Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), says the future of Nigerian youths does not lie abroad.

Speaking during a public lecture organised to commemorate the 90th birthday of Yabuku Gowon, ex-military head of state, on Friday, Adesina said Nigeria mustfix reasons for the massive exodus of Nigeria’s young and innovative talents by creating a stable microeconomic environment.

He said with consistent and sustainable government policies, Nigeria can become globally competitive.

“The Japa syndrome risks unravelling Nigeria’s capacities unless urgent actions are taken to stem the tide. In 2022, a survey by TechCabal says 47 percent of the tech professionals in Nigeria indicated a desire to leave the country by 2024,” he said.

“There is no doubt that this will seriously hamper Nigeria’s technological capacity or its readiness in the fourth industrial revolution and its ability to move into higher ends industries such as electronics, semi-conductors, development of appliances and machinery and of course space exploration.

“We must fix the reasons for the massive exodus of Nigeria’s young and innovative talents. This requires a stable microeconomic environment, strong infrastructure, more attractive salaries, state-of-the-art facilities and technology hubs, support for innovation and entrepreneurship, enhanced talents and fiscal incentives.

“We must do this with our eyes fixated on what we can potentially be. Not just in West Africa, not just in Africa but the world. We must decisevely annex and turn Nigeria’s demographic asset into a talent dividends.

“We must become a global Nigeria, brimming with talents, skills and entrepreneurship capacities that is powered by clear and consistent and sustainable government policies to become a globally competetive and to retain our young talents.

“If we are to drive growth and competitiveness globally. I’m not against immigration but I don’t believe that the future of Nigeria’s youth or that of Africa, lies in Europe, America, China or anywhere else.”

Adesina said the future of the youth lies in “Nigeria growing very well with equitable growth”.

A yet-to-be-identified man has succumbed to the injuries he sustained after falling into a canal in an attempt to escape arrest by policemen who reportedly labelled him a fraudster in the Ayobo area of Ipaja, Lagos State.

City Round gathered that a friend to the wife of the deceased man claimed in a series of tweets on X.com that two policemen had been detained in connection with the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, however, said he was not aware of such claim when our correspondent contacted him for confirmation on Friday.

It was learnt that the man was accused of being an Internet fraudster by plain-clothed policemen due to his tattoos.

The victim, who was unconscious at the time he was rescued from the canal, was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja GRA, where he reportedly died.

This was disclosed in a series of tweets posted on X.com on Thursday by a user, Omorhemi, who said she was a friend of the deceased’s wife.

“Yesterday morning, the police chased my friend’s husband till he fell into the canal. They took his slippers and money that fell and left when people started shouting. This happened at the Federal Bus Stop, Ipaja, Ayobo axis. He is currently unconscious at LASUTH.

“The officers were on mufti. They stopped him on a bike, and the bike man left. They searched him insisting he is a Yahoo boy because of his tattoos and started cocking their guns that they will shoot him, he started moving away saying he was not and they started following him till he ran.

“According to eyewitnesses, he stopped and they searched him, they didn’t see anything but insisted he is a Yahoo boy and started cocking their guns; he didn’t even run till they started trying to hit him. He was moving away gently till they started running and he slipped,” Omorhemi wrote.

Reacting to the video on Thursday evening, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the incident had not yet been reported at the police station but noted that an investigation was still ongoing.

He wrote, “Since we saw this video, we have been making concerted efforts to verify this claim but nothing has turned up yet. We have checked our records and no report has been made till now of this incident that the narrator explained happened yesterday. Nonetheless, our investigation is ongoing.

“The Area Commander covering that entire axis is personally on it. Anyone with additional and useful information should please reach out to us. We will keep the public updated on our findings.”

However, sharing an update in a series of tweets on Friday, Omorhemi announced that the man died late on Wednesday night while at the hospital.

She wrote, “He has given up! I’m yet to tell the wife as of now. Nigerian Police! Nigerian Police!! I am not pleased to inform you that this young man died in the middle of the night on Wednesday few hours after the incident.

“The wife went to the police station, Area P to report and the officers asked her if they were the ones that pushed him. She couldn’t wait as she wasn’t stable while still trying to get her husband to receive the best treatment.

“All hands have been on deck to make sure the man survived which was why follow-up at the station was not done. There are eyewitnesses on this platform that saw the incident unfold.”

In another tweet posted by Omorhemi on Friday afternoon, she disclosed that two of the officers who allegedly chased the man had been detained.

“Thanks to some eyewitnesses who have been able to point out two from the officers and the cooperation of their DPO, they have been taken and detained at Area M where the Area commander is @ Benjamin Hundeyin and Olumuyiwa Adejobi,” she wrote.

When our correspondent called Hundeyin to confirm the detention of the policemen as claimed by Omorhemi, he said, “I am aware of such.”

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $100 million for the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank in Nigeria.

Akinwunmi Adesina, AfDB president, spoke on Friday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the 90th birthday lecture of former head of state Yakubu Gowon.

“I am delighted to announce here today that just three days ago, the African Development Bank’s board of directors approved $100m for the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for Nigeria,” he said.

Adesina said the initiative highlights AfDB’s commitment to supporting youths who he believes are critical to the development of the country.

The AfDB boss said the new bank will support the youths’ businesses in Nigeria using technical assistance, business incubation, quasi-equity, and debt.

Additionally, the bank will deploy guarantee instruments to de-risk the lending to the businesses by financial institutions in Nigeria.

“It will be a new day and a new dawn for Nigeria,” he added.

On June 25, 2023, Adesina said his institution was ready to establish an entrepreneurship investment bank in Nigeria.

Adesina said the establishment of such a bank is in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s plans and vision for young people in Nigeria.

Days after the cancellation of the second leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Libya’s national team, members of the Nigerian community in Libya have lamented maltreatment in the country.

The Nigerian contingent was held at the Al-Abraq Airport in eastern Libya for over 20 hours upon arrival on Sunday, following their earlier 1-0 victory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

The team was scheduled to land at the Benghazi Airport and travel for nearly four hours by road to Benina, where the match was to be played.

However, less than an hour before landing, the Tunisian pilot flying the plane reportedly received a directive from “Libya’s highest authorities” to divert the flight to Al-Abraq Airport, located 150 miles away from the destination. 

The development sparked widespread outrage, forcing the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the qualifying match.

The National Assembly condemned the Libyan government for subjecting the Nigerian team to dehumanising treatment and called for stiff penalties for the Libyan authorities.

The Libyan government had claimed that its national team faced similar maltreatment on Nigerian soil before the first leg of the game. 

In separate interviews with Saturday PUNCH, members of the Nigerian community in Libya said there had been increased maltreatment of Nigerians after the incident.

Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian living in Tripoli, the country’s capital, said, “For those of us who have been in the country, we know them. Libyans always one you to feel pain. They said what happened to their players in Nigeria was intentional, and they vowed to revenge. They called it ‘an eye for an eye.’ So, what the Libyan government did to the Super Eagles was intentional. Moreover, 95 per cent of their citizens supported it. We saw the reports on their blogs,Facebook posts, and news platforms. It was very clear that the people supported it. And that is how they behave.

“Since the game was cancelled, their maltreatment of Nigerians has not changed. They don’t like us; the inhuman treatment has worsened. That’s why many Nigerians here are battling depression.

“Libyans don’t value us. They just enter our houses, round people up, and take them to prison. Many Nigerians are currently  languishing in prisons across Libya without having committed any offence. Most times, we complain to the Nigerian embassy, but nothing tangible happens.”

The International Organisation for Migration has facilitated the return of thousands of Nigerians from Libya in recent years.

In 2024 alone, no fewer than 2,467 Nigerians were evacuated from the North African country after being stranded. Many of the victims, particularly ladies, usually return with tales of abuse and maltreatment.

The president of the Nigerian community, Peter Omoregbie, said since the failed game with the Super Eagles, Libyans had continued with their harsh treatment of Nigerians in the country.

He said, “As foreigners in this country, there is a way they maltreat us. The Libyans act as if Nigerians don’t exist at all. Since the match was cancelled, the situation has not changed.”

Omoregbie said before the Super Eagles left Nigeria, the Libyans had already threatened to treat the team poorly upon arrival.

“The news had spread all over Libya before the Super Eagles left Nigeria. All the local Libyan news outlets reported it. Their blogs also widely shared the news. They claimed the NFF purposely made the Libyan national team players endure physical discomfort so they could be weak before the match and unable to either draw or win against the Nigerian team.

“The Libyans’ game plan for the two-leg matches was to draw with the Super Eagles in Nigeria then win at home. They saw the Nigerian game as their last hope for qualification. But their loss fuelled their resolve to seek revenge.

“So, before the Nigerian team arrived, it was common knowledge that the Libyan national team was maltreated in Nigeria, and they planned to make the Super Eagles experience the same treatment on Libyan soil,” Omoregbie added.

When asked if the incident would impact diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said, “Libya doesn’t always fulfill its diplomatic obligations to other countries. I’m telling you the truth. For instance, if you leave this country, there is no way they will allow you to return. That has been the ordeal we face here.”

Similarly, a former Secretary of the Nigerian community in Libya, Mr Ukpong Christian, noted that it had been difficult for Nigerians to integrate into Libyan society because the country was not friendly.

“Before the Nigerian team landed, the Libyans had already made plans, spreading it across blogs, news platforms, and Facebook pages, saying that because their national team was treated badly in Nigeria, the Nigerian team would experience worse when they came. So, it was a concerted and intentional effort. And since the game was cancelled, Nigerians have continued to receive the usual inhuman treatment from their Libyan masters,” he lamented.

Efforts by our correspondent to speak to the Libyan embassy in Abuja proved abortive.

A representative of the embassy, identified by TrueCaller as Rose, declined comment, saying she was not authorised to speak on the matter.

She promised to get back to Saturday PUNCH, but was yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

Ex-envoys weigh in

Reacting to the issue, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, said diplomacy is based on bilateral relationships and mutual respect between countries.

“I bow to you because you bow to me. Diplomatic relationships between two countries are based on reciprocal action,” he stated. 

Farounbi noted that what happened between Libya and Nigeria was not only an affront to bilateral relations but also a violation of multilateral relations between the African Union and the Confederation of African Football.

He explained that going to such extremes to win a psychological battle as a prelude to winning on the football field, was pathetic.

The ambassador added, “It shows the uncivilised and undiplomatic level to which Libya has sunk. On a bilateral level, it would be perfectly in order for Nigeria to reciprocate accordingly. It would not be unusual if the Libyan government’s behaviour impacts negatively the relationship between the two countries.

“At the multilateral level of CAF, it would be appropriate and indeed expected that Libya be sanctioned with a heavy fine or possibly, a suspension from CAF-organised competitions. The diplomatic misbehaviour could have been ameliorated if Libya had shown remorse and apologised.”

He stressed that Libya compounded the issue by distorting facts and manipulating the situation.

Also speaking, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, advised that the matter should not be allowed to escalate.

He said, “It can only become a diplomatic issue if it goes beyond the control of the Confederation of African Football.

“It was a CAF qualifier game. They should be able to weigh in and settle the issue. If either Nigeria or Libya is found guilty, they should be sanctioned. There’s no reason to let this matter escalate into a diplomatic dispute. We’re not a banana republic; CAF should provide a solution.”

CAF’s involvement

Meanwhile, CAF has set a deadline for Libya and Nigeria to submit reports on the dispute.

The Secretary-General of the Libyan Football Federation, Nasser Al-Suwaie, confirmed the October 20 deadline in a statement.

He mentioned that the LFF had appointed a lawyer to gather evidence and raised concerns about possible collusion between some parties within CAF.

Al-Suwaie also clarified that the LFF had no role in diverting the plane to Al-Abraq Airport, explaining that the decision was made by the Libyan state, which he said must be respected.

A sports analyst, Godwin Enakhena, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, emphasised the need for patience as CAF works through the case.

He said, “They have set a department to work on this case. So, I think we should just wait for CAF’s verdict before jumping to conclusions.

“However, as a Nigerian, I think the rules are very clear when you are hosting a team. The hosts are supposed to ensure that everything is sorted, but the Libyans did not do all of this. I think there will be a fine for Libya, and after that, they will play the game on a neutral ground.”

A veteran sports presenter, Charles Anazodo, viewed the situation as a deliberate act by the Libyan side, orchestrated from the beginning of their visit to Nigeria.

“I think it was a deliberate act orchestrated right from when they came to Nigeria with the lies they spread about things that happened in Uyo or Port Harcourt. They orchestrated all that so they would have reason to do what they have done,” Anazodo told Saturday PUNCH.

Meanwhile, a former Super Eagles defender, Mobi Oparaku, believes that CAF will ultimately refrain from imposing sanctions on Nigeria regarding the cancellation of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

While the decision from the disciplinary body is still pending, he is optimistic about the outcome and believes that Nigeria’s historical reputation as a gracious host to visiting teams will play a significant role in the deliberations.

Former Real Madrid defender, Vinicius Tobias, who got his baby’s name tattooed on his arm, has discovered that he is not the biological father of the child.

The 20-year-old Brazilian right-back, now playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, and his ex-girlfriend Ingrid Lima welcomed their daughter, Maite, on October 8, 2024.

To celebrate her birth, Tobias had the words “Maite, I love you” tattooed on his arm.

However, Ingrid has revealed that she did not have a stable relationship with the footballer.

According to The Sun UK, the influencer said that her relationship with Tobias was on and off around the time Maite was conceived.

She also confirmed that a DNA test showed Tobias is not the biological father of the child.

Speaking via a social media post, Ingrid wrote,  “I came to give a statement about something that is getting annoying and that, unfortunately, I would have to come out on publicly to give you an explanation.

“Vinicius and I haven’t been together for a while. During that time, I was in a relationship with someone and so was he.

“We both moved on with our lives. In the meantime, Maite came along.

“We decided to do a DNA test, and Maite is not Vinicius’ daughter.

“I sincerely ask everyone to stop attacking him. It was my request that he not attend the birth or post anything about Maitê until the DNA results were in. Vinicius and I have already discussed everything and reached an amicable understanding.”

Tobias had a short loan spell with Real Madrid earlier this year and made just one appearance for the senior team before returning to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Bolaji Olugbenga, the divisional police officer (DPO) in charge of the Ijanikin police station in Lagos, is dead.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson in Lagos, confirmed the incident to TheCable on Friday night.

“He slumped yesterday (Thursday) and died today (Friday),” Hundeyin said.

The police spokesperson did not give details of the incident, but TheCable understands that the late DPO slumped in the office and died before he could be rushed to a hospital on Thursday night.

An officer from the division who pleaded not to be named said the body of the DPO had been moved to a mortuary.

“He slumped in the office on Thursday and was quickly rushed to the hospital. But sadly, we lost him,” he said.

The reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has offered a financial reward of ₦1million to anyone with credible information on the alleged looting of government property.

Speaking in a press briefing in Benin City on Friday, the deputy governor said he has evidence to back the alleged looting in some quarters and last minute borrowing from financial institutions.

He called on the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to look into the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for projects in the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, ongoing Radisson Hotel project and last-minute appointments by the outgoing administration.

He said, “I have received disturbing reports of banks and other financial institutions, granting last-minute loans to Governor Godwin Obaseki. This is alarming, and not in good faith. Against that backdrop, I am issuing a strong warning to banks and financial institutions not to grant any loans or issue financial instruments to Governor Obaseki or any official of the state government in whatever capacity or office.

“Also, information at my disposal shows there are last-minute plans to siphon state’s fund using NGOs as a decoy, under the guise of supporting such organisations’ projects and activities.

“These actions undermine our state’s financial stability and potential mortgage of the future of Edo State. I dissociate myself and my office from any such dealings.”

He said there were reports of indiscriminate and clandestine appointments into the civil and public service with outrageous grade levels.

“I condemn these actions and dissociate myself and my office from any involvement. These appointments have not only undermined the civil service’s integrity but also perpetuated a culture of cronyism,” he added.

He also alleged that consultants were being appointed and their date of engagement was backdated, allegedly to justify outrageous expenditures.

The Federal Government‘s ambitious plans to reduce food prices through a zero percent duty and exemption from value-added tax on selected basic food items are increasingly facing challenges, as the average price of imported food items has soared to an alarming 878.3 price point index in September 2024.

This troubling increase reflects broader economic pressures that have impeded efforts to alleviate food inflation in Nigeria.

On July 8, 2024, the government announced a 150-day duty-free import window for essential food commodities, including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas, aimed at mitigating the effects of food scarcity and price hikes across the country.

However, nearly three months after the announcement, the scheme has yet to take effect, primarily due to bureaucratic delays and the Federal Ministry of Finance’s failure to publish a list of qualified importers as required by guidelines issued by Customs in August.

At a recent press briefing, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun indicated that the government has ordered maize and wheat imports to help stabilize the food market. Nonetheless, the anticipated policy implementation has not materialized, and the prices of imported food continue to climb.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a significant rise in the average price of imported food, with a 30.6 price index increase from August to September 2024.

This reflects an 8.97 percent rise from the 806.0 average price index recorded in July 2024, when the duty-free import initiative was announced.

Year-to-date, the average imported food price has surged by 26.81 percent, highlighting a growing dependence on foreign food products amid domestic supply shortages.

The troubling trend of rising inflation has persisted throughout the year, with imported food inflation rates climbing from 26.29 percent in January to 34.83 percent in May.

The monthly analysis shows a continuous upward trajectory, causing concern among consumers and policymakers alike.

In the second quarter of 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released N547.7 billion ($823.19 million at the official exchange rate) to support food imports, marking a reduction of 20.6 percent from the $689.88 million allocated in the first quarter. Over the past six months, the CBN has disbursed a total of N1.73 trillion to facilitate food imports.