal.

You will recall the drama surrounding the choice of Samuel Akinsanya, as the odemo of Isara as narrated in the autobiography of Professor Wole Soyinka, Ake. If you want to see and hear the oracle speak, all you need to do is to visit and pay homage on the Ooni of Ife. At the level of rhetoric, Nigerian politics is a reflection of the behaviour of the larger society where Newell S. Booth observed that whilst 95% of the Yoruba professed Islam or Christianity, the answer to the question of what percentage practice the traditional religion was equally 95%!.

I had elsewhere argued that among the Yoruba, there is indeed something of a paradox in the contradiction between the subconscious individual belief in the relevance of Ifa to the resolution of any resurgence of crisis in human experience and a conscious social and collective disavowal of its reality. It is a paradox that is borne out in the ambiguity of individual and private accommodation of Ifa by those who simultaneously profess Christianity and Islam.

This subject matter, however, provides the opportunity to caution against the common generalisation of the practitioners of Yoruba traditional religion as amoral. Irked at the persistent and prevailing defamation and demonisation of Ifa, Professor Wande Abimbọla retorted “There are people we call Onisegun, they are not Babalawo. Babalawo does not do evil and if they stray from the straight and narrow path they become liable to the severest punishment.

Professor Bolaji Idowu corroborated that it is laid down that a babalawo must not abuse his office in any way.. Therefore no babalawo should use his position to enrich himself in any way; he must not refuse anybody his service on account of money-if any person is too poor to pay the customary pittance for divination, the babalawo must divine for him free of charge; or if the person cannot afford the prescribed sacrifice, the babalawo must take whatever he can afford….it seems, in fact, that the babalawo is under a vow of poverty, to spend himself in service of the community…now that materialism is the order of the day, this sacred injunction is largely disregarded, and there are many who appear not to know it at all. Charlatans abound ”

The President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Festus Osifo, has attributed the persistent fuel queues across the country to a weak distribution chain within the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

Speaking at the 3rd edition of the PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja yesterday, Osifo called for urgent reforms to address the issue.

According to him, Nigeria’s distribution chain is outdated and insufficient to meet the demands of its large population.

“There is no country in the world as big as Nigeria, with our population, that relies on a single point of product importation and uses trucks to distribute across the nation,” he said.

He explained that this method is vulnerable to disruptions, including bad roads and flooding, which can lead to fuel scarcity.

The PENGASSAN President emphasised the need for the government to develop and strengthen the country’s value chain to ensure a more efficient and reliable distribution system.

He warned that without these improvements, the country would continue to face recurring fuel shortages.

Osifo also addressed other critical issues facing the oil and gas industry where he noted that the high cost of production in Nigeria, which is 15 to 20 per cent higher than in other parts of the world, is partly due to the burden of security on oil and gas companies.

He called on the government to take over security responsibilities from investors, which would significantly reduce production costs.

Osifo further urged the government to strengthen laws and sanctions against those involved in oil theft, while he advocated for harsher penalties to deter bad behaviour and encourage integrity within the industry.

He said, “Our distribution chain has challenges, that the distribution chain is weak in the downstream section of the oil and gas industry.

So that is why today you see queues in most of the stations. The problem may be solved today, but tomorrow it will surface”.

“Because there is no country in the world that is as big as Nigeria, that has the same population that we have in Nigeria, that brings its product to a particular area and uses trucks to take it around.

Because whenever there are challenges, whenever loads are bad, whenever you have floods, those trucks cannot pass through a certain area and what is going to happen? we are going to have scarcity.

So we must do everything possible to strengthen that area. So as PENGASSAN, we have called for this in the past, and we also reiterate that today, that the value chain must be developed”.

[Leadership]

The federal government says it has set up at least 40 ageing desks basically meant for care of senior citizens in 40 different Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), saying one individual agency or ministry can’t handle issues related to ageing.

Although the government did not list the MDAs that have the section, it, however, warned against discrimination and stigimatisation of the older persons in various sectors, adding that old age should be seen as a beautiful thing to cherish and not to despise.

The Director-General of National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC), Dr Emem Omokaro, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday during an inaugural training programme for Quality Assurance Assessors certification in the Geriatric Social Care Skills Sector.

The NSCC boss also revealed that the government has developed a Care Quality Assurance System for Nigeria which she said national benchmark and minimum standard for the accreditation of care settings are embedded.

She said, “No one person, no single ministry can handle aging alone because what they do is different statutorily. NSCC has dug deep to understand different mandates of relevant agencies, and we went on a very high-level advocacy, meeting technical partnership.

“I want to say that NSCC now has 40 ageing desks in 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Of those partnerships, we ensured that there was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). As it is now, we have the Ministry of Health and the National Board for Technical Education.

“These are the foundations that the NSCC is laying by working with different professionals bit by bit, by developing the Nigeria Care Quality Assurance System in the country.

“It is a system, that is why we have national policy guidelines on the geriatrics social care, quality assurance and Standard Operating Procedures. We also have the national benchmark and minimum standard for the accreditation of care settings with domiciliary in social care agencies.

“Before now, anybody will have the permission to do anyhow. Working with the partners, we are bringing standards, qualities, because our older persons deserve it. It is a right to have care that is appropriate, acceptable and available.”

Dr Omokaro stressed that care for older persons in line with global best practices is a skill that requires training.

“For anyone to have this skill you need to be trained, and for you to be trained, you need training providers. So as you have seen here heads of Geriatrics, Consultant Geriatricians, Family Physicians and Nurses from our tertiary institutions, they may have all the knowledge, but they are not certified to assess skills.

“So, these trainees here are nominees of these tertiary institutions who will earn the certification. As Quality Assurance Assessors, you must be able to assess competency, attitude and all other technical things.”

On its part, the National Board for Technical Education, described skills as the global currency of labour, saying to be a competent person, there must be competency based assessment and certification.

The Director of Vocational Technical and Skills Development, Engr Suleiman Yusuf, who represented the agency, said, “If you’re aware, the Federal Government approved Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework, and this is why NSCC is coming under, and is being supervised by NBTE.

“The framework covers all facets of training, and Nigeria has joined the league of qualification framework, looking after competencies, not academic qualification for engagement.”

[DailyTrust]