In a world where representation matters, two Nigerians, Kemi Badenoch and Ademola Lookman, stand as symbols of success on different stages. However, the paths they have carved out offer distinct lessons about identity, ambition, and the diverse definitions of what it means to represent Nigeria.

To explanatorily put the forgoing in its contextual perspective, it is not a misnomer to recall that Kemi Badenoch, a British Conservative politician, who currently serves as the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade was born in Wimbledon, London, to Nigerian parents and raised partially in Lagos, has risen to prominence in a system where diversity in leadership has historically been limited.

Badenoch has consistently emphasized her Nigerian roots, recounting childhood experiences in Lagos and her journey through British society. However, her alignment with conservative policies, especially on issues like immigration and race relations, has often sparked debates. While some criticize her for what they perceive as a detachment from the struggles of immigrants and minorities, others celebrate her as a trailblazer breaking barriers in the highest echelons of British politics.

Her trajectory underscores the power of adaptability and the importance of navigating complex systems with strategic finesse. Badenoch’s story inspires Nigerians to see the global stage as an arena where their voices can influence policies and narratives.

Yet, this success comes with complexities. Her critics in Nigeria often question whether her policies align with the hopes and aspirations of her ancestral homeland. While she has occasionally acknowledged her Nigerian heritage, her focus remains firmly on the British electorate, a necessary priority in her role as a UK government official. Her career trajectory highlights the delicate balance many diaspora Nigerians must strike between representing their roots and thriving in adopted nations.

In contrast, Ademola Lookman represents a different brand of Nigerian excellence. Born and raised in England, the talented footballer embraced his Nigerian heritage by switching allegiance from England to Nigeria in international football. This decision was not just a personal choice; it was a statement of pride and connection to his ancestral home.

Lookman’s exploits on the pitch, including his impressive performances for Atalanta in Serie A and the Nigerian Super Eagles, have endeared him to fans across the globe. His commitment to representing Nigeria highlights a sense of loyalty that transcends national borders. Lookman’s Nigerian roots are not just a backdrop to his career, they are central to his identity and the choices he has made as an athlete.

A defining moment that showcased Lookman’s pride in his Nigerian heritage was his acceptance speech at the 2024 CAF Awards, where he was named African Player of the Year. In his heartfelt speech, Lookman spoke in Yoruba language, as he thanked his fans, teammates, and the Nigerian Football Federation. This moment resonated deeply with Nigerians, who saw in Lookman’s words a reflection of their collective pride and resilience.

His ability to exert his “Nigerianese” on such a global stage is a testament to his understanding of what it means to be Nigerian in today’s interconnected world. Unlike many diaspora athletes who often shy away from overt displays of their heritage, Lookman embraced it fully, cementing his place as a cultural and sporting ambassador for Nigeria.

While Badenoch’s journey reflects a narrative of breaking ceilings in global politics, Lookman’s story is one of embracing grassroots connections. Badenoch works within the framework of British society, often prioritizing her adopted nation’s interests over her Nigerian heritage. In contrast, Lookman’s decision to play for Nigeria is a deliberate act of embracing his roots and contributing to the nation’s identity on the global stage.

The differences between Badenoch and Lookman’s approaches to their Nigerian heritage are striking. Badenoch’s Nigerian roots often appear as a footnote in her political narrative, while Lookman places his heritage front and center. Badenoch’s success demonstrates how Nigerians can thrive in international systems by assimilating and excelling within established structures. On the other hand, Lookman’s career highlights the power of cultural pride and the importance of connecting with one’s origins, even in the face of global challenges.

Both Badenoch and Lookman teach important lessons. Badenoch reminds us that Nigerians can compete and excel in any sphere, even at the highest levels of global governance. Her story is one of courage and resilience in a demanding political landscape. On the other hand, Lookman’s choice teaches the value of loyalty and the importance of reconnecting with one’s heritage, even when it might not guarantee personal glory or convenience.

Their stories also reveal the different ways Nigerians can contribute to national and global narratives. Badenoch’s influence lies in shaping policies that, while primarily benefiting Britain, still position Nigerians as capable leaders in global arenas. Lookman’s impact, meanwhile, is felt more directly by Nigerians who see him as a source of national pride and a representative of their collective aspirations.

The dichotomy between Kemi Badenoch and Ademola Lookman’s experiences also highlights the broader question of how the Nigerian diaspora can best represent their heritage. Should success be measured by one’s ability to influence global systems, as Badenoch does, or by one’s commitment to directly uplifting and connecting with their roots, as Lookman exemplifies? Perhaps the answer lies in a combination of both approaches, leveraging global platforms to create meaningful change while staying deeply connected to one’s heritage.

Like Kemi Badenoch, Nigerians can dare to dream big, stepping into global arenas with confidence and purpose. Unlike Ademola Lookman, some might choose to prioritize external influence over local connection. Yet, both paths hold valuable lessons for Nigerians navigating their roles in an increasingly interconnected world.

Ultimately, whether in politics or sports, these individuals showcase the extraordinary potential of Nigerians to excel, inspire, and make a difference, both at home and abroad. As Badenoch shapes policies that affect millions and Lookman continues to thrill fans with his prowess on the pitch, they remind us that there is no single path to success. What matters most is staying true to one’s values, embracing one’s identity, and making a lasting impact, wherever one’s journey leads.

There is confusion at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) as embattled chairman, Danladi Umar and the newly appointed chairman, Mainasara Kogo, are laying claim to its chairmanship.

Inquiries by Daily Trust indicate that both persons have officially visited and held discussions with staff of the tribunal without any clear directive on who is in charge.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on July 13 appointed Kogo as the new chairman of CCT the same day he announced Omolola Oloworaran as the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

Although the staff complained about the lull in the work of the tribunal since the controversy over Umar’s removal began, it was observed that corruption cases involving public servants are still being taken with several charges listed on the course list either for trial or arraignment.

 We are confused – Staff

However, senior staff of the tribunal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Daily Trust that they are confused about who to work with as both men have spoken with them and they are only civil servants who obey instructions.

“We are civil servants and we believe we can work with anyone that comes,” a staff said.

“We have not seen any letter to the effect of these changes. We believe there is a procedure for the removal and appointment of a new chairman of the CCT.

“We know that the president and the two arms of government have made pronouncements but we don’t know if invisible hands are working on these but we know there is a process,” he added.

One of the officials said the process is for the appointee to go through the screening by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), who recommends to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and then to the President, who approves and forwards to the Senate for confirmation.

The senior official said there has been a pile of unattended files arising from a lack of clarity on the chairmanship of the tribunal.

“He came today and left and the entire judiciary is now on holiday so we have taken the liberty to adjourn all the outstanding cases to January,” the witness said.

However, a former staff of the tribunal, who pleaded anonymity, criticised Umar for visiting the office after what he said his valid removal.

“Why is he still coming to work seeking to sign some documents and approve payments to contractors?”

He said Umar’s visits were illegal as he was no longer the chairman of the commission.

Umar’s removal endorsed by Senate, Reps

After the presidential announcement removing Umar, both the Senate and the House of Representatives in separate plenaries on November 20 and 26, also endorsed his removal as CCT chairman on allegations of misconduct and corruption.

Both resolutions were hinged on Section 17 (3) Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 22 (3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act 2004 for the decision.

The section provides that “A person holding the office of chairman or member of the code of conduct tribunal shall not be removed from his office or appointment by the president except upon an address supported by 2/3rd majority of each house of the national assembly praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office in question (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body) or for misconduct or for contravention of this code.”

The legal dispute over Umar’s tenure is being tested in a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja by the Community Rescue Initiative, Toro Concerned Citizens and Relief Foundation, who are contending that by the provisions of sections 1(1) and (3), 6(6), 153 (1) (e) & (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as well as Paragraph (3)(a) (vii) and (b) of the Third—Schedule thereof, the purported concurrence of both Senate and the House of Representatives was null, void, unconstitutional and of no effect whatsoever.

Umar has not been validly removed – Lawyers

Lawyers have picked holes in the process that has created the situation in the CCT with both Umar and Kogo claiming leadership of the tribunal.

Reacting, Sunusi Musa (SAN) said the president did not announce Umar’s removal as provided by the constitution, which states that he can only do so after a resolution of two-thirds of the two houses of the National Assembly.

He explained that at the same time, there have been no further announcements about Kogo’s appointment by the NJC after Umar’s purported removal.

“Where is he getting the powers to visit the tribunal if he has not been appointed by the NJC and has not been inaugurated as the chairman of the tribunal?,” he asked.

Similarly, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) said if the newly announced chairman has not been issued any letter, which ought to be an instrument of appointment, his appointment is not binding.

He said a letter of appointment would imply that removal has been done which the person affected could then challenge “Not by taking the laws into his hands but through the judicial process.”

In his submission, Haroun Eze, Esq said there are some irregularities in the purported removal of the CCT chairman, Umar.

“The removal did not accord with the procedure for the removal of the CCT chairman and that is why the National Assembly provided that aspect by their resolutions for the removal,” he said.

“Even the resolution, to what extent does it conform to the provision of the Code of Conduct Tribunal Act, particularly Section 22?”

He said the Attorney General of the Federation ought to have commenced an action to establish a case of misconduct against the CCT chairman, which would have given the National Assembly the leeway to pass the resolution they did.

[DailyTrust]

Kemi Badenoch, Britain’s Leader of  Conservative Party and the leader of Opposition, while recently reflecting on her challenges of growing up in Lagos in the eighties had  described Nigeria  as a country  plagued by “fear, insecurity, and corruption”, a comment VP Kashim Shettima, groomed in an environment where leaders play the ostrich, found offensive. He therefore choose the event highlighting the contributions of Nigerian immigrants to national development in Abuja last week not only to acknowledge the Nigerian government’s pride in Badenoch’s achievements, but also to remind her of her right to remove the Kemi from her name instead of denigrating Nigeria.

Kemi Badenoch has since come under severe attack from all manners of self-proclaiming patriots and self-serving media platforms. But sure-footed Badenoch is not going to be intimidated by those who have chosen to play the ostrich instead of addressing the problems bedevilling Nigeria. She is therefore standing by her words.

“I tell the truth. I tell it like it is. I am not going to couch my words”, she added

Badenoch’s greatest advantage is that for her political socialization, she went through parents who as medical doctors bothered only about their patients without losing sleep over the larger society and her challenges. That she is believed to be on the right-wing of the Conservative Party should therefore not surprise anyone. That she was at 16 exposed to British “political culture whose components are “values, beliefs and emotional attitudes about how government ought to be conducted” (Samuel Beer) prepared her for her choice of politics as a career at 25.

Those  accusing her of singing one creed when she needed Nigerian voters at constituency level and another now that she has an ambition beyond leadership of her Conservative Party, should understand Badenoch is a political genius who knows how to make a choice that will not lead to future regret when faced with environmental limitations. She must be given credit for knowing how to exploit both her psychological and operational environments to her own advantage (Sprout and Sprout Journal of Conflict resolution1 (1957). The truth is that Kemi Badenoch did not achieve what many see as a miracle by accident. She came fully prepared.

British political culture coupled with her “very tough upbringing as a middle class living in a house in Lagos with no running water or electricity,” accounts for her strong character and readiness to fight her own battles.

As a Shadow Secretary for Housing Communities and Local Government, she publicly criticised Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman.  It was also claimed she had a confrontation with Canada over Canadian demands to lift the ban on hormone treated beef being sold to UK consumers.  In July 2024, The Guardian reported at least three officials working under Badenoch felt “pushed out” by “bullying and traumatising” behaviour, claims Badenoch denied and described as smears from former staff.

She has made her choice between Nigeria and Britain. “Our country” she once declared, “is not a dormitory for people to come here and make money. It is our home. Those we chose to welcome, we expect to share our values and contribute to our society. British citizenship is more than having a British passport but also a commitment to the UK and its people.” Sunday Telegraph- September 2024

Accusing Badenoch of unpatriotic behaviour therefore as some media platforms that falsely swear in the name of patriotism have tried to do long after declaring her loyalty to another country is to stand logic on its head. But we do understand “patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrels’ as argued by Samuel Johnson back in 1775. Nothing can be more paradoxical than the fact that those today swearing in the name patriotism yesterday served as promoters of Dele Farotimi, who as a leading light of the ‘Obidients’, a euphemism for an unquestioning group, went to US where he recklessly declared before an audience albeit without proof that “as I stand before you, a convicted drug baron is about to be sworn as president of my country”.

Noisy but empty activists and their promoters perhaps need a lesson in patriotism by America that recently elected a man who on account of over 36 convictions including corruption, women abuse, tax evasion, insurrection etc can be best described as a crook.

But back to Badenoch’s thesis. Was Nigeria under a siege between 1983 and 1999? The answer is yes to Lagosians except those below 35 years of age who were misled by their sponsors and some media platforms to visit violence on government and private properties in Lagos

Between 1984 and 1999, neither Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Gbolahan Mudashiru Marwa nor Olagunsoye Oyinlola had answer to insecurity in Lagos. Lagos in the words of Badenoch “was a place where almost everything seemed broken”; “there was no freedom either, the government deciding which school your child would go to, deciding what businesses could or could not operate all the way to arrests with no trial, state-sanctioned murder”.

She was right about “destructive government policies” including Babangida’s commercialization policies through which most of our public enterprises were sold at next to nothing to military fronts and Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) which opened our market to importation of manufactured goods which sounded the death knell of our budding industries, the collapse of our naira which marked the beginning of ‘japa’ syndrome of our educated youths.

Badenoch’s only error was describing the confusion as socialism. If anyone was practicing socialism at all, it is Britain that has in response to Karl Max prediction that capitalism carries within it enough contradiction to lead to its implosion, introduced welfare policies for the most vulnerable of their citizens.

But we have Badenoch to thank for bringing the past to pain because our youths who were denied the opportunity to study history do not understand where the rain started to beat us. Like it is in the north, where the almajiris are mere disposable instruments of political bargaining, Lagos’ urban immigrants are canon fodders in the war against their Lagos host that give them succour.

While it is true that many of the Lagos State developmental projects from rail line to General Hospital in all LGAs were the brainchild of Jakande, contrary to claims by revisionists posing as journalists, change of fortune for Lagos did not come until after 1999 when Bola Tinubu started clearing refuse dumps that enveloped Lagos, earning the city the description of ‘the dirtiest city in the world’.

There was also general insecurity as Badenoch had pointed out. Lagos residents were routinely attacked in broad day light on Oshodi bridge, and Ketu bridge while Mile Two and Okokomaiko were no-go areas after 7pm. It was Bola Tinubu who found answer to insecurity challenges that defied Marwa’s heroic efforts and rehabilitation of collapsed Lagos roads Oyinlola could not find bitumen to mend.

Let me share my own personal experience with you dear readers. I live in an estate not too far from Lagos State Secretariat.  It is not unusual to see through your window as many as 15 AK-47 wielding robbers some nights. There was in fact particular house down the street said to belong to Senator Chuba Okadigbo’s friend that was under periodic attack. The poor man, with a small stature had to be kept inside a water tank by his wife the last time they came.

And when they came for me, I was left with nothing except the boxer I was wearing and my lacerated palms I was using to wade off machete attack aimed at my head while my wife and I were on our knees. A neighbour we fondly call Emir in the estate came to give me something to wear the following morning. The massive alarm machine Marwa encouraged us to procure from Lagos State and mounted on our building was useless when the marauders came calling

I was tempted to flee like many of my neighbours. But I was held back by the pains of going to procure cement directly from West African Portland Cement, going to buy sand in Alapere, going to Nigerite to negotiate rebate for roofing sheets with Yemisi Shyllon and following Engineer Bella to Ijebu Ode to buy planks.

My family weathered the storm but my children who often woke up at the slightest sound in the night, like Badenoch, bore the scars.

Tinubu brought sanity back to Lagos in 1999.  For us in my estate, all he did was taking government off our back by creating LDAs for us. I think we got two armed police men. Residents taxed themselves by contributing money to procure transformers and to tar some of the inner roads. Heaven as they say helps those who help themselves. Today our estate is one of the most peaceful in Lagos.

Except anti-Tinubu and anti-Lagos sponsored EndSARS vandals and the Obidient children of hate and anger, those of us who live here since the eighties long before most of them were born or came as fortune seekers, are aware that the foundation of today’s peaceful and prosperous Lagos with network of roads, fly-overs, General Hospitals in all Local Government Areas, the Atlantic City, the blue and red rail lines were laid between 1999 and 2007. These are facts revisionist posing as journalists cannot change.

• FEC approves N47.96tr estimated expenditure
• President takes Bill to lawmakers tomorrow

The proposed Federal Government expenditure for 2025 will balance revenue, expenditure and borrowing, Coordinating Minister of the Economy Olawale Edun assured yesterday.

“Like governments around the world, we are concerned about achieving fiscal sustainability. It is about creating a balance between revenue, expenditure, and borrowing to foster an economy that can grow sustainably,” he said.

Edun spoke to State House reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the N47.96tr projected expenditure for next year.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the meeting.

According to Edun, the estimates target a revenue of N24.82 trillion, leaving a deficit of N13 trillion.

The minister said the deficit will be financed through borrowing.

According to him, the N47.96tr projected expenditure represents a 36.8 per cent increase from this year’s budget.

He added that the N13.14 trillion deficit is equivalent to 3.89 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Edun stated that the 2025 budget reflects the administration’s progress over the past 18 months, focusing on fiscal sustainability and economic growth.

He emphasized the importance of balancing revenue, expenditure, and borrowing to create a conducive environment for economic expansion.

The minister highlighted the role of private-sector investment in driving growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty, noting that private-sector-led economies, such as Nigeria’s, rely on investors to fund projects that enhance productivity and economic expansion.

“Investors play a critical role in boosting productivity, creating jobs, and bringing people out of poverty. Our reforms are aimed at creating an environment where private sector investment can thrive,” Edun explained.

He cited recent reforms under President Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of petroleum subsidy, market-driven foreign exchange policies, and electricity tariff adjustments, as key factors driving economic improvement.

Edun also pointed to growing investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, referencing announcements by Shell and Total of multi-billion-dollar investments in the country.

“These investments signal renewed confidence in our economy and are testament to the government’s ongoing reform agenda,” he noted.

The minister underscored that the 2025 budget prioritises essential government spending while fostering private-sector-led investments.

He also highlighted a significant milestone in the energy sector, with Nigeria resuming domestic refining of petroleum products for the first time in 25 years.

“For the first time in about 25 years, we are refining petrol domestically, not just for fuel, but also as raw materials for industries like pharmaceuticals, construction, and textiles,” he added.

The proposed 2025 budget, according to Edun, is designed to ensure critical government spending while paving the way for robust private-sector participation to drive long-term economic growth.

What estimates intend to achieve

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu said FEC debated the proposals as presented by Director-General of Budget Office Tanimu Yakubu, which accommodates the adjustments directed by the President.

Bagudu, a former governor of Kabbi State and one-time senator, said: “Today, the Federal Executive Council approved the budget proposals for 2025 with amendments which Mr president directed, following a presentation to the Federal Executive Council, led by the Director General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu.

“The 2025 framework is based on oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day and exchange rate of one 1400 naira (to the dollar).

“All these are already included in the medium term expenditure framework which we have presented here, which have also been approved by the National Assembly.”

He explained that the 2025 fiscal plan aims to reinforce macroeconomic stability and foster growth across various sectors, including security gains and building on efforts to improve national stability.

The budget also hopes to enhance critical infrastructure to boost productivity, invest in education, health, and skill-building initiatives.

Similarly, it hopes to expand industrial activity to create jobs and diversify the economy; strengthen the National Agricultural Development Fund to support food security, and advance the gas and compressed natural gas (CNG) initiatives to reduce reliance on petrol.

Another area it focuses on is promoting affordable housing schemes to address the housing deficit.

Bagudu highlighted that these initiatives are designed to expand economic activity, create consumer credit opportunities, and ensure inclusive growth.

Following a presentation by the Director of the Budget Office, President Tinubu directed amendments to the proposal, incorporating comments from FEC members.

These adjustments aim to ensure fiscal prudence and alignment with national priorities, Bagudu stated.

Reflecting on the administration’s economic performance in 2024, Bagudu pointed to successes in reducing the deficit and achieving significant milestones in infrastructure, security, and economic stability.

“The 2025 budget builds on these gains to ensure sustained growth and development,” he stated.

According to the minister, the approved budget proposal will be presented to the National Assembly for legislative approval in the next 48 hours, following consultations with the lawmakers.

However, the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly by President Tinubu might not hold tomorrow (today).

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said discussions were ongoing that might lead to the postponement of the budget presentation to Wednesday.

The minister, who noted that the discussions were yet to be concluded, said the possibility is there that the budget will be presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday instead of the Tuesday earlier announced by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

Akpabio, during plenary last week, announced that President Tinubu would present the 2025 budget on Tuesday.

[TheNation]

The Federal Government on Monday approved the 2025 budget proposal.

This follows the Senate’s endorsement of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework 2025 – 2027 on November 22.

President Bola Tinubu will present the proposed N47.96tn budget to the joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday. The exercise, earlier slated for Tuesday (today), was postponed to allow the executive arm to make final adjustments to the budget.

A top management official of the National Assembly confirmed the postponement on Monday, which was further corroborated by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Sabi Abdullahi.

Speaking to Senate Press Corps journalists on Monday, Abdullahi said, “The budget presentation has been postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday. The executive just needs to make one or two adjustments to the budget.”

Previously, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had announced during a plenary session that the President would present the budget on Tuesday at the House of Representatives chamber.

Akpabio added that plenary would begin at 10:30am to allow senators convene in the Red Chamber before proceeding in a procession to the House chamber for the presentation.

The forthcoming budget presentation is expected to align with the fiscal strategies outlined in these documents.

The revised schedule underscores the importance of ensuring all necessary refinements are made to the budget before it is formally presented to the legislature.

The budget size remains N47.96tn as the MTEF proposed, with new borrowings of N9.22tn, the Minister of the Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, told journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

The council approved the MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper on November 14, 2024. The MTEF, a critical tool the FG uses to outline its fiscal strategy over three years, establishes macroeconomic assumptions and targets that guide national budgeting. It also includes projections of key economic variables such as oil prices, exchange rates, inflation and growth rates.

For the 2025-2027 period, the MTEF sets out parameters, including an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, an oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day, an exchange rate of N1,400 to the US dollar, and a GDP growth rate of 4.6 per cent. Its projected aggregate expenditure for 2025 is N47.96tn, with planned borrowing of N13.8tn, equating to 3.87 per cent of GDP.

On Monday, Bagudu announced, “Today, the Federal Executive Council approved the budget proposals 2025 with amendments which Mr President directed following a presentation to the Federal Executive Council led by the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu.

“The 2025 framework is based on an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel. Oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day; exchange rate of N1,400 (to the dollar). All these are already included in the medium-term expenditure framework we have presented here, which has also been approved by the National Assembly.

“So, the total projected revenue for 2025 stands at N34.82tn, out of which the expenditure is projected at N47.96tn, an increase of 36.8 per cent from the 2024 estimate. The deficit for 2025 is projected at N13.13tn, representing 3.89 per cent of GDP.”

He explained that comments were taken from council members and the President directed “some consequential adjustments while approving the figures.”

The disclosure comes after weeks of delay, even as President Bola Tinubu is yet to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly. The President presented the 2024 budget on December 1, 2023.

Although Tinubu had, last week, informed the National Assembly of his intent to present the 2025 budget proposal on Tuesday, the council hinted at plans to shift the presentation to Wednesday, December 18.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told State House Correspondents that the National Assembly and the Executive are currently engaged in discussions and may postpone the budget presentation.

“The Executive and the National Assembly are currently engaged in discussions which may culminate in the shifting of the budget presentation to the federal lawmakers to Wednesday,” he said.

While Bagudu earlier argued that the FG would maintain the January-December budget implementation cycle, he later explained that the late signing of the budget would not disrupt the cycle.

He said the process would be seamless given that the Senate has approved the MTEF, which clarifies the budget size and its underlying assumptions.

He further noted that during the presentation of the 2024 budget, the President urged the National Assembly to carry out their oversight responsibilities diligently and scrutinise all executive proposals. In his 2024 budget speech, the President also directed ministries, departments, agencies, and particularly ministers to respect the role of the National Assembly.

The former Kebbi State Governor said this dynamic has helped bridge gaps between the executive and legislative branches as continuous engagement builds confidence and ensures transparency in the budget’s implementation.

“That, I believe, has helped improve confidence between the executive and the legislature to the extent that Mister President is determined to present the budget within 48 hours.

“It may be tough, but given all those confidence-building measures, we can’t pre-judge the National Assembly. But we believe that the National Assembly will expeditiously consider, given the track record, confidence and appreciation of the relationship with the executive, particularly with Mr President.

“However, I need to say here that our constitution has always anticipated that even if a budget is not passed by December 31, the executive can continue to incur expenditure, operate and spend money. It’s one of the ingenuities of Nigeria’s Constitution. So, while we hope that the budget will be signed, spending will be impaired because the Constitution anticipates that it could be the case that the budget may not be passed before the end of the year,” Bagudu explained.

He insisted that the country can meet and surpass the 2.06 million barrels-per-day crude oil production target in the MTEF.

“Is it achievable? I think that’s very achievable because we have done it before. Our national planning considerations were that by this time, we should have more than 3 million (barrels per day). And if you recall, NNPC has reported significant findings even outside the traditional areas of production, such as Kolmani and Nasarawa state, among others.

“So this is not too ambitious, but Mr President accepted it and is going to hold people accountable for these numbers,” Bagudu clarified.

On the 2024 budget performance, he said, “The 2024 budget has a revenue estimate of N25.8tn as of September 30, 2024 revenue inflows amount to N14.55tn, 75 per cent of the pro-rated amount. I’m sure it’s higher now because, given that this is as of September 30, driven by a robust performance in the non-oil revenue stream and the courageous deregulation of the petroleum sector, so the nation is no longer bleeding.

“On the expenditure side, the 2024 budget forecasted an expenditure of N21tn, with N8.9tn allotted to debt service, N4.2tn on personnel and N5.86tn was released for capital expenditure, of which MDAs utilised 51 per cent for projects.”

Bagudu said budget performance on debt service is 100 per cent.

“We are not defaulting. Part of what Mr President, led by the coordinating minister of the economy, convinced the investing public and the creditors that we would never default on our obligations, including the challenging non-recourse to Ways and Means beyond the legal limits.

“Equally, the performance on personnel and pension is about 100 per cent and the capital performance is about 51 per cent,” the minister said.

[Punch]

A new dawn may be in the horizon for Nigeria-South Africa relations. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during her closing remarks at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Cape Town, South Africa, requested for South Africa’s support for Nigeria’s bid to attain full membership in the G20 – the grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, BRICS, and the New Development Bank – a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS states. Nigeria is also seeking South Africa’s support for leadership roles in thematic discussions of interest under South Africa’s G20 presidency, which officially began on December 1, 2024. 

The G20 or Group of 20, founded in 1999, is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 sovereign countries, the European Union, EU, and the African Union, which works to address major issues related to the global economy. The sovereign states of the G20 alone (excluding the EU and AU) account for around 85 per cent of gross world product, GWP, 75 per cent of international trade, 56 per cent of the global population, and 60 per cent of the world’s land area. When the EU and the AU are included, the G20 comprises 78.9 per cent of global population and 83.9 per cent of global CO2 emissions from fossil energy.

BRICS, formerly called BRIC, until South Africa was included in the group in 2010, is an intergovernmental organisation currently made up of nine countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. It is now more popularly known as BRICS+ after the admission of new members during its 15th summit in August 2023.  BRICS institutions are considered an alternative to institutions such as those led by nations of the G7 bloc. Combined, the BRICS members encompass about 30 per cent of the world’s land surface and 45 per cent of the world’s population. All the five members (before the August 2023 expansion), are members of the G20, with a combined nominal GDP of US$28 trillion (about 27per cent of the gross world product), a total GDP (PPP) of around US$65 trillion (35per cent of global GDP PPP), and an estimated US$5.2 trillion in combined foreign reserves. 

As the only African member of both the G20, and the BRICS (until the August 2023 expansion which brought in Ethiopia and Egypt), membership in these groups give South Africa tremendous visibility at the tables where some of the most important global economic decisions are taken. South Africa also successfully hosted the World CUP in 2010 and equally successfully hosted the 15 BRICS summit in August 2023.  In the same 2023, South Africa led a high-powered African delegation that included Egypt, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Zambia, and Uganda and met both Presidents Zelensky of Ukraine and Putin of Russia with a 10-point proposal to end the Russo-Ukraine war.

Though the delegation received lukewarm reception from both the Ukrainian and Russian Presidents, it was probably the first time that Africans had the confidence to try to broker peace for warring European nations.  The effort alone was an indication that South Africa is becoming a major player not just in economic affairs (as indicated by its membership of both the G-20 and BRICS) but also in the political arena.

Perhaps because of the above, there has been a sort of Cold War between Nigeria and South Africa since the end of Apartheid in South Africa in 1994. Elsewhere I called the attitude of some Nigerians to South Africa’s economic and political successes as ‘South African envy’.  Such Nigerians wrongly see South Africa as usurping the roles that should belong to their country. This sense of entitlement comes to the fore very often when Nigerian leaders speak. Nigerian leaders also never fail to remind anyone who cares to listen of the country’s contributions towards the end of the Apartheid regime in South Africa, forgetting that in international relations, the respect a country commands is not dependent on its past benevolence but on the current leverages it brings to the table.  

Besides a certain entitlement for its contributions in the fight against Apartheid in South Africa, Nigerians often boast of their population and mineral resources. For instance, in responding to the disparaging remarks against Nigeria by Kemi Badenoch, the leader of Britain’s Conservative party, whose parents are Nigerians, Vice President Shettima boasted that “the greatest Black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.”.  He further boasted:  “One out of every three, four Black men is a Nigerian and by 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States, and will be the third most populous nation on earth.” 

Unfortunately many Nigerians – like VP Shettima – seem to wrongly believe that having a big population, on its own, is necessarily evidence of global power. It is not. What, if one may ask, was the population of Britain at the time when it had the British empire from 1583 – 1997? The British Empire governed over 458 million people which was about 20 per cent of the world’s population and controlled 33,670 square kilometres which covered over 25 per cent of the Earth’s land area.

Remarkably the UK’s population at that time was a mere 43 million people. Have we ever heard China, with a population of 1.411 billion people (as of 2023) or India with a population of 1.429 (as of 2023), boasting of its population? It is the same  sense of entitlement when we boast of our natural resources, essentially our oil and gas resources, forgetting that these, on their own, cannot make any country great and therefore cannot be a valid metric for our sense of entitlement. In any case almost every other African country is now also an oil-producing country. 

In essence, when Nigeria requested for South Africa’s assistance for its bid to attain full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS’ New Development Bank, and for it to be given leadership roles in thematic discussions of interest under South Africa’s G20 presidency, it is literally coming down from its high horse. By implicitly accepting South Africa’s leadership role in the continent, it makes it easier for collaboration between the two countries. And there is nothing to be ashamed of about it. America was a British colony and fought a bitter war of independence from Britain from April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783. Today, Britain and the US are very close allies, with Britain accepting American leadership in recognition of the current realities and global configuration of power. If Britain had clung to the fact that America was once its colony and therefore deserved to be respected as the leader, that collaboration and alliance wouldn’t have been possible.

Perhaps the new tacit acceptance of South African leadership by Nigeria paved the way for the remarkably conciliatory speech by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, on the occasion of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission on December 3 2024. In his speech, he signalled a willingness to work with Nigeria as partners and even acknowledged the role Nigeria played during the country’s struggle against Apartheid.

“We are two countries united in purpose and vision. We will remain forever grateful to Nigeria for its leading role in the international campaign to end apartheid in South Africa,” he said, and declared that he looked forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa, while announcing a simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. Under the simplified visa process, qualified Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa. Additionally, tourists from Nigeria will be able to apply for a visa without submitting a passport. 

South Africa will also benefit from an improved cooperation with Nigeria. There are over 100 South African businesses in Nigeria, with the leading ones being MTN Group, Shoprite, Multichoice, Standard Bank, Remgro, Pick ‘n Pay Holdings, Clover Industries and Naspers. In contrast there are less than ten registered Nigerian companies in South Africa – not counting churches. Six Nigerian companies invested at least $142m in South Africa between 2008 and 2020, with the Dangote Group and GZI accounting for the lion’s share of the investment. In 2021, Nigeria’s Access Bank acquired South Africa’s Grobank for $60m. 

The Nigerian fintech company, Paystack, and airline, Air Peace, also have imprints in the South African business environment. Several Nigerian businesses have, however, experienced little success in South Africa. Companies in this category include Thisday Group, Arik Air, and Bellview Airlines. Similarly, a raft of South African businesses has in recent years exited Nigeria – from popular supermarket chain, Shoprite Holdings, to the less-known Nampak, Africa’s biggest packaging company. A closer relationship will help the two countries to work around these challenges, including communal level issues affecting Nigerians living in South Africa which has led to episodic attacks in the country against African migrants. 

The bilateral trade between Nigeria and South Africa has also been growing and reached $1.6bn in 2006, up from $16.5m in 1999. Nigeria accounts for over 60% of South Africa’s trade in West Africa, and as of 2020, trade between both countries stood at $2.9bn – with the balance of trade tilting in favour of Nigeria which mostly exports oil to the country. In 2021 Nigerian exports were valued at $2.23bn (mostly from exporting oil products) while South African exports stood at $569m.  Improved relations between the two countries will further boost bilateral trade. 

The crucial question now is whether the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, will now walk the talk?

It is important to emphasize that just as talents are not evenly distributed in any federation, there is also ‘ethnic socialisation’’ by people who operate from the other side of the moral divide. For instance when we mention drug dealing, credit card fraud, ‘Yahoo Yahoo’, religious fundamentalism, prostitution abroad or militancy, accusing fingers would be pointing in different ethnic directions. This means that despite what the Internet Warriors would want us to believe, no ethnic group should pretend to occupy the moral high-ground or feel better or worse than others.

Seven, while living in Europe I saw myself as an Africanist, and used my publishing firm and my writings to challenge theories or innuendos that maligned Africa or ruled out development and democratic possibilities for the continent. However, as I get older, I tell people that I am no longer an Africanist but a humanist. This is because with age and experience one realises that every race, ethnic group, community and even kindred, is an embodiment of the good, the bad and the really horrible.  As the American writer and historian, James Tuslow Adams, would put it:  “There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill behoves any of us to find fault with the rest of us.”

*Jideofor Adibe is Professor of Political Science at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc will utilise the net proceeds of its ongoing N239.4 billion Rights Issue to invest in additional digital technologies and business expansions that will strengthen the bank’s seven and half decades of impressive performance.

UBA is offering 6.84 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at N35 per share. The rights issue is pre-allotted on the basis of one new ordinary share of 50 kobo each to every five ordinary shares held as at November 05, 2024. The rights issue is scheduled to close on December 24, 2024.

Group Chairman of UBA, Mr. Tony Elumelu, said the primary objective of the ongoing Rights Issue is to strengthen the bank’s position as a pan-African banking industry leader and a highly rewarding institution for all stakeholders.

He said the group decided on the rights issue to ensure that shareholders continue to derive undiluted benefits from a stronger, more innovative and resilient pan-African banking group.

UBA had delivered 375 per cent capital gains to investors in nearly five years, outperforming the average returns at the Nigerian stock market and the entire financial services sector. The bank also holds the distinction of highest dividend payout by any bank and one of the three highest yields in the entire stock market with its interim dividend payout of N2 per share.

Retail shareholders have already expressed supports for the ongoing rights issue, citing the bank’s historical financial performance and investors’ friendly disposition.

Elumelu said the Rights Issue would enable the bank to drive organic expansion and business growth within and outside Nigeria, while strengthening its international operations. UBA recently signed agreement to commence full banking operations in France.

[Vanguard]

Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles winger, says his success as the 2024 CAF men’s player of the year came after he “failed in front of the world” four years prior. 

Lookman spoke after receiving the award as the best African male footballer of 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

The 27-year-old finished ahead of Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Ronwen Williams and Serhou Guirassy to win the coveted individual prize for male African footballers.

He followed in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lookman referenced his failure to convert a penalty for Everton in November 2020.

Lookman had the opportunity to earn a point for Fulham in their English Premier League (EPL) match against West Ham United. Instead, he failed to execute a Panenka penalty kick easily saved by Lukasz Fabianski as West Ham won 1-0.

The penalty attempt earned him mockery on social media, and Scott Parker, Fulham’s manager, ripped into the player in public.

“Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world. Fast forward four years, I’m the best player in Africa,” Lookman said after receiving the award.

“I want to say to the young children and people watching this: don’t let your failures weigh you down that they break your wings. Matter of fact, turn your pain into your power and continue to fight.

“Firstly. I want to thank the Almighty God for everything he has been doing in my life, and everything he has been blessing me with.

“I want to thank the president, I want to thank all my teammates- club and country. I want to thank them for all their support and love that they gave me.”

“This award today is a blessing to me, to my family, to my nation, and to be recognized as the best player in Africa. It’s something incredible and I’m extremely proud of.”

Lookman left Fulham after that season for RB Salzburg in Germany, where he continued to flap his wings before taking flight following his move to Atalanta in the summer of 2022.

[TheCable]

The Women in Rotary, Enugu State, recently organized a life-changing empowerment programme for widows, reinforcing their commitment to uplifting vulnerable women in the community. The initiative, part of the broader Rotary Club District 9142 Widows Empowerment Initiative, was championed by Rotarian Trish Ezeh, the Enugu Representative of Women in Rotary, alongside other distinguished women in Rotary.

Held in Enugu, the programme aimed to provide widows with financial grants to start petty trading, equipping them with the resources needed to regain economic stability and confidence. Speaking during the event, Trish Ezeh emphasized the importance of the initiative, describing it as a means to address the struggles faced by widows and create a sustainable path for their empowerment.

“We specifically targeted the poorest of the poor in our communities. Our goal is to not only empower these women but also create a ripple effect that benefits their families and communities,” Ezeh explained. She added that the beneficiaries’ progress would be closely monitored, with plans for further assistance if necessary.

Ezeh lauded the collective efforts of Rotarians, families, and friends who contributed to the initiative. “Everything we’ve provided today is a result of Rotarians and generous supporters who believe in the transformative power of giving,” she said.

The event also featured an inspiring address by Rotarian Ijeoma Akuegbu-Sunday, the District Chair of Women in Rotary. She shared her personal motivation for starting the project, drawing from her mother’s experiences as a widow. “I understand the struggles widows face, and I believe no widow should ever lack as long as we are here to help,” she said.

Beneficiaries of the programme expressed deep gratitude for the initiative, which provided them with cash grants. Speaking on behalf of the group, Mrs. Modesta Ogbodo said, “This support has given us hope and inspired us to work harder. It’s more than just financial aid; it’s a testament to the kindness and empathy of Rotary members.”

She pledged that the grants would be used wisely to grow businesses and contribute to their families and communities.

The Women in Rotary, Enugu State, reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to empowering disadvantaged groups, expressing hope that this initiative would leave a lasting legacy and inspire similar efforts in the future.