FEATURES
Nigerian content creator and activist, Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has stated that no spokesperson of the Tinubu-led administration has the right to criticize past administrations.
Mr. Macaroni condemned the insensitivity of President Tinubu’s administration. He accused the government of living large at the expense of the citizens who continue to face hardship occasioned by the government’s policies.
Macaroni stated this on his X handle, on Tuesday, while reacting to an attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo by Tinubu’s aides.
Debo emphasized that only Nigerians who have been victims of past governments’ bad governance have the right to criticize former leaders.
“I no send any Nigerian politician but only the people have the right to call out or criticize any politician or government past or present! Not Spokespersons of the current Government who continue to use billions to buy cars and jets while Nigerians are languishing in poverty.
“I personally believe all Nigerian politicians past or present have contributed largely to the rot in our country today and as such Nigerians must continue to hold past and present leaders accountable.
But members of this current administration have no such right!!! As a matter of fact, they are even more insensitive and tone deaf to the hardship in the country.
“The current government is flogging the people mercilessly but they still want to dictate when and how the people should cry. They hold the whip, but want to divert the attention of the people to those that have held the whip before them.
“Again, only the people have such rights to blame all those that have once held the whip.
Those that hold the whip now cannot criticize others that once held the whip because the crime of flogging Nigerians is one and the same,” Macaroni wrote on his X handle.
The human rights activist also condemned citizens who defend the bad policies of politicians for selfish interests.
“The sad reality in all this is that some Nigerians continue to defend their oppressors. How can you continue to defend those that make decisions that favor them but put you in unbearable hardship?
No matter the pain and suffering the people go through, these so-called leaders are immune to them!
“They drive the best cars, so they are immune to potholes on the roads. They fly the best private jets so who cares about increase in flight prices? They are heavily protected with the DSS, military and Police so why should they care about you whose phone was just stolen last night on the street because there was no officer on patrol, no street light or security camera?
“The people pay for their feeding and transport allowance so why should they care about the hike in food or fuel prices? They even have perfume allowance,” Macaroni added.
He called on Nigerians to unite against politicians who are responsible for the hardship and poor governance affecting the country.
The Best Way To Honour Ifeanyi Ubah Is To Release Nnamdi Kanu - Rochas Okorocha Appeals To FG
AFOLABI
A former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has appealed to the Federal Government to release the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to honour the late Senator Ifeanyi Uba.
Okorocha made the plea on the night of the tribute held in honour of Ubah on Monday night, November 18.
Okorocha urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to convey the message to the FG.
Recall that Ubah died in London on July 27 and will be laid to rest on November 22.
The ex-governor said, “I want to say to you, brother in whom I am well pleased Senator Akpabio, convey this message to FG on behalf of the Igbos seated here that the best to honour Ifeanyi Ubah is to release Nnamdi Kanu so that the Igbos can go home and re-organise their place and I know you Senator Akpabio that even if you don’t want to do it, send this message for the sake of your wife who is our daughter. Send this message and get us a result, or else your wife is not too far from taking back home.”
The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo has revealed his plan to probe the demolition of over 100 houses by past government of Godwin Obaseki.
He revealed that he will also set up a Commission of Inquiry on the controversial communities’ lands acquired by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki.
Recall that the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki had in October 2022 demolished no fewer than 100 houses in Oke-Oroma, Irhirhi-Obazagbon and Ogheghe communities.
The demolition rendered thousands of persons homeless while property estimated billions of naira was also destroyed.
Governor Okpebholo, who visited the community located at Oredo and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas on Monday, two years after the demolition, said the panel of inquiry would investigate the rationale behind the demolition of the property and subsequent acquisition of the said land by the government, and submit its recommendations.
The governor said the visit was in line with the electoral promises made to the community that if elected, he would look into the matter to return the said land to the inhabitants.
According to him, I remember that during my campaign here, I promised to come back, and now I am here. We hate injustice in this administration. That is why we are here and happy to meet all of you. We will listen to your voices.
“In the next few days, I will invite you to the Government House and back it up with actions.
“A few days from now, we will set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into this land issue so that we can return your lands to you after the findings.
“We will check if the C of O is already issued on the lands belonging to the people. If there is and the reports say so, I will revoke them and return the lands to the people.
“As a government, our responsibility is to provide security. I will speak with the appropriate authorities in charge of security. Security personnel will come in here and restore peace,” he said.
At a press conference in October 2022, the immediate past Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare told newsmen that 106 structures have been marked for demolition, out of which 24 would not be demolished but to be used as government offices.
Nehikhare had also told the newsmen that the state government duly acquired the land measuring 1,229 hectares in 2017 and gazetted while the affected residents claimed that they acquired their plots of land legally.
He said the acquired land would be converted into a new city called “Coral City.
Recall also that in one of the engagements with the developer of the Coral City project in 2023 said, “Our financing partners would make this possible, as we estimate about N20 billion to cover the first phase of infrastructure, which is about 13.3km, and other things we are expecting would be ready within six to nine months.”
Twenty-five persons have been reported dead as a result of a Gastroenteritis outbreak, otherwise known as Cholera, in three Local Government Areas of Sokoto state
The state recorded a total of 1,160 cases.
The state Commissioner of Health, Asabe Balarabe, disclosed this on Monday while speaking to newsmen.
The commissioner further explained that the state is treating 15 other victims of the outbreak on active cases from Sokoto North, Silame and Kware local government areas.
The 15 active cases, according to the commissioner, were diagnosed through laboratory tests based on culture and sensitivity and confirmed to be active cases of the cholera outbreak.
The commissioner further said, ” Out of 1,160 people that have been affected by the outbreak, 25 of the victims have already succumbed to the disease.
“The stated rescue teams are collaborating with the state government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease.”
“The state government, in its response to the outbreak, directed the immediate purchase and distribution of drugs free of charge to 18 local government areas to curtail the disease’s continued spread''.
The commissioner appreciated the turnout of women, especially pregnant women, seeking medical consultations and pregnancy tests at various health institutions in the state.
She highlighted challenges facing the health sector, including dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate resources, which have plagued the sector backwards for the past eight years.
She expressed hope that Governor Ahmad Aliyu, in his magnanimity, see to the revitalization of the health sector in the state.
“Patients often face numerous problems in public health institutions, such as atrocities, loud disturbances, lack of water, and power outages.”
She commended the governor for recruiting 864 nurses and midwives to address the issue of a shortage of manpower in state public health facilities.
Balarabe, however, stated that plans are in the pipeline to recruit more supporting staff to replace the dead and those who retired without replacement.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has requested the approval of the National Assembly for a fresh N1.767 trillion loan.
This was made public by the speaker, Tajudeen Abbass, during plenary on Tuesday.
Accordingly, if approved, the loan will be used to part-finance the budget deficit of N9.7 trillion for the 2024 budget.
The president has also forwarded the MTEF/FSP 2025-2027 to parliament and the National Social Investment Programme establishment amendment bill to make the social register the primary tool for the implementation of the federal government’s social welfare programmes.
Last Thursday, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved a $2.2 billion external borrowing plan as part of the Federal Government’s 2024 Appropriation Act financing program.
With the latest move to get an additional $2.2 billion fresh borrowing plan, DAILY POST reports that Nigeria’s external debt may increase to $45.1 billion by the end of 2024.
This is as the Central Bank of Nigeria recently said the Federal Government spent $3.58 billion servicing the country’s foreign debt in the first nine months of 2024.
CBN’s data on international payment statistics showed that the amount represents a 39.77 per cent increase from the $2.56 billion spent during the same period in 2023.
According to the report, while the highest monthly debt servicing payment in 2024 occurred in May, amounting to $854.37m, the highest monthly expenditure in 2023 was $641.70m, recorded in July.
External debt for the states and the Federal Capital Territory also climbed from $4.61bn to $4.89bn within the period under review.
The Abia State Government has announced it has approved a health insurance scheme for civil servants in the state.
Otti said the approval is to enable the civil servants enjoy quality medical services from service providers.
The government also said it paid N500 million counterpart funds.
The State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday evening while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s executive council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu, who said that the insurance scheme is for all civil servants, noted that they are supposed to pay 5% from their basic salaries, but Governor Otti has approved 2.5% payment for them for the first three months.
The commissioner informed that the state government has approved the comprehensive upgrade and remodeling of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, adding that the Abia State Specialist Hospital has regained its Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s accreditation status for the training of medical interns.
According to him, with the accreditation, the training quota of the institution was increased from 24 to 36.
Also, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya, said that having commenced the contribution, employees of the Abia State Government would start accessing the services in three months’ time.
Ogbonnaya pointed out that employees of the government are entitled to four dependents in addition to their spouses, adding that modalities are underway to accommodate persons in the informal sector in the scheme.
Hon. Dr. Eric Ogbonna Odo, the Executive Chairman of Igbo Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, has announced the appointment of two Senior Special Assistants on garden egg, pepper and yam.
According to the appointment letters making the rounds on social media, Odo appointed Ezeugwu Frederick Ogbonna, as an SSA on Yam and Pepper.
He also appointed Nwodo Everestus Ugonna as SSA on Garden Egg and Pepper.
“I am pleased to inform you that the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT to the Local Government chairman on AGRICULTURE (GARDEN EGG & PEPPER),” Nwodo’s appointment letter partly read.
“I am pleased to inform you that the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT to the Local Government chairman on AGRICULTURE (YAM & PEPPER),” Ezeugwu's letter reads.
Meanwhile, in Odo's mission statement, he pledged to administer the "most progressive local government area in sub Saharan Africa."
“My vision : To administer the most progressive local government area in sub Saharan Africa. My mission : To create an efficient local government system that respects, honour and develop the various communities in all ramifications according to the limit of resources available if elected,” the statement read.
“I hope to take difficult and courageous decisions so as to unlock the huge human capital and natural resource potentials in the Local Government Area.”
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) says the N1,400 foreign exchange rate (FX) projection in the proposed 2025 budget is unrealistic.
On Tuesday, the federal government proposed N47.9 trillion as the total expenditure for the 2025 budget.
The budget parameters include a crude oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel and an oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day (bpd).
The federal government also projected the exchange rate to drop to N1,400 per dollar and a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6 percent.
In a statement on Monday, Chinyere Almona, the LCCI director-general, advised the government to reassess the assumptions for the 2025 budget due to the challenges posed by high inflation and the exchange rate.
Almona said inflation, which rose to 33.88 percent as of October 2024, makes it unrealistic to expect a steep 51 percent drop within a year.
“The approved 2025 – 2027 MTEF proposed that the federal government will spend N47.9 trillion to run the economy in 2025. This represents an increase of 36.64% in government expenditure compared to N35.06 trillion in 2024,” the statement reads.
“In nominal terms, the budget is the highest in the history of the country in Naira denomination. The proposed 2025 budget aggregates are inherently sensitive to current macroeconomic conditions, as they directly impact revenue generation, expenditure, and overall fiscal performance.
“A review of the key parameters and assumptions on which the 2025 budget is being proposed appears to be too optimistic in the face of current realities as recorded in the economic and social indicators.
“Particularly, the assumption of an exchange rate at N1,400 is too fragile to work with against the current average of above N1,600 to a Dollar in both the official and parallel markets.
“Assuming an inflation rate at 15.8 percent does not reflect the unabating factors pushing up both the headline and food inflation. With inflation rising to 33.88 percent as of October 2024, it is unrealistic to assume a steep 51 percent crash within a year.
“Since the current challenging economic conditions are mostly fueled by the inflation rate and the exchange rate, we advise the government to reconsider the apparently over-ambitious assumptions for the 2025 federal budget.”
‘CLARITY OF POLICY DIRECTION CRITICAL TO ACHIEVING PROJECTED 2025 GDP GROWTH RATE’
Almona said beyond the assumptions and projections, the creation of an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, and the clarity of policy direction in the economy are critical to achieving the projected growth rate of Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025.
“Further breakdown indicates that debt services are proposed to increase by 91.2% to N15.38 trillion, which is equivalent to 32.1% of the total budget. This appears to be unsustainable,” the LCCI president said.
“The situation is further worsened with the projected deficit at N13.08 trillion and new borrowings of N9.22 trillion.”
Almona advised the federal government to maintain fiscal discipline by adhering to the fiscal responsibility Act in budget management and borrowing.
‘CBN SHOULD SUSTAIN WAYS AND MEANS ADVANCES AT 5% FOR 2024-2025 FISCAL YEARS’
“With federal government debt already at about N134 trillion as of June 2024, inflation reaching a new high of 33.88 percent as of October, and businesses burdened with a high Monetary Policy Rate at 27.25 percent, the Federal Government has a narrow bridge to navigate choices of policy options,” she said.
“We urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to sustain its Ways and Means Advances to the Federal Government at a five percent limit for the fiscal years 2024-2025.
“Non-oil revenues, such as taxes, customs duties, and surpluses from government agencies, are all subject to volatility in the economy.
“Current economic downturns, tense business environment, ongoing debates on tax policies, and shifts in consumer behaviour can impact non-oil revenue performance.
“In the face of current realities, we urge the government at all levels to be more proactive in respect of nature-induced casualties, climate change impacts, and damages caused by human activities.
“In recent months we have recorded massive destruction of lives and properties due to Climate-related factors. We therefore expect the legislative arms at all levels of government to appropriate more funds to tackle climate change adaptation and mitigation nationwide.
“We need to focus on sectors that have shown resilience and relevance and are key drivers of current economic indicators like inflation, exchange rate, unemployment, and interest rates.”
The LCCI DG also recommended increased investment in food production, including crops, livestock, fisheries, and poultry; improving power supply, addressing insecurity, and ensuring a stable policy and regulatory environment.
Almona emphasised the need for coordinated monetary and fiscal policies in critical areas, reducing youth unemployment through skills acquisition, and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises.
Hardship: 99% Of Nigerians Are Going Through Hell - Music Executive, Paulo Shares Observation
AFOLABI
Nigerian music exec, Paul Okoye has spoken about the economic hardship in the country.
Taking to Instagram, he said that almost all Nigerians are going through "hell" while few others are okay financially.
He wrote: "Right now, 99% of Nigerians are going through hell at the moment, while only 1% flaunt their wealth, oblivious to the struggles."
He went on to encourage the 99 percent who are struggling, urging them to keep pushing.
See Post Below;
More students of Nigerian descent enrolled in higher institutions in the United States in the 2023/2024 academic year.
According to the 2024 Open Doors report on international education exchange, Nigeria was the seventh largest source of international students globally and the highest in Africa, with 20,029 enrollees.
The enrolment figures for Nigeria amounted to a 13.5 percent increase from the previous year for the West African nation.
The report published on Monday, was compiled by the US department of state, bureau of educational and cultural affairs, and the institute of international education.
Findings showed that the US saw a total intake of 1,126,690 foreign students in 2024 — an all-time high for international enrolment.
“Nigerian students bring a wealth of diversity, perspectives, and academic excellence to U.S. universities, enriching the educational experience for all students,” a statement from the US consulate in Nigeria reads.
The consulate said Nigerian scholars are known for their strong academic backgrounds and commitment to advanced education, with over 55 percent pursuing graduate-level studies in the US.
The statement added that the rise in Nigerian students reflects US commitment to quality education.
“It also highlights the importance of people-to-people connections that deepen understanding and strengthen bonds between Nigeria and the United States,” the consulate said.
INDIA OVERTAKES CHINA
For the first time since 2009, India overtook China on the ranking, with 331,602 Indian students pursuing higher education in the US, a 35 percent increase from the previous year.
Despite a four percent decline in students, China was the second leading country of origin and remained the “top-sending country” for undergraduates and non-degree students.
In Africa, Ghana recorded the largest percentage increase of 45 percent.
Other countries on the list include South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Canada, Taiwan, Nepal, and Brazil.
The rise in foreign students enrolment in the US comes amid visa restrictions in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
However, analysts worry that Donald Trump’s recent appointment of Stephen Miller as incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, could pose significant challenges for prospective international students.
Miller worked in the first Trump administration as a senior adviser and is famed for his extremist rhetoric on immigration.
President-elect Trump has also consistently taken a hardline stance on immigration, advocating stricter policies and reduced pathways for immigrants.
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Gunmen have reportedly abducted one Chiamaka Obi, a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) member, along Niger-Onitsha expressway in Niger state.
Obi, who is from Edenta in Okwu Etiti, Orsu LGA of Imo state, was said to have been kidnapped on Monday while returning from Kebbi state after the completion of her youth service.
The corp member was said to have been abducted alongside a family of four, the bus driver and three other passengers.
Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, Uche Agabige, a member of the Imo state house of assembly, said the abductors are demanding for a ”outrageous” ransom for her release.
Agabige expressed concern over Obi’s safety, while urging the Imo state government to launch an investigation into her abduction in order to apprehend the perpetrators.
The lawmaker also called on President Bola Tinubu to address the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.
“Miss Chiamaka Linda Obi is from Edenta in Okwu Etiti autonomous community in Orsu local government council area where I represent at the State Assembly. She was returning home on Monday after completing her NYSC when she was kidnapped,” Agabige said.
“The kidnappers have demanded an outrageous ransom for her release. So, I call on government to intervene and ensure the victim is freed without being harmed.”
Henry Okoye, the state’s police spokesperson, was not available for comments on the incident as his phone numbers were unreachable as at the time of writing this report.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Osun State Police Command reportedly arrested the head of the Osun State Park Management System, Wakeel Nurudeen, popularly known as Alowonle, on Monday night.
Alowanle was allegedly found in possession of police-issued arms and ammunition.
His arrest is also linked to the alleged killing of one Oyewale in 2022 and the assault of several residents in the state.
According to a reliable security source, he was apprehended at the Ring Road area of Osogbo while allegedly attempting to attack a resident who had filed a petition against him.
Reports indicate that Alowonle and his associates arrived at the scene in a Previa bus with registration number RBC 275XK.
However, a distress call alerted the police, leading to his arrest.
The source continued: “Police reinforced and he was rearrested at Susi area of Oke-Baale, Osogbo alongside eight others. They were taken to the Osun State Command.”
A police source disclosed that “during the arrest, a Barrett pistol and six rounds of 9mm live ammunition and one expended empty shell were recovered from Alowonle’s private Toyota Highlander unregistered jeep.”
“When he attempted escaping again, he was maimed by police shot.”
It was gathered that a Hummer bus with Reg No. AWK 480YD, Nissan Almera unregistered and Toyota Sienna with Reg no. GNN 595 XD were also reportedly recovered from him.
The source stated that he had been taken to a hospital for treatment.
The Osun Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola has not yet responded to news of the arrest as she did not pick up calls and text messages sent to her.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Power, has disclosed plans to source $10 billion from the private sector to provide regular electricity across Nigeria within the next five to 10 years.
This formed the crux of the deliberation when Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, director-general of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) paid a courtesy visit to Adebayo A. Adelabu, minister of Power, on Tuesday in Abuja, a statement said.
The duo agreed that, given the funding and technical requirements needed to advance the power sector in Nigeria, it had become imperative to seek private sector input through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in co-financing and providing expertise to ensure optimal power infrastructure performance.
Speaking during the meeting, the DG of the PPP of the regulatory body acknowledged the challenges in the sector were hydra-headed and went beyond funding alone, noting that with such inter-agency collaboration and partnership with the private sector, the limitations could be addressed.
Reacting to a comment by the minister, the DG said that through its regulatory processes, the ICRC can midwife private sector investment of part of the $10 billion in the power sector to provide regular electricity, attract more foreign direct investment to other sectors, and ultimately grow the economy.
“Revamping the power sector requires planning, it involves investments and it takes time. So, we need to collaborate to solve the issues in this sector.
“The investment required in power is very huge and government cannot fund it alone, so we have to leverage on the financing capacity of the private sector. That is why the ICRC was set up to regulate this leverage.
“The Commission is poised to regulating the processes of attracting investment to the power sector.”
In addition, Ewalefoh said that in a bid to accelerate PPP investment as directed by President Bola Tinubu, the Commission had issued a 6-point policy direction that streamlined the process of service delivery.
The DG stressed that whereas the processes had been streamlined to accelerate project delivery and encourage investors to adopt PPP, the Commission was not relenting or compromising on its stringent regulatory function to forestall contingent liabilities or unnecessary delays by companies lacking the requisite capacity.
In view of the above, the ICRC’s helmsman added that the Commission was now insisting on inserting conditions precedent to all PPP agreements such that any preferred bidder that defaults will have their agreement automatically nullified by reason of their default.
In his response, the minister commended the DG for the initiative to visit the ministry with the proposal of advancing investment in the power sector through PPPs.
“For us to achieve 24-hour power supply across Nigeria in the next five to 10 years, there is a minimum funding requirement of about $10 billion in the next 10 years. The government cannot afford that when there are other critical sectors in need of funding.
“Can the government do it alone? No, which is why we have to look for or marshal private sector funds while still retaining government interest and ownership. That is where ICRC comes in. We need to do this in collaboration with the private sector and the best way is through concession,” he added.
[BusinessDay]
One of India’s largest news agencies, Asian News International (ANI), has filed a lawsuit against an American artificial intelligence company, OpenAI, for alleged unauthorised and storage of its copyrighted content to train the company’s Large Language Models (LLMs).
The lawsuit marks the first of its kind against OpenAI in India, highlighting the increasing scrutiny of artificial intelligence technologies and their compliance with local copyright laws.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the case was presented in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday.
Represented by lawyer Sidhant Kumar, ANI is seeking initial damages of 20 million rupees ($236,910).
The agency also claimed that OpenAI used its data to enhance the training of its LLMs.
OpenAI’s lawyer, Amit Sibal, argued that the lawsuit lacked jurisdiction since OpenAI does not operate servers or conduct model training in India.
Silbal also informed the court that ANI’s content is currently blocked on OpenAI’s platform, asserting that this undermines ANI’s claims.
He disclosed that OpenAI was facing similar lawsuits in other jurisdictions, including 13 cases in the United States and one in Germany.
However, Silbal clarified that no injunctions have been issued against OpenAI globally.
The Delhi High Court admitted the case, emphasising the complexities surrounding LLM training and intellectual property.
The court acknowledged the need for expert assistance in addressing the issues and scheduled the next hearing for January 28, 2025.
[Leadership]