Feature/OPED

Don Waney: Still Too Early to Celebrate

Published

7 years ago

11/01/2018

By Walter Duru

One of the biggest stories about the Niger Delta region of Nigeria today is the killing of a dreaded cultist, Johnson Igwedibia, also known as Don Waney, by a combined team of men of the Military and Department for State Services- DSS.

In a press statement issued by the Nigerian Army entitled: “End of road for notorious cultist, kidnapper and mass murderer- Don Waney, signed by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the military announced the death of Johnson Igwedibia.

The statement reads in part: “The authorities of 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt wish to inform the peace-loving people of Omoku in ONELGA in particular, Rivers State and indeed the entire good people of Niger Delta in general that the notorious cult leader, kidnap kingpin and mass murderer Don Waney is dead.”

Igwedibia, one of the big players in the game of the underworld in the region is said to have been gunned down alongside two of his close allies in a border town between Rivers and Enugu States.

A former heavy weight in militancy, based in Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni-ONELGA Local Government Area of the State is a prime suspect in the new year massacre that took the lives of over twenty persons returning from a ‘cross-over’ midnight prayer in Omoku.

Johnson Igwedibia is not a push over by any standard, as at some point in the area, the fear of Don Waney was the beginning of wisdom. Even the Oba of Ogba land, H.R.M. Eze Nnam Obi gave him his way and never crossed his path. Reports say that some security agents were afraid of him, as he was deadly and believed to be invincible. The routes to his mansion in Omoku were manned by soldiers, said to have been detailed to arrest him, dead or alive, yet, he operated without encumbrances. Did security give way for conspiracy?

In the days of militancy in the region, sources say Don Waney and his boys were allegedly involved in pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, thuggery, rape and all other forms of criminality, prior to late President Yar’Adua’s amnesty programme for militants in the region.

But, did the amnesty deter him? Years after accepting same, he returned to his trade in full capacity. In 2016, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike introduced another round of amnesty programme, which he also accepted; but to what extent did that influence him? Don Waney was a billionaire by all standards and the peanuts provided for the amnesty programme may have even infuriated him; yet he accepted it, but continued with his ‘business’.

On December 20, 2016, Don Waney was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Onyirimba 1 of Ogbaland by the paramount Ruler of Aligwu in ONELGA LGA, King C. Nwokocha. Two of his foot soldiers, Ikechukwu Adiela and Augustine Osisiah were also installed chiefs.

In his response to the recognition, Waney commended the Rivers State government for their efforts in ensuring that peace reigns in the region, even as he urged youths of the area to embrace same, promising to join hands with stakeholders to ensure that peace reigns.

Contrary to his pledge, he still returned to his old ways, compelling the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to invade his camp and shrines in the early hours of November 20, 2017. Reports say he narrowly escaped death in that brutal military operation.

During the raid, about ten human skulls and human bones were allegedly discovered. Seven suspects, including two women are said to have been arrested and they must be helping security operatives in their investigations.

Ultimately, the slain Don Waney was an extremely dangerous person and had caused indescribable harm to many. He is believed to have been involved in the killing of many and destruction of property.

At some point, multinational oil companies in the area could not operate without paying homage and some royalty to him. Yes! It was that bad. The situation was helpless at some point. He became a negative role model in the area. Many young people gained employment in companies operating in the region through him. He had large and committed followership, no doubt.

On a number of cases, there were unfounded reports of his death, following attacks and invasion of his camp(s). Such reports made it difficult for people to believe that he has eventually been killed. But, now that there is evidence that he is dead, is the battle over?

The truth is that the problem in Omoku and the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area may have just begun. Those celebrating his demise at this stage may need to have a rethink.

First, reports have it that among his followers are deadlier young people living under oath. Among his hundreds of followers are blood-thirsty and trigger-happy radicals, ready to take after him. In fact, his biological younger brother, whose name is given as ‘Obata Osu’ can best be described as a worse evil. While Don Waney was of a calm disposition, his younger brother is a more radical and violent person. In fact, reports say Don Waney alone could control him.

Hundreds of young people benefited from his criminal activities and still owe allegiance to him, even in death. These individuals live among unsuspecting citizens.

More so, the arms at the disposal of the boys are so sophisticated that anyone believing that they are push overs is doing so at his own peril. A combination of high capacity for mischief, absence of repentance, sophisticated weaponry and very deep pockets makes the situation very complex.

Taking a clue from history, the crises in Omoku will take strategic planning on the part of security operatives, effective communication, stakeholders’ engagement, sustained operation(s) and ultimately, the grace of God to end. In fact, it will take the grace of God for normalcy to return to the oil-rich city of Omoku.

Prior to the reign of Don Waney, one Chi-boy was practically being worshipped in the area. Don Waney was said to have toppled Chi-boy, with support from some known politicians in the area, before assuming kingship over the ‘jungle’.

Now that Don Waney is no more, a few things are likely to happen. First, within his camp, there may be conflict over who pilots the affairs of the gang, particularly, now that he was killed alongside his 2iC, while the number-three man broke away earlier, over alleged poor compensation from a bootie from some government quarters. The internal crisis may lead to the breaking away of a faction, thereby weakening the Don Waney camp further.

Another possible development will be that some other camps that were calm over the years as a mark of respect for the king of the jungle-Don Waney will want to rise to fight for superiority. This rivalry may mark the first phase of violence to be witnessed in the area, after the internal conflict in Don-Waney’s camp. Then, other camps and groups may spring up.

Ultimately, the way militancy has been handled over the years in the Niger Delta region shows that crime attracts handsome reward. Changing this narrative requires strategic planning.

Those thinking that the sad end of Don-Waney may serve as a bitter lesson and outright deterrent to others involved or intend to be involved may have a rethink. In fact, it will amount to wishful thinking. Even if Don Waney was caught alive and made to die slowly; even through an open torture, it will not change anything. After all, armed robbery attracts death penalty in our law books, but has that stopped the menace?

Nigeria’s security operatives must therefore go back to the drawing board and critically analyze the situation and think of the way forward. The way forward is not to celebrate the death of Don Waney, as nothing appears to have really changed, but leadership. There are still many other Don-Waneys in the jungle.

One very important task for security operatives is to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area, by taking steps to prevent any further attacks on soft targets.

For Omoku, it will take divine intervention for normalcy to return to the area anytime soon. Anyone thinking otherwise is living in fool’s paradise. Stakeholders must return to the drawing board, review the situation, adopt a carrot and stick approach and employ professional public relations strategies, in addition to excellent intelligence and security approaches in order to succeed. Community stakeholders must be engaged on sustained basis as a deliberate strategy.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the 2019 election is fast approaching. Will politicians allow normalcy to return to the area? Who then will they use for thuggery, kidnapping and assassination during the elections? The problem is huge and requires a holistic approach.

Indeed, it is too early to celebrate, as not much has changed!

Dr Walter Duru is a Communication and Public Relations expert/strategist. He is Executive Director of Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption-MIIVOC and chairs the Board of Freedom of Information Coalition, Nigeria-FOICN. Duru can be reached on: [email protected].

Feature/OPED

Nigeria Strengthens Fight Against Content Piracy Through Strategic Partnerships

Published

3 hours ago

22/05/2025

Business Post Contributor

Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to combat content piracy through strengthened partnerships and the adoption of advanced technologies. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, law enforcement professionals, cybersecurity experts, and civil society organisations are crucial in dismantling the networks responsible for the illegal distribution of creative content across the continent.

Piracy continues to pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of African creators and rights-holders. From financial losses to cultural erosion, its impact is far-reaching. However, the landscape is beginning to shift. In Nigeria and across neighbouring countries, raids and arrests are becoming increasingly common, as illegal streaming platforms are shut down and major piracy syndicates are disrupted.

Technology is proving to be both a challenge and a solution. While it enables the rapid spread of pirated content, it also offers powerful tools for enforcement. Innovations such as forensic watermarking and AI-powered content monitoring are being deployed to trace pirated materials back to their sources and end users. These tools are making it possible to issue swift takedown notices and initiate enforcement actions with greater precision.

“Technology may make it easy to pirate content, but it also makes it easier to track down and prosecute those involved,” says Frikkie Jonker, Director of Anti-Piracy Cybersecurity Services at MultiChoice Group. “Forensic watermarking, proactive monitoring, and strong partnerships allow us to issue immediate takedown notices and initiate enforcement operations when necessary.”

In Nigeria, MultiChoice has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with key government bodies to bolster support for the creative industry and protect intellectual property rights. Its collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and law enforcement agencies underscores a firm commitment to upholding the rights of content creators and holding illegal operators accountable.

Recent efforts have yielded significant results. In Nigeria, the arrest of the operator behind a well-known sports piracy website using a local domain marked a major step forward in disrupting digital piracy networks. Elsewhere, shops selling illegal decoders have been raided and members of piracy syndicates prosecuted, reflecting coordinated regional action similar to that spearheaded by the NCC and the Nigerian Police Force.

Artificial intelligence is being adopted in several African countries to detect and remove pirated content from digital platforms, a model Nigeria is also actively exploring. Alongside enforcement, education plays a key role. Awareness campaigns and training workshops are being carried out in collaboration with copyright boards to inform the public and stakeholders, echoing the NCC’s own sensitisation initiatives on the home front.

The impact of coordinated action is becoming evident. Over the past year alone, the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) initiative has facilitated more than 155 successful raids across Africa, resulting in the shutdown of over 4,300 pirate networks and the arrest of more than 100 individuals involved in illegal operations.

As Nigeria’s creative economy continues to rise on the global stage, fuelled by its vibrant music, film, and digital industries, protecting intellectual property has never been more critical. By strengthening enforcement, increasing public awareness, and embracing innovative technologies, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a more secure, equitable, and sustainable content ecosystem for Africa’s storytellers and cultural creators.

Feature/OPED

Nigeria’s Bold Push to Bridge the Housing Deficit and Empower Citizens

Published

1 day ago

21/05/2025

Business Post Contributor

By Victor Benjamin

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards providing adequate shelter for its burgeoning population. The stark reality of a 20 million unit housing deficit casts a long shadow, impacting not just individual well-being but also the nation’s socio-economic progress. Recognising the urgency and scale of this challenge, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a comprehensive and ambitious strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda, placing affordable housing within reach for millions of Nigerians. This multi-pronged approach, spearheaded by the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative and bolstered by innovative financing mechanisms, offers a beacon of optimism in a sector long plagued by systemic obstacles.

For too long, the dream of homeownership has remained elusive for a significant portion of the Nigerian populace. Several interconnected challenges have contributed to this protracted crisis. Sky-high property prices, often driven by land speculation and exorbitant construction costs, place housing far beyond the reach of average citizens. Compounding this issue is the underdeveloped state of the mortgage market. Access to long-term, affordable financing remains limited, with high interest rates and stringent eligibility criteria effectively excluding a vast majority of potential homeowners. The informal nature of a significant portion of the economy further complicates matters, as many individuals lack the formal employment and consistent income streams often required by traditional mortgage lenders.

Furthermore, infrastructural deficits across the country exacerbate the housing problem. Inadequate road networks, unreliable power supply, and limited access to clean water and sanitation not only make new developments more expensive but also detract from the quality of life in existing residential areas. The bureaucratic hurdles and complexities associated with land titling and approvals also contribute to delays and increased costs for developers, ultimately impacting affordability for buyers.

Against this backdrop of formidable challenges, the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative emerges as a significant and potentially transformative intervention. Its three core components – the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, the Renewed Hope Housing Estates, and the Renewed Hope Cities – are strategically designed to cater to different segments of the population and leverage diverse funding models.

The Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, with its ambitious goal of constructing 100 units in each of the 774 local government areas within a year of launch, directly addresses the needs of the most vulnerable. By earmarking 80% of these homes for local residents earning a living wage, with monthly contributions capped at a third of their income, the program prioritises affordability and accessibility for low-income earners. The allocation of the remaining 20% to the most vulnerable citizens, free of charge, underscores a commitment to social inclusion and providing a safety net for those most in need. The inclusion of essential amenities like schools, clinics, and security outposts within these estates further enhances their liveability and fosters community development.

The Renewed Hope Housing Estates, targeting state capitals with a plan to build 250 units in each of the 30 states, represent a crucial step towards providing more affordable housing options in urban centers. Leveraging government budgetary allocations, infrastructure subsidies, and free land from state governments allows for significantly lower pricing, with one-bedroom apartments ranging between N8 million and N9 million. This initiative aims to bridge the gap for individuals and families with modest incomes who aspire to homeownership in urban areas.

The Renewed Hope Cities, developed through Public-Private Partnerships in seven strategic locations, tap into private sector expertise and capital to deliver large-scale housing projects. While the resulting prices are higher, reflecting the private developers’ investment in land and infrastructure, these cities are expected to offer a wider range of housing options and contribute significantly to reducing the overall housing deficit. The ongoing construction of 3,500 units in Lagos and Kano demonstrates the tangible progress being made under this component.

Complementing these direct housing programs is the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), a critical enabler for sustainable and affordable housing finance. The successful pilot fundraising, securing N250 billion, underscores the confidence of institutional investors in this innovative approach. MREIF’s ability to provide long-term, low-cost mortgage financing at interest rates as low as 12% with extended repayment tenors up to 20 years directly tackles one of the most significant barriers to homeownership in Nigeria. Furthermore, by offering off-take guarantees to developers, MREIF helps de-risk large-scale projects and unlock crucial financing. The integration of MREIF with commercial banks, mortgage providers, and developers promises to create a more robust and efficient housing finance ecosystem.

The vision underpinning the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative is one of a Nigeria where decent and affordable housing is not a privilege but a right accessible to all citizens. By adopting a multi-pronged approach that addresses the diverse needs of the population and leverages both public and private sector resources, the government aims to not only bridge the housing deficit but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster social stability. Empowering low-income earners with affordable housing options can improve their quality of life, provide a foundation for wealth building, and contribute to a more equitable society. Similarly, enabling middle-income families to access affordable mortgages can unlock their economic potential and contribute to overall national development.

While the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative holds immense promise, its success will hinge on effective implementation, transparency, and sustained commitment. Addressing the underlying challenges of land administration, infrastructure development, and bureaucratic efficiency will be crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of these programs. Nevertheless, the bold vision and the comprehensive strategy embodied in the Renewed Hope Agenda offer a renewed sense of optimism that Nigeria is finally embarking on a transformative journey towards housing its citizens and building a more prosperous and inclusive future.

Victor Benjamin is the West/South South Director for YP4T

Feature/OPED

e-Commerce Lessons for Scaling Nigeria’s Food Distribution

Published

1 week ago

14/05/2025

Business Post Contributor

By Diana Tenebe

Nigeria stands at the cusp of an agricultural revolution with the ambitious plan to significantly transform its food and agriculture sector through the launch of the $510 million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), financed by the African Development Bank and development partners. Fueled by the integration of cutting-edge technologies aimed at boosting food production and ensuring national food security.

However, as yields increase, a formidable hurdle remains: the efficient and scalable distribution of this bounty across the nation’s diverse landscapes, often hampered by infrastructural limitations and logistical complexities.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, recently called on Nigerian farmers to prepare for digital and technologically advanced farming methods, emphasising their crucial role in boosting food production and security.

Building upon this call for technological integration, and to truly unlock the full potential of Nigerian agriculture and ensure increased harvests translate to accessible and affordable food for all, the sector can draw invaluable lessons from the operational prowess of e-commerce giants like Amazon. Their success in navigating complex logistics and reaching vast customer bases offers a compelling blueprint for transforming Nigeria’s food distribution network.

Amazon’s dominance in the e-commerce realm is underpinned by a meticulously crafted logistics and supply chain system. Their significant investments in sprawling fulfillment networks, coupled with the strategic deployment of technology for route optimisation and real-time inventory tracking, have created an unparalleled engine for moving goods swiftly and efficiently.

Furthermore, their optimisation of last-mile delivery, integration of automation within warehouses, and a hybrid approach blending in-house capabilities with shrewd partnerships underscore their commitment to scalability. This intricate ecosystem is designed to handle massive volumes and adapt to fluctuating demands – a crucial capability that Nigeria’s agricultural sector desperately needs.

Translating these principles to the Nigerian context requires a fundamental shift towards building a resilient delivery infrastructure specifically tailored for agricultural produce. This necessitates moving beyond traditional, often inefficient methods and embracing hybrid transportation models that account for varying road conditions and geographical challenges.

Imagine a network that leverages a combination of refrigerated trucks for long-haul transport, smaller vehicles for navigating local terrains, and even innovative solutions like riverine transport where feasible. Integrating technologies like GPS tracking for real-time visibility of produce movement and strategically establishing a network of collection and distribution hubs across key agricultural zones can significantly streamline the flow of goods.

Implementing robust systems for real-time tracking of harvests and produce, mirroring Amazon’s inventory management, will be crucial in minimising spoilage and maximizing freshness as food travels from farm to consumer. Moreover, forging strategic alliances with existing local logistics providers, leveraging their on-the-ground knowledge and infrastructure, can provide a vital springboard for building a comprehensive network without starting entirely from scratch.

Beyond the physical movement of goods, the power of data, a cornerstone of Amazon’s success, holds immense potential for revolutionising Nigerian food distribution. Leveraging data analytics can provide invaluable insights into regional demand patterns, allowing for more accurate forecasting of optimal harvest and distribution times.

This data-driven approach can help match agricultural supply with consumer needs with greater precision, reducing waste and ensuring that the right produce reaches the right markets at the right time – much like Amazon utilizes data for personalized recommendations and understanding customer purchase behavior. Imagine farmers making informed decisions about planting based on predicted market demands or logistics providers optimizing routes based on real-time demand fluctuations.

Furthermore, adopting Amazon’s unwavering focus on customer convenience and trust is paramount, especially when dealing with perishable goods. Establishing reliable delivery schedules, ensuring the quality and freshness of produce upon arrival, and implementing transparent processes throughout the supply chain are crucial for building confidence among both farmers and consumers. This might involve implementing quality control measures at various stages, providing clear communication about delivery timelines, and potentially even exploring traceability systems that allow consumers to understand the journey of their food.

Finally, navigating the complexities and dynamism of the Nigerian market demands a long-term vision and a high degree of adaptability, mirroring Amazon’s sustained focus and agility in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.

The Nigerian agricultural sector must be prepared to iterate, learn from its experiences, and continuously refine its distribution strategies in response to local challenges and opportunities. This requires a collaborative approach involving government agencies, agricultural organisations, technology providers, and logistics companies working together to build a sustainable and efficient food distribution ecosystem.

By strategically adapting these e-commerce-inspired lessons in logistics, technology adoption, data-driven decision-making, and customer focus to the unique context of Nigerian agriculture, the nation can forge a distribution system capable of efficiently handling increased production. This transformative approach is not merely about moving food; it’s about ensuring that the fruits of Nigeria’s agricultural advancements reach every corner of the country, contributing significantly to food security, mitigating the rising cost of food, and ultimately cultivating a thriving and efficient agricultural future for all Nigerians.

Diana Tenebe is the Chief Operating Officer of Foodstuff Store