The operatives of the Department of the State Services (DSS) in Katsina State Command, have recovered 2,000 bags of rice out of the 20 trucks donated to the state by the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recovered rice was allegedly diverted by some government officials.

NAN also reports that the gesture by the Federal Government was to cushion the effects of the current economic hardships in the country.

The DSS officials in the state, who confirmed the negative development, however, declined further comments on the issue and preferred to be anonymous.

An investigation conducted revealed that the 25kg bags of rice were deposited in a store at the Central market, Katsina.

It was some people who alerted the DSS on Wednesday night, who immediately swung into action.

The Chairman, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state, Mr Abdulrahman Abdullahi, expressed shock over the issue.

Abdullahi lamented how the Federal Government donated the palliatives to the vulnerable but were allegedly diverted by some unpatriotic people.

The chairman vowed that they would continue to follow the case up to its logical conclusion.

He, therefore, advised the government to investigate the matter with a view of punishing those behind the diversion.

Also commenting on the matter, a resident of Katsina, Suleiman Kofar-Durbi, said that was an unfortunate development.

“It is unfortunate that I received the information yesterday night that the President provided relief to the vulnerables and some people diverted it.

“People are experiencing hardship due to the current economic situation in the country, the government should investigate the matter thoroughly and bring culprits to book,” he said.

The Chairman, Market Traders Association, Alhaji Shehu Usman, said that the rice was brought into the market by someone who was not a trader.

“Someone asked his brother to keep the rice for him in his stores in the market.

“We are calling on our members to be careful in receiving such items from people outside for keeping in the market,” he said.

Responding to the matter, the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to Gov. Dikko Radda, Mr Aliyu Abdullahi, said the rice was allocated to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, by the Federal Government.

‘He said, ‘The minister directed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure Development, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal to keep it and he decided to take the rice to the market for safe keeping.

‘The rice allocated to the minister  were 1, 200 bags.” 

(NAN)

The lineup for the highly anticipated match between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Brazil has been announced.

The Super Falcons will face Brazil in their first Women’s Olympic Football Tournament game at 6 pm Nigerian time at the Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France.

Rasheedat Ajibade is leading the team as captain while Asisat Oshoala is on the bench.

This is a quick explainer for everyone asking why I chose Edinburgh, pursued a PhD via an MSc route (why not an MBA?) and for those asking how to go about their own journeys.

I was 36 when I began my Master’s in International Human Resource Management (IHRM) programme at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UoEBS) and was just about to turn 37 when I began my PhD studies at the same University.

At 36, I had completed two degrees (at undergraduate and postgraduate levels), married a gentleman I met at university, had two children, and founded three thriving businesses. Returning to school full-time as an international student meant different things and new challenges.

Before settling on Edinburgh University, I considered two other Russell Group Universities: the University of Southampton and the University of Warwick. I also applied to the University of Stirling (not a Russell Group University, but hands down, one of the most beautiful, picturesque Universities in the UK I’ve ever visited!).

I wanted to study at a UK University and knew for a long time that I didn’t want to live in London- a city that reminded me too much of the hustle and bustle of Lagos. This meant Universities in the vicinity were out. I had heard of Scotland but never visited. I knew they had great schools, including Edinburgh University. Other Universities on my list were Warwick and Southampton. These were highly-ranked universities, and I closely monitored their rankings (the reliability of University ranking sites is a discussion for another day). Also, being mum to a 4 and 7-year-old at the time, I wanted to study in an environment that would not compromise the carefully curated life my husband and I had designed for them.

So I crawled the websites of all schools, found out about their open days, and signed up to attend sessions at the Universities of Edinburgh, Warwick, and Southampton. Stirling did not have an open day on at the time, so I wrote to their admission office and requested a postgraduate programme visit, which they graciously agreed to.

Satisfied with my groundwork, I set out in November of 2016 on a chemistry-check journey from Nigeria to the UK. The trip auspiciously coincided with my attendance of the CIPD conference for HR Professionals in Manchester, which saved me travel costs.

Using Glasgow as my hub, I set out to Stirling first. If there ever is a most beautiful University award, Stirling would win this without fail. Nestled amidst the most colourful trees, with resplendent hills as its backdrop, the campus effortlessly takes your breath away. I met with a lecturer who offered further insights into their postgraduate degree programmes. I loved my visit to Stirling and swore I would return someday.

Up next on my list was Edinburgh University. I visited the business school, toured Teviot Row House– the oldest purpose-built student union building in the world, enjoyed a bubbly or two with other open-day attendees at Playfair Library, took a stroll through South Bridge and North Bridge and admired some of the most magnificent buildings I had ever seen. I marvelled at how the University was situated right in the middle of the city, with the two blending so much you almost couldn’t tell one apart from the other. I loved it. I saw strangers strolling past, parents pushing baby strollers, and people of all ages, professions and cultures going about their day. Being Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh provided the city feel I was used to, but without being overly fast-paced and overcrowded.

Satisfied with my Edinburgh visit, I set out to Warwick Business School, connecting via train and using Milton Keynes as a hub for the England phase of my tour. I visited the Business School and loved the swanky feel. It felt newer and more purpose-built as a business school than Edinburgh. However, the location didn’t seem family-friendly enough and did not offer the lifestyle choices I sought.

Up next on my itinerary was the University of Southampton, and my visit there was such a treat! I visited the Business School and the National Oceanography Centre and loved it! I marvelled at the school and the city, particularly because of its coastline location—I love the sea. However, Southampton didn’t offer the charm and character of Edinburgh. Edinburgh had spoiled me for all other schools. No others would do, not even my beautiful Stirling.

Why PhD via an MSc route? Why not an MBA? 

Before beginning my studies at Edinburgh, I had co-founded two successful businesses with my husband and had started a third. I had learned many business lessons and gained experiences that an MBA couldn’t offer. Pursuing a PhD wasn’t always a lifelong dream. However, by 2015, I had started toying with returning to school to learn more about the theories shaping most of what we do as leaders of people and organisations. At this time, I had already completed an Executive Master’s in Managerial Psychology at the University of Lagos. So, I opted for a PhD through an MSC in International Human Resource Management (IHRM) route, and this was because our organisation was expanding, and learning more about managing people on a global scale had become a critical leadership priority.

For me, doing an MSc in IHRM would help me kill the proverbial two birds with one stone: (i) develop an understanding of the global talent management landscape, its issues and challenges, and how to potentially solve them, and (ii) use the degree as a route towards understanding the UK academic system and how to apply for and successfully complete a PhD.

So, in September of 2017, I began my Master’s programme in Edinburgh. By December 2017, before the end of the first semester, I had started putting together a PhD proposal. I got some help from some of my lecturers on the MSC programme, who helped me read and suggest improvements. I polished my proposal further, applied for the PhD at the end of January 2018 and received a conditional offer by the end of March 2018 with a caveat that my results at the end of the MSc programme had to be excellent. Knowing this, I doubled down to ensure I did a damn good job of the courses I had left. With a sense of satisfaction, I was awarded my MSc in IHRM with distinction in October of 2018, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Did I get a scholarship for my PhD? No, I didn’t. I was self-funded for different reasons. Firstly, it takes time to find scholarships, and waiting longer than August  2018, when I completed the MSc IHRM programme, would mean leaving the UK, which would disrupt the children’s school arrangements yet again. Secondly, after carefully considering the cost of self-funding, we decided it was something we could afford, given the cost at the time and the instalment payment plans for tuition fees offered by Edinburgh University. This meant I could pay my fees up to three times in each year of study. Moreover, there were students needing a scholarship much more than I did, and it didn’t feel right to rob others of the opportunity.

If you are considering scholarships for your study at Edinburgh, there are various scholarship options available to students based on their nationalities, including those provided by Edinburgh University Business School for Masters and PhD programmes. Some external organisations offering funding for postgraduate degree programmes at Masters and/or PhD levels are the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme and Commonwealth Scholarships. Other PhD-specific funding for studies in the UK and other countries can be found at Find A PhD, Jobs.ac.uk, and Scholarships for Development, which curates scholarships, grants, and fellowships aimed at women from the Global South.

How much did the Master’s and PhD degrees cost in total?

For the MSc in IHRM, I paid an application fee of £50 and tuition fees of £20,100 in 4 instalments. This included an acceptance deposit of £1500, which was paid before the programme started to confirm my place. My PhD tuition fees were due annually, ranging from £18,200 to £20,300 each year, and paid in three instalments. All PhD fees included an annual administrative fee of £200. You can check here for the current costs for an MSc in IHRM degree in Edinburgh, as this will be different now.

During my time, annual fees were payable for the first three years of study as the 4th year is considered the writing-up year. However, students were required to pay administrative fees for every additional year they extended their PhD studies beyond the period where annual fees were payable.

In addition to tuition fees, other costs to consider as a student at Edinburgh University are rent, utility bills (gas and electricity), council tax, feeding, transportation, mobile phone charges and other subsistence expenses. You can take a look here for more.

How did I manage to study full-time with two primary-aged children?

Leaving the comfort and familiar way of life I knew back home in Nigeria to a new city to study with my children meant I had to adjust quickly to a new way of life. This entailed understanding how to manage a new educational system for my children and the challenges that came with it, learning to raise my children without the support system I was used to in Nigeria while juggling a full-time PhD, helping my children navigate new cuisines different from what they were used to, living apart from my husband for weeks on end when work called in another city or continent, gradually losing touch with friends and family and learning to live up North in the UK with long and dark winters which left most people depressed for months on end.

I had a lot of help. My husband, who, although saddled with overseeing our growing business, made sure he was available for the times I needed him the most. This included when I had to travel for international conferences and, most importantly, while the children were on school breaks, and I couldn’t travel or take time off my studies. In the early days, while the girls were still in primary school, I registered them with an after-school club that collected children from school (2:50 pm Monday to Thursdays and 12:30 pm on Fridays) and fed and engaged them until 5:45 pm during the week. This cost us an average of £260 per month for two children.

During half-term breaks, I enrolled the girls in holiday camps offering swimming, basketball, tennis, dance, and many more activities. These activities occupied the girls for several hours during the holidays, sometimes from 8 am to 6 pm. Having time to myself during such periods helped me get some reading, analysis, and reading done. For the days when I needed to be at events happening after 6 pm, I engaged registered sitters to watch the children.

Living at the University of Edinburgh’s family accommodation at Blacket Avenue in the first few years of my studies also provided a close-knit community and opportunities to lean on other families for emergency childcare support when needed. However, when I had to travel outside the country for an extended time during my data collection, I asked my retired mum and dad to come to Edinburgh to be with the children. They were happy to do this and helped watch the children for over 7 months- 4 months longer than we agreed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you, mum and dad!

So why a paper-based PhD and not the traditional monograph?

Three reasons- (i) I knew I didn’t want to be saddled with the work of converting my thesis to publishable papers after completing my PhD, (ii) I wanted to learn about publishing in journals and doing a paper-based PhD provided the opportunity to learn the process (my supervisors did an excellent job of showing the ropes in this area), and (iii) I had heard that publishing during the PhD could offer PhDs a route towards a lectureship, and I thought why not! I must mention here that the University of Edinburgh Business School does not require written papers to be published before students can submit their thesis for examination. Written papers only have to be of publishable standards.

What are the benefits of doing a PhD at Edinburgh University? 

One benefit of studying at UoEBS is the funding available to join leading international management bodies and present your working papers at any of their conferences and workshops. Some of the conferences I was accepted to present papers at include the 8th European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management Workshops in Toulouse, The Academy of Management Annual Meeting in Seattle, The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Applied Research Conference in Manchester and the 4th International Conference of the HR Division (Academy of Management) in South Africa. At such conferences, you have an opportunity to receive feedback from leading scholars in your field, meet other scholars and initiate conversations on new projects, including submitting articles together to peer-reviewed journals. However, UoEBS also encourages PhDs to organise their own workshops and offers some funding to support this.

Another benefit I enjoyed was the funding available for developmental purposes, which included supporting my trip to Nigeria for data collection and providing some financing to help transcribe most of my data. (I interviewed over 100 participants from 5 organisations, each lasting over 45 minutes).

My first academic paper, written with my advisors, was submitted to a peer-reviewed journal in July 2021 and accepted for publication in Group and Organization Management (GOM) in July 2022. The paper was nominated ‘Best Paper’ at the Academy of Management and earned the ‘Exemplary Paper Award’ at UoEBS. I have since submitted more papers from my PhD to other journals for publication- two of which were rejected after first-round reviews with extensive feedback. Yes, having papers rejected after putting in so much effort can be unnerving. However, one positive is that such rejections can provide an opportunity to revisit your work and find another, more suitable platform.

My PhD Timelines

Although my full-time PhD was designed to be completed within 4 years, I completed mine in 5 years (i.e. 5 years, 1 month and 22 days). There are newer and longer PhD pathways available now depending on student needs.

As for timelines, I began my studies on September 10, 2018, and submitted my thesis for examination on October 31, 2023. I spent the first year of the PhD on different coursework that included supervised readings (to refine students’ research), learning more about research methods and doing data analysis.

In the second year, I travelled to Nigeria for data collection after securing access to 6 firms. The COVID-19 pandemic happened during my 2nd year, and I was one of the few who made it out of Nigeria before the global shutdown. I became ill during the period and requested a 2-month interruption of studies, which was granted.

My 3rd year was spent transcribing, analysing and writing. Unfortunately, I was infected with COVID-19 that year, which impacted my submission timelines for year 4. To make up the time, I requested a 12-month extension (Full-time PhDs can extend their studies for up to 24 months in addition to the 4 years provided for research and writing-up) before the end of my 4th year, which was granted. I then doubled down to ensure I submitted my thesis for examination on or before my due date, which I did.

My viva was held on January 11, 2024, and my results were ratified in March 2024, in time for the summer graduations. The sheet here shows all critical components of my PhD and their end dates.

In sum, my PhD path may or may not be the best for everyone. However, it made the most sense for me in light of my objectives and desired endpoint. My recommendations to anyone considering this path, particularly women with children, is to plan carefully, identify what matters most to you, and choose a path that works best for you in light of your circumstances, your anticipated endpoint, and the resources available to you.

Now, off to some more R&R!

Dọ̀tun Ayẹni is an entrepreneur, business leader and management scholar. You can contact her via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

When I arrived Lagos in 1988 after my NYSC in Awka, Anambra State, as a young graduate, I never knew fate would bring me and Ken-Calebs Olumese together. Our first encounter 34 years ago turned out to be the beginning of a life-long relationship that we have nurtured to this day.

But how did it happen?

I began life in Lagos as a rookie reporter in spite of my background in mathematics because I wanted to write sweet-flowing prose like the late Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, Olatunji Dare, Mike Awoyinfa, etc. It was the late Dr. Emmanuel Sunny Ojeagbase (aka SO), the Executive Chairman of Complete Communications Limited noted for publishing Sports Souvenir, Complete Football and International Soccer Review (ISR), who took me under his wings to learn the nitty-gritty of journalism.

When Sports Souvenir was rested, Climax magazine, a lifestyle publication, was launched as a replacement. Climax dived deep into the world of celebrities, unravelling their secrets in exclusive kiss-and-tell stories. Those in the business of music, movies, fashion, nightclubs and comedy were not left out.

After working on the sports beat for a while with Franklin Ilaboya and Dr. Mumini Alao who were my colleagues at the time, SO drafted me to Climax which marked my foray into entertainment journalism.

In covering the beat, I worked with Moji Danisa, Femi Akintunde-Johnson (FAJ), Ekerete Udoh and Al Humphrey Onyanabo from our Okota, Isolo base in Lagos. 

As I began to keep tabs on entertainment spots and their owners, I was naturally intrigued by Niteshift, the upscale nightclub on Opebi Road, in Ikeja, Lagos. Niteshift was always in the news, and to satisfy my curiosity, I decided to see things for myself and make on-the-spot assessment. On one Friday night, I was admitted into the club after paying the mandatory N20 gate fee for wannabes like me. 

Eventually, I met Ken-Calebs Olumese, the showbiz impressario who was popularly known as the Guv’nor of Niteshift, for the first time in early 1990. 

From his name, it was obvious that the Guv – for short – hailed from the Esan speaking region of Edo State – just like me.

That was how a bond of friendship subsequently developed with Olumese which gave me the opportunity to observe him from close quarters. Friendship devolved into mentorship for which I am forever grateful.

I became an ardent devotee of Niteshift and visited the club regularly. I discovered that the Guv had a well curated relationship with media personalities, especially entertainment reporters, and it paid off for him. It explained why Niteshift was always in the news.

In Climax magazine, I maintained a weekly column in the 90s titled, “Bowling the Night,” where I shared a potpourri of news on the entertainment landscape in Lagos as a “night crawler.” Niteshift not only received significant coverage in Climax, I also spotlighted club events and my interactions with Olumese and other celebrities prominently in the column.

Prior to when Guv’nor opened Niteshift, he used to host the grandest party in town every December at his home on Allen Avenue, Ikeja. Guests at the party comprised of the who’s who in society and all the notable Lagos VIPs and socialites.

What was remarkable about Niteshift on Opebi Road was how the décor seduces its patrons for a wonderful experience. It was clearly an interior design secret that can only come from the greatest minds of the art.

But the foundation of the success story of Niteshift lies in Guv’s boundless energy and his commitment to the creative enterprise, branding and innovation. His incredible skills in marketing and public relations raised the profile and public image of Niteshift.

Week after week, Niteshift became the toast of celebrities and entertainment lovers, movers and shakers of society, captains of industry, the diplomatic community, media owners, and so on. The throng of patrons were always happy to dance to the amplified music in a relaxing environment.

“Niteshift is a proper nightclub, and not a discotheque,” Olumese regularly informed his audience boastfully, with a glow of satisfaction on his face. But in truth, the club was a celebrity hangout that was well appointed and fit for purpose. The way and manner Olumese took the entertainment industry to new heights with Niteshift (a new concept in night clubbing) should be a case study for researchers and students of marketing and brand management.   

The House Announcements by the music presenters – Guv refused to call them Disc Jockeys as part of his deliberate branding strategy – and the highly entertaining choreographed dance sequence by the Niteshift dancers, especially the “Boogaloo” dance, were unique attractions in the club which patrons earnestly looked forward to.

The Gold Card and Silver Card Sectors where special gold and silver glass cups were used by hostesses to serve drinks became the cynosure of all eyes. Some patrons could “kill” to be admitted due to the prestige associated with the sectors.

Guv’nor, being a man of style, and always exuding confidence, charm and charisma, managed a seamless transition of the Silver Card Sector into the Glamour Sector. 

This new sector birthed the Glamour Boys of Nigeria (GBN) and I was honoured to be the pioneer President of the body. We described ourselves stylishly as “upwardly mobile young professionals,” and hosted the Glamour Nite, a talk-of-the-town soiree, annually.

The membership included Mayor Akinpelu, Femi Akintunde-Johnson, Kunle Bakare, Segun Joseph, Dr. Justin Okonoboh, Charles Omoighe, Fred Amata, Zeb Ejiro, Matthias Obahiagbon, Al Humphrey Onyanabo, Azuh Arinze, Michael Effiong and Osoba Otaigbe.  

It is difficult to understand how the Guv’nor stayed on his feet throughout each night at the club. With a stick of Benson & Hedges cigarrete in one hand, and a glass of Remy Martin, his favourite cognac, in the other hand, Olumese always displayed prodigious energy and exceptional strategic management skills to the extent that one is tempted to ask when he finds time to sleep, and plan for the next day.

His favourite perfume is Azzaro which announces his presence wherever he goes. 

With the jerry curls on his head accentuated by his bold fashion statements, Guv would sashay his way around the club from time to time, exchanging pleasantries with his guests, while keeping his eyes fixed firmly on activities in the club and ensuring that the standard protocols are observed by everyone.  The Guv had the habit of keeping some of us until the early hours the next day – sometimes, as late as 10.00 am on a Saturday morning – to the extent that our wives usually complained. 

Apart from providing food and drinks, the Guv’nor created his own fun by seizing our car keys or shoes to delay us. We enjoyed those early morning interactions with sleepy eyes after drinking and dancing all night.

The idea of the Grand House Reception where important personalities from all walks of life featured in an interactive session was yet another remarkable initiative. Guv was always thinking of the next big idea which set Niteshift apart from other nightclubs. 

In a sense, Niteshift was more than just a nightclub; it was an event venue and entertainment behemoth. The long line-up of guests that participated in the GHR can fill a book.

To underscore the business model and strategic brand positioning of Niteshift, the Guv created and hosted several events such as the Niteshift Beauty Queen and Fashion Hit-Parade. He also established the Coliseum Shifters Dance Band and floated a music label known as Big Time Music due to his abiding love for music and entertainment.

When adversity strikes, no notice is given. That was what happened when fire gutted his residence on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, due to the explosion of a wall unit air conditioner when public power supply was restored in the middle of the night.

When Olumese moved to his permanent site on Salvation Road, Opebi, Ikeja, and launched Niteshift Coliseum, he also experienced another fire incident which halted the club’s operations. However, it was a temporary setback, as he bounced back in no time.

Guv is a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, teacher, nightclub owner, entertainer, thinker, philosopher-king, goodwill ambassador, care giver, patriot, nationalist and humanist. Olumese and his darling wife, Tina Uju, are blessed with children.

As he marks his 80th birthday (his birthday is May 27, Children’s Day) on July 27, 2024, let us raise a toast to this enigma of our time.

Congratulations, Guv’nor Ken-Calebs Olumese, the ultimate show shiner.

Braimah is a communications strategist and publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times (https://ntm.ng), and he can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

This article forms part of his contribution to the upcoming book on the life and times of Mr. Olumese which would be formally presented on July 27 during his birthday celebration.

The President General of the apex Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has died at the age of 82.

His son, Jide Iwuanyanwu, announced his death in a statement on behalf of the family on Thursday.

According to the statement, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo state announces the demise of our Patriach Engr, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.

“He died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grand children, including Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa -Managing Director, Champion Group of newspapers. Details of the burial
will be announced later by the family after due consultations.”

Born  on 4 September, 1942, Iwuanyanwu was a Nigerian politician and businessman, considered one of the richest Igbo men in Nigeria.

Iwuanyanwu was the 11th President-General of Ọhanaeze Ndigbo; preceded by George Obiozor.

In 1963, he gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he studied Civil Engineering. Because of his notable feats in academics while in his early years in the University, he was awarded the prestigious German Academic Exchange Scholarship covering fees, boarding, holiday tickets and feeding, promptly facilitated by the Federal Republic of Germany. This award was for a few talented students of African descent.

He was the founder of the Daily Champion newspaper.

He had attempted to be president of Nigeria three times and failed on all occasions.

He was the founder of the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club (now Heartland F.C.), which won several national and international championships. He was the Chairman, National Sports Development Fund, and, Chairman, Nigerian Football Association USA “94” and Cup of Nations Fund Raising Committee.

[PM News]

The bold economic policies introduced by the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have led to a hike in inflation; making it difficult for people to meet their basic needs. The Head Line Inflation Rate rose to 34.19% in June 2024 from 33.95% in May 2024. It has also resulted in large foreign exchange losses for businesses, among other issues. However, given the state of the economy when the Government took office, these measures were necessary. There was a need for transformational, big-bang changes in economic policies, often referred to as ''shock therapy''. The planned protest is unnecessary, as the government is fully aware of the short-term pains the Nigerian people are experiencing and is working around the clock to alleviate it. It is therefore important to highlight some of the major interventions and achievements of the present administration.

The Federal Government introduced a wage award of N35,000 for federal civil servants, pending the implementation of a new minimum wage. Some state governments followed suit and paid wage awards to civil servants in their states at different rates. The good news is that a new national minimum wage of N75,000 has been approved by the Federal Government and will be implemented once passed by the National Assembly signed into law by Mr President. The new national minimum wage represents a 133% increase from the current national minimum wage of N30,000. While it could have been more, considerations of affordability and sustainability were taken into account.

The government also made conditional direct cash transfers targeted at millions of households to improve their standard of living. Thousands of metric tons of foodstuffs have also been distributed to alleviate hardship. Many doubt the effectiveness of these interventions; therefore, it is important for the government to conduct independent audits on the efficacy of these intervention programs from time to time.

To deal with the soaring prices of foodstuffs, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities, including husked brown rice, wheat, maize, and cowpeas, through land and sea for 150 days. He also approved the importation of 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize, respectively. These measures are not intended to undermine the efforts of domestic farmers but to address the issue of scarcity that has led to soaring prices. Many believe that the government should have acted earlier.

The student loan scheme launched by this government is laudable. It will enable children from poor families to attend tertiary education, thereby increasing their chances of having a bright future and making them more useful to society instead of becoming miscreants and a burden and security risk. The introduction of a consumer credit scheme is another great achievement of this administration. This will help stimulate household consumption and the economy as a whole.

The clearance of a seven-billion-dollar forex backlog by this government has led to increased foreign investor confidence, which is very commendable. The government has also been able to stabilize the exchange rate to a good extent and reduce the arbitrage between the parallel market and the official market. Exchange rate stability is important for businesses as it facilitates proper planning. The government should ensure that this stability is sustained.

The removal of the fuel subsidy, though causing hardship for Nigerians as transportation has become very expensive, has helped free up resources for the government to invest in critical areas of the economy, infrastructure, and security. It has also reduced pressure for borrowing. In the long run, fuel price is expected to decrease as domestic refineries commence production. The government should ensure that domestic crude is supplied to these refineries.

While protests are not the solution to Nigeria’s challenges and therefore unnecessary, there is still room for improvement on the part of the Federal Government. It should demonstrate care for the plight of the people through its actions and words. The government's achievements should be properly publicized, emphasizing their importance. Just as the government has intervened in the food crisis, it would also be beneficial for the government to do all it can to reduce the cost of transportation, as it is a major driver of inflation.

A traditional festival, ‘Oro’ has been scheduled for August 1 to 15 in Lagos State.

The Oro festival, among others, is a prominent festival in the Yoruba tradition.

It’s celebrated by male descendants and usually characterised by a daytime procession and high-pitched sounds in some areas or across the community as the case may be.

It’s believed that females and non-indigenes mustn’t be present during the ritual rites of the festival.

Some netizens have argued that this announcement was made to stop the planned nationwide protest which was scheduled for August 1 to 10.

Disclosing this, a Lagos media on X with username, @Lagospedia wrote, “Public Announcement:

“Attention Residents and Visitors of Lagos

“Please be informed that the Oro Festival will be observed in various communities across Lagos from 1st of August to August 15.

“This traditional Yoruba cultural event involves significant rituals.

“Retweet for awareness.”

[ThisNigeria]

With eight days to go, the planners of the nationwide protest are set to hit the streets  against the crippling economic hardship in the country.

As the hunger protest movement gains momentum, with thousands of youths set to take action, national and state authorities have warned the organisers to tread softly.

In the same vein, leaders from the southern and northern parts of the country have also joined the government to oppose the plan.

State governors have cautioned against the protest, saying it is potentially dangerous.

And for the second time in two days, the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, has appealed to the planners not to take the laws into their hands but to embrace dialogue.

He said while President Bola Tinubu’s government acknowledges every Nigerian’s right to engage in protests, it is equally committed to ensuring that these activities do not disrupt public order or violate the rights of others.

Idris, who stated this when he received the Charismatic Bishops Conference on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Wednesday, said the government is aware that some people would want to hijack the planned protest and unleash violence on innocent Nigerians.

“You see, the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in the freedom of everyone within the confines of the law to do what he thinks is right for him. “Therefore, the President is not an opponent of protest of any kind but the President is an opponent of violence and anything that will negatively hamper the wellbeing of Nigerians. He believes and he has always been saying that within the tenets of democracy, you have every right to do whatever you want to do provided that right does not infringe on another person’s right.

“Why everybody is very cautious and very wary of this national protest is because we have seen what has happened around the world. We know it’s almost impossible to hold this protest and then have peace at the end of the day. We cannot do that because some people are waiting to take the laws into their own hands,” he said.

Idris explained that President Tinubu is fully aware of the genuine concerns and complaints expressed by Nigerians across the nation, and he is actively working to implement effective policies aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by the citizenry and bringing relief to all Nigerians.

The minister said in an unprecedented move, Tinubu is fashioning out a policy of paying stipends to all young university and polytechnic unemployed graduates in the country pending their formal employment in any sector of the economy.

He explained that because of the President’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers, even after the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage concluded its assignment and submitted its report, the President sustained his engagement with the Organised Labour Unions until an amicable resolution was reached, which gave birth to the N70,000 national minimum wage.

Idris said the introduction of the Compressed National Gas (CNG) policy by the President is a game changer in the country’s economy because of its ability to bring down the cost of transportation by about 60%,  thereby providing a viable alternative for petrol and diesel.

In his remarks, Archbishop Leonard Kawas, the president general of the Charismatic Bishops Conference, disassociated the conference from the planned national protest, saying some groups had approached them about joining the protest.

“Your Excellency, recently, we received calls from other religious organisations asking us to join in preparation for a nationwide protest that would start on 1 August 2024. We are here to let you know that we do not think the same. We have decided to go all out and call for a truce.

“We have decided to sue for peace and humbly request that our brothers and sisters who are aggrieved in one way or the other that they should give us some time while we continue to communicate and negotiate with this government on areas that are pertinent to them,” he said.

He said after the 2024 Synod, the bishops  had resolved to partner with the federal government in prayers and advocacy for the success of the Tinubu Administration.

The Charismatic Bishop Conference also used the occasion to present a Meritorious Service Award to the minister.

Rally Potentially Dangerous, Say Governors

Meanwhile, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has strongly opposed the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10, labelling it ill-timed and potentially dangerous.

The governor made this comment to State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa alongside former Senate President Pius Anyim and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru.

Governor Uzodinma, who is also the chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, expressed serious concern about the timing and potential consequences of the proposed demonstrations.

The governor highlighted the fragile nature of Nigeria’s current political climate, warning that poorly managed protests could lead to dire consequences.

Drawing parallels to the 2020 EndSARS protests, which began peacefully but later turned violent, the governor warned of the risk of the planned August demonstrations being hijacked by criminal elements.

He urged citizens to remember the lessons from that experience and be wary of creating opportunities for similar incidents.

Uzodinma also questioned the motives and organisation behind the planned protests.

He said, “Democracy is about the opinion of the people, and the protest is allowed in a democratic setting. Every protest must be reasonably conceived to be able to make political sense.

“I think it’s too early at this time in the life of this government for anybody to come out to say he wants to protest. First of all, there have not been any engagements where those who are sponsoring the protest were able to tell us the reasons for the protests.

“Second, given the global situation today and the insecurity in the country, we have a very fragile political environment that, if not managed and protected very well, may collapse the entire country.

“So those who are going to protest, what is the reason for the protests? And suppose they have no reason for the protests; in that case, I think I’ll advise well-meaning Nigerians, citizens of this country who are making sacrifices – some of us have paid the supreme price for the existence of this country – we should guard our country very jealously.

“I think it is the wrong time for anybody to do any protests because the implication of doing that, if care is not taken, is that it may be hijacked. Like the EndSARS experience, where criminals now hijacked an innocently conceived agitation by young Nigerians,” he said.

Northern, Southern Leaders Caution Planners

Also yesterday, leaders from both the Southern and Northern regions of Nigeria, along with various other stakeholders, pleaded with the country’s youths.

These respected leaders, who are part of the Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN), in a press statement urged the younger generation and other Nigerians who intend to participate in the highly-anticipated nationwide protests to reconsider their plans.

The leaders highlighted that meaningful progress is never achieved through violent protests or any form of unrest and that hardship is a challenge faced globally, not just in Nigeria.

They expressed concern that the protests may be infiltrated by hoodlums and troublemakers, potentially leading to a dangerous outcome.

The statement reads, “We have appealed to the organisers of the planned protest to halt it, as protests have never been the solution to any problem in the world. The situation in Nigeria is not unique to our country alone; it is a global issue. Through this medium, we advise our young people not to join the protest, as such protests can easily be hijacked by unruly elements, rendering the original purpose ineffective. “Furthermore, we urge President Tinubu to address the nation and reassure the citizens that he has the best intentions for our beloved country.”

LEADERSHIP recalls  that President Tinubu had already pleaded with the organisers to postpone the protests and allow his administration more time to implement programmes that will benefit the people.

The planned protests, scheduled for August 1, have gained momentum on social media, with hashtags such as ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024’ trending.

The impending protests are driven by grievances over the high cost of living and the economic challenges in Nigeria, which have been attributed to the removal of fuel subsidies, the fluctuating value of the national currency, and other economic reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration.

60 Reps Ask Tinubu To Dialogue With Youths

In their reaction, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives urged the Tinubu-led federal government to dialogue with planners of the protester towards addressing their concerns.

The opposition lawmakers reached this resolution during a session they held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Speaking with journalists after the dinner, chairman of the Caucus, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, discouraged the planned protest, especially given the insecurity in parts of the country.

The minority leader urged the government to sit with the protesters and also look into some of the issues they had  raised.

“We are not going to encourage any protesters because in the past, we have observed in most cases that even peaceful protests have been overtaken by hoodlums, and with the insecurity in some parts of the country, you may not have control of the gathering of people. Some unscrupulous people may use the opportunity to create chaos.

“So we are discouraging any protest but we appeal to government to dialogue and also look at critical areas that are necessary and address them amicably,” he said.

The opposition leader called on the government to use the carrot-and-stick approach to addressing the country’s insecurity problem.

No Going Back, Students Declare

Amidst the pleas for truce, Nigerians who have resolved to join the protest are the National Association of University Students (NAUS), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES).

This was contained in a memo addressed to all students, student unions, student associations and affiliated organisations covering Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, which was made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday.

The memo was jointly signed by Comrade Obaji U. Marshal  national president, NAUS; Amb. Shuaib Ishaka Yahaya, Senate president, NAUS; Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi Munirudeen, national president, NAPS; Comrade Adeniji Boluwaji Temitope, Senate president, NAPS; Comr. Egunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun, national president, NANCES  and Kur Isaac Ushahemba, Senate president of NANCES.

The students said they have taken the collective decision after due and painstaking consultations on the way forward for Nigerian students.

“The present economic quagmire occasioned by the rising cost of living, hike in cost of commodities , hike in petroleum price, hike in electricity tariff, insecurity, poor funding of our institutions which presently affects more than 80% of the population in the country is felt most by young Nigerians studying for various academic qualifications across tertiary institutions.

“This development has led to poor socioeconomic welfare for students, a loss of interest in academic activities and a fall in grades, an increase in crimes and criminality, and an increase in violence on campuses and their environs.

“Furthermore, the inability of federal, state and local governments to provide adequate immediate and long-term palliatives, especially for Nigerian Students, to cushion the effect of the high cost of living, is rather disappointing and also raises the alarm of the student movement in the country, of a seeming lack of initiatives and ideas on the most effective approach to sustainable economic recovery and growth.

“Hence, the trio of NAUS, NAPS and NANCES, representing the voices of millions of Nigerian students, emphatically condemn the lackadaisical attitude of the government and declares a National Day Of Protest For Nigerian Students starting from Monday, July 29th, 2024 till further notice, having communicated the government through various means including media but nothing has been done,” the memo said.

It added that the protest is a way for them to exercise their rights and drive home their demands to the federal and state governments.

“More directly, the trio of NAUS, NAPS AND NANCES frown at the ‘I don’t care attitude’ of the government towards reducing the current hardship being undergone by all of us, especially the students, which contributes to the impoverishment of Nigerian students.”

“The trio of NAUS, NAPS and NANCES therefore urges all Nigerian students to prepare for the National Day of Protest from the 29th of July, 2024.

“With this notice, student union officials are enjoined to be in touch with their respective associations for updates on the protest, as security agencies will also be put on notice,” it added.

[Leadership]

The Minister of Education’s reversal (or suspension) of his ban on “underage” university admissions after protests by stakeholders is another instance of this administration making a policy decision it has neither fully reasoned through nor consulted on with stakeholders. By not putting enough thought into executive decisions, leaders capitulate cheaply and their indecisiveness hurts everyone in the long run. Prof. Tahir Mamman was wrong on the ban, wrong to have suspended it, and wrong to have planned a re-introduction.

At the same Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination policy meeting where the ban was negotiated amidst the rowdiness of dissenting with the minister, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, also presented on the issues arising in university admissions. Several Nigerians shared the video through social media, captioning Oloyede’s presentation with the expected doses of scandalisation and sermonisation. People are justifiably shocked by the example of the systemic rot that Oloyede shared regarding a 12-year-old admitted to the university. The story might be eye-opening, but since we do not know enough about the person or their circumstances beyond their graduating at 15, we must treat it as merely anecdotal.

While I do not deny that we have a major problem on our hands, I see a ban as a superficial solution to a complex situation. The real issue here is that the Nigerian education system has become—like most other national infrastructure anyway—unduly privatised. We have a serious situation whereby public education—ideally subsidised with taxes and public funds—has collapsed, leaving parents with the more expensive option of paying—relative to their income—heavily for their children’s education. So terrible is the situation that more parents will rather take their children to the worst private schools—where their facilities are so decrepit that buildings can collapse on their poor children—than consider public schools. Many private schools are not necessarily better but they are at least accessible.

Right now, schoolchildren are on holiday. Give it a few more months when schools are about to resume, and you will start hearing Nigerian parents on social media agonising over the amount they have to shell out for school fees. From people pleading for assistance through WhatsApp, to church prayers for parents who will be stressed with the payments, you cannot miss the season. The problem of school fees is a major index of the collapse of the public school system. Elsewhere, private schools exist as an alternative, but not in Nigeria. Private schools are now like the generator—the supposed fallback option that has become the mainstay.

By turning education into a cash-and-carry affair, parents (as customers) can demand commensurate value and the providers must demonstrate it by delivering magical results. That is why, if the schools are not handing out “double (or even triple) promotions” to prove to the parents that they are getting value for their hard-earned cash, they are helping the children to cheat in external exams to make it seem they are truly delivering on quality learning. Years ago, I tried to register my child in schools in Ibadan and was stunned by the curriculum of lower classes. It was padded to impress parents with how much schools can stuff into the heads of even little children. Even though I attended a private primary school myself, I do not recall things being so bad.

Educationists tell us that at the early stages, children thrive better with minimal workload, exploration, and lots of play. But it is hard to sell “play-education” to a Nigerian parent who practically must sweat blood before they can pay school fees (many private schools in Nigeria do not even have a proper playground). They want their children to move through the system quickly—and brilliantly—enough to save them money. In an environment where schools have thus become a commodity, the mercantilist ethos will propel a redefinition of education to mean the ability to cram and disgorge textbooks while neglecting the social aspects of education. Unfortunately, no matter how brilliant a child might be, they still need socialisation. Remaining in lockstep with their peers is an integral aspect of knowledge-building. When kids skip classes, they miss this vital part of education and might lack the viral social competencies needed for life success.

In societies with functional public education systems, people try the reverse of what we do in Nigeria. They game the system by giving their children the age advantage. Such parents hold back their children from school enrolment until they are older. Because their system is stable and well-ordered, no one is in a hurry to see their kids graduate. When you think about it, the difference between the person who graduates at 19 and the person who does it at 22 is just three years of employment labour. If you retire at 70, what do you really gain by dedicating 51—instead of 48—years of your life to work? But then, their societies are stable enough for them to be certain the timing will work in their favour.

Nigerian parents who do otherwise are not crazy. By rushing their kids through the system, they are trying to buy time for them. Getting into the university early is hedging against the uncertainties built into the system: the ASUU strikes that will help you fritter away a portion of your life, and the prolonged years of unemployment. If you are lucky, you will still be young enough to take the jobs listed by employers who openly discriminate on account of age.

Yes, there are a few instances when children in stable public system societies go to the university at a young age, but that is when they are geniuses (different from being brilliant). But those are exceptions, and I know because I once tried to get my child to skip a class in the United States. While they readily agreed that the child was advanced for their class, they put up so many administrative barriers to the effort that I gave up. But what they also did was point us in the direction of resources that can help the child avoid the tedium of having to sit in class and learn what they have long mastered. It was even worse when we had to live in Germany. The child who had spent two years of school years of schooling in the US was going to be returned to first grade just because of age! When I protested, they told me that it was still no issue. If a kid is ahead of their class, they can always develop other interests.

And that brings me to another important point that Mamman’s ban will never address: the shrinkage of extra-curricular activities in our school system. In the past, public schools had programmes that occupied our attention and sucked part of our energy. One could learn sports and take part in competitive activities. Those not inclined toward physical activities could become part of debating societies or even learn crafts. Those activities hardly exist anymore. Even spaces where young people can explore and discover new interests hardly exist anymore.

Nigeria has no functional public libraries, no community centres, no public sports facilities, or recreational centres. Except perhaps for religious houses that provide spaces for young people to socialise outside their homes, the options are scant. That leaves book learning as their major recourse, to the disadvantage of other competencies they can acquire at the early formative stages of their lives.

These are the issues staring Mamman in the face, and not the cheap (non-)solution of a ban as if he is a military dictator. He must first come to terms with what has been lost in the Nigerian education enterprise and address them. Otherwise, he might just chase the wind.

Andy Murray withdrew from the tennis singles at the Paris Olympics on Thursday but the two-time gold medallist will play doubles in what will be the final event of his glittering career.

The British former world number one, who will retire at the end of his fifth Games, has still not fully recovered from back surgery last month.

He believes the men’s doubles, where he is playing with Dan Evans, offers his best chance of another medal.

“I’ve taken the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan,” said the 37-year-old.

“Our practice has been great and we’re playing well together. Really looking forward to getting started and representing GB one more time.”

Murray won gold in singles at London 2012 and in Rio four years later, as well as silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in 2012.

His withdrawal means his final singles match was his brief second-round appearance at Queen’s Club against Jordan Thompson last month before he was forced to pull out because of a spinal cyst.

The Scot confirmed on Tuesday that he would retire after the Paris Olympics.

“Competing for Great Britain has been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I’m extremely proud to get to do it one final time,” the three-time Grand Slam champion posted on social media.

Murray has been ravaged by injuries in recent years, slumping to 121st in the world.

He has played with a metal hip since 2019 and suffered ankle damage earlier this year.

Murray was not fit enough to play singles at Wimbledon this month due to his back surgery but played doubles with brother Jamie and was defeated in the first round before an emotional tribute arranged by tournament chiefs.

“It’s hard because I would love to keep playing, but I can’t,” admitted Murray at the All England Club.

“Physically it is too tough now, all of the injuries, they have added up and they haven’t been insignificant.”

Murray ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s champion at Wimbledon when he triumphed in 2013, defeating rival Novak Djokovic in the final.

He added a second title in 2016, taking his career majors total to three after breaking his duck at the 2012 US Open.

Murray won gold at the 2012 Olympics on an emotional day at the All England Club when he defeated Roger Federer just weeks after he had lost the Wimbledon final to the Swiss on the same Centre Court.

Four years later, he defeated Juan Martin del Potro to become the first tennis player, male or female, to win two Olympic singles golds.

Murray also led Britain to the Davis Cup title in 2015, the country’s first in 79 years.

He has won 46 titles in all and banked around $65 million in prize money.

[Vanguard]