Although the Tinubu Administration’s midterm is five months away, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can proudly reflect on his administration’s journey over the last 19 months. After initial turbulence, the government concluded 2024 stronger than 2023, as many policies began yielding significant results that even the most ardent detractors could not ignore.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, NNPC Limited has fixed two of the four state-owned oil refineries, achieving what many had cynically regarded as improbable. The administration’s efforts have led to a rise in crude oil production, with an expected inflow of more dollars into the Federation Account and remarkable accretion into the foreign reserves. The government remains focused on gas development, attracting investors’ interest. Dollars have flowed into the country through fresh investments in several sectors. The administration created an innovative Ministry of Livestock Development to unlock the previously untapped potential in animal husbandry, steering the country from tragedy to opportunity.

The lucrative stock market ended the year on a high note, breaking its initial record under the Tinubu presidency. The All Share Index hit over 103,000 from 55,738 on May 30 2023. Market capitalisation is over N63 Trillion. In the last 19 months, local and foreign investors have invested unprecedented amounts in the market.

The government is also expanding the national road infrastructure stock by building legacy superhighways from Lagos to Calabar and Sokoto to Badagry.

The administration’s successful euro bond issuance of $2.2 billion notably attracted over $9 billion in interest, while a domestic dollar bond of $500 million was oversubscribed. These developments indicate confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Revenue generation has increased, and all tiers of government received more funds to spend on the welfare of Nigerians, including the 774 local councils that recently won financial autonomy.

November and December 2024 proved especially remarkable. Shell and Partners announced an estimated $5 billion investment in the Bonga North oil field. Brazil’s JSB, one of the world’s leading integrated livestock companies, announced a $2.5 billion investment in livestock development in Nigeria, with some officials flying into the country to actualise the pledge. Fuel prices began to decrease amid competition from local refineries, supporting President Tinubu’s belief that market forces would lower the prices of consumer goods to benefit Nigerians. For the first time in our history, the proposed 2025 budget included no provision for a fuel subsidy. There was no scarcity, too. Instead, the government has proposed more funds for capital expenditure, health, education, and national security in the record-breaking N49.7 trillion budget. Critics remain silent as positive indicators continue to emerge.

Not an accidental president, Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, with a clear vision for Nigeria: to renew hope through a programme of action to foster economic diversification, stability, and prosperity and build a trillion-dollar economy.

He has implemented many of his campaign promises and those in his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Although unintended consequences have emerged, temporarily affecting the well-being of all Nigerians, the administration is working hard to ameliorate the burden on the masses.

President Tinubu consistently implements reforms, daring to confront headlong the country’s many hydra-headed socio-economic problems and committing to the transformative change the country urgently requires. Posterity will be kind to him and remember his era as a reform-minded leader.

Positive signs continue to emerge: apart from declining fuel prices, the country recorded foreign trade surpluses for three consecutive quarters, foreign reserves are rising, and the Naira is gaining strength against the US dollar.

One notable achievement of President Tinubu’s tenure is fulfilling his promise to implement a student loan programme. This initiative financially supports students, ensuring that higher education is accessible to all, regardless of economic background. Investing in the education sector, the administration aims to empower the youth and equip them with the skills needed for Nigeria’s future growth.

In addition to the student loan scheme, President Tinubu has advanced the consumer credit initiative, another campaign promise, and plans to deepen it in the first quarter of 2025. Promoting access to credit is part of the administration’s broader strategy to stimulate consumption, drive entrepreneurship, and boost the domestic economy.

On his first day in office, President Tinubu decisively eliminated the fuel subsidy, which had long burdened Nigeria’s economy. While the initial removal triggered higher fuel prices, the market is now experiencing a downward trend. This development illustrates the administration’s commitment to market-driven pricing and economic efficiency, which should benefit public investment in critical sectors in the long term.

The administration introduced electric vehicles and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as alternatives to reduce Nigerian dependency on petrol. In the past 12 months, more Nigerians have converted their vehicles to CNG, spurred by government and private sector investment. A new industry is gradually unfolding, creating new jobs along the value chain whilst promoting a cleaner environment.

Another bold economic reform was unifying Nigeria’s multiple exchange rates, which previously caused economic distortion, criminal arbitrage, and speculation. Following an initial depreciation, the Naira has stabilised against the US dollar, reflecting increased investor confidence and a more transparent foreign exchange policy.

Investment inflows further testify to the positive impact of President Tinubu’s policies. The oil, gas, and solid minerals industries are experiencing renewed interest and investment. These sectors are crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s export capacity and creating jobs, thus driving economic diversification and growth. Moreover, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have shown a promising increase, bolstered by improved trade balances and strategic monetary and fiscal management.

Looking ahead to 2025, President Tinubu plans to introduce what could be his most transformative reform yet—tax restructuring. With four bills before the National Assembly, the proposed reform seeks to streamline tax systems and administration in Nigeria to promote better investment and a friendly business climate.

Under the proposed tax reform, low-income earners under the minimum wage bracket and small businesses within a certain threshold will be exempt from paying taxes. The administration’s mantra is that taxes should focus on prosperity, not people’s or businesses’ hardships. The government focuses on expanding the tax net, making taxes less burdensome to taxpayers, and getting wealthy people to pay their fair share. This progressive approach reflects the administration’s commitment to equity and fiscal sustainability.

However, the road to reform does not come without challenges. President Tinubu faces resistance, particularly from politicians and tax evaders who have expressed concerns about the implications of the changes that will come with reforming our tax systems. President Tinubu, who is not oblivious to the pushback, has said he is willing to make necessary adjustments, as democracy is about negotiations, give and take.

President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated firm determination over the last 19 months to succeed against all odds and reposition the economy for better performance.

While challenges remain, especially with food inflation, President Tinubu’s leadership has shown a proactive and committed approach to addressing these issues. The administration’s trajectory suggests a path toward Nigeria’s economic stability and social development. Though it is not midterm for the administration, realising a prosperous and equitable country looks promising and achievable. The Tinubu administration is undoubtedly steadfast in its resolve to improve Nigeria, and it’s on course to achieve all the campaign promises to the people.

•Onanuga is the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu

This will be your year of rising again! You have been pushed down. You were defeated, dethroned and dejected. You were rejected, wounded and mocked. Your hope, dreams and aspirations were dashed and trampled upon. And now you have totally given up. Listen something is now being done about that situation. Yes, you are getting up again! God is bringing you back. He is totally restoring you in the name of Jesus! As you are reading this message, the restoration will immediately be taking place. Yes.

Lazarus was sick, he died, was buried and his body was supposed to be deteriorating after burial. There was no hope, no life and no possibility that he would ever come back to life. And rightly too, when Jesus came around they gave him these facts, “Lazarus is already buried and must be stinking by now. Please, forget him.” All hope was completely gone. But the LORD insisted that they show him where he was buried. I also ask you the same today, where have you buried your hope? Where have you abandoned that your once fervent, dogged, cherished faith? Yes, the long time of trials, persecution and disappointments have systematically withered and extinguished them. But I know. I have also been there many times. There is nothing you go through that others do not experience.

You have totally lost hope that that business will bounce back, that that marriage, that relationship, that project, that ministry, your job, your health can be restored again. You have lost hope that that child will ever come? Where have you buried that hope? I am asking you. Tell me. Where?? Please, come and show it to the Master.  Look at what happened in John Chapter eleven, “When Jesus came to where the man [Lazarus] was buried, and when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth! And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes. And his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said to them, ‘loose him and let him go!” Praise God!

Today, I command those things that have held you down to let you go in the mighty name of Jesus! I command those grave situations in your life to give way now! Come out of that grave. Come out of that bondage and be restored now! Cheer up for it’s going to be a great year for us. Share this message with others now. Compliments of the season!

YOU might be wondering why the media is awash with tributes to a great scholar, Professor Toyin Falola. This is not unexpected considering the status of Toyin Falola in academia and, particularly, in the humanities worldwide. A summarized summary of his biography will be: Toyin Falola, a native of Ibadan, is a professor of African studies. He is a distinguished teaching professor and the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin. Toyin Falola is the author/editor of over two hundred books and recipient of over 20 honorary doctorate awards. He has received over 30 lifetime achievement awards and has served as editor for several reputable journals, including the Oxford Research Encyclopedia in African History. 

On this occasion of Professor Toyin Falola’s 72nd birthday, I dedicate this piece to reflect on his scholarship and humanitarianism. One of his characteristics that stands out for me is academic excellence. No one can challenge the fact that Professor Falola is brilliant and successful at what he does. Aside from his numerous publications and awards, Falola has delivered several convocation lectures at home and abroad. It takes a great deal for an academic to have delivered more than 10 Convocation lectures within two years!  He achieves this feat through determination and discipline. Moreover, Professor Toyin Falola authors, at least, three books a year. One will be surprised to know that this act—of publishing three to four books in a year—is a routine as far as Toyin Falola is concerned. He has consistently done so in the past few years. 

Therefore, we can only second Professor Amidu Sanni in imagining if Falola spends the same 24 hours as the other scholars. Unable to rationalize what elements typify Toyin Falola, Professor Serges Kamga, of the University of South Africa designated him as Orisa! I address Falola as Encyclopedia of African History. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi once called him “the doyen of African history.” The reality is that Professor Toyin Falola is a rare bird that appears once in a lifetime. In a country like Nigeria where the history discipline is underrated, Professor Falola serves as an encouragement and a beacon of hope for the history students. Falola is a testament to the fact that it is not about what one studies or what society conceives of it, but how one distinguishes themselves in their respective fields against all odds.

Against the wrong perception that one has to degrade others to prove that they are better, Professor Toyin Falola is popular for acknowledging and celebrating other people’s success. He has consistently praised his successful colleagues with numerous articles while acknowledging others in his presentations. Falola has dedicated several books to exceptional Nigerians, including those in the diaspora. Notwithstanding his several articles on conventional media, Falola’s Citizenship and the Diaspora in the Digital Age: Farooq Kperogi and the Virtual Community and, African Memoirs, and Cultural Representations: Narrating Traditions, are enough for evidence. This partly amounts to the numerous books and articles by scholars in honour of Professor Toyin Falola.

Additionally, Professor Falola embodies the essence of humility and generosity. My humble self can attest to Falola’s humbleness. I have witnessed his presentation twice at Lagos State University and heard pretty much about him. Professor Falola mentors and accommodates young scholars who try to associate themselves with him. Several scholars have benefitted from his mentorship and collaborations. This is a challenge for selfish scholars who find difficulty helping others to grow; especially those who conceive mentoring as an avenue to exploit budding scholars. Falola is a typical example of a well-rounded scholar. An astute historian, Toyin Falola is also a literati, political scientist, and philosopher. If you call Falola a traditionalist, I can serve you with proof. His critical submissions on national TV are unique in their historical approach. My interest in journalism was influenced by inspiration from Toyin Falola. If Falola could successfully contribute to every aspect of the humanities field, studying History should not be a limitation for me. Toyin Falola is a scholar in numerous fields and an interdisciplinary course himself. 

Another intriguing attribute of Professor Toyin Falola is resilience. I studied him for this. Many followers of Toyin Falola would have noticed that HeartofArts, the Professor’s website, and his WhatsApp Community have ceased functioning for a while. That must have been consequential of a technical glitch. Rather than allowing this problem to outweigh him, Professor Falola quickly secured an alternative with his new website, the Toyin Falola Network. Resilience is the most intriguing thing about Toyin Falola. He lives above criticisms and moves against all odds.  As the debated saying by Nelson Mandela goes: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Let me seize this medium to ask the Professor to recreate the WhatsApp platform as we are missing out on his conventional outputs and important updates. The effectiveness of emails is limited.  

If leadership is by example, Falola should be considered a great leader. As I confessed last year, “Falola is so African than the home-based.” He unapologetically displays the beauty of African aso ofi. His outfits, like his works, testify to the talents embedded in Africa. With several years of service in pushing for Africa’s Identity and decolonization, Professor Toyin Falola is an avid advocate for African-ness. Baba Falola talks authoritatively during convocation lectures. He confidently submits his ideas and thoughts which, oftentimes, spur intellectual uproars. Meanwhile, his staccato laughs are strategic in capturing the audience’s attention.

Finally, Professor Falola made me realize the power of status in the academic space. If you have professional footballers advocating for brands, or media entertainers influencing organizations, Toyin Falola is an intellectual influencer for Africa and his colleagues. Without prejudice, I became a fan of some scholars through Professor Falola. My last tribute to the Professor spurred several emails from scholars who never expected an undergraduate student to be so conversant with a scholar as that. 

In sum, Professor Toyin Falola is a Nigerian jewel of international repute. He embodies a lot of reputable characters that qualify for vivid studying. Falola’s tenaciousness and humbleness are worthy of emulation. I wish Professor Toyin Falola more blessed years!

Abdulkabir Muhammed writes from Lagos State University. He can be contacted via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For decades, you could walk into Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia on some Sunday mornings and see hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews. And standing in front of them, asking with a wink if there were any visitors that morning, would be President Jimmy Carter – preparing to teach Sunday school, just like he had done for most of his adult life.

Some who came to hear him speak were undoubtedly there because of what President Carter accomplished in his four years in the White House – the Camp David Accords he brokered that reshaped the Middle East; the work he did to diversify the federal judiciary, including nominating a pioneering women’s rights activist and lawyer named Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the federal bench; the environmental reforms he put in place, becoming one of the first leaders in the world to recognize the problem of climate change.

Others were likely there because of what President Carter accomplished in the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history – monitoring more than 100 elections around the world; helping virtually eliminate Guinea worm disease, an infection that had haunted Africa for centuries; becoming the only former president to earn a Nobel Peace Prize; and building or repairing thousands of homes in more than a dozen countries with his beloved Rosalynn as part of Habitat for Humanity.

But I’m willing to bet that many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carter’s decency.

Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did – advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection – things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image.

Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn’t just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. In his Nobel acceptance speech, President Carter said, “God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace.” He made that choice again and again over the course of his 100 years, and the world is better for it.

Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away – buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.

Barak Obama

They also called on the National Assembly to scrutinise the Appropriation Bill before passing it.

In the new fiscal proposals, the Ministry of Education alone got N3,880,000,000 to purchase computers; followed by the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre with N2,735,000,000.

The scrapped Ministry of Sports Development also got N1.1 billion for purchase of computers; and N263, 391,743 for the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development to buy same.

Also found in the new Appropriation Bill was N525,183,402 for computers’ purchase in the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, N75 million and the Ministry of Transport, N70 million.

The sum of N202 million was set aside for similar items for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); the Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PTAD), N220 million; the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), N836 million; the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), N535 million and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, N797,483, 350.

Other agencies that received allocations for purchase of computers are the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), N350 million; the National Counter Terrorism Centre, N567,936,580; the National Intelligence Agency Pension Board, N250 million; the Federal Cooperative College Ibadan, N450 million; Civil Defence, Immigration and Prison Service Board (CIPB), N164 million and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, N604,267,087.

Computers’ purchase appears 144 times in 2024 budget

Daily Trust reports that most of these agencies had allocations for “Purchase of Computers” in the 2024 budget wherein the item appeared 144 times.

In the 2024 fiscal document, the Ministry of Education got N9,067,331,533 for computers; the Civil Defence, Immigration and Prison Service Board, N32 million; the Auditor-General Office, N41.8 million; the National Counter Terrorism Centre, N45.5 million; PTAD, N60 million; the Ministry of Transport, N50 million; NIMET, N130 million and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, N300 million.

Criticisms trail annual allocations for computers

A member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State, Bello Nasir El-Rufai, recently on the floor of the House, called for a shift in budget planning away from always buying computers, vehicles and furniture.

“Since I was a boy, the budget every year comes with new computers, new furniture. These things don’t expire. We should cut them out totally. We can’t be asking Nigerians to tighten their belts, we can’t have a tax reform bill that could shape this country while as leaders, we are not cutting anything. I urge the committee chairmen to look into this. Nigerians are tired of every agency buying forks and knives every year,” the lawmaker said.

In a chat with Daily Trust, a labour leader, Comrade Yusuf Bello, called for prudence, openness and accountability in budget implementation.

He said items that do not require annual replacement should not find their way into the budget.

“We’re at a time that resources are extremely very lean and it’s a time for prudence, openness and accountability. And there are clear assets that do not require replacement on an annual basis. We can repair or upgrade them. Most often, our budgets are padded and loaded with things that end up not getting supplied or purchased at all,” he said.

He urged the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight; and the executive, to be firm in dealing with corruption.

‘It’s scandalous, waste of resources’

Executive Director, Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), Comrade Debo Adeniran, in a chat with Daily Trust yesterday, described annual budgetary allocations for computers as a waste of resources.

He said, “Year in and year out, the government has always been purchasing office equipment and other things like furniture and stuffs like that. It is as good as what the president and the vice president want to do with the renovation of their residences.

“It’s unfortunate that the profligacy of our leaders has been going on. The computers that are being purchased are not essential equipment because up till now, those in offices have been using computers and have not told us that they’re no longer functioning. What happened to the maintenance of the same items? Even with that huge amount of money, why can’t they encourage local manufacturers or assemblers of computers in Nigeria so that it would come cheaper?”

Adeniran asked the National Assembly to scrutinise the budget.

He alleged that the lawmakers “don’t look at duplication, genuineness or otherwise of the purchase. They ought to look at what happens to the existing ones. That’s why they’re saddled with oversight functions.”

Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Ibrahim Zikirullahi, who also spoke to Daily Trust yesterday, charged the National Assembly “to rise to the occasion and uphold sanity on this budget and other legislative mandates on national development.”

He queried, “What happened to those (computers) bought last year, year before and three, four years back. The amount spent on the procurement anomaly in the last couple of years is enough to set up a world-class computer manufacturing company that could be a means of job creation.

“Budgeting for wasteful and needless items at a time the same government is asking the citizens to tighten their belts leaves much to be desired.”

Also commenting, Executive Director, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Eze Onyekpere, asked, “How can one justify budgeting for computers by MDAs every year despite the outcry against such? Even the last two years’ budget performances have not been rendered to Nigerians.

“We cannot continue like this as a nation. Those computers and other frivolous items should be removed from the budget. Nigeria and the citizens do not deserve being taken for a ride by those in place of authority.”

[DailyTrust]

Several sporting events, including the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast, the Copa America and Euros, among others, took place in 2024.

The year 2024 will always be a memorable one for sports fans around the world.

As the year draws to a close on Tuesday midnight, DAILY POST presents five issues that rocked the world of sports in the year 2024:

Ivory Coast’s miraculous AFCON triumph:

The 2023 AFCON was held from 13 January to 11 February in 2024 in Ivory Coast.

The host nation fought against all odds in a tournament comeback after they almost exited in the group stages after losing their final group game 4-0 against Equatorial Guinea.

They even sacked Jean-Louis Gasset as their coach and appointed Emerse Faé to take charge of the team.

Ivory Coast scraped through to the knockout phase eliminating the likes of Senegal, Mali and DR Congo on their way to the final.

They came from behind to beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2-1 in the final, thanks to Sebastien Haller’s winning goal.

The victory over the Super Eagles completed a miraculous turnaround for the Elephants in the competition.

Surprises at Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics:

The Paris 2024 Olympics opened on July 26 and ended on August 11 as thousands of athletes from different countries participated.

The United States led the final medal table with 40 Gold and 126 total medals, while China finished in second place with 40 Gold and 91 medals in total. The occasion marked the first time a gold medal tie among the two most successful countries has occurred in Summer Olympics history.

Also, seasoned athletes like Simone Biles showcased why they were the best at what they do, whilst newcomers like Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo announced themselves on the Olympic stage with a historic debut.

New records were set, and historic milestones were reached as Paris passed the Olympic torch to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games.

Shortly after the end of Paris 2024, the Paralympics followed from August 28 to September 8, with thousands of para-athletes competing in different events.

Like the Olympics, the Paralympic Games also witnessed athletes break milestones as Nigerian athlete, Mariam Eniola Bolaji, an 18-year-old, became the first African to win a badminton medal at either the Paralympic or Olympic Games.

Mixed feelings over 2024 Ballon d’Or:

There were mixed reactions after Manchester City midfielder, Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior in October.

Rodri got the highest number of votes to take home the prestigious individual prize ahead of Vinicius.

As a result, Vinicius, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, and the rest of the Los Blancos members boycotted the award ceremony in Paris, France, as they were disappointed with the outcome.

This brought diverse reactions from several stakeholders in the football industry.

Liga president, Javier Tebas blasted Real Madrid following their failure to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Tebas described their action as ‘classless behaviour and lack of elegance’.

On his part, Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that Vinicius, who won the 2024 FIFA Best Player Award, should have won the 2024 Ballon d’Or ahead of Rodri.

“Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion it was clear,” Ronaldo said at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, adding “It was unfair.”

Similarly, Manchester United legend, Gary Neville hit out at Vinicius over his ‘classless and outrageous’ reaction after losing the 2024 Ballon d’Or award to Rodri.

Neville believes the Brazilian disrespected his rival Rodri by not showing up at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Tyson Fury’s back-to-back defeat against Oleksandr Usyk:

Fury suffered another defeat against Usyk in their heavyweight rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December.

The 12 rounds of boxing was intense as momentum shifted from one to the other.

Eventually, Usyk handled Fury’s aggression enough to win by unanimous decision. He defended his unified world heavyweight championship.

DAILY POST reports that the three results from the judges all read 116-112.

Earlier in 2024, Usyk handed Fury his first professional defeat.

Following the fight, the Ukrainian became the undisputed heavyweight world champion in the process, the first in 25 years since Lennox Lewis.

England’s back-to-back Euro final defeats:

The Three Lions of England suffered another Euro final defeat in the summer this year.

The 2024 Euro was held in Germany from June 14 to July 14. Spain made England and their fans to once again wait for their first Euro title just like that night in Wembley in 2020.

Recall that Italy defeated England in the 2020 Euro final at Wembley Stadium.

Many expected the Three Lions to bounce back from the Italy defeat four years ago and used the experience against Spain in Germany, but they ended up losing again another Euro final as La Roja won 2-1 in the final.

Nico Willaims and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the goals for Spain as Cole Palmer’s goal was not enough for England.

Lionel Messi and Co. made history at the 2024 Copa America:

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates secured a record-breaking 16th Copa America title for the Albicelestes after beating Colombia 1-0 in the final.

Inter Milan attacker, Lautaro Martinez scored the game’s only goal at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

The 2024 Copa America took place from June 20 to July 14 in the United States.

Argentina defended their title against 15 other teams from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

The Albicelestes had won the 2021 Copa America after beating Brazil 1-0 in the final.

So it was a back-to-back Copa America finals victory for Argentina.

[DailyPost]

Anyone who pays attention to what is happening on social media knows there is a high demand for Nigerian men by women from other countries. In the past, the assumption was that most of the marriages between Nigerian men and women from other countries were mainly to acquire official papers that would guarantee the Nigerian man the visa or citizenship of the country. A young Nigerian man in his 20s or 30s would snap a picture of his registry marriage with a White woman in her 50s, 60s, or 70s. People would share such photos and make jokes about it.

But in recent years, there has been a spike in young Nigerian men marrying young foreign women. Interestingly, many of the young men are professionals who are financially stable and have permanent residency or citizenship status. Many of them get married overseas and return to Nigeria to perform a symbolic “traditional” marriage ceremony. Videos of such marriages usually show the joy of their non-Nigerian wives in their beautiful Nigerian attire, performing the marriage rites and dancing excitedly, most times offbeat, to Nigerian music.

And any time such women make a post about their amazing experience with their Nigerian boyfriend or husband, one can see the high number of Americans, Canadians, Britons, Jamaicans, etc., expressing interest in having a Nigerian man. Expectedly, many men flock to such posts dropping their numbers or messages, declaring their availability.

This high interest in Nigerian men has created an online market for matchmakers. There are now many online live events where people explain how to ensure that a foreigner is not talking to a romance scammer. These romance scammers have been exploiting the naïveté and desperation of women in search of love. Their actions have been bringing a bad name to Nigerians for some years.

What caused this recent uptick in the quest of foreign women for Nigerian men? There could be many reasons but the first is Afrobeats music. Nigerian music has been attracting global attention in recent years. Young people from different countries love Nigerian songs and musicians. This has made them take more interest in the country from where this music is coming. It is similar to what happened with reggae music from the 1970s. It made Jamaica a household name across the world.

In the past, before the popularity of Afrobeats, people from other countries only focused on the bad story of online scams in Nigeria. All the achievements of Nigerians in technology, business, literature, sports, international peace-keeping missions and independence of other countries, etc., were never remembered. Once the name Nigeria came up in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and even some parts of Africa, people zeroed in on scams and kept their distance from Nigerians. Many scammers from other countries even identified as Nigerians, thereby worsening the image of Nigeria. The corruption in governance did not help the Nigerian case. Once you mentioned the name Nigeria while discussing a business venture online with someone in another continent, the person would abruptly end the communication.

Many Nigerians abroad confessed that some 30 or 20 years ago when they landed to study or work, most times they would not identify as Nigerians, because it caused them problems. Interestingly, this was the era Nigerian government was spending a lot of money telling the world that Nigeria was “the heart of Africa” as well as “Good people, great nation”. That advertising message did not have any effect on foreigners. But eventually, Afrobeats became globally popular and did a better image-laundry job for Nigeria. Now, people from other countries who watch Nigerian musical videos want to know more about Nigeria. They search online for information about Nigeria. By so doing, they see the other sides of the country.

Nigerians did not just become amazing recently. They have always been like this but the bad press did not allow the world to get close to Nigeria and know any positive thing about the country. Those who take the bold step of visiting Nigeria usually leave with mind-blowing stories about Nigerians’ hospitality.

It is the same case with marriage to Nigerian men. Women from other countries love Nigerian men. It is not because Nigerian men have any extraordinary genes. It is because of what the Nigerian environment has instilled in men from birth. It is hammered into their ears and psyche that, to prove that they are responsible and manly, they must bear the full burden of providing for all the women around them: wife, mother, sisters, nieces, cousins, grandmothers, friends and colleagues. These include paying school fees, buying clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery, food, and cars and giving regular pocket money, etc.

When a Nigerian boy goes on a date with a girl, even though they are both students (who yet don’t earn any money), the boy is expected to pay for all they eat. The girl may even bring along one or two of her friends, and the poor boy is expected to foot their bill, including the bill for the items they will take away, and even give her and her friends “money for transport”. He will constantly buy gifts and send money to her. If he cannot dole out financial favours to his girlfriend, he is ridiculed as a “Ju man” or “chewing gum boy”.

The more men give, the more they are expected to give. They are regularly compared to other men who are doing more for their women to show them that they are not doing enough like “real men”. Many men who can’t take the ridicule end up in crime to prove to their women that they are real men.

When Nigerian men meet women from other countries (who don’t have this type of orientation) and do just 30 per cent of what they are expected to do to Nigerian women, the foreign women are wowed because they have never seen anything like that. They can’t stop talking about Nigerian men because they don’t live in a society where a man is expected to take care of his needs and the entire needs of his woman. Love is expressed in many countries with flowers, but not in Nigeria.

Because the women from other countries did not grow up believing that the man has to take care of their needs, they are less demanding of things to be done for them. And whatever the Nigerian men do for them, they are very appreciative. Consequently, they treat their Nigerian men with more dignity. The men talk about having more peace and happiness.

Ironically, it is the same level of care Nigerian men give to Nigerian women but is not appreciated (because it is seen as their duty or nothing special) that they give to these non-Nigerian women, and the women find it exceptional. The result is that the internet has made the news of the “special loving nature of Nigerian men” spread faster from different countries, making more women aware of it and more receptive to Nigerian men.

The pressure the Nigerian society puts on the male child is unnatural and unhealthy. The rich and the poor, educated and uneducated, influential and non-influential, young and old as well as male and female, take it as the normal way of life. Most people who have lived in Nigeria, and only go to other nations on holidays, may not understand that there is something wrong with it, because that is the only way of life they have known.

There should be a conscious reorientation in Nigeria, especially led by successful and influential women, that the girl child is not created to look forward to marrying a rich and influential man but to be a rich and influential person herself. The Nigerian girl child should be groomed to believe that the way to know a man who cares and loves her is not through the amount of money and gifts such a person showers on her. Churches, mosques, schools, universities and town unions should also join the campaign and see if the perception of the next generation can be changed about this critical issue.

Civil rights activist and politician Senator Shehu Sani has urged Nigerians and the government at all levels to appreciate and honour the freedom fighters who defended the country.

While speaking with Newsmen on Monday, Sani made the call when he visited the tombs of six deposed Emirs in Lokoja, who refused to bow down to British colonialists.

Sani, who was accompanied by his colleague, Comrade Suleiman Ahmed, admonished Nigerians and the government at all levels to appreciate freedom fighters who defended the country.

“Today, I am on the visit to the tombs of the Emirs from Northern Nigerians who were deposed by the British Colonialists and exiled to Lokoja where they died. Here, particularly, is the tomb of the late Emir of Kano, Mallam Aliyu Abdullahi (Maisango) who died in 1903.

“We have to appreciate the freedom fighters, those who stood in defence of our country. As a Pan-Africanist, someone who has been involved in the struggle for rights for freedom and justice, and someone who appreciates history a lot.

“I am here to appreciate this noble Emirs who stood in the defence of our country. This visit is to also send a clear message to Nigerians and to inspire others, that as we move forward as a country and as a people, we should also look backwards to appreciate those who fought and laid their lives and made sacrifices for us.

“Here, are Emirs who are lying down in their tombs; they were not deposed by their people but by the colonialists who came to enslave our people and take over our country and our resources. The Emirs that refused to bow down to colonialists, the ones who stood for freedom and defended our territorial land; we owe them a lot,” he said.

Sani, who was the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019, reaffirmed his commitment to continue to appreciate and honour Nigeria’s freedom fighters.

Speaking, the Etsu Lokoja, Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika and other Lokoja community leaders who took the Senator and his colleague around the tombs’ sites commended the senator for the visit, describing it as a welcome development.

“The visit of distinguished Senator Shehu Sani and his colleague, Comrade Suleiman Ahmed, is a very welcome development and we appreciate them for the gesture.

“Oftentimes, we hardly remember that certain people contributed to certain measures in the past. So, the visit to Lokoja with particular interest in the tombs of the deposed Emirs, is very laudable.

“As a human rights activist, he could quickly point to the fact that these Emirs fought in defence of their people, and that was what leadership is all about”, Dauda-Shelika said.

[Punch]]

Lifelong farmer Joe Del Bosque knows that America can’t live without immigrants, but he worries that many of his countrymen think it can’t live with them either.

“When they’re needed, they welcome them. When they don’t need them, they want to kick them out,” the 75-year-old told AFP.

“Well, right now the country doesn’t know that they do need some of these workers.”

Farmers like Del Bosque, who grows cantaloupes and almonds in California, fear they could be at the sharp end of president-elect Donald Trump’s promise to deport millions of non-citizens.

Economists agree that a mass expulsion could leave him and others like him without enough workers to harvest food — causing shortages and sending prices skyrocketing.

“He’s talked about deportations. We don’t know yet what that means,” said Del Bosque.

“Does that mean everyone? We certainly hope that doesn’t mean he’s going to raid our farms, because without our people, our farms will come to a stop.”

And it isn’t just arable farmers who are worried.

Rick Naerebout, executive director of the Idaho Dairy Producers Association, warns the sudden disappearance of skilled laborers could be “devastating” to the dairy industry.

“It would only take a couple days of disruption and not being able to feed or milk our cows to where you would damage our industry beyond repair,” he told AFP.

– ‘Essential’ –

Around 2.4 million people work in farming in the United States, 44 percent of whom are undocumented, according to a survey by the Department of Labor.

University of Michigan economist David Ortega said — despite what some politicians say publicly — it is widely acknowledged in official circles that the entire system is heavily dependent on illegal workers.

“These are individuals that perform essential, very labor-intensive tasks like planting and harvesting,” he said.

“Many of them fill critical roles that many US-born workers are either unable or unwilling to perform.”

Farm work is hard, and often done in a difficult environment — summer temperatures in California can top 40 celcius (104 Fahrenheit), while winters in places like Idaho are routinely below freezing.

This reality stands in stark contrast to claims by nationalist politicians like Trump that these immigrants are “stealing” American jobs.

Naerebout, of the Idaho Dairy Producers Association, said it’s a common — and frustrating — fallacy.

To illustrate the point, he says one contractor last year advertised to fill thousands of roles.

“They had fewer than 30 domestic applications for 6,000 jobs,” he said.

“Only 12 of those individuals resulted in an interview, and only two resulted in a hire, and those two that got hired didn’t make it to harvest.

“Americans don’t want these jobs.”

– Posturing –

Such details were absent on the campaign trail, where Trump rallies painted migrants only as a problem for the United States, a source of crime and overcrowding that need to be sent packing.

The rhetoric was popular with voters, especially in rural areas, many of whom cited immigration as a key reason for supporting Trump.

California dairy farmer Tom Barcellos says he is convinced that — despite Trump’s promise to carry out the largest deportation in US history — common sense will prevail when the Republican takes office on January 20.

“I’ve been to (Washington) DC many times. I’ve been to (California state capital) Sacramento many times,” he said.

“Those that have the power know we’re not going to go raid agriculture, because that’s the food source for the American people, and they don’t want to raise the cost any more than it needs to be.”

For Naerebout there is a desperate — and long overdue — need to move past the political posturing of the last few decades and work out a way forward.

“We’ve been frustrated for, you know, 20 years trying to find a pathway forward to reforms at a national level, and both (Democrats and Republicans) are at fault,” he said.

“We as an industry wonder if there’s lack of political will to solve the problem because the problem presents itself as a great political fundraiser and stump speech.”

Del Bosque says he hires around 200 workers during harvest season and finds the process frustrating.

Migrants who try to do things legally get bogged down in a bureaucracy that appears to have no understanding of the needs of the workers or the industries that need to employ them.

“A lot of our fresh fruits and vegetables need to be picked by hand,” he said.

“If Americans value that kind of food in their diet — fresh fruits and vegetables — they need to consider that we have to have a reliable workforce to have a reliable food supply.”

[Vanguard]

Only three Nigerian leaders have been invited by the British Monarch for state visits to Buckingham Palace. They are General Yakubu Gowon GCFR (90) and his wife Victoria Gowon (78) (12–15 June 1973), President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari GCFR (25 February 1925 – 28 December 2018) (17–20 March 1981) and General Ibrahim Babangida GCFR (83) and his wife, Maryam (9–12 May 1989).

In fact, Nigeria is more favoured than most African countries that have been invited for state visits to Buckingham Palace.

On the other hand, the British Monarch had visited Nigeria twice. Queen Elizabeth II (21 April 1926- 8 September 2022) first visited Nigeria between January 28 to February 16, 1956. She was accompanied by her husband, the then Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip (10 June 1921- 9 April 2021). She visited Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Lagos.

While in Nigeria, she worshipped at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Marina, Lagos, an Anglican church founded by Reverend Samuel Ajayi Crowther (1809 – 31 December 1891) and which the Queen’s visit was under the Provost, Reverend A.W. Howells (17 September 1905- 7 March 1963). During her visit, the Queen donated a chair to the cathedral. The chair is still being preserved in the cathedral till today.

The Queen also commissioned the Nigerian painter and sculptor, Ben Enwonwu to make a bronze sculptor of herself. The next year, she posed in London as Enwonwu banged metal against his imagination in order to bring an outsized version of the Queen to life. The sculpture was completed in 1957, and in November of the same year was presented at the Royal Society of British Artists exhibition in London.

The Monarch was also in Nigeria between 3 to 6 December 2003 for the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOG) meeting in Abuja. She was received by President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR. The Queen also visited Nasarawa state.

General Gowon was actively preparing for a state visit by the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II before he was overthrown in a military coup by General Murtala Mohammed while in Kampala, Uganda, for the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in July 1975.

The present British Monarch, King Charles III (76) is a regular visitor to Nigeria.

Charles, Prince of Wales, now King of England has visited Nigeria four times, in 1990, 1999, 2006, and 2018.
For his first visit, he and his now late wife, Diana, Princess of Wales (1 July 1961- 31 August 1997) arrived in Nigeria on March 15th, 1990. They left Gatwick Airport and were met at the Murtala Muhammed

Airport, Lagos by the then Chief of General Staff, Admiral Augustus Akhabue Aikhomu (20 October 1939 – 17 August 2011) and Mrs. Rebecca Aikhomu. Nigeria was under military rule at the time with General Ibrahim Babangida serving as the military president.

The Prince and Princess were taken to State House Marina where General Babangida and his wife, Maryam Babangida (1 November 1948 – 27 December 2009) received them. That night, they were hosted at a state banquet after which they retired to the Royal Yacht. The Royal Yacht was docked next to the Marina in Lagos.

In 1999, the prince returned for the inauguration ceremony of President Olusegun Obasanjo (87) GCFR, late South African president, Nelson Mandela was also in attendance.

In 2006, The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to begin a 3-day state visit. At the time, the trip was seen as a boost to the democratization of Nigerian polity. While he was around, he also visited Kaduna and Kano.

2018 saw Prince Charles (now King Charles III) (76) return, but this time with a new wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. They were received by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. While he was in Abuja, he met with some traditional rulers at the residence of the British High Commissioner, Paul Arkwright.

Some of the monarchs present include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (the Ọjájá II) CFR (50) , Sultan of Sokoto, His Majesty Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III (68) CFR, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II (63), Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (83), Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar (72) CFR, Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II (71) and Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi (67).

During the three-day visit, the couple also met with and talked to some Nigerian youths, the Armed forces, and people in the creative sectors, specifically in arts and fashion.

Only six British Prime Ministers have visited Nigeria. They are Harold Wilson, Alec Douglas-Home, Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, David Cameron and Theresa May. Mr. Harold Wilson was in Nigeria for the Commonwealth Conference on Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, held at the Federal Palace, Hotel, Lagos, between 12 January and 14 January, 1966. Nigeria’s Prime Minister then, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 – 15 January 1966) hosted the Conference. Other world leaders that attended the conference were Lester Pearson of Canada, Sir Dauda Jawara of The Gambia, Dr. Hastings Banda of Malawi, Dr. Borg Olivier of Malta, Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, Sir Albert Margai of Sierra Leone and Dr. Milton Obote of Uganda. Others at the meeting were President Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus, acting Prime Minister of Jamaica at that time, Donald Sangster, vice-President of Zambia, Mr. Kamanga and Ceylon’s Minister of Justice, India’s Minister of law and social security, Kenya’s Minister of Finance, Malaysia’s deputy Prime Minister, New Zealand’s High Commissioner in London, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Lagos and Trinidad and Tobago’s deputy Prime Minister. Twenty-four hours after the conference ended, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa was assassinated in Lagos.

Speaking in British Parliament on January 25, 1966, Mr. Harold Wilson said, “The whole house, especially those who in any capacity had dealings in the past with Sir Abubakar, will deeply regret the tragedy which occurred in Nigeria a few days ago. I should like to add—I am sure that I speak for all Commonwealth Prime Ministers—a tribute to his splendid chairmanship of what could have been a very difficult Commonwealth Conference. He as much as anybody was, I believe, responsible for the satisfactory outcome of it”.

Although Tony Blair (71) in his 718-page book titled “A JOURNEY”, after numerous visits to Nigeria, did not make any reference to Nigeria, but the alliance between Nigeria and Britain is still strong. There are over 3million Nigerians living in the United Kingdom now. This number is expected to double in the next few years. Over 2,500 Nigerians fly in and out of the United Kingdom daily.

In some parts of London like Old Kent Road, Camberwell, Thamesmead, Islington, Barking, Abbey Wood, Woolwich, Deptford and of course Peckham, if you visit those areas, it is as if you are in any part of Nigeria. In fact, the Suya spot at Camberwell, apology to Egbon Tunji Oyelana is better than the Suya spot at Obalende in Lagos. It is common knowledge now that suya spots at Peckham in London are better organized and well managed than the suya spots in Lagos.

The UK deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, announced two years ago that ten percent of all visas granted by the British government, were to Nigerians. We are discussing Nigerian/Britain relationship on the sideline of current romance between Elysee Palace and Abuja specifically between President Bola Tinubu GCFR and Emmanuel Macron of France. Our President and our Foreign Minister, Alhaji Yusuf Tuggar, know that going by past records, France has not been Nigeria’s friend.

On 13 February 1960, France conducted its first nuclear test at Reggane, an oasis town in southern Algeria. The war for the North African country’s independence had been ongoing since 1954 and French President Charles de Gaulle was keen to show the world that France belonged at the top table of military powers.

To that end, the first French atomic bomb, named Gerboise Bleue after the blue of the tricolour flag and a small desert animal in the Sahara, was detonated in the Algerian desert. It released over four times the amount of energy as that of the US bomb dropped on Hiroshima. A few months later, as Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev was in France for an official visit, a second French bomb was detonated in the Sahara.

Between 1960 and 1966, four years after Algeria gained its independence, France detonated 17 bombs in the Sahara, including four in the atmosphere near Reggane. Witnesses to the tests described them as the most brutal thing they’d ever seen in their lives. Four underground explosions in the Algerian Sahara “were not totally contained or confined”, according to a French parliamentary report.

Most famous of these was the Beryl incident, during which nine soldiers and a number of local Tuareg villagers were heavily contaminated by radioactivity. The impact of France’s nuclear testing programme in Algeria was immediate and has been ongoing. Following the first explosion in 1960, radioactive fallout landed in newly independent Ghana and in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Government had earlier warned France not to conduct those tests but France refused. The test affected a lot people in Kano and its surroundings. After the test, Nigeria was made to break diplomatic relations with France.

Writing on the then situation in his book titled “A RIGHT HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN—The life and times of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa by Mr. Trevor Clark, he wrote on page 495 “As to relations with General de Gaulle (who had been assured in the Algerian cease-fire agreement that Sahara tests might continue for some years, and had just received massive support from the French people in his referendum on self-determination for Algeria, despite the abstention of 40% of resident Algerian voters), Abubakar personally followed up Dr. Esins’s demarche. At half past seven in the morning, after returning from Bauchi, he ordered the withdrawal of the French ambassador, Mr Raymond Offroy and his embassy staff from Lagos; he barred all French aircraft and ships; and he denied them all rights of transit.

The Frenchmen found their telephones disconnected the next day, and left by unescorted cars for Dahomey within the 48 hours set in the ultimatum. On unforeseen consequences was a dearth of liquid petroleum gas for Ghanaian lamps and stoves, since LPG was carried up the coast in French cargo vessels. The people who were to be hurt most were the citizens of Nigeria’s francophone neighbours in Niger, Dahomey and elsewhere. A more hypothetical result was to be suggested seven year later, M. Offroy was to be a prominent leader of the anti-federal government, pro-Biafran, lobby in Paris, and President De Gaulle to incline to favour Igbo secession.

At the time the Nigerian press and politicians were ecstatic, although their colleagues in Dahomey, Niger and Tchad were distressed. No other country broke off diplomatic relations with France over Saharan nuclear testing, resting content with shouting slogans”.

During the civil war, we all knew where France stood and this led to anti-French demonstrations by over 3,000 Nigerian students at the French embassy in Lagos on September 14, 1968.

A breakthrough in Nigeria/France relationship came on February 4, 1987, when the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida flew to Paris in France for medical treatment. He was in France for four weeks until he came back on March 4, 1987. No Nigeria Leader ever visited France again until March 8, 1999, when the President elect, Olusegun Obasanjo visited Paris. He was received by the then French President, Jacques René Chirac (29 November 1932-26 September 2019) even though he had not been sworn in. On February 4, 2000, President Obasanjo GCFR was in France for three days. All in all, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited France six times during his eight-year tenure as the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria. The last was on May 16, 2006, the day the Senate rejected the third term bill.

On June 10, 2008, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR (16 August 1951-5 May 2010) visited France and was received by President Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa (70) at the Elysee Palace where they had lunch together. After the visit, President Yar’Adua announced a 5-billion-dollar deal with France.

On November 24, 2011, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR GCON (67) was in France for a meeting to attract foreign investments to Nigeria. He led an economic delegation.

President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR (82) was in France for a state visit between September 14 and 16, 2015. He was also in France between February 2 and February 4, 2016. Between November 10 and 16, 2018, President Buhari was in Paris for a peace forum. Between November 10 and 13, 2021, President Buhari was also in Paris for a working visit.

We have to close the book of prejudice on France so as to move forward. We are presently in bad shape and we shall welcome any help from friends or foes who will rescue us from our present economic dilemma. The recent state visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to Elysee Palace in Paris is most welcome. We need friends not foes any longer or else the world will continue to move without us. We need to sustain our traditional ties with London too, while at the same time pursuing our adventure with Paris. Rigidity wont solve our problems in Foreign Affairs, so far as our national interests are recognized and protected.

France at present is the third biggest economy in Europe after Germany and the United Kingdom, so we cant shut down the opportunities France has to offer. I am aware of top French companies operating in Nigeria. They include Air Liquide, specializing in gases, technologies, and services for industry and health, Air Liquide operates in Nigeria to supply industrial gases and related services. The company’s offerings support sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and healthcare, Bolloré Transport & Logistics, a major player in logistics and transportation, Bolloré has been active in Nigeria, providing services that facilitate trade and commerce. The company has shown interest in investing and exploring opportunities within Nigeria’s economy, Maurel & Prom–has operations in Nigeria through its significant stake in SEPLAT, one of the country’s leading indigenous operators. The company engages in exploration and production activities, contributing to Nigeria’s energy sector.

Ponticelli Frères is another French company that provides services including assembly, boilermaking, and maintenance, supporting various industrial projects in Nigeria, Alstom has been involved in Nigeria’s rail transport projects. The company contributes to the development and maintenance of railway systems, supporting the country’s efforts to improve its transportation network, Sodexo, operating in Nigeria, Sodexo provides quality-of-life services, including facilities management, catering, and employee benefits. The company serves various sectors, such as corporate, healthcare, and education, enhancing operational efficiency and employee well-being, Danone, through its subsidiary Fan Milk, Danone has a presence in Nigeria’s dairy and frozen dairy products market. Fan Milk is known for its range of frozen yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products popular among Nigerian consumers.

Schneider Electric specializes in digital automation and energy management. Schneider Electric drives digital transformation in Nigeria by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, an endpoint to cloud connecting products, controls, software, and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure, and industries, AXA Mansard Insurance plc was incorporated in 1989 as a private limited liability company registered with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

The company was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange in November 2009 and currently boasts the highest market capitalization in the Insurance sector of the Exchange. The company’s health insurance service has been greatly awarded in Nigeria in recent years.

Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited (Swipha) company engages in the production and distribution of Anti-malaria, anti-infectives, anti-diabetes, CNS, and cardiovascular drugs with over thirty brands to its credit.

In 2008, Swipha became the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria to obtain ISO 9001 certification and in 2014 again became the first company in West Africa to obtain WHO GMP certification. Examples of Swipha’s products include drugs like Arenax Plus Forte and Arenax Plus, Lafarge Africa, a subsidiary of the Holcim Group, Lafarge Africa is a leading player in Nigeria’s building materials industry. The company manufactures and distributes cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete, serving construction needs across the country.

Total Energies is another French company in Nigeria that majors in the petroleum industry. The company began operations in Nigeria in 1956 rapidly becoming a major player in Nigeria’s onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration, production, natural gas liquefaction, and marketing of petroleum products.

Total Energies currently operates about 570 service stations in Nigeria for the retail of petroleum products. This service station is to help the government meet the mandate of getting petroleum products across to as many members of the population as possible.

In December 2023, TotalEnergies announced plans to invest $6 billion over several years in Nigeria’s oil and energy sector, focusing on gas and offshore projects. The company also currently employs more than 1800 members of staff nationwide. Over the past years, the company has invested in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through projects like the Ubeta gas development project to supply Nigeria’s LNG liquefaction plant to aid gas supply across Nigeria.

In foreign affairs there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies only permanent interests.