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[OPINION] Ajakaju’s Premiere Vis- A- Vis Bobrisky’s Backlash - Timothy Etsenamhe
It comes to no surprise to hear the emergence of the popular crossdresser Idris Olarenwaju, popularly called Bobrisky, as the ‘Best Dressed Female’ at Ajakaju - the Beasts of Two Worlds - movie premiere that took place recently at Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos State. However what is somewhat shocking is the reactions this award has sparked amongst some showbiz celebrities and other Nigerians.
The movie’s producer, Eniola Ajao, awarded ‘Best Dressed Female’ and ‘Best Dressed Male’ to Bobrisky and the ex- BBNaija housemate, Groovy, respectively. Bobrisky, who identifies as a female, was awarded N1 million, while Groovy also got N1 million. Bobrisky wore an all-black regal outfit with a cape and a staff, scintillating the aesthetic perception of the producer, Eniola Ajao and perhaps many others who attended the movie’s premiere.
Ever since this entertainment news filtered out, Nigerians from various strata of lives have taken to the social media to criticize the decision of awarding Bobrisky the ‘Best Female Dresser’ who isn’t ontologically female. Friday Omosola beautifully captures the reactions and criticisms in one of his recent articles in Premium Times, 25th March, 2024, Beasts of Two Worlds: Reactions as Bobrisky emerges ‘Best Dressed Female’ at movie premiere. According to Omosola, Actress Dayo Amusan, who attended the premiere, walked out after Bobrisky was named the winner. In a video on her Instagram page on Monday, the actress condemned the award. She expressed disappointment in the judges who picked Bobrisky, which she considered disrespectful to the women who attended the event.
Amusan in her exact words said as reported by Friday Omosola - “I attended the premiere of a colleague yesterday, where they announced that the Best Dressers would be chosen, “one female and one male. Let me clarify: the winner could be anyone, but certainly not a Crossdresser. I mean, what’s the issue here? I don’t understand it’’. She continues, “I can’t fathom the judges disrespecting every woman present. You had to select a winner, both a female and male, best-dressed, and yet you undermine the effort of all the women, thereby awarding the ‘Best-Dressed Female’ title to a Crossdresser. I don’t understand; what’s wrong with us?”
Expressing shock at Bobrisky’s emergence, actress Toyin Abraham questioned the event organizer’s decision. Abraham, in a video that captured her, Bobrisky, and others at the event, expressed shock that the Crossdresser beats all female celebrities and guests to emerge as the winner. She said, “Bobrisky as the Best-Dressed Female? If I give you an uppercut! Are you all insane that Bobrisky is winning ‘Best Female’? Are you crazy? Well, you better share some of that money with me.”
Similarly, the controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, alias portable, condemned Bobrisky’s win. The 30-year-old singer argued that awarding Bobrisky, a male, ‘Best Female Dresser’ meant that the judges were promoting homosexuality. He stated, “Is Bobrisky a woman? Doesn’t he wear an artificial bum and breasts? There were beautiful actresses at the event, but the judges deemed them unworthy, yet a male was awarded ‘Best Dressed Female’. “The Ogun-born singer criticized the judges for awarding Bobrisky, believing it had set a destructive precedent.
He expressed concern that children exposed to such attitudes might emulate the path of cross-dressing. “Our children will now imitate Bobrisky, a man who does not possess feminine features, simply because the judges honoured him with an award. Those who should be in prison or punished for disobeying religious commandments and the country’s laws are being celebrated,” Portable noted. The ‘Zazzu Zeh’ crooner labelled the judges who deemed Bobrisky worthy as a crazy set of people. He warned Bobrisky not to come to Sango-Ota, Ogun State, dressed in female attire because he would be dealt with.
Furthermore, social media influencer Daniel Regha stated that Bobrisky winning the ‘Best Dressed Female’ award insulted every female attendee at the premiere. Regha said the organizers were not the only ones at fault; those who joyfully or playfully acknowledged his win should also be blamed.
An X user, Oluwabunmi Micheal (@Harwolyehmi1), criticized actors Femi Adebayo and Odunlade Adekola for being at an event where Bobrisky won such an award. He argued that presenting Bobrisky with such an award implies that Nigeria has lost its values. Another X user, Sir Dickson (@Wizarad10), supported actress Dayo’s anger, stating that it was valid. He emphasized that awarding Bobrisky with such an award was detrimental and sent a negative message to society, especially to the women at the event. “A man should not be winning ‘Best-Dressed Female’ for any reason.” (https://twitter.com/Harwohyehmi1/status/17721519)
Why isn’t it a surprise that Bobrisky won the ‘Best Female Dresser Award’? Bobrisky identifies as a female, one of the ‘gifts’ of relativism to our modern world. He has consistently and boldly pitched his tent with the female gender and has used the same energy to denounce muscularity. He announced recently that he has acquired the female genitalia and has successfully transitioned into womanhood. He advertises himself on most social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. He has bold fashion choices, unapologetic self- expression and a fondness for controversy. ( https://guardian.ng> life> bobrisky) In other words, Bobrisky has worked for who he is today.
Eniola Ajao and all those responsible for the award understood this clearly. One core point those who reacted and criticized his award hinged their dissatisfaction on is his gender and not on the quality and sophistication of his dress and style. Let us not forget, he has the freedom to identify as whatever. Yes, it might not be the best choice or a morally correct choice, but that is his choice and most importantly for him, his brand. Perhaps the movie producer, the organizers and judges at the premiere respected his preferred identity; they focused on his feminine dress sense, which flawed all of the Toyin Abrahams’.
Nigerians shouldn’t forget that this is an event in the circle of entertainment industry where all modern and aberrant live styles are showcased. Why don’t we think it could perhaps be a strategy to advertise Ajakaju? The producer needs to trigger Nigerians to get to the Cinemas to check up this movie. Bobrisky’s award could generate that trigger because he is a controversial celebrity, like it or not. Boom, Portable has released a song, ‘’Brotherhood’’, to shade Bobrisky. There is no time one would listen to this song without remembering the circumstance of its emergence. At the end of the day Ajakaju goes viral.
I don’t claim to know the criteria for Bob’s emergency but I think his personality and style of dress for the premiere gave him away for the award. Ajakaju (Beasts of Two Worlds), Eniola Ajao’s debut movie, tells the story of a powerful lady named Ajalara, who lives in two worlds – who is both human and animal. In like manner, Bobrisky in his true self, lives in two worlds, masculinity – physical strength and will power - feminity, ‘’a quintessential nature of womanhood that is ontologically in all women. It characterizes the finesse with which most women execute their duties.’’ (Timothy Etsenamhe, the Genius of Women, 2009) Also, his style of dress depicts that of a warrior with mystical power, who slays and plunders like Ajalara, and a king like King Towobola, who ventures into the forest to confront Ajalara.
I am surprised that many Nigerians are batting on-eyelids because of Bobrisky’s award. The world of entertainment, especially Nollywood- a portmanteau of Nigeria and Hollywood, a sobriquet that originally referred to the Nigeria film industry, is a make - believe world. It is often imaginary, illusory, and delusional. Eniola Ajao and the judges did their job well, after all said and done, by awarding a delusional brand like Bobrisky as the ‘Best Female Dresser’ at the premiere of Ajakaju in order to make their product controversial and sensational. Guess what? On Good Friday, 29th of March 2024, you would find people in cinemas for Ajakaju perhaps in proportionate numbers with those in the halls of Churches for the passion of Christ.
[OPINION] Adebayo Okunade: Ode to an Exemplary Teacher - Tunji Olaopa
When Henry Adams, the 19th century American historian, states categorically that “A teacher affects eternity,” he translated his observational experience into what millions of people all across the world today can relate with. According to him, either good or bad, “he can never tell where his influence stops.” Teaching is a vocational calling that radiates through many generations. And this is one grateful member of one generation demonstrating immense gratitude for the gift of many teachers who impacted my coming-of-age. I contend that there should be no memoir that does not dedicate a chapter, at least, to the immense influence of teachers in the formation of anybody that considers their lives worthy of autobiographical projection. I do, and my memoir dedicates such a chapter to the myriad of influences on my intellectual and professional maturation. Prof. Adebayo Okunade—teacher extraordinaire, distinguished professor, erudite academic and astute administrator—is definitely exemplary.
I could almost bet that my old teacher will turn 70 this year. Of course, he is one mentor that I have been looking for the best moment to celebrate for a range of reasons that will be obvious in a moment. It however turned out that his septuagenarian attainment is still one year away, as he clocked 69 and not 70 a few weeks ago. By the time I reached out to him to confirm this fact, I had finished penning this tribute. And why not, he deserves to be celebrated in advance. I am not just celebrating Prof. Okunade’s pre-septuagenarian achievement, I am also wrapping that together with our shared clan affinity. We both hail from Aáwé town in the Afijio local government area of Oyo State. For me, there is a way I read the hands of Providence in my sociocultural evolution, my intellectual maturation, my professional path in life and those that have been put on my paths in life.
It is not surprising that Prof. Okunade came from a teaching parentage. But his parents were not just school teachers, but they were one of those who brought the best of their sociocultural and moral experiences into the molding of their children and the wards under their care. Being an ọmọlúwàbì is the best moral and pedagogical framework that the Yoruba allows for the upbringing of children, and the molding of a good society. I benefitted from such an upbringing too, and I know what it means to see the world through that prism. Add that moral package to a sound pedagogy, and you immediately understand how influential Prof. Okunade was to my intellectual development.
I came into first contact with Prof. Okunade at the Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, easily one of the best secondary schools (in my time) in the entire Oyo zone, stretching from Oke Ogun to Ogbomoso. I had just resumed for my Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1978. And he was my Government subject teacher. With him, the study of government became by far one of my very best learning formative moments. It was with him that I first became conscious of the Socratic method of interlocution—a pedagogical engagement that enables students to grasp knowledge without assaulting their minds with facts. Okunade’s pedagogical excellence consisted in transforming our numerous engagements in and outside the classroom into seminal spaces for processing discourses, discussions and debates. Given my growing reputation as a bookworm, it was almost inevitable that I would be noticed by this smart teacher who was well-versed in both national and international politics and governmental processes. And so, it became something of a constant ritual for us to gather around him, especially outside of the classroom, to pick up significant items of public discourse or current affairs touching on government policies, national politics or international incidence.
The 1978/80 years were a most significant period in Nigeria’s political development, and the second republic was about to get underway. The study of government in secondary school was also animated by the prospect of a return to civil rule and the much-awaited Nigeria’s greatness. On the intellectual part, there was an ongoing ideological discussion on the nature of the Nigerian state. Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Prof. Billy Dudley were at the forefront of the attempt to unravel what it means to say that Nigeria, despite political independence, was still “a mere geographical expression.” This furthers our discussions in those upper secondary school seminal engagements around the nature and meaning of federalism and the role it could play in Nigeria’s unfolding political development. On the political part, we were witnessing a reprise of the pre-independence rivalry between the Action Group (AG), the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in the shape of the Unity Party of Nigeria, the National Party of Nigeria and Nigerian People’s Party (NPP) and others. And Awolowo’s democratic socialism and Azikiwe’s neo-welfarism were already in the public domain as ideological templates.
And we have in the then Mr. Okunade an astute Socratic interlocutor who could play the devil’s advocate with the many contending and contrary political and ideological positions on offer by the different political parties. He would be a Zikist in one session, a robust leftist in the mold of Tunji Braithwaite’s National Advance Party the next, and then go on to defend Awolowo’s democratic socialism thereafter. This capacity to robustly engage with contending ideas and arguments left a very deep impression on me that would come in handy when I made up my mind to study political science at the University of Ibadan, and met him again as my teacher. While engaging us on the subject matter of Government, he had just his first degree in political science, and was already on the academic trajectory, studying for a master’s degree in the same department. By the time I would join the department as an undergraduate student, he was already on his way up the ladder that would eventually lead to his becoming a professor in due season. We did not miss a bit in picking up from where we left off in terms of critical engagement, and even more at an advance stage as an undergraduate student and even at graduate studies. His academic and research profile was already shaping up in terms of public administration scholarship and specifically local government studies, and was further broadened when he went to the University of Essex in the United Kingdom to study for a LLM in International Human Rights Law.
My lifelong relationship from Olivet High to the University of Ibadan means that I would keep drawing on his influence and wisdom all through my professional development. Apart from being critical to shaping my doctoral thesis and my post-doctoral research direction—including facilitating a path-shaping relationship with the late Professor of Philosophy, Olusegun Oladipo—he is also a significant influence and support in the establishment of my pet project, the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP) in 2016.
Prof. Bayo Okunade’s scholarship must have been taking shape since he began engaging us in discourses around Nigeria’s national political development in the twilight years of the 1970s. There is no political scientist in Nigeria who would not be drawn into Nigeria’s federal-federalism debacle, and especially those who were there from the beginning like Prof. Okunade. He is very emphatic, for instance, and contrary to the outcry, that restructuring does not constitute the expected panacea to Nigeria’s federalism predicament. For example, he argues, restructuring is not an ideological construct with one objective for Nigeria, conceptually speaking. Different power blocks and elite interest want the concept to achieve different things for them. And this speaks to the fact that even if restructuring becomes constitutionally entrenched, its success will be dependent on concessions that those who have the capacity to manipulate the system for their selfish interest give to the delivery of the Nigeria development project and purpose as give and take.
Here, we begin to see the outline of Okunade’s argument—the subject of is celebrated inaugural lecture—about the leadership challenge in Nigeria. According to him, the resolution of Nigeria’s national question is impossible without an antecedent determination through the recalibration of the leadership deficit. The leadership issue, which he calls on fellow political scientist to elevate to the level of curricular program, significantly encapsulates Okunade’s constructivist perspective on social engineering and how this impact the establishment of a well-ordered society founded on public administration, human right, the rule of law and good governance. The relationship between public administration, human rights and democracy therefore situates Okunade’s research portfolio squarely within the context of Nigeria’s political development. And we are able to see clearly why the leadership deficit constitutes, as his inaugural lecture’s title suggest, a big challenge. And for someone steeped in the studies of federalism and democracy, I suspect it was not too radical to opt for a federal system that empowers local governance as a critical arm of democratic governance that empowers the people. I have like him published lots of opinion pieces on how the principles of social capital and subsidiarity could enable the grassroots as the most proactive context for democratic participation and developmental mobilization. The leadership deficit therefore goes right to the very heart of Nigeria’s constitutional anomaly.
The near-septuagenarian professor has an influence that spans many generation of students each of whom can write pages about the indelible humanity of Adebayo Okunade and his pedagogical direction. I struggle to accept Michael Morpurgo’s words that “It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.” This is because a good teacher can be undermined if the classroom or pedagogical dynamics are not right. An Okunade placed within the classrooms of both the Olivet Baptist Hish School and the department of political science, University of Ibadan, significantly to my academic and intellectual endeavors. And as he climbs on to the seventh floor by God’s grace in the months ahead, I can boast that he does not just wear the medal for my teacher for all times he is also my friend, brother and co-conspirator in institutional re-engineering.
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Offers Scholarships, Housing to Families of Slain Soldiers
[BOOK REVIEW] Basorun Seinde Arogbofa:The Psychology of Growing Old: A Personal Experience for both Young and Old - Olukayode Ajulo,SAN
It is imperative for me to start by expressing my profound appreciation and admiration for the author, Baba Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, OFR, PEN, who, at 85, found the time and strength to craft this diamond of a book as a worthy legacy to people across generations.
Not a fiction but a factual compendium fertilized by personal experiences that shine through its 166 pages like diamond, the author, in every chapter, proves that old age and, indeed, ageing is not about rickety bones, disappearing muscles and sunken eyes, but also the summation of how an individual spent his adolescence, youth and adulthood.
This fact is attested to by another living legend of our time, Baba, Chief (Dr.) Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, who, in his beautiful piece on pages vi-viii, entitled: A Centenarian on the Marble, concurs that: “I see the book as a vade mecum (always be with me) for all grades of life-young and old. It is not tied to only old age; it argues however that what we become in old age is largely a reflection or a continuation of what we started as young people. The seeds of old age, according to him, are sown during our younger days.”
0:2 The Review:
Aptly titled: The Philosophy of Growing Old-A Personal Experience for both Young and Old,the book, published by John Archers (Publishers) Limited, Ibadan, richly recommends itself as a necessary companion for all ages, beautifullytaking off in Chapters 1 and 2 with the definition of old age and its onset.
The author, in subsequent chapters, devotes copious pages to comprehensive examination of the process of growing old, as well as the fears and myths that drive most people, including young people, to scary limits in their dread of ageing.
As the author explicitly discusses in Chapters 7 and 8, the fears include sliding from vibrancy to redundancy, demure disposition to most issues of life, fear of failing health (pages 90-103), cognitive decline, dwindling finance and associated problems (pages 81-89), shrinking population of friends and acquaintances, goals, responsibilities, and societal impacts often associated with ageing.
But Baba, in this great book, does not leave the reader without hope. He discusses extensively how people can find and sustain happiness at old age (Chapter 6). In 13 pages in Chapter 9, the author also proffers ways people can develop the courage to accept and deal with old age.
He also explores the legacies people can bequeath to family and humanity, and the fulfillment old people must seek before theirinevitable encounter with death. But he submits that old age and ageing need not be all gloom and doom, emphasizing, however, that all depends on how the individual laid his bed in his/her youthful and adult years.
As in everything, the author underscores the significance of positive attitude, discipline, adaptation, meaningful lifestyle, effective time management, socializing, worship, showing love, and more love, among others, as sine qua non(necessary condition) for enjoying the twilight of age.
On page 120, the author highlights the importance of working to bequeath worthy legacies noting that, “…as an elder in the family you must strive to leave something worthwhile…..It could be a good name, which, people say, is better than silver or gold, a good name that can open doors for your relations, and not close doors against them…”
On page 123, Baba Basorun Arogbofa succinctly delves into various sectors of the society and lists the necessary virtues or legacies that could be left behind.
The author reflects on his own journey through life and shares the principles and steps he embraced to navigate the challenges of aging. The book encourages readers to embrace these principles and incorporate them into their own lives, as they shape personal growth and determine how well the individual copes with every stage of aging.
The author drives the point home on Page 102, citing one touching event that occurred when he author was 77, and he had to be operated on.“Just before the operation started,” he reminisces, “I took time off from them, looked up to God, my Creator for a communion, and went into a reverie. My action was infectious and everybody appeared silent for a short time I was in communication.”
The import of the above event, a core principle in navigating through life is: God is the author and the finisher of our faith. This Biblical principle, which the author’s father imbibed and stoutly believed in, pops up in the second paragraph of the book’s prologue of the book (page xv) wherein the author reveals how he envisaged the values passed on to him and his siblings, and soon naturally lived by them as he once hoped. The principle, he notes, is essential and will serve every ma/woman well throughout life-as toddler, adolescent, young adult, adult, middle age, old age and growing old.
One notable aspect of the book is its well-structured chapters, although I personally feel that the question of "when" should have been addressed before discussing "what is in old age." Nevertheless, the author's thought process is excellently presented in each chapter, with a particular focus on five cardinal values associated with old age.
These cardinal values include honor and respect, outstanding wisdom, discipline, high valuesystem, accord, as well as proper care and kindness. The book emphasizes the importance of these values in old age and how they are passed on from generation to generation.
03: Conclusion:
As already established, Baba Arogbofa’s book,The Psychology of Growing Old: A Personal Experience for both Young and Old, is a valuable read that provides real-life experiences and serves as a guide to sustainable living and financial security. The book highlights the bright sides of old age and underscore the avoidable challenges of growing old. Though the advice comes so early in the book, Chapter 3 to be precise, it gives a sterling conclusion and golden advice on the subject matter, when he quotes the saying that “as one grows older the sky gets darker slowly’, and counsels that, “every wise person must prepare for this critical stage of life, so as to meet its challenges. As in the philosophy of the scouts, the wise must always be prepared, and the preparation must begin by the age of 40, so as not to belong to the fabled fool at forty who becomes a fool for life.”
And to truly enjoy old age, the author recommends the timeless ideal of devoting time to inspiring things in the environment, things that promote happiness and increase prosocial emotions (like generosity and kindness), accepting death as inevitable and developing the right attitude towards that stark reality (Chapter 11), worship God and love all that is good and noble.
Overall, the book, The Psychology of Growing Old: A Personal Experience for both Young and Old, is a great intellectual work brimming with wisdom. It is well researched, spiced with true life anecdotes, and written in elegant prose. The writing is as compelling as the message. The book recommends itself as a necessary companion for all men and women that desire happy old age regardless of the challenges; it is a precious resource for researchers on quality and purposeful living, geriatrics and gerontology.
The book is also an excellent gift to those of us in leadership positions as the issues espoused by the author comes with the cryptic message that the state must pay more to the welfare of the elderly. Though some states are doing excellently well in making ageing easy for the senior citizens, more states need to execute policies that improve the living conditions of the elderly in the areas of geriatric care, medications for the aged, transportation system that make commuting for the seniors enjoyable, as well as monthly allowances necessary to meet their most basic needs.
In my years of service in the temple of justice, I have been an advocate of better life for the vulnerable. And senior citizens, people who have given the best parts of their lives in dedicated service to Fatherland, have become not only vulnerable but are fast becoming endangered species of homo sapiens; suffering crippling deprivations, ill-health and poverty.
Therefore, time is NOW for us to show love to the seniors by executing policies and programmes that make old age not to look like a curse or plague. And on this note, let me use this opportunity to acknowledge the Government of Ondo State for their consideration and inclusion of the elderly and physically challenged persons, as at today, the state has taken care of 12337 elderly from the Social Registry across the 18 Local Governments in Ondo State, I will however and nevertheless further ask that much more should be done by our governments, corporate entities and spirited individuals.
I humbly and most respectfully urge all Your Excellencies here present to please, give a deep thought to this humble hint. Gbogbo wa ni a maa dagba, ti a si maa darugbo ni agbara Edumare. (We shall all grow old by the power of the Almighty).
In closing, and like I have said unequivocally, The Psychology of Growing Old: A Personal Experience for both Young and Old, by Baba, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, is a great literary work by all standards. (I think Baba deserves a loud ovation). However, since there is nothing perfect under the sun, even the best of men, I would encourage the editors to be a little bit more thorough in their editing to avoid the minor typographical and punctuation errors observed in a few instances. I offer this advice because I am convinced this gem of a book will be a best-seller and it would compel reprinting over and again.
The author’s use of deep Yoruba proverbs is excellent, especially with the accompanying transliterations. This should make readers from other cultural backgrounds comfortable and very much at home in absorbing and interpreting the message. A little improvement could be useful. For instance, it would have been more beneficial to include references to other regions and cultures to enhance understanding and inclusivity. Even, without this, the book is still worth timeless offering to all those who seek knowledge.
Nobody must leave this hall without grabbing copies for self, family and friends.
Dr. Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, OON, SAN
Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
A Review By Dr Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, OON, SAN
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Establishes Comprehensive Economic Coordination and Planning System for Nigeria
In a strategic move to bolster the nation's economic governance frameworks and ensure robust and coordinated economic planning and implementation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) and the creation of the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET).
The Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) comprises distinguished leaders and key government officials, including:
(1) President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria - Chairman of the PECC
(2) Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria - Vice-Chairman of the PECC / NEC Chairman
(3) President of the Nigerian Senate
(4) Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum
(5) Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance
(6) Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria
(7) Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
(8) Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
(9) Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
(10) Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
(11) Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
(12) Minister of Labour and Employment
(13) Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
(14) Minister of Power
(15) Minister of State, Petroleum Resources
(16) Minister of State, Gas
(17) Minister of Transportation
(18) Minister of Works
The PECC will also comprise key members of the organized private sector, with the following members joining for a period not exceeding one (1) year, subject to the President’s directive:
(1) Alhaji Aliko Dangote
(2) Mr. Tony Elumelu
(3) Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu
(4) Ms. Amina Maina
(5) Mr. Begun Ajayi-Kadir
(6) Mrs. Funke Okpeke
(7) Dr. Doyin Salami
(8) Mr. Patrick Okigbo
(9) Mr. Kola Adesina
(10) Mr. Segun Agbaje
(11) Mr. Chidi Ajaere
(12) Mr. Abdulkadir Aliu
(13) Mr. Rasheed Sarumi
Furthermore, in his determination to address immediate economic challenges and ensure the streamlined execution of economic strategies, President Bola Tinubu has established the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET) with a mandate to formulate and implement a consolidated emergency economic plan. The taskforce comprises key government officials and industry leaders in furtherance of the President’s collaborative approach toward achieving economic resilience and growth. The EET is now mandated to submit a comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024 to the PECC, covering the next six (6) months, for immediate implementation within two weeks of its inauguration. The EET will meet twice weekly and is composed of the following members:
(1) Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (Chairman of the EET)
(2) Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
(3) Minister of Power
(4) Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
(5) Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare
(6) Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
(7) Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria
(8) National Security Adviser
(9) Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum
(10) Governor of Anambra State
(11) Governor of Ogun State
(12) Governor of Niger State
(13) Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service
(14) Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation
(15) GCEO, NNPC Limited
(16) Director-General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group
(17) Special Adviser to the President on Energy
(18) Dr. Bismarck Rewane, Economist
(19) Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, Economist
The Economic Management Team, established in October 2023, and chaired by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, serves as the working group under the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), playing a crucial role in the economic governance structure established by the President. The EMT traditionally meets monthly or as required, but will now suspend its meetings for the duration of the EET’s mandate (six months). The EMT is composed of the following officials:
(1) Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (EMT Chairman)
(2) Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria
(3) Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
(4) Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
(5) Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
(6) Minister of Works
(7) Minister of Labour and Employment
(8) Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
(9) Minister of State, Petroleum Resources
(10) Minister of State, Gas
(11) Minister of Power
(12) Minister of Transportation
(13) Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
(14) Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
The Chairman of the EMT may, as needed, call on any Federal Minister or Head of Agency to brief the EMT on key programmes and developments affecting the economy.
The President's formation of the PECC, under his Chairmanship, alongside the creation of the EET, led by the Chairman of the EMT, and the EMT itself, is the manifestation of a unified strategy aimed at enhancing Nigeria's economic management architecture for verifiably improved performance. The formation of these teams will complement existing economic governance structures, including the National Economic Council (NEC), which is chaired by the Vice-President.
Over the next six months, the EET will focus on the rapid implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of critical initiatives, strengthening the Tinubu-led administration's collective approach to advancing Nigeria's economic objectives.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
[PRESS RELEASE] The Invasion of My Country Home in Kiagbodo, Delta State by The Nigerian Army on Saturday, 23rd March, 2024 – A Cause for Concern - E. K. Clark
At about 6pm on Saturday, 23rd March, 2024, I got a telephone call from someone who identified himself as the commanding officer Nigerian Army, Division in Port Harcourt. He said that a tracker of the Nigerian Army, had tracked one Mr. Vote, the community chairman of Okuoma Community, whom the Army was looking for in respect of the killings of the 17 men of the Nigerian Army, to a house in Ughelli; and that the military men had broken into the house, ransacked it, before they were informed that the house belongs to me, that he was very sorry and apologising to me on behalf of the Army.
In my usual way and as a leader who is expected to condone as much as possible, I accepted his apology whole heartedly, but told him that I do not own a house in Ughelli, that the house he is referring to, could be my father’s. I went on to sympathise with the Nigerian Army over the gruesome murder of the soldier, an action I had condemned severally the moment I heard of it in the news. I assured him that we will all work within our powers to avail the security agencies with any available information that would unravel the whole thing and bring the perpetrators to book. We ended the discussion on a cordial note.
It was not long after that, I was inundated with calls from my home, Kiagbodo, telling me how the army had invaded my country home by land and by air. That they came in about 5 trucks loaded with armed soldiers numbering between 30 and 40. They my house, used their legs to break open all the doors in the compound including the security door to my sitting room which was locked because I reside in Abuja. At the same time, flying their drone within the premises. Some of them went to the buildings behind the main house, and also broke all the doors that were locked. They matched out my staff living in those buildings, including lecturers at the university; made them to sit on bare ground. They also broke into my late brother, Ambassador Akporode Blessing Clark’s house; a man who served this country internationally in various capacities, including as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; as both of us share the same premises. They brought out his son almost naked, as the young man was taking a bath, when they stormed the house.
All their phones were seized. The people had to identify themselves, and told them whose house it was, before they asked for my telephone number, which they said they will pass to their “oga”’, before they all departed. One would have expected that at this juncture, a call could have been put to the Governor of Delta State, to inform him of what happened.
I immediately called back the commanding officer to tell him of the actions of his men. And he said he was aware, and that was why he called to apologise.
Before continuing, let me play the devil’s advocate by stating that the army may not know that the house they went to in Kiagbodo is my country home. But I feel very uncomfortable to conclude this recent incident with such theory, when I recall how men of the Tactical Squad of the Nigeria Police, attached to the Office of the Inspector General of Police, on 4th September, 2018, at about 12 noon, stormed my house in Abuja with in a bus load, fully armed. They came with a Search Warrant from a Magistrate Court in Abuja, bearing Mrs. Helen Clark, but with the address of my house on it, that they had come to search the house; that they had information that arms from the Niger Delta were being stock piled there. I identified myself, and told that there was no one named Helen Clark, living with me in the house. I spoke with the then Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations. But they insisted on carrying out their search. With a very clear conscience, I allowed them to go ahead with their mission. They took their time to search every space in the compound, including my bedroom, but found nothing incriminating. They wrote their report to that effect. I asked to be given a copy of the report, but the men who came for the search informed me that a copy can only be given to me if I went to their office. I detailed two persons to accompany them to their office, but they refused to give them the copy. I was told that I had to apply formally. I asked my lawyer to apply, which he did, till date, I do not have a copy of that report.
The incident attracted a lot of attention locally and internationally. Dignitaries from everywhere trooped to my house to visit/sympathise with me. Some of them were former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR; former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa then Governor of Delta State; Governor Seriake Dickson, then Governor of Bayelsa State; the then government of Akwa Ibom State sent a delegation of six Senators; Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere; Chief John Nnia Nwodo, then President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo; Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President General, Middlebelt Forum, and a host of others, including a journalist who called from France, asking about the incident.
On the evening of the Police search which was seen in some quarters as life threatening, tensions started brewing among the youths who had already started protesting in the streets, especially in the Niger Delta region. The then Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, dispatched a ‘high powered delegation’, of four top Police officers, led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, to come apologise to me, stating that the police officers who came to carry out the operation, were on an illegal assignment. I refused to bite that bait. There is no way the young officers would have gone to a Magistrate Court to procure a Search Warrant, to come search my house for arms. But I accepted the apology for the sake of peace, as the nation, especially the South-South region was already agitating. However, the condition I gave them was that the young officers who came to do a ‘job’ officially assigned to them, should not be touched.
Now, few days ago, on Saturday 23rd March, 2024, another set of state actors, this time the Army, invaded my country home, by land and air, breaking into my house that was securely locked.
This has gone beyond coincidence and is giving me a source of concern. By God’s grace I am one of the oldest men in this country today. On May 25, I will be 97 years, God keeping me alive. In about seven decades of my life, I have served this nation meritoriously in different capacities. I have served in the same cabinet with persons who later became Heads of State and Presidents, both as military and civilian.
On military side, I had become quite acquainted with many Military Officers. These include Admiral J. E. A. Wey, General David Ejoor, General Hassan Usman Katsina, General Gibson Jallo, Major-General Shehu Yar'Adua, while he was a Captain; General Abdulsalam Abubakar while he was a Captain; Colonel Mike Okwechime, Colonel Trimnel, Colonel Nzefili, Colonel Conrad Nwawo, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle; Major-General IBM Haruna, Major-General Ike Nwachukwu while he was a Captain, General Charles Ndiomu, also a Captain at the time; Brigadier-General Godwin Alabi-Isama; General I. B. Bisalla; Major-General Paul Tarfa; Major-General Emmanuel Abisoye, Major-General James Oluleye. I served with some of these persons in various cabinets, both at the State and Federal levels. As God would have it, many of them have passed on, those of us still alive, have continued to work assiduously to improve the socio-economic well-being of our country men.
I make this introduction to let the present-day state actors that most of them who are authorizing disrespectful and unlawful conducts against me today, were probably young men or may not even have been born, when I was interacting with officers who are their superiors by far.
In politics, I later also became a Distinguished Senator of the Second Republic of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I deserve to be respected, left to live in peace, safety and tranquility.
I have very high regard for the Nigerian Army. I used to attend most of its ceremonies at the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA). Three of my brothers retired as top military officers; Maj. Gen H. U. Clark, Col. Peter Clark and Col Bernard Clark. Two of them, unfortunately, have passed on, namely H. U. Clark and Bernard Clark. Incidentally, Bernard Clark was buried the same week the sad incidence of the gruesome murder of the 17 soldiers happened. My last discussion with Lt. Col. Ali, was in respect of according Bernard Clark the usual military ceremonial burial. Lt. Col. Ali told me he was going to call me back later in the day. Unfortunately, that call never came as he was amongst the soldiers gruesomely murdered.
I want to end this write up to all concerned with what I told President Muhammadu Buhari, when my security details were withdrawn that if I die today as a result of natural occurrence, it will be a joyful celebration. But if my death is linked to any dubious means by some overzealous state actors, no one can tell how far the fire will rage. This is not a threat. It is an acknowledgment of God’s mercies on me. Having said that, I want to appreciate the enormous responsibility on the shoulders of the Nigerian Army, who are burdened with so much internal security issues. And it is for that reason I want to use this medium to kindly appeal to all concerned to work assiduously to unravel what happened and bring the perpetrators to book. The earlier this matter is concluded the better, as it will also avail the affected communities which are almost locked down today, without adequate food and water, the chance of returning to normal life.
I also wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in combatting the ravaging security issues in the land, especially as it concerns the release of some of the abducted children in Kaduna State. I employ all of us to give him the necessary cooperation. This is the only country that we have.
Again, I call on the various state actors to let me live in peace, and treat me with the kind of respect that I deserve, having served this country, and still serving even at the age of 97 years, until when it will please the Almighty God to call me home.
Cross River to probe 38,000 workforce increase
The Cross River State Government is set to probe how the state workforce increased from about 18,000 to the present 56,358 in eight years.
The Head of Service, Dr. Innocent Eteng, revealed this at a news conference in Calabar, the state capital, on Tuesday.
Eteng said Governor Bassey Otu was worried and had expressed concern with the high cost of paying government employees’ salaries.
He said the huge number of government employees had created a significant financial burden for the present administration, thereby making it difficult to fund other priority projects.
He said in view of this, the state government had vowed to sanitise the payroll of the workforce, which he described as “currently bloated by several infractions”.
Giving a breakdown of the 56,358 workforce, the Head of Service revealed that the State Universal Basic Education Board has 14,328 staff, while the Primary Health Care Development Agency has 2,812.
He also said that the State Civil Service had 22,526 pensioners, among others
Eteng said: “The present administration has religiously kept its promise of prompt payment of salaries and has done up-to-date, except for a few civil servants whose names could not be reconciled on the nominal roll and payroll.
“However, there is an ongoing strategic clean-up of the state payroll, driven by the office of the HoS and the Accountant General, to rid the system of any ambiguities.
“As part of measures to address this, the governor has given a directive for the permanent secretaries to submit their nominal rolls for reconciliation.”
The Head of Service disclosed that so far, only nine of the 32 Ministries, Departments and Agencies had complied with the directive, adding that more than half of the workforce would not receive their salaries in March.
Eteng appealed for support and understanding of all in the effort to clean up the payroll.
He added: “If you go to schools, you will see that we need teachers in schools, but in the payroll, we have more than enough teachers.
“This is the situation we are addressing.”
He also said that anyone still owed salary may be due to irregularities in their record, and such person must endeavour to do the right thing by presenting his case before the office of the Head of Service.
It would be recalled that there were counter accusations among former Head of Service, Ogbang Akwaji; former Accountant General of the State, Joseph Adie; and former Auditor General, John Odey, over bloated wage bills.
Eteng said extensive verification was embarked upon as soon as he and the new Accountant General, Dr. Glory Effiong, assumed office.
He added: “In line with the state governor’s directive to nip the controversy in the bud and streamline the wage bill, my office issued a directive to the 31 MDAs to submit their nominal rolls for reconciliation.
“So far, only nine MDAs have complied and we have reconciled their names.
“Only workers in these nine MDAs who we can attest to will receive their salaries for the month of March.
“The remaining 22, which have refused to comply, will not be paid.
“The government has paid all salaries up till February.
“We have even paid all recognised 2,860 traditional rulers in the state for March as the government is very committed to salary payments.
“We have even begun to clear the backlog of gratuities.
“All pensioners have been paid for March.
I contemplated quitting acting because a blog damaged my self-esteem – Beverly Naya
Nigerian actress, Beverly Naya, has stated that she contemplated quitting her acting career because a blog damaged her self-esteem.
The 34-year-old decried that the post made by the blog almost made her give up her career.
According to her, the blog post “Nollywood, Can We Please Stop Making Beverly Naya Happen!”
She said, “It really got to me and it damaged my self-esteem and it made me doubt myself like I really don’t feel like I want to continue in this industry, I wanted to quit on several occasions.”
She added that since then she had won an international award and the blog no longer exists.
[Thisnigeria]
Eko DisCo Sacks Tinuade Sanda As Managing Director
Tinuade Sanda has been removed as the managing director of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).
Naija News reports that this action was confirmed through an official statement signed and made available to newsmen on Tuesday by the chairman of the DisCo, Dere Otubu.
The letter, dated March 21, 2024, and titled Implementation of NERC directive on seconded staff, was specifically directed to Sanda.
It outlined the directive from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) instructing EKEDC to ensure that the utility and subject directly employ all employees to the utility’s service conditions.
The letter further noted that the staff must be compensated through the utility’s payroll system. Otubu reiterated in the letter that EKEDC had no choice but to comply with this directive as mandated by NERC’s authority under the Electricity Act of 2023.
The letter stated: “In compliance with the above directive, all seconded staff of WPG Ltd are being released by EKEDC and returned to WPG Ltd.
“You are hereby relieved of your role, office, and position at EKEDC, effective immediately, and returned to your employer, WPG Ltd.”
Naija News understands that Sanda was further directed to hand over to the highest-ranking staff of EKEDC under her.
“We hereby record our appreciation of your valuable services and contribution to the growth and success achieved by EKEDC over the years as a seconded staff from WPG,” the statement added.
[NaijaNews]
FX rate for Customs’ import duties drops for the fifth consecutive time in two weeks
The exchange rate used for calculating customs import duties and cargo clearance has decreased for the fifth time in under two weeks, moving from N1,612 per dollar on March 15th to N1,405.46 per dollar currently.
Previously, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) had declared that the exchange rate for duty collection and cargo clearance would be determined by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), based on the official market rate.
A breakdown of the decline in the past few days
- 15th March 2024- N1,612/$
- 16th March 2024- N1,593/$
- 19th March 2024- N1,572/$
- 23rd March 2024- N1,448/$
- 27th March 2024- N1,405/$
Recent observations indicate a steady depreciation in value, evidencing the naira’s strengthening against other currencies in both the parallel and official foreign exchange markets. Over the last two weeks, there has been a notable improvement in the naira’s value, climbing from N1,615 per dollar on March 13th to N1,382 per dollar by March 26th.
Recent reforms by the CBN
The Nigerian Naira (NGN) has seen improvements recently, which are largely due to the strategic measures and reforms implemented by the central bank aimed at curbing inflation and stabilizing the foreign exchange (FX) market.
Last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed its success in settling an over $4 billion backlog in foreign exchange forwards, benefiting businesses both within and internationally.
Additionally, it has imposed restrictions on International Oil Companies (IOCs), allowing them to only transfer 50% of their foreign exchange earnings immediately and requiring a 90-day wait to transfer the remaining 50%.
Further, the central bank has prevented commercial banks from allocating foreign exchange sales profits towards operational costs and dividend payments. Recently, it began selling dollars to Bureau de Change operators at a rate of N1,251 per dollar.
At its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the CBN declared an interest rate increase from 22.75% to 24.75%, marking a 200-basis point rise. Mr. Yemi Cardoso, the committee’s chairman, explained that this adjustment aims to control inflation, currently at 31.7%, and to manage the foreign exchange market effectively.
[Nairametrics]