On Monday, I participated in a lively and engaging webinar on how digital media could be used to shape Africa’s perspectives in international media. It was organised by The Pan African Dialogue Institute (TPADI), a think tank of African academics, civil society professionals, students and grassroots leaders who have come together to promote Pan-Africanism in the continent and the Diaspora. The theme was ‘’Using Digital Media to tell the African Story’’. Martin Oloja, former managing director & editor-in-chief of The Guardian; Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, poet, veteran journalist and PR specialist, and I presented papers and led the discussions. African professionals from across the globe and within the continent were in the audience.

They included Dr Effiong Udo, associate professor at the University of Uyo who is also the president of TPADI; Prof Mutombo Nkulu-N’Sengha, vice-president of TPADI and a professor of religious studies, Dialogue and Egyptology at California State University, Northridge, Los Angeles; Luciano Hanson, language teacher, mentor and leader, from Tanzania and Viviene Abara from Jos, Nigeria. It was an eclectic collection of Africans from across the globe who spoke on Africa’s challenges, its unbalanced and negative coverage in international media; the roles of digital media and the negative influences of people like Kemi Badenoch in promoting these jaundiced refractions on Africa.

After a brief welcome statement by the institute’s president, I opened the session with an overview of the problem. African stories in international media have always been dominated by reports of disease, poverty, corruption, conflict and political instability. These perspectives are rooted in colonial histories and they continue to influence global perceptions and policy decisions. This kind of reportage informs persisting perceptions that other regions of the world have about our continent, and why Africa continues to be viewed as the ‘troubled child’ in need of foreign saviors.

There is also a huge gender disparity in news coverage of Africa. Men, and powerful elites like politicians and businessmen, dominate the African story while the voices of ordinary Africans, women and marginalised groups are notably unreported. Foreign media’s slant of the African story often follows foreign policies of their countries, which for decades, often viewed Africa as an aid recipient, and not an equal partner in trade bilateral relations. Furthermore, the representation of Africa is meant to satiate domestic audiences who are already prejudiced by decades of misrepresentations on TV and tabloids.

Although Africa has its fair share of problems, just like other places, international media pay scant attention to depressing news stories in other places and focus only on the ones in Africa. Yet, Africa has a lot more to offer. Botswana; Rwanda; Angola; Ethiopia; Ghana; Senegal; Kenya; Tanzania; and many other African countries are making impressive strides in many economic indicators and HDIs, yet they are not adequately reported. The African story is not only about conflict, corruption, poverty, poor leadership, bad politics and disease. It’s also about tourism, the youth demographic dividends; the abundance of its natural resources; traditions and cultures; beautiful weather; its vegetation and wildlife and its unicorns.

Eminent journalist, Martin Oloja, was next to speak. He noted that digital media provides a platform for African voices to be heard globally, challenging dominant Western narratives and promoting a more nuanced understanding of Africa. Digital media diversifies Africa’s narratives by enabling African media outlets to diversify Africa’s experiences, cultures and slants, moving beyond stereotypes and monolithic presentations. Oloja emphasised that digital media can empower our storytellers and foster Pan-Africanism by enhancing a sense of shared identity, culture and experience among Africans across the continent and in the diaspora.

Such stories include those of African innovators and entrepreneurs, who are using technology to solve pressing problems and drive economic growth; African women who are fighting for equality, justice, and human rights, highlighting the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment; and African communities, who are fighting to protect their natural resources and environments, highlighting the importance of sustainability and climate justice.

Digital media, Oloja argues, should be used to tell the stories of African writers such as Imbolo Mbue, the Cameroonian-American author who writes on perseverance and success, highlighting the importance of education and cultural exchange; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi, the Nigerian author’s story of feminism and activism, highlighting the importance of women’s rights and social justice; Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian Nobel laureate’s story of artistic expression and activism, highlighting the importance of freedom of speech and cultural heritage.

Digital media provides African storytellers with unprecedented opportunities to reclaim and amplify their narratives. By leveraging digital platforms, African media outlets can showcase the continent’s rich history, diverse cultures, and contemporary achievements, challenging stereotypes and promoting a nuanced understanding of Africa. He concluded that the power of storytelling in reshaping global perceptions and ensuring that the African voice is heard loud and clear in the new world order.

By preserving heritage, promoting justice, and fostering innovation, digital media can help Africa write its own story for the future. Chijioke Amu-Nnadi’s presentation drew on his years of experience as a head of the department of digital media at NDDC, a government agency that focuses on the development of the hydrocarbon-rich delta region. Although technology has created new media platforms that make communication faster and easier, Amu-Nnadi warns that resistance to change could impede the rate of assimilation of digital media in the population. ‘’The power of the new media is its ease of accessibility, its social nature, ability to challenge orthodoxy and its global reach at incredible speed,” he said.

There was a lively session of discussions and commentaries from the global audience. Prof Mutombo of California State University said retelling Africa’s story does not mean suppressing or lying about the unsavoury parts of the narratives. Rather, ‘’what you say is not as important as how you say it,” he said, an allusion to the controversy that has trailed the comments made by Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party. Prof Mutombo notes that within the realm of Pan-Africanism, Nigeria looms large as “the China of Africa.” From the demographic standpoint, Nigeria is to Africa what China (or now India) is to the world. For years, Nigeria has been the first or the second largest economy in Africa (by GDP account). Most importantly Nigeria has one of the most confident, dynamic, creative populations in the World.

He said: ‘’As an African born and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I remember my joy in discovering that there are African writers. In High school we read Achebe and Soyinka in French. When I moved to Europe and then the US (where I have been living for 30 years and now teach at California State University Northridge in Los Angeles), I discovered that Nigerians are scattered everywhere and have produced brilliant scientists, Physicians, Businessmen, etc. In one word, Nigeria makes us proud, from the Pan-African standpoint.

‘’Needless to say that in a world dominated by Hollywood and Bollywood, Nigeria’s Nollywood movies have provided important African alternative. Nigerian movies are found in every corner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in French translation and they are loved by people who see in Nigerian actors people who act like their own uncles, nieces, cousins, sisters, aunts, mothers or fathers they know in cities or in their villages. The impact of Nigerian movies is enormous and a major contribution to Pan-Africanism.”

Pan-Africanism as a force of survival in a world dominated by powerful foreign powers requires that Africans get to know and appreciate each other. It is also through the knowledge of African history and ancestral values that Africans can appreciate their continent and their communities. No one would like to be associated with another community just to be bullied, despised and exploited. As Julius Nyerere put it in an interview, it is not enough to preach that we must overcome tribalism, “we must make unity attractive.”

Mutombo’s powerful intellectual input gave the participants the fire to call out Badenoch for her denigrating comments about Nigeria before her election as party leader as a sign of insecurity complex. ‘’She just wanted to pander to the extreme right wing of her party; she needed some kind of validation by attacking Nigeria, a country she once praised when she was running for Parliament years ago’’, I said, asking rhetorically, ‘’Why didn’t Rishi Sunak have to disparage India and Barrack Obama castigate Kenya or Africa before they were both elected into the highest political offices in their countries’’?

TPADI’s president, Effiong Udo, brought the webinar to a close, announcing that the institute is organizing an international workshop on Pan-Africanism in May.

A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to pay N3 million as damages to Benita Ezumezu for failing to issue her international passport within the stipulated six weeks.

The court also ordered Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, and the NIS to ensure that applicants who meet all the requirements are issued Nigerian passport within six weeks in compliance with section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.

Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, gave the order while delivering judgment in a fundamental human rights suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/75 filed by Ezumezu.

Ezumezu approached the court after waiting several months to get her passport, which she applied for in October 2022.

In the judgment delivered on December 4, Nwite granted all the eight reliefs sought by the applicant.

The judge held that the failure of the NIS and the minister (sued as first and second respondents) to issue a passport to Ezumezu within six weeks despite providing valid documents violated all known local and international laws on personal liberty and freedom of movement of the applicant.

“That this honourable court hereby declares that a Nigerian passport is an official identity document that affirms the bearer’s citizenship and is issued to a bonafide Nigerian primarily for the purpose of travelling out of Nigeria and returning to Nigeria in exercise of rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement,” Nwite held.

“That this honourable court hereby declares that as of October 6, 2022, the applicant had fulfilled all the requirements for the issuance of a Nigerian passport and was therefore qualified to be issued a passport forthwith and not exceeding six weeks from that day.

“That this honourable court hereby declares that the non-issuance of a Nigerian passport to the applicant 14 weeks after the applicant had met all the requirements, including submitting the application, payment of approved fees, and biometric enrolment, constitutes a contravention of section 9(4) of the Immigration Act, 2015, as it relates to the issuance of an international passport forthwith.

“That the honourable court hereby declared that non-issuance of a Nigerian passport to the applicant 14 weeks after the applicant had met all the requirements. including submitting an application, payment of approved fees, and biometric enrollment constitutes a contravention of the applicant’s right to freedom of movement guaranteed under Section 41 of the CFRN 1999 (as amended) and Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

“That this honourable court hereby declares that the non-issuance of a Nigerian passport to the applicant 14 weeks after biometric enrolment had occasioned both monetary and professional losses to her.

“That an order of this honourable court is hereby made directing the 1st respondent to issue the applicant’s passport forthwith as stipulated in section 9(4) of the Immigration Act, 2015.

“That an order of this honourable court is hereby made directing the 1st respondent to pay the sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00) only to the applicant as general damages for all the losses incurred by the applicant resulting from her inability to travel for her professional duties.

“That an order of this honourable court is hereby made directing the 2nd respondent to ensure adherence of the 1st respondent to the issuance of a passport as stipulated in Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act and not exceeding the 6 weeks announced by the 2nd respondent and published by the 1st respondent on its website.”

[TheCable]

In a chilling report released on Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), N2.2 trillion was paid to kidnappers as ransom between May 2023 and April 2024. Titled, ‘The Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024’, the report revealed that as many as 91 per cent of kidnapping incidents in the country were to extract ransom, while 2.4 per cent of cases were attributed to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives. About 2.1 per cent of the cases were linked to personal or family disputes while custody disputes accounted for 0.5 per cent of cases. Within the same period, no fewer than 2,235,954 Nigerian citizens/residents (which represents about 1 percent of our national population) were kidnapped in communities across the country at different times.

We must commend the NBS for deploying data to lay bare some of our socio-economic challenges. “Our people should never live in fear—whether on their farmlands, highways or cities,” President Bola Tinubu said yesterday while presenting the N47.9trillion 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly. Yet, it cannot be lost on Nigerians that within the last one year, kidnappers raked in almost what the president is now proposing to spend on the country’s health sector in the coming year. It also means that ‘ransom subsector’ of the economy is now the fastest growing. That’s why authorities at all levels must find a solution to this vexatious menace that threatens not only our national security but also the progress of our country.

The history of kidnappings for ransom can easily be traced to the current democratic dispensation in the country. We first witnessed the problem in the Niger Delta about two decades ago with political agitation for ‘resource control’ before it became a very lucrative enterprise for sundry criminal cartels across the country. Indeed, as far back as 2012, the African Insurance Organization (AIO) designated Nigeria the kidnap for ransom capital of the world. “The number of kidnaps for ransom in Africa continued to increase. In the first half of 2011, Africa’s proportion of the global total increased from 23 per cent in 2010 to 34 per cent,” according to the AIO at the 18th African reinsurance Forum in Mauritius. “Nigeria is now the kidnap for ransom capital of the world, accounting for a quarter of globally reported cases.” That was twelve years ago. The situation of course is now worse considering the details in the NBS survey.

Meanwhile, this is also an issue on which I have intervened numerous times, including reporting contributions I made to ‘ransom funds’ for the release of victims. I recall sharing the experience of Nuhu Tanko, a gardener at the Shehu Musa Yar’AduaCentre, Abuja who was kidnapped along with two brothers on 31st December 2020 on the way from their village (Dakunu in Chukum local government of Kaduna) to the state capital. By his account, the masked kidnappers, clad in military camouflage, numbered more than 50, all on motor bikes, each carrying at least two guns. It was after the family had sold all their possessions, including a piece of land, and the money was not enough to complete the N10 million ransom demand that they reached out to the Centre for support. “Most people have left our village because of kidnappings. It’s like bandits have taken over our village and the surrounding communities,” Tanko lamented at the time, while sharing his harrowing experience, following his release. “They kidnap people, kill and rape women, even if the women are pregnant.”

Perhaps more heartrending was the account of Mallam Iliya Gwaram in Zamfara State. His daughter was one of the 279 female students abducted from the Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe on 26 February 2021. A few days later, he was also kidnapped. But while in captivity, the Jangebe female students were brought to join them. “l saw the schoolgirls being brought into where we were camped by our abductors. At first, l didn’t know who they were or where they were coming from, until l saw the face of my scared daughter looking at me. I quickly told some of the girls who were brought along with her and sat near me to tell my child not to show any indication that she even knew me,” Gwaram recounted after his release a few days later. “The girls were brave enough and they kept our little secret up to the last of their four days stay with us. l never cried in the whole of my life like l cried the day the girls were taken back because l felt it was the last time l would see my daughter…”

From North to South, East to West, there is hardly anybody who does not know someone who has been kidnapped. Therefore, the real value of the NBS report is to put official imprimatur to a social cum security malaise that has now reached epidemic proportion. Of the reported cases of kidnappings, according to the report, 82.1 percent were released, 12.8 percent were killed while 3.3 percent remain in captivity. If one does the arithmetic, the number of kidnap victims who don’t’ return alive is quite chilling. But beyond the trauma to families, the local economies in most rural areas across the country today are comatose while in some communities, especially in the Northwest, kidnappers have taken complete control. Even within metropolis, we all remember the kidnapping of six young ladies and their father from their Bwari (Abuja) residence in January this year. The father was released and asked to go and find N60 million to ransom his children. Unable to meet the payment deadline, the kidnappers killed one of his daughters, a 400-level student of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and dumped her body on the street. Now that the NBS has beamed its searchlight on this most heinous crime, we hope that the relevant authorities will take the challenge seriously and act.Even more worrisome, going by the report, no fewer than 614,937 Nigerians were killed within the period.

The implications of this situation for the national economy are grave. In a February 2006 paper, “’Captive Markets’: The Impact of Kidnappings on Corporate Investment in Colombia”, by the United States Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (Central Bank), the trio of Rony Pshisva, ProtegoMexico and Gustavo A. Suarez measured the impact of crime on investments by exploiting variation in kidnappings in Colombia from 1996 to 2002. Instructively, the paper opened with a quote from a report in ‘The Economist’ magazine of 19th June 2004 which summed up their findings: “Who wants to invest money and effort in building a business if their reward is to risk losing their life and/or their money?”

Sadly, as it was in Columbia, so it is in Nigeria today!

Buhari’s Birthday in a New Season

Former President Muhammadu Buhari turned 82 on Tuesday. His long-term political associate and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun led a few supporters to Daura, Katsina State, to felicitate with their man. Foremost businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote was also there. But most of the people who for eight years made a fuss over Buhari’s birthday did not remember to place the customary congratulatory adverts in newspapers. Only a few did. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, as well as Governors Inuwa Yahaha and Abdullahi Sule of Gombe and Nasarawa States respectively placed birthday adverts for Buhari. Boss Mustapha, who was Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under Buhari, former Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari and businessman, Nasiru Danu complete the list of those who remembered to place congratulatory adverts in the newspapers. 

Of course, Mallam Garba Shehu wrote a syndicated article on how ‘At 82, Buhari Wraps Up in Silence and Dignity in Daura’ and Mr Femi Adesina reminded us about ‘Buhari, Ore Mekunu (Friend of the Poor), at 82’. “The Big Elephant in the room. Removal of fuel subsidy. Did you think the Government didn’t know that the money-guzzling monster had to be slain?” Adesina asked in a manner that suggests the current administration removed fuel subsidy without a thought for the poor. “It knew. But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as itdid? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people.”

I don’t know what to make of that, but let’s return to the issue. When Buhari marked his last birthday in office in December 2022, all major newspapers were filled with adverts. From then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan to Hon Idris Wase to Senator Barau Jibrin to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the current President Bola Tinubu, there were effusive words of praise. Then Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje wrote: “History will forever remember and celebrate your laudable achievements.” Less than two years after, Ganduje(now the ruling APC National Chairman) can’t even remember the man’s birthday! Same with other governors at the time, including those still in office today. On Tuesday, I decided to spend time at the Daily Trust newspaper library to read the congratulatory advertisements for Buhari two years ago. Some of the words are now cringe-worthy. 

Let me state quite clearly that the issue here is not about Buhari or for that matter, his birthday. It is about the lack of values in our politics with practitioners who believe in nothing. In a recent column, I wrote about how sycophancy has almost become a direct principle of state policy in Nigeria such that the birthday ceremonies of political office holders and that of their spouses as well as the burial ceremonies of their parents, the naming ceremonies of their children (even from ‘side chicks’) have become state functions. But I am also aware, as most people are, that all the exertions are simply to curry favour from power holders. The moment they become ‘yesterday’s men’, they are on their own.

In the absence of any ideology, our politics revolve around individuals rather than political parties which then explains the state of our democracy. President Buhari is experienced enough to know that most of those who gravitated towards him while in power did so for what they could get. But no society can develop when you have a preponderance of such people at the helm – as is the case in Nigeria today.
 

Ambrose Feese @ 80

Despite having held critical positions in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria, Mr Ambrose Feese remains a very private man. But he takes time to share incredible knowledge and experience with younger professionals. And I have benefitted a lot from my interactions with him over the years. A chartered accountant, banker and public administrator, Feese is a former Minister of State, Works and Housing and before then, Secretary to the 1979 presidential commission on revenue allocation in Nigeria headed by the late Dr Pius Okigbo. He was also a member of the Study Group on the Review of Federal Civil Service in 1985. On a personal note, he is the father of Member, the young lady caught in the 26 August 2011 bombing of the United Nations office in Abuja while collecting data for her post-graduate thesis at the Institute of Development Studies of the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Although there will be a ceremony on Saturday in Makurdi, Benue State to mark the 80th birthday of this accomplished man, I cannot attend because by then I should be in Kwara State for what Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has dubbed my ‘annual Christmas pilgrimage.’ I wish Mr Feese a happy birthday, long life and good health.

    First, let's look at the connection of the event with December 25th. Was Jesus really born on December 25th? Virtually, biblical scholars have proposed every month on the Calendar. So why do we celebrate His birth in December? The tradition for December 25th is actually quite ancient. Hippolytus, in the second century A.D. argued that this was Christ's birthday. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Church, January 6th was the date followed. But in the fourth Century, John Chrysostom argued that December 25th was the correct date and from that day till now, the Church in the East, as well as the west has observed the 25th of December as the official date of Christ's birth. In modern times, the traditional date has been challenged. Modern Scholars point out that when Jesus was born, shepherds were watching their sheep in the hills around Bethlehem. Luke tells us that an angel appeared to "Some Shepherds staying out in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night" (Luke 2:8). Some scholars feel that the sheep were usually brought under cover from November to March; as well, they were not normally in the field at night. But there is no hard evidence for this. In fact, early Jewish sources suggest that the sheep around Bethlehem were outside year-round. So you can see, December 25th fits both tradition and the biblical narrative well. There is no sound objection to it.

   Admittedly, the sheep around Bethlehem were the exception, not the rule. But these were no ordinary sheep. They were sacrificial lambs. In the early spring they would be slaughtered at the Passover. And God first revealed the Messiah's birth to these shepherds - shepherds who protected harmless lambs, which would soon die on behalf of sinful men. When they saw the baby, could they have known? Might they have whispered in their hearts what John the Baptist later thundered, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" Of course, we can't be absolutely certain of the day of Christ's birth. But an early winter date seems reasonable. And December 25th has been the frontrunner for eighteen centuries. We can blame the ancient Church for a large part of our uncertainty. You see, they did not Celebrate Christ's birth at all. To them it was insignificant. They were far more concerned with His death and resurrection. And some still hold the same view today. But I believe both are important, for without the birth, there wouldn't have been the death. Or what do you think? Enough of this history Please, let's move forward.

    Now, since creation, God has orchestrating world affairs to set the stage for the arrival of his Son. In the meantime, he used prophecy to keep alive people's hope for a fresh beginning and a new relationship with him. So, many Messianic predictions are recorded in the Old Testament that the likelihood of one man fulfilling them all was slim. However, Jesus Christ's birth, life, and death happened exactly as the prophets foretold. Isaiah proclaimed, "Behold, a virgin will be with Child and bear a Son, and she will call His name - God with us" (Isaiah 7:14). Micah told the Jewish people that their leader would come from the tiny town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The timing of Messiah's arrival was revealed to Daniel, who recorded the timeline in his writings. (The word 'week' in Daniel 9:25-26 actually has the meaning of 'Seven years' just as in Genesis 29:27). God Himself gave a direct prophecy in Genesis 3:15, when He told Satan "from now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head." It was an indication that Christ would defeat him. A careful comparison of Jesus' life with the prophecies of scripture leads to only on conclusion: Jesus is the promised Messiah, who brings every willing person into a new covenant relationship with the father.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current President, and Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, helm the leadership of a nation grappling with deep systemic issues. Tinubu, a former Lagos State Governor, ascended to the presidency with promises of renewal and development. Shettima, a former Governor of Borno State known for his tenure during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, now serves as his deputy, tasked with navigating Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.

Their administration inherited a country riddled with corruption, poor governance, ethnic and religious tensions, and economic instability. Despite their pledges to bring about change, controversies have continued to mar their leadership, from issues of transparency and accountability to allegations of nepotism and mismanagement.

In this climate of uncertainty, Kemi Badenoch, a British politician who has served as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party since November 2024, and of Nigerian Yoruba descent, has delivered scathing critiques of Nigeria’s governance. Her remarks, though harsh, shine a spotlight on the systemic failures and contradictions that have hindered Nigeria’s progress. Badenoch’s critiques, which this write-up frames as “Kemi’s Therapy,” seem to offer a painful but necessary diagnosis of the country’s ailments under Tinubu, Shettima, and beyond.

What I Term Kemi Therapy

Shettima, in his state of unhappiness over what he perceives as Kemi Badenoch’s denigration of Nigeria, suggested she drop the name “Kemi.” However, the only meaningful way to drop it is for Nigeria to embrace the thoughts and feelings of change that Kemi Therapy seems to embody—challenging the entrenched corruption mentality of the average Nigerian. This relentless call for reform, accountability, and transformation is what I term Kemi Therapy.

Exposing Institutional Abuse and the Culture of Negativity

Kemi Therapy critiques Nigeria’s institutional abuse and its troubling culture of shielding the powerful while vilifying the vulnerable. The case of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu is a stark example. Accused of organ trafficking in the United Kingdom, the case revealed Nigeria’s systemic failures, including manipulated narratives, flawed immigration processes, and the judiciary’s inability to prioritize justice.

Instead of addressing the real legal and ethical issues, Nigerian institutions attempted to discredit the victim by questioning biodata, age, and identity, creating distractions to shield the powerful. Kemi Therapy highlights a painful truth: had this case unfolded in Nigeria, the victim would likely have become the defendant, while the powerful escaped accountability.

The London court’s decision, which resulted in prison sentences for Ekweremadu, his wife, and the collaborating doctor, serves as a stark reminder of what accountability looks like in functional systems. Kemi Therapy insists that Nigeria confront its institutional failures, prioritize truth and justice, and abandon its culture of impunity.

Ethnic and Religious Favoritism in Leadership

Kemi Therapy critiques Nigeria’s persistent tribalism and religious favoritism, which foster exclusionary governance. Under Muhammadu Buhari, appointments were overwhelmingly skewed toward individuals of specific tribes and religions, alienating significant portions of the population.

Despite promises of change, the Tinubu administration has struggled to break these patterns. Kemi Therapy warns that Shettima’s unique history as a Sharia governor could perpetuate such practices should he ascend to higher office. For Nigeria to progress, governance must be grounded in competence, inclusivity, and meritocracy.

Sharia Contradictions and Human Dignity

Kemi Therapy appears to challenge the compatibility of constitutional democracy with harsh Sharia punishments such as amputations and stoning, which negatively impact Nigeria’s moral reputation on the world stage. These inconsistencies reveal deep-rooted issues in governance that need to be addressed in order to uphold the values of justice, equality, and humanity.

Endless Pretrial Detentions and Medical Negligence

Kemi Therapy exposes Nigeria’s broken justice and healthcare systems, where thousands languish in pretrial detention, and hospitals delay emergency care due to bureaucratic demands for police reports. These failures prioritize inefficiency over humanity, leading to preventable deaths and injustices.

Kemi Therapy for Better Policing

Kemi therapy focuses on the police’s efforts to promote positive news globally, rather than highlighting instances of officers accepting bribes from drivers, stealing from the public, assisting in ballot box theft, and turning complainants into defendants. It also addresses the issue of officers soliciting complainants for writing materials, fuel for police vehicles, and money for food.

Hoarding COVID-19 Palliatives: A Betrayal of Trust

The mishandling of COVID-19 palliatives symbolizes Nigeria’s governance crisis. Reports of hoarded relief materials intended for vulnerable citizens sparked outrage, revealing systemic neglect and mismanagement. Kemi Therapy demands that leadership rebuild trust through transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.

Addressing Domestic/Sexual Violence, Marginalization, and Exploitation

Kemi Therapy sheds light on the systemic mistreatment faced by girls and women, including unequal treatment in various environments, such as educators demanding sexual favors in exchange for grades and politicians exploiting women seeking opportunities. This urgent call for change underscores the necessity for policies that safeguard women, hold perpetrators accountable, and foster safe spaces for women to flourish. Kemi Therapy stands against the marginalization of women, as highlighted by troubling comments made in the Senate, where leadership suggests that it is only “women’s day” when women address issues relevant to them, similar to how male senators do, while men rarely encounter the same derogatory treatment. Women are commonly highlighted in a Senate that is predominantly male.

Rejecting Military Overreach in Civilian Matters

Kemi Therapy condemns the misuse of military power in civilian matters. Soldiers detaining and brutalizing civilians undermines democracy and accountability. Nigeria must enforce a strict separation between military and civilian roles to uphold the rule of law.

Kemi Therapy for a Better Nigeria

Kemi Badenoch’s therapy advocates for a Nigeria rooted in justice, accountability, and unity. It calls for:

Electoral reforms to secure free and fair elections.

Judicial integrity that prioritizes justice for all, not just the privileged.

Leadership accountability to combat corruption and protect the vulnerable.

Healthcare and justice reform to value human dignity and fairness.

Kemi Therapy insists that Nigeria can only progress by confronting its systemic contradictions, abandoning impunity, and embracing ethical governance that serves its people.

Conclusion: Kemi’s Therapy for a Better Nigeria

Kemi Badenoch’s unapologetic critiques are not an attack on Nigeria but a demand for a better, more just, and accountable nation. Her words serve as a mirror reflecting Nigeria’s failures, compelling its leaders and citizens to confront the painful truths that have crippled progress for decades.

This is not about humiliation or denigration—it is a wake-up call for a country grappling with corruption, tribalism, impunity, and systemic dysfunction. Kemi Therapy challenges Nigeria to rise above its defensive posture, discard the false pride that shields dysfunction, and embrace the reforms necessary for a brighter future. The therapy is bitter, but so is the disease it seeks to cure.

Kemi’s message is for every Nigerian—politicians, civil servants, military personnel, law enforcement officials, corporate elites, students, religious figures, and everyday citizens alike. Kemi Therapy does not target the innocent or the powerless; rather, it demands accountability from those in leadership and those complicit in enabling a broken system. A Nigeria that silences truth-tellers will never heal, and a system that protects the powerful while crushing the vulnerable will never know peace.

However, there is no need to continue for now. The Kemi Therapy sessions come to an end—not because the work is done, but because the truth has been spoken. There are far too many deep, chronic, and recurring crises in Nigeria—ones that Kemi Therapy alone cannot address. Corruption, misgovernance, impunity, and systemic injustice run so deep that no singular voice or session can resolve them all.

It must also be said that some of Kemi’s words, while grounded in truth, might appear culturally denigrating—something she must learn to avoid. Critique must remain focused on reform, not on alienating an entire culture. Nigeria’s dysfunction is not unique to its people, but history has shown that outsiders, especially former colonial powers, are quick to exploit moments like these. Old colonial masters might point fingers and smugly declare, “See how a Black person denigrates an entire culture.” This is a dangerous distraction, one that undermines the core message of the therapy itself. Kemi must remain focused on her mission and avoid inadvertently playing into such divisive narratives.

The truth, as bitter as it is, has been delivered. Nigerians—particularly those in positions of power—are often far too defensive. When confronted with their own failings, they resort to endless arguments, petitions, manipulation, and outright attacks on the messenger. Instead of reflecting and embracing change, they waste time muddying the waters, weaponizing sentimentality, and orchestrating campaigns to silence those who speak truth to power.

Should Kemi continue, they will escalate their tactics. They will target her Nigerian roots, seek out her family and relatives, and fabricate sentimental complaints to divert attention. This is who they are. It is a deeply ingrained cultural flaw—defensiveness that refuses to accept accountability.

Badenoch must end the sessions here. Further engagement will serve no purpose other than to drag her name into the mud—a distraction that only benefits those resistant to change. The truth has already touched its mark, and those who are willing to embrace it will find a path to reform. For the rest, history will remember their defiance as the chains that held Nigeria back.

Kemi Therapy has shone a harsh light on Nigeria’s wounds, forcing an uncomfortable but necessary reckoning. The work is not done, but the truth remains. Kemi’s voice has challenged a nation to rise above defensiveness, reject dysfunction, and embrace the reforms it so desperately needs.

Through Kemi therapy, you have effectively conveyed your thoughts to support Nigerians, influenced by your Nigerian heritage and Yoruba background. Now, it’s your moment to take the lead as the head of the Conservative Party in the UK. It’s their responsibility to accept the difficult but crucial insights offered through Kemi’s therapy. Utilize your time wisely, as you have significant goals to accomplish in the UK.

For now, the therapy ends, leaving Nigerians to decide whether to confront the truth or continue living in denial. Kemi Therapy has spoken—what happens next is up to Nigeria.

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA) has fined streaming giant Netflix €4.75 million for failing to provide customers with adequate and clear information about its handling of personal data between 2018 and 2020.

The fine comes after an investigation revealed violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

While Netflix has since updated its privacy statement and improved its data transparency, the Dutch DPA determined that significant lapses occurred during the investigation period.

Key Findings of the Investigation 

Netflix collects a wide range of personal data from its users, including email addresses, phone numbers, payment details, and viewing habits.

However, Dutch DPA said the investigation initiated in 2019 found that:

• Netflix’s privacy statement failed to adequately inform customers about the purposes and legal basis for collecting and processing their data.
• The company did not clearly explain which personal data were shared with third parties and the reasons for such sharing.
• Netflix provided inadequate information about how long it retains users’ personal data.
• The platform did not clearly articulate how it safeguards personal data when transmitting it to countries outside the European Union.

In addition, when customers requested details about the data collected on them, Netflix’s responses were found lacking in clarity and detail.

“For this reason, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA) is imposing a fine of 4.75 million euros on the streaming service,” the data protection watchdog said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Dutch DPA Chairman Aleid Wolfsen emphasized the importance of transparency, especially for a global company like Netflix with billions in revenue and millions of users.

“A company like Netflix must explain properly to its customers how it handles their personal data. That must be crystal clear—especially if a customer asks about it. And that was not in order,” Wolfsen stated.

Origin of Complaints 

The investigation was triggered by complaints filed by None of Your Business (noyb), an Austrian privacy advocacy group.

• These complaints were initially lodged with the Austrian Data Protection Authority but were forwarded to the Dutch DPA, as Netflix’s main European establishment is based in the Netherlands.
• Under GDPR rules, companies operating across multiple EU member states are overseen by the data protection authority in the country of their primary European base.
• The Dutch DPA coordinated the investigation and fine with other European regulators.

What you should know 

The sanction highlights the increasing scrutiny under GDPR regulations and the importance of transparency for companies handling personal data.

• On Tuesday, social media giant, Meta, was also slammed a €251 million in Europe over a 2018 personal data breach that impacted 29 million Facebook users globally.
• In Meta’s case, the fine came from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which pointed out that the breach arose from the exploitation by unauthorized third parties of user tokens on the Facebook platform.

The increasing data protection enforcement happening in Europe is also signaling to the Nigerian data protection agency the need to pay closer attention to the way these multinationals are handling Nigerians’ data and take appropriate measures under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

[Nairametrics]

Edo State government has clarified that the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen in the state was in line with the Constitution.

The Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Legal Matters, Barr, Andrew Emwanta, said the 18 local government chairmen suspended disobeyed the state Governor.

He stated this on Wednesday in an interview with New Central. He disclosed that the council chairmen were given a time limit to submit statements of their council account but they refused.

Emwanta explained that Governor Okpebholo’s decision did not go contrary to the Supreme Court’s ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments.

“People keep making reference to his Supreme Court decision that sort of guarantees financial autonomy for local government. What that means is that local government should get their funds directly. That is to say the control provided for under the Constitution by the states over the affairs of local government remains.

“Section 7 of the Constitution is very clear that the State House of Assembly has a duty of making a law for the existence, management and control of local governments. That provision of the law has not been amended.

“So it was pursuant to that particular law, the Edo local government law was made. There was a recent request by the Governor that the chairmen of the 18 local governments should submit their statements of accounts. A time limit was given and unfortunately, they refused to but rather they now said they would resort to court to challenge the authority of the state government to ask for those statements.

“And you can imagine a situation where you have local government chairman, they are busy using local government funds to do certain things that are not in conformity with specific guidelines and financial regulations. So that the suspension of course is backed by law. Section 20 of the local government law is clear that the Governor in consultation of the House of Assembly can suspend any area local government chairman or vice chairman as the case may be,” he said.

Emwanta stressed that former governors Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki had during their administrations suspended local council chairmen.

He disclosed that an investigative panel of inquiry was already set by the Governor to look into the accounts of the council areas from September 2023.

The former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation promised that the committee would give the council chairmen fair hearing.

“Remember that this is not the first time, under the regime of Comrade Adams Oshomhole, over five local government chairmen were suspended. Even the recent administration of Obaseki, in 2019 alone four local government chairmen were suspended for two months.

“So you have a clear history of the provision of section 20 being followed and this particular instance is not an exception. The law requires the Governor to set up a panel of inquiry, an administrative panel of inquiry and by virtue of being the Special Advisor to the Governor of Legal matters, I’m a member of that panel of inquiry.

“We were inaugurated yesterday (Tuesday) and we assure those chairmen and all those in the local government administration that will be given fair hearing.

“We want to know how internally generated revenue they generate in their respective councils are spent because these are public funds. I want to know how allocations that come to these local governments have been spent since they came in September last year,” Emwanta stated.

[NaijaNews]

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has emerged victorious in the grand finale of the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate (NVCCD) 2024.

The event, organized by the National Orientation Agency, took place on December 17, 2024, at the esteemed Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA.

Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Oluwashina, two students from LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, demonstrated remarkable intellectual prowess and patriotic fervor, earning them the top spot with an impressive 43% of 3,921 votes.

Their outstanding performance was rewarded with a trophy and a substantial cash prize of N20 million.

The duo’s insightful arguments and unwavering dedication to upholding Nigeria’s shared values resonated deeply with the audience, garnering widespread acclaim.

Their achievement serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to fostering intellectual excellence and nurturing patriotic values among its students.

In addition to LAUTECH’s triumph, zonal winners from six geopolitical zones also received recognition for their outstanding performances. These winners, representing esteemed institutions such as Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt; Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu; Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga; University of Ilorin; and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, each received a cash prize of N5 million and additional prizes from NELFUND.

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency, emphasized the importance of upholding Nigeria’s shared values, particularly among the youth.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to working with young people under the National Identity Project (NIP) to promote national development.

Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND, echoed this sentiment, highlighting his organization’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision.

The event served as a celebration of unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to national development, fostering a sense of patriotism and intellectual curiosity among the participants.

[DailyTrust]

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos State to commence his Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Presidential jet carrying Tinubu touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 3:23 pm on Wednesday.

This was after Tinubu presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year.

Tinubu’s 2025 budget was tagged: “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.”

In the highlights, Tinubu said N4.91 trillion has been allocated to Defence and Security, while Infrastructure has N4.06 trillion, Education – N3.52 trillion, and Health – N2.48 trillion.

DAILY POST reported that after the presentation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas informed the president that the House would visit him in Lagos.

[DailyPost]

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to always ensure that applicants who meet all the requirements are issued international passports within six weeks and in compliance with Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a judgment on a fundamental rights enforcement suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/75/2023 filed by an aggrieved Nigerian, Benita Ngozi Ezumezu, with the NIS and the Interior Minister listed as respondents.

Benita claimed to have applied for Nigeria’s international passport and met all the requirements as of October 6, 2022, but the NIS failed to issue her the passport 14 weeks later.

In the judgment delivered on December 4, Justice Nwite rejected the respondents’ arguments, upheld the applicant’s claims, and granted all the reliefs sought by the applicant.

Justice Nwite, who awarded N3 million damages against the respondents and in favour of the applicant, declared that as of October 6, 2022, Benita had fulfilled all the requirements and was qualified to be issued a passport within six weeks.

The judge also declared that the respondents’ failure to issue the applicant passport 14 weeks after meeting all requirements violated Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015 and the applicant’s right to freedom of movement.

He proceeded to issue an order “directing the first respondent (NIS) to issue the applicant (Benita) passport forthwith as stipulated in Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

Benita’s employer, Citizens’ Common (CC), a civil society group, expressed delight over the outcome of the case and commended the Judiciary for coming to the aid of a Nigerian whose right was violated.

CC’s Chief Executive, Olalekan Oshunkoya, who read a statement by his organization, said: “Our interest in Benita’s case is not just because she is a staff in our organization, but primarily because the service quality of the NIS has diminished to an all-time low in the last few years.

“The frustrating experiences of Nigerians, seeking to procure international passports in the hands of the NIS officials must be stopped.

“We understand that the service may have slightly improved in recent months under the current administration, however, we know that this case (Ezumezu’s case) highlights the plights of most Nigerians in the hands of many government ministries, departments and agencies when it comes to service delivery.

“After almost two years of litigation, we are glad that justice has been served in this matter. All the prayers sought in the case were granted by the judge.

“We commend the Judiciary for serving justice in this matter. This is a landmark judgement, asserting the right of every Nigerian to demand to be served right, especially when such service is tied to a fundamental right, such as freedom of movement.

“It should not be acceptable that services that can only be provided by the government remain poorly delivered without consequences.

“Majority of Nigerians continue to suffer irreparable loss for bad service quality from government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and it is time to make things work.

“The award of the three million naira in general damages to the applicant is a reminder to every Nigerian that the law remains a shield against bad experiences and services from government ministries, departments, and agencies.

“We must sound the alarm that losses incurred in the process of poor service delivery can be remedied through the courts, and this is an example.

“It is also a reminder to public service providers that consequences exist for poor service delivery.”