“We eagerly anticipate the coming on stream of the Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries before the end of this year, as promised by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Mele Kyari. This milestone will not only end baseless rumours of monopoly but also position Nigeria as a refining hub for petroleum products in Africa.”

 Dangote Group, VANGUARD, November 6, 2024. 

“Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, in the strife of truth and falsehood, for the good or the evil side.” — J. R Lowell, 1819-1891, VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, VBQ p 254.

I deliberately led off this article with the last statement by the Dangote Group in their rejoinder Press Release issued, incredibly on the very next day after the PINNACLE OIL & GAS issued its own Press Release in our paper – Vanguard.

Permit me to start by expressing my appreciation to the two companies for patronising our paper. We need every advert we can get; but Vanguard remains the most objective newspaper in Nigeria irrespective of whether the issue is politics, economics, business, religion or social. All the stakeholders – companies, government regulators, NNPCL, NGOs, activists, lawyers and, of course, the final consumers of petroleum products — engaged in the strife for truth and falsehood on the literally burning issue of fuel will have unfettered access to this paper. The ultimate fate of our country hangs on our individual and collective ability to make the right choices on this combustible matter. We have no choice.

Dangote Press Release interrogated

“An [organisation] is the lengthened shadow of one man.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882. VBQ p 105, available online.

 Every company in the Dangote Group, including those quoted on the Stock Exchange, is essentially a one-man business masquerading as something else. Even the Annual General Meetings, AGMs, amount to Alhaji Dangote holding a meeting with himself. Nothing that anybody else says, or thinks, matters. All the proposals, decisions, amendments to the Articles of Association etc, have already been approved before the other shareholders gather for the ritual. The control is absolute. That can sometimes carry unintended consequences for minority shareholders whenever Alhaji decides to bail out.

Since he controls virtually every important aspect of a company’s operations, including external communications, it can reasonably be inferred that he approved of the Press Release cited above. In that case, the last sentences , which would be regarded as “the punch line” for the rest of the rejoinder were very unfortunate. Rather than strengthen Dangote Refinery’s position, they damaged it beyond redemption. Permit me to start from “We eagerly anticipate the coming on stream of the Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries by the end of this year…”.

 Certainly, only the people at the Dangote Refinery can possibly believe that drivel. Even if they have limited their anticipation to the Port Harcourt refinery, keen observers of the petroleum sector, since June 2023, would have been sceptical. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, had promised to start supplying fuel from that refinery by December last year. Three other deadlines have been missed; and the most reliable information indicates that there might be no fuel from PH this year. The same is true of the Warri refinery. Kaduna is the worst case. The Turn-Around-Maintenance, TAM, on that one has barely got started; and, probably is stalled. Altogether, we are confronted with a huge scam perpetrated by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPCL and the contractors assigned to undertake the TAMs. Dangote Refinery people can wait, if that is their choice, but the rest of Nigerians are sick and tired of waiting for NNPCL fuel this year.

“To murder one’s reputation is a kind of suicide; a detestable and odious vice. —Henry Fielding, 1707-1754, in TOM JONES, VBQ p 213. available online.

 Calling the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, as his only witness was perhaps the worst blunder the Dangote Group could have committed. Bluntly stated, Mele Kyari “ has made so many false statements; failed to fulfil so many promises with regard to fuel supply from the four NNPCL-owned refineries that the man has murdered his reputation. It is simply amazing that the Dangote Group will base its rejoinder on the words of someone who has no reputation left to protect. Was it not the same Kyari who, in July this year, told a House of Representatives Committee that NNPCL would be producing 2 million barrels of crude oil by December this year? Is the country anywhere close to that output level now in November?

When the Press Release ended with the assertion that “This milestone will not only end all baseless rumours of monopoly…”,  I really felt bad for the Dangote Group; which appeared like the drowning man grasping at every water hyacinth. The truth is, there will be no milestone to end rumours about monopoly because there are other facts which buttress the charge that Dangote Refinery is gunning for monopoly for reasons too numerous to disclose here; but which go beyond the dispute with PINNACLE OIL & GAS.

Dangote at war with everybody

“War is hell.” — General Sherman, 1820-1891. VBQ p 268.

The US Army General spoke the minds of everyone who has ever been involved in armed or brand conflicts. Troubled days and sleepless nights become more frequent. Peace of mind is lost as long as it lasts.

My worst experience of brand warfare occurred in 1982; when the Board of Directors of North Brewery Limited, Kano, called me; and after thanking me for a wonderful job done with DOUBLE CROWN lager beer and increasing my remuneration package by 25 per cent, announced that they have a new assignment for me. According to the Chairman, “The Board has decided to launch a Stout brand to rival GUINNESS STOUT – which has close to 95 per cent of the market share. We want you to embark on the assignment from this minute; prepare a plan and budget. You will receive all the financial support you need.” As a professional Marketing manager, member of the American Marketing Association, AMA, at the time, I knew better than everybody in that room that I had been asked to start a war against one of the most powerful brands, in its sector, in the world. GUINNESS STOUT had for years held at least 92% of market share in any country in which it was distributed; and the Board was expecting 10 per cent share in two years. I didn’t know whether to rejoice or cry. Here was opportunity and danger wrapped up in one assignment. It was too painful to laugh; but, I was too old to cry.

Dangote might not have realised it when he embarked on building the world’s largest single train refinery in Nigeria, purportedly capable of processing 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day and supplying most of domestic needs for fuel. But, he was embarking on war because the ambition threatened other companies’ plans for expansion and survival. Certainly, no firm would abandon its own plans just because a bigger enterprise had moved to monopolise the market. The truth is, the Dangote Refinery can only survive if it operates without any competition locally….

In my column last week, I discussed how Trump’s victory could impact on Africa, noting that his presidency might not be as bad for Africa as generally thought.  This week I will explore further how his election as the 47th President of the United States could possibly affect the Russo-Ukraine war. The war has been going on since February 2022.

The general assumption is that Trump would pursue a somewhat isolationist policy within the framework of his campaign slogan of Make America Great Again, MAGA, and that he would more likely pull all the funding for Ukraine. During the campaign, Trump had derisively called Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, the greatest salesman in history, implying that he had through sheer marketing skills got more than he deserved from the US and other NATO members who had been supporting his war efforts.

Trump had also suggested that he could impose a blanket 20 per cent tariff on all goods imported into the U.S., with a tariff of up to 60 per cent for Chinese products and one as high as 2,000 per cent on vehicles built in Mexico. For the European Union, meanwhile, Trump has said the 27-nation bloc will pay a “big price” for not buying enough American exports.

Zelensky himself reinforced this belief that the second coming of Trump might be bad news for Ukraine when, after a telephone conversation with Trump following the latter’s electoral victory over Kamala Harris, he told his countrymen and women that he was certain that the war with Russia would “end sooner” than it would have been once Donald Trump is sworn in as the President of the United States in January 2025. “It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House. This is their approach, their promise to their citizens,” he was reported to have said in an interview with the Ukrainian media outlet, Suspilne. He added that Ukraine “must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means”.  

It should be noted that the US has been the biggest arms supplier to Ukraine in the course of the war. For instance, between February 2022 when the war began to the end of June 2024, it delivered or committed to deliver weapons and equipment worth $55.5bn (£41.5bn), according to the German research organisation, Kiel Institute for the World Economy. At present the momentum in the war seems to be with the Russians. For instance, Russia is reportedly winning significant swathes of territory in eastern Ukraine. Russia’s recent seizure of the strategically important city of Vuhledar appears to have cleared the way for possible Moscow’s advances deeper into Ukraine.

It is also reported that Moscow is preparing for an offensive using about 10,000 North Korean soldiers and about 40,000 Russians in the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukrainian forces have been struggling to defend the territory they captured during the summer. With this picture in mind, it is understandable why there are apprehensions among Ukrainians and their supporters in the war. The thinking appears to be that the country should use the remaining part of the supportive Biden presidency to do whatever they can to push back the Russians and strengthen their bargaining position before Trump becomes the substantive President in January 2025 and forces them into a negotiating table. Recently, it was announced that the Biden administration has allowed Ukraine to use long-range American missiles against targets in Russia in a move that would mark a new round of tension in the war. 

There is no doubt that Trump would like to reduce or drastically cut funding to Ukraine in keeping with his campaign promise of America First. There are however other considerations that might influence his decisions on the Ukraine war:

The first is that Trump, who regards himself as the ultimate dealmaker, is a very transactional politician – and might be open to be influenced by Ukraine or the Europeans depending on the sort of ‘deal’ he is offered. The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who spoke with Trump after the US election, alluded to this when he reportedly told the German media that the incoming US leader had a “more nuanced” position on the war than was commonly assumed. It has been suggested that Zelensky could offer two ‘deals’ to Trump: The first will be for Ukrainian troops to replace some American units in Europe after the war in order to reduce the cost of America’s commitment to NATO. The second could be opening up some of Ukraine’s resources to the US and other Western allies. Offers such as these would, however, be contingent upon Ukraine winning the war and being admitted into NATO – which at present is far from certain.

The second consideration for Trump  is geopolitical and geo strategic. South Korea, an American ally, has reportedly supplied hundreds of thousands of artillery shells to Ukraine via the United States and had also pledged a $2.3bn low-interest loan to Kyiv. South Korea is the world’s 10th-largest arms exporter and its clients already include four nations that border Russia – Poland, Estonia, Finland and Norway. The South Korean systems are meant to supplement Patriots, the advanced American air defence systems.  It is said that the South Korean laser needs nothing but electricity – and could be deployed to the Ukrainian cities that have no Patriots or similar Western or Taiwanese air defence systems. A crucial question is whether Trump would be insensitive to deals entered with Kiev by its ally South Korea in his decision on how he wants the Ukrainian war to end or even in any decision to stop funding Ukraine’s war efforts. 

Related to the above  is the report that around 10,000 North Koreans, USA’s historical enemy, has joined the war on the Russian side, with the possibility of Belarus also joining. Following the axiom that the friend to my enemy is my enemy or at least not to be trusted, the increasing collaboration between North Korea and Russia is also a factor to be taken into consideration by Trump in his decision on the Russo-Ukraine war. Similarly, claims by Ukraine’s Western allies in September 2024 that Iran, another enemy of the West, has sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia in a major escalation – a claim Tehran has rejected as “completely baseless and false” –  will be another consideration.  

A third major consideration that could influence Trump’s decision is the Truman Doctrine that makes it an article of faith during the Cold War for the US to seek to contain Soviet expansionism. There have been signs of America’s revival of the Truman Doctrine since the Putin presidency, especially after Russia’s annexation of the Crimea in 2014. Russia has not hidden its desire to create a multipolar world in a bid to overthrow or whittle down the influence of the current Western dominated security and governance systems around the world.  Irrespective of the nature of the personal relationship between Putin and Trump, it is unlikely that Trump would not respond to a resurgent Russia’s attempt to whittle down its global influence.

As a dealmaker, Trump is likely to be looking for a deal which would reduce the US military presence in Europe, drastically cut the military assistance to Ukraine, and give Kiev a long term hope of joining NATO in exchange for territorial concessions to  Russia. In this way, Trump would be able to publicly claim that he won the peace without undermining NATO  and without  making Russia appear the outright winner in any diplomatic negotiations to end the war.

However the war ends, it will be a mixed bag for the world and Africa globally. For instance, African countries that benefit from the current Western sanctions against Russia would have to re-adjust if Western sanctions are eased while those that have been hurt by the sanctions, especially importers of wheat and fertilizers from Russia and Ukraine, may heave a sigh of relief. 

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

Fela Durotoye, a Nigerian public speaker, says he worked in the administration of President Bola Tinubu for just six months without receiving a salary.

In October 2023, Tinubu appointed Durotoye as senior special assistant on national values and social justice.

Following Tinubu’s appointment of Daniel Bwala as special adviser on public communications and media, on Friday, some Nigerians on social media criticised the president for appointing a plethora of media aides without considering the cost of governance.

In a 13-man list that went viral on social media, Durotoye was named as one of the media aides to the president.

In an opinion piece published on Monday, Durotoye said his appointment as aide to the president ended in March 2024.

He added that throughout the six months of his appointment as the president’s aide, he didn’t receive any salary, allowance, or upkeep as a government official.

“Like many other issues in the public discourse, social commentary often has the tendency to overgeneralise; and broad assumptions may sometimes lead to errors of misconceptions, misstatements and misinformation,” Durotoye said.

“One of such errors is in a recent case study that went viral on social media regarding the current media team of the president, where my name was listed as one of the president’s media aides. Unfortunately, this statement needs to be updated to accurately reflect the current media team of the president.

“For clarity, I served briefly in the role of Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values and Social Justice (SSA-NVSJ) for a tenure of six months, from October 2023 to March 2024.

“When I was invited to serve in this administration, I expressed, as a condition for accepting the call, my desire to NOT receive a salary from the government, as I considered this to be my service to my nation.

“When I finally accepted the role in October 2023, it was on the condition that I would not receive any salary or allowances. During my six-month tenure, I did not accept any government funds for my service, expenses, or upkeep.

“I rented my apartment and took my personal car to Abuja. My utility cost, fuel cost and upkeep were all borne by me and I never requested a reimbursement from the government for any expenses I incurred. Everything I contributed—time, effort, and resources—was paid for by me and my family.”

[TheCable]

President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency within the government's communication machinery.

The restructuring is as follows:

1. Mr. Sunday Dare – hitherto Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation is now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications.

2. Mr. Daniel Bwala – announced last week as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser Policy Communication.

These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy , underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency.

Instead, all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.

This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

President-Elect Donald Trump, set to assume office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, is preparing to usher in transformative changes that are already evident in the composition of his team. These changes, so striking, might have been considered heretical during historical periods of rigid orthodoxy, such as the Age of Inquisitions.

In those times, heresy—defined as expressing opinions that sharply contradicted established beliefs—was often met with severe punishments, well-documented and notorious enough to need no recounting. Today, Trump’s detractors, particularly the “Never Trumpers” who champion adherence to conventional political norms, might view him as guilty of defying what they see as the “correct” political dogma.

This perception may partly explain why Trump, who frequently labels his opponents the “radical left,” faced extreme resistance throughout his political journey. Evidently, his adversaries sought to thwart his resurgence through three significant attempts: impeachment, imprisonment, and even assassination—all of which, ultimately failed due to Trump’s unwavering faith in himself and indefatigable spirit.

To understand the depth of resistance Trump faces, one can draw parallels with historical instances where revolutionary ideas were met with fierce opposition. In the past, when groundbreaking discoveries challenged widely held beliefs—such as the realization that the Earth was not flat but spherical—those who introduced such ideas were often vilified, persecuted, or even killed for defying established norms. These innovators were seen as threats to the existing order, just as Trump’s unconventional approach has unsettled the entrenched political establishment in Washington.

The intertwining of religion and governance in historical eras often justified persecution under the guise of upholding divine order. In the modern context, Trump’s legal battles, impeachment proceedings, and public scrutiny evoke similar resistance to change—albeit in a political rather than theological sense.

Democracy, as a system of governance, emerged in Athens, Greece, during the 5th century BCE and was later refined by philosophers such as Socrates and Aristotle. Over time, it evolved through influences from thinkers like John Locke, Charles Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in France leading to its various manifestations around the world. Examples include the parliamentary system in the United Kingdom and the presidential system in the United States and India.

Despite its enduring prominence, democracy has coexisted with alternative governance systems, including monarchies, oligarchies, and diarchies, which remain prevalent in parts of the Middle East, Asia, and Japan. Some nations, like Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, have embraced “democratic socialism,” blending socialist economic policies with democratic governance—a stark contrast to the capitalist inclinations of the United States and much of the global West.

Trump’s leadership style signals a potential departure from the entrenched democratic norms that have shaped governance since the Byzantine era. His proposed reforms—and the unconventional choices for his cabinet—suggest a willingness to disrupt traditional politics in favor of a more transformative approach.

It is conceivable that by the end of his term, President Trump could draw comparisons to Constantine the Great, the Roman leader whose political and administrative reforms in the 4th century CE significantly influenced governance and shaped elements of democracy as we know it today.

Unsurprisingly, the prospect of such sweeping changes has unsettled Washington’s political class. These traditionalists, deeply rooted in the bureaucratic structures that have defined their careers, now face the disruptive reality of Trump’s second term—a term that promises to challenge the status quo and redefine the fabric of American governance.

The impending shift in U.S. leadership under President-Elect Donald Trump is generating significant anxiety, not just in Washington but globally. U.S. allies in NATO, trading partners like China, and adversaries such as Iran are all bracing for potential changes. In Africa, concern is also evident, compounded by unfounded allegations from Trump’s critics—referred to as “Never Trumpers”—who falsely claim that he harbors disdain for Black people in the U.S and on the African continent.

For years, a baseless narrative has circulated, alleging that Trump referred to African nations as “shithole countries.” This claim is unfounded, as Africa is a continent, not a single country, making it implausible that Trump made such a statement in the form attributed to him. These rumors appear to be part of a deliberate attempt by detractors to sow discord between Trump and Black communities worldwide.

In reality, the relationship between Africa and a second Trump administration is likely to be complex and multidimensional. However, as an analysts l would argue that Trump’s “America First” approach may introduce protectionist policies that could disrupt global trade, with potential repercussions for African economies. For instance, a reevaluation of trade initiatives such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) or a preference for bilateral agreements over multilateral ones could challenge Africa’s economic landscape, particularly if these moves undermine the African Continental Free Trade Area.

However, these challenges also present opportunities since Africa is a new frontier. So, if African nations act decisively, they could position themselves as viable alternatives in global supply chains, particularly in light of Trump’s campaign promise to impose a 16% tariff on imports from China. By stepping into roles vacated by China, African countries have the potential to strengthen economic ties with the U.S. under a Trump-led administration. This could be achieved through upgraded bilateral trade agreements or a reimagined “AGOA 2.0” that aligns with Trump’s vision. Who knows, there could even be Trump Tower in Abuja in the forseable future.

Security collaboration is another potential area of alignment. Strengthening the U.S. Africa Command to provide enhanced counterterrorism support could bolster peace and stability across the continent. Such efforts are critical for creating a secure environment conducive to trade and investment. Programs like Prosper Africa, launched in 2019 to promote U.S.-Africa trade and investment, could see renewed momentum if insecurity on the continent is addressed.

Ultimately, the trajectory of U.S.-Africa relations under Trump’s leadership will depend on several factors, including his administration’s policies, the responsiveness of African governments, and broader global economic trends. As such, African leaders must seize this moment to leverage emerging opportunities, particularly by adopting a strategic and business-oriented approach to engagement with the U.S.
Already, the biggest American embassy in the world is under construction in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. That to me is a demonstration of US.to Nigeria as a development partner. It goes without saying that embassys are veritable international facilitators.

For Africans—and Nigerians in particular—this could be a chance to benefit from Trump’s presidency if leaders align with the evolving U.S. policy framework. With the U.S., the world’s largest economy, potentially transitioning from its “global policeman” role to a leading creator of global wealth, Africa could capitalize on this shift for mutual gain.

Turning to Trump’s unique and controversial persona, parallels can be drawn between his experiences and those of historical visionaries who challenged prevailing orthodoxy. Just as the discovery that the Earth was spherical contradicted the long-held belief in its flatness, Trump’s unorthodox positions—such as his initial skepticism about the catastrophic framing of COVID-19—have made him a target of political and media backlash.

These challenges are reminiscent of times in history when those who defied conventional wisdom faced severe criticism.

Throughout history, those who delivered groundbreaking insights or defied orthodoxy often faced resistance or persecution from entrenched authorities. This historical pattern mirrors the opposition that President-Elect Donald Trump is encountering from traditional politicians in Washington, as his unconventional policies aim to challenge the status quo and serve the interests of the more than 76.5 million Americans who decisively supported him.

Ancient Greek philosophers set the precedent for challenging established norms with transformative discoveries. Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE) observed the Earth’s shadow during lunar eclipses and hypothesized a spherical Earth, a theory further supported by Aristotle (384–322 BCE) through observations of disappearing ships on the horizon and shifting constellations. Eratosthenes (276–194 BCE) even calculated the Earth’s circumference with remarkable precision. Despite their significant contributions, these thinkers often faced skepticism and resistance from the leaders of their time.

Similarly, heliocentrism, first proposed by Aristarchus of Samos (c. 310–230 BCE) and later revived by Copernicus (1473–1543 CE), met staunch opposition. The Catholic Church opposed Copernicus’ model, and advocates like Giordano Bruno and Galileo Galilei faced severe consequences—Bruno was executed, and Galileo was confined to house arrest for defending the idea of a Sun-centered universe.

Trump’s political journey bears striking parallels to the struggles of these historical figures. Like them, he has faced significant resistance—allegations of election fraud in 2020, impeachment efforts, legal challenges, and even threats to his life during the 2024 campaign. Yet, his return to the presidency, set for January 20, 2025, underscores his resilience and broad support. The Republican Party’s simultaneous control of the Senate and the House of Representatives—a first in a century—further highlights the movement he has built.

Trump’s determination recalls figures like Ferdinand Magellan, whose historic circumnavigation proved the Earth’s spherical shape. Just as Magellan’s expedition was driven by perseverance, Trump’s commitment to “draining the Washington swamp” and instituting bold reforms is poised to reshape the U.S. political landscape.

This anticipated transformation is comparable to other seismic shifts in human understanding, such as the visual confirmation of the Earth’s shape via 20th-century satellite imagery or the revolutionary effects of artificial intelligence and social media. These innovations redefined how humanity interacts with the world, much like Trump’s policies are expected to redefine U.S. governance and global influence.

In preparation for his second term, Trump has begun assembling a team reflective of his unorthodox approach. He has appointed long-time ally Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff, crediting her for his electoral success. Key nominations include Tom Homan as Border Czar, Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, and former Congressman Matt Gaetz as Attorney General.

Other notable appointees include Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, as Director of National Intelligence; Chris Wright, an oil industry executive, as Energy Secretary; and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure due to his stance on vaccines, as Public Health Secretary. These choices signal Trump’s intention to challenge conventional governance and implement transformative changes during his upcoming term.

Former serviceman Doug Collins, known for defending Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial, has been appointed as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, while North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, with extensive business and governance experience, has been named Secretary of the Interior. John Ratcliffe will serve as CIA Director, and Kristi Noem has been chosen as Secretary of Homeland Security. Matt Gartz, defense secretary nominee has generated a lot of furore as it has been aledged that he had been accused of some improprieties. Even the current defense secretary ,Lloyed Austin suffered a similar push back based ruled that could have precluded him from eligible but in the end he received confirmation from the senate.

Among Trump’s appointments, the most innovative is the creation of a new federal agency, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This agency will be led by tech billionaire Elon Musk and former Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy. DOGE’s mission is to streamline government by reducing excessive regulations, cutting wasteful spending, and restructuring federal agencies. Announcing the initiative, Trump stated:

“I am pleased to announce that the great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (‘DOGE’). Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excessive regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies—essential to the ‘Save America’ movement. This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in government waste, which is a lot of people!”

These reforms are expected to challenge Washington’s entrenched systems, ushering in an era of efficiency and innovation that could influence global governance trends for years to come.

Interestingly, Trump’s DOGE initiative draws parallels to Nigeria’s 2012 Oronsaye Report, which outlined measures to reduce governance costs by consolidating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Despite its potential, the report has been largely ignored for over a decade, contributing to Nigeria’s current debt crisis, which the Debt Management Office estimates currently N134.3 trillion. President Bola Tinubu’s recent reforms, such as removing fuel subsidies and devaluing the naira, align with Trump’s bold approach and could serve as inspiration for addressing Nigeria’s governance challenges.

Trump is also targeting “wokeism,” a term that originally referred to awareness of social injustices but has evolved into a critique of perceived political overreach and divisiveness. Trump’s opposition to wokeism resonates with financial giants like Elon Musk, who joined his campaign partly due to personal experiences—Musk’s son underwent a gender transition, a decision Musk attributed to ideological influences propagated in US.schools to minors which he opposes. Musk reportedly contributed $118 million to support Trump’s campaign and challenge cultural trends they see as harmful.

Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025 will make him only the second U.S. president, after Grover Cleveland, to serve two non-consecutive terms. In his victory speech, Trump described this achievement as the “greatest political movement of all time” and vowed to restore the country’s values, saying:

“There’s never been anything like this in this country, and maybe now it’s going to reach a new level of importance because we’re going to help our country heal. We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly.”

Trump’s reforms aim to reset America’s moral compass, reflecting the values of its Founding Fathers and challenging what he perceives as a decline in societal ethics. His focus on combating wokeism and restoring traditional principles underpins his broader vision to Make America Great Again (MAGA).

While implementing these changes will be complex, Trump’s presidency could redefine governance and democracy for the modern era. Much like Athens pioneered democracy in the 5th century BCE, Trump’s efforts may reshape democratic systems globally. His forthcoming term, marked by ambitious reforms, will likely serve as a critical test for the resilience and adaptability of American democracy.
Trump’s confidence is underpinned by the over 75million American electorate who gave him their mandate to become the 47th president and drain the swamp in Washington.

Magnus Onyibe, an entrepreneur, public policy analyst, author, democracy advocate, development strategist, alumnus of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA, and a former commissioner in the Delta State government, sent this piece from Lagos, Nigeria.

You will not die now! A child of God is not supposed to die anyhow. Yes, when you walk in the knowledge of a functional covenant with God nothing is permitted to take away your life prematurely. Nothing! Be it disease, demonic powers, hardship, or whatever. Nothing and I mean nothing is permitted to terminate your life before fulfilling your destiny. Everybody has an assignment that brought them into the world. God did not waste his time and resources crafting a wonderful creature like you. Or haven’t you heard that you are wonderfully and fearfully made? Also look at all the things – the time, the resources, the emotions, the prayer, the love and sometimes planning and expectations put into the process of bringing a baby into this world. Like your parents coming together, the relationship, the expectations, your miraculous conception and formation in the womb, the preparations, your birth and your growth, etc. So much!

             Millions do not survive these stages. But you did! This clearly shows that there is a definite divine plan for your life. True. I recently overheard a respected gynaecologist / surgeon, a professor, a dean of a collage of medicine saying that nobody, not even experts have totally understood what God did in the process of conception and child-bearing. And immediately those words registered in my spirit. You can do all you know scientifically and medically, but it is only God that permits, perfects and natures life. I think it is also a standing belief in medicine and that is why the doctors will tell you that they care and treat but that it is only God that heals. Ask them. Every life must come from and end in him. Even when you are treating or praying for fruit of the womb, you must have it at the back of your mind that it is only God that can bring forth life. Yes, science can be helpful. Yes, medicine is great and always necessary, but it is still God that perfects the outcome. You can apply everything that you know and it will still not work. And you also may not do anything at all and still things will work out perfectly. It is God - that unseen hand. True.

It is not an exaggeration to opine that it is no more news that the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, November 16, 2024, clinched a clean sweep in the 2024 local government elections in Ogun State, winning all 20 local government areas and secured all 236 councillorship wards in the state.

Babatunde Osibodu, the Chairman of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, made this announcement early Sunday during a live broadcast at the commission’s headquarters in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

According to Osibodu, the APC won in all 20 local government areas and secured all 236 councillorship wards in the state. He further revealed that a total of 613,156 votes were cast in the chairmanship elections.

In fact, the election saw participation from 19 political parties, including the Accord Party, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, Labour Party, and the Peoples Democratic Party, among others.

While this triumph is undoubtedly a moment of celebration for the party faithful, it raises pressing concerns about the deep-rooted ‘winner takes all’ syndrome in Nigeria’s local government elections. It is a practice that, unfortunately, undermines the very essence of democracy, which should be rooted in inclusion and representation.

Recently, several local government elections in Nigeria have concluded with the ruling parties in various states sweeping all the available seats. For instance, in Kaduna State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured an absolute victory, winning all 23 chairmanship positions and 255 councillorship seats. The elections were conducted by the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, and despite some controversies, the state government described the process as peaceful.

Similarly, in Kano, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which only recently gained power, won all 44 local government seats. In other states, such as Kogi, Sokoto, and Bauchi, the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also achieved complete dominance in their local council elections.

Critics, however, argue that the results were predictable, as ruling parties tend to dominate local elections due to their control over state electoral commissions. There are ongoing calls for reform to shift local government elections to be managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and curb the influence of state governors on the process.

In fact, the APC’s 20/20 victory in Ogun may appear like a show of political dominance, but it is more indicative of a systemic issue that has plagued local elections across Nigeria. It is hard to believe that in a state of diverse political leanings, every seat can be won by just one party, especially given the current economic and social challenges the people are facing. Such results are not unique to Ogun but have become a pattern in most states governed by dominant parties. Whether it is the PDP, APC, or any other party in control, the outcome remains the same: a clean sweep that raises more questions than answers about the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process.

Unfortunately, there are consequences of ‘Winner Takes All’, given the fact that Nigeria is a democratic nation. The ‘winner takes all’ syndrome fosters an unhealthy political environment where power is monopolized by one party, leaving no room for alternative voices. This exclusionary approach stifles grassroots democracy, leaving the electorate with little to no genuine representation. It also alienates minority parties and dissuades them from participating in future elections, knowing the odds are heavily skewed against them. The long-term implication is that citizens lose faith in the democratic process, reducing voter turnout and engagement in subsequent elections.

Local government, often referred to as the closest arm of government to the people, should be a melting pot of diverse perspectives and solutions tailored to the needs of local communities. But when one party dominates the entire structure, it creates a monopoly that can lead to ineffective governance, lack of innovation, and a disconnect between elected officials and the people they serve.

The Ogun elections should serve as a wake-up call to review and reform local government electoral processes in Nigeria. For democracy to thrive, it must go beyond just holding elections; the process must be seen as free, fair, and representative of the people’s will. This involves allowing opposition parties a fair playing field and creating an electoral environment where every vote counts, regardless of party affiliations.

One way to address this issue is to explore the adoption of proportional representation at the local government level. By allowing seats to be distributed based on the percentage of votes each party receives, minority parties would have a voice in the decision-making process. This system is already in practice in several advanced democracies and ensures that local councils are more reflective of the electorate’s diverse interests.

Additionally, the establishment of independent electoral bodies free from state government influence is critical. The current practice, where state governors wield significant control over State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), has made local government elections mere formalities where the ruling party is almost guaranteed victory.

The goal of local governance should not be to entrench one party’s dominance but to foster development and provide essential services to the people. The exclusion of diverse political voices hampers accountability and hinders progress. In contrast, a competitive political landscape encourages elected officials to perform better, knowing that they can be unseated if they fail to deliver.

By moving away from the ‘winner takes all’ approach, local governments can become true engines of development where innovative ideas and diverse perspectives are harnessed for the common good. More so, it will empower citizens, knowing their votes truly matter and can shape the future of their communities.

As the dust settles on APC’s clean sweep in Ogun, it is time for stakeholders, policymakers, civil society organizations, and the electorate, to reflect on the state of local democracy in Nigeria. The dominance of one party in local government elections is not a sign of political strength but a symptom of a flawed system that needs urgent reform.

Ending the ‘winner takes all’ syndrome and fostering an inclusive, competitive, and transparent electoral process will not only strengthen democracy at the grassroots but also restore faith in the governance process. It’s high time Nigeria moves beyond the politics of domination and embraces a system that truly reflects the will of its diverse populace.

In a country where women continue to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings, one name stands tall as a symbol of courage, determination, and sacrifice, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, Nigeria’s first female combatant helicopter pilot. Her journey was not only inspirational but also a testament to the untapped potential that lies within the youth, especially young women, in Nigeria. Even though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy continues to inspire generations.

Born on December 13, 1995, in Kaduna State, Tolulope Arotile grew up with a fierce passion for aviation. Her dream of taking to the skies was not just a childhood fantasy but a goal she relentlessly pursued. She attended the prestigious Air Force Secondary School in Kaduna before enrolling at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where she excelled among her peers. Arotile’s hard work and perseverance led to her historic commissioning as Nigeria’s first-ever female combatant helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on October 15, 2019.

In a field traditionally dominated by men, Arotile not only held her ground but soared above the expectations. Her appointment as a combat helicopter pilot was a beacon of hope, signifying the strides women in Nigeria are making in the military and other male-dominated professions.

Within a short but impactful career, Flying Officer Arotile distinguished herself through several successful combat missions against insurgents and bandits, particularly in the northern regions of Nigeria. She piloted the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter, playing a significant role in the fight against terrorism. Her dedication and skill were instrumental in “Operation GAMA AIKI”, a mission designed to rid the nation of extremist threats.

However, her promising career came to an abrupt and heart-wrenching end on July 14, 2020, in a tragic car accident at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna. According to reports, she was accidentally hit by a car driven by an acquaintance who was reversing. The news of her death sent shockwaves across the nation, as Nigerians mourned the loss of a bright and courageous soul who had barely begun her journey.

Though her time was short, Tolulope Arotile’s achievements have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history. Her story is one of breaking boundaries and overcoming societal stereotypes, especially in a country where young women are often told their dreams have limits. Arotile’s legacy serves as a reminder that no dream is too big and no goal is unattainable, regardless of gender.

In her honor, the Nigerian Air Force has renamed several infrastructures and initiatives to immortalize her legacy. Among them is the “Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile Pilot’s Quarters” at the Air Force Base in Abuja, and the Kaduna Air Force’s Secondary School auditorium, which was renamed after her. These gestures are a testament to the impact she made within her short but remarkable career.

Tolulope Arotile’s story is one that resonates not just with young women but with every Nigerian striving to achieve greatness. Her legacy goes beyond her military achievements; it is a powerful statement about the capability of women when given the opportunity. She remains an emblem of bravery, strength, and dedication, encouraging young girls across Nigeria to reach for the stars and to believe in their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem.

As a nation, the best way to honor her memory is by ensuring that her story continues to inspire a new generation of female leaders, pilots, engineers, and trailblazers. The Nigerian government, the military, and private organizations can play a role in achieving this by creating more platforms and opportunities for women in fields traditionally dominated by men.

The pain of losing such a promising young officer is still felt by many, but her story remains an inspiring tale of resilience. Tolulope Arotile not only made history as Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot but also left behind a legacy that will continue to light the path for many young Nigerians.

In the words of the late Flying Officer Arotile herself, during one of her interviews, she said, “I want to do my best to leave a lasting legacy wherever I find myself.” Indeed, she achieved this and more.

As her legacy lives on, we remember Tolulope Arotile not with sadness but with admiration for her courage, her spirit, and her enduring legacy. She may no longer be with us, but the trail she blazed will forever remain a guiding light.

Rest in peace, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile. Your wings may be folded, but your legacy soars higher than ever.

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has set its valuation at approximately $300 billion.

The valuation arises from the company’s latest share buyback program, offering investors $180.70 per share—marking a 12.9% increase from its previous buyback price of $160 per share in December 2023-Reuters first reported.

This is ByteDance’s third share repurchase initiative since 2022, as the company continues to provide liquidity to its investors in the absence of an initial public offering (IPO).

The prior buyback valued ByteDance at $268 billion, and the current program reflects growing confidence in the company’s financial performance and prospects.

The buyback comes as ByteDance reported a 30% increase in global revenue last year, reaching $110 billion, driven by the sustained popularity of TikTok and its expanding portfolio of digital platforms. However, the company has refrained from setting a timeline for a public market debut, according to sources.

The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. ByteDance has maintained that its buyback strategy offers investors a viable exit option while ensuring internal liquidity without the complexities of an IPO.

Despite these financial strides, ByteDance faces significant regulatory hurdles, particularly in the United States. A law signed by President Joe Biden in April requires the company to divest TikTok by January 19, 2025, or face a ban on the app within U.S. borders. The administration has cited national security concerns over Chinese ownership of the platform.

In response, ByteDance and TikTok filed a lawsuit in federal court in May, challenging the legislation and seeking to block its enforcement. The legal battle has cast uncertainty over TikTok’s future in its largest market by user base.

ByteDance’s valuation reflects a delicate balance of its robust revenue growth and mounting geopolitical risks. The company’s decision to proceed with the buyback, regardless of the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, underscores its commitment to stabilizing investor sentiment amid external pressures.

While the $300 billion valuation highlights ByteDance’s dominance in the global tech landscape, its legal and regulatory challenges could influence future growth trajectories. For now, the company remains focused on maintaining its financial momentum while navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

What to know

Nairametrics reported in October that Zhang Yiming, the founder of ByteDance, had become China’s richest man, overtaking Zhong Shanshan, the bottled water magnate.

• Zhang’s rise to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary, considering his journey from a modest upbringing in Fujian Province to building one of the world’s most influential tech companies.
• Born in 1983, Zhang pursued software engineering at Nankai University, where his curiosity for innovation blossomed. After graduating, he gained experience at various tech startups, including Kuxun, a travel platform where he quickly rose through the ranks. This foundation would later shape his vision for ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok and Douyin.

Under Zhang’s leadership, ByteDance introduced a unique approach to content delivery powered by AI, redefining how users consume information globally. This ingenuity propelled the company to unprecedented success, making TikTok one of the most downloaded apps in the world and solidifying Zhang’s place among the tech elite.

[Nairametrics]