The Chinese government said it is working with African countries to help reduce poverty on the continent without worsening its debt problems.

Yan Yuqing, the Chinese Consul-General, shared this during the 18th China-African lecture, which took place on Thursday at the University of Lagos.

Yuqing talked about how China and African nations are teaming up to reduce poverty in Africa.

She said, “China has never been a creator of the debt crisis of African countries. China partners to help African countries to help them deal with their poverty problems. Under the framework of the G20, there is a plan to delay debt repayment, and China has contributed more than 60 percent and done more than other G-20 members. China will never threaten to sanction any African country with recourse to contracts between the two countries.

“The people of Nigeria and China are wonderful, hard-working, and friendly. We have very good results in several fields, such as infrastructure, trade and investment, education, and culture. These are very important parts of our bilateral relationship.”

The ambassador further mentioned that the lecture’s theme, “Chinese Modernization and Development of Africa,” was intended to foster stronger Nigeria-China bilateral relations.

“This is also to allow young students from the University of Lagos to know more about Chinese development. I am so glad that most students are learning Chinese. They will have the opportunity to go to China, learn more about Chinese history, and make friends with Chinese people,” she added.

The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Adelaja Odukoya, said Chinese society had decided to do things differently with regard to its socialist system.

He said, “I call that Chinese essentialism. This means they don’t forget their roots, and they are very passionate about who they are. Whether you like socialism or not, it is a different thing. If there is any social organisation that takes people from wealth into a superpower, it is society that practices socialism. We have an example from China. Go back to 1949; where was China then, and where is it today? Go back to 1917; where was Russia, and where is it today? Capitalist society has done nothing for us in Nigeria.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Akanbi Ilupeju, said the meeting was for the benefit and possibilities of having a cross-fertilisation of ideas in relevant areas of the sciences, social sciences, and humanities in general.

“It is also to benefit our students through exchange and the possibility of having the students pursue their programmes in China,” he added.

He said, “I call that Chinese essentialism. This means they don’t forget their roots, and they are very passionate about who they are. Whether you like socialism or not, it is a different thing. If there is any social organisation that takes people from wealth into a superpower, it is society that practices socialism. We have an example from China. Go back to 1949; where was China then, and where is it today? Go back to 1917; where was Russia, and where is it today? Capitalist society has done nothing for us in Nigeria.”

[https://businessday.ng]

MultiChoice Group Ltd. has reported its third consecutive semi-annual loss, attributing the financial challenges to foreign exchange difficulties in Nigeria and persistent power outages in South Africa. 

In a filing on Wednesday, Africa’s largest pay-tv company disclosed a net loss of 1.32 billion rand ($72.4 million) for the six months ending Sept. 30. 

According to the company, the recorded loss is due to the poor performance of the naira against the dollar. The challenges in Nigeria stemmed from the mid-June decision to allow the Naira to trade more freely against the dollar, resulting in a 40% devaluation. This compelled MultiChoice to revalue inter-group loans, leading to foreign exchange losses. 

What Multichoice said 

• “After adding 1.4m new subscribers in FY23, subscriber growth in the Rest of Africa was more subdued in 1H FY24. This was due to the impact of inflationary pressures in key markets like Nigeria, and similar trends to previous periods which followed a FIFA World Cup or northern hemisphere football off-season. 
• “ A total of 0.1m subscribers were added to end the period at 13.0m 90-day active subscribers. The active subscriber base was broadly stable at 8.9m subscribers and subscription revenues grew 14% organically. Revenue of ZAR10.5bn was flat (+13% organic) with a weaker ZAR against the USD on conversion, offsetting the impact of weaker local currencies relative to the USD.  
• “The RoA(return on assets) segment delivered a trading profit of ZAR330m (+ZAR2.2bn YoY on an organic basis) which was underpinned by specific cost interventions around decoder subsidies and content costs. 
•  “Weaker currencies remained a significant impediment to improvements in profitability, with average first-half exchanges falling sharply against the USD.  
• “The sharp fall of the naira resulted in a large proportion of the previously recognised losses incurred on cash remittances now being recorded in trading profit. The net effect of these forex movements was a negative ZAR1.6bn impact on the segment’s trading profit for the period.” 

In addition to the currency woes, South Africa experienced rolling blackouts, contributing to a 5% decline in the number of active days per subscriber. This exacerbation further impacted MultiChoice’s financial performance during the specified period. 

The company’s shares fell 0.6% in Johannesburg at close on Wednesday after plunging as much as 3.6% to a record. 

MultiChoice plans a relaunch its Showmax streaming service in the second half of its financial year and a sports betting service in South Africa following the success of a similar offering in Nigeria. 

 [Nairametrics]

Olanrewaju Kolawole an indigene of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State believed he is the father of all the four children in his house.

His hope of fathering the four children jointly raised by his wife, Toyin Tella was dashed when the results of the DNA conducted on the four children were released.

The results of the DNA carried out at DDC DNA Diagnostic Center in Osogbo, Osun State capital, showed that the 44-year-old man is not the biological father of the four children.

This made Kolawole to cry out and seek help from well meaning Nigerians.

Kolawole and his estranged wife, Toyin Tella appeared on a live radio programme christened “Kokoro Alate”, anchored by Oriyomi Hamzat on Agidigbo 88.7 FM in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

Kolawole wept profusely after the DNA test results showed that none of the children was his biological child.

DAILY POST learnt that Kolawole and his wife, Toyin, got married in 2007 and the marriage produced four children.

Kolawole revealed that the DNA test on the first child revealed that the child did not belong to him.

He added that he subsequently carried out tests on the three other children, and all returned negative results.

He said, “I want Nigerians to come to my rescue because I must not suffer this in vain. I married Toyin in 2007 and gave birth to four children. She gave birth to four children, but none of them belong to me after findings from a DNA test.”

However, the wife disagreed with the results.

She said that she was not there when they took the sample and did not know which samples were taken.

“I don’t accept the result. I don’t accept it because I was not there when they took samples, and I don’t know which sample they took, so I don’t accept it. I can’t accept it because I know how I conceived those children,” she declared.

The above story is not a scene in any of the Nollywood movies but a true story of a family which has been shattered by alleged paternity fraud.

DAILY POST reports that this is not the first case of paternity fraud that will gain media attention in recent times.

In 2021, a case of alleged paternity fraud between the family of Mr. Tunde Thomas and the family of Mr. Adam Nuru gained media attention across the country.

It was alleged that Moyo Thomas who married Mr. Tunde Thomas was having a secret romantic affair with the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Mr. Adam Nuru.

It was claimed that the relationship between Moyo Thomas and Nuru started when the woman was an employee of FCMB.

Tunde Thomas had been legally married to Moyo Thomas, and it was generally believed then that the two children produced by the marriage were those of Mr Thomas.

It was reported that Moyo had informed her husband that she was leaving Nigeria for the United States with the kids only to inform him upon arrival that the children were not his but for the FCMB MD.

The news allegedly caused Mr Thomas to be down with a stroke and later cardiac arrest which led to his death.

However, Moyo later came up and dismissed the claims.

In her statement, she denied ever telling her late husband that he was not the father of her children.

“I write in reference to all the allegations and accusations that have recently been making the rounds on the internet and various social media platforms. I have refrained from responding to this matter for various reasons, one of which is to preserve the memories of Tunde who departed to be with his maker on December 16, 2020. Memories, not only to me, but to his children, who are still young, and to everybody who had a relationship with him.

“Just like any marriage, Tunde and I had a lot of differences in our marriage, some of which even led to police intervention. But I remain committed to keeping only positive memories of him. No one can ever understand what transpired between us or what each of us experienced in the marriage; like they say, it is he who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches. In all of it, I never for once wished him bad. His untimely and sudden death is still a shock to me as it is to many others.

“On no occasion did I ever tell him he was not the father of our two children. It is therefore deliberate falsehood and certainly malicious to allege and insinuate that I informed him that the children are not his. The children still bear his name. Only God knows why he died in an untimely period. It is not in my place, or anyone’s place to play God and talk with certainty as to the cause of his death, without proven medical facts.

“Despite our separation, we never allowed our differences affect the relationships we respectively have with the children. He still had conversations with the children like any father will, up until his sudden and unfortunate death. It is quite sad and disheartening to see the pictures of these innocent children splashed all over the internet with very disparaging and weird comments.

“I do wish his family and friends the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss and I ask that we all be allowed to grieve his loss in peace. He has now been laid to rest and we implore all and sundry to please respect our privacy and allow those grieving his loss, including the children and I, to do so in peace,” she said.

On his part, Nuru, who opted to go on leave as the bank investigated the allegations, was also said to have denied the claims.

It was also reported in 2016 that an Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos granted the prayers of a 48-year-old artisan for the dissolution of his marriage after he confirmed that his second child belonged to another man.

The Court President, Mrs Omolara Abiola, separated the 10-year-old couple, having confirmed through a DNA test that the second child was not his.

In February this year, a Nollywood actor, Yomi Alore, also known as Yomi Gold, cried out for help over an alleged threat to his life following a paternity scandal with a Lagos big boy, Mosh and his wife Doyin Aduke.

These upsurge on cases of paternity fraud in many families across the have raised concern among Nigerians.

Nigerians express divergent views

There is popular belief that paternity fraud has rocked many families, although only few have been reported.

A lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Calabar, Pius Akah noted that it required a multi-faceted approach to address cases of paternity fraud in the country.

Akah, who doubled as National Auditor, Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) maintained that a combination of legal measures, educational initiatives and support services is needed to reduce the occurrence and impact of paternity fraud across the country.

“This revelation undoubtedly presents a profound emotional challenge for the 44-year-old man and his family.

“From a social worker’s standpoint, it’s crucial to approach this situation with empathy and a commitment to fostering understanding.

“Initial intervention might involve providing a safe space for the man to express his feelings and fears. Offering family counselling services can facilitate open dialogue, enabling all family members to navigate the complex emotions associated with this discovery.

“The focus should be on rebuilding trust, fostering resilience, and ensuring the well-being of the children involved. The social worker may also guide the family towards legal resources and help the man establish a supportive network to navigate this unexpected and emotionally charged journey.

“Overall, the objective is to promote healing, understanding, and ultimately, a path towards a healthier family dynamic.

“Addressing the issue of paternity fraud requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness campaigns can help individuals understand the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships.

“Legal reforms might focus on updating paternity testing regulations to ensure accurate and accessible methods.

“Counselling services should be readily available to support individuals and families navigating the emotional aftermath of such revelations.

“Additionally, promoting open communication and mutual respect within relationships can contribute to preventing such situations.

“Overall, a combination of legal measures, educational initiatives, and support services can work together to reduce the occurrence and impact of paternity fraud,” he told DAILY POST.

There should be regulation for the conduct of paternity tests – Marriage counsellor

A marriage counsellor, Mrs. Elizabeth Adamolekun noted that the government should rise up to the occasion by putting a regulation to control paternity tests.

She added that the government should be proactive enough to control how it is done.

She told DAILY POST that, “We need to look at it holistically. We need to find out if the equipment used and if the result is not influenced.

“If we are sure of that, then we need to look at the agreement between the couple before we conclude that the woman is at fault.

“We need to be sure if the man’s reproductive organs are in a good position and if it is fertile. There are some situations where the man’s sperm is not fertile and the man makes arrangements with his family members or friends to impregnate the woman.

“This case has gone beyond the family but the society at large. It shows the moral decadence in the society. The government should rise to the occasion.”

Court can order for DNA to be conducted – Lawyer

A Jos-based lawyer, Sam Tokz, noted that the law is clear on the issue of paternity of a child.

Toks, a former President of Students’ Union Government, University of Jos, while speaking with DAILY POST, maintained that the Supreme Court has held that there is a presumption of paternity of a child during a subsisting marriage.

He added that where there is suspicion on the paternity of a child, the Court can order for DNA to be conducted.

“Yes, the law is clear on issues of paternity of a child. The Supreme Court has held that there is a presumption of paternity of a child during a subsisting marriage.

“Where there is suspicion on the paternity of a child, the Court can order for DNA to be conducted, and this is at the court’s discretion. From the authorities I have read so far, it is more of civil liability than criminal liability. It all depends on the circumstances,” he said.

Men should normalise DNA testing in the early weeks of delivery of the child – Public health professional

A public health professional, Pharmacist Opeyemi Akindele advised men to save money for DNA testing if they do not trust their wife.

He also enjoined men to normalise DNA testing in the early weeks of delivery of the child.

He added that women who see any other man apart from their husbands should take emergency contraceptives after sex.

“We must come to a point where society accepts the value of abstaining from sex until marriage. It will prevent a lot of the issues.

“That said, a man who has not had sex for some weeks with the wife, if he suspects extramarital affairs, he should insist she does a pregnancy test before they can have sex again.

“This definitely sounds weird since lack of trust doesn’t make sense in marriage.

“Secondly, men should normalise DNA testing in the early weeks of delivery of the child. If you don’t trust your wife, then save up money for DNA testing. That will save you headaches.

“Women who see any other man apart from their husbands should take emergency contraceptives after sex to avoid this kind of situation.

“Emergency contraceptive drugs are widely available, affordable and supported by the Nigerian government,” he told DAILY POST.

There is no sin for the conduct of DNA if the husband is in doubt – Deaconess

A deaconess at one of the churches under Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oyo State, Mrs. Funmi Ogundipe, while speaking with DAILY POST, said there was nowhere that DNA is forbidden in the Holy Bible.

Ogundipe said that a husband can conduct DNA on his child if he is in doubt of their paternity status.

“When the husband is not sure of the paternity of his child, he can conduct DNA.

“There is no place in the bible that says DNA should not be conducted. It is a matter of choice. There should be trust among couples,” she stated.

[DailyPost]

Necessary sacrifices must be made to generate enough revenue and reduce Nigeria’s high deficit financing, the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, submitted yesterday.

He foreclosed government’s reliance on borrowing to fund the next year’s 2024 Budget, saying the cost of taking foreign loans would be too heavy for developing nations to shoulder.

Edun spoke when he appeared before the Senator Sani Musa-led joint Senate Committee scrutinising the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) in Abuja.

The minister made the assertions before the panel in the company of the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji and the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha before lawmakers called for a closed session.

Edun insisted that the best was for Nigeria to fund its annual budgets was to invest more money on revenue-generating infrastructure.

According to him, advanced countries have raised their interest rates to bring down inflation rate and to stabilise their economies, adding that accessing foreign loans will be very expensive for a developing countries to cope with.

Edun said: “Clearly the environment that we have now, internationally as well as nationally we are in no position to rely on borrowing.

“We have an existing borrowing profile. Our direction is to reduce the quantum of borrowing or intercepting deficit financing in the 2024 Budget.

“Simply put internationally there is focus among rich countries on bringing down the inflation rate to stabilize the economies and give them opportunity for investment growth.

“They are in the process, sacrificing that immediate goal for compacting their economies, or at least contracting the money supplies and pushing up the interest rates and of course high interest rates and investments don’t go together.

“What is left for us to access those funds are expensive. So, it is the last thing that we must rely on. “As we know we have all the figures on debt servicing and cushioning 98 per cent of government revenue.

“The last thing you can think of is to pile up more debts. The government needs to not just maintain its activity, it needs to spend more.

“If you look at government spending, if you look at the budget as a percentage of GDP, ours is one of the lowest being 10 per cent. Even Ghana is at 25 per cent while rich countries are at 50 per cent.

“The very rich countries have to be most advanced in terms of social safety nets and its social security system at 70 per cent of GDP. Government spending definitely will lead to increase.

“The number one source of revenue especially in short term, even in the medium term is all revenue.”

Musa earlier fears that the revenue projections of the ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government that have so far appeared before his panel were far less than what the Federal Government has proposed as income in the 2024 fiscal year.

He noted that going for external interventions would definitely not be an option because it would further push the country into deficit financing.

Musa said: “Currently there are lots of leakages in the use of government resources. A lot of funds being generated as revenues by most MDAs are not being remitted as at when due. Some even remit funds a year after they collected the money.

“The office of the Accountant General of the Federation should look properly in that direction. The current practice of delaying the remittances of revenues by the MDAs had created a room for the misappropriation of those funds.

“After meeting with the Nigerian Customs Service officials yesterday, we realise that there were lots of shortfalls they are experiencing as a result of incidences of waivers.

“We want to know who is issuing those waivers. Is it the FIRS or the Ministry of Finance? We are also interested in knowing details of the Customs modernization project, known as e-customs.

“The Senate Committee on Finance is interested in knowing the type of agreement that was signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“What is the value of the e-customs agreement? How much is Nigeria expecting? We are tired of judgement debts all over the place. We need to know the plans on ground to collect excise duties and other tariffs so that we won’t run a deficit budget again next year.”

[TheNation]