As part of efforts to sustain interdepartmental partnerships, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFUND), Sonny Togo Echono, FNIA, OON, (right), recently visited his counterpart in the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, (NEITI), Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, PhD.
Both chief executives addressed the media thereafter.
Author: admin50
TRIBUTE TO DR. KENTON DASHIELL -NSA’s UNDISPUTED PILLAR OF SUPPORT
By Ayo Oyoze Baje
As it plays out in most organizations -both public and private – it is always a moment of both commendations and sober reflection when a highly resourceful mentor bows out of active service. More so, after years , or even decades of meritorious service to the group under review. So it is for the Nigeria Soybean Association, NSA with specific regards to Dr. Kenton Dashiell, the Deputy Director General, Partnership and Capacity Building of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA.
Worthy of note is that he has significantly contributed to the development of the Soybean Value Chain, not only here in Nigeria or the African continent but the entire soybean belt globally. His remarkable and unrelenting efforts in this regardless beginning in the early ’80s led to the formation of the Nigeria Soybean Association, NSA. Furthermore, his undisputed firefight gave birth to the Tropical Oil Seed Journal of which he became the Editor-in-Chief. To strengthen his beacon-beaming legacy his vast experience in the IDRC Project ( Processing and Utilization) brought to bear the positive impact made in the fertile field of the nutritional application and value of soybean. Eventually, it became accepted across the country which led to the increase in its production nationwide.
Of great significance is that Dashiell was also instrumental of the prototype process and utilization of soybeans at College level, one which was cited at Tunga Maje in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja as a test case . And it led to the formation of the now popular Women in Agriculture,WiA. In specific term, his wealth of led to the development of the first commercialized soybean variety -TGX 1448-2E. That feat was achieved in collaboration with notable scientists- Prof.Peter Oyegbade Oyekkan, Prof. David Kolawole Ojo and Dr. Ayodele Christopher Uwala.
In fact, according to the National President of the NSA,Chief Uwala,: ” The strength behind the successes so far recorded by the Nigeria Soybean Association is incomplete without referring to his moral and financial supports.
He will definitely be remembered for all he has contributed to the development of soybeans for four decades, leading to the implementation of the increase in the protein intake amongst poor resourced farm families, particularly in IDP camps. We shall surely miss him”. Well stated, we must agree But going a step forward, what lessons can we as individuals, groups, communities and countries glean from Dashiell’s career trajectory? That is the million naira question. But the answer is not far-fetched.
Periscoped from the leadership perspective there is a lot to learn from this globally recognized scientist and erudite researcher. One of the unfailing factors his illustrious life has amply demonstrated is that of vision. The other is the display of creative ingenuity. With full focus, added to pragmatic partnership and team work with like minds who share in the same vision, we are good to go.
Indeed, Nigerians should, and must begin to learn that leadership is not all about being in politics. No! With vision, you get to know and map out your path in your professional calling as Dashiell has rightly done in the promotion of soybean to unleash its vast economic and nutritional potentials. From production to processing, preservation and getting it right to the doorstep of the consumers great impact has been made on the quality of life of the beneficiaries. But that is not all there is to the impact one can make in his chosen career.
The next bold step to take is to bring out the best in what we do. Creativity, innovation and That clearly explains the development of the soybean variety TGX 1448-2E. The truth is that he did not do it all alone but in partnership with like minds such as Oyekan, Ojo and of course,Uwala. That inspiring scenario therefore, reminds us of the wise words of the American businessman, Sam Walton who stated that:” Individuals do not win, but teams do”. That is exactly how success evolves. But there is more to it than we care to admit. And that is playing our roles as individuals while having a view of the larger picture of whatever we intend to achieve.
From that standpoint, we must appreciate the untiring efforts of the Uwala-led NSA for not only keying into the vision of boosting both food and nutritional security but broadening the spectrum to deliver the goods to those who matter most-the hounded and hungry victims of insecurity, hunger and malnutrition there in IDP camps. This is a humanistic approach to leadership and highly appreciated.
So, as we bid Dashiell “goodbye” we not only commend his outstanding leadership qualities of selflessness, foresight and innovation but urge all others to borrow fresh leaves from his decades of service not only to Nigeria and the Africa but to humanity as a whole.
Now is the time for us all to remember and apply the admonition from Mark Sanborn that: ” We don’t need a title to be a leader”. Let us play our parts the best way we can as Dr. Kenton Dashiell, the American-born scientist with Ph.D in Plant breeding from the University of Florida has rightly done.
PSC CHAIR INDENTIFIES INTRA & INTER SERVICE CONFLICT, POLITICIZATION OF CRIME AND SECURITY ISSUES AND CONFLICT OF ROLES AS MAJOR CHALLENGES CONFRONTING SECURITY AGENCIES IN NIGERIA
By Ebinum Samuel
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, has identified intra and inter Service conflict, politicisation of crime and security issues and conflict of roles as major challenges confronting the security Agencies in due process and application of criminal justice system.
He also noted that lack of funds, neglect of ethics and lack of coordination and collaboration has become additional challenges facing the security Agencies.
Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s Spokesman disclosed that DIG Argungu spoke today, Thursday, February 13th 2025 at the maiden annual lecture for stakeholders on curbing insecurity in Nigeria, organised by the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Speaking on the topic, “Mobilising stakeholders to curb insecurity in Nigeria: A practical Approach ” the PSC Chairman observed that unemployment, abject poverty and ignorance have since constituted major challenges to effective security in Nigeria.
He looked at the prospects of information and communication technology for security in contemporary Nigeria, stressing that it will help transform security and integrate all systems with harmonised and uniformity of standards.
DIG Argungu said it will also eliminate torture, reduce imprisonment without trial, and herald global competitiveness and digital economic transformation.
The PSC Chairman said the topic, curbing insecurity in Nigeria was apt as he noted that this is the time to mobilise other key stake- holders to curb insecurity in the country by applying a practical approach gained through practical experience.
THE RECENT POLICE RETIREMENTS/RETRENCHMENTS: THE BIGOTRY AND ABUSE OF OFFICE IN IT
By Ebinum Samuel
The Recent/ongoing mass retirement of a whole generation of seasoned officers of the Nigeria Police Force after rising from the purported Ist Extra ordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board of the PSC on the regularization of the date of Ist appointment of Cadet Asps/Inspectors who are called Force Entrants based on alleged breach of the Civil service rule which stipulates 35 years of service or the attainment of 60 years of age, is to say the least, a smoke screen as the real underlying reason is the bigotry & promotion of the Northern agenda of the current Chairman of the Police service commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu(rtd) who is on a mission to re-position the officers of Northern extraction to key duty posts across the country.
As background, the public has a right to know that the officers who are today maligned & vilified & compulsorily retired are those of Cadet Asp courses 18/1994, 19/1996, 20/2000 & 21/2002 as well as Cadet Inspectors courses 33/1994, 34/1996, 35/2000 & 36/2002.
These categories of officers were recruited for the Cadet scheme of the Police from within the service of the Police Force having attained higher educational qualifications as encouraged by the erstwhile Police administrators like the late IGP. Etim Okon Inyang of blessed memory. The officers have Ist & higher degrees as well as School Certificates with six credits including Mathematics & English language which till today is even above the minimum entry requirements for university admission. Additionally, they were all carefully selected by a special section board based on: Federal character to cut across all the states of the federation & to be between the age brackets of 25 -28 years for Asps & 20- 25 years for Inspectors. During the selection interview, most states of the North did not have qualified candidates within the service & so for equal representation of the component parts of the country, the same number were recruited either from within or outside the service.
After the screening which took place in three different levels of the States, Zones & National held simultaneously in Abuja for the Northern states & Lagos for the Southern states, the successful cadets were issued letters of appointments and trained afresh for a period of Eighteen(18) & some extra months which no in-service course in the civil service is of such duration. Additionally, the ‘Force Entrants’ had their hitherto monthly salary stopped and were brought to the level of cadets on training and to receive only training allowances for the period the course lasted. The financial records are there to buttress this as the offer they got, it was reiterated, was a fresh/new appointment.
The officers who are now maligned & called cheats, excelled in training & progressed distinguishing themselves earning commendations in various assignments which earned most of them commendations & even special promotions. This explains why some of them have risen to the levels of Asst. Inspector General & Commissioners of Police. It is the jostling for the coverted office of IGP & posting to choice Commands that has brought about the fathom retirement of these senior officers who are 95 percent from the South & about one percent from the North Central. This fact cannot be faulted as it speaks for itself.
The current Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu(Rtd) who is from Kebbi state in the North West is therefore, the central player/father figure in the grand scheme for the realignment game called retirement. Already, he has just re- posted his brother as the DC CID Calabar among other key positions to his cronies in the Force.
In all his media campaigns, he has never informed the public that the National Industrial court had in suit nos. NICN/ABJ/345/2019 & NICN ABJ/353/2019 given judgement in this same matter which neither he/the Commission nor the IGP has appealed against rather, they have sworn to act above the law & have become the ”law unto themselves”. In the coming days, there shall be fireworks in the National Industrial court as they have both erred in law & should be relieved of their positions to save this government, which believes in the rule of law, further embarrassment.
Attacks on NYSC members must stop!
By Ayo Oyoze Baje
“What have you done?
The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to me. So now you are cursed from the earth”
-Genesis 4 vs 9-12 ( Voice of God to Cain on killing his brother, Abel )
Life is precious, priceless and irreplaceable. That is as far as those who value not only theirs but that of fellow human beings, are concerned. They would therefore, do everything humanly possible to protect every human life, knowing fully well that one of the greatest laws ever is to “love your neighbour as yourself”. But to some heartless, cruel criminals who belong to the vampire bat breed the life of others matter only when their biddings are done. They can and do quench the flames of others at the bat of an eyelid not minding the dire consequences.
That perhaps, might shed more light on the recent attack on one Safwan Fade, who was until that fateful night of January 22, 2025 a member of the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ), serving at the Federal College of Education ( FCE ), Pankshin in Pankshin Local Government Area, LGA of Plateau state. He was allegedly brutally attacked by a group of assailants at the Pankshin township stadium, leaving him with severe injuries that eventually led to his untimely death!
Though the Plateau state Police Command has confirmed the ugly incident, based on the report from Umbule Boreng Reuben of Pankshin LGA and gone further to nail two male suspects, Samuel Dang Kat and Zatshinen Wubwerewe the heinous crime has sparked off several burning questions.
It would be recalled that in early December 2024 a female corps member serving at Government Day Secondary School, Kuledele was assaulted; slapped, beaten up and stripped, with her white T-shirt torn to shreds by fellow teachers, all because she did not greet them! Can you imagine the audacity and effontry? Such was the despicable scenario ignited by the incident right in the presence of some students that the management of the NYSC in Kwara state had to withdraw all the 10 members of the youth service from the school. In addition, the state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajiya Sa’ adatu Modibbo-Kawu had to issue a statement of total condemnation. That was in addition to the state government’s call for a thorough investigation into the root causes of the embarrassing situation. Yet, a worse case scenario had unfolded back in May, 2011.
The outrageous and horrendous incident was the killing spree that wantonly wasted the priceless lives of 10 NYSC members all in Bauchi state! That was sequel to the blood-letting spectacle of the presidential election held in May 2011. And painfully, it reminded concerned Nigerians about the ” baboon and dog soaked in blood” comment of one of the presidential candidates! Can you imagine the desperation for political power under a so called democratic dispensation?! Most disgusting, is it not? Of course, it is.
Unfortunately and painfully, most of the NYSC members who fell as voiceless victims to the rampaging monsters, acting as political hoodlums right there in Bauchi state hailed from the southern geo-political zones. For instance, while Teidi Olawale, a graduate of computer science hailed from Osun state, Okpokiri Michael, a young graduate with degree in Environmental Management was born in Abia state. Nwazema Chukwunonyere, with HND in Electronics hailed from Imo state.Of the 10 victims only Akonyi Sule hailed from Kogi state in the North Central geo-political zone. The preventable tragedy led to the call by some citizens,worried about the killings of youth corpers that they should be posted to their own states of origin, or that of their geo-political zone. But that runs against the grain and marching mandate of NYSC, as brought into existence under Yakubu Gowon back in 1973.
Back then, the NYSC program came up as a mandatory, post-tertiary institution program with the noble and patriotic vision and mission to ” reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the civil war”. With a duration of one year and meant for graduates under the age of 30 years to serve in other parts of the country the aim is to get them to understand our rich cultural and socio-economic diversities. The onus therefore, lies on the host communities to welcome and embrace the young graduates, from whichever part of the country, valuing their services instead of making them vulnerable to attacks. In fact, for me serving in Edeki Grammar School in the then Bendel state (1976-77) was a matter of national pride. Not only did it afford me the opportunity to hone my skill in creative writing through the book borrowing program as introduced by the then Military Administrator, Brigadier Ogbemudia ( now of blessed memory) one was able to positively impact on the reading culture of the students. One also recalls with joy that I was the one who introduced the End -of-Year Prize Giving ceremony for the graduating students of that school and the neighbouring one. That was then.
But this is now. It is a heart-rending and mind-bending situation for NYSC members to be assaulted and killed mercilessly, as it has happened in recent years years. That explains why the parents of the ten youth corpers killed in Bauchi state after the election in 2011, told the then President Goodluck Jonathan the bitter home Truth. According to one of them, a widow left groaning with four children, all those responsible for the killing of the young graduates should be made to face the full wrath of the law. That was despite Jonathan approving the payment of Five Million Naira to each family and offering one graduate per family job at the Federal Civil Service.
All said, there should be proactive measures and laws enacted by our legislators and signed by Mister President for the full protection of our NYSC members anywhere they serve in the country. Prevention will be better than cure.
Baje, the President of Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, GPAAN writes from Lagos
Police Officers Condemn PSC Over Compulsory Retirement Of Their Colleagues
Irked by last week’s directive of the Police Service Commission, PSC, that no fewer than 197 police officers should proceed on compulsory retirement over what the Commission attributed to the attainment of the Statutory 60 years of age, 35 years of service and falsification of age, colleagues of the affected have condemned the directive by PSC, insisting that they would do anything legal to ensure that justice was done with regards to the matter.
At the Force headquarters this week, the retirement issue was the subject of discussion by officers and the rank and file. A good number of policemen and women seen discussing the issue condemned the directive, as only a few supported the action of PSC.
From the ground floor to the Seventh floor of the Louis Edet House on Alhaji Shehu Shagari Way, a group of police officers were not only heard discussing the matter but heard vowing to take every legal measure to seek redress for their colleagues “unjustly retired.”
On the Fourth floor, a group of police officers consisting of a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, two Deputy superintendents of Police, and DSPs were overheard saying, “Good lawyers would help our colleagues in this issue since “Force Entrants” matter was resolved at the Appeal Court in 2017. Can PSC annul or take precedence over Court ruling”? They asked.
Another group of officers met at the office of a top cop on the Sixth floor while craving anonymity, told this reporter and his colleagues that the directive by the PSC was seen by most police officers as an escape mechanism or an attempt to divert attention from what the average policeman or woman wants.
When asked what the average police personnel wants, one of the officers said, “The one at the top should go. The retired officers are either scapegoats or were used to divert attention from the real issue.
“Most of these officers are seasoned, well grounded in operations, investigations, administration and good in intelligence gathering.
“They are not like some people up there who know nothing except what they know is being close to those in the corridor of power. This is where we are not getting it right in this country. During the days of Chief Obasanjo, everything was done on merit, not the nonsense we see today,” said one of the piqued officers.
However, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, differs from a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, over the claim by the CSP that the directive of the PSC was the right thing to have been done.
“Which right thing has the PSC done? Was it not the PSC that gave evidence in court in 2017 that favoured the Force Entrants’ Appointment Dates? Was it not the PSC that ordered the then IGP to implement the court ruling? Why punish them for a policy they didn’t initiate?”
The ACP disclosed that the PSC would have acted wisely if it had come up with an order that cancelled the issue of force entrants and appointment dates, not punishing them for a policy they did not initiate.
On the issue of falsification of age, the CSP believes that the PSC is merely chasing shadows.
Airforce Personnel Attack Police Operatives In Delta State
By Ebinum Samuel
The Delta State police command has condemned the attack on police operatives attached to the Quick Response Squad of the Command by Airforce personnel attached to Airforce base Jeddo in Okpe Local government Area.
The spokesman of the command, SP Edafe Bright disclosed that the Airforce personnel attacked his men who were performing their lawful duty
According to him on Monday this week, at about 1700 hours, operatives of Quick Response Squad (QRS) while on crime prevention patrol flagged down a Toyota Corolla car with plate number AKD-73-FL, but the occupants of the vehicle on sighting the police took to their heels which prompted the policemen to go after them, and arrested one of the suspects identified as Ibohama Precious aged 25yrs and recovered some weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. Also recovered by the operatives were Canadian loud and other hard drugs. Edafe said While the Policemen were on their way to the station alongside the suspects and exhibit, upon getting to the Airforce checkpoint at Jeddo, they were stopped by the Airforce personnel and were told that they wouldn’t be allowed to proceed until they released the suspects with them. This, the policemen vehemently resisted and subsequently, the Airforce personnel attacked the Policemen without any justification.
“The Delta state Police command under the leadership of CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the Nigeria Airforce, Navy, Army and other security agencies in the state have a cordial working relationship worthy of emulation and the incident is indeed an embarrassing one”
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police and the Airforce are looking into the ugly incident and putting all modalities in place to forestall any future occurrences
MOURNING JEMITOLA, REMEMBERING GIWA-AMU
By Tunde Olusunle
It was a relay of calls competing for access to me Thursday February 6, 2025. Messages tagged “Breaking News” were equally discernible as they streamed onto my WhatsApp page. I would subsequently get to know that Christopher Adewole Jemitola, erstwhile aide-de-camp, (ADC) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had sadly and unexpectedly passed, just minutes ago. Those who know that I served as an aide to Obasanjo during his two terms in office, from 1999 to 2007, knew I would have known Jemitola. Our offices were in the very same one-storey building housing the seat and office of the President. The ADC and senior non-uniformed security aides to the Commander-in-Chief were on the ground floor. Those of us who manned the “Secretariat of the President,” the very next door to the nation’s helmsman, were upstairs. We often began our days together from the President’s residence, chaperoning him with his other aides, through the walkway linking his home and office, and vice versa. We were components of what is described as the “main body” of the President’s aides. We attended official events with him and flew on the presidential jet with him as well.
Jemitola was preceded on the job by Solomon Uangbaoje Giwa-Amu, who was Obasanjo’s ADC from 1999 to 2003. Giwa-Amu pulled me aside on the sidelines of the 2002 edition of the United Nations General Assembly, (UNGA), in New York. The bespectacled Giwa-Amu, famous for the red beret of the “military police,” the corps to which he belonged in the army was then a full Colonel. He recounted it had been worthwhile working with Obasanjo, meeting a broad spectrum of people and gaining invaluable experience the barracks would never have availed him. He said the President wants to continue with him into his second term because of the “father-son” relationship they had developed. Giwa-Amu, however, said he was personally minded about his mainstream career as a soldier. He said he desired to speedily return for reintegration into the military system, to mitigate envy and misgivings by his colleagues.
I functioned as master of ceremony for quite a number of state events, including dinners and receptions the President hosted for his visiting foreign colleagues. Obasanjo added that to my schedule beginning from a reception he hosted in honour of the former Gambian President, Yahya Jammeh. Renowned for his thriftiness, Obasanjo believed that professional comperes charged too much for their services. He believed many of them were not as articulate as I am, and more importantly, he wouldn’t have to pay for my services. Giwa-Amu loved my cadenced delivery and measured wit. He looked out frantically for me the day he was decorated Colonel in the chambers of the Federal Executive Council, (FEC). I was, unfortunately, otherwise engaged, especially because I had workstations both in the State House and the Federal Secretariat.
Tall, fair-complexioned, unobtrusive, Christopher Jemitola was a permanent fixture behind Obasanjo during his second term as President. He was professional, courteous and humble, the archetypal “officer and gentleman.” Whenever our paths crossed, communicated majorly in Yoruba which he spoke flawlessly. This was despite the fact that he wasn’t from a core Yoruba-speaking state. Not knowing who was older between both of us, he related with me with the kind of deference which presupposed I was the older party. I went to his residence abutting the President’s one morning and told his batman to inform him I wanted to see him. The batman returned to inform me that Jemitola said everyone desirous of a meeting with him should come over to his office. I stood my ground and gave my call card to the soldier to give to his boss. Jemitola emerged from the bathroom and was still mopping his body with his towel, apologised and listened to me. The information was beneficial to him and he was most thankful.
Those of us who served in the Obasanjo government went our separate ways after May 29, 2007. Jemitola returned to the Nigerian Army and was deployed to the Nigerian Embassy in Brazil as Defence Adviser. Giwa-Amu before him had served in a similar capacity at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC, between 2003 and 2007. Within that period, Giwa-Amu attended the US War College. Upon Jemitola’s return from Brazil, he was deployed to the position of Director of Defence Information, (DDI), at the Defence Headquarters, (DHQ). We thereafter saw each other fairly frequently on Sundays because we worshipped at the same parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) in Abuja. He was always his usual self, with zero affectations, no fawning aides holding his Bible for him, generous with his handshake, just himself.
Jemitola was promoted to the rank of Major General in 2014. Following the appointment of Tukur Buratai as Chief of Army Staff by the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, in 2015, Jemitola was deployed as Commander, Corps of Signals, Headquarters, Lagos. Not too long after, he was reassigned as the Chief of Policy and Plans, (COPP), of the Nigerian Army. Such was the career mobility of Jemitola during his years in active military service. Following his retirement from service a few years ago, Jemitola made forays into post-regimental life, serving as Senior Advisor for Military Communications at Pinnacle Communications Ltd, in 2019. The outfit, a digital switchover licensee is headquartered in Asokoro, Abuja. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, (ICPC), invaded the offices of the organisation January 22, 2020, weeks before the Chairman of the company, Lucky Omoluwa passed, February 18, 2020.
Major General Christopher Jemitola and his predecessor, Brigadier General Solomon Giwa-Amu, coincidentally, both hailed from Edo North in Edo State. That Obasanjo happily worked with both of them without parochial consideration of their origins reinforced the pan-Nigerian globality of the former President who eternally placed substance and quality, above primordial concerns like ethnicity and creed. Jemitola was from Ososo in Edo State, while Giwa-Amu was from Sabongida-Ora. As though the ability to play the game of squash was a prerequisite for being ADC to Obasanjo, both gentlemen played the game well. Indeed, they typically began their days, sparring with Obasanjo in the squash court annexed to the presidential residence. By tragic coincidence, Jemitola and Giwa-Amu both died in the month of February. Giwa-Amu died on Monday February 18, 2008, in an automobile accident between Abuja and Kaduna, following a tire burst to the vehicle in which he was riding.
He was to deliver a lecture at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, (AFCSC), in Jaji, Kaduna State and reportedly opted to ride in the Toyota Coaster bus conveying other officers and men to the lecture, while his staff car, drove behind. Of all the 18 occupants of the said bus, Giwa-Amu was the singular casualty. Gabriel Giwa-Amu, an attorney and brother to Solomon Giwa-Amu, sustained inquisition into this riddle for several years. Yes, there was a deep cut in Solomon Giwa-Amu’s head, according to family members, but there was no physical wound of any kind on his body.
There were suspicions that Giwa-Amu’s ever rising profile, troubled not a few interests in the army. Recall his fears about possible peer jealousies to which I earlier alluded. He was just 49 when he passed. He would have been 66 this year and would have been long retired from active service. I attended his final rites of passage and interment in his private residence, in Sabongida-Ora. He had four children with his beloved wife, Judith. Jemitola turned 63 on Christmas day last December 25. Like many retirees, golfing appealed to him. He could play the game anytime of the day, keep fit and stay in the company of friends. He slumped and passed at the IBB Golf Club, Abuja the morning of Thursday February 6, 2025, after playing the game. He had two children, Caleb and Iman, with Josephine, his erstwhile wife.
So sad Nigeria has lost the sheer quality, the multidimensional reservoir of institutional memory embedded in the persons of Major General Christopher Adewole Jemitola and Brigadier General Solomon Uangaboje Giwa-Amu. Their wisdoms would, without doubt, have served Nigeria positively, especially in the security and military ecosystem to which they devoted decades of their shortlived lives. People like them should be resource persons in the many academies, centres, colleges and institutes of the Nigerian military. They should today be Emeritus instructors in: Civilian/military relations; Sustenance of military professionalism in a democratic dispensation; Ensuring inter-service collaboration between sister security departments in a democracy, and so on. We pray God to grant sweet repose to their souls, even as we entrust their families to the eternal care of God the Almighty.
Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor in the Centre for Creative Writing, University of Abuja
Japa from Sapa: Out of the Kettle, Into the Blaze
By Halima Abdulazeez
Recent data from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) reveals that over 3.6 million Nigerians migrated from the country between 2022 and 2023. A significant portion of this number left in the past two years, primarily driven by factors such as economic hardship, unemployment, and political instability. The majority of these emigrants are young people seeking better opportunities abroad.
The Japa syndrome is no longer just a trend; it is a desperate response to a nation’s failure to provide hope. Until systemic reforms address the root causes of this mass exodus, Nigeria will continue to lose its brightest minds to foreign lands, deepening the crisis of underdevelopment at home.
In his article “Nigeria’s Japa Generation and Global Demographic Dynamics” published by Business a.m., Professor Chris Anyokwu aptly captures the growing trend of mass emigration among Nigerians. He describes how citizens, both young and old, are “voting with their feet,” fleeing the country in search of better opportunities abroad. The phenomenon, largely driven by economic decline, and a lack of prospects, has become a defining reality for the nation’s youth. The scholar paints a grim picture of a generation that has been pushed to its limits. With motivation at an all-time low and the illusion of change completely shattered, young Nigerians are left staring at the harsh realities of life. Their departure is not just a search for greener pastures—it is an unspoken protest against a system that has repeatedly betrayed them. “With the complete collapse of motivation and the virtual liquidation” of all illusion, they now stare at the unblinking hardness of life.”
After the COVID-19 pandemic, many people lost their jobs due to the immense hardship imposed on individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. Little did we know that, five years later, the consequences of the “Japa” syndrome would be so severe. If the family is considered a human factory, then the Nigerian family structure has become disenchanted and near collapse. We are now a collection of displaced individuals living in an open theatre of the absurd. I am not a pessimist, but the statistics emerging from foreign lands about the hardship this mass exodus is inflicting on families are deeply concerning. These range from crumbling marriages, Suicides, and missing loved ones to the psychological trauma associated with moving to a culture where racism is institutionalized.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has a system of governance that displays a nonchalant attitude towards national issues, and there seems to be little intention to build a nation defined by a strong moral character. The days ahead look bleak for Nigerians abroad who have gone in search of a “greener pasture,” especially with President Trump gearing up to deport undocumented immigrants.
President Donald Trump’s hard-line immigration policies have significantly impacted Nigerians residing in the United States. Central to these policies is the emphasis on mass deportations, which has heightened anxiety within Nigerian communities. Reports from early 2025 indicate that many Nigerians feared large-scale raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leading to concerns about potential deportations and family separations.
In 2020, the Trump administration expanded its travel ban to include Nigeria, citing security concerns. This move restricted the ability of Nigerians to immigrate to the U.S., particularly affecting those seeking to reunite with family members. The ban prevented U.S. citizens from bringing over children, parents, or siblings, and it halted the immigration of spouses or partners of American citizens. Additionally, the administration’s broader immigration agenda included attempts to terminate programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which protect many immigrants. While not exclusively targeting Nigerians, these actions have contributed to an environment of uncertainty and fear within immigrant communities, including Nigerians who have moved out of Nigeria in large numbers recently.
The Nigerian government’s response, in a typically reactionary manner, was confirmed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Corporate Affairs. He told newsmen recently that an inter-agency committee had been established to manage potential mass deportation. “The Federal Government has established an inter-agency committee comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to respond to any large-scale deportation of Nigerians from the US,” Balogun disclosed.
In stark contrast to establishing such committees and waiting for fate or faith to dictate action, consider the example of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. When faced with the possibility of President Trump implementing tariff hikes on Canadian goods and services, Trudeau acted decisively. He announced in his speech, “Tonight, I am announcing Canada will be responding to the U.S. trade action with 25 per cent tariffs against a $155 billion worth of American goods. This will include immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods as of Tuesday, followed by further tariffs on $125 billion worth of American products in 21 days to allow Canadian companies and supply chains to seek alternatives.” Through subsequent negotiations and trade-offs, President Trump agreed to a 30-day pause before implementing his plans. As America’s two largest partners, Mexico and Canada took steps to also address President Trump’s concerns about border security and drug trafficking.
This is how nations operate, instead of always becoming orphans waiting for crumbs. Nigerian leaders must do more. The leadership of every sovereign nation should prioritize protecting its citizens, preventing crimes, and ensuring social cohesion.
Despite their significant contributions, Nigerians are often left unprotected. The intellectual prowess of Nigerians is undeniable, particularly in the United States, where they have made remarkable contributions across numerous fields, showcasing their resilience, intellect, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their impact continues to shape industries and influence policies on a national and global scale.
As a nation, we should express our discontent with any mistreatment of our citizens. Nigerians in the U.S. have excelled in various areas, including education, healthcare, business, technology, entertainment, and public service. They are the pioneers in the tech space. In Silicon Valley and beyond, Nigerians are making strides in engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. They are present in leading tech firms such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, contributing to advancements in digital security and financial technology.
A prime example is Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Flutterwave, a global payment platform that facilitates cross-border transactions in Africa and beyond, furthering economic growth and digital inclusion.
To become truly relevant on the world stage, our leadership must act definitively and strategically alongside global powers. We must not wait until mass deportations to define our mode of engagement with the United States. Our diplomatic corps must become proactive and responsive.
Halima Abdulazeez
She is a poet and a writer of the poetry collection “Soul Rants” A Journey from Within.She is the treasurer, of PEN International, Nigerian Center, and resides in Lagos.
Contact: +234-8034816865 (mailto:umuhfaisal@gmail.com)
I am battle ready against criminality – Anambra CP
By Achike Bosah
Ikioye Livingston Orutugu, new Anambra state Commissioner of Police, has expressed his readiness to cooperate and synergize with other security agencies to effectively fight criminality in the state.
Orutugu made the disclosure during interaction with newsmen in Awka on Wednesday.
He said that he had visited key security agencies in the state including the Commander of 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Onitsha, Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as the Rapid Response Squad Formation, Awkuzu.
“The aim is to forster stronger collaboration in tackling security challenges within the state.
“During my visits I emphasised the need for seamless coordinating intelligence sharing and resource integration among security agencies to enhance public safety and sustain ongoing joint operations in critical areas of the state,” he added.
According to him, the command remains committed to proactive policing strategies and partnership aimed at ensuring peace and security across the state.
Orutugu popularly known as “the Fear” among his colleagues and the 35th Commissioner of Police in the state appealed to Anambra citizens for adequate information and cooperation to enable police successfully carry out its policing of the state.
The proactive police officer who in his days in the Police Mobile Force (PMF) successfully led a team in the Ife-Modakeke, Osun state crisis and quelling of protest and riot without violence, said he would ensure that the command successfully bring down crime rate to the barest minimum in the state.
He warned against extortion and bribe taking by the police personnel in the state, adding that the command under his watch would not condone indiscipline.
Orutugu rather urged them to show more commitment to duty and improve on timely response to incidents.