Social media influencer, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has made his appearance at the National Assembly alongside his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
He is currently attending a session with the House of Representatives Joint Committee, which is investigating serious allegations of corruption involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS).
Also present before the committee are representatives from both the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Services, as well as Bobrisky’s lawyer, Avwerosuoghene Omuvwie.
However, Bobrisky, also known as Idris Okuneye, has not yet appeared in person. His lawyer is standing in for him in the proceedings.
When given the opportunity to speak, VeryDarkMan expressed his unwillingness to address the committee, citing Bobrisky’s absence: “Today, I will not say anything because an invitation was given out to me and Bobrisky. But he is not here.
“I don’t see why I will be here and he is not. So I won’t say anything, but my lawyer will.”
Naija News reports that this development follows a controversial audio recording shared by VeryDarkMan, in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have bribed EFCCofficials with ₦15 million to drop a money laundering charge against her.
Additionally, the audio suggested that Bobrisky never served her six-month prison sentence for Naira abuse, instead staying in an apartment.
Bobrisky has strongly denied these allegations and has threatened to take legal action.
In response to the back-and-forth between the two parties, the House of Representatives launched an inquiry into the EFCC and NCoS to investigate the claims.
Media
The Oba Ìsèse Of Ogun state and Chairman, "Ìsèse Kingdom Of Truth Association Of Nigeria," Oba Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun, has expressed confidence in a brighter future for Nigerians despite the present difficulties and hardships.
Addressing journalists in Abeokuta, he expressed confidence in the present administration of President Bola Tinubu to turn things around for the better and urged citizens to be patient.
He said that traditional deities have revealed that Nigerians would have a cause to smile at the end of the tunnels, noting that Nigerians need to be patient with the present administration-led by President Bola Tinubu.
“One of the qualities of a good citizen is patience. We Nigerians should continue to exercise patience and support our leaders, especially the President, Governors and others, so that they will be able to deliver on their pledges,” he said.
Oba Adifagbola Balogun said Nigeria first, is a citizen-driven civic initiative aimed at motivating young Nigerians not to lose hope in the viability of their country, noting that the planned protest on the independence day should be shelved, especially for the betterment of the masses.
“This is our country, and we don’t have any other country. So, let us play the role of good citizens by showcasing the good about Nigeria. We have vibrant Nigerian youth who are now leading in Fintech, Nollywood, Arts and Musics and other sectors, this means like in every clime, there are good and noble people in Nigeria.
“Also, the government should come up with an economic policy that will stop traders and service providers from increasing prices of goods and services by 100 percent whenever there are fuel issues or the others.
“Let there be a price control policy and a policy that will help the government to monitor the activities of market women and other traders, thereby stopping them from charging outrageous prices for their goods and services," Oba Adifagbola Balogun stated
He described President Tinubu as an administrator with a key interest in people’s welfare, saying the long-term effect of fuel subsidy removal will be to the huge benefit of innocent Nigerians.
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has called out South West governors.
He charged the Federal Government and governors of the South West region to address the spreading hunger in Yorubaland.
Gani Adams gave this charge at the end of Yoruba One Voice, YOV quarterly conference via Zoom on Sunday, urging the governors to make agriculture more attractive to the people of the region.
He said the conference with the theme ‘Rescuing Yoruba Nation from hunger, your task, my task’, was a wake-up call to both the Federal Government and the South West Governors to devise a better approach to make agriculture more attractive to the people of the region.
According to him, the rationale for the YOV’s quarterly conference is to impress upon the government at all levels to work on the best approach to solving the problem of hunger in Yoruba land.
He added that hunger across the country does not know tribe or region, adding that it is a general issue that needs urgent solution.
The monarch said Nigeria is a blessed country, stressing that Yoruba land is even the greatest beneficiary of God’s blessings.
“This is evident in the way we plant our farm produce. Within a few days, you see your seed grow with pride. All over the world, agriculture is a global business, whether micro or macro agriculture.
“The success depends largely on the need to expand the scope and advance the technological and mechanical advantage in agricultural production,” he said.
JAPA: Prosperity 'Will Come To You In Nigeria' - Pastor Kumuyi Advises Nigerians Seeking To Travel Abroad
AFOLABI
The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has a message for Nigerians planning to leave the country to seek greener pastures abroad.
Speaking during a Sunday sermon in Port Harcourt, the pastor voiced his worries regarding the increasing number of young Nigerians, especially the youths, who are departing the nation, in pursuit of better opportunities overseas.
Kumuyi urged Nigerians in this category to reconsider the decision to leave the country. According to him, it often leads to feelings of regret in the future.
The phrase ‘JAPA’ (a street slang) is commonly used among Nigerians to refer to getting away, running off, or vanishing swiftly from a scenario, usually in a rushed and pressing way.
In his sermon, however, Kumuyi, highlighted that true prosperity awaits those seeking to ‘JAPA’ within their homeland, reassuring that the blessings of God are not limited to any particular place.
“Whatever nation you are born in, the goodness of the Lord will reach you there,” Kumuyi affirmed.
The cleric reflected on the experiences of many professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers, who sought opportunities abroad but soon discovered that life outside Nigeria was not as promising as they had imagined.
He added: “Doctors go there, engineers go there, lawyers go there, professionals go there, thinking they are escaping bad things. They believe they are heading to lands of opportunities and prosperity.
“As they got there, they discovered that even to pay house rent and to feed themselves and to school their children and to have a buoyant economy for themselves is difficult; they say it was better for me when I was in my country, and they are looking for ways to come back.”
Kumuyi admonished the citizens not to overlook the potential in their own country, stating, “Goodness will come to you here. You don’t have to run away; your prosperity and progress will come right here in Nigeria.”
The cleric’s message comes as part of a broader call for faith and resilience, urging Nigerians to trust in God’s plan for their future, no matter their challenges.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has released a list of non-negotiable demands to President Bola Tinubu’s government ahead of #FearlessInOctober mass protest.
According to him, these demands reflect the urgent needs of the Nigerian people and should be addressed without delay.
Sowore, who laid out the demands during an interview with Daily Trust, said that their demands from the Bola Tinubu-led government touched on the economy, jobs, security and conditional reforms.
Focusing on the release of political prisoners and economic issues, Sowore said, “We want the release of all prisoners from last demonstrations and all political prisoners, including Nnamdi Kanu; living wage for Nigerian workers; reverse removal of subsidy protections for the masses; urgently address banditry, terrorism and other security issues;
“Introduce job creation programmes targeting the millions of unemployed youth; power sector and infrastructure investments to revitalise the economy; education sector reform; restructuring and constitutional reform; judicial sector reform and electoral reforms including diaspora voting.”
He added that,”Inflation has gone up. Insecurity has increased. Our people are drowning in floods because the government failed to secure the dams. Bandits wiped out an entire village just a few weeks ago. Things have gotten worse for the Nigerian people.”
“The protests will be peaceful and they will be national, across the country. The protests will hold across all parts of Nigeria because the scale of the devastation, hunger, insecurity, and hardship that this government has unleashed on Nigerians is national. I will emphasise again that these will be peaceful protests, as they’ve always been.
“The last protests were peaceful, yet the government met the protesters with batons and bullets.
“We will not be deterred, though. Our only weapon is truth, and no amount of force or violence will prevent us from speaking truth to power,” he stressed further.
He added, “Between the last protest just two months ago and now, petrol prices have risen by almost N300 per litre. The naira has further devalued, and prices have increased in the market. Bandits have taken over and killed off entire communities. Floods are devastating our cities.
“Under these circumstances, can anyone be surprised that the Nigerian people want to voice their displeasure with this government’s failure to address the issues affecting them?” he questioned.
“We are prepared to come out to protest. We are determined to do so peacefully. I can assure you that thousands of voices will be raised in protest on October 1. The pangs of hunger and groans of pain of the Nigerian people will not be drowned out by the government.
“How does the removal of subsidy protections for the common man benefit Nigerians? We have seen petrol prices go from N197 per liter to N1,100 and Nigerians should wait? Wait for what? Wait until they are all dead from hunger and suffering?
“Why should we wait before the government reverses its wicked policies on education? Tinubu and his co-travelers in government are all beneficiaries of free and high quality public education. Yet they are denying Nigerian youth the same benefits they enjoyed. Why should we wait before the government begins to address the problems of insecurity?
“Why should we wait before workers are given a living wage? Afterall this government has continued on a buying spree – purchasing new bullet proof cars, new airplanes, yatchs and the like while telling us Nigeria is broke.
“It took them just two weeks to pass a bill and change the national anthem. They’ve demonstrated a capacity to move fast on some issues. Now we need them to move with the same speed on these pressing matters. No. The wait is over. We demand action now.”
The UK has closed the chapter on its 142-year history of coal-fired power, marking a symbolic and pivotal moment in the global shift towards cleaner energy.
As of 30 September 2024, the nation’s last coal power plant was decommissioned, making the UK the first G7 country to eliminate coal from its energy mix.
This move, occurring in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, not only signals the end of an era but also reinforces the global momentum towards renewable energy sources, positioning solar and wind at the forefront of the future.
The closure comes as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries have collectively halved their coal generation since its peak in 2007, driven by the rise of solar and wind energy.
According to a report released on Monday by Ember, an energy think tank, “Coal generation in OECD countries has fallen by 52% since its peak in 2007. This dramatic decline has been largely attributed to renewable energy sources. Wind and solar were responsible for 87 per cent of the fall in coal during this period,” noted Dave Jones, Global Insights Programme Director at Ember.
According to the report, the UK is the 14th OECD country to achieve a coal-free power system, with the remaining OECD nations aiming for full phase-out by 2030.
Coal’s role in the UK energy mix has been shrinking for years. In 2012, coal made up 40 per cent of UK electricity generation, but by 2019, it was just 2 per cent, a figure that has now dropped to zero.
Jones highlighted the significance of this transition: “Once, coal power was a byword for industrial growth. Now clean energy is being used to drive industrial growth.”
The UK becomes the first G7 nation to exit coal-fired power, reports Sky News.
“The country has been burning coal to generate electricity since 1882, but the last remaining plant, in Nottinghamshire, is being decommissioned as capacity from clean alternatives has allowed it.
“The final coal-fired power station left in the UK will be shut down later on Monday amid the transition to renewable energy.
“The closure of the Uniper-owned Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire will bring to an end a 142-year history of burning fossil fuel to produce electricity in the country,” the agency reported.
Global Shift
The decline of coal in OECD countries is mirrored by similar movements globally, as emerging economies also pivot towards renewable energy. However, some countries have yet to see rapid declines.
Ember’s report noted that “Türkiye was the only OECD country to set a new coal power record in 2023.”
Meanwhile, nations like Japan and South Korea have seen only modest reductions in coal reliance.
Despite these outliers, the overall trend is clear: as Ember reports, “Three-quarters of OECD countries are targeting a coal phase-out by 2030.”
Renewable Future
As coal exits the stage, renewable energy sources are taking over. “The rapid growth of wind and solar energy is not only replacing coal but also preparing to meet the increase in electricity demand,” said Jones, referencing the rise in electric vehicles and heat pumps across OECD countries.
The UK’s final coal plant closure symbolises a crucial turning point in the global shift to cleaner energy. With solar and wind powering the future, coal’s role as a dominant energy source is quickly coming to an end.
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, in an X post on Monday, also confirmed this.
“End of an era as Britain’s last coal-fired power plant shuts down. The UK’s 142-year history of coal-fired electricity ends as turbines at Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant in
Nottinghamshire stop for good,” ECIU UK posted.
PUNCH Online reports that Ember is an energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy. Ember is the trading name of Sandbag Climate Campaign CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England & Wales #06714443. ‘Ember’ and ‘Sandbag’ are trademarks held at the United Kingdom and European Union Intellectual Property Offices.
Renewable, Clean Energy
Meanwhile, the G7 (Group of Seven) is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of seven of the world’s largest advanced economies: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan. It meets annually to discuss global economic issues, international security, and policies related to trade, climate change, and other global challenges.
A renewable future refers to a shift towards energy systems powered primarily by renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, instead of fossil fuels. It represents a sustainable path to reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and securing long-term energy independence for economies worldwide.
Likewise, clean energy refers to energy produced from sources that do not emit pollutants or greenhouse gases, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. It plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainability, and supporting global efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, has asserted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had even more opportunities to fix the country’s challenges while he was in power but failed to do so.
Amadi asserted this while responding to a post on social media where a netizen [Gen_Buhar] alleged that Senator Rasheed Ladoja was illegally removed as Oyo State governor in 2006 for refusing to release N15 million out of the state’s monthly security vote to Lamidi Adedibu.
In a video clip he shared, Gen_Buhar captioned: “Jan 2006: Sen Ladoja was illegally removed for refusing to give N15m of the state’s N65m then monthly security vote to Adedibu.
“Obasanjo who now has solution to every problem Nigeria is facing was the President who gave Adedibu govt backing but because we are a people of very short memory, he’s being worshipped today.
“Obasanjo was also angry with him for standing against his failed 3rd term agenda.”
Responding, Amadi wrote on X: “Terrible. Obasanjo had opportunity more than any other person to change Nigeria. But he failed to achieve it because of personal moral failings.”
Watch the video clip below:
Media
Credit to the government surged by over N11 trillion in the month of August 2024, as high interest rates make government securities more attractive to investors.
This is according to the latest money and credit stats data of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The CBN data also shows that credit to the government accounts for 29.4% of N105.88 trillion net domestic credit in August as the government continues to rely more on local borrowing to fund its expenditures.
This was as the private sector experienced a slight decline in credit as debt repayment intensified, buttressing the impact of rising interest rates, which have made borrowing more expensive for businesses while driving greater interest in government securities.
What the data shows
- In August 2024, credit to the government reached N31.15 trillion, a sharp increase from the N19.83 trillion recorded in July 2024.
- This marks a significant growth of N11.33 trillion or 57.1% in just one month. The surge in government borrowing reflects the increasing attractiveness of government securities, driven by higher yields resulting from persistent interest rate hikes by the CBN.
- By comparison, in August 2023, government borrowing stood at N22.51 trillion, meaning that in the space of one year, government credit has risen by 38.5%, affirming the growing reliance on debt to finance public expenditure.
Declining private sector debt
- While the government is increasingly tapping into credit markets, the private sector appears to be retreating. Credit to the private sector in August 2024 stood at N74.73 trillion, a slight decrease from N75.51 trillion in July 2024. This marks a reduction of about N780 billion, or 1.03%. Though the decline is relatively modest, it reflects the broader trend of businesses struggling to cope with rising borrowing costs as the CBN continues its monetary tightening.
- In August 2023, private sector credit was significantly lower at N56.95 trillion, highlighting that while there has been an overall increase in private sector borrowing over the past year, the rising cost of debt is starting to weigh on businesses’ willingness to expand credit further.
The hike in Interest Rates
The CBN, under Yemi Cardoso, increased the monetary policy rate (MPR) five times to combat inflation and foster economic stability.
The first hike increased the rate from 18.75% to 22.75%, the second to 24.75%, the third to 26.25%, the fourth to 26.75%, and most recently in September 2024, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the rate by 50 basis points to 27.25%.
These increases, totalling 850 basis points since Cardoso’s appointment, have been driven by efforts to tackle the country’s persistent inflation challenges, which include high core and food inflation.
The CBN’s tightening monetary policy has reshaped the dynamics of credit allocation in Nigeria. Rising interest rates have made government securities more attractive to investors, as higher yields offer better returns with relatively lower risk compared to private sector lending. This has led to a surge in government borrowing, while businesses, facing higher borrowing costs, are more cautious.
However, there are concerns that prolonged tight monetary policy could stifle economic growth, especially if businesses are unable to access affordable credit to finance expansion and investment.
Also, although government securities have become more attractive due to higher yields resulting from persistent interest rate hikes by the CBN, the government is not exempt from the pressures of increased borrowing costs.
As interest rates continue to rise, the government will have to pay more to service its debt, particularly on new issuances of bonds and treasury bills. This could strain public finances further, as the cost of servicing debt could consume a larger portion of government revenue, leaving less room for critical expenditures such as infrastructure projects, social services, and other development initiatives.
What you should know
The Bola Tinubu administration has relied mostly on the domestic debt market, especially treasury bills, to fund short-term obligations, a huge departure from the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which relied mostly on the CBN’s Ways and Means Advances.
Nairametrics earlier noted that Nigeria has a total Treasury Bills (T-Bills) debt of N10.4 trillion, a 60% rise in just three months, according to data from the Debt Management Office (DMO).
The CBN also incurred an estimated N1.55 trillion in interest payments for the 12 successful T-Bills auctions conduced in the first six months of 2024.
The interest costs in 2024 were approximately 654.7% higher than the N205.63 billion recorded the same period of the previous year.
Data from the apex bank reveals that the apex bank has sold Treasury Bills worth N8.4 trillion in the first half of the year for tenors ranging from 91-days, 182-days and 364-day bills. The stop rate, which is the interest rates accepted from the bids on offer, ranged from as low as 2.44% for some 91-day bills to as high as 21.49% for 364-day bills.
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) recently lamented the effect of high interest rate of CBN’s Treasury bill noting that it is drying up funds from the private sector into government’s treasuries.
The Director-General of the Centre for the Promotion of Public Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, called on the CBN to expedite the window of development finance for businesses to mitigate the effect of the high monetary policy rate in the country. He noted that businesses need the single-digit interest rate to drive the Nigerian economy.
Also, the President of the Dangote Group Industries Ltd, Alhaji Aliko Dangote stated that no economic growth will happen unless the bank interest rate at 30% decline. He further called for the protection of local industries, especially in manufacturing, across the country.
However, Yemi Cardoso, the Governor of the CBN earlier emphasized the necessity of maintaining higher interest rates to address the persistent inflation issues plaguing the Nigerian economy. Cardoso stated that tighter monetary policy accompanied by higher interest rates was at their disposal to solve the challenges of high inflation.
[Nairametrics]
17 Governors Initiate Committees To Implement ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Across States (Full List)
AFOLABI
Seventeen state governors have established committees to implement the new ₦70,000minimum wage for workers across Nigeria.
The states taking action include Ogun, Ekiti, Sokoto, Kebbi, Osun, Enugu, Borno, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Gombe, Kano, Taraba, Delta, Rivers, Jigawa, and Abia.
Naija News reports that this comes as the Federal Government began paying the new minimum wage to its 1.2 million workers last Thursday.
According to the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, civil servants will receive the new minimum wage starting from September.
In addition, Edo, Lagos, and Adamawa states have already begun payment, while Anambra state has pledged to implement the new wage by October.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Adamawa, Emmanuel Fashe, confirmed that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri started paying the new wage as early as August, ahead of the Federal Government and other states.
Fashe, speaking to The PUNCH on Sunday, revealed that within three weeks of President Bola Tinubu signing the new minimum wage bill into law in July, the Adamawa State government began implementing the payments in August.
Fashe explained that local government workers in Adamawa began receiving the new wage in September, following updates to the August payroll.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has also announced that his state will start paying the ₦70,000 minimum wage from October 2024.
He made this known during a meeting with public school principals and headteachers, promising further reforms in education, including refunds for school fees already paid.
Governor Soludo said, “From next month, we hope to start paying the new minimum wage of ₦70,000. Also, from next week, a free education policy will be available to senior students in all public schools in Anambra. Students in senior classes who have already paid their ₦5,000 fees for this term should be refunded and we promise to do more in human development.”
However, an NLC official speaking with The PUNCH, cautioned against celebrating this development, pointing out that the value of the ₦70,000 wage has already been diminished by rising costs.
The official questioned why the new wage implementation was backdated to July instead of May, as stipulated in the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, which states the new wage should take effect immediately after the old one expires.
“The truth is this, we should not be romanticizing people who are lawbreakers. People who are lawbreakers should not be romanticised. If the Federal Government says they want to start paying, I don’t think it is something that should be celebrated. What is it that they want to start paying? ₦70,000 that has already been eroded by the actions and policies of the government?
“If you look at the price of PMS (petrol) from the time the minimum wage was signed into law and now, you could see that you could see the deliberate actions of the government to erode the minimum wage.
“A bag of rice now is almost ₦88,000 or thereabouts. And then it means we are saying we have a minimum wage that cannot buy a bag of rice is a shameful minimum wage. So it’s a starvation wage,” he stated.
In Imo State, the NLC Chairman, Uche Chigamezu, expressed optimism, stating that discussions with the government on the new wage would begin shortly.
Similarly, Nasarawa State is ready to implement the new wage, with Governor Abdullahi Sule committed to emulating the Federal Government’s steps.
Ogun State is awaiting a committee’s report on the new wage implementation, while Ekiti State has a committee in place, though further details remain undisclosed.
Ondo State has declared readiness to pay the new wage, though Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need to domesticate the law and structure its implementation.
Osun State is also in the process of developing the modalities for wage implementation, having extended palliatives for workers and reduced workdays to ease transportation costs.
Delta and Bayelsa states have not yet finalized their plans, with Delta waiting for a minimum wage chart, and Bayelsa yet to set up a committee.
In Benue, despite promises from Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state has yet to establish an implementation committee, and Sokoto and Kebbi states are working on the process to pay the new wage soon.
The governments of Enugu, Zamfara, and Kogi have also taken steps, forming committees to oversee the new minimum wage rollout.
Kwara State has set up a committee to work on consequential adjustments, though no payments have been made yet. Gombe State is waiting for a consequential adjustment table from the Federal Government, and in Kaduna, NLC Chairman Suleiman Ayuba confirmed that negotiations for the new wage are yet to begin.
In Kano, the state government is awaiting the report of its advisory committee, which will be submitted after the Independence Day celebrations.
Meanwhile, Taraba State has also formed a committee led by the State Head of Service to handle the wage implementation process.
64th Independence Anniversary: Despite economic challenges, Nigerians have much to celebrate - says APC chieftain
AFOLABI
Frmer director-general of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has urged Nigerians to count their blessings as the nation marks its 64th Independence Anniversary on Oct. 1.
Mr Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this statement on Sunday during an interview with journalists in Enugu.
He stated that the occasion called for sober reflection, notwithstanding the prevailing socioeconomic realities in the country.
According to him, despite the economic challenges, Nigerians still have much to celebrate.
“I was five years old by Independence in 1960; and it is good when we introspectively look inward and count our blessings.
“Among such blessings is a united country; a burgeoning population dotted especially with youth’s demographic advantage, more universities, tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools, more hospitals, roads, and railways, among others.
“I honestly thank Almighty God,” he said.
Mr Okechukwu noted that Nigeria was on the threshold of an era when “policies of public interest and common good will triumph over selfish policies of planlessness.”
He described Nigerians as good followers, adding that, in no distant time, things would change for the better.
“My take, with due respect to our leaders, is that our previous leaderships had good intentions but lacked the political will to commit class suicide.
“For without class suicide, how can leadership utilize our abundant human and material resources to lift millions out of poverty and effectively ignite Nigeria’s rapid revitalisation?” he asked rhetorically.
The federal government had declared Tuesday, Oct. 1, a public holiday to mark the nation’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.
The government also urged Nigerians to meditate, pray, and, if possible, fast for the turnaround of the nation’s fortunes.
(NAN)
More...
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has identified weak institutions, corruption, poor governance and the quality of leadership at the national, state and local government levels as some of the challenges hindering Nigeria’s development.
In a speech at a lecture to mark the country’s 64th independence, Governor Yusuf gave an assessment of the progress made in its democratic journey.
The governor commended the two speakers at the lecture, Prof. Kamilu Fagge and Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, for their contribution while they “incisively engaged us on topics that are of paramount importance to both Kano State and our country as a whole.”
He described the topics addressed as apt and reflecting the realities of national life, especially in the areas of governance, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of development.
In his assessment, Governor Yusuf raised questions on whether the democratic ideals of freedom, justice, and equality have been fulfilled.
He said: “As it is everywhere globally, the success of Nigeria’s democracy is tied closely to the quality of leadership.
“As a developing nation with a complex political landscape, leadership challenges, such as corruption, weak institutions and lack of accountability, have hindered national progress.
“A lecture focusing on leadership challenges will certainly allow for a deeper analysis of the role leaders at both state and national levels play in the country’s successes and shortcomings.
“Although the topics address national issues, its specific focus on Kano State is highly relevant. States are the building blocks of Nigeria’s federal structure, and the progress of individual states contributes to the overall success of the nation.”
Turning his attention on his own government and state, Governor Yusuf said that by repositioning Kano State to address leadership and governance challenges, it sets an example for other states on how to create a model of good governance that can be replicated nationwide.
He said, “Allow me to also remind you that the future of Nigeria is deeply linked to the development of its states. A brighter future for Kano State can serve as a small-scale version of the broader national aspiration for a prosperous Nigeria.
“By addressing state-level challenges in leadership, education, health, and infrastructure, these topics emphasise the importance of localized governance as a stepping stone to national success.
“We must recognise that democracy is a journey, and the success of that journey is largely dependent on the quality of leadership at every level — national, state, and local government.
“We in Kano State are fully committed to playing our part in strengthening the democratic process and building institutions that foster good governance.”
Governor Abba, who used the opportunity to highlight some of his achievements in education, health, security, agriculture, and public service reforms among others, said as Kano State looks to the future, his administration will continue to build on those achievements.
He called for the active participation of all citizens and unity in the spirit of patriotism, hard work, and dedication to the values that define Nigerians as a people.
“Let me therefore urge all of us to use this anniversary as a time for reflection, and renew our commitment to building a prosperous, secure, and inclusive Kano State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
[DailyTrust]
Popular actress Biola Adebayo recently opened up about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her career during an appearance on “Nollywood on Radio.”
Adebayo shared that she lost acting roles because she refused to date certain influential people in the industry.
She also recalled being pressured to lighten her skin, with someone suggesting she “tone it up a little” to advance her career.
Adebayo also discussed her podcast, “Talk To B,” which she started because of her natural ability to connect with people.
She explained: “For some reason, people are drawn to me and trust me with their secrets—even those I am not close to. I began to think about how I could impact people’s lives beyond just presenting and decided to create a platform where I could connect with and support ordinary people.”
The impact of her podcast has been significant, transforming many lives in a short time.
Adebayo revealed that over N10 million has been raised for various causes, including over 35 million naira for individuals needing accommodations.
The podcast has also helped people facing marital challenges, provided urgent assistance, and supported those in need of therapy or counseling.
Adebayo emphasised: “Talk To B” has become a source of hope for those without other places to turn, especially victims of abuse and those facing life’s most challenging situations.
[TheNation]
A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo state, Gbogi Emmanuel, has resigned his membership of the party.
Mr Emmanuel tendered his resignation letter on Saturday, citing that the ruling party under President Bola Tinubu has now become a “weapon of poverty.”
He explained that the party has made life miserable for the people, stressing that it was evident in the economic hardship in the country.
“More so, APC is now considered as a weapon of poverty and misery for the masses evident in the economic hardship that plagues the land.
“I hold the firm belief that politics is not only about winning elections, it is about bringing succour and dividends of democracy to the people we represent,” Mr Emmanuel said in the letter.
In the copy of the letter addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 6, Akoko South West Local Government, the party chieftain said the ruling party also failed to uphold the true tenets of democracy and disregarded loyalty among members.
According to Mr Emmanuel, the decision to exit the APC was well thought-out, especially after wide consultations with his family and political associates in Akoko land.
“My decision stems from failure of the party to continue to uphold the true tenets and principles of democracy which include fairness, equity, impartiality, rewards for loyalty and bringing dividends of democracy to the masses.”
He noted that the party now has a new practice of “rob Peter to pay Paul” and described the primary that produced Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor and governorship candidate of the APC, as “shabby and shoddy.”
Efforts to reach Ade Adetimehin, the chairman of the APC in the state, for his reactions on the telephone did not yield results.
A text message sent to his official line was still pending as of press time.
Mr Emmanuel’s resignation from the party is coming few days after a chieftain of the party in Lagos, Joe Igbokwe, decried the hardship Nigerians are facing amid the high cost of staple foods in the country.
Mr Igbokwe, who took to his social media page, lamented how the price of rice and other grains have skyrocketed under the present administration in the country.
The party chieftain had always been a strong ally of Mr Tinubu and joined his campaign during the presidential election.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set to miss a couple of weeks after his club diagnosed him with a hip muscle injury.
Spanish media estimate he will return in mid-October after the impending international break, missing the Champions League visit to Lille on Wednesday and next weekend’s home La Liga match against Villarreal.
“After tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with an abductor injury,” the club said in a statement.
Courtois sustained the injury during Madrid’s derby 1-1 draw at rivals Atletico in La Liga on Sunday, a match in which he was also targeted by home fans of his former club who threw objects including lighters at him.
The Belgian goalkeeper spent most of last season out with a severe knee injury but returned in time to start in Madrid’s Champions League final triumph.
Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is poised to fill in for Courtois as he did last season.