At the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s annual Democracy Dialogue held in Benin City, Edo State, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, paid tribute to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s sacrifices for Nigeria’s democracy.

The dialogue, themed “Functional Education and Effective Political Leadership as a Panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development,” brought together political leaders and policymakers from across the continent, including Obi and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In his speech, Obi lauded Jonathan’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections during his presidency.

“In the history of this fourth Republic, no Nigerian has made the sacrifice you made for this country,” Obi stated.

“You set out to correct one single thing that this country requires: free and fair election.”

Obi also praised Jonathan’s efforts in prioritising education during his tenure by establishing new universities across the country.

“Nobody has contributed again in this Fourth Republic that I know in terms of what you did in education,” he said, stressing the role of education in driving development.

The former Anambra State governor further highlighted Nigeria’s poor rankings in human capital and the Human Development Index.

He stressed the need to invest in education to lift people out of poverty and ensure sustainable growth.

“The crisis we are facing in Nigeria today, especially in the north, are people we abandoned uneducated yesterday and think we can leave them in poverty,” he cautioned.

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, established in 2015 focuses on promoting democracy, peace, and transformative change across Africa.

In a related development, Jonathan commended the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for prioritising the welfare of civil servants and providing a modern workspace through the inauguration of the Edo State Civil Service Secretariat Complex.

He also lauded Obaseki’s decision to offer automatic employment to first-class graduates, encouraging academic excellence among undergraduates.

Jonathan noted the importance of visionary leadership, stating, “To be a leader, especially a political leader, you must be somebody who has vision. If you have vision, no matter how challenging it is, you will find a way to do well.”

The Naira yesterday depreciated in the parallel market to N1,500 per dollar from N1,485 per dollar on Tuesday.

Similarly, the Naira depreciated to N1,476.24 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM.

Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM rose to N1,476.24 per dollar from N1,473.66 per dollar on Tuesday, indicating N2.58 depreciation for the naira.

The volume of dollars traded on the window fell by 76 per cent to $92.68 million from $385.91 million on Tuesday.

Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates widened to N23.76 per dollar from N11.34 per dollar on Tuesday.

The World Bank has approved two financing facilities of $2.25 billion for Nigeria to support the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilize the economy.

The approval was announced in a statement entitled, “Supporting Nigeria’s Homegrown Reforms: New World Bank Financing for Inclusive Growth and Revenue Diversification”.

The statement said: “The World Bank has today approved two operations: $1.5 billion for the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation, RESET, Development Policy Financing Program, DPF, and $750 million for the Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms, ARMOR, Program-for-Results, PforR.

“This combined $2.25 billion package provides immediate financial and technical support to Nigeria’s urgent efforts to stabilize the economy and scale up support to the poor and most economically at risk.

“It further supports Nigeria’s ambitious, multi-year effort to raise non-oil revenues and safeguard oil revenues to promote fiscal sustainability and provide sufficient resources to deliver quality public services.

“Confronted with a fragile economic situation, Nigeria recognized the urgency of changing course and embarked on critical reforms to address economic distortions and strengthen the fiscal outlook.

“Initial critical steps to restore macroeconomic stability, boost revenues, and create the conditions to reignite growth and poverty reduction have been taken.

“These include unifying the multiple official exchange rates and fostering a market-determined official rate, as well as sharply adjusting gasoline prices to begin to phase out the costly, regressive, and opaque gasoline subsidy.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has refocused on its core mandate of price stability and is tightening monetary policy including by increasing interest rates, as is appropriate to reduce inflation. 

“A targeted cash transfer program is being rolled out to cushion the impact of high inflation on the poor and economically insecure households.”

Wale Edun reacts

Commenting, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said: “We have embarked on bold and necessary reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and put the country back on a sustainable and inclusive economic growth path that will create quality jobs and economic opportunities for all Nigerians.”

Also commenting, Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, said: “We welcome the support of the RESET and ARMOR programs as we further consolidate and implement our macro-fiscal and social protection policy reforms, consistent with accelerating investment and redirecting public resources sustainably to achieve development priorities.

“Nigeria’s concerted efforts to implement far-reaching macro-fiscal reforms place it on a new path which can stabilize its economy and lift its people out of poverty.

“It is critical to sustain the reform momentum and continue to scale up and expand protection to the poor and economically at risk to cushion the effects of cost-of-living pressures on citizens.

“This financing package reinforces the World Bank’s strong partnership with Nigeria, and our support towards reinvigorating its economy and fast-tracking poverty reduction, which can serve as a beacon for Africa.

“The RESET DPF is focused on supporting Nigeria strengthen its economic policy framework by creating fiscal space and protecting the poor and economically insecure.

“The ARMOR PforR will support efforts to implement tax and excise reforms, strengthen tax revenue and customs administrations, and safeguard oil revenues,” the World Bank said.

The Nigeria Football Federation have announced plans to appoint a foreign technical adviser for the Super Eagles, while under-fire Finidi George is set to return to his assistant role position following the poor start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles drew 1-1 against South Africa in Uyo on Friday before losing to Benin Republic on Monday. The results drew criticisms from Nigerians and the Minister of Sports summoned the Nigeria Football Federation few hours after the loss.

The meeting between the minister of sports, Senator John Enoh, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and other members of the apex football body in Nigeria took place on Thursday.

Following the meeting, the NFF announced its plan to employ a foreign technical adviser for the Super Eagles ahead of the Nations Cup qualifiers and the remaining matches in the World Cup qualifiers.

Finidi George is expected to assist the new technical adviser, who will be appointed in the next few weeks.

The NFF also revealed plans to beef up the NFF Technical Department with more qualitative hands. Equally, the Technical and Development Sub-Committee will be re-jigged with immediate effect.

The board also expressed displeasure with the poor attitude of some of the players to the national assignment, and unanimously decided in favour of a more robust scouting programme of outstanding Nigeria-eligible players from across the four corners of the universe, who can add tremendous value to the nation’s flagship team.

The Super Eagles will return to action in September for the Nations Cup qualifiers.

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed his dismay over the economic crisis gripping the nation

During an appearance on Arise TV, Obi criticized the current state of affairs, highlighting the need for urgent action.

Obi pointed out that President Bola Tinubu has indeed fulfilled his campaign promises, albeit in a manner that has exacerbated the country’s economic woes.

According to Obi, Tinubu had consistently pledged during his campaign to continue the policies of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Obi’s remarks suggest that the country’s economic crisis is a direct result of the current administration’s policies, which have only served to perpetuate the problems inherited from the previous government.

His comments have sparked concerns about the nation’s economic trajectory and the need for a drastic change in direction.

He maintained that he would score Tinubu an excellent pass mark for living up to his promise.

According to him, ‘’President Tinubu has kept to his campaign promises. Throughout the campaigns, he consistently maintained that he will continue from where Buhari stopped and he has done very well.

“I will give him excellent pass mark. Dollar was N460, it is now N1500. Fuel was N238, it is now about N700. Diesel was N844, it is now N1415. A bag of rice was 40 to 35 thousand, it is now about 80, 000. A bag of beans was similar, it is now about 90, 000. Garri was 27-28, it is now 49 to 50, 000. A tuber of yam was about 2700 to 3000, now it is about 10, 000.

“Tomato basket was about 40, 000, now it is about 150, 000. Electricity was N66 per kilowatt, now it is about N200.

“You can go on and on. Our debts! Even bread which is the basic things other countries are subsidizing like Egypt . Small bread was N450 is now N900. The big one that was N900 is now N1500.

“Everything has headed south, Adherence to the rule of law has worsened. Nepotism is at the highest’’

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has disclosed that he envisions Inter Miami as the club where he will conclude his illustrious playing career. However, he has no immediate plans to retire.

In an interview with ESPN, Messi, who is under contract with the MLS side until the end of the 2025 season, expressed his sentiments.

“Yes, at this moment, I believe it will be my last club,” Messi stated to ESPN. However, he added, “I’m not ready to leave football either.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner achieved legendary status with Barcelona, securing four Champions League trophies and ten La Liga titles during his tenure.

Messi notably led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America and played a crucial role in their 2022 World Cup campaign. He is preparing to represent Argentina this month in the upcoming Copa America in the United States.

Following his departure from Barcelona after a lengthy tenure from 2004 to 2021, Messi spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami last year. He played a pivotal role in the club’s early success, including winning the Leagues Cup.

“It was a challenging decision to leave Europe and come here,” Messi admitted. “Being a world champion influenced my perspective.”

Messi’s arrival has significantly boosted MLS’s profile in the United States, with stadiums consistently selling out and his jersey becoming the top choice among MLS fans.

Looking ahead, Messi contemplates representing Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. He also reflects on the inevitable conclusion of his remarkable career.

“Football has been my life. I love playing. I enjoy training every day, playing matches,” Messi shared. “There’s a bit of fear about it ending, but I try to enjoy every moment. I feel fortunate to have great teammates and friends at my club and the national team.”

Messi emphasized his appreciation for the small football details he knows he will miss once he retires.

Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Benin Republic national football team and former coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, asserted that his team, the Cheetahs, displayed superior discipline compared to the Eagles following their historic 2-1 triumph over Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier held in Abidjan.

Benin’s victory at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny saw Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie score after Raphael Onyedika had initially put Nigeria in the lead. This cements Benin’s ascent to the group summit with seven points. Meanwhile, Nigeria languishes in fifth place with only three points from four matches, sparking concerns that they will miss out on a consecutive World Cup appearance since their 2022 disappointment.

In a post-match interview, Rohr praised his team’s organization and hunger for goals, contrasting it with the Super Eagles’ performance.

“These players consistently demonstrate solidarity. They possess a strong belief and scoring ability,” Rohr remarked. “Our organization was spot on. After conceding the first goal, perhaps they thought the game was won, but my team’s reaction and determination were immense to mount a comeback.”

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles expressed regret to Nigerians for their disappointing form in the qualifiers. In a tweet from the team’s official handle, they vowed to rally and secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

“We’ve held discussions among ourselves and are determined to fight till the end to achieve the seemingly impossible task of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.”

The Eagles’ next fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are scheduled for March 2025, visiting Rwanda on March 17 and hosting Zimbabwe on March 25.

The restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will begin accepting applications from June 30, 2024

Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, has announced that over one million young Nigerians will benefit from the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP), which aims to equip them with the necessary skills for success in today’s economy.

The Minister made this disclosure in Abuja during the 25th Nigeria Democracy Day Anniversary Youth Program, themed “25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospects for the Future.” 

She revealed that the Ministry is drafting bills for the National Assembly to institutionalize a 30% youth quota, restructure the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), and establish the National Youth Fund (NYF).

“These legislative actions will cement the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and ensure sustainable development,” she explained.

Dr. Ibrahim also announced that the restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will begin accepting applications from June 30, 2024. She emphasized that the ministry has streamlined the process to enable more young entrepreneurs to access funds for innovation and job creation.

Furthermore, she disclosed that the implementation of the NYSP and reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will commence by July 30, 2024. These reforms aim to integrate skill development and entrepreneurship into the service year, enhancing its impact and economic benefits for graduates.

“The Youth Development Bank will be launched by August 30, 2024. This institution will provide customized financial services to youth-led ventures, supporting innovative ideas and business growth,” Jamila added.

Aliko Dangote, the chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, has explained his reasons for investing in the newly opened Dangote Sinotruk West Africa, a fully knocked-down CKD truck assembly plant in Lagos.

In his speech at the inauguration of the plant, Dangote emphasized the joint venture’s substantial investment of over $100 million, with Dangote Industries holding a 60% stake, Sinotruk China owning 30%, and Anders controlling 5%.

Dangote stated that the decision to venture into truck assembly was motivated by the urgent demand for vehicles in Nigeria’s construction, food and beverage, and logistics sectors.

He stated, “Our aim is to meet the expected current demand of this segment of automobiles required for logistics, construction, food, and beverage industries in Nigeria.”

He also emphasised the company’s commitment to contributing to the country’s shift towards Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, saying, “I am sure we are going to fully participate in the new CNG, which I think the government is driving.

“But we in Dangote, we are actually committed to buy 10,000 of the CNG trucks.”

The opening ceremony, held on June 9, was attended by notable figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Hikmat Thapa, the group’s general manager for projects, provided further insights into the plant’s operations, noting that the facility handles welding, painting, and other major tasks.

Thapa also mentioned that with the launch of the plant, their production capacity is expected to increase to 30,000 trucks annually.

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has responded to Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, over comments about being unfit to lead Nigeria.

Naija News recalls that Soyinka had last month, during an interview with Journalists, said Peter Obi’s failure to curb his supporters attacking others with opposing views online was a pointer that he is unfit to lead a country like Nigeria.

The literary icon also accused Peter Obi of encouraging ‘Obidients’ to attack him and others with opposing views online.

Responding to Soyinka, the former Governor of Anambra State, in an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, dismissed claims of inciting his supporters to attack anyone on social media.

Obi said he had never, knowingly or unknowingly, asked the Obidients or the younger ones to say anything against anyone.

He said, “Quit frankly, I will not make a comment on that when Soyinka is a father, I have a policy, I don’t respond when my fathers talk. I leave it to them because when I become of their age, I want those younger generations to respect me, and I would put myself in a position to be respected. One of the things he also talked about was the Obidients me inciting them, I will never and I have never asked any of the Obidients or the young people to say anything bad against an elder or a priest, pastor, Imma or political office holder.

“On my competence, that is left for Nigerians, I have been a successful businessman in the private sector and I have been in the corporate world and I can say I am one of the most successful.”

Asked about his position on the recent comment of the former Director-General of his campaign, Doyin Okupe, Peter Obi said, “It does not hurt, it a personal assessment to him and what we are talking now is the present position of the economy, is garri cheaper? is the comment will make garri or yam cheaper, or manage corruption? it is fine with me. I don’t do politics of he says or she says. We have issues in the country, lets deal with them.”