National anthems are more than mere songs; they encapsulate a nation's history, values, and aspirations. In Nigeria, a country rich in cultural diversity but often divided along ethnic and religious lines, the national anthem serves as a poignant reminder of unity and collective identity. The reintroduction of Nigeria's old national anthem goes beyond having symbolic value but has the potential to foster national cohesion and patriotism.

National anthems play a significant role in nation-building. They are a form of affirmation, akin to a national prayer, that can inspire citizens and remind them of their shared heritage and common goals. The old Nigerian anthem, with its powerful lyrics, speaks directly to the values of unity, justice, and peace, which are crucial for the nation's progress. It has the potential to strengthen national solidarity and inspire a renewed commitment to Nigeria's development and prosperity.

Each stanza of this anthem carries a message that resonates deeply with the ideals necessary for national unity. Stanza 1 emphasizes unity in diversity, reminding Nigerians that despite ethnic and linguistic differences, they stand together in brotherhood. Stanza 2 highlights the national flag as a symbol of truth and justice, values that should guide the nation and be passed on to future generations. Stanza 3 is a prayer for divine assistance in building a just and peaceful nation where no one is oppressed, ensuring prosperity and blessings for all.

While some critics argue that reintroducing the old anthem is a misplaced priority, it is essential to recognize the broader context of this move. Reinvigorating national symbols can be a step towards addressing deeper issues of national identity and unity. However, for this initiative to be effective, it must be accompanied by genuine governmental actions that demonstrate a commitment to equity and fairness.

The Nigerian government must address public grievances and ensure that policies are not just rhetoric but are implemented with transparency and accountability. Nepotism and favouritism should be actively discouraged to foster a sense of trust and inclusion among all Nigerians. By aligning the ideals expressed in the national anthem with tangible actions, the government can reinforce the message of unity and justice.

The re-introduction of Nigeria's old national anthem is a powerful tool for national unity and patriotism. It serves as a reminder of the country's rich history and the values that can guide it towards a brighter future. For this initiative to succeed, it must be part of a broader strategy that includes genuine governmental commitment to equity, fairness, and addressing the grievances of all Nigerians. Through this holistic approach, Nigeria can build a nation where unity in diversity is not just an ideal but a lived reality.

The Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) has reiterated its commitment to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, through collaboration with development partners, and other stakeholders. 

This assertion was made by the Chairman of the Agency, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, in a meeting recently held at the Agency's Conference Room with Partners, Line-Ministries and other Stakeholders across the State.

Dr. Adetunji said the government is focused on its targets aimed at ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.

The Chairman implored the Stakeholders to work together with the Agency in preventing the spread of HIV in the State.

"We have to continue to ensure that we promote prevention, also work on detecting new cases and immediately put them on treatment" he said.

Dr. Gbola Adetunji stated that the meeting is aimed at developing strategic ways to sustain the momentum of controlling HIV and also the treatment coverages of the infected individuals in the State.

He noted that "very soon Oyo State along with all the Local Partners will take complete control of HIV/AIDS programming in the State in which we are to deliberate on the way forward in this meeting".

Adetunji admonished the Stakeholders to support the Agency with advice and experience sharing in order to avert the spread of the Virus in Oyo State.

While urging all to work as a team to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS in the State and also to ensure that the year 2030 target of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic becomes a reality, Dr. Adetunji pledged that he will try his best to ensure the Agency lives up to expectation.

Earlier in his address, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Waheed Lanre Abass hinted that the Agency is seriously working to assess HIV response in the State and set to align and harmonize support for the response.

Dr. Lanre Abass mentioned that at the end of the meeting, Technical Working groups (TWG) for HIV response in the State are to be set up among the participants and relevant stakeholders to guide and lead the State in ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. 

"We are trying to align what we are really doing, now that we have different players, how we replicate what we do with or without external support and what we can improve upon in terms of coverage of this particular plan." Abass said.

"We are going to kick start a process of setting up technical working groups and move forward from that" he added.

The highlights of the Meeting were presentations of papers from the Line-Ministries and the Implementing Partners working in the State.

The meeting was attended by the Project Manager of OYSACA, Dr. Kayode Ogunkunle, representative of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Damien Foundation Belgium (DFB), NEPWHAN as well as ASHWAN and Community Based Organisations implementing HIV programs in the State.

Others are the Ministries of Health,  Justice, Women Affairs, Education, Primary Health Care Board, Youth Agency and some other Line-Ministries.

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E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

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.

The State Statistician-General, Mr. Michael Babatunde Ajayi has revealed that if the government should introduce price control measures, it will drastically help in reducing the steady rise of food items and other commodities.

Mr. Ajayi, who made this known shortly after a survey of markets around Ogun Central, Ogun West and Ogun East axis of the State by the State Bureau of Statistics, submitted that the hikes were noticed shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, but have been on the upward trajectory in the last 12 months.

Represented by the  Director,  Social and Economic  Statistics, Mr. Bolarinde Abimbola, the Statistician-General stated that situations are similar in all markets as the prices of staples such as rice, maize, garri, yam beans and oil have doubled or even tripled, saying it affected other commodities such as electronics, clothings and toiletries.

He revealed that these hikes in prices of food items and other commodities were due to various factors such as insecurity and low productivity in the agricultural sector,  noting that sellers of food items and other  commodities are part of the problems encountered during the survey, as they deliberately increase prices of items for their selfish gains.

"Early last year, 2023, a plastic of garri sold for five hundred naira  is now sold at the rate of one thousand five hundred naira which represents an increase of 200% between January 2023 to June 2024", he said

Speaking on behalf of traders in Arigbajo market, the Secretary of Egbejoda Market in Arigbajo, Ifo, Chief Akinbola Oludayo, commended the Dapo Abiodun-led administration for providing enabling environment for them to transact their businesses, appealing to the State Government to help curb the unlawful act of deliberately increasing prices of commodities by sellers in the various markets in the State.

In her submission, the Iyaloja of Olabisi Onabanjo International market, Chief Mrs. Oloruntele Ogunba expressed her worries over the drastic increase in the prices of commodities, saying the incessant increase in prices scares consumers away while appealing to the government to provide lasting solutions to the situation.

A consumer, Mr. Ibrahim Gbadamosi while fielding questions from journalists at Egbejoda market, Arigbajo, Ifo, firmly stated that most sellers are the major causes of price hike, pleading with the government to introduce price control to curb the unlawful act perpetrated by these sellers.

The markets visited were  Arigbajo Market in Ifo, Lanfenwa in Abeokuta, Olabisi Onabanjo International Market, Ijebu Ode  in Ita -Osu, Remo Market and Siun Market.

I liked the ‘old’ [new] national anthem ‘Nigeria we Hail Thee…’ written by a foreigner, Lilian Jean Williams to rhyme with the about to be independent nation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in 1959. It was drummed into our ting craniums as kids and we had to memorize it word for word. We sang it at assembly before school began, it was played before NTA began its transmission for the day and at every special event.

With the country back on its feet after a disastrous civil war that nearly ripped it apart, it was time to finally ditch all ties to our former colonial past and re-brand. Along came our own very national anthem ‘Arise O Compatriots’ written by five Nigerians led by B A Ogunnaike in 1978. Again, we had to learn our new anthem and sing it all the time.

So now we’re going backwards to resurrect an anthem already consigned to the dustbin of Time which by today’s standards sounds cheesy and patronising anyway. I know that when you get to a certain age you start feeling nostalgic (- I know, I’m that old!) but you can’t bring the past back however hard you try: you have to let it go and embrace the future.

A national anthem describes a nations identity and sovereignty: there’s no way the Americans are going to replace the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ with ‘God Save the King’. They severed all ties with Great Britain more than 250 years ago and are not going to go backwards. That’s history.

In Nigeria we always seem to be going backwards. Amidst all the problems in modern day Nigeria it seems changing the anthem – not even for a new one – takes precedence over everything else because the President deems it so. Is he going to revert the Naira back to its heyday when it was $1=N1? No! Is he going to make the country trouble-free like it was in the 70s and 80s? No! Is he going to make the cost of living go down to what it was during the oil boom years? No! Only the anthem needs changing because that takes precedence over everything (???). and the over-paid and over-fed legislators couldn’t wait to rush it through! And I’m quite sure if you don’t sing, play the new – old – anthem (- I’m getting confused here!) you’re likely to be arrested and fined (- as if the police don’t have anything better to do with their time!).

There are a lot of things that need changing to be even better than they were in the past but as long as this administration keeps on focusing on frivolities nothing will be done: Tinubu will spend four years in power, probably be re-elected for another term and the country will still be at the starting point, where Buhari left off, and not moved an inch forward. Already we’ve seen this administration going backwards and forwards on its policies. We’ve seen the oil subsidy removed with nothing to fill the vacuum, Air Nigeria, the new national air carrier is still a dream and the emergence of a new white elephant called the Lagos – Calabar Highway – which will never be completed in our lifetime! Foreign investors are being driven away because of short term ‘tolotolo’ policies which are likely going to revoked by incoming future administrations (- as might be the new/old anthem), the crude oil market is not bringing in the much-needed cash and insurgency and uncertainty is flourishing as the country goes abroad for more-a-borrowing.

Anybody else want to ‘japa’ before the proverbial hits the fan? It makes you wander who’s driving the bus.

The bus driver, his conductor and team need to drive forward towards the future – and not keeping on going back to the past. Nigeria is beginning to sound like Italian tanks during World War Two : one gear to go forward and four to reverse! It’s supposed to be forwards ever, backwards never.

So now the President has got his wish – again: first ‘emi-lokan’ and now a new/old  national anthem, perhaps he can now focus on the job at hand of reducing the hardship in the country instead of coming up with things aimed at distracting attention away from what really matters.

You can follow Tony Ogunlowo on Twitter: @Archangel641 or visit http://www.archangel641.blogspot.co.uk

Calls for Review as Recruitment List Flooded with Non-Applicants

The Nigeria Police Force has raised alarm on the irregularities and alleged corruption of the recently released names of successful candidates in the ongoing 2022/23 Police Constables Recruitment Exercise. This became necessary upon being inundated with a series of complaints and allegations of corruption raised by unsuspecting candidates and stakeholders on the irregularities that marred the exercise most especially the disappearance of the names of screened candidates who were successful to the last stage.

Upon careful scrutiny of the list released on the PSC portal, it was discovered that
i) Several names of persons purported to be names of successful candidates are those who did not even apply and therefore did not take part in the recruitment exercise.
ii) The published list contains several names of candidates who failed either the Computer Based Test (CBT) or the physical screening exercise or both.
iii) There are those who made it to the last stage of the exercise but were disqualified having been found Medically unfit through the standardised medical test but who also made the list of successful candidates as published by the PSC.
vi) Most worrisome is the allegation of financial dealings and corrupt practices leading to the outcome where unqualified and untrainable individuals have been shortlisted.

The Inspector General of Police had on 10th June 2024 written a letter of objection to the list addressed to the Chairman of the Commission, citing the discoveries listed above. The reaction of the IGP was without prejudice to the power of the Commission to recruit for the police as ruled by the Supreme court but this power does not include the power to recruit unqualified and untrained individuals for the police. Noting that it is the police that bears the brunt of recruitment of unqualified individuals and not the PSC. The same people who recruited anyhow for the police today will turn round to accuse the police tomorrow of inefficiency when their recruits start messing up.
The Police therefore has since dissociated itself from the published list and called for a review that will be transparent and credible.

It will be recalled that the leadership of the Police Service Commission, after the pronouncement of the Supreme Court ruling on the powers of the Commission to recruit for the Police, constituted a Joint Recruitment Board, to be headed by one of the Commissioners of the PSC, with the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Training and Development in the Police Force as its Secretary. But surprisingly, the Board was crippled and never allowed to carry out its mandate, insomuch that even the final list was not consented to by the Board.

The Nigeria Police Force therefore takes exception to this unpleasant development and calls for a total review of the process with a view to recruiting qualified, competent, trainable and productive hands into the Nigeria Police Force, in line with the vision of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's led administration on police reform.

The NPF hereby reiterates that we are not unconcerned about the plights and ordeals of prospective recruits, who have been subjected to all forms of rigorous screening exercise, assuring that it is our commitment to ensure that the process is thoroughly reviewed, stands fruitful and successful for the betterment of the Nigeria Police, and by extension the country.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FOR: INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE

President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the fight against cybercrime, terrorism, and other related crimes. 

The FBI is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States of America, and its principal federal law enforcement agency. 

The President spoke during a meeting with FBI Director, Christopher Asher Wray, at the State House in Abuja.

Security chiefs who attended the meeting include the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi; the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd); Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Major-General Emmanuel Undiandeye; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede; and the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major-General Adamu Laka.

President Tinubu described the presence of the FBI Director alongside his team in Nigeria as a recognition of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against financial crimes and terrorism. 

''It is an honour for me to receive Director Christopher Wray, the leader of an organization that has demonstrated consistent procedural sophistication and a reputation for excellence over several years. Your visit conveys the importance of Nigeria and Nigerian partnership in the work of America's law enforcement institutions and vice-versa. For us, it is a recognition of what stage we are at, who we are, and the level of interest both countries share in eliminating crimes locally and globally.

''We cannot achieve this important feat of eliminating crimes without collaboration. Incidentally, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is also collaborating with other West African countries to fight economic and other related crimes,'' the President said.

President Tinubu told the FBI Director that his administration has prioritized education as a tool against poverty, which is generally believed to be a driver of criminal activities. 

''We are working hard to eliminate terrorism, cybercrimes, sextortion, and I am glad that we have a good number of agencies that are involved in reducing these crimes to the barest minimum, and they are also well represented at this meeting,'' the President said.

Noting that no single country can combat financial crimes in isolation, President Tinubu called on the United States to support developing countries with the requisite technology and knowledge transfer required to combat complex international crimes.

In his remarks, Director Wray said he was in the country to enhance the "outstanding partnership" that exists between the government of Nigeria and the government of the United States. 

He lauded President Tinubu for supporting the growing partnerships between various agencies of government and the FBI in order to protect the citizens of both countries. 

''We appreciate the President’s vision in countering terrorism in the region, which is a dangerous threat, not only to the countries in the region but also to the United States. 

''We appreciate your vision in re-engineering the role of the Office of the NSA to effectively coordinate efforts on counter-terrorism, and this has already started to bear fruits in terms of the success you are recording against ISIS in West Africa and other terrorist groups. 

''We appreciate your support and collaboration on cyber-enabled crimes and sextortion, which has unfortunately resulted in a few tragic deaths in the United States. 

''I want to assure you of our support whether it is on counter-terrorism, cyber-enabled crimes, kidnapping, joint investigations, and intelligence sharing. Our relationship with Nigeria is a very important one,'' the FBI Director concluded. 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President 

(Media & Publicity) 

...as joint forces neutralises two, arrest two others.

In swift response to an armed robbery incident at first bank PLC in Abaji on June 13, 2024, at about 5:00 PM, the FCT police, led by the commissioner of police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, himself, in a combined operation with the military, mobilized to scene and repelled the attack simultaneously carried out on both Abaji Divisional Police headquarters and first bank PLC in Abaji by a group of fifteen armed men who attacked with dynamites in attempt to rob the bank.

The security forces engaged the armed robbers in an intense gun duel, forcing them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet wounds, as the security forces succeeded in apprehending three suspects, namely, Usman (surname yet unknown), who was reported to be the gang leader, Nuhu Musa, 41 'm' of Kogi State; and Muhammed Aminu, 25 'm' of Abaji, with grave degrees of bullet injuries, while a yet-to-be-identified suspect was set ablaze by an irate mob at the scene after being neutralised by the security forces.

One police operative and the gang leader hit by bullet during the gun duel, were rushed to the hospital, and the doctor on duty confirmed them dead, while others are still receiving treatment.

While search operation is ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects with bullet injuries, the commissioner of police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, lauds the effectiveness of the combined operation and reaffirms the command's unflinching commitment to ensuring that FCT remains inhabitable for criminals, noting that the safety of the residents of FCT is non-negotiable.

SP Josephine Adeh, Anipr 

Police Public Relations Officer 

For: the Commissioner of police, FCT, Abuja.