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).

The Kuwait cabinet has resigned after disputes with opposition-led parliament.

Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf al-Ahmed Al-Sabah submitted the cabinet’s resignation to Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Monday.

The resignation was sparked by a deadlock between the executive and the legislative authority, the cabinet’s said in a statement, without elaborating.

Parliament had been scheduled to convene on Tuesday.

The outgoing cabinet, which was sworn in October, was the sixth in three years in Kuwait.

In September, Kuwait held its sixth election in a decade, forming an opposition-led parliament. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ummul Idris/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Taiye Olayemi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigeria continues to enjoy victory and international attention as young creatives continue to spring up in the entertainment industry which has accounted for the country’s ability to sustain victory in various entertainment-related award platforms.

This was the story from the just concluded 8th All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), tagged: ‘The Teranga Edition’, held Jan.15 at the 15,000 capacity Dakar Arena, in Dakar, Senegal.

The voting period for the awards began on Sept. 25, 2022 and ended Jan. 13.

The voting procedure and results were reviewed and collated by an international auditor of great repute, Pricewaterhousecoopers (PwC) – auditors of the Oscars.

The award night had superstars across the African continent clinch trophies and Nigerian artistes were seen to be the most successful on the african soil.

Burna Boy, known as Nigeria’s surprise success story, bagged the album of the year award as well as the artiste of the year 2022 award.

With his fusion of dancehall, raggae, afrobeat and pop, Burna Boy has emerged as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising stars.

Also, for the African fans favourite category, Oxlade emerged winner and for the best African video, T.G Omori, also from Nigeria, clinched the award.

Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as “Asake” won the African breakout artiste of the year.

The artiste who coined his stage name trying to pay homage to his mother whose first name is Asake, has been able to put Nigeria on the entertainment global stage with his inspirational music which will remain evergreen due to the morals embedded in his music.

Tiwa Savage at the 8th AFRIMA, “Teranga edition” in Dakar, Senegal

The icon of Nigerian pop music and culture, David Adeleke, popularly known as “Davido”, won big during the award night as he won the best African collaborations and best artiste duo or group in African Electro, along with a South African rapper, Focalistic.

Davido also emerged winner for the best male artiste in African inspirational music as he featured the Sunday Service Choir in the music, “Stand Strong”.

He emerged winner alongside Adekunle Gold as best artistes duo or group in African pop.

Adekunle Gold also won the best artiste duo or group in African contemporary.

Omah Lay clinched the award of the best artiste duo or group in African RnB and Soul while Nigerian alternative/Pop Rock artiste, Clayrocksu, won the award as the best artiste duo or group in African Rock.

Also, the biggest and most influencial African artiste of all time, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as “Wizkid”, bagged the award for the best male artiste in West Africa.

Similarly, Nigerian platinum record producer, disk Jockey and Songwriter, Oluwaseyi Akerele, popularly known as “Shizzi”, won the award for the producer of the year 2022.

Nigerian highlife band, “The Cavemen”, got the award as best African band duo or group featuring Made Kuti in one of their tracks.

Nigeria’s Tems and Marvel won the award for the best soundtrack in movies, series and documentaries.

As Nigerian musicians continue to blaze the trail in projecting the nation positively, it is important that they are encouraged through certain incentives.

This can be in form of subsidising the rate for government owned properties which they intend to use for their concerts, it can be either subsidised or given free of charge.

Taking a look at the other countries that won during AFRIMA, Côte d’Ivoire’s Didi B won for song of the year award in his music “Tala”, while Iba One from Mali won the songwriter of the year 2022.

Northern African mavericks at main awards ceremony for the 8th AFRIMA in Senegal

Marwan Moussa from Egypt bagged the award for the best African rapper or lyricist, as well as the best artiste duo o group in African Hip-Hop.

Faouzia from Morocco won the best African famale act in diaspora.

For the best female artiste in African inspirational music, Irene Roberts from Tanzania won, while Ethiopia’s Teddy Afoo got the award for the best artiste duo or group in African Raggae, Ragga and dancehall music.

Gutu Abera from Ethiopia emerged winner of the best artiste duo or group in African Jazz and Azaya from Guinea won the award for the best duo or group in African traditional music.

Ans-T Crazy, also from Guinea got the award for the best artiste duo or group in African dance or choreography while Anitta from Brazil bagged the award for the best global act.

AFRIMA also looked into winners from the four African regions , this had Kassmasse from Ethiopia emerge winner as the best male artiste in Eastern Africa while Muthaka won the female category.

For the central Africa region, Fally Ipupa from the Democratic Republic of Congo won the award for the best male artiste and Vernyuy Tina from Cameroon got the female category.

A.L.A. from Tunisia bagged the award for the best male artiste in Northern Africa while Faouzia from Morocco won the female category

From Southern Africa, Winky D from Zimbabwe got the award for the best male artiste and Makhadzi won the female category.

While Nigerian Wizkid bagged the best male artiste in Western Africa, Josey from Côte d’Ivoire won the female category.

In the non-voting category, the International Executive Committee bestowed the “Legend Award” for the 8th AFRIMA to three iconic Senegalese veterans including Youssou N’dour, Baaba Maal, and Ismail Lo.

In all sense of fun, Dakar remains a city to visit in the West African region.

It is a sane city with the observation of the Senegalese residents living peacefully and hospitable with visitors.

The city is endowed with numerous beaches as it sits on the Atlantic ocean. (NANFeatures)

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

A news analysis by Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, which was held on Jan. 15, featured the usual and traditional activities—parades and laying of wreaths across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari led Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to lay wreaths at the National Arcade, Eagle Square, Abuja, to commemorate the day.

The festival is to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, internal security operations as well as Peace Support Operations around the world.

A unique and noble initiative debuted among activities that heralded the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day; it added colour and verve to the celebration.

That novel and grand event is Paintballing Festival held on Jan. 14 at The Cardboard, Three Bridges Park, Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja.

The Paintballing Festival was organised by Forest Hunters, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces—the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force; and Defence Headquarters.

Paintballing is a simulation of a live-combat scenario using dummy ammunition with paint bullets, among other things.

The objectives of Paintballing include capture the flag, attack and defend, total annihilation and protect the president among others.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, who presided over the ceremony, handed over awards to the navy team who emerged champions after defeating the army team in the final.

Prior to the final, there was also an exhibition game by the Professional Association of Paintballers in Nigeria.

Irabor congratulated members of the armed forces especially the veterans.

“Those we consider to be our forebears in the services of the armed forces for a very good work that have done; which has made the nation to set out Jan. 15 of every year to honour them as the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration.

“This is because they have committed to the service of this nation in the manner that the sovereignty of Nigeria has been sustained.

“Many of our forebears have paid the supreme sacrifice; and they are long gone; a few others are alive and kicking.

“And in order to let them know that their services are valued, the nation has set aside the Jan. 15 of every year to remember them and indeed, honour them,” he said.

The defence chief said that as a prelude to the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration, there were series of events that would lead to the climax.

According to him, Paintballing Festival is one of such innovations introduced into Remembrance Day.

“Two days ago, we had the gulf tournament which was packaged to honour our veterans.

“I am glad to announce that they were there in their numbers playing gulf; what a delight it was.

“So, tonight, the event we have witnessed is to also honour them; to let them know that their services will never be forgotten.

“So, I am proud that we have been able to put this together in partnership with the Forest Hunters who of course, came up with the idea and suggested that we partner with them,’’ Irabor said.

He commended Bayo Omoboriowo, Project Lead, Forest Hunters, for packaging the event.

He said that Omoboriowo, alongside his team in Forest Hunters, had given the armed forces a 30 per cent rebate for any use of the arena.

The CDS said that Paintballing would henceforth feature in the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration with requisite modifications.

He said: “ I will like to also say that going forward, we will do everything possible to partner with the Forest Hunters; making it an annual event as we remember our fallen heroes and of course, the armed forces every Jan. 15.

“Now, Paintballing, wherein in 1960 or thereabout, Mr Charles Nelson was forward looking enough; being a worker in a paint industry to design a programme of this nature which, over the years, has evolved to what we saw earlier this evening.

“I am delighted that here in Nigeria, we will do further modifications to suit our environment and I think that this location, where we are having the premier edition, is a very unique position that affords us the privilege.

Providing an insight into the maiden edition of the festival, Omoboriowo said it was conceived on a short notice when he met with the CDS and discussed the idea of honouring the fallen heroes.

He said he had been very passionate about the military and security of Nigeria and passionate about Nigeria as a nation.

“Forest Hunters recognises the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in preserving the security the country, promoting national integration and diversity.

“This festival is to appreciate the valiant efforts of the living and fallen heroes of Nigeria, using paintball as a sport to encourage team building, strategic thinking and physical and mental fitness.

“I believe so much in the future of Nigeria; and I believe the future of Nigeria can only be possible by the efforts we make as individuals; the government cannot do it alone; the people cannot do it alone; it is synergy.

“And for me, I have come to partner and collaborate with the service chiefs and anybody that is willing and interested in building a better Nigeria,” he said.

The project leader said that future of Nigeria belonged to every Nigerian; hence the need for synergy to move the country forward.

He said that the CDS, who believed in young people and believed in Nigeria, bought into the idea and gave all the support needed to bring it to fruition.

“I want to appreciate everyone that played on that field today; that field was built in seven days; everything you are seeing here was done just in two weeks.

“We are building the future of Nigeria…we believe we can convert the history of Nigeria and turn to a story we can all celebrate,’’ he said.

A paintballer, who pleaded anonymity, said that Paintballing Festival, if incorporated into the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, would promote team work and interpersonal relations among personnel of the armed forces.

He said it would enhance the fitness and combat readiness of Nigerian armed forces.

Observers say the introduction of Paintballing Festival as part of the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is a quintessential mark of honour to the fallen heroes.