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

Prioritising the stakes of retirees in the next dispensation: The COPEHRA angle

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

In the next few days a new administration would be elected by Nigerians with various expectations to better their lives, more especially those that have served and retired in the public and private sector.

Retirees in Nigeria have not received the desired attention of various administrations, making them to face an uncertain future.

This election is therefore an opportunity to usher in an administration that is friendly and with a human face that will give priority and change the fate of retirees for the better.

The Contributory Pension and Happy Retirement Advocacy (COPEHRA) is a Non-Governmental Organisation concerned about the fate of retirees in the country.

It has been advocating sustainable and happy retirement by creating awareness and guiding individuals in public and private sectors, as well as artisans on the value of saving through the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) ahead of retirement, to avoid old age poverty.

The organisation is focussed to having reliable and stable retirement through a contributory pension scheme that upholds the core principles of transparency, accountability, participation and enlightenment.

At a recent campaign and engagement with the media, COPEHRA spoke on the need for politicians aspiring to take the reign of leadership by May 2023 to make clear statement on the fate of retirees in the country.

‘’As we countdown to decision dates, Presidential and Gubernatorial elections, to determine those in the helm of affairs of our country for the next four years, we will like to use this opportunity to bare our minds on a very vital concern, which is setting an agenda for pension administration.

‘’One common element of the mandate of all the presidential candidate is economic boost. We are here to emphasize that pension is a major factor to the well-being of any society.’’

The organisation stressed that pension plays very important role in national development.

‘’The importance of sustainable pension to a country cannot be overstated. Pension guarantees financial security for retired workers who have served the country, and generally boost the economy.

‘’It brings equality and general wellbeing by ensuring that the weak and vulnerable have ready funds to take care of their day-to-day expenses after retirement from active service to the fatherland.’’

It suggested that the incoming administration should fashion a country specific policy and approach that would be in line with worldwide accepted norms in pension administration.

‘’The dominant pension scheme in Nigeria is the Contributory Pension Scheme. This pension scheme is contributory, fully funded, privately managed, with third party custody of the funds and assets and based on individual accounts.

‘’It ensures that everyone who has worked receives his/her retirement benefits as and when due.’’

The COPEHRA, therefore, encouraged frontline contenders in the elections to give priority to pension administration in the country.

‘’We take solace from their antecedence that all the frontline contenders made efforts to make laws for the reform of the pension sector when they were in charge of the helm of affairs in their respective jurisdictions.

‘’While Federal Government leads in the pension reform implementation, it is noted that Lagos State leads other states in Contributory Pension Scheme implementation.

For the working class to enjoy the benefit of pension after retirement and for an inclusive participation, the organisation called on all workers in the informal and semi-formal sectors to key into the Micro Pension Plan.

It noted that this would expand the implementation of the CPS to the informal sectors such as low income earners, self employed, Small and Medium Enterprises and artisans.

‘’We as an NGO wish to note and congratulate the hardworking National Pension Commission staff and management, the operators, for continuous reform and vigilance to safeguard the largest quantum of funds specifically set aside for payment of pensions in Nigeria.

‘’We call on states to key into this noble scheme for the happiness of their retirees. Most states that key into the CPS and have their funds managed by registered operators, do not owe their pensioners.

‘’We also call on entities that have issues with the CPS to look for solutions inside the scheme and not outside— How can you leave where there are funds ready for payment and then move to where loans have to be taken before pension payment?’’

They advised the incoming administration to urgently address the agitations by some contributors to the scheme.

‘’We call on the incoming Federal Government of Nigeria to increase the employer contributions for Police by 100% to ensure their Retirement Savings Account (RSA) is robust enough after serving their country in such critical sector.’’

It also suggested the setting up of machineries for the consideration of a second pension pillar in conformity with World Bank standard, in order to increase protection against retirement poverty.

‘’We also noted that the CPS still has a long way to go in addressing issues such as perception of employees and employers to the scheme, non or late remittance by employers.

“This reduces the effectivenes of the scheme to generate enough investable funds for the RSA owners. More awareness is needed for both employers and employees.’’

As the new administration comes to power, COPEHRA called for more sensitisation, regular reviews of regulations to adapt to changing times, enforceability of existing regulations and uniform applicability of pension laws and regulations.

‘’We use this opportunity to urge all candidates in the upcoming elections to bear upon their agenda, the need to work towards a more adaptive and inclusive Pension Administration that is all inclusive and proactive.’’

According to a 2014 report, pension funds significantly impact the financial development of underdeveloped countries. A one per cent increase in pension fund assets can promote corporate governance, information disclosure and transaction efficiency.

These are some of the advantages that Nigerians and the government can benefit from a proper, standardised pension administration that can be fully exploited to the benefit of retirees and the public in general.(NAN Feature)

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

A News Analysis by Bashir Rabe Mani, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigerians will be heading to the polls on February 25 and March 11, 2023 to elect a new president, members of national and state assemblies and governors. It will be another seamless transition from one democratically elected government to another since 1999 when Nigerians shed off the cankerworm of military dictatorship.

Democracy no doubt remains the most acceptable form of government globally, and as Nigerians get set for the elections, issues of credible elections, neutrality of security agencies, issue-based campaigns and a level playing field for political parties and voters to exercise their rights have remained paramount.

This has attracted the interest of patriotic Nigerians who have taken it upon themselves to ensure that the elections were not only seamless, but open, credible and acceptable.

One of such groups is The Compatriots, a forum of some patriotic eminent Nigerians with passion for good governance.

At its maiden press briefing in Abuja, Chairman of the Compatriots, Obong Victor Attah, a former governor of Akwa Ibom, expressed concern over the state of the nation, saying Nigerians should unite to overcome current challenges of insecurity, collapsed economy and educational system, tribal, religious, regional and class issues, and strive to build a new nation.

Attah said elections provide the platform for Nigerians to make informed choices by electing leaders who will effectively tackle the challenges facing the country.

Prince Tom Iseghohi, Secretary and Operating Officer of the Compatriots said the group would support fundamental social and political reforms to strengthen the Nigerian project.

”These include the promotion of core values of equity, justice and fairness for every citizen, realization of the full potentialities of every Nigerian, protection of the rights of every Nigerian wherever he or she decides to reside, and primacy of peaceful coexistence between and among Nigerian communities.

”The group will also inspire a proper sense of nationhood and common nationality.

“It promises to mobilise the best intellectual resources in addressing the key challenges that are hindering the development of Nigeria as a strong and viable political and economic community and promote a network of concerned Nigerians towards assisting in the improvement of governance at all levels as well as in the provision of social services.”

As its contributions to a robust political environment ahead of the elections, the Compatriots had engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), held parley with presidential candidates and raised awareness of Nigerians on the imperative for seamless elections devoid of violence.

At its meeting with INEC, the Compatriots made a presentation entitled: ‘Let Join Hands to Re-Invent Nigeria’.

At the meeting, the chairman among other things, commended INEC for its firm commitment to the conduct of free and fair polls during the general elections.

Attah said: “It is clear by your actions that we believe that sovereignty belongs to the people and their inalienable rights to sovereignty can only be protected by properly conducted elections that are free, fair, legitimate and reflect the will of the people.”

He urged INEC to take deliberate steps to demonstrate unquestionable transparency during the polls

Similarly, in its parley with the presidential candidates, the group said that the engagement was to ensure the conduct of credible polls, so as to bequeath a “new and better Nigeria for every Nigerian”.

The parley involved presidential candidates of the PRP, LP, SDP, PDP and APC, among others.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting with the presidential candidates said the interface was to contribute to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.

”INEC’s integrity and competence should be protected by all the stakeholders and Nigerians.

”It is necessary, however, to insist on the utilisation of capacities that represent independent audit of its systems and processes from now until the elections.

”Candidates and their supporters should recognise that all Nigerians look forward to these elections as being the ones that will produce a leadership that will make a difference between further decline and sustainable greatness.

”Nigerians expect a decent contest, a credible election and a peaceful transition to great leadership from all three arms of government.”

The Compatriots, therefore, admonished candidates who lose the elections to either accept defeat or seek redress in court, but ”must avoid throwing the country into crises over the elections.”

They emphasised that Nigerians who registered for the elections should be availed of opportunities to vote.

”This include allowing those who are legally registered to collect their PVCs and improving the security environment so that it does not disenfranchise voters on election days.”

The Compatriots also admonished the Judiciary to play its part in the entrenchment of democratic ideals and culture in the country.

”The judiciary has vital role in improving the quality of our democratic process, and these elections will provide it with an opportunity to exercise its responsibility with the highest level of integrity and impartiality,” the group said.

The Compatriots are also concerned about the current hardship in the country and how it may affect the elections.

It therefore urged that ”government should take steps to relieve the citizens of the severe difficulties under which they live at the moment.

”This will greatly improve the atmosphere under which the elections will be held.”

To engender mass participation of voters in the elections, the group said schools should be closed to allow students who registered for the elections to cast their votes.

It also admonished politicians to promote responsible campaigns devoid of violence.

“Students in tertiary institutions represent a critical segment in the entrenchment of our democracy, as such the government should give them opportunities to vote in the elections.

”Politicians should recognise that the elections are about the citizens’ right to freely exercise choices and not just about the ambitions of the contestants.

”Nigerians are worried about negative campaigns which include damaging rhetoric and actions which strip contestants, one of whom we expect to be elected President soon, of dignity and respect.

”More Nigerians should be given opportunities to see contestants discuss issues and contest ideas and strategies in the most mature manner as was witnessed at this meeting.

”For the new government to enjoy legitimacy and general support from the citizens, among other things, there must be an emphasis on ensuring credible elections,” the Compatriots emphasised.

It is clear that the Compatriots are fully committed to ensuring the conduct of credible elections in the world’s most populous black nation, as Nigerians head out to the polls on February 25 and March 11, 2023. (NAN Feature) (www.nannews.ng)

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

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Garba Shehu

With a clear vision of the importance of Data Centres to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, President Muhammadu Buhari recently commissioned the Kano Data Centre, put in place by the ever-achieving Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, constructed by Huawei, a leading information and communications technology infrastructure provider.

It is an enormously significant project which has got little or no public attention.

Experts say that it will save Nigeria billons of Naira a year due to power outages and other disturbances. Data centres eliminate a portion of this loss.

A data centre is a space or building used to “house networked computer systems or servers and associated systems such as telecom systems and networking components (switches, routers). They are used to organize, process and store large amounts of data.

A centre like the one just commissioned provides reliable data storage on a massive scale without the glitches of portable technology.

The Kano centre has (2.2petabyte storage capacity). A petabyte is a unit of information equal to one thousand million bytes. This one, alongside the Abuja Data Centre with 1.7 petabyte storage capacity will jointly provide a national digital sovereign cloud. These two will greatly improve the modernization of the communications infrastructure in Nigeria, create a favourable external investment environment, enhance the communication efficiency between the government and the public, and improve the satisfaction of government services (improve e-governance).

Most importantly, Kano will Provide full backup services for the primary Data centre facility in Abuja.

The Kano Prefab DC solution includes Huawei’s intelligent power supply and distribution technology such as iPower, the iCooling and intelligent thermal management solution that improves power usage effectiveness (PUE) with a centralized smart management system (iManager). These innovations help to build a datacentre solution that is simple, green, intelligent, and secure.

It will provide full-fledged availability zone which allows for independent operation and regional cloud computing service delivery. Its containerized design provides for high scalability.

The infrastructure has a capacity to provide at least 120 direct jobs and huge number of indirect jobs.

The Kano Data Centre Project is a major component of the phase 2 of the National Information and Communications Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB) Project. It is strategically located in the capital city of Kano State, North West, Nigeria and a model of the envisioned full-fledged National Data Centre concepts that support the Data Sovereignty aspirations of the Nigerian Government.

In 2019 and 2020, the Nigerian government promulgated the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030 and the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 to accelerate digital transformation and digital economy development. The National ICT Infrastructure Backbone Phase II Project is one of the most important projects for implementing Nigeria’s national ICT strategy, especially on Broadband penetration.

Following the activation of the NICTIB phase 2 project in November of 2020, the final detailed design of the facility was embarked on and received the approval of stakeholders.

The Government of Kano State, in appreciation of the strategic impact of such proposed state-of-the-art facility, allocated a befitting plot of land for its development within the Nasarawa GRA.

Manufacturing activities and mobilisation to site commenced in May 2021.

The facility is composed of a 600sqm Tier 4 datacentre with capacity of 72 rack cabinets (66 IT racks and 6 network racks) and fully equipped cloud infrastructure of 2.2PB storage capacity, 6,144vCPUs and 9TB memory; a regional office building of 3 floors, with private and open office spaces, Network Operations Center, Training facilities, meeting rooms and colocation room with a total of 900sqm of space; and Comprehensive power systems of 33KVA utility source, dedicated transformers (1250 kVA capacity) and backup generators (600 kW capacity).

The cost of this project is put at USD 21,402,336.09 as captured on a commercial BoQ (including Abuja DC IT equipment of $11,562,590.83) that was recommended by BPP (2016) and approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC (2017).

The final approval and implementation started in 2021 with zero variation. Specifically, the Kano Datacentre infrastructure and IT equipment cost a total of $9,839,745.26. The Initial design of the Project (Data Centre & Office Building) was for 24months. However, it was technically completed in nine months, commencing in May 2021 to March 2022.

Under the Buhari administration, the Information, Communication and Technology sector (ICT) has accelerated the diversification of the economy and contributed an unprecedented 18.44 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Minister Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami calls it the “New Oil” because the contribution of the sector to the GDP has risen above oil.

The continuous growth of the digital economy depends on large-capacity and highly reliable ICT infrastructure. Data is the core asset of the new era. Only a large-capacity and highly reliable infrastructure can ensure data security in Nigeria and store key government data and people’s livelihood data.

On this path, the Ministry of Communications and the Digital Economy has been working tirelessly. The establishment of the Galaxy Backbone Kano data centre will be a key milestone in this path.

It will greatly accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation, provide powerful technical facilities for the booming digital economy, create a favourable external investment environment, improve the efficiency of communication between the government and the public, and improve the adoption of government services.

The project was coordinated by Galaxy Backbone Limited, and constructed by Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, a leading ICT company that has been In Nigeria and a strong partner to the nation’s ICT sector. The project makes Kano the largest date storage hub in the country and it is expected that it will pave the way for greater ICT contributions to Nigeria digital and overall economy.

*** Garba Shehu is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity 

The Media and Reporting of Post 2023 Elections

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

At its last meeting on Feb. 10, the National Council of State agreed that the 2023 general elections are set to kick off with the brief it received from relevant stakeholders including security chiefs.

The February 25 date is therefore confirmed by the highest advisory body in the country which comprises the President, Vice-President, all former Presidents and Heads of the Government of the Federation, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governors and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

At the 6^th round of the Nigeria-European Union Human Right Dialogue recently, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zubairu Dada gave the Federal Government commitment to a credible and fair election.

‘’On the topics for discussion today, you must have all noted the strides that the government has made in the past decade to improve the election process and integrity. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received needed resources from the government and is ready to conduct what will be our best elections ever.

‘’The security agencies are also working to ensure that people will be able to carry out their civic responsibility without fear. They are ready to act swiftly to protect lives and properties around the country during the election.”

Similarly, the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its readiness to conduct the elections as scheduled.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman at an event in January, stated the readiness of the commission to conduct the 2023 general elections. He said that the commission was not contemplating any adjustment to the election timetable.

“Already, substantial quantities of sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been deployed to various locations across the country. The last batch of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been received while the ongoing configuration of the critical technology in readiness for elections will soon be completed. In the last two days, we commenced the airlifting of other sensitive materials to states across the country.

“Already, some of the materials for 17 States in three geo-political zones have been delivered. Furthermore, 13,868,441 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been printed, and delivered to states and are being collected by citizens as new voters or by existing voters who applied for transfer or replacement of cards as provided by law.”

Also, recently the security agencies reiterated their dedication for the continuation of democratic governance in Nigeria.

The National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno, Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor and Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba assured Nigerians of safe and rancour-free election.

During a visit of INEC boss to the trio, Monguno said although there were issues confronting the polity, agitations geared towards the conduct of 2023 elections should be dispelled as the election would hold.

“We have done a lot to put things in place. We have had meetings with INEC, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES) which I chair. I know what we have put on the ground. The remaining days before the elections will be an intense period for us and I know that all security agencies are equal to the task,” he said.

Also, Irabor and Baba pledged collaboration towards ensuring free, fair and credible 2023 general elections. While Irabor said the Armed Forces would support the police as the lead agency handling the electioneering process, Baba said the Police would continue look into the agitations that have led to apprehension and uncertainty by Nigerians towards the conduct of credible polls.

These laudable commitments by critical stakeholders are enough for us to move the nation forward in terms of engendering the promotion of democratic ideals.

This is where the role of the media would be most critical as the fourth estate of the realm and watchdog of the society.

Immediately after the conduct of the general elections, the entire process would be taken over by the information sector. Nigerians and the rest of the world would recede to the background to await the outcome of their efforts at the polls.

The media, therefore, need to recommit itself to upholding the tenets of democracy by following all laid down rules and regulations guiding the conduct of the media on electoral process in their reportage of the elections.

The regulatory authorities, the Press Council of Nigeria and the National Broadcasting Commission, had outlined guidelines for election reportage that would ensure the defence of the rights of every citizen and discourage the assumption of fighting for the rights of other people without recourse to the rule of law and constitutional provisions.

The media must, therefore, play the game by the rules. After the 2023 elections, just like other previous elections in the country, the media are at spotlight to exhibit their professionalism and skills in national development through dispassionate reporting of events, actions, reactions and activities of Nigerians in order to safeguard our commonwealth.

The media must not allow itself to fall into the categories of those that work against the rule of law, since this is the first step towards sanity and continuous development of any nation. It must be seen at this critical time in the life of the nation as a sole holder of public peace and stability.

The profession does not allow the media to play to the gallery or fall into the manipulation of some unscrupulous elements in the society who are known for fomenting trouble when their selfish interests are not pampered during elections.

This is the time for the Nigerian media to rise up to their calling and show that it is truly the watchdog of the society in whom every citizen irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliation can depend on for credible, balanced and objective news.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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

By Kayode Adebiyi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

On Dec. 24, 2022, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the commencement of bids for more than 100 forfeited properties in cities across Nigeria.

Two weeks after the advertorial, the commission commenced the sale of forfeited real estate assets by sealed bids to the highest bidders.

Secretary to the EFCC, Dr George Ekpungu, said at the auction that the commission had adopted a competitive bidding format to guarantee accountability and ensure that the government gets the right value for the assets.

Guidelines for the auction included the prohibition of staff of the EFCC and persons who have or are being prosecuted in respect of the assets from participating in the process.

The commission also said that the occupants of the properties for sale had the Right of First Refusal.

It, however, added that it would ensure that former owners of the forfeited properties do not attempt to repurchase the assets by proxy.

“If you have information about any bid by owners of the assets, please let the commission know, and we will take appropriate action, including possible prosecution,” Dr Ekpungu said during the bidding process.

Crucially, the EFCC said proceeds from the sale of the assets will be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This is in accordance with Section 69(a) of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.

Indeed, the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 stipulates that such proceeds be paid into the said account with the CBN.

However, the Act also assigns the right of forfeiture of assets to other prosecutorial agencies asides the EFCC.

Section 69 partly reads: “There shall be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account— (a) money realised from the proceeds of sale, management or other form of disposal of forfeited assets under this Act and other relevant laws; (b) proceeds of any property forfeited under section 23 (2) (c) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which relates to forfeiture to the Federal Government of any property acquired in abuse or corruption of office…”

Additionally, Section 6 of the same Act called for cooperation among agencies in the sale of such forfeited assets.

“In the performance of their functions and exercise of their powers under this Act, the relevant organisation shall cooperate with other relevant entities. (2) In this section, “other relevant entities” includes any other institution or authority not listed as relevant organisation”, it said.

The EFCC said it would resist attempts by former owners of forfeited assets to reclaim the assets by proxy.

However, judging by allegations that some of its officials also buy forfeited assets by proxy, experts say the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 has not gone far enough to address the fact that the prosecutor itself (in this case the EFCC) is an interested party.

Hence, there should either be a provision that would subject the EFCC to a form of check/supervision or provide for an entirely different entity to handle the forfeiture procedure given the conflict of interests.

This is similar to the point recently raised by Rep. Adejoro Adeogun, Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Assessment and Status of All Recovered Loot Movable and Immovable Assets from 2002 to 2020 by Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for Effective Efficient Management and Utilisation.

Adeogun complained that the House does not have the powers to determine how the assets should be disposed of, or to whom they should be sold.

“Then, the enabling law allows the (anti-graft) agencies to auction directly. The EFCC is supposed to auction what it seized, subject to due process,” Adeogun said.

Some stakeholders argue that due process cannot be seen as adequately adhered to if the enabling law allowing anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC to directly auction forfeited assets does not provide for an extra layer of due diligence.

In December 2022, when some forfeited assets were auctioned in Lagos, The Guardian reported that some prospective bidders for forfeited vehicles being auctioned by the EFCC accused the commission and the auction house of shady deals.

The newspaper quoted one bidder to have said: “So far, the experience has been frustrating; first of all, the whole exercise does not appear transparent because it seems some people have been selected to pay for some vehicles.”

It appears that an important step towards the transparent sale of forfeited assets is for the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 to be amended.

Hoever, EFCC insists that it has been transparant and followed due process in the discharge of its responsibities and auction process.

Some stakeholders believe that  new provision, which would mandate the setting up of an independent inter-governmental commission with civil society participation should be included.

This, they argue, would ensure that a prosecuting agency like the EFCC does not enjoy absolute control over the forfeiture process.

Hopefully, such a step would curb pervasive corruption and abuse of prosecutorial and investigative powers in our clime which constitute a threat to public interest. (NANFeatures) (www.nannews.ng)

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