It is often said among the Igbos and the Yorubas that the wild cat must first be chased away before we blame the hen for wandering too far into the bush. But in the case of Nigeria and her dealings with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, we may have to actually first blame the hen for wandering away from the homestead before turning our attention to the wild cat – that is, if we can actually do anything to the wild cat.

The Bretton Woods Institutions are monsters that developing countries must avoid at all costs if their sovereignty and the well-being of their citizens mean anything to them. But as we have seen time and again, leaders of developing countries lack the capacity to look within and find lasting solutions to the economic woes of their respective nations. 

The quick fix path is usually taken: IMF and World Bank loans with stiff policies that bring about even more problems and inequality. 

During the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York, United States, President Bola Tinubu, through the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him, called on world leaders to prioritise debt forgiveness for Nigeria and other developing countries from creditors and multilateral financial institutions. This call comes when Nigeria’s borrowing is at an all-time high. It defies logic how a president keeps borrowing and then goes on the global stage to ask for debt relief. According to the Debt Management Office in its Q1 2024 report, Nigeria’s domestic and external debts stood at N121.67 trillion ($91.46b). The less said about the amount that goes into debt servicing, the better.

Recently, the World Bank, via its Vice President and Chief Economist, Dr. Indermit Gill, incurred the wrath of Nigerians. Dr. Gill had applauded President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, suggesting that Nigeria has to maintain its current reforms for the next 10 to 15 years to ensure a complete economic transformation. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund are known to meddle in the affairs of developing countries through their infamous structural adjustment programs. As history has shown us, the economic policies of the World Bank and IMF always end up achieving the exact opposite of what they set out to achieve. According to dataphyte.com, by 2025, for every N10 made by Nigeria, N7.6 will go to loan servicing. The remaining N2.4 will be what is left for capital and recurrent expenditure. In other words, Nigeria will be spending more than 70% of its revenue on debt servicing. 

The origin and essence of the World Bank and IMF have continued to raise many questions and debate. It is instructive to recall that as the Western world gradually began to lose its grip over its colonies around the world after World War II, it was clear that direct colonialism was gradually but surely coming to an end. Hence, there was a need for a new structure or system to ensure the continued dominance and control of the Third World and parts of Eastern Europe. 

Offering the illusion of economic aid and the myth of a more stable and prosperous global economy, the IMF and World Bank were created in July 1944 at an international conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States. In reality, the aim of the IMF and World Bank is to exercise a powerful influence on developing nations, invariably at the expense of their sovereignty. And as the leaders of developing nations are known to be puppets, the IMF and World Bank through their Structural Adjustment Programmes and Austerity Measures continue to ruin the lives of millions of people in different parts of the world under the guise of reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

The economic policies and recommendations of the World Bank and IMF are akin to the ‘medicine’ we see charlatans sell in buses and parks with the infernal claim that it cures all ailments known to man. The one-size-fits-all remedy of the IMF is absurd, to say the least, as every country has its own peculiar economic challenges and must seek solutions that are feasible in their predicament.

The World Bank would have us believe that it is committed to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. However, upon close examination, one realises that the economic policies the World Bank forces on countries seeking loans from them result in the exact opposite. 

At the behest of the World Bank and IMF, President Bola Tinubu embarked on his so-called economic reforms that have unleashed excruciating hunger, poverty, and hardship on Nigerians. While these World Bank backed policies take their toll on poor and helpless Nigerians, the leaders continue to live in luxury, purchasing new aircraft, and funny looking cars (to put it in the words of Oby Ezekwesili). Would these economic policies lose their potency and fail to get the desired result if the leaders practiced what they preached? What measures does the World Bank have in place to ensure that the leaders of the countries they give loans to shun extravagance and thievery?

How exactly does the World Bank demonstrate its commitment to increase shared prosperity? By making funds available to corrupt leaders who aim to loot and plunder. One begins to wonder whether the World Bank takes pleasure in seeing the citizens of countries whose leaders they have reduced to puppets starve to death. The loans granted by the World Bank go largely into funding the lifestyle of the members of the ruling class while the populace pays the price. 

As indicated earlier, the leaders of developing nations are largely to blame for the endless cycle of debt their countries are mired in. Progress cannot be made when leaders readily embrace the capitalist world rather than look inward to study the economic situation of their countries and find solutions. Sadly, electing competent leaders who proffer solutions to economic issues has proven a total impossibility, no thanks to mickey mouse electoral umpires and corrupt judiciary. 

Winston Churchill famously opined: “For a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” The Bola Tinubu-led government must understand that stiff taxation, arbitrary hikes in essential commodities and other ill-conceived economic policies are but temporary fix. The floatation of the naira, removal of fuel subsidy and hike in electricity tariffs all at the same time is a cocktail for economic disaster. No economy can survive the disastrous effect of the simultaneous execution of such  policies. 

In conclusion, Nigeria must find a way to break this vicious circle of borrowing by successive administrations. Fixing the Nigerian economy is not the rocket science we are led to believe it is. The first step towards freeing ourselves from continued borrowing would be the cutting of the cost of governance. This is the real cankerworm that has crippled the economy. 

Finally, a conscious effort must be made to create an enabling environment for local businesses to thrive, as the private sector is the real driver of the economy.

. Odusanya writes from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Don Jazzy, the head honcho of Mavin Records, and D’banj, the singer, have both launched new football clubs.

In a recent Instagram post, Lagos Liga, Nigeria’s premier private football league, unveiled Jazzy’s ‘Supremos FC’ and D’banj’s ‘Koko FC’.

Both clubs have been registered to compete in the league, which is scheduled to kick off in December.

Supremos FC and Koko FC will join ten other teams in a league that promises to be a venue for non-professional players and football veterans to compete in high-stakes matches. 

Regarding the Mavins boss’ team, Lagos Liga said “if Jazzy’s midas touch, as expressed across several other sectors, translates to football, then other teams should be worried”.

It also described D’banj’s venture into football as “one other teams should pay attention to”.

The organisers of Lagos Liga announced that N50 million prize is up for grabs.

The development comes after Burna Boy, the Afrofusion star, launched his football academy for boys aged 4 to 21.

In August, ‘Burna Boy Football Academy’ was unveiled with training centers across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

[TheCable]

In 2014, armed with optimism and a British accent that I was sure would fade within six months, I returned to Nigeria after 19 years of living abroad. Little did I know, I was about to enter a financial boot camp, with the naira as my drill sergeant. Fast forward to 2024, and my relationship with Nigeria’s currency has been a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and the occasional free fall. Over the past decade, I’ve learned a lot, not just about how a currency works, but about how it defines your life. Although the points below might seem bleak, this piece is just part 1 of a two-part article. In part 2 I offer some insights on how to hedge against currency devaluation and its passthrough cousin, inflation!

Here are 10 things I’ve learned about the naira’s impact on everything from personal spending to Nigeria’s economy.

1. The Naira’s Journey has been A Marathon with No Finish Line

When I moved back, the naira was exchanging at a relatively calm ₦165 to the dollar. Fast forward to 2024, and after a few detours through multiple exchange rates and a whole lot of policy drama, the naira now sits at around ₦1600 to the dollar. The naira has been on a steep decline, driven by falling oil prices, rising inflation, and weak economic fundamentals. Yet, what’s often missed in these conversations is that the naira’s volatility was also compounded by past policy decisions that distorted the true value of the currency. I’ve had to explain to both local and foreign investors that when it comes to the naira, official exchange rates often paint a more optimistic picture than reality.

Today, courtesy of the government’s much-needed exchange rate unification in 2023, things have stabilised somewhat. The unification removed the multiple rates that made doing business feel like a game of roulette. While it was a necessary step, what we rarely talk about is that the naira’s depreciation is like that friend who promises to change but never really does.

2. Purchasing Power Erosion Also Has a Psychological Impact

In 2014, ₦10,000 could take you far enough to feel like a baller at the grocery store. Today, it’ll barely get you a basket of basics, and you’ll be wondering if the price tags have been mixed up. Inflation has hovered above  20% in recent years, quietly turning the naira into a shadow of its former self. It's not just the big things like rent or fuel, it’s the little things, like realising that you can no longer afford to casually buy bottled water at every turn. Economists call this "diminished purchasing power." I call it "going broke in slow motion. The true cost of this isn’t just in food or fuel but in the psychological impact of constantly having to recalibrate one’s spending habits and lifestyle expectations.

3. Real Income: Keeping Up with the Joneses? Try Keeping Up with Inflation

Salaries may go up, but inflation runs faster. Salaries across many industries have technically increased, but the naira’s trajectory has ensured that real income has barely moved. A raise these days often feels like one step forward, two steps back. This is particularly glaring in professional sectors where the impact of global inflation is felt more acutely. The hardest pill to swallow? While you may rise up the corporate ladder, the reward often feels diminished when weighed against the relentless devaluation of your earnings. You get excited for that pay bump, only to realise that your new salary doesn’t even cover the things your old one could. It’s the naira’s way of keeping you humble.

4. Exchange Rate Unification Has Been A Tough Love Reform

In 2023, Nigeria finally unified its multiple exchange rates, ending years of confusion that made the naira seem like it had split personalities. Let’s be honest, before the unification of Nigeria’s exchange rates, the parallel market was like that dodgy guy in the corner of the party. No one admits they talk to him, but everyone does. Ignoring the parallel market before unification was like pretending it wasn’t raining when you’re soaked.

The unification has brought some clarity and, crucially, helped improve investor confidence. However, the painful part was realising that the official rate was closer to the rates everyone whispered about in the background. The upside? Investors now know what they’re getting into, and businesses can plan a bit better.

5.Currency vs. Competitiveness: The Real Debate

One under discussed aspect of the naira's decline is its impact on Nigeria’s competitiveness. On paper, a weaker naira should make Nigerian exports more attractive. But structural inefficiencies such as unreliable power, poor infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles mean that Nigerian products struggle to capitalise on this supposed advantage. Meanwhile, the increased cost of imports due to the naira's weakness exacerbates inflationary pressures. It’s a vicious cycle, and it raises a bigger question; Can a country really ‘devalue its way’ to prosperity without addressing its foundational issues?

6. The Battle for Street Credibility

No one tells you this before you move back, but you’ll find that the dollar quietly runs this town. It’s not just a foreign currency, it’s the unofficial currency of large transactions. Whether you’re paying school fees, buying property, or planning your next vacation, dollar accounting will creep its way into your calculations. For the naira, it’s a bit of an identity crisis. We live in Nigeria, earn naira, but think and plan in dollars. It should not be this way. It’s a strange existence, but one that reflects the naira’s instability over the years. It’s high time we re-write this narrative.

7. Inflation is The Silent Confidence Killer

Inflation doesn’t just raise prices, it makes you rethink every financial decision. When prices change before your eyes, it creates a sort of paranoia. Businesses jack up prices preemptively, anticipating the worst, and individuals do the same. Whether you’re buying a car, renting property or shopping for groceries, inflation has made even the simplest transactions feel like a race against time. Even in our finance world, I’ve seen how this fear plays out; clients locking in deals today because they’re sure tomorrow will be more expensive. Inflation doesn’t just inflate costs, it deflates confidence.

8. The Lost Savings of a Generation

In 2014, I naively believed in the power of saving in naira. But I quickly corrected course. Investment is a better strategy (but I’ll save the details for part 2 of this article). Inflation consistently outstrips interest rates, meaning that your naira savings today are worth less tomorrow. Many of us have been forced to become mini investors, looking for real estate, stocks, or foreign-denominated assets to preserve wealth. Today, the smart play is no longer traditional savings accounts but investments that can beat inflation. Saving in naira, without hedging against inflation, feels like a slow leak you can’t stop

9. Real Estate is a decent bet If you’re well informed

If you’re tired of chasing inflation, property is the next best thing. Real estate has been one of the few areas where Nigerians have consistently been able to protect their wealth. A plot of land in 2015 for ₦20 million? In 2024, that same plot is selling for ₦100 million. For professionals real estate has been less of an investment and more of a necessity; a tangible asset that offers a sense of stability when the currency itself doesn’t.

10. Nigerians Will Always Find a Way

Despite everything, if there’s one lesson the naira has taught me, it’s that Nigerians are masters of adaptation. We’ve turned to fintech, created e-commerce empires, and found new ways to thrive in the face of an unpredictable currency. In financial services, I’ve watched this resilience first hand. From the way people innovate in their businesses to how they plan their finances, we’ve learned to survive, and even prosper in spite of the naira’s trials.

Conclusion: The Naira Is More Than Just Currency

Ten years after my return, the naira has been more than just a currency to me, it’s been a reality check, a teacher, and sometimes, an adversary. Its trajectory has shaped every financial decision, from where I invest to how I plan for the future. While the unification of exchange rates has brought some relative stability, the naira remains a symbol of Nigeria’s deeper economic complexities. Yet, amidst all the fluctuations, one constant remains: Nigerians’ ability to adapt, thrive, and find opportunity even in the most challenging economic environments. And in that sense, the naira has taught me more than I ever expected.

In part two, I delve into some top investment strategies to hedge against devaluation and inflation, and hope to help you see some light at the end of the naira tunnel.

[Culled from LinkedIn]

A visionary government can be a force for good. The best sustainable way to improve the lives of the people is through targeted social investment. 

Social investment means investing in people to improve their skills and capabilities. It also means to lift up communities by improving the quality of people's lives through targeted public spending.

In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is building 20,000 housing units for low income workers. This is the most systematic and targeted public housing scheme in the history of Rivers State, since 1967.

Is Governor Fubara taking a page from Singapore's developmental playbook?  

 At independence in 1959, only 9% of Singapore's population had public housing. Today, over 80% of Singaporeans live in houses built by the government. In fact, Singapore has the best public housing scheme in the world today. 

Decades of visionary leadership and social investment helped move Singapore from a developing country to the ranks of advanced economies.

In Nigeria, it is widely believed that the 36 states have been punching below their weights for far too long. If Nigeria is to meet its development targets, then states must begin to think and develop almost like independent entities within the federation. 

Indeed, states in Nigeria must serve as centres of innovative leadership, good governance, and inclusive growth.

This is why, in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is right to insist that public resources must be used for the benefit of the people. 

Therefore, the Rivers State government has placed the present and future needs of the people squarely at the centre of public policy. 

When completed, below are FOUR benefits that the Rivers State Government's public housing scheme can create:

1. Fast Social Mobility: 

When completed, the 20,000 housing units will move low-income workers and their families from poor, informal settlements (ghettos) to an organized, sustainable community. This is government-assisted social mobility like we have never seen before in the state. As the example of Singapore shows, decent and affordable housing is one of the solid pillars upon which a people's prosperity can be built. 

2. A LEAP OUT OF POVERTY:

When affordable public housing is combined with the new minimum wage, and the ongoing rejuvenation of public schools and health services in Rivers State, the people's lives will be improved. The people will be placed on a sustainable path out of poverty.

3. SOCIAL INVESTMENT CREATES INCLUSIVE GROWTH:

Development is about improving the people's material conditions and the environment in which they live. By investing in decent and affordable housing for thousands of low-income workers in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is making government meaningful to the most vulnerable people in the state.

Furthermore, social investment such as public housing reduces social inequity and increases inclusive growth in a practical and direct way that people can actually feel and own.

4. REDUCTION IN CRIME:

Finally, over the medium and long terms, Governor Fubara's public housing policy is expected to lead to a significant reduction in crime and criminality in Rivers State. 

As thousands of people move from unplanned and poorly-policed informal settlements to a more organized urban housing scheme, it will be easier for law enforcement agencies to provide protection for everyone.

Ultimately, the government recognises that a better quality of life for the people of Rivers State is the most effective hedge against crime.

________________________

Dr Austin Tam-George is a former Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

He serves as a member of the Harvard Business Review (HBR) Advisory Council, an opt-in research community of business professionals.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed to bring the development he achieved when he was governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust published on Saturday, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum said he has tried to advise the present administration on its policies but it seems Tinubu is resistant to advise.

While expressing respect for Tinubu, the Bauchi Governor admitted he had mistaken with expectations that Tinubu will bring the same magic he brought to Lagos.

According to him, Tinubu performed well in Lagos when he had a team comprising of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Minister Kayode Fayemi.

Bala Mohammed wondered why the duo are not involved in the Tinubu administration, stressing that the President should bring back knowledgeable people and not just those who are ready to give blind praises.

He said: “The NEC is an advisory body headed by the Vice President. As governors, we can express our views, but often we feel frustrated. What I said wasn’t meant to insult President Tinubu. I respect him greatly—he has mentored many people across Nigeria, regardless of state or religion. I had high hopes that when he becomes president he will bring the same magic he brought to Lagos. But I was mistaken. Perhaps he’s overwhelmed or resistant to advice.

“When I said his policies aren’t working, I was speaking as an opposition member. We can’t be expected to support him blindly as his party members do. In fact, I’ve shown considerable restraint, as a statesman, by not saying things that could ignite a national crisis. But there are serious issues in his administration-within the oil and gas sector, the lack of real action on insecurity, the surface-level economic policies, the handling of labour issues, and their overall approach to governance.

“The government’s economic policies, particularly around fuel and the welfare of the people, are not working. I’m saying this modestly-our monetary policies are failing. President Tinubu needs to bring in capable people to work with him, not me specifically, but experts from across the country. Nigerians are suffering from hunger and anger, and good governance means managing people’s aspirations and minimising discomfort.

“If the removal of fuel subsidy was supposed to help, we’re not seeing that. What we need are policies that actually put food on the table. Even if we pay the minimum wage, it’s not enough to bring relief. That’s why I called for a review. And maybe he’s trying to review things, but the continued rise in fuel prices suggests otherwise. How can workers afford to commute? How can people buy basic goods like a bag of maize?

“President Tinubu needs to show empathy and apply the same skills he used in Lagos on a national level. He had a strong team before-like former Vice President (Yemi) Osinbajo and former Minister (Kayode) Fayemi-where are they now? He should bring back knowledgeable people, not just those who say “ranka dede” (blind praise). That’s what I’m advocating.”

[NaijaNews]

Bitter kola, also known as Garcinia kola, is gradually becoming one of the highly sought products in Nigeria and other countries across the world. The nut is occasionally eaten by a few people, especially in the northern part of Nigeria as the region doesn’t grow it much, and it was initially sold cheaply as against what is now being experienced. Weekend Trust gathered that the price of the nut is now out of reach of the common man.

Alhaji Usman Dauda is a bitter kola merchant at the famous Mariri Kolanut Market in Kano and according to him, the nut has gradually become one of the nuts in high demand, not only in the local business space, but also in the international market. He explained that though the nut is currently in high demand in the North, it is known to be grown in the South-west, South-south and North-central regions of Nigeria.

He revealed that though the nut is currently highly consumed within the nation, findings have shown that countries like China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and several Asian countries are taking the nut from Nigeria, hence the hike in the price.

He added that many people have ventured into exportation of bitter kola as the demand by foreign countries heightens.

“Perhaps, the rise in demand of the nut by other countries is responsible for the increase in price. However, the consumption of the nut has also increased due to some other issues. It will interest you to note that the nut is being exported in different forms;  it could be taken out dried or in powdered form, depending on the specification of the buyer and the country it is being taken to,” he said.

Another merchant, Malam Ubale Umar, said the transformation in the bitter kola business happened within the last five years, adding that initially, bitter kola business wasn’t lucrative and one needed just a small capital to start it.

According to him, the business became what it is today due to the exportation potentials of the nut, explaining that small scale exporters can start the business using simple devices such as phones. He further stated that another advantage of the nut is that it is neither a perishable item nor does it require special storage facility.

He revealed that many people in the business are rich.

Findings have also revealed that bitter kola gained serious recognition during the Covid-19 pandemic when it was believed that the nut could cure any form of flu and also provided the body with the needed immunity against the virus.  Although, there was no medical confirmation that bitter kola could cure Covid.

Hajiya Hafsat Idi claimed that she started using bitter kola after the Covid-19 pandemic. According to her, she became ill during the pandemic and bitter kola was introduced to her as a remedy to her illness. She said she was healed after three days of using bitter kola and ever since, she’s made it a habit to take one piece of bitter kola every day.

“Though bitter kola has become very expensive these days, I have made it a habit to take a nut every day. Initially, a piece was sold for between N20 and N50, but now, that same size costs between N100 and N200. Some are even smaller. Many people take the nut for medicinal purposes and I was told that bitter kola is used in the formulation of various medicines,” she said.

A visit to the famous Kano Mariri Kolanut Market revealed that, presently, the nut is scarce compared to months ago. Weekend Trust gathered that demand for the nut has made the product scarce, just as the price has gone up.  Our correspondent reports that the quantity sold for N25, 000 months ago is now N80, 000.

Murtala Karmo Mai Namijin Goro, who has been in the business for decades, is one of the biggest bitter kola dealers in the market. He said he had never witnessed this sort of boom in the business. He attributed the rise in demand and price to the belief that the nut has high medicinal value, coupled with its new exportation status. He said many people ventured into the business for exportation purpose.

“Those involved in the exportation business said the nut has huge potentials, and it is clear that the exporters are now smiling to the bank as the business opportunity is said to be expanding. I found out that despite the fact that the volume being exported is low now, there is the tendency that with expansion in nut cultivation, the export will soon be huge,” he said.

Considerable experimental evidence has been adduced to support its chemical constituents against several ailments in the community, including malaria.

According to a Kano-based nutritionist, Malam Ali Aminu, bitter kola has some nutrients that are good for the body. He said the nut has various health benefits that include: alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and amino acids. According to him, these compounds give the nut antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in boosting the body’s immune system and protect the body cells from damage.

“The nut contains caffeine and theobromine, which serves as tonic for speeding up heart beat among other benefits. However, there is the propensity for addiction due to its caffeine content,” he said.

Another nutritionist, Sani Bello, said people have to be careful in the consumption of the nut, as too much of it could cause insomnia, nervousness and heart palpitations due to its caffeine content.  He also said the nut is not good for people with gastric ulcers, heart disease, anxiety disorders or high blood pressure.

A herbal medicine dealer, Malam Isah Baffa, said bitter kola features in virtually every medicine they produce.  He said it is one of the main ingredients they use in the preparation of malaria medicine and others.

“No doubt, bitter kola is scarce these days because almost every herbal medicine you know has a portion of bitter kola in it and we were told that even the white people use it in their medicines as well,” he said.

[DailyTrust]

Veteran Nigerian comedian, Ali Baba, has narrated how his joke about the former military leader, General Sani Abacha, almost ended his life.

The 59-year-old reflected on the incident during his appearance on Leadership Podcast.

Recalling the tense atmosphere surrounding one of his performances during Abacha’s regime, he said, “The first close encounter I had with death is when general Sani Abacha was the President.

“So, I went to anchor an event in Abuja. So when it was time for the Akwa Ibom cultural group to perform. Abacha was still wearing one of those dark Rayban sunglasses that could be folded.

“I stopped the cultural group dance and faced Abacha, saying, ‘Your Excellency, sir, it’s almost 10 pm why are you wearing dark shades? Remove this shade nah or don’t you want to see their performance?

“Abacha then removed his glasses and talked to his aide. Immediately I saw DSS officers going backstage to wait for me. Immediately I noticed DSS presence, I went down the stage to sit on the ground next to Abacha. He then made jokes about me and questioned why I refused to go backstage.

“I said don’t worry, sir, let them arrest me here. He then looked at me and smiled.”

DAILY POST recalls that late General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 to 1998, after a coup that ousted interim President Ernest Shonekan.

His regime was infamous for abuses, with opposition figures being imprisoned, tortured, or killed.

[pDailyPost]

…says dad was unhappy being linked with Dimka’s coup

Proprietor of Little Saints Orphanage, Rev. Mrs. Dele George, is the first child of the late military and civilian governor of the old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states), Brigadier Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia. In this interview with OLAOLU OLADIPO, she spoke on the life and times of the soldier-turned politician as well as the influence her father had on her. Excerpts:

How are you related to the Brigadier Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, the late military and civilian governor of the old Bendel State?

I’m his first child, first daughter, and the first fruit of his loins.

Your father was an accomplished soldier and statesman as well as a civil war hero; as a daughter, what kind of father was he to you and your siblings?

My dad was a unique man in all his ways. He was a soft and kind disciplinarian of some sort. In fact, throughout my childhood I never heard him scream at any of us even in the face of extreme provocation. Once in a while he would not spare the rod when we were very young, but generally he was a loving, caring, protective and very generous provider for the family and all that came in contact with him while alive.

What kind of husband was your father to your mum?

To the mother of our family, he was a loving and a very caring husband. The love between them was quite visible for all to see. It was obvious they were committed to each other.

People of his time wee known to be disciplined and tough; would you describe your father as such?

I will say, he did not bring that same toughness to the home. Whenever he stepped into the house, he was all smiles and gentleness. However, when you saw him at the office his countenance was usually stern, and you were careful in approaching him. He was a tough soldier at the office and a dad at home. Whenever we stepped out of line he berated us verbally not physically as we got older.

What kinds of things would a child do then that would make your father angry?

Breaking the rules of the house would always upset him. Like staying out late after curfew; 7pm was our curfew in those days. Parties were organised in the day time, not at night like it is today, so there was no reason to stay out late.

Was there any occasion that he had to punish you or any of your siblings and what did you do?

I remember my cousin got a whipping one time when she came back home by 8pm! Some of my siblings also got smacked when they did badly in their exams. I got whipped once when I did not get my cutoff mark in a particular exam. That was my last whopping; I was 12 years old when this incident occurred.

What was his typical day like, I mean when did he wake up and what were the first set of things he did early in the day?

In those days, he usually woke up at 3am to listen to the BBC. Though, I didn’t know when he slept. He was dressed and ready to go to work by 5am.

After the early morning things, when did he eat his breakfast and what was his favourite food?

Breakfast was at 7am, and it was usually tea and continental breakfast. He went to work and usually returned home by 7pm.

Being a notable public figure, what calibre of people came around to see him at home?

When he became a politician, everyone came to see him, I mean people like fellow politicians, traditional rulers, other governors, professionals and market leaders. Our house was like a conference centre. When one group left another arrived. We were always entertaining guests. He was loved by many who wanted to spend time with him.

Did he tell you the reason or those circumstances that prompted him to join the Army?

No, he did not but I believe it must have been circumstances that drove him into it. He was in his twenties.

Could you share with us his civil war experience that he shared with you?

He did not have to share it with me. I was right there when the Biafrans came, captured Benin and invaded the government house in GRA. The governor, my dad and a lot of other soldiers that were there were thought to be captured by them. Benin was in a state of pandemonium. Days or weeks later, I don’t remember, but my dad arrived in Benin City with a battalion of soldiers and liberated Benin, and took over the government from the Biafrans. He only told us how he had to fight his way from Ore to Benin and that it was tough going through the bushes. When they entered Benin at Oluku Junction, the ovation was loud and continued for many days, because the Benin people thought they were going to be subjugated to the Biafrans. It was after the liberation that my dad became the Military Administrator of Bendel State, then later the Military Governor. This is why he is my hero to this day. When I saw him in that army green battle uniform, I wanted to be a soldier! But today I am a soldier in the army of God!

What was his relationship with other notable Generals and other army officers?

He was always in touch with echelons of the armed forces. He was very close to some of his colleagues.

He rose to the rank of a Brigadier before he retired from the army; did your father harbour any form of regrets joining the army?

The only regret he had was when he was falsely accused of taking part in the Dimka Coup in 1976. He was detained and interrogated for over one year. He was lat- er found innocent and released.

What did he do when he left the army?

After he was released, he retired and went into full time farming and business. He started a poultry farm, block making industry and many other small-scale enterprises. I just graduated from university when he was released and he was solemn and reclusive but not bitter. I tell you today, my dad was the strongest man I knew, the most tolerant and most forgiving.

Your father was known to be a sports enthusiast, it is to his credit that the country benefited a lot from his investments in sports, what do you think prompted his love for sports?

The love of sport was inherent in him. I remember as a six-year-old, our mother used to take us to watch him compete. He became an instructor and coach as a Major, and he won many laurels at sports events in the army. When he had the position and opportunities to invest in sports he did so with great enthusiasm. By the way, I inherited that gift from him. I competed in 400 and 800 metre races when I was in secondary school and I was really good.

Could you please tell us the circumstances that prompted him to join partisan politics in 1983?

He was invited into Politics in 1981 by a political party to contest for the Governor of Bendel State.

What did you see of him as a civilian governor, which was different from what you saw of him as a military governor?

The only difference in his approach as civilian and military governor was his mode of dressing. Wearing civilian clothes instead of khak; his manner of approach to governance was the same. He was a dynamic visionary, an astute and very capable governor, greatly loved and remembered affectionately. All the monuments, structures and institutions he founded are still in existence today. They all testify to dynamism, foresight, creativity and implementation capabilities. Bendel or Edo state can never forget him for generations to come. He left his mark.

When was the last time you saw him and what was the occasion like?

I saw him daily in the last month of his life. It was a very traumatic time for the family. No matter how old your parents are you don’t want them to depart to glory. When one is young you tend to think that your parents will live forever but as you get older their mortality stares you in the face.

Are you satisfied with efforts to immortalise him?

It doesn’t matter to me if humans immortalise him or not and I am very sure it will not matter to him. He did what God empowered him to do. The truth be told, the dead do not care about this side of existence. One’s mortality will only be immortalised by the number of humans that were transformed, reformed and restored for the better while one lived.

If you are not satisfied, in what way do you think he should be immortalised?

Since you ask me, they should name every institution, monument and structure he founded after him. I’m sure peo- ple will say that is too much. Whatever one does one should do for God and for the benefit of humanity and not look for earthly reward but a heavenly reward. It is written in the bible that the world we live in will eventually pass away and everything will be made new. Structures, monuments, and institutions will all pass away but my dad lives in the hearts of those he touched, and God is the one that rewards. My joy is that we will meet again in eternity. I really miss him and he remains my HERO.

[newtelegraphng]

Nigerian gospel artiste, Somtochukwu Nsofor aka Essemm, has embarked on a mission to break the Guinness World Record for the longest hours of continuous singing.

The current record holder, Indian Singer, Sunil Waghmare, set the bar at 105 hours but Essemm is determined to surpass this with an impressive 128 hours of non-stop singing.

Nsofor, while addressing newsmen, said that the aim was to surpass the current record of 105 hours, held by Indian singer, Sunil Waghmare.

The record attempt which will be held in Lagos is open to the public, with live-streaming options available for audiences around the globe.

Nsofor said that it was not just about breaking the record but “Seeing Jesus Christ on a global scale. I do not think anybody has broken the record talking about Jesus Christ.”

Emphasising the significance of using music to spread the gospel, Nsofor popularly called Essemm said that “I believe music is a powerful tool to heal and transform lives and I want the effort to serve as a testament to the strength of faith.

[TheNation]

Just within the week, specifically Thursday October 24, 2024, Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, clocked 10 – a feat worthy of recognition by the country’s standard.

Having received its Air Operator Certificate, AOC, in 2014, the carrier commenced scheduled flight operations in the same year; and ever since then, it has risen higher, higher and higher than many predicted. 

Indeed, such a lofty accomplishment would not have been possible without its charismatic Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, who has continued to defy the odds associated with operating in a difficult terrain like Nigeria.

In a country where many airlines, including Bellview, Chanchangi, Med-View, Oriental, Sosoliso, Okada and some others, have operated and packed up – to the amusement and detriment of the travelling public – Air Peace has continued to give Nigerians hope.

In countless ways, the carrier has shown that it has come to stay and would, in its own capacity, expand and play a major role in filling a fraction of the void in the airline subsector.

As Air Peace celebrates a decade flying, Saturday Vanguard has harvested its CEO’s words as recorded on the carrier’s social media page, specifically X, over the week, offering readers a glimpse into the circumstances that nudged him to start an airline that is now the country’s pride.

On how the thoughts to start Air Peace developed

I (Onyema) never thought I was going into the airline business or aviation for that matter. Growing up and going through schools, I never thought that I would go into aviation or the airline business. My father always knew that I like philanthropy a lot and I like touching lives even as a student. In secondary school, my mates will tell you that I would come with the provisions given to me by my parents and share them with others, leaving me hungry for the rest of the day. So, my father said instead of giving people hand-outs and they come back again and again, why not look for a kind of business that would provide a  lot of jobs for people. He knew that I was very interested in creating massive job opportunities for the teeming unemployed masses in the country. Therefore, he told me to look for something to do for them. So, I set up agriculture, importation and so many other things. And someone said: “Allen, if you want to realise this ambition of yours, go into aviation.” That person is a friend of mine called Chris. I call him Chris Norma, Norma was his nickname. He told me to go into aviation because one Boeing 737 or one aircraft could give up to a thousand jobs and that widened my thoughts immediately.

On knowing next to nothing about aviation but still ventured into it

I was naïve because I never knew anything about aviation. So, I decided to go into it. From the benefit of my experience till this day, it is not true that one aircraft could give 1,000 direct jobs. Yes, it could create 1,000 indirect jobs but not 1,000 direct jobs. Yet, airline business creates massive job opportunities for people and this is the reason  I went into aviation. I went into it to create jobs for the people. I went into it with the mindset of helping others because it is my belief in life and my conviction that unless my brothers and sisters – when I say my brothers and sisters I mean mankind – prosper  that would give me inner peace. So, I have always believed in living legacies, touching lives and that is my motivation.

On being on the right path and staying the course

Very often, people tell me that I am already on the right path and all I need to do is stay the course. So why complicate your life stressing over Nigeria? For me, working hard and seizing opportunities for persons of benefit is normal.

On untapped opportunities in Nigeria

But beyond the normal, there is a huge untapped opportunity for Nigeria to soar. Everything is here – from a geography that places us at virtually the centre of the world to a rich variety of cultures and breathtaking landscapes. From vast arable lands and reserves of natural resources to millions of resourceful and energetic people.

On his greatest satisfaction

I believe there is greater satisfaction in being among millions of successful people than to merely be a successful individual. After all, happiness ought to be shared. This is the motivation for building a world-class airline that proudly flies the Nigerian flag and millions of our people to the farthest corners of our land and beyond.

On some of Air Peace’s accomplishments

Today, we operate into 17 international and regional destinations with London Gatwick being our latest addition. Tomorrow we present new destinations and new opportunities for our people whether we are heading out to explore the world or coming home to make the Nigerian dream a reality, my name is Allen Onyema, we are Air Peace.

Major milestones and awards 2016

Airline of the Year – Daylight Annual Leadership

Domestic Airline of the Year–  Tell Magazine

Diamond Special Recognition Award for Contribution to the Growth of Aviation Industry in Nigeria

2017

Best Domestic Airline of the Year – Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers, NATCA

Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers Achievement Award

Began its first regional flight operations from Lagos to Accra, Ghana

2018

First and only Nigerian airline to acquire the Boeing 777’s

Best Airline in West Africa – Balafon Award of Excellence

Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Flag Carrier of Repute

Best Local Airline of the Year, Nigeria Travel Awards – Jumia Travels Nigeria

Company of the Year – Leadership Newspapers

Operated a commercial flight with an all-female flight crew

2019

Launched its first international scheduled flight operations from Lagos to Dubai (via Sharjah)

Airline of the Year Award – Daily Independent Newspapers, Nigeria

Best Domestic Airline – Tourism Awards

Company of the Year – Business Hallmark Awards

2020

Launched operations in South Africa

Company of the Year – Bsinese Day Aviation

Air Peace airlifted 268 Nigerians back to the country from China

Evacuation flight to India, Turkey, China, Israel and the United Arab Emirates, UAE

2021

NAAPE Gold Standard Safety Award 2021

Distinguished Safety Performance Award – Federal Airports Authority, FAAN, Kaduna

Humanitarian Airline 2021 Award – Aviators Africa Tower Awards

Company of the Year – Business Day Aviation

The first airline in Africa to acquire and operate the E2-195 Jets

Took delivery of five brand-new Embraer E2-195 Jets

2022

Airline of the Year Award – Daily Independent Newspapers

Nigeria Best Domestic Airline – Tourism Awards

Company of the Year – Business Hallmark Awards

Air Peace launched its first commercial flight into China.

2023

After 60 years, became the first Nigerian airline to commence direct flights to Tel Aviv, Israel

Launched its inaugural commercial flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Inaugurated its first commercial flight to Mumbai, India

Best Safety Compliant Airline Award – FAAN Osubi

Evacuated 277 Nigerians from Egypt amid the ongoing crisis in Sudan

2024

Vanguard Newspaper votes CEO, Allen Onyema  Nigeria’s  PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR, 2023

ICAN Business Achievement Award

Airline Of the Year – African Industrial and Development Conference

Outstanding Brand of the Year – Marketing Edge Awards

Began its scheduled flight operations to London Gatwick Airport

[Vanguard]