•His last interview with Taiwo Obe

Tam Fiofori, who passed away on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, at 82, will miss this. Jamaica’s fiery sprints squad at the upcoming Olympics Games in Paris would have kept him on the phone, confirming schedules, reliving moments of athletic apogees, and making predictions of which Jamaicans would shake the world.

Fiofori was a former long jumper, which explains the bounce in his steps. He was an athletics buff and set the pages of The Guardian aglow with his crisp reports and photogenic images that foretold the sprint dominance of “My Jamaicans Gals,” as he titled one of the stories.

The story was told 41 years ago at the inaugural World Athletics Championships in Helsinki, Finland, 7-14 July 1983. Despite winning just three medals — one gold by Bert Cameron in 400m, a silver medal by Merlene Ottey in 200m, and a bronze medal in 4×100 m from the team of Leleith Hodges, Jacqueline Pusey, Juliet Cuthbert, and Ottey — Jamaica showed it had a bright future in athletics.

Grace Jackson, a prominent figure in Helsinki, won a 200m silver at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul behind Florence Joyner of the US. Jackson’s marriage to Hugh Small, Jamaica’s minister of industry, commerce, and production, in 1990 shortened her athletics career. She quit the sport two years later, at 31.

At the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Cuthbert won silver medals in 100m and 200m, and Ottey won a 200m bronze. The Jamaican Girls phenomenon continued with Ottey leading the charge. Ottey won two silver medals (100 m and 200m) and a relay bronze at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Four years later, Jamaican Girls won five silver medals in Sydney, and Ottey won a silver and a bronze.

Ottey, one of the world’s most decorated athletes, led the era of brilliance and longevity of Jamaican female athletes, being named Jamaica Sportswoman of the Year 13 times in 23 years of racing for Jamaica and another 10 years for Slovenia.

When Ottey retired at 52, she had logged nine Olympic medals, 14 World Championship medals, and others at the Commonwealth Games and major international events. An Olympic gold eluded her. Ottey was 36 at the Atlanta Olympics when she lost the 100m gold to American Gail Devers, though both clocked 10.98 seconds.

Fiofori’s “My Jamaican Gals” was a parody of Grace Jones’ 1981 hit, “My Jamaican Guy,” a tribute to Sly Dunbar, whose pelting of drums in ways only he could, left his touch on most reggae hits of the time. Now, 72, Sly is still at it. He revolutionised drumming across different reggae bands before computers colonised the role. Jones warmed her way to filling more dance floors in more spots globally with “Pull Up To The Bumper,” from “Nightclubbing,” the 1981 album, still rated as number two in her repository 43 years after its release.

A lot of Fiofori was about music. He started his journalism career as a freelancer in 1965 because he cherished his independence, according to an interview with Taiwo Obe in a 2023 interview. Fiofori reviewed music and arts for international publications in England and the US, where he also schooled.

Musicians impressed him if they were literate. He explained that literate musicians could read music, write music, teach music, and play different instruments. The top Nigerian musician for him was Peter King, who met the criteria. In addition, King ran a music school in Badagry, where more than 2,000 students passed through his guidance. Asa was among them.

Fiofori would often say, “Nigerians don’t know PK. If they did, they would respect him. He won international awards for his jazz and Afro music decades before people filled every space with noise”. PK passed on in 2023.

Brodaa Tam, as I called him, was sad at the scant recognition King received, in life and in death, for all he did for music. He was the one who drew my attention to King’s death, wondering why it was not in the papers.

On Sunday, Nduka Irabor asked me, “Tam Fiofori gone? And the news is not in all the papers?”.

Fiofori was a student when he met Peter King, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Wale Buckor, and Adams Dagogo Fiberesima in London. The quartet was studying music at Trinity College, which was a school of the University of London. He was well-acquainted with them, and they remained friends until they all transited before him.

Back at The Guardian, where Fiofori was sending loads of pictures to Sunny Ojeagbase (may the Almighty rest him), the sports editor, each package that arrived from Helsinki gave the newspaper, just months on the streets, an advantage that matched The Guardian’s advertisement, “Sooner or later, you will read The Guardian.” It was sooner.

We stole glances at the pictures as Ojeagbase held them with respect fit and proper for sacred objects. When they were finally splashed on the newspaper, they were at sizes unknown in newspapers then. Ojeagbase created the magazine effect for sports pages. “These pictures cannot be wasted,” Ojeagbase would say. He was spoilt for choice.

If photography were a religion, Fiofori would have been its faithful priest, not striving for titles or positions. This priest smoked and drank his beer with a quietitude that could make you a convert or, if you were already one, lead to renewals of the bottles as you discharged them into your waiting throat.

Once he starts with, “Let me tell you this”, usually prefaced with your name, to get your maximum attention, you would be at the feet of a raconteur who would take you on a compressed trip round the world with stops at major global arts capitals, or where film festivals held. Sports were not excluded.

During our 1987 trip with Nigeria’s athletics team to Burkina Faso, he was as enticed by the egregious young jumper George Ogbeide, more known as Lakayana, who had boasted he would break the national record, as much as arranging his participation in the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, FESPACO, an annual, international film event that has respected a place in the global calendar. Lakayana would win the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA, long jump gold in 1991. The NCAA is the zenith of American university sports contests.

Fiofori’s films and documentaries were heavy on the devastation of the Niger Delta, culture, and music genres across Nigeria. He was good with words and his work. His best boast was to remind a gathering, “shoe get size”. He was right.

Cast in the general neglect and scorn Nigeria has for the creative industry, Fiofori and his generation got minimal attention as they searched for resources to maximise the reach of their works. He was mainly a self-funder of his works, though there were commissioned ones.

A simple man who lived for over 40 years in the same Surulere house that he cluttered with his works at varied stages of completion, I would walk in gingerly, careful not to step on a piece of history in some form or format. Before taking a seat, I would wait for him to clear some pictures he was working on overnight.

I guess the volume of work in that apartment, their security in the order he arranged them, and the uncertainty of how they would fit elsewhere hugely accounted for his long stay. He was not one to meet when he was angry. “Get this done before I blow my…top,” he would charge over delays in completing his productions, rising mannerlessness, or poor electricity, which often wore him out. I left out the expletive, which came sparsely for someone who lived in Harlem in the nuanced sixties.

Fiofori grew up in Benin City, where Emmanuel, his father, taught at Edo College, but he was from Okrika, Rivers. He attended King’s College, Lagos, and later King’s College London for higher education.

Anthony Kila writes that from all available indices and opininion poll, it’s better for the United States President, Joe Biden to withdraw his candidature for re-election into the White House during the November, 2024 presidential race

Dear President Biden,

Today’s epistle concerns the current electoral process in the United States of America. I dare write to you because, like many others, I believe that what happens in America affects the rest of the world. 

The epistle is directed at you because you are the centre of our reflections. 

The message to you today is to consider withdrawing your candidacy. The request and suggestion are not given with ease, let alone with glee because I believe that overall, you have been a good president. However, in the name of principle that we both hold dear, it is better to tell you in unambiguous terms that I believe it is time to go. 

The reasons for my suggestion and how you can announce your withdrawal are in this suggested speech that I have termed as an imaginary speech by you: 

My dear fellow Americans and lovers of democracy worldwide, I speak to you today as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party and as President of the United States of America, a great country and land of opportunities, a beacon of hope for many and a standard of democracy for all. 

Our country is about to embark on elections slated for November 2024. The stakes are high, and those elections can shape the future of America and the world as we know it. 

In America, we have an important choice to make and a crucial question to answer: Do we give the number one position in America to a man who is a self-serving liar, bully and narcissist and allow those who think it is okay to disregard and disrespect all we stand for or allow hope and peace, respect and honesty, liberty and progress to continue. 

I know Donald Trump; I debated and defeated him four years ago. Together, we stopped him from destroying our country and corrupting the world even when he desperately violently tried to destroy our age-long democratic institution for his reckless and blind ego, pure personal material interests and his innate inability to play by the rules. 

That victory allowed us, in the last four years, thanks to an inclusive team of diverse, talented and dedicated Americans, to recuse the economy and change the course of the pandemic, put more people to work than any time in the history of the USA, rebuild our infrastructures across the country, lower the costs of every day expenses for most Americans, produce more in America and expanded benefits and services for toxic exposed veterans like it has never been done in the history of America. 

Now, there is a man who is clearly a danger to democracy and unworthy of the public trust going about the country spreading lies, fear and hatred, trying to deceive people into giving the key to the White House to serve his unhealthy and immoral interests and to destroy most promising things we stand for. Donald Trump is breeding a dangerous mindset and rearing a scary set of people who think it is OK to hate, lie, cheat and insult others. We must not allow that to happen. 

Like many fellow Americans, I understand what is at stake, and we know how to stop this looming danger of hatred, recklessness, selfishness, tyranny, and opportunism. 

As I did four years ago to stop Donald Trump, I have put myself forward again for the benefit, hope, and legitimate aspirations of the many against the immoral interests of the few. That is what democracy is about, and this is what our America is about. Democracy is about equality, hope, and transparency. 

In my heart, I can still do it; with your support, we can fend off this manipulator and continue the great things we started four years ago. 

I know there are concerns about my age and vigour, but I disagree; I feel strong and capable. However, I will suspend my candidacy and allow my party to consult and represent a candidate for president of the United States of America. I will suspend my candidacy not out of fear or weakness but of love for our nation and democracy. 

My suspension, which is not done lightly, will show Americans of today, those unborn and the rest of the world that in America, there are leaders who are not in politics for themselves but for the love of the nation and democracy and that when we say we listen, we genuinely listen. 

The election is not about me. I have been privileged to serve my nation and democracy for decades in many capacities, and I have always done so patriotically and with dedication to the common good. That will never change. 

I want you, my fellow Americans, and the world to know today that democracy is to be served, loved, and protected, not exploited for selfish interests, hatred, fear, and divisions like Donald Trump is trying to do in every step he takes and every word he utters. 

It is heartbreaking to see that too many Republicans do not have the clarity of mind and courage of voice to vigorously denounce the menace and bag of deceit called Donald Trump, even after they have seen and heard him show his disregard for everything good about our democracy. I salute those who have done so. History will be kind to them for their efforts and courage to stand up for our nation and democracy. 

Democracy is love for humanity, respect for the law, and hope in the people. This vision tells us that even when we think we can serve if truly serving is all we want to do, it does not have to be us and just us in the commanding position. 

Love for humanity means we must always consider the concerns of our fellow human beings; hope in the people means we must trust not only the people’s vote but also believe that someone else is good enough among our people since we all abide by the rule of law. That is why we must all come together to fend off anyone who does not show love for humanity or hope in our people regardless of their colour or creed and does not demonstrate respect for the rule of law. 

I call on all people of goodwill today to put aside our partisan differences and understand that for democracy and liberty to continue to thrive, we must all stand together against deceit, indecency, and immoral ambition and for the rule of law, freedom for all, tolerance, and decency. 

Join me on Twitter @anthonykila to share your thoughts, ask questions, and continue these engaging conversations. 

• Prof Kila is a Director at the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies.

Africa and Nigeria saw mixed outcomes in 2023 amid a slight global decline in foreign direct investment (FDI).

Africa’s FDI inflows dropped by 3% to $53 billion, while Nigeria and other African countries experienced a varied landscape of investment activities.

These is according to the World Investment Report 2024 prepared by a team at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Despite the overall decline, the number of greenfield projects in Africa rose by 7%, with over 800 projects announced.

These projects have the potential to generate an additional 200,000 jobs across the continent.

What the data is saying

According to the report, Nigeria attracted $1.87 billion in FDI in 2023 up from $895 million in 2022 but down from $3.3 billion. Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics reported Nigeria generated $3.9 billion in 2023 out of which just $377 million.

In Nigeria, the government’s focus on attracting greenfield investments, especially in renewable energy, bore some fruit. The country introduced new fiscal and non-fiscal incentives aimed at encouraging investments in renewable energy.

This move aligns with similar initiatives in Italy and South Africa, which also adopted measures to boost renewable energy investments.

• Nigeria’s investment landscape was marked by significant green hydrogen projects, such as the $34 billion green hydrogen project in Mauritania and green ammonia and hydrogen projects in Egypt worth $10.8 billion.
• These projects underscore Africa’s growing share of global megaprojects in the renewable energy sector. Additionally, three energy producers announced green hydrogen projects in South Africa totaling $7.1 billion, while Morocco attracted substantial investments in the same sector.
• However, the value of greenfield projects announced in Africa fell to $175 billion from $196 billion in 2022. The most significant year-to-year increases in project value were seen in chemicals, rising to $13 billion, and electronics, reaching $7.6 billion.
• Conversely, project values for electricity and gas supply projects dropped by $33 billion compared to 2022, contributing significantly to the overall decline in greenfield values.

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Investment Protocol, adopted in 2023, is expected to contribute to growing intraregional FDI.

The share of intraregional projects is higher in services and selected manufacturing industries, with 20% of projects by African investors, than in resource-based processing industries, with only 13% of projects originating from the region.

• This indicates a substantial pool of investors within the region for some sectors and an opportunity to expand intraregional investment in processing industries to increase value addition.
• Despite the decline in FDI inflows, Africa remains a significant destination for international project finance deals, although the estimated value of such deals fell by 50% in 2023 to $64 billion.
• Industries related to renewable energy and power generation registered large drops in both values and numbers. However, momentum continued in some parts of the sector.

For instance, an investor group announced a deal for green hydrogen production totaling $4 billion in Egypt, and another group planned a $2 billion hydrogen project in Morocco.

Additionally, Africa attracted $10.8 billion in project finance for wind and solar electricity production, with the largest projects located in Egypt, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Global Review

Globally, foreign direct investment decreased marginally by 2% to $1.3 trillion in 2023. This headline figure was affected by significant fluctuations in financial flows through a few European conduit economies. Excluding these conduits, global FDI flows were more than 10% lower than in 2022.

• The global environment for international investment remains challenging in 2024, with weakening growth prospects, economic fracturing, trade and geopolitical tensions, industrial policies, and supply chain diversification reshaping FDI patterns.
• These factors are causing multinational enterprises (MNEs) to adopt a cautious approach to overseas expansion.
• Despite these challenges, MNE profit levels remain high, financing conditions are easing, and an increase in greenfield project announcements in 2023 could positively impact FDI. Modest growth for the full year appears possible.

International project finance and cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) were particularly weak in 2023. The value of M&As, which predominantly impact FDI in developed countries, fell by 46%. Project finance, crucial for infrastructure investment, dropped by 26%.

• Developed countries saw a strong impact from MNE financial transactions, partly due to moves to implement a minimum tax on the largest MNEs.
• FDI flows in Europe jumped from negative $106 billion in 2022 to positive $16 billion due to volatility in conduit economies.
• However, inflows to the rest of Europe were down 14%. Inflows in other developed countries also stagnated, with a 5% decline in North America and significant falls elsewhere.
• FDI flows to developing countries fell by 7% to $867 billion, mainly due to an 8% decrease in developing Asia. In Latin America and the Caribbean, FDI remained flat.

Despite these declines, the number of greenfield projects in developing countries increased by 15%, with values climbing by 20%. This partially offset declines in international project finance deals, which fell by 26% in number and 31% in value.

[Nairametrics]

Muharram is the Muslim’s first lunar month in the Islamic calendar.

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, on Friday, declared Monday, July 8, 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the new Islamic year.

Adeleke, in a statement released through the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Rasheed Aderibigbe, and published on the Ministry of Information bulletin on Friday, stated that the holiday is to allow Muslims in the state to celebrate the new Islamic year.

The statement added that Governor Ademola Adeleke would preside over a special parade/March session as part of the activities to celebrate the new year.

While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, the governor charged them to use the period to pray for the unity and peaceful development of the state and Nigeria in general.

The statement reads, “The public holiday graciously approved by His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke is to allow Muslim faithful to celebrate and pray for peace, progress and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

“Governor Adeleke wishes all Muslim faithful a happy celebration of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1446 AH.”

Other states that have declared Monday as a public holiday are, Kebbi, Oyo, Kwara

[NaijaNews]

Nigerian music star, Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has enrolled for master’s degree in policy at Georgetown University, Washington D.C.

Banky W disclosed this in a post via Instagram on Friday.

The singer turned politician admitted that he “gave up” being a chief executive at a company to become a student again.

He wrote: “Gave up being a CEO to become a student… because sometimes, you have to let go of what’s Impressive to gain what’s important.

“Currently pursing a Master’s in Policy at Georgetown University in Washington DC. The Journey of faith continues. Please wish me well,” he wrote.

His wife, Adesua Etomi, commented on the post informing the public that he had been getting straight A’s

“I just want everyone to know that my husband is a true efiko and has gotten A’s so far. I’m soooo proud.”

“I am DEEPLY INSPIRED by you and I’m not saying this cause I’m your wife. If I wasn’t your wife, I’d be Jealous of your wife. You are the exact kind of man that impresses me. My honourable,” she said.

A follower, @uniquecheezy, wrote, “It’s never too late to make your goals happen. Here is a reminder to anyone seeking to pick up on an endeavour ?. Congratulations.”

Another follower, @bello2886 said, “I no even hear anything but just watching you gesticulate, I don learn a lot. A true inspiration fr.”

[DailyTrust]

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has said that it is working with relevant stakeholders to set minimum guidelines for the conduct of convocations, special lecturers, and other ceremonies by universities in Nigeria.

Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, made this known in Abuja during a retreat organised by the Commission for the members of the governing councils in Abuja on Thursday.

The NUC boss lamented the decline in the quality of conduct of these ceremonies and special lectures, noting that this constituted the hallmark of a university and tertiary education.

He noted that the unique ceremonial occasions such as the Matriculation, Convocation, and the Lectures that traditionally preceded them as well as Inaugural lectures, University Lectures, Distinguished Lectures, Faculty Lectures, and Valedictory Lectures, have, not only declined in quality but have also lost the aura for which they were once known and cherished, because of the adoption of unsavoury local mismatches.

Maiyaki stated that to correct the anomaly, the Commission has resolved to work with relevant stakeholders to establish the minimum guidelines for the conduct of university ceremonies.

He noted that there was an urgent need to enthrone a legacy of good governance values, principles, standards and best practices in our respective institutions of higher education.

He called on the council members to demonstrate good leadership and stewardship towards the growth of their Institutions.

According to him, the members have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that the reputational capital of the nation’s universities is protected, adding that they must give all necessary assurance to stakeholders, emphasising that the university system places a high premium on quality.

He stated: “It is with this goal in mind that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has organised this Retreat, aimed at providing insights into the various instruments as well as relevant legal and regulatory requirements that define the functions of governing councils.

“Our hope is that the retreat will help you to understand the cross-cutting issues that are required to ensure that our Universities are positioned for greater effectiveness.

“Your appointment is, no doubt, a testament to the unwavering commitment you have demonstrated over the years to the development of the Nigerian enterprise. I am optimistic that you will bring this commitment and your wealth of experience to bear fully on the noble task of enabling our Universities to attain their full potential.

“Good governance is at the heart of the success of all organisations in the world over. It is, particularly, important in higher education because a university is, in many ways, a far more complicated organisation than an ordinary institution.

“Governance in higher education requires an appropriate framework for accommodating a diverse group of stakeholders. Indeed, good governance informs and facilitates decision-making which, in turn, enables a university to grow and prosper.”

He noted that it was only through accountability, transparency and innovative strategies that a university can be sustained in the long term.

Maiyaki said: “Our institutions have a proud tradition of fostering intellectual curiosity, nurturing talent, and contributing to society through knowledge and discovery. In their set-up, higher education institutions are meant to be highly democratic institutions.

“The committee system which serves as the basis of decision-making, exists from the level of Council, down to the level of academic departments. The system allows issues to be freely debated and democratically decided upon at scheduled meetings. It is therefore essential for Council members to acquire extensive knowledge about the issues faced by their various institutions.”

[TheNation]

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has broken his silence on the recent judgement recognising Martins Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers as the legitimate Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly. In a reassuring tone, Fubara declared that the worst is over and that God has prepared a table for him in the presence of his enemies, citing Psalm 23:5.

Speaking after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of the Zonal Hospital project in Bori Town, Khana Local Government Area, Fubara assured that his administration remains committed to providing critical infrastructure for the state's speedy development. He emphasized that healthcare, education, and agriculture are top priority areas that will receive utmost attention.

Fubara expressed satisfaction with the progress of the zonal hospital project, which will benefit not only Khana but also neighboring communities. He noted that his administration inherited non-functional zonal hospitals and has released funds for their reconstruction and expansion.

The governor reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his administration's promises, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and policy objectives. He expressed optimism that the completed facilities will meet the healthcare needs of the people and address key issues in the sector.

Armed robbers on Friday attacked an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps, simply identified as Abu, who was returning from a bank and heading towards his house in the Zango area of Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

Abu was dispossessed of a yet-to-be-ascertained sum of money after shots were fired at him.

Eyewitness accounts stated that the armed robbers trailed the officer, who was riding a motorcycle from the bank up to Phase I Lokongoma in front of Lokongoma market.

He was stopped by the armed robbers who started dragging the bag containing the money with him and, in the process, shot him three times in both legs and shoulder.

The Kogi State Police Command, while confirming the robbery, said N139,000 was recovered from the scene while the officer was rushed to the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.

“At exactly 1.30 pm, officers received a distress call and rushed to the scene at Lokongoma, Phase I in Lokoja, and met Abu, a eoad safety officer, in a pool of his own blood after being shot at both legs and shoulder.

“He was coming from the bank when a Toyota Camry Ash colour car accosted him and blocked him in front of Lokongoma Market, Phase 1 in Lokoja, and was dispossessed of an unspecified sum of money,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, said.

Aya added that the state Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, has drafted officers to the scene to ensure the safety of lives and property and trail the armed robbers to bring them to book.

[Punch]