Bolanle Austen-Peters, the Nigerian movie producer, has unveiled her film village in Epe, Lagos state.

In a recent post on X, the filmmaker revealed that House of GA’A, her latest movie, was shot at the BAP Film Village; which is 10,000 acres of land.

Austen-Peters also announced that the film village is open for commercial purposes — including recreation and movie productions.

“So many have asked where we shot House of GA’A. This is it! BAP Productions Film Village in Epe. Over 10,000 acres of land, rolling hills, huts, and other facilities. Open for biz to film makers and excursions,” she said.

“This what we started with, greenery, dense forestation, when we went the first time. Everything was just this large expanse of land and then I called Bisola. I wanted to give woman a chance. She had never done anything like this before. But I saw the fire in her eyes.

“She moved in, cleared the place, and started construction. Before we knew it, in a couple of months, we have all the buildings that you see now in place. And this is where took all these beautiful shots that you see in the movie. This is the BAP film village.”

She joins the list of filmmakers like Kunle Afolayan and Ibrahim Chatta who own film villages.

Afolayan unveiled his Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) film village and resort at Igbojaye, Oke Ogun, Oyo state, in 2022.

In 2023, Chatta announced the opening of his Africhatta film village in Oyo town.

The filmmaker said the production site is built on over 70 acres of land with facilities like horse riding and other recreational activities made available to the public.

[TheCable]

As the 2025 presidential election in Cameroon looms, one question that seems to be on the minds of many is: Why is Paul Biya, at 91(or 93) years old, still holding on to power? After over 40 years at the helm of Cameroon’s leadership, one would think that the time for a dignified retirement had long passed. However, Biya’s continued presence on the political stage raises concerns about the state of democracy in Cameroon and the apparent reluctance of the Cameroonian populace to challenge a leader whose reign has spanned generations.

Without a doubt, Paul Biya, who took office in 1982, has become one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, a tenure that has outlasted numerous world leaders and seen the country through significant changes. Yet, despite this long tenure, the question remains: What has Biya’s leadership truly achieved for Cameroon? Under his watch, Cameroon has seen both periods of economic growth and stagnation, peace and conflict, particularly with the ongoing Anglophone crisis that has plagued the country for years.

Many Cameroonians have grown weary of the same old rhetoric that accompanies Biya’s campaigns and addresses. The promises of economic prosperity, stability, and development have become hollow to a populace that still grapples with poverty, corruption, and a lack of basic infrastructure. Biya’s continued grip on power seems more a testament to his political cunning and the lack of viable opposition than to any resounding success or popular support.

In his 90s, Paul Biya is not just an old man; he is a leader whose age raises serious concerns about his ability to govern effectively. This is as age brings with it inevitable physical and cognitive decline, which can impair judgment, decision-making, and overall leadership ability. Biya’s advanced age has sparked numerous speculations about his health, particularly as he has spent considerable time receiving medical care abroad.

In a country with a median age of just over 18 years, the stark contrast between the youthful population and their aging leader could not be more pronounced. Young Cameroonians, who represent the future of the nation, are increasingly disconnected from a leader whose experiences and outlook are far removed from the challenges they face today. The question then arises: Why has there not been a stronger push from the Cameroonian people, especially the youth, for Biya to step aside and allow for fresh leadership?

In fact, the reluctance to challenge Biya’s rule may stem from several factors, including fear of repression, political apathy, and a lack of viable alternatives. Biya’s government has not shied away from using force to quell dissent, and this has undoubtedly contributed to a culture of silence and submission among the populace. Additionally, decades of authoritarian rule have left a political landscape where opposition parties are weak, fragmented, and often co-opted by the ruling party.

However, the onus is on the Cameroonian people to demand change as a leader’s legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed, and it is within the power of the people to withdraw that consent if they believe their leader no longer serves their interests. The youth, in particular, must recognize the importance of their voice and their role in shaping the future of their country.

Cameroon, like any other nation, needs leadership that is attuned to the needs and aspirations of its people. It requires leaders who are not only physically capable but also mentally agile and open to new ideas. A nation led by a leader in their 90s, particularly one who has been in power for over four decades, is unlikely to embrace the innovation and change needed to address contemporary challenges.

Cameroon is at a crossroads. The country can either continue on its current path, with an aging leader at the helm, or it can choose a new direction, one that reflects the hopes and dreams of its youthful population. The choice ultimately lies with the Cameroonian people, but one thing is clear: It is time for a change.

As the 2025 election approaches, Cameroonians must ask themselves if they are content with the status quo or if they are ready to demand the leadership they deserve. After 40 years, it is not just Paul Biya’s age that is in question; it is the future of Cameroon itself.

At this juncture, it would have been logical to urge the leadership of ECOWAS to intervene by calling to order, particularly as he unarguably has a tight grip on power.  Unfortunately, Cameroon is not a member of ECOWAS as it identifies itself as central African.

The reason why African leaders need to intervene on behalf of the people of Cameroon over Biya’s hold on to power cannot be farfetched as his refusal to relinquish power after over four decades in office has set a dangerous precedent, especially at a time when democratic transitions are vital for the stability and development of the continent. In fact, his autocratic approach threatens to embolden other leaders in the region who may see extended rule as a viable path, thereby undermining democratic institutions and eroding the progress that has been made toward good governance in West Africa.

Despite the foregoing view, the distinction between Cameroon and West Africa, in terms of regional affiliation, does little to mitigate the broader implications of Biya’s “Tightism”. Even though Cameroon is part of the Central African region, the effects of his “Tightism” extend beyond geographical boundaries, affecting the political dynamics in West Africa as well. This underscores the interconnectedness of African politics, where the actions of one leader can have ripple effects across the continent. As ECOWAS continues its efforts to promote democracy and stability in West Africa, the specter of leaders like Biya looms large, reminding us of the persistent challenges to democratic governance on the continent.

The real enemy of that section of the Nigerian polity that is generally referred to as “The North” is not Tinubu. It is not banditry, or insurgency. It is also not political marginalization or the Governor of the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), who directed that some departments of the CBN be relocated, as alleged by Katsina elders some time ago.  It is, instead, the failure of the Northern political, feudal, business and religious elites to address issues that are central to the region’s future in a 21st century world. It is as if there is a resolve by those who should know better to maintain deliberate insensitivity to the blinding gale of misfortunes sweeping through the region and burying everything that holds the prospect of a rebirth for the region.

Rather than focus on what really matters, the concern is about more political opportunities for those who are holding the region in an anti-development stranglehold at the moment. We hear some of them speak of how much of a menace “the North” will be in 2027 if President Tinubu does this, or fails to do that, in the interests of the region. And all of this chatter, presumably in in pursuit of the overall higher interests of the north, is going on in the comfortable abodes of a disconnected political elite. While they are at it, that is arguing for the “genuine” interests of the north, the place is being routinely decimated on a daily basis. It is steadily spewing out an ever-growing population of destitutes and budding criminals who are driven to social deviance by plain, naked hunger and nothing more.

We are speaking here of hunger and the search for food to eat, as distinct from the desire to use crime and criminality as a means of wealth creation. The cartel of criminals involved in the serious business of kidnapping for ransom, which is actually an elite investment platform that uses daredevil foot soldiers for its operations, make up less than one percent of the criminal population.

And it is apparent from the pronouncements and reflexes of the elite that no new lessons are being learnt. That is why today, all the issues raised and dramatized on this page on September 14, 2020, in a piece titled “Northern Nigeria: The Pretence Persists”, are still so alive and so painfully fresh. They are so relevant and roundly timely that the article can bear substantial reproduction here today. Here goes:

“A recent lengthy submission from the elder statesman, Ahmed Joda, rested on a telling conclusion: Northern Nigeria is not developing its human capital. It also does not have the time to do so anymore. Therefore, it is now ill-equipped to fit into either the knowledge-driven world of today or the new world of tomorrow. It needs at least 20 years to become significant in any way. But rather than wake up to this benumbing fact, there is the pursuit of the illusion of dominance.

The major point in Joda’s intervention is that the triumphalism of cattle rearers whose illusion of invulnerability is fuelled and sustained by a national security framework that is skewed to promote insecurity in specific regions of the country will go burst sooner than later. Since most of the northern states have many abandoned, ungoverned and even ungovernable spaces, its currently consumption-driven elite is really in no position to do anything, beyond maintaining a hollow swagger that is backed by nothing but the fact that they are living mostly in Abuja and floating on free state funds.

The above was penned four years ago. In the above-referenced article, I also took us back to and earlier intervention, also on this page, of April 17, 2019, “As the North Goes Under.” In this piece i spoke of a visit to Zamfara State in 2014. I pointed out that “The then Secretary to the State Government explained how he abandoned his farm and ranch because of cattle rustling and fear for his personal safety. I spoke of how he confessed that it was impossible to deploy law enforcement agents, even for himself, in any meaningful way because they were mostly outnumbered, ill equipped and answerable to Abuja”.

Even back then in 2019, five years after our visit to Zamfara state, I asked in the aforementioned article: “Have matters improved in Zamfara State today, or gotten worse? Just as the then Zamfara State governor complained that “the misfortunes” of his people centred around “derivation, as a lot of gold was mined in the state and carted away while his people were ravaged by poverty,” many other states are not faring any better. And Northern states with over 30% of their geographical space occupied by marauders have been drafting and implementing budgets and development projects covering these areas, where no one lives.

Elite myopia, leadership illiteracy and abysmal ignorance of both 21st Century leadership and cultural anthropology of the Nigerian state are working together here. Most of Nigeria’s poor are northerners, even when most high profile political and economically rewarding positions are held by Northerners. Yet, this very same north is being systematically wiped out. Unlike what happened during the mass massacre of Igbos in the 60s, no religion, ethnic, or political affiliation exonerates anyone today. For once, the North is actually giving the greatest evidence ever in its history of both political illiteracy and failure to follow the rules of self-preservation.

Are leaders of the North, and our leaders of various regions today generally, doing any form of costs/benefits analysis in their expenditures and use of public funds? I think not. No matter how generous you would like to be in evaluating the situation of the North today, you must come away with the painful conclusion that all might not be well with the people for a long time to come.

There is hardly any recent event (and I am talking about the last 15 years) in the home, or village, of most Northern politicians where the guests are not usually overwhelmed by at least 100 shabby looking youths, who are either prowling the vicinity, directly affronting guests, or raiding laid out tables. They are looking for nothing other than scraps of edibles and, not even a full meal. And the big men themselves are usually not embarrassed by the spectacle.

Has school enrolment or academic performance improved in the North, in the last ten years, even as all the governors are announcing massive “investments” in education? Has the region shown any real increase in the number of people registering for SSCE, NECO and similar competitive examinations? If no, then an inevitable implosion will yet come. As “their people” come from Chad and Niger, their own youths are begging in the streets; or are in the forests. Everywhere is turning into a no-man’s-land, where even revered traditional rulers and religious leaders are no longer safe. A backlash will come when the Sudanese, Chadians and North Africans will suddenly not be so welcome; especially after the Northerners discover that they are displaced in their very homes.

When foreigners are the ones with Nigerian ID cards in the North, when foreigners are voters in the North, when the total number of registered candidates for all competitive examinations from the 19 states of the north continues stands much lower than that of one particular state in the South, when even the cattle business is now in the hands of roaming bands who have no conception of a brotherhood, or the modern state, you will realize what the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, meant by his two books, “Fear and Trembling” and “The Sickness Unto Death.”

Relentless daily killings are going on in all the northern states. The northern political elite have allowed a new breed of wild youths, not sufficiently socialised even in line with the ‘Ranka dede’ culture to become dominant. Drugs, poverty, motiveless criminality and rapacious daredevilry have chased all the northern big men to Abuja. But for how long will they be in exile? Is Abuja itself still safe? Are some high-profile estates and exclusive neighbourhoods in Abuja not being quietly attacked these days?”

As property rates crash in the North, as investors flee, as local economies collapse, as re-desertification takes over many places, as farmlands and animal husbandry are abandoned, as the proceeds of crime become the new means for the unlettered, the threat to the children of the elite will multiply. The peace of mind of those who had the chance to make a difference but failed to do so will evaporate. The free-band society of cattle herders will collapse before their very eyes, as much of the North is taken over by degenerate marauders. I need not repeat the old observation that the late Abubakar Rimi would probably still be alive today if he had not encountered his ‘brothers’ on a lonely road in the dead of night. He spoke to them in Fulfulde and tried to remonstrate with them, but they did not listen to him. They robbed him, instead, and managed to spare his life after warning him to keep his preachment to himself. it was the trauma to Rimi’s existing heart condition, as well as the statement of his “brothers” that they were simply trying to “make a living” and feed their families, that saw Rimi out of this world a few days later.

The article, “Northern Nigeria: The Pretence Persists ended on this note: “A region that has the highest allocation from oil revenue, the highest earnings from tax mostly paid by other regions, the highest earning from bunkering and the highest earnings from the illegal mining of gold and other natural resources, is ravaged by poverty, underdevelopment and a burgeoning population of unemployable youths. Is this right? Is this normal? Is anyone paying attention – as the North goes under?

Today, matters have only gone beyond comprehension, in terms of finding a way out of the quagmire. The former leather works sites of many Northern states are not about to comeback. The textile factories and groundnut pyramids of Kano and Kaduna are tales from bygone times. Most leaders of the North, and also leaders of various regions today, do not seem to be doing any form of costs/benefits analysis in their expenditures and use of public funds.

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]