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Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has appointed an additional 100 special assistants, just weeks after naming 130 new appointees to his team.
I have appointed an additional one hundred persons as Special Assistants to help me achieve my plans for my people,” Ihunwo announced on X (formerly Twitter) on January 18.
The latest appointees include individuals such as Augustina Elodi, Obi Chima, Abi Chinazor Clara, Ginikachukwu Onyeagusi, Chigozie Emmanuel Esinulo, Sunday Confidence Onyinyechi and Nworgu Namdi Emmanuel.
Earlier in the month, Ihunwo named 130 individuals as special advisers, calling on them to “serve diligently, in the interest of Obio/Akpor local government.”
This pattern of appointments is not new for the LGA chairman. In July 2024, during his tenure as caretaker committee chairman, he appointed 100 special assistants.
Ihunwo is a known ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. His actions have occasionally stirred controversy, including the removal of Nyesom Wike’s name from the administrative block of the council secretariat in October.
Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor LGA. He has been embroiled in a political rivalry with Fubara, resulting in a tense supremacy battle within the state.
[Vanguard]
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has disclosed that his government spent ₦500 million to send 204 postgraduate scholarship awardees to the United Kingdom (UK).
Naija News reports that Governor Nwifuru, on Saturday, sent 204 postgraduate scholarship recipients to the UK and 541 others to various universities in Nigeria for postgraduate programs.
Nwifuru said the scholarship was not just an investment in education, but an investment in the future of the State.
“It is an event that demonstrates our commitment to human capital development which occupies centre stage in our Government,” he said.
He urged the recipients to immerse themselves fully in their studies, embrace the cultures they encounter, and build networks that would be invaluable to their growth.
“But remember, your ultimate mission lies here at home. Upon completing your studies. For emphasis, we expect you to return to our State and channel your expertise into sectors that need your innovation, creativity, and leadership,” he advised.
Speaking on the cost of logistics for the awardees traveling to the UK, Nwifuru thanked Air Peace founder, Allen Onyema, for reducing costs for the government.
His words: “Let me thank Allen Onyema for showing a very great interest. For showing a very great interest. And I must thank him publicly and inform you about his contributions. I contacted Allen Onyema about two days ago and I told him, Allen, I am finding it difficult to transport my people from Nigeria to the United Kingdom. And he said, I have the solution. I said, what is the solution? He said, my aircraft is available. And if you had informed me earlier, Allen Onyema Foundation would have taken off all the resources and all the expenses. Would have paid it off. But since it is very prompt, there is nothing I could do. But I am going to give it to you in the price that you cannot find anywhere.
“And I want to inform you about it. We are sending 204 students. Total number ought to be 212. Three are heavily pregnant. Then the other three are being disqualified based on health issue. Two are already in the UK. There are now remaining 204. And what is leaving today (Saturday) is 204.
“And Allen told me, the price for aircraft to UK is 6 million per one person. And you can go and get it out. It is not a difficult thing. But if you calculate 6 million by 209, because five officials are going, if you calculate 6 million by 209, it is about one something billion. And he said to me, Ebonyi Governor, Mr Francis, you know you are a very strong man, very unassuming. What do you want?
“I said, give me the bill. He gave me the bill. He reduced the price down to 766.5 million. I am saying this to all of you, especially many of you that are traveling abroad, so that you know how many people you are indebted to. So that you know how many people you are indebted to.
“Now, when I look at it, it says 766.5 million. It is still very heavy for me. He said, how much will you pay? I said, we will pay 500 million. He said it is okay, Francis, pay the 500 million. Now, what that shows is that we are in the very right track. And I want you to know very well that what Allen did to us is more than 60% of the total costs. What he paid is more than 60%. So we are also very grateful to him.“
Popular Nollywood actress, Ini Edo has shared the travails she encountered before she successfully had her child through surrogacy.
Ini Edo, who has a 3-year-old daughter named Light, disclosed that she had issues carrying pregnancy to term and had to opt for surrogacy.
The actress revealed that she had gone through IVF procedures to get pregnant and suffered six miscarriages before opting for surrogacy.
She opened up on her unique journey to motherhood after being questioned about her child’s paternity on the reality show Young Famous & African.
Her co-star, Luis asked Ini if she has a child and she said she has a baby girl.
“Are you married?” she asked.
“I’m not married,” Ini replied.
“Are you together with the dad?” Nadia questioned.
“No I’m not,” Ini said.
“Is he still alive?”
“Well, I don’t know,” Ini Edo replied to Nadia.
“Girl, is he dead or not? It’s a yes or no question,” Nadia insisted.
“He’s not dead. He doesn’t have anything to do with us. We’re just two people. Just me and my child,” Ini Edo replied.
During her confessional, Ini Edo said, “My journey is one that I have not really been wanting to talk about because it’s personal.”
“I’m raising her alone,” Ini finally told her co-stars. “I went through surrogacy.”
She added: “There was no man in my life at the time and I wanted to have a child. There are different ways to go about that.”
Later, Luis, is seen discussing the research he has done regarding surrogacy and his willingness to try having a child through said means.
However, Ini Edo was taken aback, and she asked why he was choosing surrogacy when he has a girlfriend.
“I don’t think surrogacy is something people just wake up and say that’s what they want to do,” Ini Edo said.
She added during her confessional: “I never thought I would be someone who had fertility issues. But I’ve had issues carrying pregnancies long-term.
“When it looked like it was not going to happen the way I wanted it to happen and I wasn’t getting younger, I said, ‘What are the option? What is available to me?’
“And then, this option came up, so I took it.”
“And I’m very happy with my decision,” she told her co-stars.
Buhari’s Ex-Aide Bashir Ahmad Labels Those Calling For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release As ‘Enemies Of Nigeria’
AFOLABI
A former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has strongly criticized those calling for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a post on his X account, Ahmad referred to Kanu as a terrorist and condemned any efforts to secure his release, labelling such advocates as enemies of Nigeria.
“Anybody advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a terrorist and the leader of the proscribed terrorist organization IPOB, should be considered a sworn enemy of this country,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, a former Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mike Ejiofor, has urged President Bola Tinubu to unconditionally release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
During an interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Thursday, Ejiofor called for the prioritization of security challenges in Nigeria.
The former DSS Director said Tinubu’s administration should consider a political solution to resolve the insecurity challenges across the Southeast.
According to him, President Tinubu should release Kanu and see if the insecurity in the region will stop because unknown gunmen killing innocent people in the Southeast claim to be fighting for the IPOB leader.
Kanu, a vocal proponent of Biafran independence, was apprehended by the Nigerian government for his secessionist activities, which include calls for Nigeria’s breakup.
Despite court rulings discharging and acquitting him, Kanu remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In June 2021, Kanu was rearrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria through an extraordinary rendition process to face ongoing legal proceedings.
His trial has since faced delays, particularly after Kanu demanded that Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court recuse herself.
The judge complied, referring the case to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.
Additionally, Kanu has lodged a formal complaint with the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing Justice Nyako of misconduct in handling his trial.
Nearly half of Nigerians seeking to visit Europe’s Schengen Area over the past two years were denied visas, data obtained by The PUNCH shows.
Out of 192,741 visa applications from Nigerians in 2022 and 2023, 89,344 were turned down, translating to a rejection rate of 46.35 per cent.
Official data from the European Commission and the Henley Global Mobility Report indicate that the rejection rate made Nigeria one of the top 20 countries with the most visas denied to their choice destinations. The country ranked 11th on the list.
In 2022, Nigerian passport holders lodged 86,815 Schengen visa applications, with 46,404 denied. The following year, 105,926 Nigerians applied, with 42,940 rejections.
Although the reports suggest a gradual rise in the share of Schengen visas issued to Nigerian travellers over the years, the denial rate has continued to climb.
The Schengen visa is a short-stay permit allowing travellers to move freely across 27 European countries that make up the Schengen Area—an arrangement designed to simplify cross-border travel and promote regional integration.
First introduced in 1995, it eliminates internal border controls among member states, so holders typically undergo passport checks only upon entry to the Schengen zone.
Depending on the type of visa granted, a traveller may stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes like tourism, business, or visiting relatives.
Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance, a precise itinerary, and other documents confirming their intent to return home.
While it streamlines travel for many nationals, the permit has proven challenging to secure for individuals from regions with higher perceived overstay risks or security concerns, resulting in relatively high rejection rates for certain nationalities.
Experts say push factors such as harsh economic realities continue to fuel thousands of applications from Nigeria annually as more citizens take the Japa route—a term meaning “escape” often used for emigration.
For instance, the inflation rate in Nigeria increased to 34.80 per cent in December 2024. The rate is expected to be 32.00 per cent by the end of Q1 2025, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts’ expectations.
The Nigerian passport fell by 32 places in Henley’s global ranking in the last 20 years, from 62nd in 2006 to 94th in 2025.
According to Henley’s report, six of the top 10 countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates are in Africa.
The Comoros led with a 61.3 per cent rejection rate, followed by Guinea-Bissau with 51 per cent, Ghana with 47.5 per cent, Mali with 46.1 per cent, Sudan with 42.3 per cent, and Senegal with 41.2 per cent.
Also, three Asian countries—Pakistan with 49.6 per cent, Syria with 46 per cent and Bangladesh with 43.3 per cent—were on the top list.
Though an EU member and part of Europe’s Schengen area, Greece held the second-highest rejection rate at 56.4 per cent.
While the top 10 African countries in terms of rejection submitted only 2.8 per cent of global Schengen visa applications, they faced a rejection rate of 44.8 per cent as half of the 277,792 applicants from the top 10 countries were denied visas.
On visa trends, Prof. Mehari Maru—a scholar at the School of Transnational Governance and the Migration Policy Centre at the European University Institute, and a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies—highlighted the structural challenges facing African applicants.
In the Henley Global Mobility Report released in January 2025, he noted “Applicants from African countries often contend with rigorous documentation requirements and heightened scrutiny.
“There are economic, security, and geopolitical dimensions at play, which collectively push up the rejection rates.”
Maru argued that while Africans are receiving more approvals than in specific previous years, their rejections continue to outpace many other nationalities, especially those from regions like North America or Western Europe.
“Global travel freedom has nearly doubled from 58 visa-free destinations in 2006 to 111 in 2025, but the gap between the most and least mobile nations has reached unprecedented levels.
“Africans face consistently higher rejection rates than their Asian and global peers.
“In 2023, despite submitting half as many applications as those from Asia, African applicants were twice as likely to be rejected, with rates 14 percentage points higher than Asian applicants,” Maru added.
However, the rejections are not unique to West Africa. Northern African countries—such as Algeria, Morocco and Egypt—regularly top the list of Schengen denials, suggesting that applicants from across the African continent experience disproportionately high rejection rates.
Regarding the reason for denials, consulates typically cite incomplete documentation, doubts about return intentions, and previous immigration violations, among others. Last December, Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed that Nigeria returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences across Europe and America in 2024 alone.
A former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, told our correspondent that the inclination to leave the country largely stems from Nigeria’s struggling economy, with many citizens taking the Japa route.
He argued that such trends are likely to persist unless there is a significant improvement in the nation’s economic performance.
“The urge to travel out of the country is in itself, primarily, a function of the performance of our national economy.
“The economic doldrums have pushed compatriots to get into the Japa mode.
“The trend may, unfortunately, increase until there’s a turnaround in the performance of the national economy,” the ex-diplomat noted.
He said while the statistics on the visa application denials are worrisome, there is also evidence of an increase in the number of approved visa applications by Nigerians seeking to travel to Schengen member countries.
Amedu-Ode added, “Even then, the simultaneous increase in approvals and rejection is a function of the spike in the number of our compatriots applying to travel to that zone of the world.”
The youth wing of the apex-Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the new President General of the body, Chief John Azuta-Mbata, to prioritise the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as one of his key assignments.
The call was made by the National Publicity Secretary of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, Chika Adiele, who described the move as a critical step towards uniting the Igbo nation.
He said: “One of the most important tasks before him now is to bring all segments of Igbo leadership together on the same page. The youths expect him to take the issue of Nnamdi Kanu’s release seriously.
“That would be a monumental achievement for him. If he can champion the release of our brother Nnamdi Kanu, who was illegally renditioned to Nigeria and has been detained for so long, it would be a huge win not just for him, but for all of us.”
Beyond Kanu’s release, Adiele expressed confidence in Azuta-Mbata’s ability to address the challenges faced by Igbo youths, including unemployment, lack of empowerment and insecurity.
He stressed the urgent need to engage young people constructively to address the root causes of unrest in the South East.
“Igbo youths have suffered so much under our leaders. There’s a lack of jobs, no incentives, no empowerment. Today, we see pockets of insecurity across the South East, and when you look closely, you’ll find that most of the non-state actors causing this insecurity are young people.”
He called on the new leader to engage the youth in meaningful dialogue and find sustainable solutions to their challenges.
“We need him to sit down with the youths, have an honest conversation, and figure out how to pull us out of the bushes and bring us back to the centre. This is how we can salvage Alaigbo. It’s a big part of what we expect from him,” Adiele explained.
Recent developments in the long-standing investigation into Tupac Shakur’s murder have brought renewed attention to Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned music mogul.
Newly released legal documents, which include a transcript of a police interview, named Diddy in connection with the infamous case.
These documents emerged against the backdrop of ongoing legal challenges faced by the billionaire entertainer, who has been in prison since his arrest in September 2024.
The allegations suggest that Diddy may have offered substantial amount for the murders of both Tupac Shakur and Death Row Records’ founder, Suge Knight.
Notably, Diddy’s name appeared 47 times within the newly surfaced transcripts from a 2009 interview with Duane “Keefe D” Davis, who is currently awaiting trial for Tupac’s murder.
In the covertly recorded interview, Keefe D refers to Diddy as the “boss” and mentioned his association with three Southside Crips gangs that allegedly played a role in the murder.
When asked directly about Diddy’s involvement, Keefe responded affirmatively, stating, “Yeah,” and elaborated on what he described as Diddy’s intense hatred towards Knight, indicating that Diddy was willing to go to great lengths for revenge.
Diddy has however denied involvement in Shakur’s death, calling the allegations “completely ridiculous” and“pure fiction.”
Recall that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was arrested in New York few months ago.
The arrest followed a grand jury indictment, with Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, expressing disappointment and criticism towards the US Attorney’s Office for pursuing what he considers an unjust prosecution.
Agnifilo highlighted Sean Combs’ voluntary cooperation with the investigation and his decision to travel to New York in anticipation of the charges.
For the first time in two years, credit to the manufacturing sector recorded a quarterly decline in 2024, following weakening appetite for bank loans among manufacturers as a result of the continuous interest rate hike by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In a bid to curtail the persistent rise in the inflation rate, the CBN in two years raised the benchmark interest rate, the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, 13 times to 27.5 per cent November last year from 11.5% in April 2022. As a result, average maximum lending rates of banks rose to 31.06 per cent in November last year from 27.37 per cent in April 2022.
Vanguard investigations showed that the ensuing high interest rate regime has weakened appetite for bank loans among manufacturers. Industry experts and analysts, who confirmed this trend, said that manufacturers now either postpone investment decisions or seek alternatives to bank loans. Reflecting the impact of manufacturers’ apathy to bank loans, Credit to the Manufacturing fell by 6.67 percent, quarteron- quarter, QoQ to N8.67 trillion in the third quarter of 2024, Q3’24 from N9.29 trillion in the preceding quarter (Q2’24).
This represents the first quarterly decline in credit to the sector in two years since the third quarter of 2022, Q3’22. Analysis of the CBN statistics also showed that the credit allocation to the manufacturing sector maintained a quarterly upward trend from Q3’22 to Q2’24, before recording a decline in Q3’24. According to the apex bank, credit to manufacturers rose QoQ by 12.3 per cent to N5.10 trillion in Q3’22; and by 9.2 per cent to N5.57 trillion in Q4’22. This upward trend continued in 2023 as credit to the sector rose QoQ by 1.8 per cent to N5.67 trillion in Q1’23; by 23.1 per cent to N6.98 trillion in Q2’23; by 5.2 per cent to N7.34 trillion in Q3’23; and by 5.3 per cent to N7.73 trillion in Q4’23. Also in Q1’24, credit to manufacturers rose QoQ by 12.5 per cent to N8.70 trillion and again by 6.8 per cent to N9.29 trillion in Q2’24.
This upward trend was however reversed in Q3’24 when credit to the sector fell by 6.67 per cent to N8.67 trillion. Manufacturers seeking other funding options Speaking to Vanguard on this development, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said many manufacturers may have opted for other sources of funding because it does not make sense to take fresh facilities at interest rates above 39 percent.
He stated: “The manufacturing sector is struggling at this time and it has been like that for the past two years. The challenges facing the sector are enormous and, unfortunately, those challenges have not abated. There is the challenge of the foreign exchange (FX) issue. Many of our manufacturers are highly import dependent. So they are very vulnerable to this weak currency or high exchange rate.
“There is the challenge of energy costs, the challenge of cost of logistics, the challenge of clearing cargoes at the ports, particularly their raw materials, and there is the challenge of weak purchasing power of the citizens. “So, the combination of all these factors may have been responsible for the decline in the manufacturers’ demand for credit. And in any case, with interest rates at over 30 percent, I don’t think it makes sense for any manufacturer to take fresh facilities at that cost. It makes more sense for them to seek other sources of funding.
“Most of what we have in the books of the banks now as credit still outstanding to manufacturers are existing credits that they are still struggling to service. “Very few manufacturers, if at all will go for fresh facilities at these very prohibitive and outrageous interest rates. “So, this is what must have been responsible for the decline. We are hoping that 2025 will be better, so that the manufacturers can have breathing space.”
Yusuf emphasised the need for the CBN to moderate its market oriented monetary policy in order to protect the real sector of the economy. According to him, it will be difficult for any business in the real sector, especially manufacturers and farmers, to thrive with an interest rate of over 32 percent and currency depreciation that has moved from nearly N500 to a dollar in June 2023 to over N1,600 per dollar since the return to orthodox monetary policy. High lending rates, output dcline discourage borrowing for investment- MAN On his part, Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, stressed that the high lending rates coupled with other factors discourages borrowing to invest in manufacturing activities.
He said: “The 6.67% decline in credit to the manufacturing sector in Q3 2024 should not come as a surprise. There is hardly any positive indicator for the sector, as it has continued to struggle with increasing production cost and dwindling consumer purchases. “The sector is not insulated from the prevailing downturn in the economy occasioned by high energy cost, exorbitant exchange rate, escalating interest rate and rising inflation. These are disincentives to investment and expansion, and by extension, borrowing. “In specific terms, a high lending rate at above 30% would discourage borrowing to invest in manufacturing activities. Manufacturers mostly depend on credit to finance their operations, so when the cost of funding increases, they are less disposed to accessing credit.
“As I earlier mentioned, the astronomical increase in cost of power by 250%, together with incessant disruption decreases productivity and output, which also diminishes the loan appetite of the average manufacturer. When manufacturers produce less, they require less credit, and this will ultimately lead to a decline in credit to the sector.” stressed that the high lending rates coupled with other other factors discourages borrowing to invest in manufacturing activities He said: “The 6.67% decline in credit to the manufacturing sector in Q3 2024 should not come as a surprise. There is hardly any positive indicator for the sector, as it has continued to strugglewithincreasingproduction cost and dwindling consumer purchases. “The sector is not insulated from the prevailing downturn in theeconomyoccasionedbyhigh energycost, exorbitantexchange rate, escalating interest rate and rising inflation. These are disincentives to investment and expansion, and by extension borrowing. “Inspecificterms, ahighlending rate at above 30% would discourage borrowing to invest in manufacturingactivities.
Manufacturers mostly depend on credittofinancetheiroperations, so when the cost of funding increases, they are less disposed to accessing credit. “As I earlier mentioned, the astronomical increase in cost of power by 250%, together with incessant disruption decreases productivity and output, which also diminishes the loan appetite of the average manufacturer. When manufacturers produce less, they require less credit, and this with ultimately lead to a decline in credit to the sector.” Businesses postpone investment decisions Highlighting the various factors behind the decline in credit to the manufacturing sector in Q3’24, HeadofEquityResearch, FBNQuest Securities, Mr. Tunde Abidoye, said that the deceleration of credit growth to single digits can be attributed to the cautious stance of the banks, who are increasingly wary of accumulating non-performing loans (NPLs) in the context of a high-interest rate environment.
“According to data from CBN, banks ’NPLratiodeterioratedby 68 bps to c.4.58%, compared with 3.9% at the end of June 2024. “Beyond the banks’ conservative lending practices, another contributing factor may be the postponement of investment decisions by businesses, driven by the restrictive monetary policy implemented by the CBN. Also, analysts at Proshare noted that the growth in Nigeria’smanufacturing sector has been extremely modest in the past two years, reflecting the negative impact of the CBN’s hawkish monetary policy stance. They noted that in 2024, interest rates reached unprecedented levels, leading to elevated finance costs for numerous manufacturing companies. “Additionally, the high borrowing costs have significantly constrained the expansion of manufacturing activities. “Inflation has added a layer of pressure, as diminished purchasing power has resulted in lower sales volumes and output.
“The challenging macroeconomic conditions have led to several companies leaving Nigeria. In the first six months of last year, some manufacturing companies, including PZCussonsNigeria PLC, Kimberly-Clark Nigeria and Diageo Plc, exited the country, adding to the several multinationals that left in 2023. “In our view, the Federal Government must effectively implement feasible and proactive measures to encourage and boost production activities in the 13 sub-sectors of the manufacturing sector, especially food, beverage and tobacco, cement, and textile apparel & footwear – the top 3 drivers.
[Vanguard]
Rejection is hard to accept, even more so from those who seem undeserving of the upper hand. For France and its former African colonies, this has led to bruised egos and impulsive actions that defy accountability.
To understand the depth of France’s roots in Africa, reference has to be made to the “Scramble for Africa” in the late 19th century, which saw European powers, including France, rapidly expand their territories. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 formalised this partitioning, allowing France to annex vast areas in West Africa, including present-day Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Niger Republic.
During this period, French policies were driven by economic interests, focusing on resource extraction and agricultural production. The imposition of heavy taxes and forced labour systems led to widespread dissatisfaction among local populations, as they were often exploited for their labour without adequate compensation or support.
Discontent began to manifest more visibly after World War I. The war had significant implications for colonial subjects; many Africans served in the French army but returned home with heightened expectations for rights and representation. Little of this was met.
A similar pattern followed World War II as notable shifts in attitudes towards colonial rule began to spread. By the late 1950s, widespread protests and uprisings were triggered across French West Africa, culminating in a wave of independence movements.
Naturally, France backed off and could only play its hands on its former colonies from faraway Europe. Successes were recorded in some areas, like economic interventions, while other cultural tactics to ingrain France back into the hearts of citizens did not yield much fruit.
“Universally, a colonial policy can only have negative effects on those who suffer from it,” Barry Diawadou, a geopolitics and diplomacy expert based in Guinea, told TheCable.
“Colonisation consists of the domination of a culture, of a system of thoughts over another culture. From this postulation, which defines the reality of the phenomenon, no form of colonisation can have positive impacts, especially when we add time and demographic factors.
“French-speaking countries tend to compare French colonisation to English, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch colonisation in Africa. From these comparisons, a trend emerges which establishes that French colonisation was the least successful in Africa.
“For example, in the concert of economic nations, apart from the French-speaking countries of the Maghreb, the most dynamic African economies remain the English-speaking countries.”
Diawadou said the relationship France had with its former territories was almost parasitic.
It was only a matter of time before the scales tipped against one of Europe’s strongest economies.
MACRON IN, ‘TERRORISM OUT’
France arguably maintained its distance in the face of the growing discontent, but not for long. Islamist militant groups began threatening the stability of the Sahel region, notably after the 2011 Arab Spring, with significant developments occurring in subsequent years. The Arab Spring was a wave of pro-democracy protests and uprisings that began in December 2010 and spread across the Middle East and North Africa.
Soon, armed groups began to spread terror in the Sahel, killing hundreds and displacing thousands. Their sophisticated weapons were no match for armed forces maintained under weak budgets.
The incursion saw Mali turn to France for help to combat the terrorists, with the primary goal of regaining control over territory and preventing further advances towards Bamako, the capital. France launched Operation Serval in January 2013 to achieve this.
Following the success of Operation Serval, which concluded in July 2014, France expanded its military presence in the region through Operation Barkhane, which commenced on August 1, 2014. This operation aimed to provide ongoing support to five Sahelian countries — Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Mauritania — collectively known as the G5 Sahel.
“France’s military presence was effective. It is not demeaning to recognise this,” Diawadou added.
“For a very long time, it was able to deter rebel attacks, intrusion, and the proliferation of armed groups in these former colonies. But it is true that with the implosion of Libya and the resulting circulation of weapons in the Sahelio-Saharan strip, terrorist incursions have literally reached their peak.”
Initially, French operations were welcomed, but as insecurity persisted and public dissatisfaction with local governments grew, many began to associate France with ineffective governance and continued violence.
The military juntas that came to power in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic often used anti-French rhetoric to legitimise their rule, portraying France as complicit in the failures of previous administrations. They framed their actions as a rejection of both corrupt leadership and foreign interference, particularly targeting France for its perceived role in perpetuating instability through its military presence. France’s condemnation of the coups and a demand that democracy return did not sit well with the junta leaders.
Soon, they began to eject French troops out of their countries, starting with Mali, which first sought the European country’s help, then to Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad. They turned to Russia and China for military and economic cooperation.
FAR-RIGHT POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES COMPOUNDING MATTERS
Late last year, Senegal and Ivory Coast, both democratic nations, joined the growing list of former French territories snipping ties with France after they announced in November their plans to expel French troops.
The announcement came as a shock considering that the countries did not have a “solid reason”, such as growing coups or worsening Islamist militants in their nations.
Diawadou explained that the discontent grew from the growing far-right politics in France and its ideologies.
Diery Diagne, a journalist and disinformation researcher in Senegal, affirmed Diawadou’s position.
“The Senegalese are more and more developing sentiments of rejecting France,” Diagne told TheCable.
“Senegalese citizens are open to collaboration with all countries. But they want to see on the part of the partners that they respect the interest of Senegal,” she added, noting that Senegal’s turn away from France is to seek a “win-win” collaboration.
In many African nations, political movements have historically leaned towards leftist ideologies that emphasise socialism or anti-imperialism. Leaders often advocate for national sovereignty, economic independence from former colonial powers, and social equity.
Far-right parties, on the other hand, often emphasise nationalism, advocating for strict immigration controls and prioritising the interests of native populations over immigrants.
With far-right politics emerging in France, particularly under the leadership of parties like the National Rally, a sharp discontent is stemming from concerns over the implications of immigration policies, human rights, and France’s historical relationships with its former colonies.
“Some cooperation agreements, particularly in economic matters, are considered far too unbalanced and not to the advantage of African countries,” Diawadou said.
“As examples, there are big gaps with the following topics: the purchase price of raw material, the local content issue, technology transfer, and the revenue sharing between partners.
“If you add the political climate in France and the feelings of Africans who feel rejected and deprived of their most basic rights in their quest to obtain housing and a job in France, you will easily understand why many Africans no longer believe in the French model and privileged cooperation with France.
“Every day, African civil society observes and notes the decline in the rights of their peers in France, not only through the international media and certain French media, which clearly display their political positioning, but also through the stories of Africans on social networks.”
MACRON WIDENS DISTANCE WITH ‘UNGRATEFUL’ COMMENTS
While the rejection ripple has continued to spread, Macron has refused to take the hit.
In a speech to French ambassadors gathered at the Elysee Palace, the president described Sahelian leaders as ungrateful.
He said France was right in 2013 for its intervention to fight Islamist militants “even if those same states had now moved away from French military support”.
The French president dismissed the notion that his country had been kicked out of the Sahel region, insisting that France left after citizens decided that they no longer wanted to prioritise combating terrorism.
“France no longer belonged there because we are not at the beck and call of coup leaders,” he added.
He said Sahelian leaders forgot to thank France for combatting terrorism but expressed optimism that one day it would come.
Nina Wilen, an analyst at the Belgian Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations, said Macron’s remarks were likely a strategic error.
“It’s hard to know whether these are thought-through comments.” Wilen said, “or whether it’s something that he wants to get out there because he feels that it’s the correct thing to do.”
“But, for sure, there are quite a few French officials and military officers who are working hard to shed the image that France has in Africa as an arrogant former colonial power.
“Comments like these made by Macron really undermine their efforts in doing this.”
Despite being one of the most recognized names worldwide, historians and linguists assert that “Jesus Christ” was not the original name of the central figure of Christianity.
Scholars suggest that Jesus would have been known as “Yeshua” or “Yeshu,” based on linguistic and historical evidence.
The Aramaic Connection
Aramaic, the language Jesus likely spoke in his daily life, holds the key to his original name. Professor Dineke Houtman explains, “Given his background in Nazareth, we can assume his day-to-day language was Aramaic,” as quoted by DailyMailUK.
According to Aramaic texts and inscriptions, “Yeshua” was derived from the Hebrew “Yehoshua,” which translates to “God saves.”
A Journey Through Languages
The name evolved as it passed through different languages. Greek transliterations changed “Yeshua” to “Iesous” due to the absence of certain Hebrew and Aramaic sounds. This became “Iesus” in Latin before the introduction of the letter “J” in the 16th century transformed it into “Jesus” in English.
“Christ” As A Title, Not A Surname
Contrary to popular belief, “Christ” was not Jesus’ surname. Instead, it was a title derived from the Greek word “Christos,” meaning “Messiah” or “God’s anointed one.”
Marko Marina clarifies, “In the ancient world, most people didn’t have last names as we understand them. Instead, they were identified by parentage, origin, or characteristics. Jesus was often referred to as ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ to differentiate him from others named Yeshua.”
One Of Galilee’s Most Common Names
Professor Candida Moss notes that “Yeshua” or “Yeshu” was one of the most common names in first-century Galilee. “Most scholars agree that his name was Yeshua or possibly Yeshu, reflecting the cultural and linguistic context of his time,” Moss says.
The transformation of “Yeshua” into “Jesus” demonstrates the practice of transliteration—adapting sounds from one language to another. Greek’s lack of certain Hebrew and Aramaic sounds led to “Iesous,” which later became the Latinized “Iesus” before evolving into the modern English “Jesus.”
While “Jesus Christ” is universally recognized today, the historical figure likely introduced himself in Aramaic as “Yeshua of Nazareth.”
Despite the changes his name underwent across centuries and cultures, the meaning of “Yehoshua” — “God saves” — remains central to his identity.
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ruled out any possibility of reconciling with Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, intensifying the ongoing political conflict between the two leaders.
Speaking during a media chat broadcast live on television in Abuja, yesterday, he criticised Fubara for failing to adhere to directives issued by President Bola Tinubu during a peace meeting aimed at resolving their differences.
At the press briefing, Wike said: “I’m wondering what conflict to resolve? Mr President, in his wisdom, called all parties. He said withdraw the impeachment notice, you go and do this, you go and do that, but they never returned to him.
“The Assembly withdrew the impeachment notice; you did one and two, and then you sent people to go to court. Elder, have you gone back to Mr. President to tell him we can’t do three and four? Nothing.
“I have never seen this in my life — for a president to call parties, and one party goes back and says it’s political. Who does that?”
His statement underscored the deepening rift that has emerged since Fubara took office, with Wike accusing him of not fulfilling his obligations as governor.
The feud has escalated tensions within the Rivers State House of Assembly, where 27 members have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to factionalism and a parallel assembly.
The political landscape in Rivers has been marked by power struggles as both leaders vie for control over state resources and influence.
Wike also defended his infrastructure-focused agenda amid criticism for neglecting human capital development. “Infrastructure drives the economy.”
He asserted that ongoing road projects are creating significant job opportunities, highlighting that over 200 people are employed through these initiatives in Kwali and surrounding areas, emphasizing, “These aren’t government positions; they are real opportunities.” He challenged the notion that employment is limited to government jobs, reinforcing his commitment to fostering local economic growth through infrastructure development.
He said: “The problem I have is that whenever we embark on these projects, people complain about what hasn’t been done, but the reality is that infrastructure drives the economy.
“When we focus on infrastructure, human capital development naturally follows. It’s not just about government jobs, it’s about creating real opportunities.
“Not less than 200 people are being employed in Kwali and other areas. These aren’t government positions, these are people working as contractors and in other capacities that come with the development of our infrastructure.”
On concerns over the provision of streetlights on newly commissioned roads, Wike, while noting that the initial plans had not included streetlights, assured that the FCTA had taken action to address the issue.
“When we flagged off these projects last year, there was no provision for streetlights. But now, in places like Kuje and Kwali, streetlights have been provided,” Wike confirmed. “The roads we flagged off in November and December will have streetlights by May or June.”
The Minster issued a stern warning to officials and landowners in Abuja, emphasising strict adherence to land regulations.
He reiterated his commitment to expediting the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), crucial for business growth and financing. Wike highlighted that his administration has already signed 7,000 C of Os in two years, surpassing the 7,000 issued by previous governments from 2015 to 2023. He vowed to take decisive action against non-compliance, stating that inefficiency within his team will not be tolerated
He said: “When I identify that you are not willing to work, I will kick you out,” disclosing the concluded decision to remove two directors from FCT Administration.
“I don’t give a damn. When I see you’re not working, I will kick you out. Heaven will not fall.”
According to him, a staggering N300 billion is being owed for Right of Occupancy (R of O) fees, arguing it is part of what is delaying infrastructure development in the federal capital.
Wike emphasised that with revenue generation exceeding N25 billion, the timely payment of taxes and the resolution of backlogs are crucial for the growth and development of the Federal Capital Territory. He underscored that these financial measures are essential to support ongoing projects and enhance the territory’s infrastructure.
“Government gave you land, and you can’t go and pay over 15 to 16 years, what kind of country are we in?” He asked.
On recent acts of vandalism that have plunged significant parts of Abuja into darkness, he vowed that those responsible will be charged with economic sabotage rather than theft. This declaration came during a media briefing on Sunday evening, where Wike expressed his outrage over the damage inflicted on critical transmission infrastructure.
He revealed that authorities have already arrested several suspects linked to the vandalism of a 132kV transmission line and underground cables owned by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The minister made it clear that the charges would reflect the severity of the crime, stating, “We won’t charge you with stealing; we will charge you with economic sabotage. Enough is enough.”
He stressed that such actions threaten not only the stability of the capital but also the broader economic framework of the nation.
Vandalism has had a significant impact on daily life in Abuja, leaving over 60% of the city without electricity. Areas severely affected include Wuse, Utako, Jabi, Maitama, Lifecamp, Asokoro, Mabushi, and parts of the Presidential Villa, which houses President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The TCN attributed the power outages directly to these criminal acts, highlighting the urgent need for action against those who disrupt essential services.
Wike urged residents of the FCT to take an active role in safeguarding their communities by reporting any suspicious activities. “Nobody who loves his country will accept what is going on,” he stated, reinforcing the idea that community involvement is crucial in combating such acts of sabotage.
He assured citizens that security agencies are diligently working to address the situation and that those involved in the vandalism will face justice.
Labour fears hike will fuel food crisis
Increase in line with rising crude price –Dangote
The Nigeria Labour Congress has frowned on the recent hike in the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, describing it as the height of insensitivity against the masses.
Senior NLC officials disclosed this in separate interviews with our correspondents on Sunday, as oil marketers refuted being blamed for the recent hike in PMS prices nationwide.
Similarly, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery also said the rise in petrol price was not from the $20bn Lekki-based plant but due to an increase in the cost of crude oil, the major component for refined petroleum products.
Recall that on Friday, the pump prices of petrol rose to between N1,050 and N1,150 per litre following the hike in the cost of the commodity by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and various depot owners.
Dealers confirmed that PMS prices would continue to rise since the major component in fuel production, crude oil, has been on the upward swing lately.
Reacting to this, the Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku argued that in a saner clime, representatives of workers, the organised private sector and students would have been called to a roundtable to deliberate on the course of action and analysis of the consequences before the decision would be taken.
He said, “This pump price hike will not only affect foodstuff and fare. There is the problem of inflation and the value of naira to contend with. Instead, what we are seeing is a situation we call Tinubunomics. It is something that has not been tested.
“When you talk about subsidies, is there a country that doesn’t have it? It’s all over the world. Even most of the goods you see in this country from China are subsidised. You are refusing to subsidise fuel and also refusing to even facilitate the so-called CNG buses. How many years does it take to do something like this?
“If you know the kind of game we (the NLC) and them are playing on this CNG thing. Now, they are not even involving the people in the so-called CNG conversion. If you promise to run an inclusive government, It’s not just you that should be doing the talking. Yet, when somebody talks, they send attack dogs to attack and label him a member of the Obidient movement.”
Continuing, Ndubuaku emphasised that President Bola Tinubu will do well to borrow the template of former leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo, who he claimed held a monthly roundtable with stakeholders whenever sensitive issues that have a lot to do with workers’ welfare were being discussed.
“Such discussions were held in the Villa. Every month people would be invited and issues would be discussed. We’re not saying you shouldn’t do it. But please, carry people along. Let us know why you want to do these things so people will be prepared.
“But you can’t just keep changing the prices without any regard for us? This is what is causing all this frustration. They are not carrying the masses along. They have virtually made it difficult for the NLC to be involved in anything they are doing. Nigeria is not the personal property of anybody.
“If you are going to do anything that will involve the masses, you should call the people who represent the workers at least. You have certain blocks and groups of people in this country that have representatives, even in the so-called business sector that you can talk to,” he explained.
Labour tackles marketers
Also speaking on the hike in petrol price, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Lagos State, Sessi Funmi, accused oil marketers of being major contributors to Nigeria’s economic challenges, describing them as “enemies of the masses.”
Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, Sessi criticised oil marketers for manipulating petroleum pricing to exploit Nigerians, alleging that they were undermining the government’s efforts to stabilise the downstream oil sector.
She asserted that the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol did not sit well with marketers because it disrupted their exploitative practices.
“How can marketers be telling us that an increase in crude oil prices automatically translates to higher prices for the finished product? Are they buying crude oil? No! They buy the finished product,” Sessi said.
She applauded Tinubu’s administration for reviving two of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, emphasising that these developments should lead to a further reduction in PMS prices.
She argued that oil marketers are attempting to frustrate these efforts to maintain their monopolistic control.
“The Tinubu administration has done what successive governments failed to do by putting our refineries to work. Marketers should stop frustrating these efforts.
“The government must deal directly with suppliers and eliminate middlemen who corruptly enrich themselves,” Sessi added.
She urged the government to emulate Dangote refinery’s direct supply model and establish agreements with oil companies and petrol stations to ensure fair pricing.
“Marketers are the problem. They’ve been receiving subsidies without supplying products and now want to determine prices when they don’t even own refineries.
‘We reject this. Nigerians cannot continue to suffer due to their greed,” Sessi concluded.
The NLC chair called for transparency and accountability in the petroleum sector, warning that Nigerians will no longer tolerate exploitative practices.
Dangote refutes blame
The Dangote refinery said it has agreed with its partners – MRS, Ardova and Heyden – to sell its PMS at the rate of N970 per litre across the country.
The company said it absorbed the increased logistics costs to guarantee uniform pricing across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement by the Dangote Group spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, the company clarified that the recent adjustment in its ex-depot price of petrol was directly related to the significant increase in global crude oil prices.
“At Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we recognise the critical importance of affordable fuel for all Nigerians, and we remain committed to offering the best value with guaranteed quality to our customers. While we have made a five per cent adjustment to our ex-depot price from N899.50 to N950 per litre, it is important to note that this increase is considerably lower than the 15 per cent rise in global crude oil prices. Furthermore, Dangote refinery has maintained the Single-Point Mooring ex-vessel price at N895 per litre.
“All our partners, including Ardova, Heyden, and MRS Holdings, will offer petrol to Nigerians at a retail price of N970 per litre nationwide. We have absorbed the increased logistics costs to guarantee uniform pricing across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory,” Chiejina said.
Speaking further, he said the Dangote refinery absorbed approximately 50 per cent of the cost increases in the international oil market due to its unwavering commitment to quality and affordability, as well as the ownership of the refinery by Nigerians.
“If Dangote refinery were to pass on the entire increase in the price of crude oil to the market, the retail price of PMS would be approximately N1,150 to N1,200 per litre in some locations, compared to the current price of N970 per litre.
“We are committed to providing reliable, top-quality petrol to the Nigerian people at competitive prices. In these challenging times, we continue to prioritise the best interests of Nigerians, striving to shield consumers from the full impact of global price volatility while adapting to evolving market conditions.
“We sincerely appreciate the continued trust and support of Nigerians as we strive to deliver the best value for their money and contribute to the development of a self-sufficient economy that is resilient to international price fluctuations,” he stated.
In the interest of transparency and good governance, Chiejina said the Dangote refinery will now commence publishing its ex-depot price, ex-vessel price, and pump price every week so that consumers are not exploited.
He concluded, “We would like to express our gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the introduction of the visionary Naira-for-Crude Initiative. This groundbreaking initiative has enabled consistent access to high-quality PMS for all Nigerians, while also insulating the Nigerian consumers from the volatility of the global oil market.”
Marketers speak
Meanwhile, marketers of petroleum products said they should not be blamed for the instability in the prices of petrol in recent times.
This is as stakeholders warned that the price of petrol will no longer be stable following the full deregulation of the market.
According to them, the major factors determining the price are the international crude oil price and the exchange rate. It was argued that the instability of the two factors means that the price of PMS will continue to rise and fall at intervals.
As of Sunday, the Benchmark Brent crude price was $80.78; the WTI was $77.88 while the Morban crude was $83.65, according to oilprice.com. Nigeria’s Brass River crude was $83.69 and the Qua Iboe was $83.59.
Speaking with The PUNCH, retailers under the aegis of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria urged Nigerians, especially the labour unions, not to believe that filling stations are to blame for the changes in the prices of PMS.
PETROAN affirmed that the increase in PMS prices was a result of the rise in the cost of crude oil in the international market.
Prices were said to have risen to a four-month high following the introduction of new United States sanctions against Russian oil.
The sanctions imposed on January 10 caused a spike in the price of oil and a surge in the cost of tanker shipping, as the outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration took steps to damage Russia’s oil exports and hinder attempts by Moscow to build its fleet.
The Biden administration had issued sweeping sanctions targeting the Russian energy sector, aiming for Moscow’s oil revenues just days before Donald Trump would assume office.
The measures include sanctions on Russian oil producers, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, and the blacklisting of 183 vessels involved in Russian energy exports. Dozens of traders, Russia-based oilfield service providers, and energy officials were also targeted.
The National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, quoting Section 205 of the Petroleum Industry Act, stated that petrol prices are determined by market forces, indicating that the government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited no longer set petrol prices nor do marketers arbitrarily inflate prices.
As a result, he noted that refinery operators in Nigeria will respond accordingly to changes in crude oil prices while the effect would be felt by dealers, retailers, and end consumers.
Gillis-Harry noted that increasing crude oil prices would inevitably affect domestic costs.
“Retailers should not be blamed for the price increase. It’s no longer funny; even we, retail outlet owners, are affected by this up-and-down movement of prices. It affects our business,” he noted.
Gillis-Harry emphasised that PETROAN members cannot buy petrol at a higher price and sell it at a lower rate.
“Our selling rate always reflects our buying rate. Our members shouldn’t be blamed for the current increase; it’s an external factor. We cannot buy petrol at a higher price and sell below that cost. We cannot buy at N955 and sell at N1,000 per litre. We need to look at logistics and add a humane margin,” he added.
The National Vice Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, said marketers are aware of the competition in the market and no one wants to be left behind by selling at higher rates.
“You cannot deceive yourself. There is competition out there. So, if you like, put your fuel at N1,500 per litre, nobody will buy it. So, the price change is not deliberately done by marketers,” Fashola said.
He noted that marketers are now wary of the volatility of the downstream sector, saying they have to go with information before making purchases or before making imports as many of them made losses in December when the price was suddenly reduced by the Dangote refinery and the NNPC.
“And there are some factors you have to consider. That is the exchange rate and the crude oil price. Those are the major factors that determine the price of petroleum products,” he added.
To avoid running into financial losses, he advised that owners of filling stations must be futuristic and do their projections well.
TikTok has restored its services in the United States (US) following a brief nationwide shutdown caused by a federal ban over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership.
The ban, which took effect on Sunday, temporarily forced TikTok offline, leaving over 170 million US users without access to the platform.
It also led to the app being removed from Apple and Google’s digital stores in compliance with federal regulations.
However, Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, pledged to delay the enforcement of the ban through an executive order on his first day in office.
In a statement on X, TikTok appreciated Trump for providing “the necessary clarity and assurance” for service providers to support the app without fear of penalties.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” the company said.
“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
According to reports, some users gained partial access to TikTok shortly after the announcement, although the app remains unavailable for download on Apple and Google’s stores.
More citizens seek greener pastures due to hardship, institutions battle with brain drain
As more Nigerians are eager and willing to leave the country in search of greener pastures abroad for various reasons, there are concerns that the Japa syndrome, if not quickly addressed, may further deplete the country’s workforce, findings by the LEADERSHIP Data Mining Department have shown.
Japa is Nigerian informal term that roughly translates to citizens leaving the country without intending to return. Japa combines the Yoruba expression já pa, meaning “to run” or “flee,” as per migration.
There are growing concerns that the export of human capital has created significant workforce gaps across various sectors of the Nigerian economy. Analysts highlight the health sector as the most severely affected, with an alarming exodus of doctors and nurses in recent years. Similarly, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and engineering sectors have also felt the impact of the “Japa” syndrome.
Experts warn that the ongoing brain drain from this trend could lead to a loss of potential entrepreneurs and a critical shortage of skilled professionals. Moreover, according to the experts, employees are increasingly losing faith in the country’s economic prospects, with many determined to migrate despite incentives offered by employers to encourage them to stay.
Of late, the economic policies of the recent administrations have led to hyper inflation and wiped out most paid workers’ purchasing power, making more people willing to look for better opportunities abroad.
Recently, the Oyo State Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Chairman, Dr Happy Adedapo, appealed to the governments to incentivise health workers and doctors to reduce ‘japa’ syndrome in Nigeria.
In an interview with the newsmen in Ibadan, he remarked that the ‘Japa’ syndrome, one of the significant challenges faced by health workers in 2024, would be reduced to the barest minimum if doctors were made comfortable.
He said, “It’s not too much for the government to give car loans to doctors to encourage them and keep them in the system. The Japa syndrome should be reduced to the barest minimum.”
Also, many Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts have raised concerns that Nigeria’s economic progress could be significantly hindered by the ongoing exodus of tech talents seeking better opportunities abroad.
One of these experts, the chief executive officer of Agotech Solutions, Mr Wale Adedeji, called on the government to implement measures to curb this brain drain. He highlighted that one of the persistent challenges in the IT sector is the high cost of retaining talent. According to him, international companies increasingly recruit skilled professionals from Nigeria, drawn by the country’s reputation for producing exceptional tech talent.
To address this issue, Mr. Adedeji suggested a multi-faceted approach.
He emphasised the need for the government to establish and fund learning hubs where individuals can acquire in-demand skills.
He also proposed significant infrastructure investment to facilitate business ease.
According to him, creating a local version of Silicon Valley in Nigeria—with tech parks, free hotspot zones, and widespread internet access—would empower youths and tech enthusiasts, fostering innovation and reducing the allure of relocating abroad.
Data gathered showed that 56 percent of Nigerians have considered migrating from the country, marking a significant 20-percentage-point increase from the 2017 figure of 36 percent, according to a report by Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network.
“The share that says they have given ‘a lot’ of thought to the idea has tripled, from 11 percent to 33 percent,” the report stated.
The data shows this trend is particularly pronounced among the most educated citizens. Nigerians with post-secondary qualifications comprise 71 percent of those considering migration, while urban residents and youth represent 63 percent and 60 percent, respectively.
Afrobarometer attributes the desire for migration to seeking better opportunities, employment prospects, and relief from economic hardship.
“The most common reasons cited for potential emigration are finding work opportunities (42%) and escaping economic hardship or poverty (39%),” the report noted.
Preferred destinations for aspiring migrants include North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The report also highlights that two-thirds (66%) of unemployed Nigerians actively seeking work have considered leaving the country. Among those employed, 58% of full-time and 56 percent of part-time workers have expressed similar intentions.
Migration from Nigeria has surged in recent years. Between January and September 2023, 1,574,357 people left the country, bringing the total number of emigrants in the past two years to 3,679,496.
A separate survey by the African Polling Institute in 2022 found that 69 percent of Nigerians aged 18–35 would relocate if given the opportunity. This exodus has contributed to a significant brain drain, particularly in the health sector, as professionals leave for better working conditions abroad.
Experts said the government has failed to address underlying issues and implement effective measures to curb the ongoing emigration crisis. Beyond the brain drain, the migration wave has strained family ties and disrupted communities, according to the experts. Despite these challenges, the economic hardships, systemic failures, and other factors driving migration remain unresolved.
According to Banji Alimi, an HR expert, many of these migrants graduated from Nigerian universities, which are highly subsidised by the government. Those seeking greener abroad take years of training and skills acquired locally.
Chief executive officer of OLM Consulting, Joshua Coker, said the “japa syndrome” had triggered a significant shift in the labour market, transitioning it from employer-centric to employee-focused.
He attributed this wave of migration to poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, insecurity, and challenging economic realities.
Coker further noted that additional factors, such as the deteriorating state of the economy, the high cost of living, and human rights violations had also driven young Nigerians to seek better opportunities in developed countries.
He mentioned that he once read an article about a significant wave of Indian migration to countries like the United Kingdom and the United States during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. However, many of these individuals eventually returned to India, where they played a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s achievements in technology, medical sciences, and other fields.
Coker said that regarding relocation, India comes first, followed by Palestine and then Nigeria in the context of migration to the United Kingdom.
According to recent data, approximately 3,679,496 Nigerians have left the country in the past two years. The International Organisation for Migration estimates the Nigerian diaspora population to be around 17 million as of 2024.
Migration expert Charles Dickson observed that despite the arduous visa application processes, the dangers associated with some migration routes, and the often inhumane treatment Nigerians face abroad, the exodus continues unabated. He attributed this persistence to the resilience and tenacity of Nigerians, who endure significant hardships while holding onto the hope of a better future—something many feel is unattainable at home.
