This column spared no love for the Obama/Biden presidency. In an Exclusive Commentary of December 5, 2020, in the Houston-based USAfrica, titled “Will Biden Impose Alternative Lifestyles on Africans?” my submission was that a Biden presidency should be a source of worry to non-enthusiasts of gay marriage and anti-gay advocacy. The publication began thus: “On January 2021, upon being sworn in as president of the United States, Joe Biden will begin to reconnect with many “globally significant” individuals towards the globalization of new (alternative) lifestyles and values pyramid. ‘The Return of all the freedom enjoyed under Barrack Obama’ is already the mantra of many who are cheering the November 2020 election of Joe Biden as president”.

Let us recall that the Obama administration – where Biden served as vice president for eight years, 2009 to 2017 – threatened Nigeria with sanctions for passing a law against same-sex marriage. “That presidency diligently promoted the same sex agenda and Gay relationships with the LGBTQ+ movement and created a new world for the exercise of those ‘rights’ when in 2016, Donald trump barged in bared teeth and all.”

The problem with the values and tendencies diligently promoted by the Obama/Biden government lay more in the determination of the duo to universalize those values and tendencies than in their mere endorsement. Go back to the teachings of William James about “truth”. He taught his American admirers that truth is whatever “works” for you at any time. That was the new pragmatism that began to smoulder and grow in that period of intellectual explosion that took violent possession of a land of hope, opportunity and enlightenment. It all began after the land got christened as “God’s own country, with more than its fair share of great men and women.

It took more than a hundred years for all of this to mature into the global nightmare it has become today, with the US as the imperator and chief exporter of the nightmare. They speak of human right, without first asking what makes an entity human. Without asking what human values are in themselves.

With Trump’s victory two days ago, the two politico-spiritual currents and counter currents which have been at war in the US for a long time now have come to a new corner of the road. We are now well beyond that point in the progressive development of the argument for expansion of the social space. These are no longer the early days of instalmental gains on minority rights, or the more recent grand campaigns for inclusivity and greater sensitivity towards, and support for, many otherwise less privileged groups and interests.

What climaxed in the US under Obama and Biden, and which Kamala was poised to drive further, was the chorus of submissions driving the view that everyone had the right to whatever pleased him, provided he did not disturb anyone about it unduly.

It did not begin with them, surely. The conscious, deliberate and well funded campaign in defence of Lesbians and gays had grown elaborate flagella over time and changed to LGBTQ. Then it added the plus sing to LBGBTQ, for any stray tendency that may turn up in the neighbourhood. In other words, space was already for the unknown, the unnamed and the unimagined, just in case it turned up.

The Memorandum seeks a worldwide plan to strengthen the protection of LGBTQI+ rights, in such a way that it would be taken for granted that humanity must now collectively drive a new global priority under this umbrella of rights. But is this continuation of the Obama government’s agenda of driving LGBTQI+ issues willy-nilly as welcome as they are making it seem? Should all mankind tremble and fall in line because an American president has announced that his country would roll out sanctions against other countries which do not subscribe to America’s preferred values?

Can he even do that in US states which are yet to fall in line in this regard? Can he do anything about the legislative federalist orientation of the American State, despite a respected Supreme Court?

The article continued: “What warrants Biden’s presumption? In what way did it make sense to him to pass his country off as defender of humanity and protector of the ideal values? Is America, with its daily murder records in New York City alone, and its many socio-culturally disruptive engagements all over the world, really in a position to speak about guiding the world to greater sanity? By what universal standard was Nigeria rightly classified a “homophobic” country; as was done under Obama, because of the country’s anti-gay law?

Biden’s Vice President, Kamala Harris, is as dead set on pro-Gay values as anyone can be. Recall her public position on the matter, including her submission on what to do about homeless homosexuals.

“This column did not, for once, comment on the person of Donald Trump before, during, or after his stint in the White House. He was, in my view, a historical necessity. His tenure as president threw up much about America that needed recalibration and reconsideration, especially along deep fault lines the country was pretending did not exist.

When Biden said: “The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle – speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values”, did he consider that “our most dearly held values” in Nigeria are not American values? Since when did America start speaking for all climes? When Biden spoke of “…enforcing freedoms and promoting tolerance,” does he consider that he is the President of the US, rather than the earth? Does he even look at the overall impact of the US on “rights” with regards to global peace, climate change and morality?

On November 23, 2020, this column carried a piece with the title “Biden and the Global Gender Crisis.” That article observed as follows: “The Obama Government threatened Nigeria with official sanctions, when the National Assembly passed a law against same-sex marriage. The Obama government also refused to sell arms to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram. It also discouraged other countries from selling arms to Nigeria; even as thousands were being slaughtered every day. The argument, then, was that the Nigerian government was not respecting the human rights of the terrorists! …The Obama Presidency stood out in its promotion of gay relationships under the LGTBQ+ movement.”

Today, all the investments seeking and securing special treatment for homosexuals and interference with gender distinctions, which are all in line with the LGBTQI+ campaign spelt out in Marshal Kirk and Hunter Madsen’s 1987 Essay, “The Overhauling of Straight America,” stand challenged under a Trump presidency. The above mentioned work, which urged Gays to project themselves in ways that would make the world think of them as normal people who prefer to do certain things differently, was updated years later, in the book “After the Ball: How America will Conquer its Fear of Gays in the 90s.” The latter work mapped out a public relations strategy for the movement. And it is working.” Yes, it is!

Which is why, as said in the USAfrica article: “Oklahoma Senator, Tom Coburn, in 2004, saw the gay movement as a more pressing danger than terrorism. In 2005, James Dobson, Director of Focus on the Family, described the homosexual agenda as including “universal acceptance of the gay lifestyle, discrediting of scriptures that condemn homosexuality, muzzling of the clergy and Christian media, granting of special privileges and rights in the law, overturning laws prohibiting paedophilia, indoctrinating children and future generations through public education, and securing all the legal benefits of marriage for any two or more people who claim to have homosexual tendencies.”

Now that Trump is president, much will change in America. He is out to fight the traditional values of the conservative American State. Religious practices, Big Pharma and all big bad boys and girls are now in the line of fire. While at it, Trump should remember what happened to JFK. He has already been shot at twice.

QUOTE

…This column did not, for once, comment on the person of Donald Trump before, during, or after his stint in the White House. He was, in my view, a historical necessity. His tenure as president threw up much about America that needed recalibration and reconsideration, especially along deep fault lines the country was pretending did not exist.

A former commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, Dr. Adeola Odedina has bagged the 2024  University of Wolverhampton Alumni Honour Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Dr. Odedina a set of 1991 clinched the coveted price ahead of 3 other nominees namely Sandra Wallace CBE,  James Meehan and Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim.

According to the organizers, they say the prestigious award recognises the outstanding lifetime accomplishments of a graduate for their ongoing and significant contribution to their profession or society since graduating.

Dr. Odedina, who has previously served as a former Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture,  Akure and Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta has mentored no fewer than 40, 000 young Nigeria whom have expressed keen interest in smart agriculture, agric business amongst others.

Receiving his latest award, Dr. Odedina epressed delight over his nomination and eventual win  saying, " this is the highest point of my life and career. I istened  to the profile of fellow finalists, and I said, do I stand a chance?, I am happy this is a reality."

Dr. Odedina adds that he received congratulatory messages over his nomination from the former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the President,  African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, who he describes as his mentors.

He  further says " I left Wolverhampton Polytechnic in 1991, I studied Agricultural Education and what I learnt became very handy when I was the commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, Nigeria during  the Covid - 19 era where I mapped out road map for Agriculture.

Dr. Odedina who describes himself as Mr. Wolverhampton in Nigeria used to occasion to recommed the university to anyone seeking life skill who wants to advance his/her career either in Agriculture or any other field. 

Flanked by his wife, Prof. Joy Odedina and daughter,  the awardee expressed thanks to everyone who made his day, career and year great.

The recent re-election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, has raised questions about how his policies might shape global investment flows over the coming years.

During Trump’s first term, Nigeria saw a substantial boost in foreign capital inflows, receiving five times more than it has under President Joe Biden’s administration.

According to data, Nigeria attracted a total of $10.5 billion in foreign capital during Trump’s first four years in office, compared to just $2.39 billion so far under Biden.

Analysts suggest that this disparity reflects the interplay of U.S. monetary policies, Nigeria’s interest rate strategy, and currency stability—factors that collectively created a more favourable investment climate during Trump’s tenure.

Comparative Capital Inflows: Trump vs. Biden 

A closer look at the data reveals that under Trump’s administration, Nigeria’s capital inflows rose steadily, reflecting a favourable environment for foreign investment. The year-by-year breakdown of capital inflows shows this trend:

• 2016: $950 million
• 2017: $2.47 billion
• 2018: $3.58 billion
• 2019: $4.5 billion

By 2019, total capital inflows to Nigeria had hit a peak of $23 billion, with the United States alone contributing $4.5 billion. In contrast, under Biden, Nigeria has experienced a drastic reduction, attracting just $2.39 billion so far—roughly a quarter of what was achieved under Trump.

Key factors driving capital during Trump’s term 

Interest Rate Policies: During Trump’s presidency, the U.S. maintained relatively low interest rates, making emerging markets like Nigeria more attractive to U.S. investors seeking higher returns.

• At the same time, Nigeria offered competitive interest rates, particularly between 2017 and 2018, to draw in foreign portfolio investment.
• Higher yields on Nigerian government securities during this period boosted investor interest and inflows.

Exchange Rate Stability: Another factor that underpinned Nigeria’s capital inflows was the relative stability of the naira.

• Between 2017 and 2019, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) managed to keep the naira at around N360/$1, creating predictability for foreign investors concerned about currency risk.
• A stable currency is a significant consideration for investors, particularly in emerging markets, where currency depreciation can severely impact returns.

In the subsequent Biden years, the story shifted. With the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates to combat inflation, many investors turned back to the U.S. for higher, safer returns.

This policy change, alongside a stronger dollar, led to a reduced appetite for riskier emerging market assets. Additionally, Nigeria faced increasing challenges in maintaining currency stability and faced significant depreciation pressures, which have made the investment environment less predictable.

Implications of Trump’s return to office 

As Trump assumes office for a second term, the question arises: will Nigeria again see increased capital inflows?

If Trump reintroduces his prior policy stance of encouraging low interest rates, there may be an uptick in investor interest in emerging markets like Nigeria.

However, Nigeria’s ability to capitalize on this will also depend on its domestic economic policies, especially concerning exchange rate stability, inflation management, and a favourable interest rate regime.

Looking Forward: For Nigeria, Trump’s re-election presents a renewed opportunity to attract foreign capital. However, maximizing this potential requires careful alignment of domestic policies to create an investor-friendly climate.

Policymakers will need to focus on exchange rate stability, competitive interest rates, and continued reforms that enhance Nigeria’s global investment appeal.

[Nairametrics]

President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant policy shift, granting ministers of state full authority to oversee the agencies and departments under their supervision.

Previously, permanent secretaries would send files related to the departments and agencies under a minister of state’s supervision to senior ministers for final approval.

This system limited the decision-making capabilities of ministers of state, effectively reducing their roles to nominal positions.

According to a source from the office of the head of service of the federation who spoke with The Cable, President Tinubu expressed dissatisfaction with the previous structure, which he believed resulted in the “underutilisation of the expertise and capabilities” of ministers of state.

“The president was not pleased with the prevailing governing framework in which ministers of states were just ministers in name,” the official disclosed.

The new directive enables ministers of state to grant all necessary administrative approvals, allowing them to make decisions and direct actions within their areas of responsibility.

This move is aimed at “unleashing” the potential of all cabinet members, ensuring a more efficient governance process.

Tinubu’s cabinet comprises 48 ministers, of which 16 hold junior positions. The ministries affected by the new directive include agriculture and food security, defence, education, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), foreign affairs, health, petroleum (oil and gas), humanitarian and poverty reduction, and women affairs.

Other ministries impacted are works, regional development, labour and employment, finance, trade and investment, and housing and urban development.

[NaijaNews]

Bridget Jones is back for a fourth installment.

Titled ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy’ the film which is based off Helen Fielding’s novel of same title, will show the protagonist Bridget’s (reprised by Renee Zellweger) experiences trying to raise two children post the death of her husband, and dating.

Actor Hugh Grant has described this fourth film as the ‘best’ and “the one with the most heart”.
64-year-old Grant who will be reprising his role as Bridget’s ex-boss and playboy Daniel Cleaver said, “It is very moving but also very funny,” and has the best script thus far compared to the first three films. He has also had to rewrite the film script, to fit in his character who had no part in the story.

“I loved the script, it made me cry, and I wanted to help with this one. But there’s really no part for Daniel Cleaver in it at all. They wanted him in it, and in the end, they’d done something I wasn’t crazy about.” So, he rolled up his sleeves and went to work on the script to come up with scenes for his character that made the final cut.

“I’m not in a lot – I did a week’s work, that’s it. But when you see the film, you’ll be very moved,” Grant told Vanity Fair last April.

Although his character Mark Darcy hasn’t been mentioned at all – in connection with ‘Mad About The Boy’ – it is safe to say that Colin Firth’s won’t be returning based off the cast list – which include – Emma Thompson (reprising her role as Bridget’s doctor from the third installment), Chinwetalu Ejiofor, Isla Fisher, Josette Simon, Nico Parker, Leila Farzad, and Leo Woodall.

Zellweger, 55, in a 2022 interview with Sirius XM said of her character, “I find her so endearing … her self-deprecating sort of determination. I love her. And I think it’s really rare to get to follow a character through different stages in her life.”

Based off Helen Fielding’s novel, Bridget Jones film series begins with ‘Bridget Jones Diary (2001)’ in which titular character (Zellweger) spends a year juggling her relationships with barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), and her boss Daniel Cleaver (Grant) through the lens of her diary.

The second film, ‘Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason’, followed in 2004 and captures Bridget grappling with her choice of romance and conflicts surrounding that relationship. The third film ‘Bridget Jones’s Baby’, released 16 years later in 2016, tackles Bridget’s sudden prospect as a single mother, and who the father might be.

‘Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy’ will open in Peacock and cinemas on February 14, Valentine’s Day, 2025.

[Leadership]

The management of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) has disclosed that over 80 transformers within its franchise areas were vandalized and looted during the recent power outage experienced in the north.

The company also stated that huge cables supplying power to communities were stolen during the period, adding that Plateau was the most affected.

Eng. Hamisu Wakili Jigawa, Chief technical officer in charge of operations , disclosed this to Daily Trust at the headquarters of the company on Friday.

According to the technical officer, activities of the vandals affected smooth and efficient supply of power to the affected communities. He said “the vandalism of the transformers and stolen of the cables were quite challenging to us. The level of vandalism is too much. Some lines entirely vandalized.

“Aluminum conductors feeding some communities entirely vandalized. We have about 213 kvs that are completely out of circuits for a number of day. It was yesterday that we were able to fix the last one. We have lost a lot of distribution assets especially distribution transformers and cables. In some cases, the vandals open the transformer, remove the oil, coil and entirely everything. They only live empty tank, “ he added.

Eng. Jigawa however called on various communities to be vigilant and provide adequate security for the electrical assets, emphasizing that vandalizing them will continue to leave people in darkness.

[Dailytrust]

An independent investigation committee set up by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has cleared the military of an allegation that it conducted forced abortions on thousands of women in the north-east.

However, the panel indicted some soldiers for setting ablaze a woman and three children in Borno state in 2016.

The incident occurred in Marte LGA of the north-eastern state.

The findings of the committee led by Abdu Aboki, a former supreme court justice, was sequel to reporting that the military forced women to have at least 10,000 abortions between 2013 and 2021.

Speaking during a presentation of the report in Abuja on Friday, Hilary Ogbonna, secretary of the panel, said the investigative committee found out that a non-governmental organisation (NGO) conducted abortions of women in north-east during the aforementioned period.

“For the abortion assault, the panel did not find evidence that the Nigerian Armed Forces committed a systematic, secret or policy driven abortions in north-east to the tune of 10,000,” Ogbonna said.

“There was no evidence before the panel to prove that.

“For smother and poison, the panel did not find the military culpable for the massacre of children, but the panel found the military culpable of infabticide and the killing of community members in a village in Marte LGA of Borno on the 16th of June 2016.

“We recieved witness testimonies of that of survivors – you will find all of these in the report.”

The panel’s secretary said they interviewed 199 witnesses to get testimonies to arrive at their findings and conclusion.

[TheCable]

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned alleged extortions by some officers of the Nigeria Police Force in some areas within the country.

This statement is about the extant case involving the officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine.

The officers were accused of extorting the sum of ten million naira from a group of young Nigerians.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the money has been recovered and the officers have since been detained and subjected to an orderly room trial.

According to the statement, the IGP “maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct, as the Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously.”

Egbetokun also mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable of extortion and abuse of power.

The IGP reassured the general public that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers.

[DailyPost]

A non-governmental organisation, Yiaga Africa, has alleged political parties and candidates in Ondo State have resorted to inducing voters with cash gifts and food items to secure their support ahead of next week’s governorship election.

It said its Long Term Observers  observed cases of voter inducement during campaign activities in Akure South, Ese-Odo, Ifedore, Irele, Ondo East, Ose, and Owo LGAs

The organisation alleged that leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) distributed fertilisers, rice, cassava, and maize to community leaders tasked with distributing these items within their areas of influence.

This was contained in Yiaga’s Pre-election Assessment report presented at the signing of Peace Accord in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The report said voters turnout in Ondo State have not exceeded 40% since 2011.

It said Ondo North has a long history of high voter turnout even though Ondo Central has the highest concentration of registered voters since the conduct of the 2011 election.

According to the report,  “With the exception of the 2011 presidential election, Ondo central senatorial district has the highest case of rejected votes in all election preceding the 2020 election.

“As the election approaches, tensions between political parties are escalating, with different sides trading accusations and warnings.
“The situation underscores the need for vigilance and peaceful conduct frollm all stakeholders involved. Security agencies should take proactive measures to mitigate these risks.

“Ensuring the safety of voters, election o cials, and all other participants is paramount to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. Preventive measures must be prioritized to avert violence and ensure a peaceful election.”

[TheNation]