AccessNews Magazine - February 2023 Edition

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The tractor density in Nigeria is reported to be 6.8 per 100 square kilometers of land, well below the FAO’s recommendation of 200 tractors per 100 square kilometers. NIRSAL’s collaboration with National Agency for Science & Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Machine and Equipment Corporation Africa Limited (MECA) to recover, refurbish and redeploy moribund tractors back into farms is part of our efforts to bridge the gap.

Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari inspected some of the refurbished tractors at NASENI’s Agric Machinery & Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) in Lafia. t @nirsalconnect

P UBLISH E R

J amilu Yu s u f Yola

E DITOR IN CHIE F

Ernest O g ez i

A R T/CREATIVE DIRECTO R

T erna Kaaikyenge

G R APHICS/PHOTO EDITOR

Charles Achibi

Esther Bagudu

S TAFF WRITE RS

Mathew Eloyi

Derrick Edward Bangura

S h uaibu D anMallam

St ella Al f a

CO N TRIB U TO RS / G UE S T WRITE RS

Kayode Ajulo Esq

Loni Prophet Spak

O nyeka Chi d ube Pe r cy

Junaid Idris B aba

D r. S uleiman L a m u rde

O nyeka Chi d ube Pe r cy

MAN A GING ED ITO R

T a s i u M oh a mme d

EDITOR & CONTENT COORDINATOR

G w e ndo l yn C . O n y eb u ch i

HEAD, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Nafisa Mapindi Audu

S E CRE T A RY

Amin a Y u s u f

P R ODUCTION / DI S TRIB U TIO N

Femi O l u w as eu n S a m s on A d a m s

MARK E TING & COR P O R A TE AF FAI R S E l i s h a D anlad i Bri d g et Obi o r a

L OGI S TICS: D anlad i E l i s h a , D a hi r u S ul ei man , S a m u e l At ta b o r

A D VE R T ISING / S UBSCRI P TIO N : B a b a A bb o , A da m u M ag aj i, D a v i d Yu s u f

SPECIAL P RO JECTS: M a t t h e w Obi oma , Chi d iebe r e Er n e s t O n uo h a

CI R CU L ATION OFFICER: A bb as N u h u , S a m u e l Bir m a

EDITORIAL CON S U LTA N TS: C oll i ns A nd re w, S alam a tu Ima m

IT CON S U LTA N T S : M usa A b d ul r a hee m , N u r a B as hi r

Gradually our economy is reaping the fruits of agriculture, but we still have a long way to go. That is why the Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the CBN to implement initiatives to provide the needed financing for the agricultural sector Tap into these initiatives today so together we can further build the nation’s economy

COME, LET’S GROW NIGERIA TOGETHER

Visit your bank to access any of the Agricultural and other initiatives

CACS - Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme

MSMEDF - Micro, Small and Medium scale Enterprises Development Fund

NIRSAL (CRG) - Nigeria Insentive based Risk Sharing for Agricultural Lending. Credit Risk Guarantee

ACGSF - Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund

NIRSAL (IDP) - Nigeria Incentive based Risk Sharing for Agriculture Lending. Interest Drawback Program (RSSF) - Real Sector Support Fund

RRS - Refinancing and Rediscounting Scheme

EDC - Entrepreneurship Development Centre

Agriculture is growing and our economy is getting better

12 | THE NATION:

CBN Debunks False Claims About Capacity Of NSPMC Plc, Alleged Threats To Close Some Deposit Money Banks

13 | NCC Reiterates Commitment To Promoting Organisational Efficiency, Capacity Building

13 | NDE Disburses N4.5 Million To 228 Artisans In Ekiti

14 | NAICOM Empowers Actuaries To Manage N14.43tr Pension Funds

14 | NITDA Commences NAVSA Empowerment Programme In Katsina

15 | Sustainable Agriculture: NDE Disburses N 4.2m Loan To Unemployed Youths In Bayelsa

15 | SPW Scheme: Nde Trains Over 80 Artisans, Graduates In Ekiti

16 | NITDA Collaborates With Stakeholders For 16

Transformative Changes

16 | NIMASA Moves To Strengthen Reforms Unit

17 | IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim Commissions New NIMASA Headquarters

17 | NITDA Collaborates With JICA To Boost Startups In North East

18 | NCC warns TikTok users on potential harm of ‘Invisible Challenge’

18 | FMBN Steps Up Monitoring, Seeks Timely Completion of Funded Estates

20 | CBN Governor Says Nigeria Must Limit Reliance On 20 Foreign Products

20 | EFCC Partners INEC, Security Agencies To Prevent VoteBuying

21 | REA Restates Commitment To Providing Sustainable Power To Nigerians

22 | NITDA To Collaborate With Uniccon Group On Digital Literacy

22 | TCN Raises Power Transmission Capacity To 8,100mw In Seven Years

23 | Nigeria Customs Launches Fast Track 2.0 Programme

23 | CBN Begins Deployment Of National Domestic Card Scheme

24 | AROUND THE CONTINENT: Burkina Faso Seeks Joined Federation With Mali

25 | Firms Distribute Eco-Friendly Stoves To Households In Malawi

25 | South Africa’s ANC Calls For ‘State Of Disaster’ Over Energy Crisis

26 | Ethiopia To Develop “Green Culture” To Combat Climate Change

38 | INNOVATION

Consumer Robotics: How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing The Game

40 | How Kunle Adewale Is Using Virtual Reality To Improve Healthcare In Nigeria

43 | 3 Misconceptions About Starlink’s Entrance Into Nigeria

44 | BUSINESS WATCH: The Africa Report’s exclusive ranking: Top 500 Companies

34 | FEATURES :

Countdown To 2023: How Presidential Candidates Are Faring In The New Year

50 | ROMANCE: How To Choose The Right Partner For Marriage

40 |

HEALTH : Liver Damage

52 |

GLOBAL NEWS: Saudi Arabia Signs Mou With France On Energy Cooperation

52 | Minnesota Senate Passes 100% Carbon-Free By 2040 Electricity Bill

53 | Boris Johnson Accuses Putin Of Threatening To Blow Him Up With Missile

53 | Germany’s New Defence Minister Assumes Office Amid Ukraine Arms Debate

54 | ENTERTAINMENT: Nigeria’s Tems wins a Grammy on her own terms

36 | How Will Insecurity Impact The 2023 General Elections?

58 | SPORTS:

VICTOR OSIMHEN: The World’s Best No 9 - Is Driving A Feverish Napoli - Club and City On To Their First Serie A Title In 33 years

IF HE WINS, CAN PETER OBI EXPAND HIS ECONOMIC, HEALTH, AND EDUCATION REFORMS TO THE NATIONAL STAGE A

S THE RUN TOWARDS Nigeria’s 2023 general elections approaches a feverpitch, it has become impossible to ignore the momentum of one of the frontline candidates, Peter Obi, and the innovative campaign he has ran; devoid of all the traditional voting structures we have all become familiar with - a fact for which he has been derided by Atiku, and Tinubu, the other more mainstream candidates. His candidacy has been buoyed by the excitement and hopefulness of a youthful demographic that is becoming interested in politics for the first time, and this momentum can be credited with the record nearly 80% increase in voter registration.

Obi is as much an insider as an outsider; Let me explain; prior to the 2019 general elections when he ran as VP on Abubakar Atiku’s presidential ticket, he was a relative unknown on the national political stage. Until then his only stint in government was been dragged from the private sector and appointed as the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Anambra State between 1999 and 2003. As Commissioner, he played a key role in the state’s economic development and was credited with implementing policies that helped to revive the state’s economy and improve the standard of living for its residents. He streamlining the budget process, Improving infrastructure, and Promoted entrepreneurship. His achievements in this role helped lay the foundation for his later success as governor of Anambra State.

As governor, Obi is widely known for his efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure, improve the standard of education and promote transparency in government activities. He implemented several projects aimed at developing the state, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as the renovation of existing ones. He also

introduced policies aimed at boosting the economy, such as the establishment of a free trade zone and an industrial park.

In education, Obi is particularly known for his efforts to improve the standard of education in Anambra State. During his tenure, he introduced several initiatives aimed at providing quality education for all, including the distribution of laptops to students, the construction of new classrooms, and the provision of grants and scholarships to students.

Overall, Peter Obi’s public service record is characterized by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. He is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most effective governors and his legacy continues to influence the development of Anambra State and other parts of Nigeria.

In this edition we also examine the chances of success of the frontline presidential candidates in these 2023 general elections and the economic potential future of Nigeria...

Africa is the only region of the world that is moving towards more inter-state coop-eration. In January, the African Continental Free Trade Area secretariat started operations in Accra, and with Dr Okonjo-Iweala the director-general of the World Trade Organization, West Africa especially can anticipate some leverage as African markets continue to expand. We feature the 500 biggest companies in Africa.

In Entertainment, Tems becomes the first female Afrobeat artist to win a grammy award.

Publisher

PRESS RELEASE : CBN DEBUNKS FALSE CLAIMS ABOUT CAPACITY OF NSPMC PLC, ALLEGED THREATS TO CLOSE SOME DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS

The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to a misleading report misquoting the Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, as attributing the current challenge in the distribution of the newly redesigned naira banknotes to a shortage of printing materials at the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc.

We wish to state categorically that at no time did the CBN Governor disclose this during his presentation to the National Council of State at its meeting on Friday, February 10, 2023.

For the records, what Mr. Emefiele told the meeting was that the NSPMC was working on printing all denominations of the Naira to meet the transaction needs of Nigerians.

While the CBN appreciates the concerns shown by all stakeholders about the distribution of the Naira, we are alarmed at the extent to which vested interests are attempting to manipulate facts and pitch the public against the Bank.

For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN remains committed to performing its monetary policy functions, as stipulated in the

CBN Act, 2007, as amended. We also wish to restate that the NSPMC has the capacity and enough materials to produce the required indent of the Naira.

The Bank, therefore, wishes to appeal to the public to disregard the said report and exercise more restraint, even as we work assiduously to increase the circulation of the new notes in the country.

Similarly, there is a misleading voice note trending in social media alleging that the CBN planned to shut down some banks, particularly in a particular geo- political region of the country.

We wish to state unequivocally that there is no such plan and that the claims are illogical and do not comply with the workings of the Nigerian banking system. The public is therefore advised to ignore such recordings as they do not represent the policy thrust of the CBN and are only the desperate attempts of persons bent on inciting the public against the Bank. Q

NCC Reiterates Commitment To Promoting Organisational Efficiency, Capacity Building

NDE Disburses

N4.5 Million To 228 Artisans In Ekiti

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has given a total of N4.5 million to 228 artisans throughout Ekiti’s 16 local government areas to help them support and expand their enterprises.

Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, the Director-General of NDE, stated that the Federal Government was committed to providing a source of income for the teeming unemployed youths through concerted efforts across all sectors, including artisans.

To improve operational efficiency, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has underlined its commitment to professionalizing its staff and enhancing relationships with critical partners such as the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, stated this while receiving a team led by Jude Iheanacho, the Acting Registrar and CEO of NIM, who paid a courtesy visit to the NCC Head Office recently.

Usman Malah, Director of Human Capital and Administration, who represented the EVC at the event, stated that the Commission places a high value on capacity building and is putting policies in place to achieve this important goal.

Malah also stated that it was in the best interests of the Commission to extend its work with NIM through strategic partnership for NCC to increase organizational efficiency and regulatory excellence.

Malah went on to say that the Commis-

sion’s belief in the transformative power of professional human resources is proven by the Commission’s support for the Institute staff members.

The support includes quick payment of membership fees for its employees, as well as membership in and participation in NIM’s mandated capacity building programs.

Malah agreed to offer proposals to the Commission’s Management to take further efforts to strengthen the strategic relationship, such as forming a joint committee of the two bodies to draft inter-agency collaboration procedures.

In his reaction, Iheanacho praised NCC for its good contributions to the telecoms sector and stated that to control the dynamic, competitive, and intellectual world of telecommunications, a highly-skilled, highly professional workforce is required.

Ihenacho highlighted that the NCC has been an excellent public sector institution known for its proactive, all-inclusive engagement of telecom stakeholders. Q

The DG, who was represented by the state NDE coordinator, Mustapha Saliu Kayode, explained that artisans are important components of any economy’s progress, urging them to invest the monies in their businesses and not divert them to other uses.

In his words, “The objectives of the loan disbursed are, to empower artisans to expand their businesses and their output.

“The payback period of the loan is one year with three months moratorium and each of the beneficiaries got N20,000.”

He told roughly 100 young people who had received entrepreneurship training that it was now crucial for them to prepare and conceptualize their ideas into viable businesses.

He went on to say that after the training, the participants will be connected with private and public organizations that may assist them in attracting money for their enterprises’ growth and development. Q

NAICOM Empowers Actuaries To Manage N 14.43tr Pension Funds

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), in its efforts to secure the complete capture and management of funds that would flow from the N14.43 trillion pension fund assets into the retiree life annuity, has empowered actuaries working in life insurance businesses.

Actuaries are professionals who gather, examine and apply information to determine insurance risks and rates.

The recent issue of NAICOM’s Prudential Guidelines for the Insurance Sector included information about the development.

All insurers must make sure that their actuarial functions have access to all pertinent data, information, and reports, and they must take all reasonable steps to ensure access to all relevant service providers of the insurer that its actuarial function reasonably believes are necessary to fulfil their duties. This is in accordance with the document that seeks to promote insurance in Nigeria.

In particular, NAICOM required the insurance organization’s head of actuarial functions to refrain from holding positions inside or outside the insurer that would give rise to conflicts of interest or jeopardize his or her independence.

NAICOM additionally noted that the Head of Actuarial Function is required to notify the Commission and provide an explanation for their resignation if they leave their position for reasons related to their duties or the operation of the insurer’s business.

The regulator also stated that if the insurer revokes the Head of Actuarial Function’s appointment, that person must notify the Commission and give a justification.

On external actuary, it noted that all insurers are required to send a profile of the external actuary to the Commission for approval not later than two months before the commencement of valuation, stressing that in addition, the submission shall contain evidence of registration with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

According to NAICOM, a valuation conducted on an annual basis by an actuary recognized by the Commission and registered with the Financial Reporting Council shall serve as the foundation for determining the sufficiency of the obligations on both life and non-life insurance contracts. Q

NITDA Commences NAVSA Empowerment Programme In Katsina

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which is overseen by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has launched the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) in Katsina State as part of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s effort to establish a robust digital agricul-

ture industry.

The Programme introduces smart brooding to increase broiler survival rates, a green energy-powered smart irrigation system to enable year-round output, and soil intelligence systems to promote information-driven farming.

NAVSA is a Federal Government initiative to transform agriculture, con -

nect ecosystem players throughout the agriculture value chain, and position agriculture as a business for improved GDP and economic growth.

It is being carried out by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the direction of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. Q

Agriculture: NDE Disburses N 4.2m Loan To Unemployed Youths In Bayelsa

Sustainable

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed N100,000 each to 42 youths in Bayelsa State as a loan to embark on sustainable agricultural development.

Speaking during the inauguration in Yenagoa, the Director-General of NDE, Abubakar Fikpo, commended the beneficiaries for their determination drive throughout the training which lasted for four months.

According to Fikpo who was represented by Mr Aham Osuchuckwu, the State Coordinator of NDE, the beneficiaries would be granted a soft loan of N100,000 each at an interest rate of nine per cent under the 50 per cent capital budget released for the 2022 financial year.

He said that the beneficiaries cut across the eight Local Government Areas of Bayelsa and the training accommodated every stratum of persons in the society.

“The SADTS gave rise to four employment creation schemes of Agricultural Enhancement Scheme (AES) seven persons benefited while Graduate Agricultural Empowerment Scheme (GAES) 11 persons benefited.

“Sustainable Agricultural Development Empowerment Scheme (SADES), 15 people benefited and Community Based Agricultural Empowerment Scheme (CBAES) nine persons benefited,” he said.

Fikpo said the objective of the inauguration was to orientate the beneficiaries to make efficient and effective investments in loans package in the various spheres of agriculture and its value chain.

He explained that this was part of the Federal Government’s effort at curbing unemployment prevalent in society and enhancing wealth creation and its multiple effects.

On his part, the Director of Rural Employment Promotion, represented by Mr Sylvester Ekemhonye, informed the beneficiaries that in support of the cashless policy of the Federal Government and engendering banking culture into them, the loan would be transferred into their various bank accounts.

He congratulated them for being the first set of beneficiaries of the laudable initiative of the government. Q

SPW SCHEME: NDE TRAINS OVER 80 ARTISANS, GRADUATES IN EKITI

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has trained no fewer than 80 artisans and graduates on up-skill and internship under the federal government’s Special Public Works (SPW) scheme in Ekiti state.

The three-month intensive training was organized under the Artisans in Collaborative Construction Employment Scheme (ACCES) and the Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP) for 50 artisans and about 32 graduates respectively.

Speaking, the Director-General of NDE, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo explained that the government through the agency was committed to reducing the unemployment rate in the country with the provision of avenues for productive utilization of the human capital.

Represented by the state coordinator, Emmanuel Ojo, the DG added that the artisans and the unemployed graduates must be trained on relevant skills to be competitive in the economy.

He advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity of their postings to different outfits by displaying the work ethics, zeal and determination learned during the training to advance their career.

He said, “The ACCES embodies Artisans from differing trades in the built industry which include; Masonry, Plumbing, Carpentry, Steel fixing, Metal Fabrication and others. The Artisans registered under the NDE- ACCES was also placed on an incentive regime/allowance during the course of the training programme.

“The essence of the Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP) is one wherein the unemployed graduate participants are given the plenum to garner cognate & relational work experience under different business outfits which include: Public offices, Corporate entities and private organizations with the primal goal of securing permanent employment under the absorbing/employing organization.

“It is the unmistakable expectation of the NDE that your posting to the organizations will reflect the passion, discipline, focus, sound work and moral ethics that you have been groomed during the orientation phase of the programme.

“Note, you have only a chance to make a first impression, do not squander it.”

The twin schemes which are niched under the Special Public Works Department (SPW), commenced in August and Closed in November 2022. Q

NITDA Collaborates With Stakeholders For Transformative Changes

NIMASA Moves To Strengthen Reforms Unit

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has approached the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) to strengthen its reforms unit for effective service delivery in line with the Federal Government’s plan.

Mrs Aisha Jidda, Director, Reform Coordination and Strategic Management, Blue Economy, NIMASA, said this when she paid a courtesy visit to BPSR with her team in Abuja.

She said that she was posted newly to the department and, therefore, was seeking ways to contribute her quota to the development of the unit to leave it better than she met it.

In her words, “when I was posted to reform coordination two months ago; you know in government where ever you are, you have to make an impact.

“So the first purpose why we are here is to familiarise ourselves with the requirements, initiatives and directives of BPSR that are to be implemented by the agency.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has said that his organization is collaborating with other stakeholders to bring about an irreversible transformation in how people live and work in the nation.

According to a statement released by the NITDA spokesperson, Hadiza Umar, Inuwa disclosed this at the 7th College of Fellows Roundtable Symposium of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), which was held in Abuja.

He said that the merging of physical, digital, and biological works has made it imperative, particularly in light of the spread of evolution and the acceptance of the fourth industrial revolution globally.

Inuwa who was represented by Dr Usman Gambo Abdullahi, director of the IT Infrastructure Solutions Department, noted that the 4th Industrial Revolution has created opportunities for the majority of existing Engineers and people to stand out in their respective fields, become drivers of innovation and develop new inventions to tackle global challenges.

Inuwa also asserted that engineers play a crucial part in ensuring the survival of humankind, citing their capacity for innovation, maintenance of systems, and creation of items that make a nation livable for its populace.

He also praised the building, engineering, and architectural professions for their perseverance in rewriting history over the past 41 years to bring about the sector’s rapid digital transformation.

Inuwa admonished participants of the imperative of keying into the current realities of the digitalisation agenda, as the process needs holistic evaluation and approach by relevant actors, to make it more beneficial to the future. Q

“NIMASA as a government agency by its Act is responsible for the NIMASA Act, Merchant Shipping Act, Cabotage Act and the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act.

“Whilst other departments and units have their set roles, functions, activities and necessary guidance, we don’t have that codified in the Reform Coordination Unit of NIMASA.

“A schedule of duty was given to me that was used by the unit before I came. So I challenged my staff that in every schedule of duty let’s break it down into tasks that we can carry out.

“This is because I see this reform coordination as an innovation that should not be left to people to decide how they are going to do things.

“There must be guidelines on how to do A, how to do B, how to do C and having stayed there so far, I believe it is a place whereby whoever is the chief executive can use to drive impact in addition to what the government is doing.”

The Director-General of BPSR, Dasuki Arabi commended the NIMASA team for the visit and pledged his commitment to guiding the agency.

Arabi said part of the statutory mandate of the Bureau was to assist to build administrative and institutional capacity and to strengthen public institutions for effective implementation of the government’s policies and programmes.

He said that BPSR’s duty was to also ensure the repositioning of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for efficiency and better service delivery.

According to him, the visit was a welcomed development as the need for reforms of departments and public organisations cannot be overemphasised as it remains a platform to initiate, coordinate and monitor reform programmes and policies around the organisation. Q

IMO Secretary-General, Kitack

Lim Commissions New NIMASA Headquarters

Kitack Lim, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has officially opened the state-ofthe-art Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) headquarters on Victoria Island in Lagos.

Speaking at the building’s commissioning, the IMO Secretary-General praised the active roles played by the leaders of the various parastatals under the Transportation Ministry’s supervision while also expressing confidence in Nigeria’s leadership in the transport industry.

Lim praised the modern building’s initiative but asserted that human skill and capability are more crucial, with leadership being the most critical factor to take into account.

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, expressed gratitude to the IMO Secretary-General for taking the time to visit the country and for providing his personal insight into the maritime industry’s rapid growth.

He stated that Nigeria will strive to ensure maritime activities are in line with best practices, while also embracing new technologies in the frontier of global maritime discourse.

Also speaking, the Chairman of, the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Lynda Ikpeazu, urged the management of NIMASA to aim higher as there is room for improvement.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, also thanked the IMO Secretary-General for his visit to Nigeria.

Jamoh further intimated to the IMO boss that NIMASA has embarked on various projects this year, all to ensure a robust and conducive maritime environment is attained in Nigeria, which has been made possible with the support of stakeholders across the board. Q

NITDA Collaborates With JICA To Boost Startups In North East

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have developed methods to support new enterprises in Nigeria’s insurgency-devastated North East,

This was the main focus of the NITDA-JICA North East Startups Training (NEST) Programme, which took place in Abuja and provided training for 20 startups to advance their digital skills and broaden their talent pool.

Speaking during the ceremony, the director general of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, said the post–COVID-19 realities have brought in new ways of doing business, adding that Nigerian young people must be assisted to key into the new changes to become competitive.

The NITDA boss, who was represented by the Acting Coordinator of the Office For Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Yakubu Musa, said “therefore, to remain competitive in this new business and economic environment, new strategies and practices are required to ensure that Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital economy.”

Inuwa said that in a bid to boost the digital economy sector, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ibrahim Pantami developed the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a digital Nigeria, stressing that the ICT sector has contributed immensely to lifting Nigeria out of recession and contributed 18.44 per cent to the nation’s GDP in 2022.

Inuwa commended the government of Japan, which through JICA has created the avenue for impactful collaboration so far. Q

NCC warns TikTok users on potential harm of ‘Invisible Challenge’

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has warned about the potential harm of taking part in the ‘Invisible Challenge’ on short-form video hosting service, TikTok, saying it exposes devices to information-stealing malware.

An advisory by the NCC-CSIRT said threat actors have taken advantage of the viral TikTok challenge to disseminate a malware known as WASP (or W4SP) stealer.

The commission, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said the WASP stealer, which is high in probability, with critical damage potential, is a persistent malware ‘hosted in discord’ that its developer claim is undetectable.

The advisory said: “The Invisible Challenge involves wrapping a somewhat transparent body contouring filter around a presumed naked individual. Attackers are uploading videos to TikTok with a link to software that they claim can reverse the filter’s effects.

“Those who click on the link and attempt to download the software, known as ‘unfilter,’ are infected with the WASP stealer. Suspended accounts had amassed over a million views after initially posting the videos with a link. Following the link leads to the ‘Space Unfilter’ Discord server, which had 32,000 members at its peak but has since been removed by its creators.

“Successful installation will allow the malware to harvest keystrokes, screenshots, network activity and other information from devices where it is installed. It may also covertly monitor user behaviour and harvest Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including names and passwords, keystrokes from emails, chat programmes, websites visited, and financial activity. This malware may be capable of covertly collecting screenshots, video recordings, or the ability to activate any connected camera or microphone.”

The Team said some ways to forestall such an attack include avoiding clicking on suspicious links, using anti-malware software on your devices, checking your app tray and removing any apps that you do not remember installing or that are dormant and embracing healthy password hygiene practices, such as using a password manager.

The CSIRT is the telecoms sector’s cyber security incidence centre set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large.

The CSIRT also works collaboratively with Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting, and securing Nigerian cyberspace. Q

FMBN Steps Up Monitoring, Seeks Timely Completion of Funded Estates

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has stepped up the monitoring and inspection of funded estates across the country in an effort to guarantee the prompt completion of current housing projects.

The National Housing Fund (NHF) initiative is designed to increase Nigerians’ access to excellent, high-quality, and affordable housing supply.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FMBN, Madu Hamman, stated this when he led some officials on onsite monitoring and evaluation of five project sites in Abuja.

The projects include the Ministerial Pilot Housing Scheme (MPHS) project comprising thirty-two (32) bedroom terrace duplexes at Kafe District, near Life Camp, in Abuja; DPR Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited housing estate comprising 24 units of 3-bedroom block of flats and 18 units of four bedroom duplexes in Dafe; and DOX Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited comprising 12 units of two and three bedroom block of flats located in Karsana North Cadastral D05, Abuja.

Others include the Copen Investment Co-operative Society estate comprising two and three bedrooms blocks of flats and two-bedroom blocks of apartments at Fiindabo District, Abuja; and the Madvan Global Services estate located at Jibi, behind M.D Abubakar Barracks off Kubwa Expressway.

The managing director said the new management team would ensure that developers comply with the approved terms and conditions and deliver the projects on time.

“We are pleased with the level of work on the sites. As a new management, we have prioritized optimizing our project monitoring structures nationwide to ensure that our developers ensure strict compliance with the approved terms and conditions of the housing finance loans that we extend to them to develop those housing projects.

We aim to ensure that all FMBN projects are delivered to good quality and completed on time. This will enable us to package relevant loans for eligible contributors to the NHF scheme to move into their homes,” the MD of FMBN said. Q

CBN GOVERNOR SAYS NIGERIA MUST LIMIT RELIANCE ON FOREIGN PRODUCTS

EFCC Partners INEC, Security Agencies To Prevent Vote-Buying

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that it is working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to eliminate vote-buying and would ensure its prevention in the forthcoming general elections.

Speaking at a commemorative event for the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day 2022 in Abuja, the Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, said the importance of transparent, free and fair elections could not be over-emphasised.

Anti-corruption agencies that were at the event included the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the Inter-Agency Task Team, among others.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has said the country is putting policies in place to safeguard the economy against adverse foreign occurrences. He said this at the 2022 Bankers’ Committee retreat in Lagos with the theme, ‘Increasing the productive base of the Nigerian economy and non-oil export revenues.’

The retreat was attended by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other bank executives.

Emefiele said, “In view of the widespread food and cost-of-living crises, we are seeing growing restrictions on food exports as about 23 advanced economies, according to the World Bank, have banned the export of 33 food items. Also, the European Union plans to impose energy price caps on Russian supplies, to curtail the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.

“Most of these actions, including the effects of capital flow reversals and exchange rate pressures, have not only amplified the vulnerabilities of EMDEs but assertively highlights the need for us to strengthen our domestic economic base, fast-track the attainment of economic diversification, limit our reliance on foreign products, insulate and immunise our economy against foreign shocks.”

He said it was because of the need to support the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy, diversify from dependence on oil inflows, and minimise the debilitating pressures in the foreign exchange market that the CBN launched the RT200 programme in February 2022.

“This initiative, which was designed to stimulate non-oil exports with a $200bn foreign exchange income target in three to five years, had been widely accepted and driven by the institutions that constitute the Bankers’ Committee,” he said. Q

Represented by the Director of Operations, Abdulkarim Chukkol, the EFCC chairman stated that it was in the interest of Nigerians that the anti-corruption agency moved to ensure free and fair elections in 2023.

Bawa noted that the tragedy of recent elections in Nigeria was the problem of vote trading, adding that both the political class who offered money and the voters who sold their votes for a pittance were guilty.

“The consequence of the latter category is harsh. When electorates sell their votes, they lose the moral ground to ask for accountable leadership,” he said.

Bawa added that the EFCC in recent times had been involved in efforts to discourage the use of money to influence election outcomes.

He stated, “Some politicians, who distributed huge sums of money to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential poll, are still being prosecuted by the commission, while hundreds of millions of naira were recovered.

“The commission in 2019 deployed operatives in polling stations across the

country in a deliberate move to check the inducement of voters by desperate politicians and candidates. Arrests were made and many have been prosecuted and convictions recorded.

“Similar measures were taken during the Ekiti and Osun state elections recently and the recently concluded primary elections of the political parties as well; the commission’s operatives were deployed to convention grounds to prevent election inducement of party delegates.”

Bawa added, “These actually go a long way to demonstrate the commission’s commitment to reducing, if not eliminating the use of money to manipulate the electoral process.

“As the 2023 general elections approach, the EFCC assures all Nigerians that it will do all within its powers, working with relevant stakeholders, particularly INEC and law enforcement agencies, to discourage vote-buying or voter inducement.

REA Restates Commitment To Providing Sustainable Power To Nigerians

The Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Hon Danlami Muhammad Kurfi, has restated the agency’s commitment to providing reliable and sustainable power to all unserved and underserved rural homes across Nigeria.

Kurfi stated this in early December during the inauguration of the 2.0MW Solar Hybrid Power Plant at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

He further disclosed that both schools, hospitals, communities as well as the various economic clusters will not be left out in the REA plans.

While noting that, REA is using the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) to actualise its mandate in the learning institu-

tions, Kurfi added that they are ready to collaborate with public and private sectors towards the progress and success of the power sector.

In his words, “I am delighted to be here today as we commission this 2.0MW Solar Hybrid Power Project, together with its world-class workshop and training centre and solar-powered streetlights under Energizing Education Programme (EEP) phase 1 which is being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency.”

“As the Chairman, Governing Board of the REA, I will continue to use my office to ensure that we provide the leadership and oversight needed to enhance and advance increased investment, regulations, compliance, proper governance, and other issues that affect the power sector in Nigeria.” Q

NITDA To Collaborate With Uniccon Group On Digital Literacy

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to partner with Uniccon Group on the Federal Government’s Digital Literacy Goals of attaining 95 per cent digital literacy in the country by 2030.

The Company’s innovation; Omeife humanoid robot has software features known as Omeife as a Service (OaaS) that strongly impacts and aids the attainment of the set goals.

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa said this during a tour of the group’s facilities in Abuja.

Inuwa said NITDA was interested in how Omeife could help in the actualisation of the goal as it looked forward to integrating it into the agency’s Learning Management System (LMS), to facilitate a robust learning experience.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be prepared to this effect, adding that the agency is ready to partner with Uniccon in advancing digital economy transformation in Nigeria.

Inuwa said that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, had directed NITDA to work with Uniccon toward the commercialisation of Omeife.

He said this collaboration would help to meet the government’s digital literacy target by 2030. The D-G commended the group’s team on the progress made with Omeife and other innovative projects.

The Chairman of the company, Mr Chuks Ekwueme, alongside other members of the team, took Inuwa and his entourage comprising officials of the agency and its subsidiaries on a tour of the company’s facilities.

Ekwueme highlighted advancements in the robot’s capabilities, including enhancements in her ability to aid knowledge acquisition and language learning through her proficiency in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin English, and other African languages.

He expressed gratitude to NITDA for the agency’s support of the recent launch of Uniconn’s invention, Omeife, the first African humanoid robot. Ekwueme lauded the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, NITDA, other agencies and institutions for their support of indigenous innovations. Q

TCN RAISES POWER TRANSMISSION CAPACITY TO 8,100MW IN SEVEN YEARS

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has announced a rise in power transmission capacity to 8,100 megawatts (MW) in seven years.

The spokesperson of the company, Ndidi Mbah, said: “TCN’s wheeling capacity had increased from about 5000MW in 2016 to 8100MW and growing, through the diligent implementation of NEGMERP.

Although TCN now boasts of 8,100MW wheeling capacity and the Generation Companies can produce 7,600MW, the highest electricity ever distributed on the grid is 5,801MW on March 1st 2021. Currently, the grid wallows between 4,500MW and 3,500MW.

Under the Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance Expansion & Rehabilitation Programme (NEGMERP) in 2022, TCN imported over 40 power transformers including the ones for five new substations in Abuja, rehabilitation of substations in Lagos and new substations in Kano and Katsina.

“TCN’s wheeling capacity as simulated by its system planning department is 8,100MW and since the simulation was carried out, TCN has continued to expand the nation’s grid, by rehabilitating and upgrading brownfield/existing projects and building new/ green field projects.

“TCN’s operational capacity at 8,100MW and growing is backed by facts and empirical data. TCN is not claiming that it has resolved all the challenges that impact its operations as the manager of the transmission grid, but it is resolute in its expansion drive,” the statement noted.

It added that the projects are in various old or new substations nationwide, from the North to the South, to the East and West. Q

NIGERIA CUSTOMS LAUNCHES FAST TRACK 2.0 PROGRAMME

CBN Begins Deployment Of National Domestic Card Scheme

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) commenced the deployment of the National Domestic Card Scheme on Monday, January 16, 2023.

The card, which is designed in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBBS), seeks to unify payments in Nigeria and bring in the unbanked population.

Although the card can currently not handle international payments, it is anticipated to compete with other debit cards such as Mastercard, Discover, and Visa cards.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in collaboration with the World Bank has launched Fast Track 2.0, a new digitisation programme aimed at fast-tracking clearance of goods at the country’s ports.

While launching the programme in early January 2023, the Comptroller General of the NCS, Hameed Ali, described it as a reward for compliant shippers who would enjoy the fast track from the seaport to their warehouses under strict monitoring.

He said the fast track would not circumvent due process, especially the scanning of containers at the port, adding that anyone caught in any form of breaches would be severely sanctioned. Ali noted that the platform would boost trade facilitation, revenue generation and security.

In his words, “FT 2.0 was designed to admit traders irrespective of the nature of their trade on the basis of compliance alone. Its potential for encouraging traders to play by the rules is significant as it promises huge rewards, especially in the areas of drastic cost reductions associated with cargo handling and demurrage at the ports.

“FT 2.0 is a precursor to the introduction of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Scheme which guarantees even more benefits for compliant traders.

“Over a period of six months, the Service carried out sensitization programs in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano with a view to informing the trading public about this latest version of FT 2.0, and the roles and responsibilities expected of all parties in the clearance chain. The feedback gotten during this sensitization informed the design of a robust automated system with inbuilt filters capable of accessing our historical data and excluding traders who have displayed unwillingness to operate according to set down rules.”

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, described the initiative as remarkable. He said the fast track looks more towards trade facilitation and ultimately higher revenue.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Bede Anyanwu, of the Strategic Research and Policy Department of Nigeria Customs Service, said Fast Track 2.0 would create better opportunities for compliant traders and also increase higher revenue for the Federal Government. Q

Local banks and other financial institutions will be able to provide payment solutions such as debit, credit, virtual, loyalty, and tokenized cards, non-interest cards, and identification cards after its adoption.

Announcing the deployment, CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications Department, Osita Nwanisobi, disclosed that the National Domestic Card was introduced because of its belief that Nigeria had achieved “significant transformation in its payments system over the past decade.

He added that this has been driven by rapid digital and technological innovation, increasing mobile penetration, and the proactive policy initiatives of the CBN which have spurred unprecedented adoption of digital financial services.”

He listed the benefits of the card scheme to include among others, reduction of cost and use of foreign exchange, protection of data sovereignty, enabling locally relevant propositions, and making cards and payments more accessible and affordable for Nigerians. Q

BURKINA FASO SEEKS JOINED FEDERATION WITH MALI

est and most volatile in the world and have had few periods of peace since gaining independence.

“One of my reasons for going to Mali is that for a long time, we’ve been looking elsewhere for solutions when they’re often right under our noses.” According to Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela, both nations are engaged in a bloody jihadist insurgency that has forced more than two million people from their homes, claimed thousands of lives, and led to military takeovers of elected governments.

He also said that both countries had ordered the withdrawal of French forces that have been crucial in the fight against jihadists associated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. According to the Prime Minister, the Burkina junta is under pressure to follow Mali in forging close ties with Moscow and hiring mercenaries from the Wagner group.

He praised the “genuine revolution” that, in his opinion, had occurred in Mali since Colonel Assimi Goita’s overthrow in 2020 and claimed that it had “inspired” the country’s new military leaders.

Burkina Faso has proposed a joined federation with neighbouring Mali to strengthen their economic ties.

Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela, the prime minister of Burkina Faso, said during a visit to Mali that the two nations could forge a flexible federation that would support and take into account their respective aspirations.

He said, “We could create a flexible federation that would be mutually reinforcing and respect the aspirations of both sides.” He stated that because the two nations produce cotton, cattle, and gold in similar amounts, they have many things in common.

“Mali is a major producer of cotton, cattle, and gold. Burkina Faso also produces cotton, cattle, and gold. So long as we each take separate paths, we don’t have much clout. But if you put Mali’s and Burkina Faso’s production of cotton, gold, and cattle together, it becomes a powerhouse.”

Kyelem de Tambela referred to a failed attempt to unite the francophone West African nations of Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal just before they gained independence from France in 1960. “Our forebears tried to create groupings, like the Mali Federation, which sadly did not last. But they showed us the way,” he said.

He noted that Burkina Faso frequently travelled great distances in search of answers to its problems, adding that Mali already had the answers they were looking for. He emphasized the need for a united federation because the two landlocked Sahel countries are among the poor-

Since 2020, there have been two military coups in Burkina Faso and Mali, and both countries are under pressure from the international community to revert to democratic civil rule. Kyelem de Tambela advised starting a new federation before authority is transferred back to civilians, “because it’ll be tricky when the politicians get back in,” he said. Q

CREDIT: SPUTNIK

Mali is a major producer of cotton, cattle, and gold.

Burkina Faso also produces cotton, cattle, and gold.

FIRMS DISTRIBUTE ECO-FRIENDLY STOVES TO HOUSEHOLDS IN MALAWI

UpEnergy and the myclimate foundation are collaborating to implement a project that involves the distribution of 400,000 environmentally friendly stoves to households in Malawi over the next 10 years.

While UpEnergy is a Ugandan-based company that uses carbon credits to finance green solutions, myclimate is a Zurich, Switzerland-based foundation. The partnership will enable the implementation of a ten-year project. The goal is to distribute 4

According to reports, the stoves are improved cookers as the fuel used will be charcoal, which is the cause of deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa. However, unlike conventional cookstoves, these stoves will take less fuel, 45-55% less charcoal, due to their thermal efficiency, and can bring substantial financial benefits to families, says UpEnergy.

According to the Kampala, Uganda-based company, for an average Malawian household, the savings will be equivalent to almost 18% of annual income. This reduction in charcoal use also has wider environmental benefits, as it is estimated that one household stove reduces an additional 3.75 tonnes of CO2 in the atmosphere each year.

The use of the stoves can also help ease the burden on local forests by reducing deforestation associated with charcoal production, says the company led by Alex Rau.

According to UpEnergy, these carbon credits will be verified under the Gold Standard, creating a new opportunity for companies to invest in carbon offsets with additional tangible benefits, ranging from indoor air quality to job creation.

The project is expected to benefit 2 million people in Malawi over the next 10 years while the green stoves distributed are expected to offset more than 5 million tonnes of CO2 in the first decade of the project. This environmental benefit will be converted into carbon credits. Q

South Africa’s ANC Calls For ‘State Of Disaster’ Over Energy Crisis

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress, (ANC) has asked top officials to declare a national state of disaster in order to end the severe electricity blackouts that have wreaked havoc on Africa’s most industrialised nation, its secretary general said.

Declaring a national disaster would free up additional funds and resources to “better manage the crisis,” Fikile Mbalula said at a news conference following the party’s new executive committee’s weekend meeting.

The years-long crisis of intermittent power outages has worsened in recent months, with Eskom’s electricity network failing to keep up with demand as it struggles to maintain its ageing coal-powered infrastructure.

“We shouldn’t be arrogant and deny the fact that we have… a crisis,” Mbalula told the news conference,”. “We are responding to this crisis, and the president and the team in government have been given clear instruction by the ANC.”

He said that the move would speed up the response of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration, with a target of ending the blackouts by year-end.

The scheduled blackouts, which can last from two hours to over 12 hours a day, have sparked widespread anger and taken a heavy toll on industrial production and businesses. South Africa’s economic growth is expected to slow to just 0.3 per cent this year because of the power shortages, after growth of 2.5 per cent last year.

Opposition parties have vowed to stage more protests against the government’s response to the blackouts after the most recent mass demonstrations last week drew several thousands of people into the streets” Q

ETHIOPIA TO DEVELOP “GREEN CULTURE” TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed has announced that the second most populous country in Africa is attempting to foster a green culture in order to win the fight against climate change.

Ahmed, who made this known in mid-January 2023, said that although the country was one of the most vulnerable to climate change, it was “doing its share” to alleviate the effects.

He said that green jobs have been produced around the country as a result of various environmental initiatives and that his government remains committed to ensuring a sustainable and climate-resilient Ethiopia for the new generation.

“Doing so entails taking bold action now and instilling a green culture as we go along,” he said.

According to reports, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative has helped create more than 750,000 jobs — mostly for women and young people — since 2018. The initiative has helped plant 25 billion seedlings within four years, equal to removing 64 million gasoline-powered cars from the road for one year.

“The Green Legacy initiative, therefore, is our bold action,

which has created national awareness on climate change and enabled the creation of green jobs and is making a positive impact on our surrounding environment,” said Mr Ahmed.

Speaking further he said, “Our initiative will certainly contribute towards removing the equivalent of hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduce deforestation.”

The State of the Climate in Africa 2021 report showed that rainfall patterns are being disrupted across the continent, glaciers are disappearing, and key lakes are shrinking. Despite the continent’s vulnerability to climate change, as a region, it contributes the least amount of emissions.

And rising water demand, combined with limited and unpredictable supplies, could intensify conflict and displacement.

“Although we are at the mercy of high emitters, we are nevertheless committed to doing our part,” said Mr Ahmed. “In this regard, Ethiopia has developed its long-term net-zero and climate-resilient 2050 strategy, which will enhance our ability to plan for decarbonisation of the economy.” Q

We would use merit to employ, dramatically reduce poverty and return Nigeria to a place of strategic relevance with high value

Peter Obi Can He Save Nigeria ?

Peter Gregory Obi CON is a Nigerian businessman and politician who served as governor of Anambra from March to November 2006, February to May 2007, and June 2007 to March 2014. In May 2022, he became the Labour Party nominee for President of Nigeria in the 2023 presidential election.

Peter Obi is a prominent Nigerian businessman, politician, and current presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian general elections. He was born on July 19, 1961, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Peter Obi’s upbringing was modest, and he had to work hard to achieve the level of success he has today.

Education:

Peter Obi received his primary education in Onitsha and went on to attend Christ the King College, Onitsha for his secondary education. He then went on to study at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree in Philosophy.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Peter Obi went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the same university. He is also a chartered accountant and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Qualifications:

In addition to his degrees, Peter Obi is also a highly qualified accountant with several professional certifications. He is a chartered accountant and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He has also received training from several prestigious institutions, including the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and the Lagos Business School.

He also attended London School of Economics (Financial Management/Business Policy), Columbia Business School, New York, U.S.A. (Marketing Management ), Institute for Management Development, Switzerland (Senior Executive Program), Institute for Management Development, Switzerland (Break-Through Program for CEOs), Kellogg Graduate School of Management, U.S.A. (Advanced Executive Program), Kellogg School of Management U.S.A. (Global Advanced Management Program),

Oxford University: Said Business School, (Advanced Management & Leadership Program), Cambridge University: George Business School (Advanced Leadership Program).

His education has played a significant role in his success, providing him with the knowledge and skills he has used to excel in both business and politics.

Family Life:

While his professional life is well-known, not much is publicly known about his family life.

Peter Obi is a private individual and does not discuss his personal life in the public domain. However, it is known that he is married to Margaret Obi, and they have children together. He is known to value his family and considers them to be his top priority.

In a few public appearances, Peter Obi has mentioned his wife and children, but has not disclosed their names or any other personal information. He is known to maintain a low profile when it comes to his personal life and strives to keep his family out of the public eye.

Business Career:

Before entering politics, Peter Obi had a successful career in business spanning over two decades, during which he built a successful conglomerate with interests in printing, packaging, and real estate. He is regarded as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria and has won several awards for his entrepreneurial prowess. He has a keen eye for business opportunities and is known for his ability to turn around struggling businesses.

He started his career as an accountant and later went on to become the Group Financial Controller of Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited. He later became the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks.

Under his leadership, Fidelity Bank Plc saw significant growth and expanded its operations both in Nigeria and abroad. Peter Obi is credited with turning the bank around and making it one of the most profitable banks in Nigeria.

Some of the companies he served include: Next International Nigeria Ltd, Chairman and Director of Guardian Express Mortgage Bank Ltd, Guardian Express Bank Plc, Future View Securities Ltd, Paymaster Nigeria Ltd, Chams Nigeria Ltd, Data Corp Ltd and Card Centre Ltd. He was the youngest chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc.

Peter Obi’s experience in the banking and financial sector has given him a unique perspective on economic and financial issues, and he has

used this knowledge to contribute to the development of the Nigerian economy.

Political Career:

In 2006, Peter Obi was elected as the governor of Anambra State, Nigeria. During his tenure as governor, he transformed the state and made it one of the most economically developed states in Nigeria. He implemented several reforms in the areas of education, health, and infrastructure, which had a positive impact on the lives of the people of Anambra State. For example, he implemented a free and compulsory education policy, which has improved the state’s literacy rate and has given more children access to education. He also built sever-

The greatest challenge facing any leader is not opposition, but getting those they lead to buy into their vision”

al hospitals, roads, and bridges, which have improved the standard of living in the state.

Peter Obi’s tenure as governor was also marked by his efforts to stamp out corruption in the state. He was known for his zero-tolerance approach to corruption and was praised for his efforts to bring transparency and accountability to the state’s finances. His efforts to eradicate corruption earned him recognition both within Nigeria and internationally, and he is widely respected for his integrity and commitment to good governance.

Current Presidential Run:

In the 2023 Nigerian general elections, Peter Obi is running for the

presidency as a candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Nigerian general elections. His presidential bid has attracted widespread support, and he is considered a front-runner in the election.

Peter Obi’s campaign has been centered around his track record of delivering results, both as a businessman and as a state governor. He has pledged to bring the same level of competence and transparency to the presidency that he brought to Anambra State during his tenure as governor. He has outlined a comprehensive policy platform that includes plans to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and create jobs for the millions of unemployed Nigerians.

The Obidient Movement

Younger generations under 30 proved to be some of the biggest Obi’s supporters, showing their support via social media and protests and street marches.[58] Aisha Yesufu, a prominent activist noted as the cofounder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement and a supporter of the End SARS campaign, endorsed Obi in her first-ever endorsement of a presidential candidate.

Young supporters of Obi’s campaign have been nicknamed “Obidients” . In an article in Business Day, it was argued that:

“The Obi-Dients” are attracted by Peter Obi’s ideology of frugality, economic production rather than the ostentatious consumerism and waste,

and resourceful management and investment in key sectors, for economic growth and development.”

Commentators have argued that Obi’s third party candidacy appeals to young voters dissatisfied with the two major parties, which has resulted in the “biggest political movement in recent Nigerian history.” With his core message of prudence and accountability, Obi has managed to gain the backing of voters for his previously largely unknown Labour Party into a strong third force against two political heavyweights. Before campaigns were officially kicked off, Obi’s supporters held a series of One Million Man Marches in several Nigerian cities including Makurdi, Calabar, Lafia, Port Harcourt, Afikpo, Owerri, Enugu, Auchi, Abuja, Kano, Ilorin, Abakaliki and Ibadan. The marches were not part of the official campaigns; as they were led by volunteer Obi supporters and not Obi’s in-house team or political party. The marches experienced massive turnouts.

Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education in Nigeria in an interview with Channels Television said that Nigerian women are more inclined toward the presidency of Peter Obi.

Selection of running mate

Physician Doyin Okupe initially served as the temporary running mate of Obi until a substantive candidate could be selected. In the run-up to the final selection of a running mate, media outlets reported that there was an effort to have former Senator Shehu Sani of Kaduna State serve as Obi’s running mate.

On 8 July 2022, Obi unveiled his running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. Speaking on his choice of the vice presidential candidate, he stated as follows:

“This is our right to secure, unite and make Nigeria productive. And you can do that without having people who have similar visions, ideas and are prepared for the task. So, I have the honour today to present to you, God willing, Nigeria’s next vice president in the person of Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.”

Some of his key policy priorities include:

1. National security: As a candidate, Obi has publicly demanded that the federal government name individuals responsible for financing terrorism and oil theft in Nigeria. In 2020, Obi expressed support for the End SARS social movement against police brutality. Peter Obi’s plan on security has not been widely disclosed, but as a former governor and experienced politician, it is likely that he has a comprehensive approach to addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria. Security is a major concern in Nigeria, with issues such as terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and violent crime affecting many parts of the country. In addressing these challenges, it is possible that Peter Obi may focus on strengthening the capacity of the security forces, improving intelligence gathering and analysis, and increasing cooperation between the security forces and local communities. He may also emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity, by implementing economic and social reforms that aim to improve the standard of living for all Nigerians.

2. Women’s issues: Obi has stated that he believes women are less prone to corruption in public office than men, and states that his gubernatorial staff were predominantly women. Obi has said he wants to do away with the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria, stating “It was not my wife that was voted in but himself. The Ministry of Women Affairs was enough to take good care of women.” In commemoration of International African Women’s Day, Obi stated: “In Nigeria, we advocate continually greater women participation in leadership, nation-building and society, which begins with unfettered social inclusion, gender mainstreaming and empowerment.”

3. Economic Reforms: Peter Obi has emphasized the need to improve the Nigerian economy and create more opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. He has proposed a range of re -

forms aimed at reducing corruption, improving the business environment, and attracting investment to the country.

4. Education: Peter Obi has expressed his commitment to improving the quality of education in Nigeria and has proposed several initiatives to achieve this goal. This includes increasing funding

for education, improving teacher training, and introducing new technologies to enhance the learning experience for students.

5. Healthcare: Peter Obi has emphasized the importance of providing accessible and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians. He has proposed several reforms aimed at improving the healthcare system, including increasing funding for healthcare, improving

infrastructure, and increasing the number of healthcare workers.

6. Corruption: Peter Obi has been a vocal critic of corruption in Nigeria and has proposed several measures to address this issue. This includes strengthening the independence of anti-corruption agencies, improving transparency and accountability in government, and increasing penalties for corrupt practices.. Q

A leader who cannot take decisions is not a leader; he is merely an occupant of a leadership position.

COUNTDOWN TO 2023: HOW PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ARE FARING IN THE NEW YEAR

By Matthew Eloyi

The almighty 2023 is here and with the general elections just a few days away, the stakes are high for the presidential candidates with a lot of tension and uncertainty. The 2023 elections are expected to differ significantly from past polls in a number of ways. First, there are more competitive presidential candidates than in the past. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, presidential elections have generally been a two-horse contest between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which held the presidency from 1999 to 2015, and other opposition parties. The latter won the presidency in 2015 and 2019 after eventually merging to become the APC. In addition to the major parties’ candidates, Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC), two other parties are also running well-liked contenders for the top position this time around.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, is viewed as a counterweight to what many see as the venality and greed of the political elite. Another important contender is Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who provides voters with an alternative to the APC and PDP, notably in the North West and North East geographical zones. Even though the incumbent APC has a considerable lead, this unusual circumstance, in which four presidential candidates are garnering significant attention, makes the 2023 election less predictable than previous ones.

Tinubu and Atiku are likely making their final bids for the presidency due to their advanced ages, and a lot is at stake for their parties. The APC coalition, made up of odd bedfellows, could disintegrate if it loses control of the federal government after ousting the PDP in 2015. The PDP, which has been out in the cold for the previous eight years, views the 2023 election as its greatest chance to regain control of the

federal government; failing in a third straight election might endanger its survival.

On his part, Obi claims he has no desire to become president for himself, but for the betterment of the country. His supporters, who are mostly youths, see his becoming president as their opportunity to unseat the older generation of politicians, whom they hold responsible for the nation’s problems. Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently endorsed the Obi candidacy. According to reports, the endorsement, which came on January 1, 2023, was his new year’s message to Nigerians. The former president has, however, faced criticism from several quarters for the endorsement.

With the election just a few days away, the candidates are in a true state of desperation, playing every trick in the book to achieve victory. Politicians and political actors have been aligning and realigning themselves more frequently with political parties and platforms where their interests would be best served. The presidential candidates have also

been participating in town hall meetings, debates, and other forums to lay out their platforms and engage with Nigerians about how they plan to reposition the nation in various sectors. Some of the presidential hopefuls have also been touring the various states in the country to have a firsthand understanding of the difficulties they will face if they are elected in 2023.

Nigerians around the nation have great hopes for this election, believing it will be a chance to choose a

trustworthy leader who will reposition the nation and put it on the route to prosperity, like its counterparts around the world. But now that the election is well underway, observers are increasingly alarmed by the candidates’ utter drive to win at all costs. According to experts, despite technical advancements, the political strategy of winning at all costs poses a significant threat to a free, fair and credible election in 2023. Perhaps, this is why a legal luminary, Afe Babalola recently opined that the elec -

tion is likely to be won by the highest spender, at the expense of the will of the people. However, Nigerians are not to be deterred by such insinuations. The way we perceive the election’s significance will be critical in resolving the many uncertainties and complexities that characterize the story of the world’s most populous black nation, hence the need to come out en masse to make the most important decision yet in the country’s history comes February 25, 2023. Q

According to experts, despite technical advancements, the political strategy of winning at all costs poses a significant threat to a free, fair and credible election in 2023.

HOW WILL INSECURITY IMPACT THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS?

By Matthew Eloyi

With just a few days to the 2023 general elections, one of the major concerns of Nigerians right now is about how the insecurity in the various parts of the country may affect the conduct and outcome of the elections. It is not only the masses (electorates) that are concerned about this; everyone, including the candidates, the electoral umpires and the security agencies are concerned, even though they may not admit it.

The six geopolitical zones of the country have all had violent incidents, further separating it along tribal, religious, and political lines. Cases have been worse in the NorthWest and South-East, where banditry, terrorist operations, herder-farmer disputes, and secessionist agitations are having significant negative human and economic effects. The

Boko Haram insurgency and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) are still raging in the Northeast, and there are still communal disputes in North-Central Nigeria (Middle Belt).

More worrisome is the incessant attacks on facilities and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the state level, which is an omen that the security of voters, INEC officials, election observers and any other person involved in the electoral process, is not guaranteed. And of course, there can be no credible election where insecurity is the order of the day.

To conduct a successful election in the nation of an estimated 210 million people, INEC may require more than 1.4 million ad-hoc officials. It could be challenging to find the

right workforce because of the threat of violence. In addition, the incessant attacks on INEC’s infrastructure will hinder the commission’s ability to plan properly and stay within budget as it works to replace damaged materials. Insecurity will also affect INEC’s capacity to reach more than 176,000 polling locations, deploy to all registration areas nationwide, and provide voters with necessary voting materials.

Also dispersed over more than 20 states in Nigeria are an estimated three million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Given that voting is dependent on where a person is registered, it is very likely that many IDPs won’t be allowed to vote. Even though IDP voting was held in the northeast and north-central in 2015 and 2019 within the structure and rules that INEC has now established, the governors of the northwest, southeast and other areas affected by recent flooding have refused to proclaim an IDP situation or even to permit the establishment of official camps, thus there is no justification for the use of this specific strategy.

Election cycles in Nigeria have often included elements of insecurity and political violence. However, no election has ever been threatened by such pervasive insecurity as this one. The fear of violence may prevent people from going to the polls, which would result in a turnout even lower than the 34.75% recorded in 2019 and more reflection on the viability of Nigeria’s democracy. Even worse, given the constitutional rules requiring a winner to gain 25% of the vote in two-thirds of the states for the presidential election or

districts in the case of governors, it may preclude INEC from announcing a winner in national or some subnational polls.

Also, recent claims about the unsatisfactory actions of the security forces in the southeast raise the possibility that they may lose their ability to serve as a guarantor of security, which could have an impact on the conduct of secure and reliable elections. However, insecurity in the lead-up to elections could be addressed with a more serious strategy such as stepping up military activities. The security forces should identify beforehand the regions that are susceptible to the use of strategic election violence and take additional precautions to prevent such criminal disruption while implementing strategic actions to checkmate insecurity, protect the electorates, and safeguard the electoral process. Q

CREDIT: POLITICS_NIGERIA

The fear of violence may prevent people from going to the polls, which would result in a turnout even lower than the 34.75% recorded in 2019 and more reflection on the viability of Nigeria’s democracy.

CONSUMER ROBOTICS: HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS CHANGING THE GAME

Co-founder & CEO at Square Off, a consumer robotics startup that specializes in developing and manufacturing of smart toys & games.

The future of consumer robotics is bright and full of possibilities. As technology advances, robots are becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives, performing tasks that were once considered the exclusive domain of humans. From vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers to personal assistants and healthcare workers, robots are increasingly becoming a common sight in homes and businesses worldwide.

One area where consumer robotics will soon be making a huge impact is in the home. With the rise of smart homes and the Internet of Things (IoT), robots can interact with other devices and systems in the home to automate tasks and make life easier for homeowners. For example, a robotic vacuum cleaner could automatically be programmed to clean the house every day. At the same time, a smart thermostat could adjust the temperature based on the homeowner’s preferences.

When Consumer Robots Get A Brain

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of consumer robotics by enabling robots to perform tasks more efficiently, accurately and independently. With its ability to process large amounts of data and make decisions based on that data, AI is being used to enhance consumer robots’ capabilities in various ways.

One of the primary ways that AI is being used in consumer robotics is to improve the ability of robots to interact with their environment and perform tasks. A robot vacuum cleaner equipped with AI will be able to learn the layout of a home over time, allowing it to clean more effectively and efficiently, becoming more personalized over time.

AI is also being used to improve consumer robots’ communication and social skills. For example, AI can be used to enable robots to recognize and respond to human emotions, as well

as to engage in conversation and interact with people in more natural and human-like ways. This can be useful in applications such as personal assistants or home healthcare robots, where the ability to communicate and interact with people is critical.

The Future Of Play

Robotics can be used in smart toys to provide children with an interactive and engaging learning experience. These toys often incorporate sensors, motors and other electronic components that allow them to move, respond to stimuli and perform various tasks.

For example, a robotic toy might be programmed to move and respond to user actions or voice commands, allowing children to learn about programming and control systems by interacting with the toy. Smart toys might also include games and activities that teach children about science, math or other subjects in a fun and interactive way.

In addition to educational benefits, smart toys can help children develop social skills, problem-solving skills and

creativity. They can also promote physical activity and hand-eye coordination through play. It can be an excellent way to get kids off the screen.

Potential Risks

There are also potential risks and benefits to using AI in consumer robotics. One potential risk is the possibility of AI being used to automate tasks, which could lead to job displacement—a McKinsey Global Institute study found that by 2030, between 400 million and 800 million employees around the world could be displaced by automation. However, AI can also be used to perform dangerous or undesirable tasks for humans, such as working in hazardous environments or performing tasks requiring

precise and repetitive movements.

Consumer robots could potentially invade privacy in the home if they are not designed and used with care. For example, some consumer robots are equipped with cameras or other sensors to gather data about the home environment and the people living in it. This data includes images, sounds and additional information that could be used to invade privacy.

Overall, the integration of AI into consumer robotics leads to the development of more advanced robots capable of performing a more comprehensive range of tasks and functions. As AI technology improves, consumer robots will become even more prevalent and influential in our daily lives. Q

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of consumer robotics by enabling robots to perform tasks more efficiently, accurately and independently.”

How Kunle Adewale Is Using Virtual Reality To Improve Healthcare In Nigeria

By Daniel Adeyemi, TechCabal.com

In August 2022, Teni* was rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) due to a life-threatening medical condition. The 14-year-old girl was diagnosed with sepsis, an extreme reaction to an infection, which if not treated promptly, could lead to organ failure, tissue damage or death.

After two weeks of regular treatment and care, Teni had made significant progress in recovery. Dr Ugonna Fakile and her team who attended to Teni felt it was time to discharge the teenager. But there was a challenge: Teni’s mood wasn’t improving and there were concerns that there might be something else wrong with her.

“We noticed that when we suggested that she should go home, she’ll just be dull and unresponsive,” Fakile, a consult-

ant Haematology Paediatrics Oncologist at LUTH, told TechCabal over a call. “This was concerning because ideally, patients have to be ready to be discharged from the perspective of the doctor and the patient. When you notice that the child’s mood is still down, you don’t want to seem like you’re pushing the child, so you ask the child to stay and you pay attention in case you’re missing anything.”

Fakile kept on paying attention to Teni’s low mood, hoping for a positive change. This change finally came after a particular hospital exercise. Suddenly, Teni was more responsive and ready to go home. What changed?

Teni had participated in a virtual reality (VR) exercise organised by the Arts In Medicine Projects. The outreach which

was led by Kunle Adewale, the founder of Arts in Medicine projects, offered the patients in the pediatrics ward the opportunity to tour countries like Canada, India, and the US, perform guided dance and meditation sessions, as well as swim with dolphins.

These experiences stimulated the teenager’s mind more than the books and TVs in the hospital wards, improving her mood.

“What we noticed from our outreaches is that the opportunity for patients to walk around and see the sun is a deeply cherished experience,” Adewale told TechCabal. “Because when you’re trapped within the four walls of a hospital where all you’re used to is cries, it affects your mood and recovery process.” Three days after Adewale’s outreach, Teni was discharged.

Although it is mostly associated with the gaming and entertainment scene, the use of VR is becoming more prevalent in other fields, including healthcare. Medical practitioners are exploring novel ways that VR can assist patients and health providers to achieve better treatments and outcomes, including in surgery, pain management, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, mental health, and more.

Here’s how it works: Once a patient puts on a motion-sensing VR headset (sometimes with handheld controllers), their perceived environment is replaced with a 360-degree virtual world that they can move around in and interact with.

The patient suddenly finds themselves in the ocean surrounded by dolphins, with the sun shining through the water’s surface. In another instance, the patient can find themselves in the streets of New York or at the Abu Simbel Temples in Egypt.

This experience, which is often therapeutic, serves as a distraction from the pain or stress the patient is going through, as it’s difficult for the

brain to focus on other stimuli, such as negative ones like pain and anxiety during the VR experience. While the patient might intellectually know that they’re not underneath the ocean or in New York, the brain has to focus on one reality at a time. The realistic nature of the experience boosts the positive emotions the patients feel, and the effect of the experience can remain for many hours and days after the exercise is over.

Tunde*, another patient undergoing dialysis treatment for renal disease, had a similar experience after the VR session. Fakile noticed that the 12-year-old became more active and responsive to treatment after participating in the VR session.

“The truth is that for any treatment to work effectively for people here with sickle cell, cancer or some terminal disease, their minds need to cooperate,” Fakile said. “When a child is experiencing a sickle cell crisis, many thoughts and existential questions run through their minds. These are children and adolescents that are thinking about their mates in school or siblings at home eating.”

Fakile added that it’s difficult for patients with low moods to communicate with doctors and nurses about what’s wrong with them, making it difficult for the healthcare providers to understand and give them the care they need.

The introduction of the use of VR technology is a welcomed development for Fakile, who first experienced virtual reality in 2015, during training on the childbirth process at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital at LUTH by a foreign facilitator. Seven years later, Adewale and his team, a group of artists and educators, introduced a different use case of this immersive technology.

Adewale started out as a visual artist but over the past few decades, he has expanded his expertise in using art to solve healthcare problems. He obtained

certificates in Understanding Dementia and Arts, from University College London, and Medicine and the Arts: Humanising Healthcare, from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

In the early days, all Adewale had was a desire to use art in a different way. Today through his work, he has reached thousands of people and even has a day named in his honour in Cincinnati.

Connecting the dots: Art and Health

After graduating with a degree in Fine and Applied Arts from Obafemi Awolowo university in 2010, Kunle Adewale had one question on his mind: what could he do differently as an artist?

In 2012, while working as an art teacher in a primary school, Adewale noticed that a dyslexic student was always coming around the art studio because she found comfort there and saw it as a place where she wouldn’t be looked down on. This experience and many others exposed Adewale to the benefits of arts in the healthcare space.

This led Adewale to begin exploring the therapeutic benefits of art in 2013, by founding Tender Arts Nigeria, a social enterprise that focused on art therapy, art education, and community development. He later founded Arts in Medicine Projects in 2016.

Over the past seven years, the project has worked with different groups of people (children and adults) living with sickle cell anaemia, cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, mental illnesses and neurological disorders.

“These outreaches first started with normal artwork and then when VR started gaining traction from the days of Google cardboard, we experimented with it. Since then we’ve moved to use more powerful headsets like Oculus and many other devices,” Adewale told TechCabal.

Helping elders relieve older memories

The Arts in Medicine Project outreach has also been expanded to adult homes.

In his outreach programmes, Adewale uses VR to help young people have new experiences. But for the elderly, he helps them relive past memories. In September 2022, he visited Heirs Home Care Solutions, an elderly home care service founded by Modupe Agusto.

When Agusto started offering the residential elder home care service in 2020, one of the challenges she noticed was that it was difficult to engage the elders.

“One of the things we struggle with is activities. We have games, and we encourage the elders to come around but after some exercise, they want to sit down. They’re not too interested in watching TV,” Agusto told TechCabal. “We’re mindful of this because with old age comes depression because they’re lonely.”

The introduction of virtual reality was a welcomed alternative. At first, the elders were sceptical about the unfamiliar-looking devices but Agusto and her team had to convince them first by wearing them and then by getting some of the elders to wear them.

Once they got a hang of it, the response was positive as the elders were excited, dancing and smiling as they were immersed in their new virtual world.

“There was an 80-year-old man, who said he was the first DJ in Nigeria. We gave him the opportunity to attend a concert through VR and he was elated,” Adewale said. “Another woman got to visit New York again because her children were there and she couldn’t travel to visit them. She was actively involved in naming streets and monuments.”

The cost of improving healthcare

In 2016, when Adewale began his work, the cheapest VR headset was the Google Cardboard – a $9.99 box made out of cardboard. But the demise of Google’s first iteration has meant that decent lower-end VR headsets go for $50, while mid-range devices cost $300-$600, and the premium ones go for about $1,000 and above.

The pricey nature of these headsets implies that Adewale’s outreach programmes, which are currently free, should typically cost about $20 for a session with 50 people. A rather steep price considering that 63% of the Nigerian population lives below the poverty line.

“We’ve decided to make it free for participants because access is a privilege and equity is a major thing in what we do,” Adewale said. “Some of these people have sold their properties to treat their loved ones and you want us to go there to ask for money to make them happy? No, we don’t do that.”

Fortunately, sponsorship from organisations such as Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Society, Global Brain Health Institute, the Atlantic Institute and others help in covering the purchase of higher-end headsets such as the Oculus Quest 2 and Oculus GO headsets. In addition to this, Adewale leverages existing content to offer a variety of options, as opposed to creating new content from scratch, which is more expensive.

“I believe technology is a leveller. When I first started this, there were times when people used to ask me whether I knew what I was doing as an ordinary art teacher, but today you can see the impact of my work,” Adewale said.

Dealing with the side effects

A popular criticism against VR is the risk of escapism and addiction—concerns that soon people will prefer to live in a virtual world instead of the real one. This concern is supported by a 2022 study at the University of China that found VR gaming 44% more addictive than traditional gaming.

Adewale’s response to this is that “the extreme usage of anything has side effects.” He acknowledges that VR can be addictive and advocates that it should be used sparingly.

“If anyone is experiencing any dizziness or side effects, they should take a break from using the VR until they are okay,” he said. Q

3 Misconceptions About Starlink’s Entrance Into Nigeria

Many Nigerians are pleased to see Elon Musk’s Starlink come into Nigeria as an upstart competitor to the established internet service providers in the country. The thought of Starlink providing faster internet speed at lower costs is quite exciting. However, there are a number of misconceptions which need to be cleared up concerning the introduction of the superfast Starlink in Nigeria.

Here are a few:

1. Misconception: Starlink is an outright competitor for mobile networks in Nigeria

Fact: Starlink’s arrival is a welcome addition to the ISP industry in Nigeria. The company boasts up to 230 MBPS, and is way better than what any mobile internet provider in Nigeria affords its users. However, the internet company is not yet a direct competitor for mobile networks like MTN, Airtel, and GLO.

This is because the installation rudiments and build of the Starlink hardware makes it targeted at a select audience. To use the Starlink internet in Nigeria, you need to set up a satellite dish. As such, Starlink only provides geo-located internet access, unlike mobile networks like MTN and Airtel that provide internet access as long as you have your smartphone, SIM, and data in a network-covered area.

2. Misconception: Starlink is cheaper compared to existing fibre optic internet providers in Nigeria

Fact: This notion is quite relative and can be one of the misconceptions if you’re not aware of the pricing of the Starlink installation and subsequent subscriptions in Nigeria. The one-off installation and hardware costs N274,098 ($595), while subsequent subscription is charged at ₦19,260 ($42) per month.

However, the conversion above was done based on the CBN’s rate of ₦460 – $1. However, the ban on dollar transactions on Naira cards means you’ll need a domiciliary account and dollar card to pay for the internet package, from hardware to subscription. Except you operate a dollar account and

do not need to bother about the exchange rate, you’ll need to fund your domiciliary account with black market dollars, which are currently priced at ₦750 to $1. Therefore, you may end up paying as much as ₦450,000 for the initial setup. Your subsequent subscriptions will be in dollars, and so instead of paying ₦19,260 monthly, you may have to shell out ₦37,000 monthly for your Starlink subscription.

When compared to other fiber optic internet options in Nigeria at the moment, Starlink may be better with regards to speed and reliability, but it’s way more expensive , especially if you’ll be buying and subscribing with parallel market exchange rates.

Also, most optic fiber internet providers in Nigeria, while allowing you to pay in Naira, don’t cost that much, especially for installation. For example, Fibreone costs about ₦53,000 for installation.

3. Misconception: Starlink has come to liberate Nigerians from slow or terrible networks

Fact: Starlink is not currently targeted at everyday internet users/consumers in Nigeria. Starlink’s target audience includes the private bourgeoisie, companies, businesses, and tech individuals who want superfast internet speed for their operations and can also afford the installation costs in their residences and facilities, respectively.

For the regular Nigerian who just needs to access social media platforms and carry out regular internet activities, you may as well stick with your mobile internet provider or get a MIFI. Q

The Africa Report’s exclusive ranking: Top 500 Companies

After the damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the financial year 2021 undoubtedly was a period of significant rebound for most African companies. This was evidenced by the turnover of the Algerian giant Sonatrach (#1), which in 2021 soared by 70%. Meanwhile, our latest edition of the Top 500 Companies ranking focuses on the performance of companies in their financial year 2022, a year marked by a depression.

The cumulative turnover – $590bn – of this exclusive ranking by The Africa Report represents a decline of 4.8%. In absolute terms, we have to go back to 2016 to find a lower figure, namely $569bn. At that time, there were currency crises in Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa.As for the peak of activity in 2012 – when the 500 companies in the ranking took in a total turnover of $757bn – it will be many years before this can be matched, and even more so in a period of international tensions created by the conflict in Ukraine.

The drop in activity in this ranking illustrates the impact on Africa of the Covid-19 pandemic. The continent fared better than some other places. For example, the cumulative turno -

ver of the CAC40 companies in France plunged over the same period by 14.7%, according to professional services firm EY. World Trade Organisation director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala tells The Africa Report: “Africa has lost about a decade or more of growth because of this pandemic, so the continent has been hit really hard; and, even though the IMF projects a rebound, it’s actually much lower for the continent than for other areas.” She says: “There are two determinants of this that we found […]: the fiscal space within countries to be able to fight the pandemic, to be able to stimulate demand, stimulate their economies, provide liquidity for their enterprises […], and access to vaccines.”

In Africa, almost all economies felt the effects of the pandemic. The crisis has had a relatively small impact on the health of the population, but prevention and containment measures had, especially in the first half of 2020, a depressive effect on consumption and investment, not to mention the freezing, for a time, of logistics networks. “From March 2020 onwards, suddenly everything in the business world came to a standstill. The recovery from the summer was slow even if companies were able to adapt quickly enough,” says the head of an investment fund operating in West and North Africa.

Crude prices cause freefall

Continental GDP fell by 2.1% in 2020, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB). The bank declared this ‘the worst recession in 50 years’, a recession that followed the 3.3% growth in 2019, but preceded the welcome rebound in 2021, which is estimated at 3.4%. The regions of the continent suffered from the effects of the pandemic to varying degrees. In 2020, East Africa fared the best with 0.7% GDP growth. In contrast, Southern Africa’s GDP plunged by 7%. The other regions posted lower levels of growth: -1.1% for North Africa, -1.5% for West Africa and -2.7% for Central Africa.

The crisis was particularly severe for certain sectors: air transport, tourism, automobiles, and, above all, energy. At $42.3 per barrel, the average annual price of Brent crude fell by 33.9% in 2020, according to World Bank data. This is illustrated, for example, by the fall in our ranking of Angola’s Sonangol (#20): its oil sales fell by 25% over the period. The state-owned group, led by Sebastião Gaspar Martins, has post-

poned its plans for a partial privatisation and a stock-market flotation, which are still on the table. The plunge was even more spectacular for Total Gabon (#275), but the fall was temporary. The company doubled its turnover in 2021, thanks largely to the spectacular rebound of the price of Brent crude.

The price of non-precious metals, which are essential for the economies of countries, such as Guinea, Mauritania and the DRC, yo-yoed throughout 2020. While aluminium fell by an annual average of 5% in 2020, according to World Bank data, other mineral prices, such as those of copper (2.7%) and iron ore (16%), rose due to supply-chain disruptions in Australia and Brazil. This context benefited the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM, #108), the iron-ore heavyweight in Mauritania, which rose 44 places. In the midst of the pandemic, its turnover jumped by almost 40% and its profits doubled.

Gold played its role as a safe haven. Its average price jumped by more than 27% in 2020, benefiting groups, such as South Africa’s Sibanye Gold (#9), which entered our Top 10 after a record year. In a period where there were many logistical problems and fears about supplies, agricultural-product prices almost all rose in 2020, and commodity purchases have remained high. This is shown, for example, by the resilience of the Moroccan sugar company Cosumar (#137), which jumped 21 places after recording a sales rise of 5.1% in dirham terms. Dangote Sugar Refinery (#226) is up 63 places.

Whether or not they were previously in difficulty, airlines have paid a very heavy price for the Covid-19 crisis. Top African air transporter Ethiopian Airlines (#43)

dropped 10 spots, while Kenya Airways (#254) dropped 142 places. Conversely, companies in traditionally more resilient sectors, such as telecoms, rose in the ranking. This is shown by the progress of Sonatel (#59, up 15 places) and most of the other Orange subsidiaries, as well as those of MTN Group (#4). Vodacom Group (#12) remains in the same place as last year. Telecom Egypt (#67) moved up 21 places.

“Covid-19 accelerated the digital-transformation leapfrog. In most of our markets we saw a 300% rise in the data throughput in our networks,” says Hardy Pemhiwa, the chief executive of Cassava Technologies, the holding company of Liquid Intelligent Technologies (#167), which runs one of Africa’s largest networks of fibre-optic cables.

NNPC has nothing to hide

The Top 15 Companies continue to weigh heavily on the overall ranking (27.1% of total revenue, compared with 28.4% last year) with, as always, a strong representation of South African companies (11 versus 12 last year). Some changes are notable in this Top 15. The Moroccan phosphates and fertilisers giant OCP Group (#15) is back in the elite after rising four places, thanks to a year with turnover up by 4% in dirhams. On the other hand, the South African fuel distributor Engen Petroleum (#28), a subsidiary of the Malaysian corporation Petronas, dropped 14 places and left the Top 15, illustrating

the shock suffered by the economy of the country in which it has its headquarters.

Within the Top 15, we also note the return of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC, #6). The Nigerian oil company recorded a 19.8% drop in revenue in naira terms in 2020, but it is notable that the state-owned group has started publishing consolidated accounts again after several years of total financial obscurity that had taken it out of our

ranking. The NNPC has thus reaffirmed its position as the regional champion in West Africa. On the other hand, another Nigerian oil company, Oando, is no longer included in the Top 500, as it has not published consolidated accounts for several years due to governance problems.

In this edition, only one region saw its relative weight drop in terms of cumulative revenue. This was North Africa (down from 28.4% to 25.6% of the total), mainly due to the weakness of Algeria. The cumulative activity of this country fell from 10.1% to 6.9%, due to the drop in hydrocarbon prices. The weight of West African groups increased by 2.5% to 12.7%, due in particular to the return of the NNPC. Central and East Africa remained at almost unchanged levels of 2.2% and 3.7%, respectively. In terms of distribution by country, South Africa still carries an overwhelming weight. The country presided over by Cyril Ramaphosa counts for 51.7% of the total turnover of the ranking and 154 companies out of 500.

Côte d’Ivoire comes sixth

Next in line, but following far behind, are Egypt (8.8% of turnover and 50 companies) and Morocco (7.7% and 56 companies). For the first time, Morocco moved ahead of Algeria (6.9% with 14 companies) in terms of weighting in the ranking, due to Sonatrach’s decline in activity. Nigeria (6.5% of turnover and 29 companies) completes the top five countries. Côte d’Ivoire (2% of total revenue and 27 companies) is for the first time ranked sixth in the Top 500 in terms of revenue. This is despite the absence of the Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage, traditionally the country’s leading company, due to the lack of available data for 2020.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery

Finally, in terms of profitability, we have up-to-date results for 321 companies in this ranking, representing turnover of $446bn. All of these companies taken together (including the 88 of them with losses) had a profit and loss balance of $13.5bn and an average net margin of 3%. This compares to an average profitability of 5.1% in the previous edition and 7.3% in the one before that. Unsurprisingly, the business crisis of 2020 was also a profit crisis. The prize for the biggest loss went to Sasol (#3), with a loss of more than $6.2bn, followed by Sonangol at $3.5bn. The 88 companies in the red suffered a total loss of $22.9bn .

As for the 233 companies that were able to remain in the black, they generated a profit of $36.4bn on sales of $291bn, representing a net margin of 12.5%. Except for Naspers (#16), where the profit was linked to asset transfers, the trophy for the largest profit in ab -

solute terms went to South Africa’s Sibanye Gold, at $2.1bn. In an uncer-

tain world, the yellow metal remains a safe bet. Q

Shoprite Holdings

Kasapreko Company Limited

LIVER DAMAGE

LIVER DAMAGE REFERS to any sort of injury or harm that affects the normal functioning of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that plays an important role in several metabolic processes and helps in removing waste and toxins from the body. When the liver is damaged, it can cause various health problems and may eventually lead to liver failure if not treated in time.

Some of the common causes of liver damage include:

1. Alcohol abuse: Excessive drinking of alcohol can cause inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis of the liver.

2. Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are viral infections that can cause liver damage.

3. Medications: Some drugs and chemicals, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) in high doses, can cause liver damage.

4. Toxins: Exposure to toxins such as carbon tetrachloride and other chemicals can cause liver damage.

5. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A condition where fat accumulates in the liver, causing inflammation and liver damage.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of liver damage can include abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, it may also cause mental confusion, bruising, and bleeding easily. A proper medical evaluation, including liver function tests and

imaging studies, is necessary to diagnose liver damage. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of liver damage, but early intervention is crucial in preventing the progression of liver damage and reducing the risk of liver failure.

However, it’s important to note that in some cases, liver damage can occur without any noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect that you may have liver damage, so they can perform appropriate tests and evaluations to determine the cause and severity of the damage.

In some cases, liver damage can progress to liver failure, which can cause more severe symptoms, such as:

n Abdominal swelling

n Mental confusion or disorientation

n Sleepiness or coma

n Bleeding problems

If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your liver health, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent the progression of liver damage and reduce the risk of liver failure.

TREATMENT

The treatment of liver damage depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the damage. In some cases, liver damage can be reversed with proper treatment, while in other cases, it may progress to liver failure, which can be life-threatening. Here are some common treatments for liver damage:

Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your lifestyle can help manage or prevent liver damage in some cases. For example, if alcohol abuse is the cause of liver damage, quitting drinking is essential. Losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding exposure to

toxins can also help improve liver health.

Medications: Depending on the cause of liver damage, your doctor may prescribe medications to manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the damage. For example, antiviral drugs may be prescribed to treat viral hepatitis, while drugs that help reduce inflammation and scarring in the liver may be recommended for other types of liver damage.

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a liver tumor or to treat complications of liver disease.

Liver transplant: In severe cases of liver damage, a liver transplant may be necessary to save a person’s life. This procedure involves removing a damaged liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor.

It’s important to note that the earlier liver damage is detected and treated, the better the chances of a positive outcome. If you have concerns about your liver health or are experiencing symptoms of liver damage, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor can perform appropriate tests and evaluations to determine the cause and severity of the damage and recommend the best treatment options for your individual needs.

PREVENTION

Liver damage can be prevented or reduced by making certain lifestyle changes and avoiding exposure to potential toxins. Here are some tips to help avoid liver damage:

Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver damage. Limiting your alcohol intake or quitting drinking altogether can help protect your liver health.

Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fiber can help maintain liver health. Additionally, avoiding foods and drinks that are high in sugar and salt can also help reduce the risk of liver damage.

Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and improve liver health.

Avoid exposure to toxins: Exposure to toxins, such as chemicals and pollutants, can cause liver damage. Limiting exposure to these substances, wearing protective gear when necessary, and washing your hands regularly can help reduce the risk of liver damage.

Get vaccinated: Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that can cause liver damage. Getting vaccinated against these viruses can help prevent infection and reduce the risk of liver damage.

Monitor medication use: Some medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers, can cause liver damage. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking, including supplements, and to use them only as directed.

Get regular check-ups: Regular medical check-ups can help detect liver damage early, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

By making these lifestyle changes and being mindful of potential risks, you can help reduce the risk of liver damage and maintain good liver health. If you have concerns about your liver health or are experiencing symptoms of liver damage, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Q

How To Choose The Right Partner For Marriage

By Derrick Bangura

Marriage is one of the most important decisions a person will make in their lifetime. It is a commitment to another person that requires love, trust, and support. Choosing the right partner for marriage is essential for a happy and fulfilling life together. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Self-awareness: Before you start looking for a partner, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your own values, goals, and needs. What do you want out of life, and what do you need in a partner to support those goals? Take some time to reflect on what is important to you, and make a list of qualities that you would like to see in a potential partner.

2. Compatibility: It’s important to find someone who shares your values and interests. If you’re passionate about travel, for example, look for someone who also enjoys exploring new

places and cultures. This will help you build a strong bond and avoid conflicts that could arise from conflicting interests.

3. Communication: Good communication is essential for a successful marriage. Look for someone who is open, honest, and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with you. Pay attention to how they communicate with others, as well as with you. Do they listen actively, express themselves clearly, and handle conflicts in a constructive manner?

4. Emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Look for someone who is emotionally intelligent and can handle difficult situations with grace and empathy. This will help you build a strong, supportive relationship and avoid conflicts that could arise from misunderstandings or emotional outbursts.

5. Shared values: Values are the beliefs and principles that guide our decisions and actions. It’s important to find someone who shares your values, such as honesty, integrity, and commitment. This will help you build a strong foundation for your marriage and avoid conflicts that could arise from conflicting values.

6. Trust: Trust is a cornerstone of any successful relationship, and it’s essential for a happy marriage. Look for someone who is trustworthy and honest, and who you can rely on to be there for you when you need them. Pay attention to how they handle difficult situations, and how they handle their responsibilities. Do they follow through on their promises, and do they maintain their integrity even when no one is watching?

7. Shared goals: Having shared goals is important for a successful marriage. Look for someone who shares your aspirations and is willing to work together to achieve them. This could be anything from building a family and raising children, to pursuing careers and traveling the world. Having a shared vision for the future will help you stay motivated and on track as you build a life together.

In conclusion, choosing the right partner for marriage is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Take the time to reflect on your own values, goals, and needs, and look for someone who shares your interests, values, and aspirations. By finding someone who is compatible, communicative, emotionally intelligent, trustworthy, and shares your goals, you can set the foundation for a happy and fulfilling marriage. Q

On Marriage & Intimacy

Marriage is a legal union between two people that is recognized by society and the state. It is often considered a commitment to a lifelong partnership that involves love, trust, mutual support, and companionship. Marriage is often associated with the formation of a family, as well as financial and emotional security.

Marriage can be a source of joy and fulfillment, but it can also bring challenges and difficulties. Maintaining a strong and healthy marriage requires effort, communication, and a commitment to working through conflicts and difficulties together.

Here are some tips for enjoying a lasting marriage:

1. Communication: Good communication is key to a strong and healthy marriage. It is important to listen to each other, express your feelings and needs, and work together to find solutions to problems.

2. Show appreciation: Express your gratitude for your spouse and let them know how much you appreciate them. Regularly expressing appreciation and affection can help to strengthen your bond and keep your relationship strong.

3. Maintain a healthy balance: Maintaining a

healthy balance between your personal and shared lives can help to prevent burnout and increase the satisfaction in your relationship. This includes taking time for yourself and for each other, and finding time to pursue your individual interests and hobbies.

4. Be supportive: Marriage is a partnership, and it is important to offer support and encouragement to your spouse when they need it. This includes being there for them through difficult times and celebrating their achievements and successes.

5. Seek outside help: If you encounter challenges in your marriage, don’t be afraid to seek outside help. This may include couples therapy, mediation, or other forms of counseling.

Remember, marriage is a journey and requires effort, patience, and a commitment to work through challenges together. By taking care of each other, communicating openly, and being committed to the relationship, you can enjoy a lasting and fulfilling marriage. Q

SAUDI ARABIA SIGNS MOU WITH FRANCE ON ENERGY COOPERATION

Minnesota Senate Passes 100% Carbon-Free By 2040 Electricity Bill

Saudi Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in Riyadh in early February as part of her official visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed the prospects for peaceful nuclear energy cooperation as well as future opportunities in various energy fields such as renewable energy, clean hydrogen, and electricity interconnection.

They both signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework for energy sector collaboration. The MoU encourages cooperation between their countries in the fields of electricity, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, smart grids, oil and gas and their derivatives, refining, petrochemicals, and distribution and marketing.

This will further the collaboration in technologies, with an aim to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) in hardto-abate sectors, and the production of hydrogen, as well as other technological innovations.

The MoU also promotes cooperation in digital transformation, localization of materials, products and services in the energy supply chain, collaboration between companies in the energy sector, joint research in universities, research centres and other forums, as well as building human capacity through training and exchanging of experience in the energy sector. Q

To step up the fight against climate change, Minnesota utilities would be looking to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 under a law that has just been approved by the Legislature.

The bill which was passed in early February, having gone through the House 70-60 the previous week and passed 34 to 33 this time is a top priority for Democrats who control both chambers and for Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who has made it an important part of his climate agenda and is expected to sign the bill into law.

“Climate change is coming and has been here, and it affects everything we do,” said the lead author, Democratic Sen. Nick Frentz, of North Mankato at the start of the debate on Thursday. “The 100 per cent by 2040 legislation puts Minnesota at the forefront of sustainable energy,”.

He said that carbon emissions remain the number one threat to global health and the bill shows that the state is serious about climate change he called for more serious action in creating an energy production system that is reliable, affordable and responsible.

Minnesota’s previous standard, set in 2007 by a Democratic-controlled Legislature and Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, set a goal of reducing overall statewide greenhouse emissions to at least 15% below 2005 levels by 2015, 30% by 2025 and 80% by 2050.

State regulators had earlier in the week reported that Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions declined by 23% between 2005 and 2020, an indication that the state was on track to achieve 30% by 2025. The biggest drop was in power generation, where emissions fell 54% amid the switch from coal to renewable energy.

The new bill however aims to further shift utilities away from fossil fuels to wind and solar, and also allows them to use hydropower, biomass, hydrogen and existing nuclear plants to go carbon-free. Utilities that can’t quit coal or gas on their own could ask regulators to let them use “off ramps” to delay compliance, or they could use renewable energy credits to make up the difference. Q

CREDIT: SRPNET.COM

BORIS JOHNSON ACCUSES PUTIN OF THREATENING TO BLOW HIM UP WITH MISSILE

Former UK prime minister, Boris Johnson has claimed President Vladimir Putin of Russia threatened to personally target him with a missile attack just before ordering Russian forces into Ukraine.

According to a new BBC documentary, the apparent threat came in a phone call just ahead of the invasion on February 24, 2022. Johnson and other Western leaders had been hurrying to Kyiv to show support for Ukraine and try to deter a Russian attack.

“He sort of threatened me at one point and said, ‘Boris, I don’t want to hurt you, but with a missile, it would only take a minute’, or something like that,” Johnson quoted Putin as saying. Johnson emerged as one of the most impassioned Western backers of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

But before the invasion, he said he was at pains to tell Putin that there was no imminent prospect of Ukraine joining NATO while warning him that any invasion would mean “more NATO, not less NATO” on Russia’s borders.

On the missile threat, Johnson added: “I think from the very relaxed tone that he was

taking, the sort of air of detachment that he seemed to have, he was just playing along with my attempts to get him to negotiate.”

The BBC documentary examines the widening gap between the West and the Russian president in the years leading up to the invasion of Ukraine. It also has Zelensky lamenting the fact that his attempts to join NATO before Russia’s strike were unsuccessful Q

Germany’s New Defence Minister Assumes Office Amid Ukraine Arms Debate

ermany’s new Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, assumed office and held his first meetings with allies in mid-January as Berlin faced an urgent decision about whether to send German-made battle tanks to Ukraine.

The Defence Ministry said Pistorius spoke on the phone with his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu, immediately after he was sworn in. “France is our closest ally and oldest friend in the European Union. Paris and Berlin have been working closely together for decades, also in security policy,” Pistorius said.

GHis first visitor was the U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. The two officials were scheduled to lead a meeting of allies at a U.S. military base in Ramstein to discuss further weapons for Ukraine, and in particular, the much-debated delivery of Leopard two battle tanks.

Germany and the United States were standing shoulder to shoulder as so often in history, Pistorius said as he welcomed Austin. Austin praised Germany as one of the U.S.’ most important allies and thanked the German government for its support for Ukraine and the rapid reinforcement of NATO’s eastern flank.

Kiev is pleading with Berlin to provide its Leopard two tanks in order to push back Russian forces some 11 months after the war began. Scholz had said Russia’s invasion constituted a “Zeitenwende,” or turning point, prompting a massive reinvestment in the military Q

Nigeria’s Tems wins a Grammy on her own terms. a

At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles last weekend, Nigerian singersongwriter Tems won her first Grammy. It was for Future’s song

“Wait 4 U,” which also included her and Canadian rapper Drake, in the category for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

The triple platinum song which debuted number1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, features a samples “Higher” from her EP For Broken Ears. Because of her featured vocals and composition, she has won the Grammys, America’s most prestigious music honor.

Tems is no stranger to worldwide recognition; within the course of her brief but remarkably exciting musical career, she has won two NAACP Image Awards, two BET Awards, and two Soul Train Music Awards.

For her co-writing work on Rihanna’s song “Lift Me Up,” she just received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. She will become the first Nigerian woman to get either of these honors if she wins.

First Grammy

Her stunning vocal performance on Wizkid’s sleeper smash single “Essence” earned her her first Grammy nomination in the recently established Best Global Music Performance category. Despite the fact that Pakistani Arooj Aftab won the award in place of Tems’ song “Essence,” it is undeniably one of the most popular Afrobeats tracks worldwide.

Temilade Openiyi, a 27-year-old musician from Lagos who resigned her day job to focus solely on her music career in 2018, undoubtedly had no idea she would see such a rapid climb. By watching YouTube tutorials, she learned how to make music. That same year, she released her debut track, “Mr. Rebel,” and she hasn’t looked back since.

Her trajectory has been a swift ascension to popularity with ceiling-shattering accomplishments and a reference to the adage, “less is more.” She has two well-received EPs, For Broken Ears (2020) and If Orange Was a Place (2021), in relatively small repertoire. Tems is the unexpected chanteuse to have reached the top of the charts for an artist who has embraced the alternative music scene’s laid-back aesthetic and taken the less-traveled path in the male-dominated, testosterone-driven Afrobeats industry.

Hard work + talent

Her success is the result of a domino effect of persistence, the spark of genius, and a dash of good fortune, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Tems and fellow Nigerian singer Omah Lay were detained in December 2020 for violating Covid-19 guidelines while playing at an unauthorized performance in Kampala, Uganda. They were both charged in court and held in police detention for around two days before being returned home as a result of diplomatic efforts.

TRIVIA

Tems’ mother only allowed her to listen to Christian music when Tems was a child. Later in her teenage years, she became interested in R&B and hip hop music. She listened to Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Lil Wayne, and Aaliyah, and covered Alicia Keys’ 2004 single, “If I Ain’t Got You”, in a live performance. Growing up, she was also interested in artists such as Burna Boy, Lauryn Hill, Adele, Rihanna, Coldplay, Paramore, and Asa. At the age of 15, she stopped listening to other artists in search of her own identity, because “I wanted to learn how to attack a song from what I was feeling, not what Beyoncé would do or anyone else”. Her voice has been described as deep, velvety, and androgynous.

I was very naive. I didn’t know that people lie, I didn’t know that people didn’t write their own songs. Music has always been my expression of how I felt. It’s always been my life.

Tems mingled with the superstar couple Jay-Z and Beyonce last weekend while wearing a stunning white cut-out dress to the Roc Nation Pre-Grammys brunch in Los Angeles.

Saratu Abiola, a writer and music critic, is overjoyed by Tems’ achievements. She says of the honor: “This award is fantastic for a number of reasons, including the fact that Tems has only released two EPs, is [a] relatively new artist yet, and doesn’t even have a full-length album yet; but for me, what’s really noteworthy about Tems’ accomplishment is that she did it by being herself.

She didn’t start out making dance music or even pursuing significant popular collaborations. Prior to working with Wizkid on “Essence,” she was a major member of the alternative scene. Her story has been one of riding the river when it serves after she left her indelible mark on that hit. You can notice someone who always seems to seize the moment and recognizes a good opportunity. I’m eager to see what she accomplishes next.

Detractors

On social media, there are inevitably doubters. They think Tems’ successes are exaggerated. The claim that Tems is the “first Nigerian female musician” to win a Grammy prize has been refuted in a number of tweets. Some claim

that Sade, a British singer of Nigerian descent who is the lead singer of her own band and who won the Best New Artist award in 1986, is the deserving winner of the top spot. Others claim that Yemi Alade received a “Grammys Award by

association” last year since she was a featured artist on Angelique Kidjo’s Grammy-winning album Mother Nature.

Tems’ Grammy win recently is a sign of good things to come for female performers in the Nigerian music scene, despite the divisive reactions to prizes, particularly among fans focused in petty rivalry and mischief. Women have been underserved, undermined, and underrepresented in the creative realm since the 1960s, which are frequently referred to as the Golden Era of music in West Africa. This is especially true in show industry.

Fortunately, Tems’ rapid rise is neither an unique incident nor a passing fad. She is the leader of a group of young female vocalists who are ready to take the world by storm and upend the status quo on their terms, including Ayra Starr, Amaarae, Fave, and Guchi. Q

Everything happened organically. The fact that so many people resonate with it makes me feel really good. I’m happy they can feel it.

VICTOR OSIMHEN

The World’s Best No 9 - Is Driving A Feverish Napoli - Club and City On To Their First Serie A Title In 33 years

Victor Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Napoli and the Nigeria national team. He was born on December 29, 1998 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Osimhen began his professional career with the Nigerian club Ultimate Strikers Academy, before moving to the Sporting Charleroi in Belgium. He then joined the German club VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, where he made his mark as one of the most promising young talents in Europe.

In 2019, Osimhen signed with the French club Lille OSC, where he had a breakout season, scoring 18 goals in 38 league appearances. His impressive form earned him a move to the Italian club S.S.C. Napoli in the summer of 2020, where he has continued to impress with his goalscoring ability and overall performances.

Osimhen has also represented Nigeria at the international level, and has been a key player for the Super Eagles, helping them to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and reach the quarter-finals of the 2021 edition.

Overall, Osimhen is considered to be one of the most complete forwards in world football, and he has been tipped to have a bright future ahead of him. Q