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14/06/2024

The Office of the Citizen (OOTC) has made a case for local government autonomy in Nigeria to achieve the desired development plans for the citizenry.

The OOTC, which stated this at the maiden virtual Democracy Dialogue on June 12, themed ‘Promoting Sustainable Development Models for Effective Local Governance’, said the event was designed to compel key political and electoral reform actions for credible, transparent, free and fair elections by the executive, legislature, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the security establishment.

Speaking during the event, the Founder, , Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, said, “Nigeria is faced with serious structural challenges in its democracy and governance, and nothing works until structural solutions are provided.”

According to the former Vice President of the World Bank, the country’s problems cannot be solved from the top cadre of governance, unless the grassroots are involved.

“That means we cannot start solving problems of the country from the rooftops. We believe that for functionality, we have to correct the structure, which is at the centre of constitutional change. A Nigeria that works has to be designed by the people. We need to place the grassroots at the heart of the Nigeria project,” she added.

Social activist, Aisha Yesufu, called for total citizen inclusion in the democratic process, even at home. Government, according to her, should involve the citizens in decision-making.

Yesufu advocated attitudinal change in governance and autonomy for local government administration.

“We need to understand that people have the right to make demands and ask for explanations. Asking questions is good, and that means they believe in government.

“There should be attitudinal change. Presently, the local government’s loyalty has been to the state government, and not the people who elected them. That has to change,” she said.

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12/06/2024

Happy Democracy Nigeria 🇳🇬

11/06/2024

The Office of the Citizen, which is a product of Pillar One of Initiative dedicated to promoting active citizenship in Nigeria, will hold its maiden virtual democracy dialogue on local government administration on June 12, 2024.

This was contained in a statement released on Monday by the Executive Director of , Dr Anthony Ubani.

“It is an important programme conceived to convene Nigerians and experts in governance to discuss the broken state of politics and governance at the local government level with a view to proffering ideas for strengthening local government administration, promoting good governance and accentuating a more effective and accountable democracy,” the statement read.

The event, themed ‘Promoting Sustainable Development Models for Effective Local Governance’, will attract key stakeholders in governance, social activism, law, public service, civil society and the media.

The stakeholders will examine, among other things, the law suit between the federal and state governments over control of local governments in Nigeria, poor governance at the local government level and ways to restore democracy, good governance, democracy and development at the third tier of government.

Additionally, the panels will explore the role of local governments, the proposal to transfer election oversight to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the call for a truly independent electoral body that respects the wishes of the people.

The dialogue, which commences by 12.00 WAT (7am EST), requires prior registration of participants, speakers and guests to the event via http://ootcnigeria.org/dd

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https://financialstreet.ng/ootc-holds-democracy-dialogue-on-lg-administration-on-june-12/

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10/06/2024

05/06/2024

The arrogance, Insensitivity and total lack of democratic reflex of the Tinubu administration and its eagerness to constrict civic spaces has been further evidenced by the indecorous and intolerant language used against organized labour, since negotiations for workers minimum wage increase began. Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to President Tinubu, who has been leading the offensive against organized labour and every one who dares take a contrary position to the all-knowing Tinubu administration, raised his rhetoric to unacceptable and distasteful levels when he excoriated organized Labour for shutting down the national grid in the course of their legitimate protest for living wages. As if that was not bad enough he proudly boasted in a threatening manner that they should “be thankful that Nigeria is not under a military regime.” To be clear, I am not in support of shutting down the national grid, airports and other such critical infrastructures. But Bayo Onanuga should understand that those who make peaceful change impossible make hostile change inevitable.

Bayo Onanuga and his pay masters have had months to demonstrate empathy for the plight of Nigerian workers and come up with a policy position that is agreeable to both parties. But the Tinubu administration chose to play to the gallery until organized labour went on strike as a last resort to press home the urgency and importance of their demands. Must government always wait until organized labour go on strike before they do what they know is the right thing to do?

To remind Labour and by extension Nigerians that they should “be thankful that we are not in a military regime” is the height of irresponsibility and provocation. Such an anti democratic statement should not come from any public service official in a democratic setting let alone the spokesperson of the President.
 

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01/06/2024

Happy New Month!

27/05/2024

Let’s sacrifice today so our children can have a better tomorrow.

Happy Children's Day!

01/05/2024

Happy May Day! Today, we celebrate your unwavering dedication to excellence.

19/04/2024

Ubabukoh family releases burial plans for veteran journalist


The Ubabukoh family of Ngo Village in Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, has announced April 25, 2024 as the burial date for their patriarch, brother and uncle, Mr Ifeanyi John Ubabukoh, who passed on to glory on February 18, 2024.

The deceased was a columnist and former Chairman of the Editorial Board, Champion Newspapers. He had worked with The Mail, where he edited both the Sunday and daily editions of the newspaper.

The frontline journalist enriched his resume at the National Concord, where he rose from the position of Chief Correspondent to News Editor.

As part of the pioneer staff of New Nation, Ubabukoh’s dexterity earned him special bonus twice from the Publisher, Gbolabo Ogunsawo, and promotion from Feature Writer to Features Editor.

Upon retiring from Champion Newspapers, he served as Senior Special Assistant on Communication to then Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, between June 2009 and June 2012.

According to a statement by his son, Mr Ozioma Ubabukoh, on behalf of the family, there will be a Service of Songs on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the late journalist’s residence (John Ubabukoh’s compound) in Ngo Village.

The remains, the statement added, will leave Apex Mortuary, Igbo-Ukwu, on Thursday, April 25 for lying-in-state at Ubabukoh’s compound in Ngo.

“Funeral service will commence by 10a.m. and interment will take place by noon at Ubabukoh's compound,” he stated.

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17/04/2024

Africa hails Faye’s election, urges fair leadership
 
Africa has applauded the election of President Bassirou Faye of Senegal, describing it as the triumph of the democratic spirit and collective will of the Senegalese.
 
Founder, Africa, Dr Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili, said Faye’s election reaffirmed the faith of the Senegalese in the principles of democracy, transparency and accountability.
 
She stated, “Your victory serves as an inspiration, not only to the people of Senegal but to citizens across the continent, who aspire to live in societies governed by justice, equality and freedom.”
 
According to the economic policy expert, Faye’s election at this critical juncture, when there has been some measure of democratic deceleration in West Africa, comes as a beacon of hope for Senegal and all of West Africa.
 
Ezekwesili, who was Nigeria’s former Minister of Education as well as Solid Minerals, praised the resilience of Senegal's democracy and its capacity to overcome challenges. She also lauded the unwavering commitment of the Senegalese to a peaceful and democratic resolution.
 
“Throughout the political crisis and the extended period of citizen engagement, the people of Senegal demonstrated their steadfast belief in the democratic process and their determination to shape the future of their nation through active participation. We commend the unwavering commitment of the Senegalese to a peaceful and democratic resolution through free, fair and violence-free electoral process,” she noted.
 
To 44-year-old Faye, she said, “As President, your vision, leadership and commitment to upholding democratic norms and priorising the needs of citizens will not only play a pivotal role in steering the country towards peace, prosperity and stability but will equally send a powerful signal to the world that democracy has come to stay in Africa.”
 

 
 

 
 

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16/04/2024

lauds Otti for good governance, citizens-focused leadership
 
has lauded Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for his citizens-focused leadership and good governance initiatives.
 
Writing on half of the Chairperson of Initiative, Obiageli Ezekwesili, and members of the Work Study Group, the Executive Director, Initiative, Anthony Ubani, extended sincere commendation and support to Otti’s citizens-focused leadership and good governance initiatives since assuming office as the Governor of Abia.
 
According to Ubani, is particularly delighted and encouraged by the passage into law of a bill, HAB 11, to revoke the Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001.
 
“The passage of this bill into law represents a commendable response to the citizens’ longstanding call for the repeal of the obnoxious law mandating payment of outrageous life pensions and other enviable benefits to governors and their deputies.
 
“HAB 11 is a good governance policy that will reduce the cost of governance, free up resources that can be redirected towards meaningful development projects, and serve as a compelling good governance example for other states to follow. Indeed, this legislative policy opens a new chapter of hope in the responsible management of state resources,” Ubani said.
 
The ED noted that the “initiative recognises the importance” of encouraging leaders, who listen to the needs of their people and act in their best interest.
 
“As a social enterprise committed to building a new generation of public service leaders, who are disruptive in their thinking and dedicated to the good of the nation, ready to serve the well-being of Nigerians and lead with Character, Competence and Capacity, recognises the importance of encouraging leaders, like your good self, who listen to the needs of their people and act in their best interest.”
 

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10/04/2024

Happy Eid Mubarak! 🌙

01/04/2024

Happy New Month!

Wishing you all a joyful start to the new month and a delightful Easter Monday celebration! 🎉🐰

19/03/2024

Nigeria needs restructuring to work effectively, says Ezekwesili
 
Pastor of The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Garki, Abuja, Chinedu Ezekwesili, has said his dream, at 70, is to see a Nigeria restructured for optimum and effective operation to benefit all citizens.
 
Ezekwesili, the husband of former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, spoke at a symposium themed, ‘Purposeful Men’ organised to mark his 70th birthday in Abuja on Friday.
 
The cleric dreams to be alive to see Nigeria become the nation God designed it to be and to see the glory of God over the nation.
 
“Nigeria is like a troubled house, I wish we can uproot and start afresh. A house with a faulty foundation can only be fixed by uprooting the foundation and creating a new structure. Nigeria, the way it is, cannot survive. There is need to restructure this nation. Unless we come together and decide to move forward, we cannot move forward,” he said.
 
According to him, it will take leaders, not rulers, to take Nigeria to the right destination.
 
Praying for Nigeria never to experience war again, the cleric urged the younger generation to seek peace and not war, which would only bring hunger, pain, suffering, underdevelopment, death among other unpleasant situations.
 
Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, said the story of Oby Ezekwesili could not be told without the giant shoulders of the celebrator, the model of a supportive husband.
 
“The real man, with his spirit, soul and body well-ordered, is the quintessence of character, competence and capacity, triune qualities, which the Ezekwesilis have been known to champion. The real man possesses such unassailable virtues as love expressed in joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He operates in wisdom, knowledge and understanding, and has the capacity to make a difference in a chaotic world,” he said.

18/03/2024

Nigeria needs restructuring to work effectively, says Ezekwesili

Pastor of The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Garki, Abuja, Chinedu Ezekwesili, has said his dream, at 70, is to see a Nigeria restructured for optimum and effective operation to benefit all citizens. Ezekwesili, the husband of former Minister of Education, D...

18/03/2024

At 70, friends, associates task Ezekwesili on societal impact at 70

Friends, associates and family members have called on Mr Chinedu Ezekwesili, to use the occasion of his 70th birthday to make himself more visible for societal impact. The pastor is husband to former Education Minister, Dr Oby Ezekwesili. Speaking during a virtual tributes and prayer evening in hono...

12/03/2024

Afrinvest ups investment in infrastructure, business with Kano unit inauguration

Speaking at the inauguration, the Group Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Mr Ike Chioke, said the company “is focused” on investment banking, securities trading, asset management, trust services, consultancy and technology services.

The new branch, the MD added, will provide a range of services on financing, road projects, bridges and power projects for Kano and its neighbours.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, reiterated the state’s readiness to partner Afrinvest to stimulate businesses and development of infrastructure.



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08/03/2024

Happy International Women's Day!

We love and value you.

28/02/2024

Naira depreciation creates opportunities for businesses to adapt, says Adeleye

Naira fluctuations, which have weakened the purchasing power of consumers, have prompted businesses to adapt to local content, according to Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer of Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, owners of Shoprite Nigeria.

Retail Supermarkets Nigeria was recently acquired by Persianas Investment Limited and other key institutional investors, making it a fully Nigerian-owned business that contributes to the country's economy and provides employment opportunities for its citizens.

In an interview in Lagos, Adeleye explained that “despite the challenges posed by the naira depreciation, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria has maintained its high-quality products and services for its customers and plans to open more stores that showcase a wide variety of Nigerian-made products and international brands”.

Adeleye explained that like any retail business operating in a continually evolving economic landscape, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria face various challenges, including naira depreciation.

"While the increased costs of importing goods and supply chain disruptions pose challenges, the depreciation of the naira has also created opportunities for growth and localization. Despite efforts to remain competitive, we have adjusted prices to reflect the increased costs, potentially affecting customer purchasing power," she explained.

Adeleye explained that the company has faced various challenges such as increased costs of importing goods, supply chain disruptions, and product availability due to naira depreciation. However, the company has implemented robust procurement strategies, strengthened local supplier relationships, and focused on sourcing products locally to mitigate challenges and support the economy.

“To overcome the challenges posed by naira depreciation, we have implemented robust procurement strategies, strengthened local supplier relationships, and focused on sourcing products locally to mitigate challenges and support the economy.

27/02/2024

Naira depreciation creates opportunities for businesses to adapt, says Adeleye

23/02/2024

As Senegalese navigate the complexities of the political crisis unfolding in the country, Initiative has expressed solidarity with them and the Senegal team.
 
In a statement, yesterday, entitled ‘Standing in Solidarity: A Message of Support for the Senegal Team and the People of Senegal’, the Executive Director, Africa, Anthony Ubani, expressed unwavering support and solidarity with the people of Senegal and the and Senegal team.
 
He stated, “I wanted to take a moment to express, on behalf of the Founder, Initiative, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, our unwavering support and solidarity with all of you. Your steadfast commitment to ’ mission and patriotism in actively occupying your to defend constitutional democracy in Senegal is commendable.
 
“In this regard, we note and applaud, in particular, the media interviews by you and some of our School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Senegal Faculty, to mobilise public and international attention to the political impasse in Senegal and, the Prof Babacar Gaye-led protest march against the postponement of the election, which the Country Manager and Staff actively participated in.”
 
Ubani praised the team’s resilience and commitment to good politics and good governance in Senegal.
 
According to him, the Senegalese have been tested and they demonstrated their determination and readiness to boldly execute their , in defence of democracy in Senegal.
 
He added, “We stand in solidarity with you and the people of Senegal, even as we salute your courage and exemplary leadership.”

23/02/2024

expresses solidarity with Senegalese over political crisis

20/02/2024

Founding member and first Nigeria Country Director of Nexford University, Mrs Olamidun Ogundoyin, has taken a bow from the American university to build Sooyah Bistro into a global brand amid its million dollar expansion plans.

Ogundoyin was the country director, who pioneered Nexford University in Nigeria, between 2018 and 2023.

Before Thursday’s confirmation, business analysts and keen observers of activities at the university speculated, for several months, her true designation.

In putting the speculations to rest, she said the focus had since shifted to expanding Sooyah Bistro, a fast-rising Quick Service Restaurant chain, with outlets in Nigeria.

“Sooyah Bistro has its eyes set on expanding nationally and internationally. The company is seeking new investors to enable it achieve its million-dollar expansion plans,” the company’s founder and Chief Executive Officer stated.

According to Ogundoyin, Sooyah Bistro has been tried, tested and validated in one of the most challenging business environments in the world and continues to see tremendous growth.

“We have brought innovation to an age-old tradition and ran with it; we have completely innovated the suya space in ways no one has ever done before.

“The company has built an ecosystem of skilled Hausa barbecuers and pitmasters, local vendors and young professionals. We have achieved remarkable feats,” she said.

The startup QSR chain believes that food is culture and has the power to transform and uplift communities.

Ogundoyin added, “We are changing the way people eat and think about ethnic foods like suya. We are building connections in meaningful ways to lead and engage culture by using food as a bridge to West African art, music, fashion and beyond.

The educationist-turned-restaurateur advised business owners to be alert and prioritise structure in their companies. “To achieve our ambitious targets, we needed to build proper structures and remain data- and technology-driven,” said the owner of two successful Nigerian businesses.


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14/02/2024

Breaking News: Love is in the air! Happy Valentine's Day from our newsroom. 💖📰

09/02/2024

The Founder, School of Politics, Policy and Governance School and Chair, , Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, has linked Africa’s under-development to the absence of good governance and quality political leadership.

She spoke at the inaugural session of the SPPG Distinguished Guest Speaker Series on Friday, which was attended by thousands of Africans and global stakeholders.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Power, Performance and Legitimacy: Renewing Global Democratic Momentum’, she explained that the central thesis of research was that “the absence of good governance is the greatest obstacle” to Nigeria’s economic development.

Ezekwesili told the participants, “The failure of the country’s variant of politics and public leadership inherently subverts public good and places their personal and narrow interests above the collective wellbeing of citizens.

“In the light of the above, whether it is 2020 or 2060, nothing about Nigeria can change without a transformation of its politics. Our democracy is coming out of deficit, as African politicians have not delivered on the contract between them and the people they govern.”

Explaining how nations grow, Ezekwesili said the trinity of growth and development showed that citizens of Nigeria and the rest of Africa need a politics that leads to good governance.

According to her,  sound policies, strong institutions and efficient priority of investment in public goods and services are crucial for private sector emergence and growth of the economy.

On the way out, she said there was need to raise the influence of the electorate and make votes of the low income class expensive.

This will happen by raising productivity, as well as improving political literacy and welfare of the people.

07/02/2024

Prof. Larry Diamond from Stanford University, United States of America; Founder, School of Politics, Policy and Governance/Chair, , Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili; and Co-founder, , Senegal, Adamu Gaye, are the top speakers at the inaugural Movement’s virtual conference on Friday, February 2, 2024.

The SPPG listeners and guests will be able to benefit from the speakers’ wealth of experience, world-renowned expertise and in-depth analyses on the theme, ‘Power, Performance and Legitimacy: Renewing Global Democratic Momentum’.

Diamond is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and the Mosbacher Senior Fellow in Global Democracy at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University.

He also chairs the Hoover Institution Project on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region and is the principal investigator of the Global Digital Policy Incubator, part of Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center. For more than six years, he directed FSI’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, where he now leads its programme on Arab Reform and Democracy.

Between 2017 and 2018, he co-chaired, with Orville Schell, a working group of researchers from Hoover and Asia Society Center on US-China Relations, culminating in the report, ‘China’s Influence and American Interests: Promoting Constructing Vigilance’, which was  published by the Hoover Institution Press in 2019. He is the founding co-editor of the Journal of Democracy and serves as senior consultant at the International Forum for Democratic Studies of the National Endowment for Democracy.

Diamond’s research focuses on democratic trends and conditions around the world as well as on policies and reforms to defend and advance democracy. His latest book, Ill Winds: Saving Democracy from Russian Rage, Chinese Ambition and American Complacency, analyses the challenges confronting liberal democracy in the US and around the world at this potential “hinge in history,” and offers an agenda for strengthening and defending democracy at home and abroad.

02/02/2024

Diamond, Ezekwesili, Gaye headline SPPG's democracy summit Feb 2
 
Theme is 'Power, Performance and Legitimacy: Renewing Global Democratic Momentum.'
 
To join the virtual conference between 6.30pm and 9pm (WAT) via Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82552395028?pwd=58hQFb0IzTXplZbXX5045aal5afC1C.1

01/01/2024

Stepping into the New Year with a smile and a pocket full of dreams. Wishing you all a year ahead filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures! 🌟

25/12/2023

Bringing you the merriest news of the season! Wishing you joy, laughter, and a news-filled Christmas. Happy Holidays from our news platform to you! 🎄📰