Nigerians have raised their concerns after President Tinubu lost his footing and fell at Eagle Square during the Democracy Day event. For many, this incident overshadowed the significance of the day and President Tinubu's speech. Such incidents are not completely uncommon, with similar events involving American Presidents Joe Biden and Gerald Ford and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ordinarily, this should not be a source of concern unless it becomes a frequent occurrence.

During his speech, President Tinubu paid tribute to the heroes and heroines of democracy as Nigeria celebrates 25 years into its democratic journey. He also promised to protect the rights and freedom of citizens, reiterating that the current reforms, though challenging, are for the betterment of the country's future. Additionally, President Tinubu pledged to have a listening ear and said an executive bill on the New National Minimum Wage would soon be sent to the National Assembly.

While the President’s speech was filled with assurances and hope, Nigerians are asking for results and evidence of progress. As Nigeria marks 25 years of democracy, the critical question is how this has positively impacted the lives of Nigerians. The saying, "na democracy we go chop?" highlights the need for tangible benefits from democratic governance. The country, once known for saying, "Money is not the problem, but how to spend it," is now struggling to survive. Many ask;’’ how did we get here?’. 

Implementing an improved national minimum wage is seen as a crucial step toward alleviating the suffering of Nigerians. Apart from providing salary workers with decent pay, it is expected to stimulate the economy by increasing people’s purchasing power, and workers’ productivity. Business owners would benefit through stimulated demand and the government would receive more taxes. Long-term benefits to the nation include a reduction in crime and insecurity.

If the proposed Executive Order on “Inflation Reduction and Price Stability (Fiscal Policy Measures) Order 2024” is signed by the President, it will bring relief to both citizens and businesses. The proposal includes suspending import duties and other tariffs for six months on staple food items, raw materials for manufacturing, agricultural inputs, pharmaceutical products, poultry feeds, flour, and grain. While the government will lose some revenue, there are questions about what will happen after the six months.

The government should intensify its efforts to improve infrastructure, particularly in areas of transportation and power. A significant challenge remains insecurity, which has gradually crippled the country. Agriculture and mining, crucial sectors for economic diversification, are most affected. Nigerians are looking for immediate impact in job creation. With high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, the government’s economic reforms must prioritize creating job opportunities. Improving citizens’ access to quality healthcare and education is also essential for national development.

Corruption continues to be a major obstacle to Nigeria's development. The government needs to increase its efforts to combat corruption, ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and that individuals involved in corrupt activities are held responsible. Transparent and accountable governance will help to establish public confidence and garner support for the government's initiatives.

As Nigeria celebrates 25 years of democracy, speeches alone are not enough. Nigerians desire results and improvements in their lives. They want to see more concrete actions and outcomes from the promises made. While celebrating the journey, the government must deliver on its commitments and ensure that democratic governance translates into better living conditions for all citizens.

The journey of democracy is ongoing, and while celebrating milestones is important, the true measure of success lies in the improved living standards of the people. Nigerians are not just looking for assurances; but for results that will make a real difference in their daily lives. The government must rise to the challenge and deliver on its promises to build a better future for Nigeria.

Author: Kenechukwu Aguolu FCA, PMP, CBAP

Business Analyst | Project Manager | Chartered Accountant | Public Affairs Analyst

Abuja, Nigeria         This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the evening of August 17, 2023, twelve Akwa Ibom persons were abducted along Sokoto-Zamfara expressway as they travelled to Sokoto. Eleven of them were young men and women reporting for their NYSC camp for the mandatory one-year service, while one was the driver of the Akwa Ibom Transport company-branded bus in which they were travelling. Months passed, and one by one, the captives were released as the abductors received huge sums of ransoms from the families of the abductees. By the middle of June, 11 abductees have been released. I have followed this story with the keenness of a brain surgeon. On November 27, I wrote a piece titled, ‘’100 days in captivity: the story of the abducted corps members’’. I followed it up with another one on December 23. I asked the authorities, including the NYSC management, to do all in their power to get them out. I argued that the government of Akwa Ibom State had a moral responsibility to intervene and facilitate their release since they were only going to serve their motherland. I also made efforts to reach the NYSC DG and hear from him on what the agency has been doing.

Last week, I met with one of the abducted girls. It was facilitated by one of her professors. Outwardly, she looks like any other young Akwa Ibom lady, but inside, she carries a scar, an emotional wound. She sobbed intermittently as she recalled the traumatic experience in vivid details. For obvious reasons, I will conceal her identity. Her story:

‘’I graduated in business administration in 2021 and was called up in 2023 for the NYSC scheme. I was posted to Sokoto State and I really looked forward to serving the country. I love the NYSC scheme; the khaki trousers and white vest; the parades; the drills; the opportunity to travel to other parts of the country, meet other Nigerians and see the vastness of the country and all that. We boarded the bus at the AKTC terminus in Uyo in the morning of August 16. We were all would-be corps members; some of us were heading to Abuja and Kano, but 11 of us were going to Sokoto. We arrived Abuja in the evening and spent the night at the AKTC terminus there. Early the following morning, August 17, we set off to Kano where some people disembarked; and eleven of us proceeded to Sokoto.

‘’Around 7.40 pm, on the Sokoto-Zamfara expressway, we ran into a roadblock mounted by kidnappers, on both sides of the expressway. They fired sporadically into the air and ordered all 12 of us (11 would-be corps members and the driver) out of the vehicle. As we were being marched into the bush, three of us escaped, leaving nine of us (four men and five women) with the captors. We walked all night in the bush till we got to their camp where there was a hut, but we slept in the open, on the ground, in the bush, in the rain and sunshine, day and night. I was released on December 7, after spending three months and two weeks with the kidnappers in captivity. I turned 27 in captivity on Friday, December 1. It was the worst experience of my life. We were beaten every day, mostly in the mornings, with iron rod; fed once in two or three days with rice which we cooked without ingredients – just white rice no salt; no pepper; nothing. We slept on the bare ground in the bush, in the same clothes that we had on when we were captured. We had our baths once in two or three weeks in a stream about a kilometer away. A lot of us fell sick and nearly died. I was very sick too.

On December 7, I was released with another girl - two of us. They led us back to the expressway. I was very sick and could barely walk. On the road, NYSC officials and military personnel were waiting for us. They came in armoured military vehicles, picked us and took us to a hospital in a nearby town where we spent two days before we were taken to a military hospital in Kaduna where we spent about three weeks.

 I enrolled in the NYSC scheme after I left the hospital and I am now serving at (name withheld). I understand that the bus driver was released early this year.

My father is late, but my mother is alive, dealing in petty business. My elder brother raised money, sold things and borrowed money to pay for the ransom. He travelled to Zamfara twice, bringing the money to designated point along the expressway for the abductors. We were released randomly as the kidnappers did not even identify the abductee on whose behalf ransoms were paid.

I thank God for keeping us alive and rescuing us from captivity. I still suffer from trauma. I feel unsafe and I’m always afraid, anxious and apprehensive. I salute the NGOs, activists and journalists like you who worked for our release. I have not been contacted by any official of Akwa Ibom State government, but I am grateful to the management of the NYSC for doing all they could to rescue us. I pray for the remaining person in captivity’’.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, congratulates fellow Muslim faithful on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival, calling it, “a celebration of God’s love and mercy to mankind.”

The former Vice President, who is also the Waziri Adamawa sent his goodwill message to Muslims through a press statement on Saturday from his media office.

Atiku noted that the celebration of Eid, as stated in the scriptures, is not merely a fanfare but an admonition to the people to have forbearance and show compassion in every situation.

“The message of Eid al-Adha is to remind ourselves about the commandment of God to show love to one another and uphold peaceful interpersonal relationships.

“The essential purpose of that message is that we must put our trust in God almighty at all times.

“Even in the face of current hard times that many Nigerians are passing through, we must never fail to put trust in God and, more importantly, extend compassion and safety to the vulnerable people around us.

“What this means is that as we go about celebrating today, we must ensure that we extend good tidings of support and charity to one another, especially those in difficulties.”

The former Vice President equally sizes the opportunity of the Eid celebration to call on governments at all levels to be deliberate in initiating measures that will ease the hardship that confronts Nigerians on a basis.

“As we know that the essence of the celebration today is about a restoration of God’s mercy, it is thus incumbent on government at all levels to take a cue from the divine instruction and make sure that the hardships of the people are minimised,” Atiku said.

He also reminds Muslims in Nigeria and across the world to remember their responsibility of being good ambassadors of the religion by living their lives according to the practices and teachings of the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“The festivities that we are undertaking today is borne out of the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and as also exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is thus our responsibility as Muslims to reflect on their examples in our lives by upholding the threshold of peace at all times, "Atiku also added.

He wishes every Muslim family a happy Eid celebration and prays for God’s protection and safety for everyone during and after the celebration.

Signed:

Atiku Media Office

Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has directed the resignation of Mr. Mamman Ahmadu from office as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

This is part of a larger reorganization effort in the public procurement system to reposition the agency for greater efficiency and transparency.

The Director-General is to hand over to the most senior officer in the Bureau, pending the appointment of a new Director-General.

The President thanks Mr. Ahmadu for his services and wishes him success in his future endeavours.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

Nigeria Super Eagles’ coach, Finidi George has resigned from his post as Super Eagles’ coach, two days after the Nigeria Football Federation announced it was going to employ a foreign technical adviser.

A source close to Finidi told Sports Village Square that Finidi sent his resignation letter to Ibrahim Gusau “3o minutes ago.”

 Finidi was said to be livid that the NFF leadership met with the sports minister two days ago, but failed to mention that players reported late to the camp and that they didi nothing to mobilise Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire to come out to support the Super Eagles in last Monday’s match with Benin Republic.

“He complained that the NFF heaped all the blames on him”, said the source.

 Calls to NFF officials to verify the information were not answered.

[sportsvillagesquare]

President Bola Tinubu celebrates with the Muslim Ummah on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, an event that denotes sacrifice, faith, and obedience to the will of the Almighty.

The President congratulates the Muslim faithful and prays that Allah accepts their supplications and acts of obedience.

President Tinubu enjoins Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the occasion, which bears strong meaning and significance for the nation.

The President emphasizes that sacrifice and duty are essential ingredients to nation-building, noting that it takes collective purpose, will, and action to bring about great change. 

President Tinubu calls on citizens to spare a prayer for the nation for continuous peace and stability while working according to purpose in promoting unity, peace, and progress.

The President acknowledges the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past one year as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth and development.

President Tinubu affirms that the sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to nought as already propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors.

The President reassures Nigerians that his administration is prioritizing their physical, social, and economic security and will not relent on this noble endeavour.

President Tinubu wishes Nigerians happy Sallah celebrations.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

City FM is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI

Time: 12:00pm

Guest: Dr. Mitchell Obi

(African President of the International Sports Press Association)

Topic: "NFF, the Super Eagles and 2026 World Cup Qualifiers"

Date: 15th June, 2024

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92877141732?pwd=VEJWb29OL2VVekZUTHRpdWYxK0xxZz09

Meeting ID: 928 7714 1732
Passcode: 600206

The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has expressed an absolute preference for the democratic system of government over military rule.

The royal father expressed that if it were to be under military rule, he would have been killed or imprisoned without being tried in court.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Kano, Sanusi said no matter how faulty a democratic system of government is, it is still better than military rule.

While submitting that there is no perfect system, the Emir said it is important for the people to be true to themselves and work towards having functional systems.

According to him, “I still have memories of Nigeria during military rule. As bad or as faulty as democracy is, I would rather have that than military rule.

“For example, I was suspended by President Jonathan as CBN governor, and I was removed by Ganduje.

“If it was a military government, I would have been shot. Or they could have carried me and put me under Decree 2 in prison without allowing me to go to court. Democracy is flawed but is better than what we have. There is no perfect system, but we can at least be perfect with ourselves and respect what we have agreed on a constitution and work on it.”

[NaijaNews]

At least three shipping companies, acting as collection agents for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), have allegedly colluded with some management staff of the agency to evade the payment of over $79.9 million in revenue, equivalent to over N119 billion (at exchange rate of N1,505) to the federal government, an investigation and analysis of credible documents by the Daily Trust Saturday have revealed.

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has identified Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, as one of the smartest players he has coached in his career.

Guardiola coached the Germany international at Man City before the player left for Barca.

They both won several trophies, including the Champions League and the Premier League.

“İlkay didn’t talk much, but when he did, everyone listened to him, including me as a coach,” Guardiola said (via Barca Blaugranes).

“It was clear and direct. He is a very intelligent player, one of the smartest I have ever coached. He was the key to our success.”

[DailyPost]