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Tiv Traditional Council reconciles Akume, Alia 

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The Tiv Traditional Council(TTC), on Monday brokered peace between Gov Hyacinth Alia and Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The hitherto close political allies had been enmeshed in a cold war over the political leadership of the North Central state.

The conflict hit a crescendo with the recent inauguration of a factional APC State Executive Council by the Governor, a development that saw the Police stepping in to take over the APC State Secretariat to forestall violence.

Worried by the worsening crisis, the Tiv paramount ruler, Prof James Ayatse, and the TTC invited the duo to discuss the differences.

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The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the TTC held a closed door meeting with the two leaders in Gboko, headquarters of the Tiv race, where it sought to iron out their differences.

Ayatse, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, said that the duo agreed to reconcile their differences.

“The two leaders have agreed to put aside their political differences and work for the progress of Benue.\

“Today, I called the Governor of Benue, Rev Fr Alia, and the SGF, Sen George Akume, to discuss with them because of reports that we have received about conflicts between them.

“We have spoken with them. They have told us the issues. We discussed the issues and agreed together.

“They agreed to bury their differences and work together as a team for the good of the people.

“So, all the past differences have been put aside and now we have a fresh start. We shall work together in unity, in cooperation and agreement for the progress and development of Benue.

“The leaders have made a commitment to keep to their word and ensure that there is peace and unity between them going forward.”

He said the SGF and the Governor understood the weight of making an undertaking before the fathers of the land and shall, God willing, abide by their words.

“Yes, they made a commitment. They shook hands and embraced one another. They have promised to work as a team.

“We are happy with the resolutions they took themselves and we believe they have shown commitment. We are their fathers in the land; our blessings have a lot of importance in their activities.

“So, to make such commitment in the presence of the traditional rulers of the land is very weighty. We do believe that they will adhere to the resolutions that we have reached today,” he said

NAN reports that while Sen Barnabas Gemade was Gov Alia’s witness during the reconciliation meeting, Michael Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was Akume’s witness.

The two officials – the SGF and the Governor – however refused to speak with the press after the meeting.(NAN)

By Emmanuel Antswen

Army Hq confirms minor explosion at farmland in Ikeja Cantonment

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The Nigerian Army says a minor explosion occurred in a farmland near the Mammy Market within the Ikeja Cantonment in Lagos on Monday.

This is contained in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the explosion was suspected to have been triggered by the  burning of refuse and other inflammable debris by a farmer who cultivated the farmland.

According to him, no casualty was recorded in the incident.

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“However, given that the cantonment was recently cleared and certified free of unexploded ordnances, we understand that there could be concerns among the general public as a result of the historical antecedent of explosion within the Cantonment.

“The Nigerian army therefore wishes to assure the public that the situation is under control as its Engineers Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has cordoned off the area of the farmland to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.

“We urge residents in the general area not to panic and assure them of their safety,” he said. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

First Lady seeks early interventions for people on autism spectrum

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 The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has said that early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can help people on the autism spectrum reach significant gains in their abilities.

This is contained in a message the first lady sent out in Abuja on World Autism Awareness Day, marked every year on April 2.

“The journey for families with loved ones who are autistic can be challenging, today, I salute and celebrate their unwavering love and dedication.

“I also recognise the crucial role of community organisations in providing support, resources, and opportunities for individuals with autism and their families.

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“However, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to ensure individuals with autism, reach their full potential.

“I urge parents and caregivers to be attentive to developmental milestones and seek professional help if any concerns arise”, she said.

She further called for more expression of love and collective support of everyone in the society for people with ASD to overcome the challenges.

”We can create a world where individuals irrespective of who they are and whatever challenges they face in life, are empowered, included and celebrated for their unique gifts,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about one in 160 children worldwide is on the autism spectrum.

In Nigeria, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be one in 88 children, according to WHO.

However, the WHO said due to a lack of awareness and understanding of autism, many cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

The world health body also said  worldwide, it is estimated that around 31 per cent of individuals with autism also have an intellectual disability.

In 2007 The UN General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).

The UN is encouraging Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism individuals throughout the world.

World Autism Day is one of only seven official health-specific UN Days.

The 2024 observance will for the first time seek to provide a truly global overview of the state of affairs in this regard from the perspective of autistic people themselves.  (NAN)

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

ACAMB commends CBN’s recapitalisation requirements

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The Association of Corporate & Marketing Communication Professionals of Banks (ACAMB), has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its new recapitalisation measures aimed at strengthening Nigerian banks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CBN raised minimum capital requirements for commercial banks to ₦50 billion, ₦200 billion, and ₦500 billion for regional, national, and international licenses, respectively.

The aim of the new recapitalisation requirements is to make the banking sector stronger and more viable.

Mr Rasheed Bolarinwa, the President of the association, in a statement in Lagos, said recapitalisation exercise would position Nigerian banks to strengthen the economy; expand the real sector, and build bigger globally competitive brands.

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He commended the regulator for segmenting the minimum capital base for different categories of banks to give them level playing fields.

He said the association particularly noted the distinctive definition of the new minimum capital base for each category of banks as the addition of share capital and share premium.

He added that this was different from the previous use of shareholders’ funds.

“As it stands, banks are on the same page. And as such, there is no need whatsoever for any fear, as the banks have the capacity to meet the recapitalisation in line with allowable options stipulated by the apex bank,” he said.

Bolarinwa explained that the association had backed other stakeholders in giving support to the announcement for recapitalisation by CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso.

According to him, this support underlines ACAMB’s belief that while Nigerian banks are globally regarded as safe, resilient and thriving; there is always room for growth.

“As Nigeria seeks to aggressively unlock its innate potential to become a global emerging economy, banks must also stand ready to play their crucial roles of financial intermediation.

“The CBN circular on review of minimum capital requirement for commercial, merchant and non-interest banks over the next 24 months has laid to rest any anxiety about the intention, process and possible outcome of the new recapitalisation exercise.

“The import of the recapitalisation announced is that Nigerian banks are safe and reliable but the apex bank in its developmental mandate, is leading the banks to strengthen their capacities to meet competitive domestic and global financial needs.

“This overarching theme that runs through the circular and its explanatory notes further affirms the soundness of the banking sector, in line with several rating reports on Nigerian banks by leading local and international rating agencies.

“We commend the CBN for the thoughtfulness it has put into the announced modality for the recapitalisation,” he said.

Bolarinwa said the recapitalisation was a win-win for the Nigerian banks, the financial market and the economy.

He said the Nigerian capital market, where banks were the most influential group, had the depth to meet the capital requirements of banks.

He added that the extended timeline, until 2026, provided ample opportunity for all banks to follow through the recapitalisation plan without undue crowding effect.

“With their background of good returns and liquidity, banking stocks are toasts of domestic and foreign investors.

The ACAMB boss assured that the banking industry will continue to work with financial authorities to build up the economy.

“This recapitalisation will put Nigerian banks in better stead to support the strengthening of the economy; the expansion of the real sector, and the building of bigger banking brands that can compete continentally and globally.

“Banks will continue to cooperate with the CBN in the implementation of the recapitalisation programme.

“ACAMB shall also be engaging all stakeholders in order to ensure balanced and factual representation as the recapitalisation progresses.

“ACAMB reassures all depositors and shareholders to keep about their businesses with the Nigerian banks without fears,” he said. (NAN)

By Grace Alegba

CPPE urges CBN to ensure smooth recapitalisation

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The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to minimise shocks and disruptions in the banking system and economy during the recapitalisation period.

Dr Muda Yusuf, Founder, CPPE made the call on Monday in a statement in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CBN had on Thursday raised minimum capital requirement for commercial banks with regional, national and international licences to ₦50 billion, ₦200 billion and ₦500 billion respectively.

CBN also raised the capital base of merchant banks with national licences to ₦50 billion while it increased that of non-interest banks with regional licences to ₦10 billion and ₦20 billion for those with national licences.

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Yusuf commended the CBN for giving a timeline of 24 months deadline to ensure smooth transition to the new capitalisation regime for banks.

“The proposed recapitalisation of banks should be done in a manner that would minimize shocks and disruptions to the banking system and the economy at large.

“We commend the CBN for giving a timeline of 24 months for banks to comply,” he said.

He commended the CBN on the categorisation of the lenders with differential capital requirements to allow for inclusion and reduce the risk of dominance of the banking space by a few big banks.

The CPPE boss urged the CBN to assure depositors of the safety of their funds in the banking system, irrespective of the current level of capitalisations of banks.

According to him, it is important to sustain the confidence of the banking public about the soundness and stability of the Nigerian banking system, especially because of the perception and vulnerable risks of smaller banks.

He also urged the apex bank to ensure minimum risk to shareholders and employees in the banking system across board.

“It is also imperative to guide against elevated concentration risks and the deepening of oligopolistic structure in the banking system. There are also concerns around the large interest rate spreads in the Nigeria banking system.

“Spread between deposits and lending rates are sometimes as high as 20 per cent, which is one of the highest globally. The tenure of funds in the banking system is extremely short.

“Over 80 per cent of funds are of one year tenure or less, which explains the high level of assets and liability tenure mismatch in the banking system. Access to credit by small businesses remains a major inhibition to economic growth and economic inclusion.

“Small businesses account for over 50 per cent of GDP, but get less than five per cent of credit in the banking system. Financing gap in the Nigeria SME space is about $32.2 billion (over N40 trillion), according to IFC estimates.

“De-risking the credit space for small businesses should be accorded high priority in the new dispensation. This is essential to boost growth, create jobs and deepen economic inclusion.

“The apex bank should caution all players in the banking sector against predatory and other anti-competitive practices in the industry on account of the recapitalisation policy,” he added.

The CPPE boss who is an economist explained the implications of the capitalisation aimed at ensuring efficiency and stability of the financial system.

According to Yusuf, the real issue is that inflation had weakened the value of money overtime which makes recapitalisation imperative and inevitable.

“The essence is to ensure the safety of depositors’ fund, strengthen the stability of the financial system, deepen resilience of the banking system and reposition the bank to support growth,” Yusuf said.

Accorsing to him, Nigerian banks are sound and healthy but that does not eliminate the need for regulatory authority to ensure that the soundness and stability are preserved and improved upon. (NAN)

By Grace Alegba

COAS commits to ending insurgency, banditry,

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taureed Lagbaja says the Nigerian Army remains committed, determined and focused to ending insurgency,  banditry and other forms of external as well as internal aggression disturbing the peace of the country.

  Lagbaja made the commitment in a  goodwill massage during a Special Easter Lunch with the troops in the field at the Forward Operation  Base, Rijana in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Monday.

The COAS was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigeria Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch  Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.

He said, “It gives me great pleasure to felicitate with officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of the Nigerian Army, as well as our family members, on the occasion of Easter celebration.

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“This year’s Easter celebration is unique in that it coincides with the Ramadan fast.

“Hence, it allows the Christians and

Muslims alike to reflect on God’s abundant grace on our nation, Nigeria and reminds us of the duties and sacrifices we must make towards God, humanity, and our beloved country.”

He added it provided an opportunity to appreciate the love of God displayed through the sacrifices of Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind.

Lagbaja said, “The Lenten period is characterized by self-denial, abstinence, prayers, and alms giving, which heralded

the Easter Celebration.

“It also reminds us of the sacrifices, sometimes supreme, that officers and men of the Nigerian Army make to ensure that our territorial integrity is preserved at all times. “

Lagbaja  congratulated the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for witnessing this year’s Easter celebration.

He urged them  to continue to espouse the values and virtues of love, peace, and sacrifice in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Lagbaja said said that the Nigerian Army has continued to record tremendous successes in various operations at home and abroad.

He said, “You all can attest to our achievements so far, especially in the ongoing Operation HADIN KAI In the North-East and other internal security operations nationwide.

“As we continue to push towards the final onslaught on the adversaries troubling our nation.

“I assure you that the welfare of officers and soldiers, including training and provision of the needed equipment, will always be prioritized to enable us to discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively.”

The army chief  acknowledged and thanked the officers and soldiers, for their doggedness in tackling the numerous security challenges bedeviling the Nation.

” You have displayed much commitment, courage, resilience, and professionalism.

”For this, I say well done and charge you not to rest on your oars until we have eliminated all forms of threat to our country,”  Lagbaja added.

He lamented the  recent unwarranted and gruesome murder of their colleagues in Okuama community of Delta, which occurred on March  14.

Lagbaja added, ”I urge you all to remain steadfast, diligent, and committed to the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities.”

He  encouraged the troops  to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of their departed colleagues who paid the supreme price for the noble cause of keeping the country safe.

“I will continue to prioritize the welfare of our officers, soldiers, and families, including those of our departed colleagues.

“I, therefore, charge you all to use this Easter celebration to offer prayers against all forms of negative forces militating against the peace and progress of our dear nation,” Lagbaja  said.

The COAS appreciated President  Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the

Nigerian Army and the confidence reposed in him to lead the Army at this period in the nation’s history.

 “I wish to reaffirm our unalloyed loyalty in the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our fatherland, “Lagbaja said.

Representative of COAS in the middle  serving troops during special Easter Luncheon on Monday in Kaduna

Earlier the GOC 1 Division Nigeria Army , said this  Easter celebration provided a

unique and solid avenue to appreciate the sacrifices, loyalty and commitments of the troops in the division’s Area of Responsibility.

He said the threat matrix in the Division’s Area of Responsibility ((AOR) has remained volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.

“The division has however , ensured

stability in the AOR as exemplified with the security being enjoyed

along the strategic Abuja- Kaduna road/rail corridor.

“Additionally, several violent extremists and their kingpins have been eliminated, as well as several kidnapped victims have also been rescued notable amongst

which is the Kuriga school children.

” Many other kidnap attempts have

also been averted due to proactive kinetic/engagements, “he said.

Saraso said these modest successes have been made possible through your dedication and sacrifices in the field.

He said  that the division would continue to ensure that the troops  were motivated to

accomplish all heir  statutory tasks.

The GOC appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for providing the needed resources to organize the event in the face of

other competing demands of the Nigerian Army.

He also appreciated the government and the good people of Kaduna State who

have always been supportive of their operations.

“To our partners and stakeholders in the security and law enforcement business, we cannot  thank you enough for always being there with us, “Saraso said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Mohammed Tijjani

The North is Richer than we all think, By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman

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The common perception of the North in Nigeria is often centered around poverty, lack of development, and an agrarian economy. However, what many fail to realize is the vast wealth of natural resources that the North possesses. From precious metals like gold and diamonds to essential minerals like iron and limestone, the North is a treasure trove of valuable resources that have the potential to propel the region to great heights of prosperity.

One only needs to look at the sheer scale of mineral deposits in the North to understand the untapped potential that lies beneath the surface. With resources such as uranium, tin, silver, nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten among others, the North possesses a wealth of raw materials that are essential for modern industrial processes. These resources have the potential to attract significant investment and spur economic growth in the region.

Furthermore, the sheer size of the land in the North, particularly in states like Niger, offers immense opportunities for development and expansion. The vast land area can accommodate a range of industries and provide the space for large-scale infrastructure projects. This, coupled with the abundance of natural resources, creates a fertile ground for economic development and prosperity.

It is important to recognize the strategic importance of the North in the context of Nigeria’s overall economy. With its rich mineral deposits and vast land area, the North has the potential to become a powerhouse of industry and innovation. This is particularly relevant in light of the global demand for natural resources and the need for sustainable development practices.

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In the event of any form of secession, it is clear that the North would hold a significant advantage in terms of its economic potential. The resources that the region possesses would make it a highly attractive destination for investment and development. In comparison, regions without such abundant resources would struggle to compete in the global marketplace.

It is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to recognize the hidden wealth of the North and to leverage these resources for sustainable development. By harnessing the potential of the region’s natural resources and land area, the North has the opportunity to transform itself into a thriving economic hub that can serve as a model of success for the entire country.

The North is richer than we all think. With its vast array of natural resources and expansive land area, the region has the potential to become a beacon of economic prosperity. It is essential for the government and private sector to work together to unlock the full potential of the North and to create a sustainable future for generations to come. Only by leveraging the wealth of the North can Nigeria truly achieve its economic potential and secure a bright future for all its citizens.

How APC women leader criticised Uba Sani..

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The rift between the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai assumed a new dimension as a women leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hajia Maryam Suleiman

By Haruna Salami

The rift between the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai assumed a new dimension as a women leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hajia Maryam Suleiman has slammed Governor Uba Sani, alleging disloyalty to the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai within a short time that he became the governor, describing him as “ungrateful with short memory”.

In a video which has gone viral and sighted in Abuja on Monday, Mrs. Suleiman criticized Uba Sani and recalled how in 2019 the former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai travelled almost 500 times to lobby the party chieftains at the APC headquarters in Abuja to ensure that Senator Shehu Sani was replaced with Uba to represent Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly.

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The viral video has earned Mrs. Suleiman suspension as the Women leader of Badarawa/Mailali Ward of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Kaduna State for what it called “gross misconduct”.

Speaking in Hausa, Mrs. Suleiman, who is popularly called Mai Rusau until her suspension said El-Rufai fought hard and took risk to remove Senator Shehu Sani out of the way for Uba who was considered loyal at the time.

“As APC leaders in Kaduna, I know how El-Rufai travelled severally, almost 500 times to lobby Buhari and party leaders in Abuja to change Shehu Sani for Uba”, she said.

Meanwhile, her suspension letter dated 31st March, 2024 which was obtained on Monday, signed by Ali Maishago, Ward Chairman and Saka Bassahuwa Ward Secretary, respectively, cited gross misconduct for criticizing governor Uba Sani as reasons for her subsequent suspension.

Part of the letter read: “The Badarawa/Mailali Ward APC Executive Committee, after due deliberations and careful examination on the viral video clip released on 30th March, 2024 via social media networks: Facebook, WhatsApp, and Tiktok which is against the constitution of our dear party, APC as stated in Article 21.2 (v).

“Subsequently, the party relied on defamation of character of his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Uba Sani.

“Unauthorised publicity of the party dispute that discredited the personality of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State. From today, Sunday 31st March, the leadership of APC in Badarawa/Malali Ward unanimously resolved to suspend Hajiya Maryam Suleiman from the party pending further investigation on the matter from the constituted authority”.

Meanwhile, Senator Shehu Sani who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th Senate on Monday recalled how he was blocked by the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai when he attempted to return to the 9th Senate.

According to him, the governor blocked his return to the Senate because he stopped him from accessing the sum of $350 million World Bank loan when he was the Chairman , Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, insisting that he did that in the interest of the people of Kaduna State, as the debt handing on the state was more than revenue accruing to the state at the time.

Sani said “as Senate Committee Chairman on Local and Foreign Debts in the 8th Senate, I did block El-Rufai from accessing the sum of $350 million loan after I have analysed critically the huge debt that was hanging on the state at the time. I did that out of genuine interest for the state and not out of malice, but, it became an offence, El-Rufai used against me”.

Governor Uba Sani lamented the huge debt burden he inherited from former Governor El-Rufai’s government. Speaking at a Town Hall meeting Saturday, Governor Sani said, “Despite the huge debt burden of $587 million , N85 billion , and N115 billion Naira contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.”

Farewell, dear friend and brother, Colonel Kingsley Mfon Samuel (rtd) aka Haba Jama’a Newsdiaryonline

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In the tapestry of life, some threads shimmer with an irreplaceable brilliance, and great friend and brother..

By Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni

In the tapestry of life, some threads shimmer with an irreplaceable brilliance, and great friend and brother, the late Colonel Kingsley Mfon Samuel (rtd), was one such thread, woven with the utmost care and adorned with the virtues of friendliness, kindness, and unwavering loyalty. His departure from this world leaves a chasm in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him—a void that cannot easily be filled. The news of Kingsley’s passing on Monday 1st April 2024, struck me like a thunderbolt, a cruel reminder of life’s fleeting nature. I had wished it was a prank associated with a date of this nature, April’s Fool. But the magnitude and the person that conveyed the message could not joke with such a grievous matter. Myself and Kingsley came a long way in life and career. Our journey together began at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where fate intertwined our paths during the Direct Short Service and Direct Regular Commissioning Board Interviews in 1992. From that moment on, our lives became entwined in a bond forged through shared experiences and unwavering camaraderie.

As we traversed the landscape of our military careers over time and subsequent voluntary retirement, Kingsley’s presence illuminated even the darkest of days. His infectious laughter and easygoing nature were a balm to the souls of those around him, radiating warmth and kindness wherever he went. Whether sharing a cup of tea and bread or regaling us with tales of his escapades at the Nigerian Military School, Kingsley’s spirit shone brightly, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Colonel Kingsley Mfon Samuel was a beacon of humour and camaraderie, illuminating even the most mundane moments with his infectious wit and zest for life.

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From the then Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE) in Ilorin, where we attended Basic Arabic and French courses, to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, Ghana, Kingsley never failed to keep our spirits high. It was during our time at NASE that we christened ourselves “Haba Jama’a,” a moniker born from his youthful antics with the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) at the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria, much to the bemusement of all.

Kingsley’s penchant for mischief knew no bounds, as evidenced by the uproar he caused during breakfast one fateful morning. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he regaled our fellow students at the breakfast table with tales of our visit to the notorious Nima area of Accra, leaving them bewildered and amused in equal measure. And who could forget his passionate plea for larger teacups at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College Officers Mess, a demand met with incredulous stares and raised eyebrows among all those present.

Kingsley’s journey as a military officer took him to the far reaches of our nation and beyond, including Sierra Leone, where he selflessly contributed to peacekeeping efforts. Similarly , our adventures together weren’t confined to Nigeria alone, as Kingsley led the charge during our peacekeeping mission to Sierra Leone in 2002, were we served as Military Information Officers for Nigerian Battalions 13 and 14 respectively. His boundless energy and irrepressible spirit uplifted the morale of our comrades-in-arms, turning even the most challenging situations into opportunities for laughter and camaraderie. His immense contributions to the Nigerian Contingents’ Night on Radio UNAMSIL in Freetown will never be forgotten.

He was so pragmatic and down to earth. His dedication to duty was matched only by his boundless generosity. He was determined to take jobless youths off the streets through Scrabbles, a game he was so passionate about. Kingsley embodied the ethos of service with every fibre of his being, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer sage advice to those in need. His selflessness knew no bounds, and his legacy of compassion will continue to inspire generations to come. Indeed, the loss of Kingsley reverberates not only within the confines of our close-knit community of friends and colleagues, but also across the nation and beyond. His departure leaves a void that cannot be measured—a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives of all who had the honour of crossing his path.

In the annals of the Nigerian Army’s storied history, and in particular that of the Directorate of Army Public Relations, Colonel Kingsley Mfon Samuel (rtd) stands as a paragon of dedication, valour, and professionalism. His illustrious military career spanned various formations and units such as Office of the Chief of Army Staff, 7 Division and many other military units and appointments, where his unwavering commitment to duty and exemplary leadership left an indelible mark on all who served alongside him. In every mission and assignment, he exemplified the highest ideals of service, demonstrating courage in the face of adversity and compassion for those in need.

Our bond with Kingsley extended beyond military service, transcending the confines of duty to a friendship that was forged in the crucible of shared experiences. So close were we that my children affectionately dubbed him “Uncle Same Ice Cream,” a testament to the warmth and affection he exuded in our midst.

His contributions to the Nigerian Army’s Directorate of Public Relations and in particular its newsletter, the Soja Magazine, stand as a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering professionalism. Under the leadership of Major General CO Onwuamaegbu (rtd), then a Colonel, alongside colleagues like my humble self, Colonel AA Yusuf (rtd), and Major Sabiu Abba (rtd), Kingsley played a pivotal role in repositioning the publication, ensuring it served as a beacon of information and inspiration to the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and beyond. Our paths last crossed at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Annual General Meeting, where Kingsley was rightfully honoured with the prestigious NIPR fellowship—an accolade befitting his exemplary contributions to the field of public relations and beyond.

As we bid farewell to our dear friend and brother, let us take solace in the memories we shared and the lessons he imparted. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will endure, a beacon of light guiding us through the darkness. Rest in peace, dear Kingsley, knowing that your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by your boundless love and friendship. Until we meet again, may your soul find eternal peace in the embrace of the divine. I also take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will endure as a shining example of service, integrity, and camaraderie. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will continue to inspire all who strive for excellence and selflessness in service to our great nation. Similarly, the memories of Kingsley’s laughter and antics will continue to bring smiles to our faces for years to come. Farewell, dear friend, and may your laughter echo through the halls of eternity.

Rest in peace, dear Haba Jama’a, knowing that your friendship and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing you. May you find eternal peace in the embrace of the divine, KM Samuel.

The writer, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr, is a public relations and security consultant and was Director of Army Public Relations and Spokesman for the Nigerian Army from 2015-2018.

State Governors’ Debt Accumulation Raises Red Flag for Economic Sustainability, By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman

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The recent revelation that 13 new state governors have collectively borrowed N226.8bn within their first six months in office raises concerns about the sustainability of sub-national debt in Nigeria. This borrowing trend, as highlighted by the Debt Management Office (DMO), indicates a significant increase in the debt profile of these states, with both domestic and external debts being accrued.

According to the DMO’s report, a total of N243.95bn in domestic borrowings and $298.5m (N265.37bn) in external borrowings were recorded by 16 state governors in the same period. The breakdown of these debts shows that some governors have taken on substantial financial liabilities in a relatively short time frame. 

For instance, Cross Rivers Governor Bassey Otu stands out with N16.2bn borrowed domestically and $57.95m from foreign creditors. Katsina and Niger states followed closely, with significant increases in their debt profiles. These figures highlight the financial pressure faced by state governments and the growing reliance on borrowing to meet their financial obligations.

The decision to borrow at such a scale raises questions about the fiscal management practices of these state governments. While borrowing can be a useful tool for financing development projects and infrastructure, excessive debt accumulation can lead to financial instability and undermine economic growth. It is imperative for state governments to exercise prudence and transparency in their borrowing decisions to avoid future debt crises.

National growth LS

The context of increased revenue from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) adds complexity to the borrowing scenario. The uptick in FAAC allocations, attributed to the removal of fuel subsidies and currency reforms, has provided state governments with a boost in income. However, the decision to continue borrowing despite increased revenue raises concerns about the management of public finances at the state level.

In light of these developments, it is essential for state governors to prioritize sustainable debt management practices and ensure that borrowed funds are utilized effectively for the benefit of their citizens. Transparent reporting on debt obligations and utilization of borrowed funds is crucial for accountability and good governance. State governments must also explore alternative sources of revenue generation and prioritize fiscal discipline to reduce dependence on borrowing.

With the country grappling with economic challenges and rising debt levels, prudent financial management is crucial for promoting sustainable development and ensuring the welfare of the populace. State governments must navigate these challenges with caution and adopt responsible borrowing practices to safeguard the financial stability of their jurisdictions.

The increasing trend of borrowing is a reflection of the challenging economic environment that they face. With dwindling revenue sources and growing expenditure demands, many states have resorted to borrowing to finance their budget deficits and fund capital projects. While borrowing can be a useful tool for financing development projects and stimulating economic growth, it must be done responsibly to avoid the pitfalls of excessive debt accumulation.

One of the key reasons why this borrowing trend has become alarming is the lack of transparency and accountability in the way state governments manage their finances. There have been reports of mismanagement and misappropriation of borrowed funds, leading to wastage and inefficiency in the execution of development projects. This has not only undermined public trust in the government but also put the financial stability of states at risk.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, including low oil prices, inflation, and currency depreciation, the need for improved fiscal management and accountability in Nigerian states has never been more critical. State governments must prioritize prudent financial management practices, including budget discipline, debt sustainability analysis, and monitoring of debt service payments, to ensure that borrowing is done in a responsible and sustainable manner.

State governments must strengthen their revenue generation efforts to reduce their reliance on borrowing. This can be achieved through broadening the tax base, improving tax compliance, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms. By diversifying their revenue sources and reducing their dependence on oil revenues, states can build a more resilient fiscal framework that is less vulnerable to external shocks.

In addition to improving fiscal management and accountability, state governments must also invest in capacity building and institutional strengthening to enhance their financial management capabilities. This includes training finance officials, implementing financial management systems, and establishing oversight bodies to monitor and evaluate government spending. By building a strong financial management infrastructure, states can better manage their resources and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending.

By prioritizing prudent financial management, strengthening revenue generation efforts, and investing in capacity building, states can promote sustainable development and ensure the welfare of the populace. It is imperative that state governments take these steps to navigate the current economic challenges and build a solid foundation for future growth and prosperity.

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