By Kadiri Abdulrahman, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In recent times, the media has been awash with news about the huge debt burden that the incoming government would inherit from the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

This started after Buhari signed the 2023 budget of 21.83 trillion Naira into law in December, 2022, and said the country could pay N1.8 trillion in extra interest on borrowings.

Nigeria’s external debt is considered to be the biggest in sub-Saharan Africa. It has already been rescheduled several times.

In spite of the rescheduling and refinancing by creditors who were either members of the Paris Club (governments), London Club (banks) or independent creditors, arrears of this debt kept accumulating over time.

The President, however, justified government borrowing to finance infrastructure, asserting that his government took loans in the interest of the country to solve infrastructure deficit.

“We have so many challenges with infrastructure. We just have to take loans to do roads, rail and power, so that investors will find us attractive and come here to put their money,’’ he told members of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

He regretted that the failure to provide the infrastructure for effective transportation deprived the country of its well-deserved status as the West African hub for air cargo transportation and trans-shipment of goods.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) recently announced that Nigeria’s total public debt stock as at Dec.31, 2022 was 103.11 billion dollars.

DMO is the federal government agency established to centrally coordinate the management of national debts.

It explained that the Debt Stock was made up of the domestic and external debt stocks of the Federal Government, the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory.

A breakdown of the public debt stock showed that 37.82 per cent was external, while the balance of 62.18 per cent was domestic.

Findings by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that the comparative debt stock for Dec. 31, 2021 was 95.77 billion dollars.

According to the DMO, in terms of composition, total domestic debt stock stood at 61.42 billion dollars, while total external debt stock was 41.69 billion dollars.

It is noteworthy, however, that the debt figure, excludes the N22 trillion Federal Government’s indebtedness to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through Ways and Means Advances.

Finance experts say Ways and Means Advances is a loan facility used by the apex bank to finance the government during temporary budget shortfalls. It is, however, subject to limits as prescribed by the constitution.

The Ways and Means Advances are presently awaiting securitisation by the National Assembly, and can only be added to the country’s public debt after such securitisation.

According to the Director-General of DMO, Patience Oniha, the reasons for the increase in total public debt stock were new borrowings by the Federal Government and sub-national governments, primarily to finance budget deficits and execute capital projects.

“The issuance of promissory notes by the Federal Government to settle some liabilities also contributed to growth in the debt stock,” she said.

Oniha, however, assured that on-going efforts by the Federal Government to increase revenue from oil and non-oil sources through initiatives like the Finance Acts and the Strategic Revenue Mobilisation Initiative are expected to support debt sustainability.

She said the recently introduced Medium Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS) provided a guide to the borrowing activities of government in the medium-term.

She explained that MTDS adequately reflected the current economic realities and the projected trends, adding that its preparation involved the consideration of alternative funding strategies available to the government.

“It seeks to meet its financing needs, taking into consideration the cost of borrowing and the associated risks, while ensuring debt sustainability in the medium to long-term,” she said.

Experts say in spite of the seeming high debt rate, there is no cause for alarm for the economy. The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio of 23.20 per cent remains within the 40 per cent limit self-imposed by Nigeria and the 55 per cent limit recommend by World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF).

It is also within the 70 per cent limit recommend by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

According a study conducted by the World Bank, a debt to GDP ratio that exceeds 77 per cent for an extended period of time may result in an adverse impact on economic growth.

Records show that Nigeria’s external debt remained low until the middle of the 1970s. It was 1.5 billion dollars in 1970 and 2.5 billion dollars in 1975.

The situation began to get out of control around 1977 when an outstanding growth rate in the country’s debt became manifest.

The outstanding debt reached 7.5 billion dollars in 1979 and 8.9 billion dollars by 1980.

This was due to excess borrowing from international agencies and countries at non-concessional interest rate as a result of the decline in oil earnings.

It also followed the emergence of high trade arrears due to inability of the country to either produce or foot the bills of importation of needed goods and services.

By 2005, the nation’s debt had ballooned to about 30 billion dollars, mostly borrowed from the Paris Club of creditors.

Nigeria and the creditors’ club then went into series of negotiations on a mutually acceptable relief on the 30 billion dollars debt with the Paris Club.

In October 2005, Nigeria and the Paris Club announced a final agreement for debt relief worth 18 billion dollars. The creditors had cancelled 18 billion dollars and Nigeria repaid 12 billion dollars. Most of the 18 billion dollars was registered as aid.

The deal was completed in April 2006, when Nigeria made its final payment and its books were cleared of any Paris Club debt.

Some Nigerians opined at the time, that it did not make economic sense to pay such huge amounts of Foreign Exchange in one fell swoop just to enjoy debt relief.

They argued that the funds could have been channeled into improving infrastructure and creating enabling environment to attract viable foreign investments for economic growth.

The government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, however went ahead with the payment and exited the country from the huge debt burden of the Paris Club.

The relief, however, turned out to be temporary as, by June 2015, the country’s debt had again jumped to 63.8 billion dollars, representing the country’s highest debt profile since 2007.

An economist, Tope Fasua, advised the Federal Government to improve on the budgeting system to check deficit financing and make the annual budgets more impactful.

“Unfortunately, we have found ourselves in a difficult scenario due to the pandemic and falling crude oil prices and we just have to go borrowing like most other countries in the world.

“Government should ensure that our borrowings are effectively utilised for optimum economic impact,” he said.

Laoye Jaiyeola, Chief Executive Officer of the National Economic Summit Group (NESG), said that, though Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio could be considered low, the revenue that went into debt servicing was still on the high side.

“We should all be worried about the rising debt profile of the country.

“Some people say that the debt-to-GDP ratio is still low. It could be low, but servicing debt is still a challenge,” he said.

He suggested a drastic cut in running cost of governance, reduction in recurrent expenditure, as well as removal of subsidies in electricity and petroleum products, as a way of reducing the debt burden.

As Nigerians look forward to the inauguration of a new government on May 29, stakeholders advise the incoming administration to take aggressive measures to improve revenue generation so as to curb dependence on domestic and external borrowings to fund its annual budgets. (NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)

A news analysis by Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

By May 21, the inaugural flight of Hajj 2023 from Nigeria will commence with the first batch of intending pilgrims answering the call of God to perform the fifth and last religious rituals of Islam.

The pilgrims are referred to as guests of Allah for obeying the religious injunction and leaving the comfort of their homes, families and businesses to achieve that one aim to please Allah alone.

Jabir reported the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, as saying that, “The pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah are the guests of Allah. He called them and they answered Him. They ask from Him and He gives them.”

Some of the major challenges faced by pilgrims before travelling and while at the two Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are that of accommodation, transportation and feeding.

These recur because of a number of combining factors involving the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), states and FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards, as well as licenced tour operators. These bodies are solely responsible for pilgrims welfare, and are expected to address the problems, given the fact that the pilgrims had fully paid for these services.

A number of measures have been taken after the lifting of the two years ban on the pilgrimage due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. First, the number of pilgrims in 2022 was slashed from the normal two million and two and a half million yearly. It is assumed also that the number of facilities for the pilgrims were actually enough due to the approved numbers.

This year, however, the number of pilgrims expected to perform the Hajj has been brought to a record level where some officials were quoted as giving a figure of 2.5 million while others said no limit was set.

Reports have it that most places used for accommodation by Nigerian pilgrims in previous pilgrimages including the 2022 Hajj, had been demolished for renovation and therefore new ones have to be arranged.

Similarly, the case of transportation challenge is two pronged. The airlift of pilgrims from and to the Holy land do witness various infractions because of the lack of ability of states pilgrims boards to meet their allotted times for take-off. The pilgrims ultimately suffer these lapses.

Feeding also becomes a challenge for pilgrims because those charged with the responsibilities of taking care of it, encounter one problem or the other towards satisfying them.

It is gladdening to note that these are major issues being handled in the various stakeholders meetings between NAHCON, state and FCT pilgrim’s welfare boards and tour operators which started since the end of the 2022 Hajj. The meetings were held in the country and in Saudi Arabia, where the agencies undertook physical inspections of facilities for Nigerian pilgrims.

It is also gratifying that at the April 7 meeting in Abuja to announce the fares and airlines approved for the 2023 Hajj, representatives of stakeholders corroborated the NAHCON decision on a number of issues.

The Executive Chairman, Yobe Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mai Aliyu Usman, said all states were part of the decision taken by NAHCON on the 2023 hajj fares and choice of airlines.

He said that members of the various boards went to Saudi Arabia with the NAHCON officials twice, adding that all decisions and agreements were done together in the interest of the intending pilgrims.

The various fares for performing this year’s Hajj has also been announced and those blessed to perform it expects the best from stakeholders that majorly involves NAHCON and other parties at the states and FCT, as well as tour operators.

NAHCON announced eight different 2023 hajj fares regime for the Northern States and other parts of the country.

“The 2023 Hajj fare incidentally has eight different costs. Pilgrims in Maiduguri and Yola departure centres in the North East will pay the sum of N2,890,000 and this includes their 800 dollars Basic Travel Allowance (BTA).

”For the other Northern States, we have agreed that the cost is N2,919,000, we now move to South which has six different price regime, Edo State is N2,968,000 and the entire South-South and South East are in this same price regime.

”Ekiti and Ondo States N2,880,000, Osun state is N2,993,000 and Cross River State incidentally has the cheapest which is N2,943,000, while that of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states is N2,999,000.”

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, explained that the inflation rate both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as well as the scarcity of aviation fuel were largely responsible for the increase when compared with that of 2022 which was N2.5 million.

”However, NAHCON and the state pilgrims boards and agencies made several efforts in order to keep the fare at the barest minimum level, while also considering the economic feasibilities and reality of the situation.’’

He revealed that NAHCON and all the 36 states and the FCT pilgrims’ boards have reviewed the 2022 hajj operation and adopted strategies for a hitch-free 2023 operation.

”We have agreed with all having reviewed the 2022 operation to do everything that will make us to get every pilgrim that registered to Saudi Arabia in good time.

”We have also agreed that there will be zero tolerance for flight delay or cancelation this year and if there is such there will be sanction on the state or pilgrim or airline that is responsible for it.

”We have also agreed that May 21, 2023, will be the day for the inaugural flight for the 2023 Hajj”, he said.

With less than 43 days to the commencement of the inaugural flight, the meetings and agreements reached by NAHCON and other stakeholders in the country and Saudi Arabia, intending pilgrims and their families look forward to a commensurate treatment of the guest of Allah at the Holyland during and after the performance of the religious ritual at the 2023 Hajj.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

**If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Empowering Nigeria’s tech-savvy entrepreneurs

A news analysis by Maharazu Ahmed, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The growing global demand for Information Communication and Technology (ICT) services has emboldened tech-savvy entrepreneurs to grab the opportunities inherent in the multi billion dollar sector to propel the world to new heights in various areas of human endeavours.

The global demand for ICT was heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic as people relied on technology to stay connected, work remotely and access essential goods and services.

When Nigeria set up the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy in 2019, the aim is to fully exploit the opportunities in the sector, create new businesses and jobs, enhance security and transparency and diversify the country’s economy.

The country also launched the Digital Nigeria Programme on March 19, 2020, a key initiative to empower innovators and entrepreneurs with skills required to thrive in the emerging digital economy.

This was followed by digital training for Nigerians at a time the world stayed home to combat the spread of ‪COVID-19.

The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy partnered a number of institutions to enable Nigerians acquire cutting edge digital skills within the comfort of their homes.

Within the period, the Ministry provided Nigerians with over 280+ hours of free learning and 85+ courses on key emerging technologies like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing.

This is in line with the Ministry’s commitment to developing the capacity of Nigerians to use technology to solve problems. Thus, the Digital Nigeria programme helped to empower Nigerians to develop skills and build innovative solutions to tackle challenges affecting communities.

This aim is being largely achieved, because as at the second quarter of 2022, ICT had contributed 18.44 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, making it the fastest revenue generator in the Nigerian economy

Digital and high tech savvy Nigerians had grabbed the opportunity and delved into the multi billion dollar industry, setting up businesses to drive the sector. Today, out of the seven Unicorns from Africa valued at 11.45 billion dollars , four of the unicorns, valued over 1 billion dollars each, originated from Nigeria.

According to the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, the revolution in Nigeria’s digital economy, which began under President Muhammadu Buhari, has been remarkable.

‘‘All these unicorns in Nigeria attained this position during this administration. The first was in 2019, while the second, third and fourth attained this position in 2021.

‘‘57.14 per cent of the entire African unicorns originated from Nigeria while the market value of seven of them combined as at February 2023 is $11.45 billion, with the four from Nigeria contributing $7.5 billion,’’ Pantami said.

For clarity, Unicorn companies are those that reach a valuation of $1 billion without being listed on the stock market. It is the dream of any tech startup.

To push the boundaries of inclusiveness in the tech ecosystem, the Nigeria Startup Act was signed into law by President Buhari in October 2022. It is a bold step to institutionalise funding support for tech-savvy Nigerians.

“Today in the Act, there is a provision of supporting them financially. The government will set aside a minimum of N10 billion yearly in addition to other sources of funding that have been captured in the law,” Pantami said.

The law has also made clear provisions for tax breaks for Startups, ease of doing business, intellectual property protection and participation in public procurement, among others.

Nigeria has also raised broadband penetration now to 100 per cent following the deployment of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite Internet service. This will invariably spur more investment in ICT and its generative residue in the tech ecosystem.

However, in spite of these interventions towards making Nigeria a global talent factory in the digital space, the country’s startup ecosystem still faces significant challenges, such as access to funding, appropriate support infrastructure and skilled manpower.

‘‘These remain major barriers to the growth of the ecosystem, particularly for early-stage startups,” President Buhari acknowledged when he inaugurated a council to drive the implementation of the Startup Act.

He however said ‘‘the provisions of the Nigeria Startup Act 2022 represent an important step towards addressing these challenges and promoting the growth of a more vibrant and inclusive startup ecosystem in Nigeria.

‘‘Furthermore, implementation of the Act will lead to consolidation and further development of the gains recorded by Nigeria’s digital economy in the last four years, in the areas of contribution to GDP and increased revenue generation, among others.’’

To ensure the implementation of the Act, Buhari on April 5, 2023, inaugurated a 14-member National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship to be chaired by the President, while the Vice President will serve as the council’s vice chairman.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, will however preside over the Council in the absence of the President and Vice President.

Other members of the council are Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Industry, Trade and Investment; Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria.

Also on the council are four representatives of the Startup Consultative Forum, one representative each of Nigeria Computer Society and the Computer Professionals, as well as Director-General, NITDA, as Secretary.

The inauguration of the council is significant to Nigeria’s determination to remain in the forefront of the remarkable growth of startups in Africa, having already raised up to over 4 billion dollars in Startups between 2019 and 2022.

Buhari said at the inauguration that Nigeria was enticed to join the race for a slice in the sector by the remarkable growth of startups worldwide, where over 400 billion dollars of venture funding was accessed in 2022.

‘‘This growth was fuelled by a surge in demand for digital services as people worldwide turned to technology to stay connected, work remotely, and access essential goods and services largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘‘In Africa, the startup ecosystem has also been growing at a remarkable pace. In 2022, African startups raised a record of 5.4 billion dollars in funding,’’ he noted.

In this respect, Nigeria’s target has been to fully harness its youth talents, lift the country’s economy to new heights, and propel its vision and commitment towards ramping the potential of its young and innovative population in the tech ecosystem.

According to the President, the Council will also serve as a critical governance structure in the implementation of the Startup Act.

It will ensure that government agencies, entrepreneurs, investors and support organisations collaborate with the startup ecosystem to achieve the goals of promoting the growth of a vibrant and sustainable startup ecosystem in the country.

‘‘I had earlier directed the Secretariat, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to commence the execution of the implementation plan it developed.

‘‘One of the important aspects of the implementation plan is the development of the Startup Portal, which will serve as a platform that will drive the implementation of the NSA 2022 and collaboration between all stakeholders,’’ Buhari said.

No doubt, digital innovation and entrepreneurship are prerequisites to building an indigenous digital economy, as such the Council should consolidate the gains and achievements recorded in the Nigerian digital economy sector.

According to Pantami, the Buhari administration has set three unprecedented records of ICT contributions to GDP which should be surpassed.

“For example in the first quarter of 2020, ICT alone contributed 14.07 per cent to the country’s GDP. In the second quarter of 2021, ICT alone, without digital services, contributed 17.92 per cent to GDP while in the second quarter of 2022, ICT contributed 18.44 per cent.

‘‘Annually, this administration has been setting new records when it comes to ICT contributions to GDP,’’ the minister said.

Mr Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Companies in Nigeria, said the digital economy sector has done very well.

“Today we are one of the largest contributors to the GDP, we are also one of the largest in terms of employment generation. The industry has become a driver of many other sectors of the economy.

“From the number of policies formulated by the Buhari administration, we have quantum leap in the development of the sector. We have seen rapid development of the industry,” Adebayo said.

He advised that the incoming administration should maintain and sustain the achievements in the sector, while also addressing local problems such as high energy cost, to further propel the gains in the ICT and digital economy. (NAN)

**If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)**

Disrupting stress factors in the lives of Nigerians

A news analysis by Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mr Salaudeen Mohammed, a teacher in Niger State, said what worries him the most daily is the way people behave inside commercial transport, especially when talking about the problems  of the country.

‘’You hear someone expressing an opinion about national issues with such jaundiced points that one have to intercept him as an educated person. But what do you get; the anger is transferred to you as if you caused the issue. Thank God if the speaker does not have a stereotype about one tribe or the other. That will be another wahala,’’ he said.

For Mrs Evelyn Adejo, a trader in Wuse market, it is the challenges she faces coming to the market that gives her concerns and headaches.

‘’I live in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, and come to Wuse, FCT, market every day except Sunday to sell my wares. The heavy traffic and manner of driving on the road gives me goose pimples and stress. So see driving of all kinds; wrong overtaking, speed, change of lane and sometimes government officials harassment.

A retired civil servant, Mr Audu Stephen, said he has taken all the challenges in his stride because there is always a solution to every problem in life.

‘’Due to my experience as a civil servant, I have realised that I need to do my own quota to get the change that I want to happen.

“In my community now I have taken it on myself to take care of challenges that we have with the electricity distribution company.

“Another retiree, has taken it on himself to take care of any problem of the community relating to local government in terms of tax and levies’’, he said.

Every day coming from home, reaching places of engagement as well as when returning home, a Nigerian is faced with one stress/depression or the other, mostly due to lack of action or inaction of a fellow human being.

Simply put the stress factors include commuters on commercial vehicles not behaving orderly, drivers’ recklessness and not wanting passengers to caution them, holdups along the road due to careless parking in unauthorised areas to pick passengers. The list is endless.

Unruly behaviours of medical personnel in health facilities, bank officials, unapologetic and lack of courteous attitudes of tricycle and motorcycle operators, vehicle inspection officers, FRSC, states road marshals can also be added to the list of stress faced Nigerians.

According to UNICEF, depression can happen as a reaction to something like abuse, violence and the death of someone close or family problems like domestic violence or family breakdown.

Someone might get depressed after being stressed for a long time. It can also run in the family. Sometimes we may not know why it happens.

If you’re constantly under stress, you can have physical symptoms like headaches, an upset stomach, high blood pressure, chest pain, and problems with sex and sleep. Stress can also lead to emotional problems, depression, panic attacks, or other forms of anxiety and worry.

What can be done to rectify these challenges in order to bring sanity to Nigeria and its patriotic citizens? Yes, patriotic.

All hands must be on deck to have an individual commitment to seriously consider ‘’doing unto others what you will want done unto you’’ and also making the rule of law work.

If you are among those that read or watch films, you will see deliberate efforts by citizens of developed countries to make their society liveable in all aspects.

They give information to the relevant authorities’ to handle any infractions observed and actually follow up to see that the right thing is done.

There is no society without laws and regulations well defined. It has not been enough for Nigerians to complain about things not working or acting correctly in those societies where there is order.

Take for example, in some parts of the country particular habits are not permitted and everybody that wants to live there abides by it.

So, in effect we should as citizens take it upon ourselves to see that well defined rules and regulations for our safety and wellbeing are discharged by those paid and charged with the responsibilities.

Politicians have shown the right attitude over time by taking their disagreement over election results to the law courts as demanded by the constitution and the electoral Act.

This is the way to go. The journey to greatness starts with a move in the right direction. Nigerians must move towards the right direction and one day, our dream of a better Nigeria would be realised.

Nigerians must not be deterred by one incident and hastily conclude that nothing will work in the country.

Getting what we want requires much sacrifice so as to allow the future to be much brighter. It requires knowing the law, following it and when needed changing it to suit current situations.

Experts say the functions of law in society are infinite. Law ensures survival of the society, sustains accepted standards of public morality, provides the substratum for social-economic emancipation, a desire to live, and necessity for living in society.

The law  teaches how to organise our affairs in a manner that discourages conflicts by guiding human actions.

What are the citizen roles in the community? A citizen must have a role in the community that others recognize as important.

Being a teacher, a parent, a student, an artist, a neighbour, a committee member, and/or a person in recovery are all roles that are recognized as important and valuable for society and the individual.

For example, local residents need to engage in voluntary work, organise litter-clearing campaigns, set up collectives to purchase solar panels or form local care cooperatives. They may also be involved in the decision-making about the municipal budget.

Researches show that rule of law correlates to higher economic growth, greater peace, less inequality, improved health outcomes and more education.

The rule of law is a critical factor for the advancement of democracy, rooted in equal rights and accountability.

By strengthening the rule of law, we protect the rights of all people, advance inclusiveness, and limit the arbitrary exercise of power, which are the cornerstones of modern democracy.

According to the father of rule of law, A.V. Dicey, personal liberty is “the right not to be subject to imprisonment, arrest and any other physical coercion in any manner that does not admit of legal justification.”

Nigerians fate does not only rest in the hands of a few, the majority have a lot to do in the attainment of the right atmosphere and environment for a better society that promote stability, mental health and socio-economic development of all.(NAN)

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

News Ananlysis by Doris Esa, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Animal welfare is an interesting global issue. In many countries it has received dedicated attention by researchers, conservationists, consumers and governments.

The need to ensure the general well-being of both wild and domestic animals is mandatory now in many developed countries.

In Nigeria, where there have been snags, the Federal Government said, to enhance the welfare of animals, it had identified the need to develop a response strategy during emergencies and disasters.

The resolution was reached as one of the outcomes of a national stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Animal Welfare During Emergencies and Disasters in Nigeria.

The meeting was organised by the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, (FMARD).

It brought together stakeholders in the industry to brainstorm and come up with strategies that would address ways to rescue and rehabilitate animals during disasters and emergencies.

Participants deliberated on the three basic principles of response strategies: Reducing or avoiding losses of animals from hazards; ensuring prompt assistance to animals affected; and achieving rapid and effective recovery of the animals.

Speaking at the event, Dr Musa Inuwa, the Overseeing Director, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, FMARD, said the federal government was stepping up efforts aimed at adopting global best practices in Nigeria’s animal welfare strategy.

He also said the meeting would serve as a medium for awareness creation among relevant stakeholders on good animal welfare practices.

Inuwa, who is also the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), said the efforts were in line with the guidelines and standards provided by World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

“The essence of the meeting is to provide a platform for effective engagement and interaction among relevant stakeholders on implementing policies on matters concerning the general care of animals”, he said.

He said the National Animal Welfare Strategy for Nigeria was approved by the National Council on Agriculture in 2016.

According to him, the approval was followed by the inauguration of the National Council on Animal Welfare by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on Aug. 4, 2022.

Inuwa urged the stakeholders to serve as credible animal welfare ambassadors in their various capacities and within their areas of operation.

Dr Umakaltume Abubakar, Deputy Director, Department of Veterinary and Pest and Control Services in the ministry, captured the essence of animal welfare.

She said animal welfare covers the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies.

Abubakar explained that an animal could be said to experience good welfare if it was healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, and free from pain, fear and distress.

However, disasters such as flooding, rivers overflowing their banks, drought, and deforestation, among others pose a heavy challenge to the survival of animals in many countries, including Nigeria.

Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, forest fires and floods are other natural disasters that with the potential for devastating on the welfare of animals.

“Animals are vulnerable in the event of natural disasters, especially those living in the wild. Hence natural disasters that harm humans also harm animals.

“In disaster situations, the welfare of animals both domestic and wild is compromised.

“They are the forgotten victims of disasters, millions of them suffer and die each year,” she said.

She further said the animals also experience the same terrible effects of disasters that humans do such as injury, starvation, thirst, habitat destruction, displacement, illness and stress.

“It is our responsibility as stakeholders to come together and determine measures that we need to put in place to mitigate the effects of disaster on our animals,” she said.

Dr Abdulkareem Durosinlorun, Head, Quality Assurance and Standards Division, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, FMARD, said there is a need for rescuers to take cognizance of animals during disasters and emergencies.

“The Department of Veterinary & Pest Control Services identified the need to develop a response strategy for animals during emergencies and disasters.

“Traditionally, when disasters strike the main focus is on humans but we also need to pay attention to the welfare of our animals which tend to be badly hit and suffer in silence.

Similarly, the National President, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr Olutoyin Adetuberu, urged stakeholders should consider animal welfare during disasters as part of the contribution to boosting the animal sector of the economy.

“We are looking at how to incorporate the animals’ health components into the National Emergency Management Agency, if we have veterinarians there, they will be able to rescue these animals”, she said.

Adetuberu said the need to rescue animals that have escaped from their shelters during disasters and emergencies could not be overemphasised.

“Usually, when there is a disaster, you see all that human beings are being rescued and there are data of those being rescued but we don’t take cognizance of the animals.

“We are not just rescuing them because they are animals, we are also considering the human aspects of it so that these loose animals cannot come and attack human beings,” she said.

Adetuberu called for the setting up of committees on animal rescue during emergencies and disasters.

Experts at the event recommended that during emergencies, animal rescuers should always be involved in rescue operations.

Stakeholders argue that the way forward to promote the welfare of animals is by protecting animals through well-enforced laws and regulations.

They contend that should be rapid veterinary response during disasters and emergencies so that animals rescued are rehabilitated or treated.

They also advise that the public should be educated on animal care during disasters and emergencies, as well as setting up temporary rescue camps for veterinarians and para-veterinarians. (NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)

How FG is improving healthcare, addressing brain drain, medical tourism- Health Minister

A News Analysis by Ibukun Emiola (News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mr Wole Jones (not his real name) and his family were involved in a ghastly motor accident in 2022, while returning from Lagos en route Ibadan. His car rammed into a trailer ahead due to brake failure and the incident left him unconscious having sustained a head injury and his wife a neck injury.

On getting to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, having received first aid elsewhere, they had to secure an ambulance to take him for a CT scan outside the hospital, the inconvenience and other logistics were beyond words, said the relative tending to the victims.

Patients in this category and others do not need to worry anymore, given the intervention and provision of some infrastructure by the Federal Government.

Speaking at the inauguration of the seven projects in Ibadan, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, reiterated the commitment of the Buhari led administration to providing infrastructure and facilities in the health sector as well as improved welfare for staff.

He noted that the goal of the administration was to ensure that each ward has a functioning Primary Health Care facility and a standard Secondary Healthcare facility in each local government area, which will enable the Tertiary Health care such as UCH to focus on research, training and treatments.

Ehanire emphasised the importance of Universal Health Coverage, which will ensure that average Nigerians have access to quality healthcare, adding that such is the practice in developed countries hence the need for partnership among state actors and the private sector.

He said University Health Coverage had become germane now more than ever as non-communicable diseases such as Hypertension, diabetes and cancers are beginning to overtake the communicable diseases and the issue of malnutrition, which are on the rise because of ignorance of what to eat and how to combine food.

“Prevention is part of the treatment and Universal Health Coverage is the answer,” Ehanire said.

The minister spoke on global, continental and local collaborations to improve preparedness in tackling outbreak of diseases and treatment, especially in identifying, reporting and responding to issues within the shortest possible time frame.

The issue of brain drain has also become worrisome to the government and it is trying all possible means to address the challenge.

Just after the pandemic hit Nigeria and other countries, economic growth and living conditions nosedive resulting in more hardships and a quest for greener pastures to survive the hard time.

This turn of events led to the exodus of many Nigerians and professionals in various fields and the health sector in particular.

According to reports 4,460 nurses have left Nigeria for the U.K between 2019 and 2022.

This was buttressed by the Chief Medical Director, UCH, Prof. Abiodun Otegbayo, who said during the 65th anniversary of the hospital that every week he signs resignation letters of 15 health workers at the institution who are mostly clinicians, that is, Nurses, Doctors, and Pharmacies among others.

Otegbayo said from 2020 to Oct. 15, 2022, 600 clinical staff had left the hospital, noting that bureaucracy’s bottlenecks had been hindering replacement.

He noted incessant resignation globally, adding that there had been an acute shortage of manpower due to push and pull factors such as poor welfare of workers and insecurity among others.

Addressing the issue of brain drain, Ehanire said though Nigeria had been experiencing mass exodus of its health workers, it was not a new phenomenon as it had been as far back as the 1990s.

“Then Nigerians were going to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other places. So, it is not a new thing. Also, it is not peculiar to Nigeria. It is a global phenomenon.

“There is a huge mobility of the labour force – pharmacists, laboratory scientists, doctors of all levels are moving to other countries.

“I have heard officials of the UK complain that their doctors are moving to New Zealand, Canada andAustralia, where the pay is higher. I have seen Ghanaian ministers saying that their doctors are leaving also.

“Even the Gambia said their doctors are leaving for other countries.  So, it is a global phenomenon, that doesn’t mean it is not a problem.

“It is a problem for all countries, not only that the wealthy countries are looking to improve their health services with cheaply acquired doctors from other countries, they also do not want to train them because of the high cost involved.

“And, in many developed countries, there is nothing like free education at that level and it costs a lot to train doctors,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria is producing over 300,000 doctors yearly and the country is reorganising its housemanship programme to solve the problem of placement for internship.

Ehanire said the government had also taken steps to re-organise residency training programmes to ensure more doctors in Nigeria public hospitals.

“The Federal Government has now allowed for the one-for-one replacement. If you lose one doctor, you replace him with another doctor.

“I want to urge you all not to abuse this programme. If one doctor goes out, replace him with another of the same calibre.

“The government is also looking at how to improve conditions of service and to engage Nigerians in  Diaspora in a scheme known as ‘Knowledge and Skill Repatriation’.

“By engaging them to train and share knowledge using virtual platforms to provide services, even as it improves conditions of service and provide investment on infrastructure and equipment,” he said.

Otegbayo in his remarks lauded President Muhammadu Buhari, under whose leadership there has been provision of infrastructure to improve facilities and create a conducive atmosphere for research at the hospital.

He said with the recent procurement of the 64 slice CT machine, “our Radiology Department will be able to render advanced radio diagnostic services to our teeming patients.

“The two Digital Mammography machines have the latest GT Technology and it is capable of carrying out an array of services.

“The Practical Demonstration Room in Nurse Tutors’ School will be for seminars, tutorials, clinical demonstrations and simulation.

“The establishment of the Molecular Laboratory, envisioned by the Federal Ministry of Health, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, will help to detect, with a high level of reliability, accuracy and rapid turnaround time, microorganisms, genetic mutations associated with certain infectious diseases (COVID-19, Lassa Fever, HIV etc.) and cancers and paternity tests, among others,” Otegbayo said.

The CMD noted that another important project was the Pressure Swing Absorption Oxygen Generating Plant.

According to him, High quality, medical-grade oxygen will be produced and administered to patients in-house, leading to less dependence on oxygen from external sources.

“This will greatly enhance our existing daily oxygen production capacity in the hospital to meet the needs of critically ill patients who are oxygen-dependent.

“These projects were envisioned in my strategic plan to improve clinical services to elevate the hospital from a tertiary hospital to a quaternary level.

“These projects deliver on so many of our commitments to the sustainability of the Hospital and the management is proud and honored to have the Federal Government’s intervention in these key areas of our services,” Otegbayo said. (NAN)

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

By Abujah Racheal, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mr Isaiah Nguuma, a 47 year-old bricklayer, who resides in Dei Dei community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), experienced weight loss and blurred vision some few years ago.

His mouth was always dry; usually, very thirsty, and was making frequent visits to the restroom. Recounting his ordeal he told this writer that it was very scary for him.

“The journey started four years ago, when I was 43 years old. I had no energy and felt drained for months.

“I thought it was spiritual. I went from one prayer house to the other and was taking energy boosting pills to feel better”, he said.

With persistent symptoms Nguuma had to seek remedy by buying drugs from a chemist within his neighbourhood.

“But there was no solution until I was rushed to the National Hospital, Abuja one day where tests showed that I had dangerously high blood sugar levels known as hyperglycemia.

“My blood sugar level was 475 mg/dl. I was rushed to the emergency room; and after my discharge from the hospital, I was asked to pay close attention to my diet.

“This is because certain foods and beverages can cause my blood sugar levels to fluctuate dangerously,” he recalled.

Mr Emmanuel Abimbola, a mechanic at the Baba Tsauni area of Gwagwalada also in the FCT who had a similar medical history said it is a `curse` to be saddled with a disease that’s life-threatening condition.

The 27 year-old Abimbola, who was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, said suffering from the ailment could lead to depression.

“Having diabetes of any form is frustrating. Most times, when I cannot afford my drugs, I will resort to using alternative medicine.

“You become a beggar before friends and family and sometimes they wish you were not existing because of the frequent visits to hospital. The complications associated with the sickness are many,” he said.

According to a Harvard University study people who drink sugar-sweetened beverages regularly – one to two cans a day or more – have a 26 per cent greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than people who rarely consume such drinks.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers fiscal policies priority interventions for the promotion of healthy eating in its Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is one of such fiscal policies which is expected to rise the prices of such products thereby lowering their consumption.

SSBs are categorised as liquids that contain natural or added sweeteners, including various forms of sugars such as brown sugar, corn sweetener.

They also include corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose.

WHO reports indicate that as of May 2022, over 80 countries and jurisdictions (including subnational levels) had levied taxes on SSBs.

Some African countries, including Nigeria, have enacted SSB tax policies. Nigeria government adopted a sugary drinks tax to tackle rising levels of obesity and other diseases in the country.

The tax was signed into law as part of the 2021 Finance Act. It adds N10 to each litre of all `non-alcoholic and sweetened beverages`.

Sadly, deaths from non-communicable diseases have remained high in Nigeria, rising calls for the Federal Government to further jerk up taxes on sugary beverages and drinks. The cost of managing diabetes is also enormous.

Dr Francis Fagbule, a public health professional, said the average monthly cost of drugs for diabetic patients in the country can vary, depending on factors such as the type of diabetes, severity, and treatment plan.

Fagbule, a lecturer, at the Department of Periodontology and Community Dentistry, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, said the drugs cost between N2000 and N30000 monthly depending on type and the dosage required.

“For instance, some commonly prescribed drugs for diabetes in Nigeria include metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, among others.

“It is important to note that the cost of drugs is only one aspect of diabetes care as diabetic patients may also need to pay for regular doctor’s visits, blood glucose monitoring devices, and other supplies.

“Moreover, the high cost of diabetes care in Nigeria can be a major barrier for many people, especially those living in poverty, to access the treatment they need to manage their condition effectively,” he explained.

Dr Adamu Umar, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), said as health costs and deaths linked to health-harming products such as SSBs mount, it is imperative for the federal government to sustain the SSB tax.

“It is the responsibility of every government to protect, promote, and guarantee the health of its citizens – as per their national constitutions, legislation, regulations, and policies, as well as international conventions,” he said.

Ms Veronica Schoj, Vice President, Food and Nutrition, at Global Health Advocacy Incubator, said that the revenue collected can be used for health programmes.

According Schoj the tax is a win-win-win for governments because it discourages their consumption, and encourages consumers to make healthier choices while also fueling the country with resources to support health measures.

“The SSBs contribute to all forms of malnutrition, reducing the consumption of nutritious food,” she said.

Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability & Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), said that the SSB tax can generate additional revenue that can be used to fund NCD prevention and treatment programs in the country.

He said the successful implementation and sustainability of the SSB tax regime requires the collaboration and engagement of all stakeholders, including the government, private sector and civil society organisations.

However, the Director-General, Budget Office of Federation (BoF), Mr Ben Akabueze, said that given the country’s low sugar consumption, many question the necessity of an SSB tax.

Nonetheless, Akabueze acknowledged that the prevalence of NCDs is on the rise in the country,

“Prevention is always better than cure. We should not wait to get to a crisis point to take steps.” he said. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

By Taiye Olayemi (News Agency of Nigeria)

As the world marks the black history month, it becomes crucial to address the possible ways out of modern slavery in Africa and most especially in Nigeria.
This is quite significant because this is one of the major issues that has hindered the growth of Africans over the years.

Black history month also known as African American history month finds its origin in the United States through the founding father Carter G.Woodson who feared the poor representation of the black community in history.
Black history month is a celebration of many things inclusive of changing the narratives where the black community tells  the narrative themselves; it is a month that basically sets the records straight about the grass to grace story of the black man.

In spite abolition of slave trade in Africa since the 19th century, now in the 21st century, Africans still suffer some form of slavery due to western influences.
This has raised serious concern on when Africans will actually be free from being enslaved unconsciously.
As Africans suffer from this, cases of inferiority complex, poverty, low self esteem spring up, hindering African progress as a continent.
The theme for the 2023 Black History month is “Black Resistance”, which explores how African-Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings, since the nations’ earliest days.

It is often observed how Africans take pride in western products, subjecting themselves perpetually to embracing such products at the detriment of African nations economic growth.
Modern day slavery in Africa includes exploitation of subjugate population even when their condition is not technically called “slaves”.
Similarly, this can be seen when Africans invest their time to seek improved means of livelihood in trying to relocate to West African countries, abandoning their indigenous languages to embrace westerns’.
Human trafficking is another area of slavery Africans engage in.
All the aforementioned practices by Africans have been informed by the high level of poverty still recorded in most African countries, with obvious and significant gap between the poor and the rich.
With indept discussions with major culture and tourism stakeholders in Nigeria, some measures have been suggested to help Africans and specifically Nigerians to be truly free from all forms of slavery.
Mrs Nneka Isaac-Moses, Managing Director, Goge Africa, says Africans can only be liberated from western influences when there is a total mind shift and re-orientation consciously by individual Africans.
She says specifically in Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) should be alive to its responsibility of re-orientating Nigerians on the need to maintain their identity.
According to her, the school systems and families also have huge roles to play in ensuring children take pride in speaking their mother tongue, love their skin, hair and everything that identifies them as Africans.
“With respect to Nigeria, I think the National Orientation Agency should wake up, our school system should wake up, and families should also wake up to the reality on ground.
“The slave traders made us believe that our skin tone connotes something negative and we bought into that narrative, that is the reason some people will bleach their skin.
“People take pride in speaking  European language and sharing the same with their children and we erroneously refer to our language as vernacular.
“We even get flogged in school for speaking our mother tongue in class.
“Our leaders embezzle our monies and forward it to the West. We feel more comfortable to dress like the Europeans to the detriment of our culture and commerce.
“The West have so packaged and delivered their culture and we have bought into it so badly that majority of us wish to leave Nigeria for the so-called ”greener pastures”.
“Nigerians sell their landed property and export themselves into modern day slavery and end up becoming a third class citizen, absolutely bad, there must be a change.
Isaac-Moses noted that it is important that the blacks in the diaspora retrace their steps back to their root if Africa must be truly liberated from modern day slavery.
She said this can only be achieved when peace and stability is achieved in governance and good infrastructures capable to drive development are put in place.
She explains that African government must be deliberate about attracting the black diaspora by offering them incentives that will attract them to visit, do business and eventually they may be attracted to settle or have a second home in Nigeria.
Isaac-Moses notes that Africans have not done enough to immortalise leaders who worked tirelessly for Africans emancipation.
She suggests that such leaders should be seen and read in history, story books and  museums.
She says a remembrance day can be set aside for them, likewise monuments erected in their honour, also movies and documentaries can be made to keep their memory fresh in the minds of this generation and those yet to come.
Also, Mr Isioma Williams, Chairman, Guild of Theatre Arts Drummers (GOTHAD), says to be totally liberated from modern slavery, African leaders must wake up to ensure the continent is well positioned to generate and sustain its economy independently without interference from the imperialists.
He says this can be done by promoting independent African economy and African excellence on all fronts.
He also calls on Africans to consciously cherish their ancestral heritage.
“I believe that we need to cherish who we are and promote our ancestral heritage and values above everything else. We need to be able to generate and sustain our economy independently without any interference from imperialists.
“Our leaders have not been well immortalised, the best way is to teach history in our schools, especially the elementary schools and as well making history publications in both print and audiovisual media available and accessible everywhere, online, offline and in the stores,” he said.
Dr Ferdinard Anikwe, former Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), said without a purposeful leadership in Africa, the black history month will continue to be a mere historical reference.
He notes that African leaders run African political economy worse than the time of slave trade.
“When we become conscencious, consious and concerned about the needs of our people, then we would have come out of slavery and inhuman treatments as meted to us by the white man and our own people,” he said.
Now, Africans individually have to take deliberate steps to be liberated from modern slavery and oppression. (NANFeatures)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran
If used, please credit the writer========

Dr Alim Abdubakre, founder of TEXEM UK, during a leadership training programme

By Razak Owolabi

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Dr Alim Abubakre was born into the family of Prof. Razaq Abubakre of Iwo, Osun State. His quest for training global leaders began as far back as 2010 when he founded These Young Minds in the UK-Her first client was Microsoft.

‘Young’ in ‘These Young Minds’ signifies learning, innovation and embracing a growth mindset culture.

The company rebranded to These Executive Minds (TEXEM) when it decided to expand the company’s services to Africa as some of the clients misconstrued the meaning of Young.

He demonstrated his unparalleled passion for sharing knowledge on the world stage during his MBA studies at Leicester when he conceived the UK’s first student-organised global economic confab during the recession.

The conference that Alim organised with other MBA students was titled “Managing in Turbulent Times” and had coverage by BBC, Independent of the UK and Times Higher Education publication.

The success of this confab and his commendable leadership as the course representative/President of the MBA programme, during which he had regular meetings with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bob Burgess, earned him the Course Representative of the year 2008-He was the first African to achieve this feat in the history of the University of Leicester.

Upon completion of his MBA, Alim served as Director of Strategy at a multinational firm in Cambridge, engaging diverse stakeholders from China, Europe and Africa.

His doctorate degree in Strategy was completed at Southampton University. His doctorate thesis topic was “Evaluating Stakeholder Theory in a Developing Country Context”.

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He recently published a transdisciplinary paper with other international collaborators in an ABS3 (International Public Management Journal ranked at par with Harvard Business Reviews by the UK’s Chartered Association of Business Schools).

The title of this paper is, Modeling the Barriers to Multistakeholder Collaboration for COVID-19 pandemic response: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Alim started his academic career as a visiting lecturer at the University of Southampton and Nottingham Business School before joining Coventry University as a full-time academic.

He is a Senior Fellow of the Advance Higher Education Academy (HEA).

He has supervised over 40 postgraduate students and over 50 undergraduate students to completion.

While he has a budding academic career ahead of him, Alim has distinguished himself in the area of entrepreneurship and consulting.

In the past 13 years, Alim has worked with many of the world’s top business schools and multinational corporations to create executive development programmes.

Under Alim’s leadership, the company he founded, TEXEM, has inspired over 4,000 African, Americans, European and Asian senior executives, including CEOs, Chairs of Boards, Governors, Government Ministers, Vice-Chancellors and General Managers, on different leadership and strategy themes that help organisations achieve their goals.

Specifically, when the company was first founded, it forged a partnership with institutions such as the University of Oxford, INSEAD, Henley Business School, Aston Business School and Manchester Business School.

Thus, Alim has developed academic curricula for executive development programmes in partnership with some of the world’s top institutions.

However, when many of the renowned partner institutions were not keen on delivering executive development programmes in Africa, TEXEM decided to stop partnering with those universities and deliver those programmes leveraging her methodology.

Alim is a thought leader; he has written articles, and his comments have been cited by, Thisday, Guardian, All Africa, Vanguard, Leadership, Daily Trust, Businessday, The Independent and the Times Higher Education.

BBC, Channels TV, and Classic FM have also interviewed him. For example, as far back as 2015, while TEXEM was organising a leadership development programme with Oxford University, Alim shared his insight on the future of modern executives.

“Modern executives cannot afford to just focus on driving their organisations forward, and responsible “corporate governance” is no longer a word organisations throw around for the good PR.

“In fact, it may be imperative to make effective governance the lifeblood of your organisation to stay competitive as we move into the future,” he asserted.

And in 2019, while speaking ahead of a two-day Master Class organised by TEXEM for Nigerian leaders and chief executives on how to create and run an effective board and directors, Alim said:

“In this turbulent, challenging, dynamic and fast-paced operating landscape characterised by new risks and opportunities, good governance remains the bane of many Nigerian organisations’ success”.

During Nigeria’s 62nd Independence anniversary in 2022, Alim prescribed some strategies to make the country retain its economic leadership in Africa’s era of global uncertainties.

He said his prescriptions are “seven quick wins for national prosperity and superlative comparative advantage post 62nd Independence Anniversary”.

He listed the strategies as Harnessing Diasporas and Increasing Exodus of Talent, Vertical Integration of Agriculture and Petroleum, and Building a National Brand.

Others are Harnessing Nigeria’s Youthful Population, Developing a Sustainable Energy Ecosystem, Taking Advantage of Africa’s Free Trade Agreement, and Harnessing Diversity as a strength.

Alim has engaged with two UK Prime Ministers; he has been hosted at St. James’s Palace- in London by royal family members. He was invited to join the Lord Mayor of London’s entourage while visiting some African countries. Dr Alim Abubakre was adjudged one of the 100 top emerging entrepreneurs in the UK by Virgin media.

While working on World Bank projects, Alim was instrumental in accessing and implementing many successful projects with management issues before his involvement.

Alim also worked as part of the project management team that delivered a Public-Private Partnership infrastructure project valued at £3 billion; this was the largest public-private partnership project undertaken in West Africa as of 2007.

He has designed and co-delivered programmes for Private sector organisations such as Airtel, UBA, Ecobank, Seplat, Masters Energy, Energia, Unilever, and Fidelity Bank.

Others are Ag. Leventis, GTBank, First Bank and Leadway Assurance and government (Ministers, MPs, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors).

He has also worked with multinational organisations such as Directors at Unilever, EY, KPMG, Deloitte, McKinsey & Company, Manchester United, Bentley, CSRwire, Jaguar Land Rover, Cadbury, Manpower, and Microsoft.

Participants and beneficiaries of leadership development programmes organised by TEXEM gave testimonies to Alim’s skills and expertise as a trainer of leaders.

According to Okon Effiong, Director, New Energy, Seplat, “Dr Alim Abubakre is a strategic thinker and global resource”.

“Dr Alim is a very positive person. He encourages everyone to be their best,”

says Ighojovbe Oghenekaro General Manager HR, Agip Oil.

“I attended a leadership course with TEXEM facilitated by Dr Alim Abubakre in 2022. I found him to be passionate and highly motivated in imparting knowledge to the participants,” says Mr L. A. Cardoso, Regional Coordinator Southwest, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

“Alim’s contribution to Nigeria and the Nigerian economy is his constant pursuit to bring the best minds and the brightest idea to the Nigerian business so leaders can learn, grow and bring new best practices to the workplace,” says Asnani Naresh CEO, Emel Group Of Companies.

“Alim is a dedicated seeker of change in African professionals. He is determined to offer executives the opportunity to develop themselves to develop their organisations, and then organisations can develop nations,” says Prof. Roger Delves, Professor of Practice at Hult University and one of TEXEM’s faculties.

“Alim brings knowledge and expertise to any client with his well-respected academic and business career as a university lecturer and entrepreneur,” says Prof. Paul Griffith, another TEXEM faculty who is the world’s first Professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket to space.

Prof. Rodria Laline, also a faculty, is the Developer of the intellectual property of the chip on every ATM card, former adviser to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Founder of Harvard Maximise Your Board programme, and Chair of Intrabond.

She has the following to say on Alim and his TEXEM’s leadership development programmes:

“I am proud to have the privilege of being a part of the TEXEM team founded by the remarkable Dr Alim Abubakre.

“His executive education programs for corporate and public leaders in Africa have impressed me with how much he cares about every participant, not just during the executive development programmes but even afterwards.

“He is truly a professional executive trainer who expertly matches and transforms the learning context into the appropriate business and strategy development context.

“Dr Alim Abubakre is an exceptional leader who challenges and enables the process, selects the right people to work with, and follows his influential leaders.

“His ability to develop and train top leaders is unparalleled, and his organisational, contextual, and strategic leadership insight in uncertain times is astonishing.

“His compassion touches the hearts of all who know him. In short, Dr Alim Abubakre is an extraordinary individual who makes the TEXEM team and the people of Africa shine.

“I am proud to be a part of his faculty and grateful for the opportunity to work with him”.

Some other faculties delivering TEXEM’s programmes are renowned globally for their experience and expertise.

Among them is Prof. John Peters, former Chair of the Association of MBAs, Top Word Leadership Speaker and Survivor Par Excellence.

There is also Ambassador John Buck, a former UK Ambassador who is an experienced and capable facilitator between business and governments, particularly in the international oil and gas industry.

Rt. Hon. Mark Simmonds

Chairman, Advisory Board | Invest Africa is another faculty. He served as a Member of the UK Parliament for 14 years.

Ambassador Charles Crawford, the winner of the equivalent of two Oscars, said: “I have worked with Dr Alim and Texem for several years now, giving masterclasses that for a wide range of top-end professional skills in Leadership, Strategy, Negotiating and so on”.

Dr Musa Zagi, Deputy Director, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, a past participant at a TEXEM’s programme described Alim as “capable and resilient” .

With all these testimonials on Alim and the capable faculties he put together, there is no further proof about this Nigerian export to the UK and the world, of his invaluable contribution to the training of trainers; and training of African and global leaders. (NANFeatures)

**If used, please credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN