By Crystabelle Isichei
Since creation, men have always been the bread winners in every home, but this trend has now shifted as more women rise to the task of providing for their homes.
According to a recent study by American Sociological Association, male breadwinners still feel like the norm to many but they actually were a phenomenon for a very short period of history.
A marriage historian, Stephanie Coontz, said ’there is no such thing as the traditional male-breadwinner family.’
Nigeria is a patriarchal society where men are traditionally expected to be the breadwinners of the family, but this is no longer the case.
Mrs Iyang Isichei, a business woman, said the trend is no longer visible due to a number of factors like the rising cost of living, increased female education and employment level.
She said the decline in male employment level in certain sectors could lead to a woman being the breadwinner.
According to her, if there is no support from her partner, a woman will be overwhelmed and stressed with no sense of comfort and understanding.
Mr Cyril Bassey, a businessman, however, said that women are not traditionally expected to be the provider, adding that, this could lead to social stigma and discrimination.
”It can cause bad reputation of the family or that of the man. This can put a strain on relationships and family dynamics because it can cause frequent arguments among spouses,” he said.
Miracle Brownson, a student said that it is not normal for a woman to be the provider because it could cause a rift between the kids and their father.
”Some women can be very funny, they will let the children know that they are the ones providing for the family.
”This can make the children to disrespect their father or think that their father is not responsible,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.com)
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Taiye Agbaje
A former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Robinson Uwak, has advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to engage in necessary confidence building measures to restore the billions of dollars in the country’s foreign reserve.
Uwak, who represented Oron, Mbo, Okobo, Ure-Offong/Oruko and Udung-Uko Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom at the 7th Assembly, gave the advice on Saturday in a statement in Abuja.
The ex-lawmaker said engaging in import substitution and currency control would help firm up the value of the naira in the short to medium term while more expansive, long term economic plan should be devised.
“The dollarisation of domestic spending and huge wastes in governance must be curbed, and we must build a national consensus on the way forward for our future economic system,” he said.
Uwak called on the CBN and all relevant institutions to halt the current slide of the naira.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerian currency had, in recent days, being trading between N780 and N1,000 against the dollar in some quarters, which had fueled inflation in consumer goods that are traded on foreign currencies as the country is basically an import-oriented economy underwritten by the mono product of oil.
The former legislator, therefore, said it was time to stop the currency slide.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

TAJBank Limited, a Nigeria’s non-interest bank has recorded the highest Tier-1 capital in the non-interest banking sub-sector in the first half of 2023.

This is according to a statement by TAJBank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Ahmed Joda

Joda said that the audited financial statements of the bank also reflected an increase in its Profit Before Tax (PBT) to N6.019 billion, which is the highest in the banking sub-sector and surpassed analysts’ projections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that TAJBank also made history early this year when it listed the first tranche of N100 billion Sukuk Bond on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) after the successful issuance.

Joda said that a further analysis of the latest audited financial statements showed that its total assets rose from N212.021 billion in December 2022 to N335.017 billion at the end of June 2023.

He said that the figures indicated a 58 per cent increase.

“Its gross earnings increased by 67 per cent from N136.149 billion at the end of December 2022 to N227.031 billion as of the end of June.

“Other highlights of the bank’s financial scorecard in first half of 2023 reflected that the financing also significantly increased by 62 per cent from N78.235 billion recorded as of December 2022 to N126.725 billion by June.

“The deposits base surged to N251.250 billion from N161.958 billion as of December 2022; while its total equity grew by 88 per cent from N19.135 billion in December 2022 to N36.706 billion as of June,'” he said.

Joda, attributed TAJBank’s enviable feat to the increasingly proactive strategies being adopted by the management to respond to emerging trends in non-interest banking and deployment of the right resources.

“What I can say about TAJBank’s latest scorecard is that we have demonstrated that hard work pays.

“As we have maintained over the past three years, our interest is in our customers and we are pursuing this goal with all resources available to us to tell the whole world that TAJBank is the way to go in non-interest banking.

“To demonstrate our commitment to this customer-friendly corporate slogan, we are investing in world-class technologies and digital payment solutions in our services nationwide, ” he said.

“In pursuit of non-interest financial inclusion drive, we have also opened five branches this year and plan to open more in other states in the next few months”, he said.

TAJBank’s bank’s Executive Director, Mr Sherif Idi, said that the successes were made possible by the bank’s shareholders and customers.

“Our thanks go to our growing customers and shareholders whose belief in our vision and capacity to drive TAJBank to the leading edge of market competition has taken us this far.

“Let me assure them that TAJBank’s management and staff will continue to do its best to serve them better and protect their interests, which we value so much in all areas of operations”,he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Naomi Sharang

Rep. Adamu Tanko (PDP-Niger State) has said that tackling “Japa Syndrome” will entail getting Nigerians already resident abroad to contribute to Nigeria’s ailing economy.

He made this known at an empowerment programme he organised to mark his 100 Days in office held at the Suleja Township Stadium, Sulaje on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmaker empowered over 1, 500 of his constituents with cash donations, industrial sewing machines, power generators and grinding machines.

According to him, the gesture was in fulfilment of his campaign promises to his constituents.

“We have given them the commitment that we are going to serve them earnestly; we are going to work for their interest; we will make sure we give a facelift to their standard of living. This is what we have done,” he said.

Tanko is Chairman House Committee on Diaspora and represents Suleja/Tafa/Gurara Federal Constituency.

The lawmaker who said that though the movement of persons across borders  could not be avoided also said that the committee is doing its best to tackle the ‘Japa Syndrome’.

“At the committee level, our responsibility is to make sure we maximise the benefit of Nigerians in diaspora for the benefits of those resident in Nigeria.

“There are very influential Nigerians living everywhere in the world and are holding influential positions and they have the means to contribute to nation building back home.

“If you mobilise Nigerians in diaspora sufficiently to do this, that will be a very efficient way to mitigate japa syndrome.

“We intend to embark on massive mobilisation, publicity campaigns and sensitisation on Nigerians across the world to give back some portion of what they have to make citizens living from this country to others to stay back home,” he said.

Tanko also saluted Nigeria on its 63rd Independence Anniversary describing the country as a promising, diverse and blessed nation.

“We should still look inward. With the enormous challenges, we shouldn’t despair, we should be courageous, we should show resilience.

“We have to imbibe the spirit of patriotism and commitment to nation building so that we can have the Nigeria of our dream,” he said.

Also speaking, Rep. Jafaru Leko (APC-Bauchi) commended Tanko on the empowerment project.

Leko said, “I’m so happy that a friend of mine, a colleague of mine, my close ally is doing this.”

He represents Bagoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency, Bauchi,  and he is the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He noted that in the House of Representatives, members are united irrespective of party differences.

“When we came to the 10th Assembly, there was what we call members of the young legislators group.

“We agreed that we are not only going to represent our constituency but we are going to represent the youth constituency.

“About 43 of us who are under 40 years, decided to work together irrespective of political parties.

“We are working to move this country forward. We are working to change the narrative, we are working to add value to the country.

“So the time of politics and party differences is over. It’s now time for governance. We all belong to Nigeria and Nigeria is what is before us,” Leko said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Istifanus Bawa, Deputy Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tafa Local Government Area appreciated the lawmaker for the kind gesture.

“I’m so glad. We believe in his capacity even as a youth. This is the beginning of greater things for the people of the constituent. I believe he will do more.”(NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Abigael Joshua

Dr Alim Abubakre, British Nigerian, founder of United Kingdom-based firm TEXEM UK, says the path to Nigeria’s progress lies in having effective and strategic leaders.

Abubakre, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while commemorating Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, says it is a moment of reflection and an opportunity to chart a brighter future for the country.

He says he has an individual social responsibility to share insights on effective and strategic leadership informed by his privilege of engaging over 4,000 leaders globally.

“As Nigeria celebrates its 63rd independence anniversary, it is a moment of reflection and an opportunity to chart a brighter future for the nation.

“Every time I speak with leaders, I observe that they agree that executives in government and business play pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria’s destiny,” Abubakre said.

According to him, the billion-dollar question is: What values do strategic leaders in Nigeria need to succeed in this fast-paced, increasingly volatile and competitive world?

“Peter Drucker, a management guru, once asked, “What needs to be done?”. This question, along with another critical inquiry, “What is right for the enterprise?” should guide the decisions and actions of our leaders.

“These two questions encapsulate the essence of effective and strategic leadership,” Abubakre said.

The TEXEM founder cited cases of successful leaders from emerging countries who have demonstrated leadership qualities, which he said are valuable examples for Nigerian present leaders to emulate.

“Taking responsibility is an essential quality of leadership. When Lee Kuan Yew led Singapore to independence, he took full responsibility for the decisions made.

“His commitment to good governance and economic development transformed Singapore into a global economic powerhouse.

“Furthermore, strategic leaders take responsibility for their decisions, a trait exhibited by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African female DG of WTO,” Abubakre said.

He said Okonjo-Iweala’s new focus on sustainability and efforts to inspire the WTO to focus on core values and strive to update the WTO rulebook to address 21st-century challenges should inspire leaders in Nigeria to take responsibility.

With respect to effective communication attribute, Abubakre said

China’s leaders have understood the importance of effective communication in conveying their vision for the country’s growth.

On the home front, he said leaders like MKO Abiola and Tony Elumelu are known for their effective communication skills, rallying stakeholders around a shared vision for entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and political liberation in the case of Abiola.

Abubakre also advised Nigerian leaders to turn challenges into vitamins, like the case of South Korea.

“Leaders in South Korea, faced with adversity after the Korean War, turned challenges into opportunities by investing in education and technology. South Korea is known for its innovation and economic strength today,” he said.

Speaking on productive meetings, another leadership quality, Abubakre said

Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group, is renowned for running effective meetings.

“His ability to facilitate discussions and encourage collaboration has contributed to his company’s success.

“For those who prefer a Nigerian example, I share the nation’s icon, Amina J. Mohammed, Nigeria’s Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

“Ms. Amina is adept at running productive meetings and fostering international cooperation despite the diverse interests of the UN’s five veto-wielding countries,” he said.

Calling for stakeholder engagement by Nigerian leaders, Abubakre said that Brazil’s leaders, especially during the Lula da Silva era, effectively engaged stakeholders to address issues like poverty and inequality, leading to improved conditions.

“Also, one of Aliko Dangote’s unique selling points that is valuable, difficult to imitate and rare is his ability to engage with various stakeholders to build a successful enterprise.

“He has been employing tens of thousands, providing revenue for thousands of suppliers, generating revenue through tax for government and contributing to national growth,” he said.

Building prolific teams is another vital attribute advocated by the TEXEM founder.

Abubakre said that China’s tech giant Tencent, led by leaders like Pony Ma, empowers its teams to innovate and take ownership of projects, resulting in continuous growth and innovation.

Coming home, he said the founders of Nigeria, such as Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Anthony Ehahoro and Ahmadu Bello, set aside their differences to collaborate to negotiate independence for Nigeria, which is now celebrating its 63rd anniversary.

“Embracing the values of effective and strategic leadership is not just a choice but imperative for Nigeria’s progress in the 21st century.

“My experience with diverse, successful global leaders has revealed that if Nigerians incorporate these qualities into their leadership practice, they will succeed in championing good governance and nation-building.

“It requires leaders to look beyond personal interests and focus on the nation’s collective well-being. Sun Tzu wisely noted, ‘Opportunities multiply as they are seized’, ” Abubakre said.

He asserted that effective and strategic leaders grasp opportunities to create a better future for all that will endure.

Abubakre said that as Nigeria marks its 63rd independence anniversary, the people should heed the wisdom of these leaders and commit themselves to embracing effective and strategic leadership.

“In the words of Alfred Sloan, former CEO of General Motors, “The job of a leader is not to create greatness in people, but to create the conditions under which greatness is possible”.

“It is time for our leaders in government and business to create these conditions for a prosperous and united Nigeria,” he said.

Abubakre, a thought leader, and the founder of TEXEM, UK (www.texem.co.uk), is on the London Business School Africa Club advisory board and is a Sheffield Business School Senior Lecturer. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has restated its commitment to providing the needed regulation to support the current administration in its bid to further bridge the nation’s infrastructure deficit.

Mr Michael Ohiani, Director-General, ICRC, said this in his Independence anniversary message in Abuja on Sunday.

“The management and staff of the ICRC heartily congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, and the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the celebration of the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.

“At 63, Nigeria has indeed come a long way: with 24 years of uninterrupted democracy and the coming of a new administration led by President Tinubu, and a promise of renewed hope, the nation is set for greatness.

“As anticipated, the new administration has already begun to look to Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to deliver on the much-needed infrastructure development.

“The Commission is poised to provide the requisite regulations that will ensure that such ventures contribute greatly to bridging the infrastructure deficit in the country.”

Ohiani said in the last 15 years under the regulatory guidance of the commission, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved 103 PPP projects from the inception of the commission till date.

“These projects which cut across different sectors of the economy will bring in private capital investment of N10.8 trillion. ”

Ohiani said some of these projects had already been completed and were now running, while others were at various levels of execution.

“These investments also translate to a revenue expectation of N185.2 billion to the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2023 alone. ”

He said it was gratifying to note that as exemplified above, PPPs could serve as a vehicle to complement government efforts to bridge the infrastructure gap.

Ohiani, however, said that this could only be attained with sustained effort, the regulatory guidance of the commission, and the support of the good people of Nigeria.

He said the commission in 2021 and 2022 published a pipeline of over 100 viable PPP projects.

According to him, these projects have been certified as bankable and could undergo the process of procuring a preferred private sector investor to undertake the project.

“As mentioned above the current administration has alluded that it will employ PPP in delivering some of its already identified infrastructure projects.

“This is indeed commendable as PPP is the model adopted by many countries in the World to meet their infrastructure needs.”

“Happy 63rd Independence Anniversary Celebration. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Opeyemi Gbemiro

Ekiti Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday counted many blessings from  the creation of the state 27 years.

The governor,  in a broadcast to the people of the state marking the creation on Oct. 1, 1996 and the 63rd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, noted that there are abundant reasons to  justify the celebration.

Oyebanji recalled that as a young university lecturer, he served as the Secretary of the Committee for the creation of the state, a body which  included prominent traditional rulers, statesmen, captains of industry, top bureaucrats, among others

The governor congratulated all Ekiti people on the 27th anniversary and also thanked those whose toiled and sweated to bring about its realisation.

“As we are thankful to God for how long we have gone as a people, we also need to reflect on the unity of the past that gave us the State and the need to do even far  more to achieve more,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction that the state had  excelled in many aspects of Human Development Indices and became a front-liner in education, life expectancy, access to quality healthcare services, physical infrastructure development, access to water, peace, ease of doing business, gender equality, social inclusion, among others.

While noting that Ekiti is building a formidable profile of a progressive and development-oriented state that is poised for inclusive prosperity for all, Oyebanji expressed his commitment to the dreams of the founding fathers to utilise its abundant mineral resources.

He disclosed that his administration is already collaborating with appropriate Federal Government’s agencies that will invest in the exploration of the state’s God-given mineral resources to create wealth and increase its internally generated revenue.

The governor used the occasion to appeal to the organised labour to sheathe its sword and exhaust the avenue of dialogue to resolve issues around the planned indefinite strike action slated to commence on Tuesday.

Oyebanji said that “on our part, we have undertaken some interventions to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal on our people.

“Apart from the direct food distribution and cash transfer to the most vulnerable,  Government has also made buses available to staff and students, especially in the state capital, to ameliorate the cost of transportation.

“Beyond this however, is that, the Federal Government has promised that there will be a wage review across board soonest.

“The good news is that, even, for those not earning salaries directly from government, with more money available for workers as more disposable income and more money for government to undertake critical infrastructure development, more jobs will be available and the circular flow of money will ensure that the current monetary challenges will give way to the envisaged shared prosperity.

“I therefore want to appeal to the organised labour movement to exercise absolute patience and dialogue in resolving the current economic challenges. We cannot afford to compound the already tensed situation by shutting down this extremely fragile economy.

“It will be like cutting one’s nose to spite one’s own face. Whatever may be gained thereafter will be nothing but a temporary victory which would have done an incalculable damage to the economy and which may be difficult to reverse in the immediate.”

Oyebanji noted that his administration acknowledges that one of the dreams of the founders is that government is a continuum and that no administration is an island from those before it .

He said that the philosophy serves as the motivation for the continuation of ongoing and abandoned projects met on ground which are useful to the socioeconomic development of the state.

“For example, we have completed the Ado-Ekiti Central Bus Terminal, the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers’ Chamber, ten Secondary Health Facilities, major street lights, re-connection of Ekiti East, Aiyekire and some parts of Ekiti West and Ikole Local Government areas to the national grid after many years of darkness.

“We have also undertaken new projects such as rehabilitation of many roads in Ado-Ekiti. We are continuing with the Ikole township road, just as we are rehabilitating the Ilawe-Igede, Ado-Ilawe roads, Ikere-Ilawe, Erijiyan-Ilawe roads. We are also reconstructing the Igbara-Odo-Ikogosi road among others. More projects will be captured for execution in the ongoing budget preparation exercise,” he said.

He paid tributes to all former helmsmen of the state including the late Col. Inua Bawa, Navy Capt. Atanda Yusuff, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Segun Oni, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Chief Ayodele Fayose, the late Brig.-Gen. Tunji Olurin, Rt. Hon. Tope Ademiluyi and Rt. Hon. Tunji Odeyemi for their various roles in the development of the state.(NAN)(nannews.ng).

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Martha Agas

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has said that Nigeria can defy its current difficulties and strive to become a great nation.

Mutfwang said this at the Independence Day parade, organised by the State Government to mark Nigeria’s 63rd anniversary on Monday at Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.

“Despite the odds we face in the nation, we can surmount all of them and make Nigeria rise to glory again.

“I continue to urge us to have faith in our country because we have no other country to call our own except Nigeria,” he said.

The governor thanked security agencies for their contributions on peace building in the state and assured them that their efforts would not be in vain.

According to him, defying the weather by the participating school children in the march parade is a demonstration of the true Nigerian spirit of resilience to overcome difficult situations.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support their leaders in the discharge of their duties and pray to God to guide them.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Musa Ashoms, thanked Mutfwang for his people-oriented policies, expressing the confidence that it would reposition Plateau to be a virile state.

He thanked all the participating schools, security and paramilitary agencies for their patriotism exhibited through the march past.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the major highlight of the event was the governor’s inspection and review of the parade by the security personnel.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

By Deborah Coker

Mrs Astrid Arens, An Environmental Protection Sustainability expert/Founder, Digital International Platform for Environmental Protection (DIPESH), has called on Nigeria to key into the EU Green Deal, expected to start by January, 2024.

Arens made the call on Monday in Abuja at an Environmental Protection Sustainability and Humanity experts, enthusiasts and stakeholders forum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the event was organised by the Richard George Foundation (RGF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in collaboration with Voice-Aid Association, Germany E. V, and DIPESH.

Arens explained that the Green Deal was about living sustainability practices, new legislation, funding to supporting development, empowerment and education/engagement needed from infancy to adult life.

She also said that it was about a new law for the EU, adding that the law entailed that all companies must be sustainable in climate, environment, and social competence for the employees.

Arens noted that Africa in general and Nigeria in particular was blessed with great mineral resources, land and weather, especially sunny weather.

The environmental expert lamented that in spite of the huge endowment, the continent was faced with climate and environmental issues.

She said that the Green Deal was a first in the history of the EU, and therefore called on Nigeria to do everything possible to benefit from the deal.

Arens further explained that DIPESH worked on the basis of the 17 Global Goals of the UN.

Arens said that it connected everything needed to change the world quickly and sustainably, adding that it was building the largest alliance for sustainability in action.

She said that other pillars of DIPESH included ensuring that companies took responsibility for their actions, act as role models for global sustainable economy, as well as worldwide support of social, environmental and planet protection. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo