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Nigerians’ spending on foreign education, healthcare and personal travels gulped over $98bn in 10 years, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria data.
The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, who made the disclosure while addressing the House of Representatives on Tuesday, was responding to an inquiry by the lawmakers on the factors behind the rapid depreciation of the naira in the last few weeks.
He spoke against the backdrop of the central bank’s battle to stabilise the exchange rate amid dollar shortage.
The lawmakers had invited Cardoso and other economic managers following last week’s plunge of the naira from about 900/dollar to over 1,400/dollar at the official market.
Members of the organised private sector and Nigerians have raised concerns over development, saying it would lead to more hardships and job losses.
However, speaking with the lawmakers, Cardoso argued that the foreign exchange market was facing increased demand pressures, causing a continuous decline in the value of the naira.
According to him, factors contributing to this situation include speculative forex demand, inadequate forex due to low remittance of crude oil earnings to the CBN, increased capital outflows, and excess liquidity from fiscal activities.
To address exchange rate volatility, he said a comprehensive strategy had been initiated to enhance liquidity in the FX markets.
This includes unifying FX market segments, clearing outstanding FX obligations, introducing new operational mechanisms for Bureau De Change operators, enforcing the Net Open Position limit for commercial banks, and adjusting the remunerable Standing Deposit Facility cap.
Cardoso revealed that between 201O and 2020, foreign education expenses amounted to a substantial $28.65bn, as per the CBN’S publicly available Balance of Payments Statistics.
Similarly, medical treatment abroad incurred around $11.01bn in costs during the same period. Within the same period, Personal Travel Allowances accounted for a total of $58.7bn.
Cumulatively, Nigerians spent about $98bn on foreign trips, medical tourism and overseas education, a figure the CBN governor said was more than the total foreign exchange reserves of the central bank.
Further compounding the situation, according to Cardoso has been the consistent decline in Nigeria’s export earnings against the backdrop of increasing imports.
In contextualising the problem, Cardoso pointed out that Nigeria’s annual imports, which require dollars for payment, amounted to $16.65bn in 1980.
By 2014, the annual imports had significantly surged to $67.05bn, although it gradually decreased to $54.71bn as of last year.
Similarly, food imports escalated from $2.63bn in 1980 to $14.84bn in 2019.
Cardoso said, “In 1980, our import expenditure stood at $16.65bn, while our exports amounted to $25.97bn, resulting in a surplus of $9.32bn. Thus, during that year, we managed to fulfil the demand for dollars from our existing supply and still had over $9bn in surplus. In such a situation, the exchange rate (the value of the US Dollar) would not increase because, similar to any commodity, its supply surpassed its demand.”
Also contributing to the free fall of the naira, per the apex bank, has been a significant decline in Nigeria’s oil revenues.
“Moreover, from 2003 to 2013, we experienced a surplus of $331.73bn in the economy, with oil exports alone contributing over $798bn. This surplus of dollars would typically stabilize the exchange rate, leading to a “strong” naira.
“ Regrettably, over the past 12 years, oil exports, constituting over 90 per cent of our foreign exchange earnings, have declined from $93.89bn in 2011 to US$31.4bn in 2020,” Cardoso added, while noting that monetary policy actions were sometimes inhibited by transmission lags.
“It also seems that the task of stabilising the exchange rate, while an official mandate of the CBN, would necessitate efforts beyond the bank itself and indeed to an attitudinal change of all our citizens,” he added.
Cardoso expressed optimism that that the policy measures implemented by the apex bank would permeate the economy in the short to medium-term.
“Inflation pressures may persist, albeit temporarily, but are expected to moderate significantly by Q4 2024. Exchange rate pressures are also expected to reduce with the smooth functioning of the foreign exchange market,” he said.
Foreign products
According to the CBN governor, one of the primary reasons the naira has continued to take a beating on the international stage has been Nigerians’ appetite for all things foreign.
For example, a new report by the Washington-based Institute of International Education showed that the number of Nigerians studying in the United States surged to the highest in at least 23 years despite an acute shortage of foreign exchange in the country.
According to the report, the number of Nigerian students at US colleges and universities grew by 22.2 per cent to 17,640 in the 2022/23 academic year from 14,438 in the previous year.
A further analysis of the report revealed that the number of Nigerians grew at a faster pace compared to last year which rose by 12.3 per cent.
This year’s increase for the country is also the fifth highest out of the top 25 international students in the US.
According to UNESCO’s Institute of Statistics, the number of Nigerian students abroad increased from less than 15,000 in 1998 to over 71,00O0 in 2015. By 2018, the figure had reached 96,702 students, as per the World Bank.
Another report projects the number of Nigerian students studying abroad to exceed 100,000 by 2022. Additionally, the UK’s Higher Education Statistic Agency noted a 64 per cent increase in Nigerian students studying in the country.
In the same vein, a study by the Independent Research Centre Trust stated that Nigerians spend at least $1.5bn on medical tourism annually.
The Head of the Centre, Prof. Jamilu Ismail while speaking on the matter said there was an urgent need to tackle the twin menace of medical tourism and brain-drain in Nigeria’s health sector.
Jamilu said, “Currently, medical tourism is a big business and Nigeria is losing a lot to medical tourism. Some studies have shown that Nigerians spend between $1.5bn to $2bn annually on medical tourism, especially for heart diseases, kidney diseases, cancer, and other diseases as well.
“So, because of that, we have challenges in our hospital settings, maybe due to lack of equipment, and currently we are also having an issue where a lot of our specialists and doctors are leaving the country. Because of that, we felt it an opportunity that if we can provide these services we can curtail that medical tourism.”
According to recent data from CBN’s Balance of Payment compilation spanning the first six months of 2023, Nigerians spent $245.68m on overseas health-related issues, $896.09m on foreign education, and $434.63m on other personal foreign needs.
The apex bank, in an explanatory note titled, Note D, defined Balance of Payments as “a systematic record of economic and financial transactions for a given period between residents of an economy and non-residents.”
Reacting to the development, National Vice Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Unions, Dr Obinna Ogbonna, blamed a lack of confidence in the nation’s health sector for the hefty expenditure on medical tourism.
But while addressing the National Assembly, the CBN governor explained that the exchange rate is determined by the dynamics of supply and demand for a product or service.
In essence, similar to the pricing of cows or cars, the value of the US dollar in Nigeria is determined by the balance of US Dollars entering the country and the demand for US Dollars among Nigerians.
Cardoso’s argument hinged on the fact that a major reason the naira had become weakened over the years was the growing distaste for locally manufactured goods.
He said, “In 1980, more than 75 per cent of the vehicles used in Nigería were domestically produced by companies like Volkswagen in Lagos, Peugeot in Kaduna, and others.
“Presently, over 99 per cent of the cars driven are imported, necessitating dollar payments. Similarly, in 1980, the majority of the clothing worn was sourced from Nigerian textile mills in Funtua, Asaba, Kano, Lagos, and various other towns and cities. Today, nearly all the clothing worn is made from imported fabrics. Given the substantial demand for education, healthcare, professional services, personal travel, and similar needs, the exchange rate is bound to face ongoing pressure.”
Bagudu speaks
Meanwhile, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has said that the economy is now better than the state President Bola Tinubu met it when he assumed office in May 2023.
He said, “The challenges of the moment are being dealt with. We have been meeting with the Coordinating Minister of the Economy to address the issues affecting the nation’s economy. The key focus of the budget is on agriculture, security and infrastructure. The allocation of 39 per cent of the budget is a step in the right direction. For now, our focus is to improve on our revenue collection strategies.”
House pledges commitment
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has pledged its readiness to confront the stark realities of the economic, fiscal, and revenue challenges currently confronting Nigeria.
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the debate series in the absence of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen at the resumption of plenary, pledged on Tuesday on the Floor of the Green Chamber.
He said, “As we gather in this sectoral debate with the Central Bank Governor, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, and the Minister of Finance, it is imperative to recognise the urgency and importance of the agenda before us.
“We must also confront the stark realities of the economic, fiscal, and revenue challenges that our beloved nation, Nigeria, is currently facing.”
He added, “In a world of complexities and uncertainties, the path to fiscal integrity is not just a choice but a necessity. It is the bedrock upon which the trust between the government and its people is built and the foundation that supports the robust architecture of our national economy.
“Fiscal integrity ensures transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of our nation’s resources. It is our duty and responsibility to safeguard this, not just for the present generation but for the future ones that will inherit the outcomes of our decisions today.”
Edun comments
On his part, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, assured Nigerians that current challenges would soon give way to a reinvigorated economy owing to the reforms being implemented by the Federal Government.
“We are where we are today as a result of a series of economic policies over the years. Inflation has increased and the cost of living has gone up but palliatives have been rolled out. Oil production has steadily increased as a result of improved security in oil-producing areas and a sustained fight against oil bunkering and other criminalities in the areas. Today, the country is producing about 1.65mpb a day and it is rising. We have to focus on domestic resource mobilization to address our challenges,” he said.
He further said that inflation, exchange rate fluctuations and other factors were being addressed while agriculture was receiving attention for maximum production coupled with an emphasis on the non-oil sector for economic diversification.
On his part, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zaach Adedeji, said the agency was committed to its mandate of collecting revenue on behalf government.
Adedeji noted that though the FIRS targeted the sum of N10tn in 2023, it was able to collect a total of N12tn; a disclosure that left the lawmakers impressed.
“In 2024, our target is N19.2tn. We are not going to introduce new taxes but we are determined to bring more Nigerians into the tax net,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, while announcing the postponement of the interface between the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions and the economic managers on Tuesday, said it would now hold on Friday.
Abiru told journalists that the planned interface with Cardoso, was shifted to Friday since Wednesday and Thursday had been slated for the grilling of the service chiefs by the Senate.
The Senate had by its resolution on Tuesday last week, summoned the service chiefs to appear before it in plenary for required explanations on the worsening security situation in the country.
The chairman of the committee, Abiru said, “After waiting for close to two hours for the CBN governor on the planned interface, we have resolved to postpone it to Friday this week by 9 am.
“Postponement of the interface between our committee and the CBN governor arose from the fact that he and other managers of the nation’s economy had been interfacing with our colleagues in the House of Representatives since morning without knowing when exactly, the session would end.
“We would have fixed Wednesday or Thursday this week as a new day for the interface but the Senate has fixed the two days for critical and constructive engagement with the service chiefs. This made us eventually settle for Friday this week for interface with the CBN governor by 9 am prompt. Communication to this effect would be forwarded to the CBN Governor today (Tuesday) and possibly other government officials managing the economy.”
Private sector
Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gabriel Idahosa, said that unless Nigerians jettisoned the flair for foreign-made products, the campaign to save the naira from the doldrums would continue to be a mirage.
Idahosa also blamed the government for lacking the foresight to create a robust manufacturing industry with oil revenues, especially because global trends suggest that oil earnings would continue to decline in the coming years.
Idahosa said, “It is a matter of choice. The CBN Governor is not telling us anything new. If we want the naira to rebound, we have to make our children study in Nigeria, we have to eat Nigerian food.
“We have to spend our holidays in Nigeria, we have to build and strengthen our currency like China did for 25 years. They locked their borders. They used the kind of cars they could produce. They ate whatever food they could produce. They built a strong economy by being disciplined.”
On her part, the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, said exporters could not be held accountable for declining export revenues because the government had failed to provide the enabling environment for Nigerian exporters to compete with their international counterparts.
She said access to funding especially single digit to make manufacturers compete favourably on a global scale had remained a perennial bottleneck for exporters.
She said, “Difficultly accessing forex, high cost of production and challenges with getting Export Expansion Grant (EEG) incentives are top challenges for my members.
“There is a need for govt to support non-oil export more as not only do we create jobs when we export, we help improve the balance of trade, reduce pressures on forex when we repatriate our funds back and put proudly made in Nigeria goods on the global markets.
“Govt support and partnership are critical for this sector, especially in today’s economy and I know that both the Coordinating Minister of Economy/Minister of Finance and Minister of Industry Trade and Investment are very keen to support non-oil exports.”
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The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, on Tuesday, stepped down a motion asking for the suspension of former Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo for 14 legislative days.
The motion was moved by the member representing Abeokuta North State Constituency, Dr Babatunde Tella, and co-sponsored by five other lawmakers.
The PUNCH reports that the former Speaker was last month removed by 18 out of 26 lawmakers over allegations bordering on financial misappropriation, high-handedness, gross misconduct, arrogance, poor leadership style, lack of focus and transparency, and pitting members against one another.
Oluomo, however, described his removal as illegal, saying that he had instituted a suit at the state high court to challenge his impeachment.
Ruling on the motion after it was debated by all the other co-sponsors, Elemide pleaded with his colleagues to consider the efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in conjunction with the legislature in turning around the state for the better.
The Speaker explained that although Oluomo violated the regulations of the House, the present leadership would be magnanimous in always upholding the sanity of the institution, being the symbol of democracy.
Earlier, Tella, who is also the Assembly’s Deputy Chief Whip, opened the debate on the motion and condemned Oluomo.
“Note that by taking this House to the court of law, he had shown a clear manifestation of an unfriendly disposition and disregard for the laws and statutes guiding the operations of this House,” he said.
The Assembly later observed a minute silence in honour of the late artist and cultural icon, Pa Jimi Solanke, who passed away on Monday at age 81 years.
Alleged N80bn Fraud: Kogi Accuses EFCC Of Political Vendetta As EFCC Includes Ex-Gov Bello In Charges
AdminKogi State Government has raised the alarm over what it described as a desperate attempt by ‘criminals masquerading as politicians’ to tarnish the image of the immediate past governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, wondered why the EFCC had, in an amended charge, accused the former governor of diverting Kogi State government’s funds in September 2015, four months before he assumed the position of a governor.
Fanwo said this was not only laughable but also portrayed the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagreed with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, said: “The fact that the EFCC, in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022: FRN V. 1. Ali Bello 2. Dauda Suleiman, currently pending before Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division further amended the ‘Amended Charge’ to include in the count, the name of Yahaya Bello, describing him as being “at large”, is ridiculous, laughable and portrays the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria.
“Being ‘at large’ of course means that a person is evading arrest or is on the run and cannot be found after an attempt to arrest. For the sake of clarity, the original charge is against Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, Ali’s associate.
”The offence which Yahaya Bello is alleged to have committed upon which he has been named in the count is conspiracy to convert the total sum of N80,246,470,089.88 which offence is said to have occurred on or about September 2015 in Abuja.
”His co-conspirators according to the count are Abdulsalami Hudu (Kogi State Government House cashier) described as being ‘at large’ too, Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman.
“In the EFCC’s desperation to nail Yahaya Bello, they forgot their thinking hammer at home. The Count of the offence is most laughable as the election that produced Yahaya Bello, as Governor of Kogi was only conducted in November 2015.”
The Ogun State Government has commenced ratification of properties on portions of land formerly acquired by Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
The Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Arch. Segun Fowora, stated this while fielding questions from journalists in Abeokuta, saying there was opportunity to get title documents for such land through the state’s Property Registration Programme (PRP) under the Ogun State Land Administration and Revenue Management System (OLARMS) website www.olarms.ogunstate.gov.ng, to create a roadmap that would allow government to properly plan for development.
“Presently, PRP is offering ratification in communities in Ifo Local Government Area of the state which include, Igbusi, Fagbayi, Ogan, Abule Oke, Abata, Pakoto, Ojusango, among others’’
“PRP is still offering services in areas such as, Ikereku-olokuta, Ijeun Lukosi, Laderin, Abule-oko, Agunreti, in Abeokuta South and Obafemi Owode Local Government Areas (LGAs); Asese, Mowe, Orimerunmu, Makogi, Sefiu Sote, Olowotedo, Magboro Akeran, Ibafo, in Obafemi/Owode and Ifo LGAs; Aiyetoro, Lukosi, Seidu, Ogijo, ilara, Aguntoye Villages, Shimawa, Emagbon, Konigbagbe, in Sagamu L.G.A and Ilaro township in Yewa South LGA”.
“This programme will enable owners of dwelling houses and commercial properties to register their assets and obtain necessary building permits at 50 precent discount within a fixed time frame”, he said.
Arch. Fowora, according to the Press Officers, BLS, Ms. Temitope Adewunmi & Mrs. Bisi Fabajo, disclosed that the assessment of properties would commence on Monday, February 5, 2024, urging beneficiaries to purchase forms at designated centres within their communities and follow necessary procedures, while officials would be at the sites at 10.00am daily to register them.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending the insecurity plaguing the country.
The President stated this when he inducted two T129 Attack Combat Helicopters and one King Air Beechcraft 360ER mobility aircraft for use by the Nigerian Air Force.
Represented by his Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the acquisition of the helicopters and the induction symbolised the commitment of his administration to the nation’s security.
The induction ceremony held at the 131 Engineering Group Hanger, Nigeria Air Force Base, Makurdi.
The President said that the acquisition and induction of the new platforms would improve NAF’s airpower in the ongoing war against terrorism.
He acknowledged that since its establishment in 1964, “NAF has been playing a critical role in the nation’s security, international operations and humanitarian needs.”
“Let me commend the Chief of Air Staff, officers and men for their commitment to enhancing national security. I assure you that the Tinubu administration will continue to support NAF and indeed, the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards combating terrorism, oil theft and other criminal activities.”
The President said substantial progress had been achieved in the ongoing counterterrorism efforts but noted that there should be no cause for celebration yet until the security challenges were fully addressed.
He called for a change in mindset, strategy and tactics in addressing the menace.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said that NAF had taken delivery of no fewer than seven aircraft.
He listed the new aircraft to include two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER.
He added that the NAF would induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months.
He said the air force has 170 pilots and 533 technicians and they were undergoing training locally and internationally.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, expressed gratitude to the President for his foresight and dogged support for the armed forces.
He said the induction of the newly-acquired aircraft was a testimony to Tinubu’s resolve to tackle insecurity in the country while urging the air force to make the best use of the newly acquired aircraft.
Experts at the event said that the T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries in partnership with Leonardo SPA.
The helicopter, it is understood, is designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.
Highlights of the event were the signing of the handing over documents and aerial display by the T129 Attack Combat Helicopter.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has appealed to states and local government councils across the country to cut taxes imposed on telecom companies, asserting that excessive taxation will be counterproductive to the growth of the industry.
The Federal Government in its 2024-2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper said it would implement a five per cent excise duty on telecommunication services to boost its revenue base.
The NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Wada Maida, lamented that with between 50 to 55 per cent taxes already imposed on telecom operators, it would be difficult to attract foreign investments into the sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the NCC.
According to Maida, the NCC management has decided to embark on nationwide advocacy to appeal to states and local governments as well as other stakeholders on the need to reduce levies they impose on the operators, especially the Right of Way charges and other multiple taxes.
Maida made the remarks on Tuesday at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.
He said, “We are going to be going on an advocacy campaign to see how we can convince the states to remove some of these obstacles like Right of Way and multiple taxations because I have seen some studies which indicate taxation is almost 50% getting to 55% in some areas in this country.
“And you would agree with me that if we are trying to bring in foreign investment that is not a good picture to paint,” the NCC boss said.
He appealed to states to consider the long-term benefits that would come to them if they allowed massive investments in the sector as job opportunities would be created alongside other value chains in the sector.
He also disclosed that the dispute between the two telecom giants, MTN Nigeria and Globacom Network would be resolved amicably soon as the commission was more interested in a level-playing field for all stakeholders.
He said the commission had developed a strategic vision based on five pillars to drive the telecom industry and ensure that it continued to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product of the country as expected.
The EVC acknowledged the challenges associated with the quality of services from Mobile Network Operators and Internet Services Providers, saying the commission would adopt “a total consumer experience” to address the challenges.
He also advised consumers complaining about data depletion to look inward as most of the problems had to do with the types of handsets they are using coupled with the services available and the digital services they enjoyed without considering cost implications.
Wada said, “Our approach will thus be to walk towards the expectations of these stakeholders, and everything for me starts with the consumer and the expectation of the consumer is very simple – quality of service.
“I don’t think you can say anything more than that. Quality of service and this quality of service, we are talking about a total consumer experience not just about drop calls or I can’t make a call.”
He added, “There is a total quality of experience right from how do you find and select the right network to use, how do you onboard onto that network talking about SIM registration process, process of linking your SIM to your NIN and of course after you have gone through all of that when you are using it, how easy is it for you to select a tariff, how transparent is the tariff, how are you supported by the entire host, how do you onboard from the network, these are important.”
In a heartwarming display of generosity, the Worship for Change Foundation, a non-profitorganisation, has donated a total sum of ₦33 million to four schools dedicated to caring for children with disabilities.
The donation, presented on February 6th, 2024 at a ceremony in Lagos, aims to empower these institutions and provide much-needed support to the underprivileges.
Each of the four beneficiary schools – Joy in Africa Foundation (Asaba), Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation (Lagos), Seedo Initiative for Children with Special Needs (Abuja), and To Omo Re Centre for Special Empowerment (Ilorin) – received ₦8.25 million each.
The funds were raised through the Green Worship Benefit concert, a star-studded event held on October 2nd, 2023, featuring renowned Nigerian gospel artists Nathaniel Bassey, Tope Alabi, Cobhams Asuquo, and Waje.
Worship for Change has so far been able to raise over N120m for 38 charities caring for thousands of orphans and children with special needs in Nigeria.
Wale Adenuga, Chief Responsibility Officer of Worship for Change and a gospel artist, emphasised the organisation's unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable children.
"Since 2004, I've been driven to use my platform to help indigent children, especially children with special needs," he shared. "As we know, the special children's needs are barely cared for and catered for in our present-day society. These children are special, and God cares deeply for them."
Adenuga while using the opportunity to appreciate the individuals and corporate donors from Nigeria and all over the world for their contribution towards the success of the initiative, while thanking the planning team for their commitment to seeing that life is better for special children across Nigeria.
Emphasising transparency and accountability, Mr Adenuga assured the stakeholders of continued monitoring to ensure the funds are utilised effectively. "We will follow up closely to verify that the money is used as intended, addressing the specific needs outlined by each school," he stated.
The donation ceremony resonated with raw emotions from the founders of the benefiting schools.
Mrs Kawan Aondofa-Anjira, the founder of the Seedo Initiative, tearfully recounted the heartbreaking experiences of raising her first two children with cerebral palsy, highlighting the societal stigma and discrimination they faced.
"They were considered 'spirits', 'undeserving of life'," she lamented, recalling the cruel suggestions she received from supposed Christians. "Fueled by this experience, my husband and I established a haven for mothers in similar situations, offering therapy and support for their children.", she says
Tobiloba Ajayi, founder of Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation and herself living with the condition, echoed Mrs. Aondofa-Anjira's sentiment.
"My parents were told to abandon me as they already had 'normal' children," she shared. "Growing up, I realised society deemed children like me unworthy, even denying them education despite our parents' efforts."
The heartfelt testimonies resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring these schools' critical role in nurturing and empowering children with special needs. Rev. Samuel Abiodun Ajayi, a beneficiary representing To Omo Re Centre, expressed immense gratitude for the timely support. "This donation is a godsend," he exclaimed. "We were facing numerous challenges, and this will make a significant difference."
Worship For Change 1: l-r: Trustee, Worship for Change Foundation, Gboyega Aboderin; Founder, Joy in Africa Foundation, Asaba, Joy Okonjor; Her Husband, Henry Okonjor, Founder, To Omo Re Centre for Special Empowerment, Sam Ajayi; Chief Responsibility Officer, The Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation, Tobiloba Ajayi; Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer, Worship for Change, Wale Adenuga; and President, The Seedoo Initiative for Children with Special Needs, Kawan Aondofa-Anjira; during the presentation of cheques totaling N33m to 4 Foundations catering for special needs by Worship for Change Foundation in Lagos on Tuesday.
Worship for Change 2: l-r: Founder, Joy in Africa Foundation, Asaba, Joy Okonjor; Founder, To Omo Re Centre for Special Empowerment, Sam Ajayi; President, The Seedoo Initiative for Children with Special Needs, Kawan Aondofa-Anjira; Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer, Worship for Change, Wale Adenuga; and Chief Responsibility Officer, The Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation, Tobiloba Ajayi; during the presentation of cheques totaling N33m to 4 Foundations catering for special needs by Worship for Change Foundation in Lagos on Tuesday.
Worship for Change 3: l-r: Founder, Joy in Africa Foundation, Asaba, Joy Okonjor; Founder, To Omo Re Centre for Special Empowerment, Sam Ajayi; Chief Responsibility Officer, The Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation, Tobiloba Ajayi; Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer, Worship for Change, Wale Adenuga; and President, The Seedoo Initiative for Children with Special Needs, Kawan Aondofa-Anjira; during the presentation of cheques totaling N33m to 4 Foundations catering for special needs by Worship for Change Foundation in Lagos on Tuesday.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Olayemi Cardoso has attributed the recent increase in the dollar exchange rate to the rise in Nigerian students who study abroad, as well foreign medical trips embarked on by Nigerians.
Cardoso spoke at the sectoral debate put together by the House of Representatives on Tuesday in Abuja.
The apex bank’s boss said the high cost of living remains a concern, adding that the CBN was working to bring lasting solutions, and bring down the inflation to 21.4 per cent through improved agricultural productivity.
“Volume on transactions on our market was over 800 million dollars. The cost of living remains a concern. The urgency of the matter is not lost on us. We are working to bring lasting solutions. CBN worked at bringing down Inflation to 21.4 percent aided by improved agricultural productivity.
“To address exchange rate volatility we will improve liquidity. These come with economic costs, which are temporary.
“There’s increasing demand for dollars with an increase in Nigerian students studying abroad, projected to have exceeded 100,000 by 2022. Given this data, 28.6bn dollars, education and medical tourism are also leading to increasing demand for dollars,” he added.
Super Eagles forward and Napoli hitman, Victor Osimhen has been declared fit to feature in the crucial semi final match against arch rivals, Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday.
News coming from the Super Eagles camp suggested that Osimhen is currently on his way to Bouake to meet up with the team after being cleared by the Team Doctors.
The Nigeria Super Eagles are scheduled to meet the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday in Bouake, 6pm Nigerian time.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Egyptian referee Amin Omar for Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final encounter between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said Omar’s compatriots, Mahmoud Abouelregal and Ahmed Ibrahim, would play the roles of assistant referee 1 and assistant referee 2, while Sudanese Mahmood Ismail would serve as the fourth official.
Olajire said that Attia Amsaaed from Libya will be the reserve assistant referee, with Yacoub Elmi from Djibouti as commissioner and Aboubacar Doumbouya from Guinea as referee assessor.
“Three-time champions Nigeria and 1996 champions South Africa face off in their second-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash at the Stade de la Paix.
“Their only previous meeting at the same stage, at the National Stadium in Lagos, when Nigeria co-hosted the 2000 finals with Ghana, ended 2-0 in favour of Nigeria.
“Wednesday’s clash is being billed as the more potentially explosive of the two semi-finals; hosts Cote d’Ivoire will be up against the Democratic Republic of Congo, given the pedigree, rivalry, and ambition of the two teams,” he said.
The Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar says that the Presidency has failed to present a convincing justification for what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s failure to address Nigeria’s economic difficulties.
Naija News reports that the former vice-president, who was responding to Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused him of carving out a position as the “opposition-in-chief” to the President and the current government, said that the presidential aide showed a lack of awareness of the events going on around him.
Onanuga had claimed that Atiku took on the new position after failing to realize his lifelong aim of controlling Nigeria.
However, the former vice-president argued that throughout the 2023 presidential campaign, he gave better policy options than Tinubu’s “morbid prescriptions.”
A statement by Atiku’s spokesperson Paul Ibe read, “The Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, failed to provide a credible defence of Bola Tinubu’s failures in tackling the economic challenges facing the country.
“In his characteristic manner, he resorts to insults and name-calling. He demonstrates ignorance of the happenings around him – as he denies, for example, that Bola Tinubu’s policies are creating excruciating pain and causing despair. We wish to respond to him as follows.
“Point 1: Did Atiku Abubakar offer any better policy options in his run for the presidency?
“Yes, he did. His living prescriptions contrast sharply with Bola Tinubu’s morbid policies. Atiku’s policy document, My Covenant With Nigerians, offers a clearly defined and robust roadmap for the socio-political and economic transformation of Nigeria. On the economy, the policy document outlines the challenges we face and our vision to get the economy on its feet and create prosperity. If Bayo desires, he can have a copy for free!
“Point 2: That all the major presidential candidates supported the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS.
“But so, what? Even if all the major candidates agreed that the fuel subsidy regime must end and that the multiple exchange rates must be fixed, this would not translate into endorsing Bola Tinubu’s failures in implementation. The truth is that unlike Atiku, Bola Tinubu did not understand the reforms he embarked upon and had no idea what steps to take to mitigate their negative impact.
“As a leader with foresight, Atiku anticipated that the withdrawal of subsidy and the unification of exchange rates could, in the absence of fundamental interventions, impact negatively on micro and small enterprises in the informal sector. He anticipated that such policies could elevate the levels of vulnerability and deprivation of poor families. including the youth and adults with no income.
“The former Vice President, therefore, pledged to support Nigeria’s businesses by creating an Economic Stimulus Fund with an initial investment capacity of approximately US$10 billion to prioritize support to MSMEs across all the economic sectors, as they offer the greatest opportunities for achieving inclusive growth. The Fund was designed to make it easier for Nigeria’s 60 million micro and small enterprises to navigate the stormy seas in the aftermath of the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS.
“In contrast, Bola Tinubu offered a paltry N125 billion to help the MSMEs, which at today’s exchange rate is no more than US100 million. Of course, Bayo Onanuga is aware that the pledge is yet to be redeemed by the president.
“Atiku also pledged to implement a robust social investment programme to support the poor and vulnerable with CCTs. Atiku’s support to the poor and vulnerable would include prioritized actions to address the challenges of displacement and the sufferings of IDPs across the country.
“In contrast, the funds for Tinubu’s CCT were cornered by his officials in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
“Alongside the Economic Stimulus Fund, Atiku pledged to launch a uniquely designed skills-to-job programme that would target all categories of youth, including graduates, early school leavers as well as the massive numbers of uneducated youth who are currently not in education, employment, or training.
“As a leader of vision, Atiku was ready for the potential fallout of his policies. Bola Tinubu was clearly not ready. It was only after he unleashed his morbid reforms that he started groping in the dark, looking for solutions. We all recall that in October 2023, the Financial Times of London rebuked Bola Tinubu for announcing plans without ideas for how to implement them.
“Point 3: Is the private sector not overburdened by Bola Tinubu’s failure to address the aftermath of his policies?
“Would Bayo Onanuga deny that Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Procter & Gamble (P&G), Sanofi-Aventi Nigeria, Bolt Food, Equinor etc had exited Nigeria citing reasons including foreign exchange complexities, security concerns, and high operational costs? Bayo Onanuga must be living in a dream world outside the shores of Nigeria.
“Point 4: Is Bayo denying that cost-of-living pressures have intensified since May 2023?
“He needs to read the official statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics: The annual inflation rate reached a nearly 30-year high of 28.9% in December 2023, up from 28.2% in November.
“Would Bayo Onanuga deny that food prices, which constitute a significant portion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket, soared to 33.9% in December, the highest level since August 2005? Would he also deny that in many states of the federation, citizens have blocked roads in protest? Just yesterday morning (Monday, February 5), it was reported that hundreds of residents of Minna in Niger State blocked major roads to protest hunger and the high cost of living in the country. Only failed leaders play the ostrich and live in self-denial.
“Point 5: The Presidency’s response is full of lamentations and resorts to blame game. It is a familiar road travelled by the ruling party!
“It has become fashionable for every APC-led government to blame others, especially the opposition and external factors for Nigeria’s economic woes. Now, Tinubu is elevating the blame game to the NEXT LEVEL as he accuses his own party of lacklustre performance.
“The evidence, however, is overwhelming. Tinubu’s under-performance is largely attributable to leadership failures in the management of the economy. The failure of leadership by the APC-led government is staring every Nigerian in the face as the country’s economic, social, political, and security challenges persist and assume frightening dimensions. An unprepared leadership such as Bola Tinubu’s fails to anticipate impending crisis and is always slow to react.”
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Canada remains one of the top choices for international students seeking higher education opportunities.
However, prospective students should take note of some new regulations for the 2024 student visa.
The Canadian government has introduced updates to the study permit, and if you are considering studying in Canada, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes.
The updated regulations also impact the criteria for obtaining the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Below are some of the new 2024 rules for international students intending to study in Canada:
1. Updated cost-of-living requirements for students: From January 1, 2024, international students must demonstrate they have at least $20,635 (previously $10,000) to cover living expenses (requirements differ for students relocating to Quebec).
2. Changes to Spousal Open Work Permit eligibility: Only spouses of international students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, and professional programs will qualify for open work permits.
3. Longer PGWPs for master’s graduates: Soon, students completing master’s programs in Canada will be eligible for three-year PGWPs.
4. Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria: Beginning September 1, 2024, foreign students commencing study programs in private colleges delivering licensed curriculum will not qualify for PGWPs.
5. Temporary federal cap on international student intake: Anticipated to decrease by 35% from 2023, the number of study permits approved in 2024 is expected to be 360,000. The cap for 2025 will be determined by the end of 2024.
In 2024, around 360,000 new study permits are anticipated to be granted to international students, marking a 35 percent decline from 2023. The cap for 2025 will be established by year-end.
Each province and territory will also impose a cap on the enrollment of new international students in undergraduate programs.
Provinces experiencing the most unsustainable growth in international student numbers will face more significant reductions in their study permit allocations. For instance, Ontario is expected to undergo a 50 percent reduction in study permit approvals.
Reasons for Canada Enforcing International Student Cap
In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of study permits issued by the Canadian government.
Unfortunately, the infrastructure necessary to accommodate this surge of international students has not kept pace, leading to strain on housing and healthcare systems.
Furthermore, certain private institutions have been admitting more international students primarily to boost revenue, often neglecting to enhance admission and curriculum standards.
The introduction of the new study permit cap aims to provide the Canadian government with time to establish a Trusted Institutions Framework.
This framework will encourage Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to maintain high educational standards and weed out subpar practices in the education sector.
Implementing such measures will ensure that international students arriving in Canada receive the necessary support to excel academically and in other facets of life.
How does the international student cap impact study permit applicants?
If you are an international student, you might worry about how this new cap could impact your ability to qualify for a Canadian study permit.
The international student cap is anticipated to impact study permit applicants in several ways:
1. Increased competition: With fewer study permits being approved, admission into Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) is expected to become more competitive. Applicants may face heightened competition for available slots.
2. Impact on undergraduate programs: Applicants enrolling in undergraduate programs, such as bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, or certificates, may find it more challenging to qualify for a study permit due to the reduced number of permits issued.
3. Unaffected master’s and doctoral programs: Applicants applying to master’s or doctoral programs in Canada may see minimal impact on their chances of obtaining a study permit. These programs may remain relatively unaffected by the cap.
4. Greater competition in specific provinces: Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia are expected to experience more significant reductions in study permit allocations. As a result, students interested in studying in these provinces may face intensified competition for study permits.
Overall, the international student cap is likely to make the process of obtaining study permits more competitive, particularly for undergraduate program applicants and those interested in studying in provinces experiencing sharper cuts in permit allocations.
[NaijaNews]
Amid the rising wave of insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), some police officers have been arrested for forcefully collecting N29.9m from a resident of Abuja.
The incident, according to Harrison Gwamnishu, a candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, happened in January.
Gwamnishu had in a video via his X account alleged that the businessman was kidnapped in Abuja by the police officers who detained him until he transferred all the money in his bank account to them.
They thereafter insisted he should call all his relatives and friends to keep sending money before he could be freed.
He also alleged that the man was taken away from his site without any proper complaint against him, adding that he was not asked to write a formal statement by the police officers.
Receipts of the transactions were shared alongside the video.
Quoting the post on Tuesday, the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while confirming the arrest of some of the culprits, disclosed that the force had made progressive steps towards ensuring justice was served in the case.
“We are making a headway on this matter, and justice will be served, as some suspects have been arrested. Hakuna matata,” he wrote.
The development comes after the Anambra State Police Command declared one of the officers in its command, Inspector Audu Omadefu, wanted over alleged murder.
Ikenga Tochukwu, the command’s public relations officer disclosed this in a press release on Tuesday.
The police spokesperson said the fleeing operative Omadefu can be recognised by his service number AP No. 362178.
According to Tochukwu, the inspector disappeared into thin air following the accusation of murder against him.
The police called upon the public to assist in locating Omadefu, assuring that any information provided will be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality.
[DailyTrust]
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has sacked the Vice Chancellor, VC, of Plateau State University, Professor Bernard Matau.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Samuel Jatau, confirmed the development on Tuesday.
Matau became the Vice Chancellor of the state university while serving as the state Commissioner for Higher Education in the last administration led by former Governor Simon Lalong.
The VC, who is yet to complete his tenure, was ousted from office alongside four other heads of tertiary institutions in the state, including the Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; Provost, College of Health Technology, Pankshin; Provost, College of Health Technology, Zawan as well as the Provost, College of Education, Gindiri.
Parts of the statement read: “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau state, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Plateau State University, Bokkos with immediate effect.
“Similarly, the governor has also approved the removal of the following heads of tertiary institutions: Plateau State University, Bokkos; Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; College of Education, Gindiri; College of Health Technology, Zawan and College of Health Technology, Pankshin”.
The statement, which did not provide any reason for the sack of the officials, said all the affected should hand over any government property in their possession to the next most senior officers in the institutions immediately.
“The governor has also approved the cancellation of recruitment earlier conducted by tertiary institutions in 2022 and early 2023 that have been under suspension.
“Consequently, applications for an all-inclusive recruitment for all tertiary institutions would be advertised,” the statement added.
According to the statement, the governor thanked the chairman and members of the Governing Council for the services rendered in the state and wished them success in their future endeavors.
[DailyPost]
Veteran singer and social activist, Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy, has said that he engaged in scamming before 419 became popular in Nigeria.
Advance fee fraud or “419 fraud”, is a scheme in which a sender requests help facilitating the illegal transfer of money, according to Wikipedia.
The scam typically involves promising the victim a significant share of a large sum of money, in return for a small up-front payment, which the fraudster claims will be used to obtain the large sum.
If a victim makes the payment, the fraudster either invents a series of further fees for the victim to pay or simply disappears.
Speaking in the latest episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, co-hosted by actor, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, aka Nedu, Charley Boy said he engaged in scamming banks before 419 became popular.
He also revealed that his dad, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, damaged him through religion.
“I spoil from belle because at 16, I don born. My first son is almost 53. I was scamming banks even before una begin hear of 419, I don do small. My papa, when I dey small he damage me with religion and religiousity,” he said.
Charly Boy had in August 2022 argued that marriage is a lifetime sentence
However, in an interview with Saturday Beats, the ‘Area Fada’ said, “Some people are asking me how I have managed to stay in marriage for 45 years. It is hard work. It is not that it has entirely been a sweet experience for me. My marriage is not perfect but we are a perfect match made in heaven.
“Young people usually believe that love is all they need to marry. That is a big lie. That was what I was trying to say (in my post on social media). When I talk, people should think deeper. I have been married for 45 years. What remains again? I can as well finish 10 or 20 more years because it is a life sentence.”
[Punch]