Feature/OPED
Coronavirus Pandemic Worries BRICS
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has held an extraordinary meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) via videoconference as part of important events planned this year after Russia took over the chair-ship from Brazil.
The BRICS Foreign Affairs Ministers who took part in the meeting included Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar represented India; Ernesto Araújo Foreign Affairs Minister of Brazil; Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China and Ms. Grace Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa.
The ministers reviewed the impact of the current global crisis provoked by the outbreak of COVID-19 on the system of international relations and agreed that there is no alternative to using both bilateral and multilateral forms of cooperation, unite behind efforts without any hidden agenda, in finding a collective response to the challenges and threats posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The meeting exchanged in-depth views on possible joint measures on how to contain COVID-19 and deal with the financial, trade, economic and social consequences of the pandemic. They discussed important issues related to developing a five-way cooperation, including the calendar of events for Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2020.
“We believe that it should become a very good reinforcement for our countries’ economies when they’re coming out of the crisis stage and resume economic operations,” Lavrov noted during the meeting.
The international community should unite to ensure the most positive outcome of efforts in tackling the crisis, but acknowledged that such efforts are being undermined by sanctions imposed on some countries, and suggested that the sanctions should be lifted or removed.
In the opening speech, Lavrov emphasized the priority in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, protect people’s lives and health as well as the global economy. “The need to uphold multilateral principles and rely on international law in formulating solutions to current cross-border threats is an urgent challenge. We are convinced that it is very important to strengthen the solidarity of BRICS countries,” he said.
The BRICS heads of state adopted a decision a couple of years ago to expand cooperation in the fight against infections and the joint production and use of vaccines, according to Lavrov, and suggested “BRICS has to accelerate the implementation of this initiative.”
Cooperation on countering infectious diseases has long been a priority for BRICS. For instance, the final declaration of the 2015 BRICS summit in Ufa, Russia, contains instructions by the leaders to jointly work on managing the risk of disease outbreaks, including the current new coronavirus.
“We are concerned about growing and diversifying global threats posed by communicable and non-communicable diseases. They have a negative impact on economic and social development, especially in developing and in the least developed countries,” the 2015 BRICS declaration adopted in Ufa, Russia. It was the Seventh BRICS Summit, held under the theme “BRICS Partnership – a Powerful Factor of Global Development” under the chair-ship of Russia.
That declaration further stated: “In this context, we commend the efforts made by the BRICS countries to contribute to enhanced international cooperation to support the efforts of countries to achieve their health goals, including the implementation of universal and equitable access to health services, and ensure affordable, good-quality service delivery while taking into account different national circumstances, policies, priorities and capabilities.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed Sergey Lavrov’s call for unity and solidarity. In an official statement released by the ministry, Wang said that the BRICS should “stand firm by multilateralism, by the UN-centered international system” and “champion the approach of consultation and cooperation.”
“Through joint efforts, we will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests and space for development not just for ourselves but also for all other emerging market and developing countries,” Wang Yi said.
With its rapid spread in many parts of the world, COVID-19 has put lives and health of people around the world under grave threat, seriously disrupted the global economy, and posed severe challenges to BRICS, the minister said, while acknowledging further that “as representatives of major emerging countries with global influence, BRICS countries must act in the interest of the well-being of humankind, and stand by justice and equity.”
Wang Yi, however, proposed the following:
First, uphold multilateralism and improve global governance. The sudden onslaught of COVID-19 reminds again that BRICS interests are, closely entwined and the future. A challenge that respects no border and makes no distinction of ethnicity has only made global governance more important, not less, building a community with a shared future for mankind.
China’s strategic assessment is that COVID-19 will not change the theme of the times which remains peace and development; it will not cut short the historical trend toward multi-polarity and globalization, and still less will it deter humankind from its firm pursuit of civilization and progress.
In a time of crisis, BRICS must stand firm by multilateralism, by the UN-centered international system, and by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. BRICS needs to sustain coordination in the UN, the G20 and other multilateral frameworks to keep up secure and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains, and defend the multilateral trading regime with the WTO as the cornerstone.
BRICS should continue to work for making development the centrepiece of the global macro policy agenda, and expedite the delivery of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Second, BRICS should come together in the spirit of partnership to combat COVID-19. Under the personal leadership and direction of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and people have fought a people’s war against COVID-19. China has acted according to the principle of shoring up confidence, strengthening unity, ensuring science-based control and taking targeted measures.
As the virus hits more countries around the world, China is doing everything it can to help those in need. In spite of substantial demand at home and growing pressures to meet foreign orders, China has provided a large amount of medical supplies to fellow BRICS countries, and facilitated the purchase of such supplies through commercial channels.
Going forward, China is ready to step up the sharing of information and experience with BRICS countries and conduct joint research and development of drugs and vaccines, respecting each other’s sovereignty and national conditions.
Third, BRICS should uphold unity and coordination to forge a powerful synergy. President Xi Jinping stated that the virus is a common enemy of humanity and can be defeated. Living in a global village, no one could stay safe when others’ houses catch fire.
Likewise, in fighting COVID-19, victory can only be secured when the virus is brought under control in all countries. China has been a strong force behind international anti-epidemic cooperation because its own experience has made it fully empathetic with other peoples suffering from similar difficulties.
As countries battle the disease in light of their own situations, China called for mutual understanding and respect for these efforts, and sharing and learning from each other’s experiences. The global community should never be distracted in its collaborative response by finger-pointing or the blame game, allow new tensions and divisions to be created as a result of politicization or stigmatization.
In view of the weaknesses and inadequacies exposed during this crisis, BRICS needs to enhance global public health governance, make it a higher priority on the international agenda, and work together to build a community of health for all.
Fourth, China will work with all BRICS members to support Russia’s Chairmanship. China also supports Russia’s initiative to formulate a Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025.
On his part, Indian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar noted that BRICS, which brings together almost 42 percent of global population, with impressive growth, investment and trade share, has an important role to play in shaping the global economic and political architecture.
He highlighted the initiatives and various decisive steps taken early by India. For example, India is providing pharma assistance to nearly 85 countries, including many countries in Africa, on a grant basis, to support their response to the pandemic. This has been widely welcomed.
He further emphasized that the pandemic is not only posing a great risk to the health and well-being of humanity but is also severely impacting global economy and output by disruption of global trade and supply chains. Economic activity across sectors has been negatively impacted leading to loss of jobs and livelihoods.
He emphasized the need to provide support to businesses, especially small and medium scale enterprises, and the efficacy of traditional medicine systems to strengthen immunity be recognized and that BRICS should support these efforts.
Jaishankar emphasized the current challenge that underlines the need for reform of multilateral systems and that a reformed multilateralism was the way forward. He referred to the centrality of development and growth in the global agenda. India reaffirmed its support for Russian BRICS Chair-ship in 2020 and under the theme “BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth.”
The BRICS member countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) collectively represent about 26% of the world’s geographical area and are home to 3.6 billion people, about 42% of the world’s population and with a combined nominal GDP of $16.6 trillion.
Kester Kenn Klomegah is an independent research writer, who served previously as Moscow Bureau Chief for Africa Press Agency (APA) and Inter Press Service (IPS), and has won awards including the Golden Word Prize for a series of analytical articles on Russia’s economic cooperation with African countries.
By Faedat Temideni
In Nigeria today, unwanted messages have evolved from a mere annoyance into a serious security risk. From deceptive investment opportunities to phony bank notifications, spam communications have transformed into complex frauds that target unsuspecting victims.
For numerous Nigerians, starting the day with several spam messages has turned into a regular occurrence. Telemarketing offers, questionable lottery prizes, and phishing schemes inundate mobile inboxes, frequently inundating users with unsolicited messages. Although some communications are simply annoying, others are designed to mislead and take advantage.
In recent years, there has been a rise in fraudulent SMS messages, where scammers mimic banks, government bodies, and reputable companies to obtain sensitive information from people. A report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) indicates that financial fraud via mobile channels has resulted in substantial monetary losses, causing unsuspecting victims to lose millions of naira.
Consider the scenario of Adebola, a civil servant in Lagos, who got an SMS purporting to be from her bank, urging her to click a link and refresh her account information. Just moments after complying, she noticed that her account had been breached, resulting in thousands of naira being withdrawn before she could respond. Tales such as Adebola’s emphasize the necessity for a strong approach to tackle SMS fraud and unwanted spam messages.
Airtel’s Spam Alert Service: A Historic Innovation
Acknowledging the critical necessity to tackle this problem, Airtel Nigeria, in March 2025, launched its Spam Alert Service, a creative system intended to screen spam messages before they reachusers. The service utilizes Artificial Intelligence built by Airtel to examine incoming SMS, detect suspiciouspatterns, and alert users accordingly.
Airtel’s Spam Alert Service Works in Three Key Ways
Quick Identification: The system automatically identifies suspected spam messages.
User Alerts: When a suspected fraudulent message is detected, users receive an alert notifying them of the potential spam.
User Reporting Feature: Customers can report spam messages by forwarding them to a dedicated short code, helping Airtel enhance its spam alert mechanisms.
With the launch of the Spam Alert Service, Airtel is not only protecting its customers but also strengthening trust in mobile communication. By helping to curb SMS fraud, Airtel ensures that users can engage with their mobile devices with a much-reduced risk of falling victim to SMS scams.
According toAirtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh,the AI Spam Alert Service demonstrates the priority the company places on user security. “We understand that spam messages are more than just an annoyance, they pose real threats to individuals and businesses. So, our Spam Alert Service is part of a broader effort to ensure a safer and more secure digital experience for our customers,”MrBalsingh said.
An Urgent Call to Action
As Airtel takes the lead in the fight against spam and SMS fraud, mobile users must remain vigilant. Customers are encouraged to report suspicious messages and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. Additionally, businesses must adopt best practices in digital communication to ensure their messaging systems are not exploited by fraudsters.
With initiatives like the Spam Alert Service, Airtel is setting a new standard for mobile security in Nigeria. In a world where digital threats continue to evolve, proactive measures like this ensure that users can communicate safely, free from the fear of falling victim to SMS scams.
The battle against spam and fraud is far from over, but with Airtel’s Spam Alert Service, Nigerian mobile users now have a powerful ally in safeguarding their communication channels.
By Diana Tenebe
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces a complex web of food security challenges. Soaring food inflation, exacerbated by climate extremes, persistent insecurity in food-producing regions, and an inadequate supply of nutritious foods, has pushed millions into acute hunger. Despite vast agricultural resources, the country ranks low on the Global Food Security Index, underscoring a critical need for innovative solutions. Amidst this backdrop, urban farming, often dismissed as a niche activity, is gaining traction as a strategy to enhance food security, create income opportunities, and promote sustainable practices in urban areas.
Urban farming, encompassing a range of practices from rooftop gardens and vertical farms to community plots and aquaculture, offers the potential to localise food production, reduce reliance on distant supply chains, and enhance access to fresh, nutritious produce. As Nigerian cities continue to urbanise, converting agricultural land to other uses, the importance of maximizing food production within urban limits becomes crucial.
One of the most immediate and impactful contributions of urban farming is its ability to enhance food availability and access. By cultivating crops within city limits, fresh produce can reach consumers more quickly, drastically reducing post-harvest losses and transportation costs. This localised production directly addresses issues of food scarcity, especially for vulnerable urban populations who often struggle with the high cost and limited availability of fresh food. Successful initiatives in Lagos for instance have demonstrated how urban farms can become reliable sources of fruits, vegetables, and even protein through urban livestock and aquaculture for surrounding communities.
Beyond mere availability, urban farming plays a crucial role in improving nutritional outcomes and dietary diversity. Access to fresh, diverse produce encourages healthier eating habits, helping to combat prevalent issues like protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. When families cultivate their own food, they gain greater control over its quality and freshness, often opting for more nutritious varieties. This direct link between cultivation and consumption can lead to a measurable increase in dietary diversity within urban households.
Urban farming is not just about subsistence; it holds substantial economic promise and fosters job creation. It directly generates employment opportunities in various stages, including planting, harvesting, processing, and distribution. Small-scale urban farmers can sell their surplus produce at local markets, generating income and fostering entrepreneurship. This can be particularly impactful for Nigeria’s large youth population, offering a viable path to employment and self-reliance in a landscape of high unemployment. Initiatives that provide training and access to markets, like “FarmInTheCity” in Lagos, exemplify how urban farming can blossom into full-scale enterprises.
Urban farming contributes significantly to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Innovative urban farming techniques, such as hydroponics and vertical farming, are inherently resource-efficient, using less land and water compared to traditional agriculture. They also reduce “food miles,” significantly lowering carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. Additionally, urban green spaces created by farming initiatives can help mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance urban biodiversity. This makes urban farming a crucial component of climate adaptation strategies, helping cities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts that affect traditional agriculture.
Finally, community gardens and collaborative urban farming projects serve as powerful tools for fostering community cohesion and social impact. They provide shared spaces where residents can connect, build knowledge, and foster a sense of community pride and ownership. These initiatives can also serve as educational platforms, promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about local food systems. This collaborative spirit can be particularly beneficial in diverse urban settings, breaking down social barriers and strengthening community bonds.
For Urban farming to work in Nigeria, policy support and integration are crucial. Governments at all levels need to recognize urban farming as a legitimate and vital part of the food system. This involves developing supportive policies, streamlining land-use regulations, and integrating urban agriculture into city planning. Second, capacity building and education are essential. Investing in education and training programs is vital. Access to finance and technology is a significant factor for urban farmers. Innovative financing models, perhaps incorporating “pay-as-you-grow” schemes for technology adoption, are needed. Also, leveraging technology like mobile apps for market access can significantly boost productivity. Lastly, adequate infrastructure, including reliable energy sources and efficient storage facilities, is crucial to minimize post-harvest losses and ensure the economic viability of urban farms.
Urban farming in Nigeria is more than just a passing trend; it can represent a tangible and impactful pathway towards enhanced food security. By embracing innovative approaches, fostering supportive policies, and empowering urban communities with the necessary resources and knowledge, Nigeria can unlock the immense potential of its cities to feed their populations, create economic opportunities, and build a more resilient and sustainable future. The revolution of urban farming, if nurtured effectively, can indeed contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s quest for food security.
Diana Tenebe is the Chief Operating Officer of Foodstuff Store
By Timi Olubiyi, PhD
The retirement from professional football, frequently glorified with illusions of legendary status and awards, reveals a contrasting reality upon closer examination, particularly in Nigeria.
Amidst the exciting goals and passionate stadium cheers exists a worrisome reality: numerous Nigerian footballers conclude their careers insufficiently prepared, financially insecure, physically impaired, and mentally overlooked.
Many retired Nigerian footballers, despite having earned significant sums of money during their careers, find themselves struggling financially soon after retirement. This is largely due to a lack of proper financial planning, poor investments, and the mismanagement of their earnings.
This post-retirement crisis of depression has affected even some of the nation’s most renowned figures, including Peter Rufai, the former Super Eagles custodian who once captivated spectators with his talent and tenacity.
Despite representing Nigeria internationally, and at the World Cup, notably and more recently Peter Rufai, has encountered the harsh reality of neglect following his retirement, and this has been the prevailing trend amongst football retirees.
Peter Rufai’s narrative resonates with the experiences of many former footballers who once bore the aspirations of a nation but now endure hardship, grappling with health complications and minimal assistance. The typical Nigerian player, throughout his career, frequently encounters a combination of inadequate money management, insufficient education, lack of appropriate legal guidance, and absence of long-term strategic planning.
Many of the players enter the illusion that they will leverage their talents, huge savings appear to be significant amounts, but fail to secure the stability of their retirement, despite all. In my opinion, these retirement failures are due to a lack of financial education and investment literacy, which leads to eventual poor retirement.
Nigerian footballers, in contrast to their colleagues in more developed footballing nations who enjoy strong player unions, pension schemes, and financial consulting services, frequently find themselves unsupported. Even injuries suffered over their career years often resurface later in life, accompanied by costly therapies that become unaffordable. The abrupt shift from fame and significance to anonymity and irrelevance imposes a psychological burden that few individuals are equipped to confront.
Numerous accounts also exist of former celebrities in the Nollywood and music industry. After retirement, they reside in deteriorated circumstances, soliciting public aid, or passing away discreetly without access to fundamental healthcare. This condition is rooted in a structural issue, originating from a football administration that favours immediate success over the long-term well-being of its sportsmen.
Moreover, the absence of organised retirement planning or transitional programs for footballers by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Sports signifies a neglect of the persons who have elevated Nigerian football’s prominence.
In simple terms, many retired Nigerian footballers do not benefit or have pension schemes or long-term financial plans after their playing careers end.
In contrast, football associations in countries like England or Spain provide players with comprehensive retirement programs and pension plans to ensure they remain financially stable even after they retire.
The harsh reality of retirement for Nigerian footballers is a growing concern that demands immediate attention. Therefore, a multifaceted strategy is urgently required to halt this slide.
Initially, financial education should be integrated into player development programs at the grassroots level, instructing young players on the significance of budgeting, investing, and saving.More so, mental health programs and education must be introduced to help retired footballers cope with the psychological challenges of retirement.
Secondly, the NFF should formalise retirement savings programs, pension schemes, and compulsory health insurance for all players representing clubs and the national team. Furthermore, a welfare department inside the NFF must be formed to monitor and assist retiring athletes, guaranteeing they are not left to manage alone. The government should enact legislation mandating retirement benefits and post-career healthcare access for national legislators, acknowledging their contribution to the country as a national duty.
Public-private partnerships may be utilised to establish a Footballers’ Retirement Fund, financed through endorsements, league earnings, and sponsorships. Former athletes may transition into coaching, mentoring, or ambassadorial positions, so as to ensure both financial compensation and continued significance.
Corporate entities and NGOs should participate by establishing post-career training programs in entrepreneurship, coaching, and sports management.
Peter Rufai, who previously endeavoured to promote fitness and youth development during his lifetime, could have received enhanced support to establish a legacy of mentorship programmes if the appropriate structures had been implemented.
In conclusion, without implementing systemic reforms, Nigerian football will continue to celebrate stars on the pitch but neglect them after they retire. Therefore, the government, the NFF, football clubs, and other sports federations must collaborate to establish a sustainable support system for sportspeople, ensuring they are financially secure, emotionally supported, and equipped with the skills needed to succeed after their sporting careers. Without these reforms, many Nigerian sports icons will persist in facing a bleak reality as they transition from playing to retirement.
The call for reform is not just about securing the future of Nigerian athletes; it is about recognising their contributions and making sure that their lives after sport are as dignified and fulfilling as their careers. Rest in peace, Peter Rufai, the legend!
How may you obtain advice or further information on the article?
Dr Timi Olubiyi is an Entrepreneurship and Business Management expert with a PhD in Business Administration from Babcock University, Nigeria. A prolific investment coach, columnist, author, adviser, seasoned scholar, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), Member of the Institute of Directors, and Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) registered capital market operator. He can be reached on the Twitter handle @drtimiolubiyi and via email: [email protected], for any questions, reactions, and comments.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author,Dr Timi Olubiyi and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of others.
-
Feature/OPED5 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking2 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports2 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
-
Technology5 years agoHow To Link Your MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Lines to NIN