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Is Nigeria on another jamboree in Paris?

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July 26, 2024

Is Nigeria on another jamboree in Paris?

GODWIN AIKIGBE previews Nigeria’s 19th appearance at the Olympic Games, highlighting the intrigues, controversies, and shortcomings, as well as the country’s chances in Paris

Nigeria made its Olympic debut at the 1952 edition in Helsinki, Finland, featuring nine athletes in athletics (men’s 100m, men’s 200m, men’s 4×100 relay, long jump, and high jump) and has competed in every edition since then, except for the boycotted 1976 Summer Olympics.

The country currently is ranked 74th, having won a total of 27 medals in athletics, boxing, football, and wrestling (three gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze).

Its most successful outing was in Atlanta in 1996, where it bagged a total of six medals, including the prestigious football gold, which saw the U23 men’s team defeat global heavyweights Argentina and Brazil, and the women’s long jump, where Chioma Ajunwa braced the odds to secure the pole position with a leap of 7.12m.

The third gold medal came in the men’s 4x400m at the 2008 edition in Beijing, China, where Nigeria finished second but were eventually awarded the gold medal following the International Olympic Committee’s decision to strip the USA of their medals after Antonio Pettigrew confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs.

Nigeria’s performances have dwindled over the years, having experienced a free fall in the rankings, dropping 32 to 74 after mustering just two medals (silver and bronze) at the 2020 edition staged in Tokyo, Japan, from July 23, 2021, to August 8, 2021, featuring 55 athletes in 10 sports.

Paris 2024

At Paris 2024, a total of 88 Nigerian athletes (25 males and 63 females) will be vying for medals in 12 sports: athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, canoeing, cycling, football, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling, from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 11. The contingent is 33 more than the number that represented the country at Tokyo 2020.

Inadequate preparation

It’s traditional for Nigeria not to adequately prepare for competitions, and Paris 2024 is by no means exceptional.

The best the Ministry of Sports Development and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria did was to have athletes participate in the mandatory AFN National Trials held from June 16 to 18 at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. It was meant to select athletes for the Olympic Games, World U-20 Championships, and the African Senior Athletics Championships, which were held from June 21 to 26 at Stade Omnisport de Japoma, Douala, Cameroon, where Team Nigeria finished third behind South Africa and Kenya, with a total of 15 medals (five gold, six silver and four bronze) from 34 athletes.

These tournaments are by no means preparation-related, being that athletes were only expected to achieve the qualifying standards. This is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse, especially when athletes were left on their own in the run-up to those championships, with neither the Nigeria Olympic Committee nor the Ministry of Sports Development nor the Athletics Federation of Nigeria providing them any incentives.

President Bola Tinubu approved N12bn, the total sum budgeted for the Games and Paralympics by the Ministry of Sports Development, in collaboration with the National Olympic Committee.

This is commendable, but tantamount to putting the cart before the horse. Without adequate preparation, emptying the bank’s vaults on the brink of a major competition is money down the drain, as winning an Olympic medal is never overnight. The country’s number one citizen would have also made funds available for individual preparation by athletes if his attention had been drawn to it by the concerned bodies whose competition-crazy officials only understand preparation to mean pre-championship short camping exercises.

Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, was full of gratitude to the President while recently emphasising the importance of pre-Olympic camping for athletes to achieve focus, fine-tuning, and a serene environment devoid of distractions.

“I want to use this medium to thank President Bola Tinubu for all the support he has given Team Nigeria in preparation for the Olympics. He has always shown he has sports in his heart, and we are more than glad to have him lead our nation at a time like this,” said Enoh, who then announced local pre-Olympic camping exercises in five centres – Abuja, Lagos, and Bayelsa States – from June 1, which don’t involve foreign-based medal hopefuls. This was during his recent meeting with presidents, secretaries, and technical directors of the National Sports Federation at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He had stressed the need for Nigeria to surpass the feat achieved at the 1996 Olympics in Paris by mapping out a comprehensive roadmap and technical training programmes.

Former African 100-metre record holder Olusoji Fasuba is one of many athletics stakeholders extensively riled by the unceasing inglorious circumvention of the preparatory process by Nigeria over the years, expressing his reservation in a chat with The According.

“I think it’s not the best and, as usual, they want to go to the games just to participate and not actually to win. Few sports may have gotten it right, but athletics is far from right. Nigeria should learn to prepare its athletes for the games. Support starts some years before and not some months or weeks before,” said Fasuba, a member of the Nigerian bronze medal-winning team in the 4 x 100m relay at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Controversies

It has to be controversial to be Nigerian, which is rather unfortunate.

Fund misappropriation, especially in civilian dispensation, remains the nemesis of Nigerian sports development, coupled with those with a passion for sports being almost always alienated.

Nigeria won two silver medals at Tokyo 2020 through Blessing Oborududu, who achieved the feat in the wrestling women’s freestyle at 68kg, and Ese Brume in the women’s long jump.

It could have been more if 10 athletes were not denied the opportunity to compete due to administrative issues, having failed to undergo the mandatory number of out-of-competition doping tests at the time. These include Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless, Ruth Usoro, Chioma Onyekwere, and quarter-miler Chidi Okezie, all of whom will be making their Olympic debut in Paris.

The viral video of Nigeria’s shot-put finalist, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, washing his jersey ahead of the final of his event was a major highlight of Nigeria’s participation in Tokyo 2020.

The cash cow Federal Government had washed its hands clean and blamed the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development for the global discomfiture, being solely responsible for the provision of competition jerseys for athletes at the Games.

Enekwechi, who finished 12th in his event, expressed his discontentment in a statement on TikTok, which he later deleted: “When you made the Olympic Finals, but you only have one jersey.”

Preparation for Paris 2024 has been marred by controversies on the selection of athletes, especially the exclusion of Seye Ogunlewe and Enoch Adegoke, whom many thought should have made the final list for the men’s 100m and 100x100m relay in place of Favour Ashe and Godson Oghenebrume.

This concern has been addressed by the General Secretary of AFN, Rita Mordi, who, in a statement, outlined the official selection criteria, an explanation that still doesn’t sit well with many people.

The statement read, “Competitions at the Olympic Games are held under the auspices of each international federation.” World Athletics stipulates two ways of qualifying for the games. The first is by attaining the qualification standard.

Shortcomings

Nigeria’s population is approximately 218.5 million as of 2022 and will feature 88 athletes in 12 sports in Paris, while South Africa, whose population is 59.89 million, will field 149 athletes in 21 sports. This clearly shows that Nigeria is not intentional about developing sports across the board.

While South Africa continues to venture into new sports, Nigeria is even losing ground in the ones it has comparative advantages over other countries in the world, notably the sprints, where Kenya and Liberia are now delivering hair-raising performances.

Expectations

Nigerians’ expectations are as high as always heading to Paris 2024, but the reality of making the most dismal outing in the history of the Games in Paris remains stark. However, Nigerians, being strong-willed and blessed with a deep determination to pull the chestnut out of the fire when least expected, provide the country with a hope to lean on.

No one expected the Dream Team to subdue star-studded Argentina and Brazil teams to win gold in the men’s football tournament in Atlanta in 1996, where Chioma Ajunwa also defied all odds to clinch the women’s long jump gold.

Despite the ill-preparedness and attendant controversies, it may not be all woeful for Team Nigeria in Paris, being blessed with some exceptional talents.

Blessing Oborududu and Ese Brume, who won silver in women’s wrestling and long jump at Tokyo 2022, will most likely make the podium alongside Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, and Favour Ofili in the women’s 100m, 200m, and 100x100m relays.

Enekwuechi made the men’s shot put final in Tokyo and should build on that experience to at least reach the podium this time, while the men’s 400x400m and women’s 100×100 relay teams also have fighting chances at medals.

The tasks are apparently daunting, but the unfading Nigerian spirit remains the wind in their sail.

Premium Pension pays over N300bn benefits

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July 26, 2024

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Premium Pension pays over N300bn benefits

Premium Pension Limited has paid over N300bn in pension benefits since its inception.

This was revealed by the Acting Managing Director of the company, Kemi Oluwashina, at a Retiree Forum, themed ‘Embracing Your Golden Years: A Fresh Perspective’ which was held in Lagos recently.

According to the first quarter report from the National Pension Commission, Premium Pension Limited cornered seven per cent of the new 89,061 Retired Savings Accounts opened in the quarter, making it one of the top five Pension Fund Administrators with the largest share of the market in terms of new RSAs.

Speaking at the forum, Oluwashina said, “The industry today has over N20tn and Premium Pension is proud to say that we account for over N1.2tn of it. The industry has paid out trillions of naira in benefits and we are happy to say that Premium Pension has paid out over N300bn in pension benefits since we started.

“Premium Pension pays over a billion naira in total withdrawals every single month to over 25,000 retirees and we are happy to be part of the successes recorded in the pension industry.”

Highlighting how the Pension Reform Act has changed the narrative for retirees, Oluwashina said having conversations about how to do better was critical.

She stated, “I was looking at PENCOM’s Q1 report. We paid over a trillion naira as an industry in pension benefits. Apart from the fact that we have over N20tn in assets. We have paid over a trillion naira under programme withdrawal, the same thing under annuity. A trillion naira is not small money in any standard or any currency.

She added that engagement with the Federal Government, and lawmakers was key to keep improving the pension industry.

On Premium Pension’s commitment to retirees, Oluwashina stated, “We want to grow people’s wealth so that they can enjoy their golden years. It is at the core of what we do. It is our mission. It is not one that we will suddenly wake up and realise that it is no longer relevant. It is and will remain relevant to our business. They are the reasons why we’re in business.

That is why we organised this event. We need to give them (retirees and would-be retirees) that platform to be heard. We need to give them that platform to know that they are appreciated. The feedback from sessions like this we use in our engagement and interaction with the regulators or the respective employers, which in this case includes the federal government, state governments, and of course private sector organisations. We are not only engaging with them as employers, but we’re also the voice of their respective employees. So this feedback for us is fantastic. We love it.”

Let nobody make you feel small

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July 26, 2024

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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Who among us will quickly forget the legendary iconic former President of South Africa? For a lot of diverse reasons, and for a lot of people, Mandela is unforgettable. He was imprisoned for 27 years. Harsh conditions and degrading treatment he endured for long. For the apartheid regime and some mean and powerful individuals, the goal was to belittle him and diminish his efforts.

But Mandela’s spirit and sense of purpose remain unshaken. He refused to be broken by the system that was designed to make him feel worthless. Instead, he used his time to strengthen his resolve and maintain his dignity. His ability to rise above personal insults and challenges and his focus on the greater good eventually led to the dismantling of apartheid and his election as South Africa’s first Black president.

Mandela stood his ground in the face of persistent emotional and physical pummelling by his adversaries. His story is a powerful testament to how you too can maintain self-worth and integrity despite attempts to belittle or oppress. Has your path ever crossed some people in life who try to make you look small, worthless, and irrelevant? Have you been shouted down and shut up by friends and family members who strove to make you feel small and inconsequential about yourself through their words or actions toward you? People will do to you only what you let them. Anytime you experience disparaging behaviours from people, let it be known that you probably have some virtues and values that your harassers covet but do not possess. The more they come at you, the more you should refuse to be cowed down. Thus, this week, I offer this encouragement to someone through this treatise: Let nobody shut you down, shut you up, or make you feel small as you travel in the journey of life.

I heard these uplifting words from America’s current Vice President Kamala Harris when she was striving to become the country’s first female and first Black Vice President of the world’s biggest economy. “I have been told many times during my career things from “oh, you are too young, it’s not your turn…they are not ready for you. I’ve heard that many times over the course of my career. But I didn’t listen. I will encourage anyone who’s been told that to not listen. Don’t be encumbered by the inability of others to see the potential of who you are.” My friends, let nobody shut you down, shut you up, or make you feel small as you travel in the journey of life. If people who try to make you look worthless don’t know your worth, they have no eyes to see great value. Remember that a blind person cannot design a map. If some people don’t appreciate your worth, it doesn’t mean you are worthless. Be angry not with people who know not your value. That they do not know your value does not make you valueless. Where your worth is not appreciated; walk away with your precious worth. There are hordes of beings out there warming up to celebrate you, not desecrate you. You have worth. You are too wonderfully packaged to be carelessly unwrapped. You are too beautifully made to be treated ugly. You are too expensively put together to be dealt with cheaply.

No surveillance technique or technology can detect human prowess and talents. Science and technology have not yet developed how cameras can capture the indwelling human abilities, skills, and potential of created beings. For science and scientists, this appears to be a quixotic quest. Any scientific submission claiming such is a grandstanding guesswork. Technology can only capture the face and inner anatomical images of the organs in the body of a talented man. That is all today’s technology can do. But how then do people know what God has naturally endowed you to do? You tell them and you do what you claim you can do. Telling people about your strength, you are not flatly arrogant or falsely arrogating, you are wise. There are people who need your skill, and they may not know you’ve got it. Instead of letting men shut you down, stand on a higher ground announcing your worth. Trumpet your worth and let the world hear you. Announce yourself! Publicise yourself! Showcase your resume! Present your case and show forth your argument!

There are about 9,000 species of birds the world over. And unfortunately, many of them are in a cage. One of the worst experiences of life is when a man or woman created and destined big and bountiful, and fat and flourishing remains small. People in this category are like a bird in a cage. Break that cage. Someone out there needs your skill. A government out there needs your skill. A president out there needs your skill. A governor out there needs your talent. A business magnate out there needs your ability.

A nation out there needs your skill set. By not promoting yourself, you are demoting yourself. It is not humility to keep quiet about your natural skills, it is foolishness. Get up and announce yourself and heaven will join in announcing you! Blow your trumpets, stop being a puppet! You may only have to do what you can do once for the world to see, and forever you are known. Thereafter, people who never knew of you will seek you.

Anywhere you go, and anywhere you find yourself this week and beyond, believe that you are the light assigned to bring out hidden lights. People will try to hide your light; they will try to hide and make you subservient to them. If you truly know who you are, you will not let them accomplish their belittling purpose. Your gifts, abilities, and potential you bring to the negotiating table of life are that light. Let it shine. Sit it on the nightstand. Let it glow radiantly. Let it pierce through the darkness of today into the obscurity of tomorrow. Only you can do that for you.

The world must hear about you. You are not a secret to be kept. You are not a plague to be avoided. You are not an infection to be kept in isolation. You are a city on the hill that must be seen. Anywhere you go, and anywhere you find yourself, believe that you are a city strategically positioned on the top of the hill that cannot be hidden. Stand tall without being arrogant. Stand shoulder-high without being haughty. Stand out without being condescending. If you do all of these, you have done it unto the One who made you in His image and after His likeness for a purpose.

The appeal to farm in urban Lagos

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July 26, 2024

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Sometimes one feels that governments should set up an office of the coordinator, new ideas and innovations, at each level. Here, every Nigerian who has a brilliant idea for the government can submit it and get full consideration. This thought was spurred by an appeal made recently by the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya. It isn’t the first of such in the nation but there’s something similar whenever appeals are made: Hardly do governments state in simple clear steps how they plan to encourage the public to heed the appeal.

Now, when officials appeal to the public over an issue it shows they recognise that the cooperation of the people is needed for the government to succeed, for a public policy to succeed. It shows the government knows it doesn’t know it all. Officials don’t have all the answers where they are seated behind their desks. They alone cannot provide all the solutions to the challenges in society. However, I take note of these appeals with a view to assessing the viability, the how of getting such done, and the outcome with possible benefits for the common good.

We know Nigerians do proffer solutions in order to assist their governments. But it’s not often that solutions Nigerians profess are taken up and seen through by the government. In fact, governments at the various levels aren’t configured such that feedback from the people gets fed into the system. Even officials aren’t oriented and positively disposed towards receiving and utilising feedback. Many who have tried to pass ideas across know the hostility they face; a reason I suggest that we have an office for the purpose. Pragmatic nations do it. For feedback is essential in governance; it’s an item in the cycle we draw in political science (Pol 101) while learning how politics works.

When the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture made her appeal, it occurred to me that she made a needed call but which implications we needed to further call attention to. She wanted households to produce part of what they eat, appealing to Lagosians to “get into some kind of urban farming. Grow something in your home that you can eat.” Her appeal may well be a starting point and, with the kind of functions her newly named ministry has, I think she has made a call that amounts to kick-starting a process. It’s a process that extends beyond what she’s said. Her kind of call can’t be an end in itself.

This is because urban farming that she appeals to people to engage in has its own chain, a value chain maybe, for food production, for the environment, as well as the community. In the end, Lagos State with its high population and the attendant challenges benefits in more ways than just producing food for consumption. I shall explain. Urban farming is the practice of cultivating crops and livestock in an urban environment. Such farming may seem new but a closer look into the past shows it actually has a long history. City dwellers in ancient Mesopotamia set aside land for cultivation. After the WW2, what was called victory gardens became part of the cityscapes. Urban farming has now become a major focus for the purpose of agricultural sustainability. In fact, social justice advocates argue that it can provide avenues to positive change. These days more buildings are developed with the infrastructure needed to support community rooftop gardens. There is vertical farming which can transform existing urban spaces into dense centres of agricultural production.

Locally raised products are one benefit of urban farming. So when outsiders threaten to cut supplies of what they produce, they are easier to ignore. Independence in food supply is also ensured. Vertical farming allows for more production per square foot. Urban farming ensures unused spaces like warehouses are put to good use. Community gardens run by municipal or non-profit organisations can help residents build stronger ties to where they live and reduce the urban blight associated with empty lots. While urban farming involves homeowners growing items on their premises, the United States Department of Agriculture notes that there can also be community gardens found on public land: It’s typically overseen and managed by resident volunteers. Community farms are communal growing spaces that are typically run by a non-profit organisation.

Commercial farms are run by for-profit organisations and they focus on growing niche produce, using high-efficiency techniques like vertical or soilless farming. There are also institutional farms and gardens associated with a community institution e.g. prisons, hospitals, churches, schools, etc. Such gardens seek to provide positive health, education, and lifestyle opportunities for their respective institutions. Each of these five types of urban farming can involve planting of crops, poultry, fishery etc. Doing any of these in a city like Lagos requires inputs and there are expected outputs for the individual, government and society in general. In fact, planting crops within one’s premises will need some government intervention. Why?

Not long ago, I was visiting a senior citizen. The premises had trees which provided shade needed for outdoor relaxation, but the part that impressed me was that a portion of the soil was left open and there were flowers and other plants. I pointed out what I noticed to my host and we both agreed that it wasn’t advisable that the premises of any home should be fully covered with concrete. Most premises in Lagos have the entire soil surface covered with concrete. This is having a negative effect on the environment. A few years ago, one commissioner in Lagos State was asked by a reporter why there was so much flooding in the state. One of the things he mentioned was that homeowners mostly sealed the ground and in the event the amount of rainwater that should be taken into the soil flowed on the surface, causing flooding. This is significant for a state that is below sea level and is often subjected to flooding.

At the time the said commissioner made this observation, I noted briefly on this page that a policy requirement that would make homeowners leave a certain percentage of their premises without concrete or interlocking stones was needed. We shouldn’t just identify a problem and leave it at that. So the question arises: if most Lagos homeowners cover the soil with concrete where will they farm? We may suggest the use of sacks or other soilless means. But no one would disagree with the need to leave part of the earth in premises open for other environmental benefits. I discovered from personal experience that some plants do more excellently well when they’re planted directly in the earth. In any case, getting homeowners to have bare earth in their premises with which they engage in urban farming in Lagos State ends up bringing the individual, the government, the environment, and the society more than one benefit.

I think engaging in and supporting urban farming, when taken through the entire gamut, is a form of social re-engineering as much as the economic consideration that appears to be the focus for a city like Lagos. Each type of urban farming requires that the government provides support services such as making seeds that can do well available and offering professional advice. The government also has to regulate in order to ensure that community gardens, community farms, commercial farms, and institutional farms and gardens don’t violate environmental laws. Moreover, governments can encourage urban farmers to link up, have an association, as well as have schoolchildren visit urban farms on excursions for educational purposes.

This is beneficial not only in urban Lagos but in every city in Nigeria where most children have never seen practically how crops and livestock are raised. Plus we may end up inspiring a new generation of agriculture enthusiasts. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture should select the best home farms in each local government area and pay owners a stipend for visits undertaken by schoolchildren. It becomes another form of earning within the city. This may further encourage more homeowners to put their premises to beneficial uses as they grow food, help educate children, help keep the environment conserved, as well as form a new community of urban farmers.

Renewed attacks must be curtailed

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July 26, 2024

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Since its emergence in 2002, Boko Haram, a militant Islamist group based in northeastern Nigeria, has posed a relentless and lethal threat. The organisation’s extremist ideology, grounded in a rigid interpretation of Islam, advocates the creation of an Islamic state and the strict implementation of Sharia law. Of course, Boko Haram’s activities have spread beyond Nigeria, affecting neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. The insurgency is responsible for over 50,000 deaths, the displacement of an estimated four million people, according to various reports (including the United Nations) and widespread destruction. Moreover, according to a recent report released by the United Nations, Boko Haram-affiliated groups and splinter factions, including ISWAP, abducted at least 211 children and recruited at least 63 children, including 54 girls, between January and December 2021.

Interestingly, in 2024, for the first time since 2020, a new wave of suicide bombings has returned to Nigeria. Three suicide bombers, suspected to be female members of Boko Haram, carried out a series of attacks at a wedding ceremony in Gwoza, Borno State, killing 32 people and injuring several others. Furthermore, just a few days after the attack, five police officers were reportedly killed in an ambush in the Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, allegedly by the Boko Haram sect. Although similar incidents occur daily in many rural communities, they often go unreported because these areas lack basic infrastructure and resources, making it difficult for the media to access and report on these incidents effectively. As a result, rural communities suffer more at the hands of terrorists than those living in cities, where terrorists cannot operate freely. Unfortunately, these rural communities remain in a vulnerable state and a deplorable living condition.

Effectively addressing Boko Haram requires a comprehensive strategy that simultaneously tackles the immediate security threats and the underlying socio-economic and political issues that fuel the insurgency. While military intervention is a crucial element in combating the insurgency, the government, supported by regional and international partners, faces significant challenges in responding to the escalating and spreading activities of terrorists, particularly in the northern region. Although the Multinational Joint Task Force, comprising troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin, plays a vital role in coordinating regional military efforts, and some successes have been recorded in diminishing Boko Haram’s territorial control and operational capabilities, more needs to be done to achieve lasting results.

Furthermore, the allegations of human rights abuses by security forces have eroded local support and bolstered Boko Haram’s recruitment efforts. Therefore, military operations need to comply with international human rights standards to maintain the moral high ground and win the hearts of the locals without whom it may be difficult for the government to access useful information that could help contain the activities of the dreaded group.

More so, effective intelligence gathering, and surveillance are crucial for preventing terrorists’ attacks and dismantling their networks. Apart from building community-based intelligence networks that can help collect actionable information from residents, who are often the first to observe suspicious activities, strengthening the capabilities of the security agencies through advanced training, cutting-edge technology, and international collaboration is very essential.

The President Bola Tinubu administration should live up to its responsibility by addressing the current socio-economic conditions that drive the insurgency. Boko Haram exploits poverty, unemployment, and lack of education to recruit, particularly disaffected youth. Therefore, implementing comprehensive development programmes that improve access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, especially in northern Nigeria, is vital to reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies. Additionally, investing in infrastructure and social services in these affected regions can help rebuild trust between the government and local communities.

Although the government’s deradicalisation and rehabilitation efforts are crucial and essential for the reintegration of former insurgents into society, they have not been yielding the desired results. Ideally, this should prevent recidivism and stop the spread of extremist ideologies in the country, particularly in areas where terrorist activities are most prevalent. To improve this, the government should promote alternative narratives by empowering moderate religious leaders, which will help counter the extremist ideologies that vulnerable young people are susceptible to. Additionally, community engagement programmes that foster dialogue and understanding between different religious and ethnic groups can help counter Boko Haram’s divisive rhetoric and promote social cohesion.

Additionally, effective governance and political inclusion are crucial for addressing the root causes of the proliferation of insurgency activities: They are also crucial in mitigating their impact. Issues like corruption, political marginalisation, and lack of accountability have fuelled the grievances that terrorist organisations exploit. Therefore, strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations, and encouraging political participation can help address these challenges.

Although efforts to combat terrorism have been ongoing, however, stubborn challenges persist. The group’s ability to adapt and evolve, combined with the vast and treacherous terrain of the affected areas, poses significant hurdles. Furthermore, the intricate socio-political dynamics of Nigeria and its neighbouring countries add complexity to the situation. Therefore, to effectively address the resulting humanitarian crisis, sustained support and resources from the international community are very essential.

To make meaningful progress, a unified and multifaceted approach is vital, incorporating military, socio-economic, political, and humanitarian tactics. Continuous assessment and strategic adaptation, informed by real-time ground realities, are critical to successfully countering terrorism, especially in the beleaguered northern region of the country. Moreover, the ultimate objective should extend beyond merely defeating insurgency; the government should aim to create a stable, prosperous, and resilient environment that prevents the spread of extremism and fosters lasting peace and development.

Adeparusi, a researcher in criminology, wrote in via [email protected]

Moniepoint advocates collaboration to drive financial inclusion

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July 26, 2024

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Moniepoint advocates collaboration to drive financial inclusion

Digital financial institution, MoniePoint Inc, has highlighted the importance of a public-private collaboration to drive financial inclusion in Nigeria.

A statement from Moniepoint on Thursday said that this was disclosed at a policy dialogue between the Nigerian government and private sector stakeholders held in Washington DC recently.

During the engagement, Moniepoint Inc’s Group Chief Executive Officer/co-founder, Tosin Eniolorunda, emphasised the importance of public-private collaborations in addressing trust issues that have slowed down the adoption of innovative fintech solutions for economic and financial inclusion.

“Moniepoint has long championed the importance of financial inclusion and financial happiness. Building trust with the public and government, and improving business and consumer access to the financial system are critical issues that are aligned with our philosophy. As a testament to our commitment, we recently launched a landmark report investigating Nigeria’s informal economy, highlighting opportunities to widen financial inclusion to historically underserved communities.

“The outputs from this strategic gathering will go a long way in bolstering Nigeria’s economy even as closer linkages are formed from public-private collaboration which will be a huge boost to the overall development and competitiveness of the larger financial services industry,“ Eniolorunda said.

The event, which brought together government officials, regulators, law enforcement agencies, and fintech industry leaders at George Washington University, aimed to leverage innovative approaches to drive a sustainable and inclusive financial system in Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, addressing the gathering via video conference, highlighted the urgent need for financial innovation to drive Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion agenda.

“This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration commitment to bringing over 30 million unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial sector as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We must develop a sustainable collaboration approach that will facilitate the adoption of inclusive payment to achieve our objective of economic and financial inclusion,” Shettima stated.

The firm noted that the dialogue focused on addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem, including regulatory oversight, security concerns, and trust issues that have hindered the widespread adoption of innovative financial solutions.

The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Financial System Stability, Philip Ikeazor, highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders to meet the goals of the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Inuwa Abdullahi, advocated for “a digital-first approach and the fusion of digital literacy with financial literacy to address trust issues affecting the inclusive payment ecosystem”.

Nichols makes Nigerian mum proud with sterling Arsenal debut

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July 26, 2024

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Nichols makes Nigerian mum proud with sterling Arsenal debut

The Nigerian mother of quad-national fullback Josh Nichols, couldn’t hide her joy when she witnessed her son make his unofficial debut for Arsenal’s first team in their pre-season encounter against Bournemouth on Thursday morning.

Mikel Arteta brought on the 17-year-old in the 78th minute for Ben White in a bid to freshen up his squad with the scoreline level.

Arsenal had opened the scoreline in the 17th minute when Ethan Nwaneri fed Reiss Nelson whose cross was met by Fabio Viera who volleyed the ball into the bottom corner.

The Cherries got the equalizer through Ghana international Antoine Semenyo whose shot was deflected home by White in the 73rd minute.

The game advanced into a penalty shootout with the Gunners having Karl Hein to thank who saved two penalties for the North London side to beat Andoni Iraola’s men 5-4.

While Nichols wasn’t involved in the penalty shootout, he must be glad to have been handed his debut with his mother in the stands.

The Newham-born defender was just handed a professional contract by Arsenal which shows there is some level of trust in his ability by the North London club hierarchy.

Nichols is also eligible to represent the national teams of Jamaica and Guyana through his father.

He will be hoping to get more game time when the Gunners clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

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N250,000 minimum wage: Were labour unions daydreaming?

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July 26, 2024

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N250,000 minimum wage: Were labour unions daydreaming?

Globally, the number of people living in extreme poverty has increased following the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst subdued economic growth. According to the World Bank’s Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2022 report, a total of 712 million people globally were living in extreme poverty in 2022, using the monetary extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day. The majority of these poor people, almost 500 million, live in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria accounting for at least 83 million. In other words, four out of every 10 people in Nigeria are extremely poor and this may have worsened since the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate devaluation policies introduced in the last one year by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The World Bank has advised that for Nigeria to lift millions out of poverty through pro-poor initiatives, the fiscal space has to be unlocked by reforming the expensive subsidies, including fuel subsidies, alongside countervailing measures to protect the poor as the reforms take effect. The Tinubu administration has followed this direction by wasting no time embarking on these reforms as soon as he assumed office in May 2023. The now popular phrase “subsidy is gone” and the easing of the foreign exchange market have led to an increase in the price of premium motor spirit (petrol) from an average of N238.11 per litre in May 2023 to N750.17 per litre in June 2024 and a depreciation of the foreign exchange rate from N461.26/$1 in May 2023 to N1584.5/$1 in June 2024. These reforms have since exacerbated the inflation rate in the country, rising from 22.41 per cent in May 2023 to 34.19 per cent in June 2024, with food inflation reaching 40.87 per cent. The excruciating and debilitating effect of inflation has led to the “Ebi n pawa o” outcry by Nigerians, which literarily means the Nigerian masses are hungry.

Indeed, life is now cruel for many households, a reality that has pushed the leadership of organised Labour to remain resolute in fighting for a living wage for Nigerian workers. The labour unions had earlier proposed N494,000 as the minimum wage that the Federal Government should pay workers. After a lot of stalemated negotiations, organized labour stood at N250,000 as the minimum wage based on the economic realities of the time, while the Federal Government proposed between N62,000 and N65,000, using the ability-to-pay principle. There are divergent opinions on the stand of the labour unions that some regard as extreme. The debate as to whether the minimum wage proposed by the labour unions was really obnoxious or not begs for deeper reflection and contemplation.

To provide insight into the argument of the labour unions and understand their position, it is necessary to focus on the value of the real wage or income, otherwise called the purchasing power of income, which is a gauge of the worth of income in terms of the commodities or services obtainable at a given point in time. Using inflation-adjusted wage as the basis for analysis, as inflation rises over time, the quantity of commodities that a given income can buy reduces. To keep the discussion in proper context, therefore, this discussion is centred on minimum wage between 2009 and 2024, taking 2009 as the base year. In other words, the price levels of the subsequent years are compared to the 2009 level. The real minimum wage or the purchasing power is observed by accounting for price changes, usually an increase. It should be recalled that the minimum wage has undergone several revisions, from N5,500 in 2000 to N18,000 in 2011 under President Goodluck Jonathan, and then increased to N30,000 by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

For instance, the real value of the minimum wage of N5,500 in 2009, the base year, was reduced to about N4,824 after accounting for the price increase of commodities between 2009 and 2010. In simple terms, the N5,500 in 2010 could only purchase products worth N4,824 in 2009. Again, in 2011, when the new minimum wage of N18,000 was introduced, the real income or its purchasing power was only worth N14,285.71, the highest value in the last 15 years. By 2019, when the new minimum wage of N30,000 was introduced, the real value of the wage was barely N9,868.42. The worth of the minimum wage diminished considerably in 2023 to a mere N5,025.13.

Therefore, the real value of the proposed minimum wage of N250,000 by organised labour is only N31,249.21 going by the current inflation rate. Moreover, the Federal Government and organized labour, after consultations with other stakeholders on July 18, 2024, agreed to a minimum wage of N70,000, which is now expected to be reviewed every three years. This newly agreed minimum wage of N70,000, after accounting for the price level, is barely about N8,750 in real terms.

The magnitude of the problem at hand is enormous. Most government workers are currently earning less than the extreme poverty level of $2.15. Effectively, either in real or dollar terms, the condition of the average Nigerian worker in 2024 has not changed from the previous year. If anything at all, it has worsened, even with the agreed new minimum wage. Indeed, it can be concluded that the labour unions were not daydreaming by insisting on the N250,000.

The foregoing underscores the need for the government to re-evaluate and modify its approach to tackling the root cause of the current predicament to alleviate and eventually reverse the severity of the misery wreaking havoc on Nigerian workers and the general population. To ensure sustainable economic growth and resilience, the government needs to pursue immediate, far-reaching measures.

It should be noted that the Federal Government has taken some preliminary measures to ease the hardship by releasing food to the different state governments for distribution to the people. Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria had earlier made available over 2.1 million bags of assorted fertiliser to the Ministry of Agriculture for onward distribution to the states, and about 20 trucks of rice have already been supplied to each of the states of the federation. In addition, workers were also awarded N35,000 for six months only. The Federal Government has also planned to allocate N125 billion as conditional grants and financial inclusion for medium and small enterprises and provide N200 billion to support the cultivation of hectares of land. However, these measures have not eased the hardship that has remained unwavering, shredding the very fabric of livelihood for many and battering them to a state of destitution.

The government still needs to do a lot more. First, the government should restore the confidence and trust of its citizens. This should be done by showing the appropriate optics to the public. The government must be seen to lead in tightening its belt by reducing the cost of governance and plugging the holes. The announcement by the lawmakers in the House of Representatives to take a six-month cut in their basic salaries given the economic hardship is welcoming.

Second, the measures to increase food production through support to local farmers and easing distribution should be revamped and realigned to deliver within a short period. This is in addition to providing emergency relief. Third, there should be a holistic food production synergy among the subnational governments. Each state government seems to operate in isolation at a time when a state of emergency should be declared regarding food production in the country. Overall, there should be a concerted effort to halt the inflation rate, thereby increasing the real income of the people.

Oyinlola, a Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan, writes via [email protected]

INEC can conduct, sanitise LG polls – Yakubu

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July 26, 2024

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INEC can conduct, sanitise LG polls – Yakubu

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, has affirmed that the electoral body can conduct local government elections in the country if provided with the necessary resources.

Citing the example of the Federal Capital Territory where INEC conducts the area council polls, Yakubu said if INEC got the responsibility to conduct LG polls, it would put an end to the use of caretaker committees to run LGs.

He made this statement on Thursday when he appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Committees.

Responding to a question from members of the National Assembly joint panel on the commission’s stance regarding the Supreme Court verdict on financial autonomy for local government, Yakubu acknowledged calls for the unbundling of INEC or the creation of a new federal agency for conducting council polls.

However, he asserted that INEC, under his leadership, possessed the capacity, competence, human resources, and experience needed to conduct local government elections across Nigeria’s 774 councils.

He supported his position by citing the commission’s successes in the six Federal Capital Territory Area Councils and its frequent off-season and bye-elections.

Yakubu emphasised that INEC’s consistent conduct of federal and state elections is proof of its capability to manage council polls.

Yakubu stated, “So if this responsibility for the conduct of local government elections is transferred to INEC, can INEC cope? The answer is yes, INEC can cope. What are we? By definition, INEC is the Independent National Electoral Commission. Right now, we do national elections, state elections, and local government elections?

“A national electoral commission may be expected to implement only the presidential and National Assembly elections. We also conduct governorship elections, state Assembly elections, and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory. Our track record proves that we can do it. In the Federal Capital Territory, there are six area councils, 62 wards, and councillorship elections.

“This is one part of the country where INEC has conducted local government elections regularly, without caretaker committees, ensuring stability and security of tenure. The recent amendment to the Electoral Act provides a four-year tenure for area councils in the FCT.”

Yakubu noted that no single political party had won all the constituencies in the FCT, with the six chairmen evenly split between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.

He highlighted that the FCT councils comprise urban and rural communities, demonstrating INEC’s adequate experience in conducting elections nationwide.

He further stated, “So in terms of capacity to do it, we can do it, we have been doing it in the Federal Capital Territory.

“However, if the National Assembly decides to amend the Constitution, we need engagement with the National Assembly for certain amendments to handle additional responsibilities.

“For instance, will the Federal Government fund the elections for states and local governments? Alternatively, there is a proposition for a new federal electoral commission for local government elections. Some argue against state electoral commissions conducting local government elections in the spirit of federalism but should improve their conduct.”

Yakubu, who noted that the current Constitution created both INEC and state independent electoral commissions, said it was up to the National Assembly to amend the law to transfer that responsibility to INEC.

“If that is done, can INEC cope? Yes, we can,” he said.

However, Yakubu said INEC should not be unbundled beyond its electoral activities, suggesting that some responsibilities could be handled by other agencies, a point made by various committees since 2008, including the Justice Mohammed Uwais Commission.

Yakubu assured the joint panel that the commission had made adequate arrangements for the two off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo states.

He also noted that INEC had prepared budgets for outstanding by-elections in seven federal and state legislative constituencies.

Additionally, he explained that the commission’s 2024 budget was being adequately funded by the Ministry of Finance, with monthly releases of N23.3bn out of the N40bn appropriated for the year.

How to get good financial advisor

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July 26, 2024

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Choosing a financial advisor is a crucial decision that can significantly impact one’s financial future, Temitope Aina discusses the factors that should be considered before choosing a financial advisor, who aligns with your financial goals and values.

Building a financial future can feel overwhelming. The sea of savings and investment options is vast, and conflicting advice can make it difficult to know if you are making the right decision.

A financial advisor can cut through the confusion so you can see the path to your savings goals more clearly. But how do you find an advisor that works for your specific needs?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a financial advisor/counsellor to manage your portfolio on an ongoing basis or when you need assistance with creating a financial plan. A financial advisor counsels you based on your financial objectives, short- and long-term goals and how much risk you are comfortable with when investing.

According to analysts at Gunter Financial Group of Raymond James, establishing clear objectives will help narrow down your list of potential advisors to those who best fit your needs.

He added that considering seeking recommendations from friends and family or consulting your certified public accountant would help you get a trusted financial advisor.

As you research potential financial advisors, here are a few key considerations:

Decide your financial life

Before you speak to a financial advisor, decide which aspects of your financial life you need help with because advisors mostly provide more than just investment advice.

One of the best financial planners is the one who can help you chart a course for all your financial needs. This can cover investment advice for retirement plans, debt repayment, and insurance product suggestions to protect yourself, and your family and estate planning.

Depending on where you are in life, you may not need comprehensive financial planning. People whose financial lives are relatively straightforward, like young people without families of their own or significant debt, might only need help with retirement planning.

People with complex financial needs, however, may need extra assistance. They could be looking to establish college funds or trusts for their children, navigate aggressive debt payment situations or solve tricky tax problems. Not all types of financial advisors offer the same menu of services, so decide which services you need and let this guide your search.

Review your financial situation

First, gather your financial records and review your personal and financial situation, considering both what you want to accomplish and the kind of help you need. This step will help narrow your search. If you’re not sure what you need, you may want someone to help you get a picture of your spending patterns, assets, insurance, income, and short- and long-term goals first.

Understand your account and plan statements

Understanding your account and plan statements is key to controlling your investments. Check the statements over carefully as soon as you receive them. Familiarise yourself with the format, terms and codes used by your adviser/planner. If you ever find information in your account statement or plan that you do not understand, contact your adviser/planner immediately and get a satisfactory explanation.

Decide on the financial advice you need

Services offered by financial advisors vary from advisor to advisor, but they may provide financial advice on any of the following topics; investment advice, debt management, budgeting help, insurance coverage, tax planning, retirement planning estate planning, and college planning.

Learn about the different types of financial advisors

There is no federal law that regulates who can call themselves a financial advisor or provide financial advice. While many people call themselves financial advisors, not all have your best interest at heart. That’s why you have to carefully evaluate potential financial advisors and make sure they are good for you and your money.

Part of learning about the different types of advisors is understanding fiduciary duty. Some, but not all, financial advisors are bound by fiduciary duty, meaning that they are legally required to work in your financial best interest. Other people who call themselves advisors are only held to a suitability standard, meaning they only must suggest products that are suitable for you—even if they are more expensive and earn them a higher commission. Regardless of which kind of advisor you choose, you should make sure you know how they earn money. This helps you determine if their recommendations are better for you or their wallets.

Investment philosophy

Find an advisor whose investment philosophy aligns with yours. Your ideal financial advisor will take the time to learn about your objectives, stage of life, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs to create the right portfolio and financial plan for you. Many people also seek an advisor whom they can connect with on a personal level, as this is an important cornerstone in developing a trusted relationship with an advisor.

Ask for references

Ask your CPA or estate planning lawyer. In many cases, they already have a working relationship with a financial advisor. You should also consider asking friends and family members for a recommendation if they are in a similar stage of life and financial situation.

Ask about education/training

Most financial advisors routinely participate in what are called “advanced training” classes. Many times, these classes are heavy on sales training and light on “real” education. If you want to know what your advisor has studied, ask to see the manual from the last educational conference he or she attended. If it has more sales information than technical information, ascertaining this fact also helps you investigate who your advisor should be.

Don’t overemphasise credentials.

It seems as though there are many credentials available to financial advisors. Some credentials require significant levels of education, passing scores on examinations and adherence to strict codes of professional conduct. Many credentials, however, can be earned with virtually no effort or education at all. The bottom line is that the decision of what financial advisor to hire should be made based on more than just the letters after their names.

Speaking to our correspondent on how to choose a financial advisor, a banker, Adekunle Ogunleye, stated that it was advisable to seek advisors that hold appropriate certifications, such as Chartered Financial Analyst or Certified Financial Planner.

“When choosing a financial advisor, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you find the right fit for your financial needs. Here are some key things to keep in mind. Look for advisors with relevant credentials, such as Certified Financial Planner or Chartered Financial Analyst. Experience in the industry and a track record of success are also essential.

“Opt for advisors who are fiduciaries, meaning they are required to act in your best interest. This ensures they prioritize your financial well-being over their own. Consider the services the advisor provides. Some may focus on investment management, while others offer comprehensive financial planning, including retirement planning, tax strategies, and estate planning.”

A financial advisor, who simply identified himself as Adeniyi, noted that selecting a counsellor whose communication style works best for you regardless of how often you would like to meet, talk over the phone, or send emails, helps keep a client updated on their financial status.

“Understand how the advisor is compensated. Some charge a percentage of assets under management, while others may charge a flat fee or hourly rate. Make sure you are comfortable with the fee structure and that it aligns with your financial goals.

“Choose an advisor with a communication style that suits you. Whether you prefer regular meetings, phone calls, or emails, make sure the advisor is responsive and keeps you informed about your financial situation. Research the advisor’s reputation by checking online reviews, asking for referrals from friends or family, and verifying their credentials with regulatory bodies,” he suggested.

He noted that for the client-financial advisor relationship to be successful, the client must have a strong rapport and communicate clearly.

“It is crucial to feel comfortable with your advisor and trust their advice. A good rapport and clear communication are key to a successful financial advisor-client relationship. By considering these factors, you can select a financial advisor who not only meets your financial needs but also helps you achieve your financial goals,” Adeniyi added.

Consider cost

Inquire how your advisor is compensated. Most fiduciary advisors charge fees based on the percentage of your assets under management or by hourly rates. Your fee structure may also be based on the type of services provided. Under certain circumstances, a commission-based fee structure may be ideal. In addition, inquire what your all-in costs will be. This cost may fluctuate depending on the level of assistance, account size, and applicable taxes. It is important to keep in mind that some advisors have a minimum investment amount.

Ask for a meeting

Arrange either an in-person or video meeting to assess your rapport with the advisor and—more importantly to probe deeper. Ask questions to understand an advisor’s service model, fees, and investment approach. For example: What would be the first step if I signed on? How often do you meet with clients to update their plans and address portfolio needs? Are you a fiduciary? If I have a question, can I reach you directly? How will you determine my portfolio allocation? Do you invest in individual stocks or mutual funds and ETFs? How much attention do you pay to minimising taxes?

Hiring a financial advisor

Once you have picked out an advisor, it is time to hire them.

Each financial advisor or firm operates differently, but your experience hiring a financial advisor will most likely include these steps:

Contact the advisor

Contact the advisor or firm you would like to work with. Many firms have a calendar link on their website to schedule an initial consultation call.

Research

Gather some basic information before your consultation call. If you have a partner, sit down with them to determine your short-term and long-term financial goals. You don’t have to know everything you need, but a good idea of your goals will help your advisor know if they’re a good fit for you.

Be prepared

During the consultation, your advisor will ask you some basic questions. A great advisor will focus on more than just numbers; the type of lifestyle you’re looking for and how you can use money to achieve that lifestyle. Come to this consultation with your questions and make sure that you leave the conversation knowing how your advisor is paid.

Go through contracts properly

After your initial contact with your advisor, they will send you a contract and legal documents to sign. These usually outline the scope of their practice, their fee schedule and rights and responsibilities.

Furnish your adviser with information

Your advisor will send you a spreadsheet, google form, or link to software to complete with your financial information.

Follow up

After you have submitted your information, you will have follow-up conversations with your financial advisor. If you’re paying an hourly rate or retainer, this is usually due in part or in full before any follow-up conversations occur.