Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was in his farmhouse address in Otta, Ogun State during the last weekend of January 2002. It was supposed to be a short get-away from work in Abuja where he was routinely out of bed before 6am and rarely retired before 2am the next morning. But work followed him to Otta, salient files from his Abuja office shipped over. Some of his senior aides and public officers also stopped by. From Otta, he was scheduled to undertake a two-day official visit to Katsina State. It was part of his countrywide tours, appraising the permeation of tangible dividends of democracy to Nigerians at all levels. I was on Obasanjo’s staff and had proceeded from Abuja on the advance team to tidy up preparations and to receive him. Sunday January 27, 2002, the evening before his scheduled departure from Otta en route Lagos to Katsina, however, unprecedented, massive explosions occurred in Lagos. The air was thick with uncertainty. Where could this earth-quaking “bombings” have taken place? Was it precedent to a coup to topple the nascent Obasanjo government?

The security ring around the President decided to be proactive. With the pervading confusion, the wisest probable thing to do was to move the President to safety, just in case it was a putsch. Should he be flown back to Abuja through Lagos? Should he drive to neighbouring Benin Republic as guest of his Beninoise counterpart? The genetically strong-willed Obasanjo would rather await security briefing. He wasn’t going anywhere, he said. Reports came in to the effect that the mishap occurred at the Abalti Barracks, Ikeja Cantonment, in Lagos. It occurred at the armoury of the military facility, where high calibre explosives were improperly stored. The tragedy claimed well over 1000 casualties, military and civilian. It displaced over 20,000, as it spread rapidly to adjoining districts and communities. Obasanjo had to be persuaded by his personal physician to get some sleep because of his loaded schedule ahead the following day. He stayed up, eyes wide open late into the night.

Obasanjo began his day on Monday January 28, 2002, at the Ikeja Cantonment. He toured the site of the occurrence and the adjoining areas which were flattened by the detonations and held a meeting with the military commanders. He considered rescheduling the Katsina trip in sympathy with the casualties. He was reminded by his protocol officials, however, that the Katsina visited had earlier been scheduled and cancelled because of the unavailability of the Governor of the state at the time, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Yar’Adua who succeeded Obasanjo in 2007, was abroad for a long spell, on cogent medical grounds. Before a sullen-faced Obasanjo addressed his hosts in Katsina when he eventually arrived, he called for two minutes of silence in memory of those that died in the Ikeja incident, and to empathise with the injured and displaced.

Ehigie Edobor Uzamere who represented Edo South Senatorial District in the seventh and eighth national assemblies, is 70 today. An elaborate event has been laid out to commemorate the landmark in Benin City, the Edo State capital. Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, GCON, is one of the very high profile dignitaries who was expected to grace the high profile programme. Reports indicate that members of Atiku’s entourage received reminders last night, detailing his itinerary. Earlier today, however, the Office of the Former Vice President put out the following statement:

Cancellation of Benin Trip Due to Recent National Tragedies:

I write to inform you that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Waziri Adamawa, Vice President of Nigeria, (1999-2007), has reflected on the twin national tragedies in Niger and Kano States, where flooding and road traffic accidents have respectively claimed the lives of several Nigerians. In the light of this, he has decided to CANCEL his planned trip to Benin City, Edo State, this afternoon, June 1, 2025. This is to enable him mourn and pay his respects to the victims and their families.

The statement was signed by Yahaya Ibrahim Zango, Principal Private Secretary to the former Vice President.

It is important to provide this background as counterpoint to the momentary retirement of President Bola Tinubu to Lagos for some official engagements, and the observance of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir festival. Tinubu left Abuja on Tuesday May 27, 2025, to attend a string of programmes. According to the press statement which announced his movements, he will remain in Nigeria’s old capital city until the conclusion of the ileya event on Monday June 9, 2025. To this extent, he will be away from Abuja for two weeks. Thus far, the President has attended ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of the setting up of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS). He is equally commissioning and inspecting projects completed or initiated by his administration, to mark the second year anniversary of his presidency.

Before Tinubu’s departure from Abuja, he had been duly briefed about recent heightened attacks and incursions into parts of the North East, especially Borno State, which has been troubled by insurgents, for several years. He was acquainted about renewed, genocidal-scale killings in parts of the North Central, especially Benue and Plateau states. Bandits and miscreants have equally recently unsettled the peace and quiet of the Yoruba-speaking section of Kogi State, Okunland, across its six local government areas. Flooding in Niger State, also in the Middle Belt region, has claimed over 100 lives and disconnected parts of Nigeria’s North and South West, by the collapse of the all-important North-South bridge in Mokwa, in Niger State. Just yesterday, 22 members of the Kano State contingent to the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State, were consumed in an automobile mishap. The President’s prototype message of commiseration, and his directives to relevant departments of government to step in and provide succour in these various instances, is in the public space.

While spontaneous press releases and phone calls have their places in state administration, nothing compensates for that essential human touch, that conscientious empathy, in circumstances and periods of grave nationwide anguish such as we are in. The nation’s streets are lacquered by the blood of innocents, across our luminous geographical perimeters. The belly of the earth chokes and suffers reflux beneath the tonnages of unceasing and ill-timed cadavers it daily receives. Death, to borrow from the evergreen lyrics of the revered, veteran Yoruba music artist, Ebenezer Obey, has become “two for half a penny. Communities are displaced by the intolerable activities of rampagers and marauders, echoing memories of the 30-month bitter civil war which our country survived between 1967 and 1970. The living and medical conditions of internally displaced persons, (IDPs) in Benue State for example, are better not discussed. Yet, one generation of Nigerian toddlers bred and raised in those hovels, have never glimpsed another home, another community.

Times like this call for true, sincere leadership. Times like this demand way beyond the commandist outsourcing of responsibilities to scheduled appointees. They demand beyond monarchy-style overlordship as Nigerians perceive their leaders. They call for proactive and compassionate leadership. The Nigerian President is easily one of the most pampered across the world. He possesses every equipment and facility to enable his locomotion around the country, even the world, by the snap of his fingers. In a season such as this when gloom and despair pervade the nation, Tinubu should intentionally extricate himself from fawning aides and grovelling courtiers and demonstrate physical identification and genuine concern and humanity for his beleaguered constituents.

Very clearly, the campaign for the 2027 presidential election has been flagged off. President Tinubu is receiving endorsements and adoptions in places. His morale about the continuation of his job beyond his subsisting mandate which ends on May 29, 2027, is high. Tinubu, however, has pressing, present obligations to Nigerians, well ahead of 2027. The way he redeems these commitments by way of good governance of some sort, will largely determine the direction the hand of the clock ticks, come 2027. Except if the polls have been predetermined as has notoriously become the vogue with Naija-style democracy and electoral system.

Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (FANA), is an adjunct professor of creative writing at the University of Abuja.

Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, says Nigerians are paying 55 percent of what others in the West African region are paying for petrol.

Dangote spoke when Omar Touray, president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commission, visited his refinery.

He said Nigerians are benefiting from local refining as the price of petrol has fallen significantly compared to neighbouring countries.

“Many Nigerians don’t realise that they are currently paying just 55% of what others in the region are paying for petrol.

“We also have a much larger initiative in the pipeline, something we’ve not yet announced but Nigerians should know that this refinery is built for them, and they will enjoy the maximum benefit from it.”

The billionaire said the price reduction is directly attributed to local refining, which improves fuel affordability and also strengthens energy security and reduces reliance on imports.

Dangote said as long as “we continue importing what we can produce, we will remain underdeveloped”.

“This refinery is proof that we can build for ourselves at scale, to global standards,” the entrepreneur said.

He noted that the Dangote refinery is fully equipped to meet the petroleum needs of Nigeria and the entire West African region, denying claims suggesting that “we don’t even produce enough to meet Nigeria’s needs”.

“But now, they are here to see the reality for themselves and, more importantly, to encourage other nations to embark on similarly large-scale industrial projects,” Dangote said.

Dangote emphasised that Africa can benefit from intra-continental trade, especially by adding value to its resources, citing the refinery’s role in reducing Nigeria’s refined product and production costs.

“Last year, when we began diesel production, we were able to reduce the price from N1,700 to N1,100 at a go, and as of today, the price has crashed further. This reduction has made a significant impact across various sectors,” he said.

The businessman said the price slash has supported industries, aided the mining sector, and offered crucial support to agriculture.

‘DANGOTE REFINERY CRITICAL IN MEETING ECOWAS SULPHUR LIMIT GOAL’

On his part, Touray noted that the refinery is critical in enabling the ECOWAS region to meet its 50 parts per million (ppm) sulphur limit for petroleum products.

“We are still importing products below our standard when a regional company such as Dangote can meet and exceed these requirements,” he said.

“The private sector must take the lead in ECOWAS industrialisation.”

Touray said the visit also serves as an opportunity to hear directly from “Mr Dangote, about what the private sector expects from the ECOWAS community”.

He noted that as the ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, the community is more committed than ever to bringing the private sector to the table — to listen to their perspectives and to understand how best to create an environment that works for them.

“We cannot continue to make decisions on behalf of the private sector from a distance. Visits like this provide us with first-hand experience and direct insight into the challenges they face — challenges that authorities and government officials must work to address,” Touray added.

He said the region must adopt an industrial strategy to tackle pressing issues like youth unemployment, poverty, and insecurity.

Touray also pledged the commission’s full support for regional leaders like the Dangote Group to access broader ECOWAS markets, encouraging other African nations to emulate Nigeria by developing infrastructure that benefits the entire continent, not just individual nations.

[TheCable]

Many Nigerian investors still face the persistent challenge popularly known as unclaimed dividends.

Over 13 listed companies on Nigeria’s major stock market declared N69 billion in unclaimed dividends for 2024, despite efforts in capital market investor education, technology adoption, and automation.

Unclaimed dividends represent lost profits for investors—funds that could have been reinvested or used for other purposes.

Many retail investors, especially those with modest shareholdings, are unaware of the accumulating funds registered in their names. Heirs also frequently encounter administrative obstacles when attempting to collect dividends from deceased shareholders.

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), disclosed that the total value of unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market amounted to N215 billion as of March 2024.

Experts explain that these unclaimed dividends are mostly funds accumulated before the SEC introduced the Electronic Mandate initiatives aimed at resolving the issue. Despite the introduction of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) in collaboration with the SEC, some banks still recorded unclaimed dividends in the 2024 financial year.

For instance:

• United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc reported N46 billion in unclaimed dividends in 2024.
• Zenith Bank reported N30.6 billion in 2024, up from N30.1 billion in 2023.
• Access Holdings reported N17.73 billion in 2024, down from 21.3 billion in 2023.

Market analysts project that unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market will likely increase further this year.

The SEC’s Director General emphasized,

“The SEC is at the forefront of reducing unclaimed dividends. We will continue to do our best by deploying technology, promoting investor education, and encouraging the public to understand the processes around claiming dividends. Accurate identification and proper documentation are essential. Any initiative that helps reduce outstanding dividends is a positive development.”

Recovering dividends may require professional mediation, especially when documentation is incomplete. However, there’s a simple solution. The NIBSS Self-Service Platform enables you to get instant alerts, update your records, and check for unclaimed dividends with just a few clicks.

To reclaim your dividends, visit the E-Dividend Mandate Management Portal and provide the following information:

• Bank Verification Number (BVN)
• Bank name
• Account number
• Last name

You will also need to upload:

• A valid means of identification
• Passport photograph
• Your signature

Dr. Agama emphasized that identity verification remains the key challenge. He stated that once accurate shareholder information is maintained, there will be no reason for investors to stop claiming their dividends.

Investors looking for lost dividends can also visit the SEC’s official portal for additional information.

As Nigeria’s financial ecosystem continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for improved shareholder communication, greater transparency, and digital integration. Stakeholders remain hopeful that ongoing reforms will lead to a seamless and efficient dividend retrieval process, ensuring investors receive their rightful earnings without delay.

The examination expressed its reservation in a statement released by the Council and signed by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani. 

It stated that the purpose of the counterfeit Facebook account is to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

“The Council wishes to draw the attention of the public to the existence of this fake Facebook account in order to avoid being swindled by the fraudsters.

“Security agents have been informed to take appropriate action against the perpetrators of this fraudulent act,” the statement from NECO reads.

The Federal Government has mandated that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) fully adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for their examinations starting from 2026.

Naija News reports that this announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a monitoring exercise alongside officials from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Bwari on Monday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), over two million candidates registered to take part in the ongoing examinations at more than 800 centres nationwide.

Dr. Alausa explained that WAEC and NECO would commence the administration of objective papers using CBT beginning this November.

He further stated that by May or June 2026, both objective and essay sections would be conducted entirely via CBT.

The Minister emphasised, “If JAMB can successfully conduct CBT exams for more than 2.2 million candidates, WAEC and NECO can do the same.”

He added, “We are going to get WAEC and NECO to also start their objective exam on CBT. By 2026 exams which will come up in May/June, both the objectives and the essay will be fully on CBT. That is how we can eliminate exam malpractices.”

The minister also mentioned that a committee is currently reviewing national examination standards, and their recommendations are expected to be submitted next month.

[NaijaNews]

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has advised activists who are in politics to lead by example and be accountable to the people on whose mandate they are in office.

The Governor also argued that “the welfare and security of the people must be our top priority. We must avoid actions that will make the people to lose faith in democracy.’’

Governor Uba Sani gave this advice at the public presentation and formal book launch written by Hon Abdul Oroh titled, “Demonstration of Craze: Struggles And Transition To Democracy.’’

The Governor who was represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Professor Bello Ayuba, said that activists ‘’have a collective responsibility to defend this democracy.’’

“Anyone who experienced military rule will not toy with democracy. Despite its imperfections, constitutional democracy remains the best system of government.

“Its key principles like participation of citizens, rule of law, equality, transparency, accountability, human rights, political tolerance, multi-party system, and free and elections are critical to the building and sustenance of a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria,’’ he added.

Governor Sani however urged pro-democracy activists, and indeed civil rights activists to continue to constructively engage governments at both federal and state levels.

‘’Activate your governance observatories. Keep us on our toes. We are servants of the people. Together, let us grow and sustain this democracy,’’ he advised.

According to the Governor, the book is a major contribution to the growing literature on Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles and the search for a Nigeria of our dreams.’’

Describing Abdul Oroh as his long standing comrade and dependable ally in the struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms, the Governor recalled that ‘’we were in the trenches together.

‘’We fought side by side against military authoritarianism. We advocated for the expansion of democratic space and the deepening and consolidation of constitutional democracy,’’ he added.

He further said that the author ‘’made a mark in journalism and later became the Executive Director of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO). In 2003, he made a foray into partisan politics and was elected Member, House of Representatives.’’

On the book, Governor Sani commended Hon. Abdul Oroh for giving insights into his formative years, his driving philosophy, and his participation in the pitched battles against military rule.

‘’How do you navigate the slippery world of Nigerian politics with your values and ethics. This is the dilemma some of us continue to face as we strive to leave lasting legacies of selfless service,’’ he added.

[DailyTrust]

Workers of the Supreme Court of Nigeria have pulled out of the January 2 industrial strike called by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria JUSUN, citing the intervention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The workers of the apex court said they opted to decline participation in the strike as a result of cogent and verifiable assurances extracted from the CJN after a closed door meeting.

This is as workers of the National Judicial Council, NJC and those at the Federal High Court, FHC, have also resolved not to go ahead with the strike.

NJC had in a statement by Mr. Joel Ebiloma, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), JUSUN NJC Chapter, hinted that a two -week grace was granted the authorities concerned to enable them put their house in order to meet their demands.

The statement further said that the strike was put on hold to allow relevant stakeholders engage necessary authorities to ensure that the Accountant General of the Federation released the statutory allocations to the Judiciary based on the 2025 Appropriation in which the arrears of the Wage Award, minimum wage, and the 25%/35% salary increase have been captured.

However, the Supreme Court in a communique issued at the end of its meeting said the workers came to the conclusion of not joining the industrial action after assessment of issues and struggle of the CJN to get their demands met.

The communique confirmed that the CJN had already visited the Presidency and tabled their demands in order to get them resolved fully.

The communique signed by 12 principal officers of the Supreme Court Chapter of JUSUN led by the Chairman, Comrade Danladi Nda said that joining the June 2 strike will amount to misplacement of priority and neglect and will result in exercise in futility,

“With CJN commendable efforts, we owe her our unwavering support in order to get the expected allowances and others paid”.

“Lower sister courts position on the planned nationwide strike cannot be managed by us in the Supreme Court as it will put the CJN efforts in vain, jeopardy and swept under the carpet.

“We pray that our colleagues be calm and allow the efforts of the CJN to achieve meaningful results.

The communique hinted that the Supreme Court chapter of JUSUN has commenced discussing with all the federal chapters to see reason and drop the planned nationwide industrial action for now.

“We urge those insisting to participate in the strike action to be patient and calm and go along with the CJN to achieve deserved result”, the communique said.

According to some credible sources, the CJN had obtained concrete assurances from the various federal government agencies she discussed the issue with and that everything would be resolved soon, which makes the call for strike unnecessary for now.

[DailyPost]

The President/CEO of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), Adeniran Aderogba, has urged African nations to confront the structural and financial barriers that continue to hinder the continent’s mining sector.

The maritime guru lamented that while financial institutions on the continent are increasingly interested in value-added ventures like processing and manufacturing, the upstream segment — where mining projects are initiated and developed, Aderogaba said, “Remains largely unfunded due to its perceived risk.

Speaking during a high-level panel discussion on “Mobilising Domestic Capital for Africa’s Mining Sector” at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings just concluded in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Aderogba highlighted four persistent constraints obstructing the sector’s growth: a crippling shortage of early-stage capital, the absence of quality geological data, weak development activity, and a chronic lack of integrated infrastructure. These issues, he said, are not merely technical bottlenecks but foundational deficiencies that continue to blunt Africa’s competitiveness and discourage long-term investment

He painted a sobering picture of a region brimming with mineral wealth yet stalled by systemic weaknesses that prevent meaningful development and value creation.

“Africa’s mineral wealth is not in question — our challenge is transforming potential into productivity,” Aderogba said. “We are facing a systemic shortage of early-stage capital that discourages exploration, limits geological mapping, and stalls project preparation. Without addressing these constraints, the full value of our resources will remain trapped underground.”

The Maritime Bank CEO noted that local financial institutions are often reluctant to fund early-stage exploration because of uncertain returns and limited mechanisms to mitigate risk.

He proposed that African governments and central banks adopt a more assertive role in shaping a viable investment environment, including deploying credit enhancement tools and fiscal incentives.

To bridge the financing gap, Aderogba outlined a strategic suite of financial innovations. These include the introduction of mining bonds, mineral royalty securitisation, and blended finance models that combine public and private funds to de-risk investments. He also emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships and the urgent need to strengthen project preparation capacity across the continent.

“Africa must not rely solely on foreign capital. We need to build a resilient domestic financial architecture that supports the full mining value chain — from exploration to beneficiation and beyond,” he said. “Finance ministries must provide fiscal incentives while central banks support investment-friendly monetary policies and guarantee frameworks.”

Aderogba’s remarks were especially timely given the global acceleration of the energy transition, which has catapulted demand for minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements. He cited projections showing the global market value for these critical minerals is expected to more than double from US$325 billion in 2023 to US$770 billion by 2040, with copper leading the surge due to its indispensable role in electrification technologies.

Africa, he stressed, is central to this transition. The continent is home to two-thirds of global cobalt reserves, 30 percent of lithium, 20 percent of graphite, and over 30 percent of manganese.

“This places Africa not at the periphery, but at the heart of the global energy transition,” Aderogba stated. He highlighted Guinea’s vast bauxite reserves, Gabon’s dominance in manganese production, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 70 percent share of global cobalt supply as key pillars of this opportunity.

However, he warned that unless Africa shifts from being a raw material exporter to a hub of industrial transformation, it risks repeating the historical pattern of resource dependency.

“Extracting minerals is not enough. The real value lies in processing them locally, creating industries, jobs, and self-sustaining economies,” he said.

Adding a crucial maritime dimension, Aderogba underscored the role of Africa’s seaborne infrastructure in realising the continent’s full economic potential. “To facilitate intra-African trade, minerals must benefit from major value addition, giving rise to rapid industrialisation,” he said. “The goods produced through that industrialisation — vehicles, batteries, components, machinery — can then be traded across African borders and efficiently moved through our major maritime channels.”

This integrated vision, he explained, would not only strengthen Africa’s internal markets but also reduce its dependence on external trade corridors and pricing systems. He said this perspective is rooted in RMDB’s broader mission: to enhance the maritime and logistical connectivity of Africa’s coastal and landlocked countries, turning mineral wealth into tangible, tradable value across the continent.

Aderogba also welcomed growing international interest in Africa’s mining sector but cautioned that global partnerships must contribute to local capacity building and value chain development.

“Africa must act with unity and urgency. Mobilising domestic capital is not just an economic imperative — it is a sovereign necessity,” he declared. “Let us rise to meet the moment and build an Africa that thrives on the strength of its resources, connected by land, by industry, and by sea.”

He added that in a century defined by climate action and technological upheaval, Africa’s minerals may very well be its passport to prosperity — “if the continent can summon the collective will to finance its future,” he said.

[TheNation]

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, has lamented that Nigeria is currently engulfed in a serious insecurity crisis with bandits residing in many communities.

Sanusi stated that Nigerians are living alongside bandits and Boko Haram insurgents.

He made these remarks during the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, in Abuja on Saturday.

Sanusi said, “For all those cautioning that we should be careful before entering a crisis, please wake up.

“We are living with bandits and Boko Haram; we are already there.

“We are already in crisis; it has already happened. The question is how do we get out of it.”

He also attributed Nigeria’s multi-dimensional poverty to the failure of its leaders.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria criticised the country’s elites for being unaware of the extent of poverty afflicting Nigeria.

Emir Sanusi’s statements at Rotimi Amaechi’s birthday celebration, as reported by Punch Online are a continuation of his long-standing and concerns about the state of Nigeria.

Over the years, Sanusi has frequently highlighted the deteriorating security situation, particularly in the northern parts of Nigeria, where banditry and insurgency have become deeply entrenched.

His pronouncements have often served as a reminder to both the populace and the government of the gravity of the crisis.

He has repeatedly linked the widespread violence to rising poverty, displacement, and a general sense of despair among affected populations.

[Punch]

Africa is the fastest ageing continent in the world. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predicts that by 2050, more than two billion people globally will be aged 60 or older — a significant portion of whom will live in Africa.

This growing elder population puts increasing strain on social welfare systems that often have limited resources.

Despite these challenges, several African nations have established pension systems that provide meaningful support to their senior citizens.

Below is ranking of the countries offering the best pension payments, based on monthly pension amounts, system sustainability, and eligibility criteria, per TheSouthAfrican.

The Top 10 African Countries with the Best Pension Payments

1. Zambia

Monthly Pension: $215 (about R3,830)

Zambia offers a comprehensive social security system with a strong legal framework and multiple pension tiers. The pension is means and asset tested and requires beneficiaries to be 60 years or older and citizens.

2. South Africa

Monthly Pension: $120 (about R2,210)

South Africa’s Social Security Agency (SASSA) pension is one of the continent’s most developed, providing monthly grants to low-income seniors aged 60 and above. It operates under a strong legislative framework and multiple pension tiers.

3. Mauritius

Monthly Pension: $118 (about R2,157)

Mauritius has a robust pension scheme primarily serving public sector employees, backed by stable economic management. The scheme features partial means testing and limited asset testing.

4. Botswana

Monthly Pension: $90 (about R1,630)

Botswana’s pension system covers mainly government employees, supported by a stable economy. Partial means testing and limited asset testing apply.

5. Namibia

Monthly Pension: $80 (about R1,450)

Namibia provides a well-structured pension system for the public sector, offering good legal protections to retirees. Pensions are means tested with minimal asset testing.

6. Morocco

Monthly Pension: $70 (about R1,270)

Morocco’s pension system covers both public and private sector workers and includes means testing with limited asset testing.

7. Tunisia

Monthly Pension: $60 (about R1,087)

Tunisia offers a comprehensive social security system with relatively high coverage for a North African country, including means and moderate asset testing.

8. Algeria

Monthly Pension: $55 (about R997)

Algeria’s state-managed pension system benefits from significant oil revenues. The system is partially means tested and has minimal asset testing.

9. Egypt

Monthly Pension: $50 (about R906)

Egypt maintains multiple pension schemes but faces challenges with economic volatility. Its pensions are means tested with limited asset testing.

10. Kenya

Monthly Pension: $40 (about R725)

Kenya is actively reforming its public service pension system to improve sustainability. The scheme includes means testing and minimal asset testing.

Vanguard News

Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate, says Rotimi Amaechi demonstrated courage by refusing to step down for President Bola Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary contest of 2022.

Soyinka spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the 60th birthday celebration of Amaechi, who served as governor of Rivers state from 2007 to 2015.

The playwright said he was particularly moved by Amaechi’s defiance at the primary election, which he followed live from Abu Dhabi.

“The main reason why I had to be here today — it’s first of all that I admire Rotimi Amaechi’s fighting spirit,” he said.

“And it’s a very consistent one, but the most memorable for me — because I watched this event live on TV all the way from Abu Dhabi.

“I wanted to see the drama of all the primaries going on during the election. I wasn’t really here but I said I want to watch this contest and I’m glad I did.

“Because it gave me a great — most malicious pleasure, rascally if you like, pleasure — to see the incumbent president being given a dose of his own medicine.”

Soyinka said Amaechi’s decision to stay in the race reminded him of Tinubu’s own defiance during the Olusegun Obasanjo era.

“Let me explain this. For somebody we knew as the last man standing when he fought to a standstill, a former president who was manoeuvring himself into a position of changing the constitution and obtaining a third term,” he said.

“He keeps denying it but he and I know for a fact and so do others. And towards that goal, he was sort of emasculating the powers of the constituent elements of the federation.

“And by the end, this president was the last man standing, resisted that effort. All the others had sort of cowed down because their statutory allocation had been stopped — contrary to the constitution.

“But one man — he was the last man standing. Well, he obtained a dose of his own medicine from Rotimi Amaechi during the primaries. I enjoyed that very much.

“While everybody was, you know, falling over one another conceding, there was one individual who got on the podium and he said no, I’m not conceding.

“I didn’t come all the way here to commit ‘lúlẹ̀’. And that man was Rotimi Amaechi. And I said this is what democracy is all about.”

Tinubu polled 1,271 votes to defeat 13 other presidential hopefuls in the primary election.

Amaechi, former minister of transportation, polled 316 votes to come second, with then Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo receiving 235 votes.

[TheCable]