In The News
Assessing Tinubu’s first year in office
In a piece published below my column on the back page of The Nation newspaper on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, titled Tinubu propelling Nigeria towards renewal, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, outlined five key foundations or “core principles” underpinning the renewed hope agenda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership vision in order to make it easier for assessors of his one year in office to be able to connect the dots between his vision and its outcomes, both short-term and long-term. He prefaced the principles with Tinubu’s corporate background and exemplary achievements as a two-term Governor of Lagos state.
The five principles cover (1) policies and actions that will attract long-term local and foreign investments to Nigeria, including rebuilding the credibility and capacity of the Central Bank and a robust tax infrastructure to lesson the burden on businesses; (2) policies involving difficult decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidy and multiple exchange rates, always bearing in mind that such decisions would cause temporary pain and taking measures to assuage those pains; (3) policies and programmes that will provide targeted relief and benefits by way of grants, education loans, consumer credit, cash transfers, food and fertiliser distribution, and so on; (4) the need to make necessary adjustments to policies, programmes and decisions, where necessary, in order to accommodate public response—we saw this in the adjustments to the palliative and Student Loan programmes; and (5) the need to establish a robust communication network in order to keep Nigerians abreast of the policies, decisions, and programmes being made on their behalf; hence, the formation of a pioneering National Communications Team.
Without any intention of discouraging the Minister, I hope he knows that his rather nuanced analysis is not likely to influence assessors of the President’s one year in office, which comes up in a week’s time. As a matter of fact, none of the assessments already published or discussed on radio and television has taken cognizance of the Ministers brief. But why is this so?
There are three major reasons. First, many politicians and pundits hardly read newspapers, and even if they do, many of those who would assess the President are not likely to read the Minister’s piece. Of those who are likely to read it, many may not recognize its import as they might even not have read the Renewed Hope Agenda, being the President’s manifesto during the campaigns.
Nigerians’ non-reading culture is widespread, even among the highly educated. I recall devoting one of my columns to the inaugural lecture of a Professor in one of our universities. Another Professor casually asked on the floor of the University Senate if anyone had read the article the previous week, which brought the university to global limelight. Only three others put up their hands. One of them was the Professor, whose inaugural lecture was highlighted in the article. Without prompting, he confessed that it was another Professor in another university, who alerted him to the article! But that is a subject for another day.
Second, most assessors have made up their mind, based on partisan, ethnic, and religious biases as well as personal vendettas. Against this backdrop, Tinubu should expect acerbic criticisms, bordering on condemnation, by politicians of the opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, their ardent supporters (especially on social media) and pundits fronting for them. Besides, there are newspapers and their editorials as well as TV stations, which have hardly seen anything acceptable to them in the Tinubu administration. This group of assessors has hardly grown out of the bitterness of electoral loss. Besides, as the politicians begin their spadework for 2027, they are not likely to see anything good coming out of Abuja.
Third, most members of the ruling All Progressives Congress as well as supporters and friends of the President are not likely to find fault with his policies, programmes, decisions, and actions, at least not in the public square.
Apart from these three groups, however, there are assessors, who would look at Tinubu’s policies, programmes, and projects dispassionately, and assess their short-term and possible long-term impacts. This group will include economists, financial institutions, such as Goldman Sacks, and international bodies, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. These are professional assessors, who would look at all the facts before reaching a conclusion.
In assessing Tinubu’s one year anniversary, one set of data worth looking at critically is the financial situation of the country, when Tinubu took office in May 2023. Everything had gone downhill. The Central Bank was in a big mess. There were multiple exchange rates for different categories of customers. Banks were hoarding dollars and selling them at high profits. There was palpable dissonance between monetary and financial policies. The nation was deeply in debt. Fuel subsidy was already technically removed as it was not in the budget as from June 2023, leaving Tinubu with no option than to announce its removal on taking office. While it was in vogue, fuel subsidy was a potent instrument of corruption and a cash cow for only a tiny segment of the population. Its removal allowed the general population to benefit from the subsidy fund by adding it to state allocations. Unfortunately, state Governors have not lived up to expectations in adding the value of the additional fund to the dividends of democracy in their states.
The above notwithstanding, it is now getting late in the day for Tinubu to blame his inheritance. According to Bill Gates, “If you are born poor, it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor, it’s your mistake”. In governance parlance, the buck stops on the President’s desk.
To complicate the President’s poor inheritance problem, many citizens are still hurting from the economic effects of the President’s policies, some of which are inevitable, as indicated above. Nevertheless, none of these factors should impede a thorough assessment of the President’s effort so far.
A meta-analysis of the assessments will be undertaken next week.
Source: The Nation
By Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi
The special adviser to the governor of Kebbi state on communication and strategy, Abdulllahi Idris Zuru in an interview with our correspondent on the occasion of Kebbi state attaining thirty four years of creation has stated that the state has witnessed a gradual development in the various sectors as executed by four military administrators and four democratically elected governors before the present administration of Governor Nasir Idris.
He posited that the he four military administrators had succeeded in providing an enabling environment for the take up of the new state.
While the first civilian Governor of the state Alhaji Abubakar Musa Garkuwan Yauri had made commendable efforts in laying a strong foundation for the development of the new state which successive administrations continued to significantly improve upon.
He However, added that public affairs analysts conversant with the steady progress being achieved in the development of the state have argued and attributed lack of continuity in governance by the previous administrations to be responsible for the retardation of the expected rapid development, but Governor Nasir has at different forums acknowledged the contributions made by his predecessors and Commended their commitment and dedication.
Meanwhile,with his knowledge and experience on engagements in philanthropic activities and humanitarian services, he said the Governor on assumption of office in 2023, produced a comprehensive socio-economic development blueprint. It contained completion of the numerous uncompleted projects and his administration’s deliberate policy of transformational projects agenda aimed at changing the narrative of the socio-economic development of the state.
Governor Nasir Idris’ administration has significantly impacted Kebbi State’s development, with notable achievements in various sectors ” hence our reason to use the occasion of Kebbi@ 34 to appreciate him and encourage him to do more”.
The state has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural growth, including the completion of the ultra-modern State Secretariat complex, expansion and beautification of major streets in the state capital with similar projects being implemented in the major towns and construction of an ultra-modern motor park.
The administration has prioritized education, constructing mega secondary schools, establishing new comprehensive secondary schools, and rehabilitating dilapidated schools. Additionally, 2,000 new teachers were engaged, and the retirement age for teachers increased from 60 to 65 years he stressed.
He explained that the governor has undertaken the execution of 15 intercity roads, influenced the resumption of work on three abandoned federal roads, and took over the reconstruction of the Koko-Zuru federal road project.
The administration has implemented various social programs, including payment of over N6b backlog of debts on foreign and local scholarships, and provision of support to farmers through distribution of free fertilisers, solar-powered irrigation pumps, herbicide and financial support for the medium and large scale farmers.
Kebbi State’s landscape has been transformed, with the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, witnessing massive infrastructural reforms.
Nasir Idris’s administration’s according to him made efforts in virtually all sectors of economy and provided social services including security, have created a conducive atmosphere for investors, with potential for increased investment opportunities in agriculture, solid mineral and tourism.
The health care sector has equally been given the required attention with the complete overhauled of the General Hospitals in the major towns, construction of new and rehabilitation of dilapidated health care centres in the urban areas.
The developments he said have improved the quality of life for residents, providing access to modern facilities, healthcare, and education and reliable impactful economic empowerment programmes.
Hon. Funmilayo Akande Muhammed, the Executive Chairman of Apapa Iganmu LCDA, has once again demonstrated exemplary leadership by presenting Sienna vehicles to individuals who have shown unwavering loyalty and dedication to her administration.
The beneficiaries of this generous gesture include Mr. Fanaga, Head of the Apapa Iganmu LCDA CAN Association; Mr. Gbenga Elias, a steadfast loyalist who stood firmly by her side during the most challenging moments of her political journey; and Alhaji Ganiu Aratumi, recognized for his unwavering loyalty and commitment.
Mr. Gbenga Elias’s resilience, even in the face of criticism and challenges, earned him special recognition as someone who upheld Hon. Funmilayo Akande Muhammed’s leadership with unwavering faith and adherence to her directives. Similarly, Alhaji Ganiu Aratumi’s dedication was acknowledged, underscoring the principle that loyalty to a visionary leader often yields meaningful rewards.
This noble act by Hon. Funmilayo Akande Muhammed once again highlights her commitment to valuing and rewarding loyalty, fostering unity among her supporters, and setting a remarkable standard for leadership in Apapa Iganmu LCDA.
Players in the real estate sector of the economy have offered prescriptions on how to drive financial growth in the business environment.
According to them, exploring options including fractional/ co-ownership of property, embracing new strategies, and collaborative investment could trigger growth in the business.
Real estate investor and entrepreneur, Matthew Ashimolowo, and business coach, Olumide Emmanuel, both disclosed this at the 2024 Wealth Summit organised by co- founders of Pertinence Group, Sunday Olorunsheyi and Wisdom Ezekiel, in Lagos.
Speaking at the conference with the theme, “The Real Money of Lagos”, Olumide Emmanuel made a great mark on the over 3,000 participants as he spoke on leveraging strategies as key to attaining wealth creation and financial growth.
Emmanuel encouraged the audience to make smarter choices than previous generations, urging them to learn from the past while finding new ways to create wealth.
Emmanuel highlighted several promising business opportunities that could help attendees improve their financial situations.
“The decisions we make today,” he said, “will shape the financial futures of our children. It’s time to move past old ways of thinking and embrace new strategies for building wealth.”
The real estate mogul also spoke on the benefits of co-ownership, where people can team up to invest in property or businesses.
He stressed that in today’s world, working together can lead to greater success. “You don’t have to do it alone,” he explained. “By joining forces with others, you can share resources, reduce risks, and achieve better financial outcomes. Collaboration is the new competition.”
On his part, Ashimolowo outlined 40 ways to magnetise money, providing practical steps that attendees could implement immediately to enhance their financial standing.
In his words, “A lizard in Nigeria will not be a crocodile in London. Your abundance isn’t coming from a place or a government. Be genuinely interested in abundance. Change your mindset to align with it. Because until your mind is changed, your money can not change.
“If all your money is in a savings account, you are not a risk taker. Today, something has to change. Be committed to taking risks. When you prioritise your financial goals, there are things you won’t put money on. You must therefore find goals that boost investment. Solve one problem at a time, and your life will change.”
Ashimolowo emphasised the importance of investing in real estate, describing it as a reliable way to build long-term wealth.
He explained that owning property is more than just having land or buildings; saying it is about securing a future where your wealth can grow and be passed down to future generations.
Ashimolowo encouraged the audience to change their approach to wealth creation, by thinking bigger, act boldly, and pursue their financial goals with determination.
“If you want extraordinary results, you need to take extraordinary actions,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of building connections. “Every bit of money you need in this life is in someone else’s pocket,” he noted, “so connect with people.”
The Wealth Summit, sponsored by Eazipay, Makarios Luxury, PettySave Microfinance and Edificio, also featured insights from Pertinence Group co-founders. They introduced SeedX, a new platform designed to help parents secure their children’s future by investing in property, and also officially unveiled their second book, titled The Real Money of Lagos.
The Isaac Balami Foundation (IBF) , has concluded plans to lift over 160 youth with training across professions in the aviation sector.
The foremost aviation expert, former President of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Comrade Isaac Balami who disclosed this said the initiative to empower youths was occasioned by the prevailing economic challenges in the country requiring intervention to fix increasing hunger and suffering.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Chieftain in a letter to Nigerian youths urged them to shelve the planned celebrations for his 4oth birthday anniversary.
Balami, a youth leader and former Obi/Datti Deputy Campaign Manager recently dumped the Labour Party, LP, for the APC.
Posting on his X handle as part of his message to the youths and other close allies said it was better to plan for the future of the country’s youth in his own small way than to plan for his birthday.
He went further to state that he had decided to reflect deeply and then team up with those who were planning to throw him a birthday bash and that they will use the moment to advance some 40 precious lives in 4 different aviation fields making them 160 altogether.
He said he will team up with his friends to empower 160 qualified Nigerians in different aviation training through the Isaac Balami Foundation(IBF) this year.
How to focus on wealth creation and financial growth took the centre stage at the weekend in Lagos as renowned pastor and entrepreneur Matthew Ashimolowo, together with other speakers including: Niyi Adesanya and Olumide Emmanuel, made a great mark at the 2024 Wealth Summit.
The conference, themed “The Real Money of Lagos” and hosted by the co-founders of Pertinence Group, Sunday Olorunsheyi and Wisdom Ezekiel, gathered over 3,000 people, both in person and online, for a day of learning and inspiration.
Known for its focus on wealth creation and financial growth, the annual conference, which is in its fifth year, featured the top speakers who shared practical advice on how to build and secure wealth.
Olumide Emmanuel, the first keynote speaker, set the tone for the day with his powerful message. He encouraged the audience to make smarter choices than previous generations, urging them to learn from the past while finding new ways to create wealth.
Emmanuel highlighted several promising business opportunities that could help attendees improve their financial situations. “The decisions we make today,” he said, “will shape the financial futures of our children. It’s time to move past old ways of thinking and embrace new strategies for building wealth.”
The real estate mogul also spoke about the benefits of co-ownership, where people can team up to invest in property or businesses.
He stressed that in today’s world, working together can lead to greater success. “You don’t have to do it alone,” he explained. “By joining forces with others, you can share resources, reduce risks, and achieve better financial outcomes. Collaboration is the new competition.”
The conference reached another peak with the address by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, who packaged a masterclass of three interconnected topics that resonated deeply with the audience.
Known for his wisdom on wealth creation, Ashimolowo began by outlining 40 ways to magnetise money, providing practical steps that attendees could implement immediately to enhance their financial standing.
In his words, “A lizard in Nigeria will not be a crocodile in London. Your abundance isn’t coming from a place or a government. Be genuinely interested in abundance. Change your mindset to align with it. Because until your mind is changed, your money can not change.
“If all your money is in a savings account, you are not a risk taker. Today, something has to change. Be committed to taking risks. When you prioritise your financial goals, there are things you won’t put money on. You must therefore find goals that boost investment. Solve one problem at a time, and your life will change.”
Ashimolowo went on to emphasise the importance of investing in real estate, describing it as a reliable way to build long-term wealth. He explained that owning property is more than just having land or buildings; it’s about securing a future where your wealth can grow and be passed down to future generations.
Finally, Ashimolowo encouraged the audience to “10x” their approach to wealth creation, to think bigger, act boldly, and pursue their financial goals with determination. “If you want extraordinary results, you need to take extraordinary actions,” he said.
In his address, he highlighted the importance of building connections. “Every bit of money you need in this life is in someone else’s pocket,” he noted, “so connect with people.”
The Wealth Summit, sponsored by Eazipay, Makarios Luxury, PettySave Microfinance and Edificio, also featured insights from Pertinence Group co-founders Sunday Olorunsheyi and Wisdom Ezekiel.
They introduced SeedX, a new platform designed to help parents secure their children’s future by investing in property, and also officially unveiled their second book, titled The Real Money of Lagos.
The Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration (PCMM), has been launched in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
PCMM is an initiative aimed at addressing the complex challenges presented by mixed migration, which involves the movement of diverse groups of people, including refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants, and other vulnerable individuals.
It was officially launched on July 2 and 3, 2024.
The ceremony was graced by the High Commissioner, the United Nations Human Rights, High Commissioner on Refugees, International Organization on Migration, GIZ, Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment, United Nations among others.
The event commenced with an opening remark by Chioma Awokoya, the Executive Secretary of Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration followed by goodwill messages from various organizations who attended the launch.
The Chief launcher of PCMM, the Honorable Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants & Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) represented by Dr. Nsikan Essien in his keynote address emphasized the importance of a unified approach to addressing migration challenges. He said “the platform should seek to foster collaboration among government agencies, international organizations, and civil society groups to ensure more effective and humane management of migration.”
The second day was dedicated to the launch of the Centre for Youths Integrated Development Pathways to Regular Migration, commonly known as the Japa Regular
project. The initiative focused on providing young people with viable and legal pathways to migration, thereby reducing the risks associated with irregular migration.
The Director Migration Affairs, Mrs. Cathreen Udida of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants & IDPs (NCFRMI) represented by Dr. Nsikan Essien delivered an inspiring speech, outlining the objectives and expected impact of the Japa Regular Project. She applauded the initiative and promised the cooperation of her agency in the smooth running of the project. She further stated that the aim of the project is to equip young people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to pursue regular migration opportunities, thus promoting safer and more regulated migration processes aligned with NCFRMI mandate.
PCMM Director, Aihawu Victor, in his welcome address said the organization is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to addressing the complex and dynamic nature of mixed migration.
“As migration patterns continue to evolve, our platform will serve as a central hub for stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions,” he assured.
The PCMM, according to him, is designed to bring together diverse actors from governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector. By fostering a multi-stakeholder approach, we aim to enhance our collective capacity to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by mixed migration.”
Through the PCMM, he said: “We will facilitate the exchange of best practices and lessons learned; promote coordinated and coherent responses to mixed migration flows; support the development of evidence-based policies and programs; Encourage the integration of human rights and protection principles in all aspects of migration management.
Continuing, he said, “We recognize that no single entity can address the multifaceted issues of mixed migration alone. Therefore, we call upon all partners and participants to actively engage with the PCMM. Your expertise, experience, and commitment are crucial to the success of this initiative.”
Together, he said: “We can create a more effective and humane approach to managing mixed migration. We look forward to your active participation and collaboration as we embark on this important journey.”
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