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Girl Child Training and Okowa’s Sustainable Path

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By Jerome-Mario Chijioke Utomi

Justice is central in all human issues and it has a link with the common good. To Thomas Aquinas, justice is more of external action than interior emotion or passion; it is rendering to each person what is properly his or hers; what is equal, fair and balanced in any relationship. Justice, he added, is either commutative or distributive.

While commutative justice is that which governs the relationship between two individuals in matters such as contracts, distributive justice is that which governs the relationship between an individual and the society (a part to the whole) in issues such as economic justice and social justice.

Commutative justice calls for equality between two persons, while distributive justice is based on the importance of each individual to the society, he noted.

Indeed, going by the above explanations, coupled with the time-honoured saying that the outer traits of a person are correlated to his inner traits and a person will respond to these traits according to their levels of strength present in them, it will not be characterized as hasty or an overstatement to conclude that majority of the public office holders in Nigeria lack the above attributes. They lack the understanding as well as are reputed for not following public leadership rules, and laws or willing to mix and interact with the people of different types and classes to participate in their struggles and in the process benefits from such experience.

This painful revelation, notwithstanding, there exists, however, some hopeful signs that a few public office holders in the country are laced with a positive mindset, temperament flexible attitude and enterprising spirit to work hard with a concentration in order to improve the social and economic life chances of their people.

Thus, they truly understand the meaning of social justice, and economic justice and lead with strict adherence to the dictates of a social contract.

Thinking of leaders with such a frame of mind, the likes of Mr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State, pops up. Aside from the fact that his leadership process is among the few public office holders in the country that understands the true meaning of social, economic justice and social contracts with the governed, there are many examples of actions coming from Governor Okowa’s led administration that supports this fact.

First, aside from the tenacity with which the Governor has approached human capital development in the state/youth empowerment in the past six to seven years, he has indeed demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that skill development remains the only major parameter through which the youth in the state who voted for him can achieve competitive advantage edge over their peers in other states and in other parts of the world.

He has sustainably planned, organize and conduct skill development programmes for his subjects as a much better and more effective way of adopting suitable corrective measures for controlling negative attitudes among youths in the state.

A very key example is the recent ceremony held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, where he doled out cash awards to 181 beneficiaries of the Skills Training and Entrepre­neurship Programme (STEP), Youth Agricultural Entre­preneurship Programme (YAGEP), as well as Girls Empowerment Skill Training (GEST).

Governor Okowa stressed at the event that; the successes of the beneficiaries were part of the vision of building a new Delta, where the youths would be able to change the shape of the state.

Okowa posited that even though his administration had recorded significant successes in different sectors of the state, what the youths had achieved in the different skills acquisition programmes was of great value and importance to him.

While advising the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the state, he urged them to always keep records of their business dealings so they would be able to adequately monitor their growth and progress.

He said; “We also have a deliberate policy to tackle youth unemployment through skills training and entrepreneurship development programmes. I believe that the way out of the unemployment quagmire is to equip the youth with the technical know-how, vocational skills, values and resources to become self-employed, as distinct from one-off empowerment. This is what my administration has done by instituting various skills training and entrepreneurship development programmes, which include: Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP); Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP); Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP); Rural Youth Skills Acquisition Programme (RYSA); Girls Entrepreneurship Skills Training (GEST); and Women Entrepreneurship Skills Acquisition Programme (WESAP).”

“These programmes are trainee-centred and service-oriented. The sectors and activities covered include agriculture, agricultural value chain services, vocational skills-based microenterprises and cottage enterprises.

“Furthermore, the training and mentoring processes aim beyond raising entrepreneurs to produce leaders and managers that have high levels of personal responsibility and effectiveness.

“I am pleased to let you know that after six years of faithful implementation of these programmes, we have trained and given business support packages to several thousands of youths,” he added.

Following the success of these interventions and other efforts in promoting technical education, Delta State was ranked the Best State in Human Capital Development in the 2017 States Peer Review by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria.

Also in 2020, Delta State was adjudged to be the Second Least Poor State, coming only after Lagos, Nigeria’s business hub, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Comparatively, while the federal government invests in developing infrastructure even when it is obvious that some of these infrastructures are not only white elephant projects that were politically motivated as they lack economic value, usefulness and flavour, the Delta State government gives infrastructural development the attention that it deserves without taking human capital development for granted.

Okowa evidently recognizes that greater capacity makes it possible to get more done in less time at a higher level of engagement and with more sustainability.

There is still a development worth mentioning about the Governor and that is his understanding of poverty as a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living.

Like the United Nations (UN) which also defines poverty as a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information, poverty in the Governor’s estimation means a state of living where the income level from employment is so low that basic human needs cannot be met.

When the leader protects and empowers a girl child in all aspects of her identity, he automatically assists her, takes her own decisions as well as ensures the future against absenteeism of women from different socio-political and economical spheres of the country. And demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that Okowa is a believer in the words of the late former Secretary-General of the UN, Kofi Annan, that there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women, and no other policy is as likely to raise economic productivity or to reduce infant and maternal mortality.

He has reached out to life. He has touched the untouchable. He has dropped Delta State from a point where the roads are not ploughable to a point where there is a massive construction of roads everywhere.

He has touched the youths in Delta State through several programmes. He has made sure that programmes for the girl child have emanated in Delta State where the girl child is no longer dependent on her parents. Business opportunities have been provided for them. Okowa has made sure that there is peace in all those areas. He has done well.

Also, abundant evidence that Governor Okowa also loves empowering the youth is not Delta State specific. To support this claim, Okowa at a function in Lagos stated thus; “the disenchantment and alienation of our teeming population of youths is another disuniting factor. They feel hard done by Nigeria’s current climate of hopelessness, massive unemployment, insecurity of lives and property, poor quality disruption-ridden educational system, inaccessibility to quality health care, the rising cost of living, and a ruling class living extravagantly in the face of the widening gulf between the rich and poor.”

“Truth be told, many of our youths see no future for themselves in this country. This was why the EndSARS protest of 2020, which began as a protest against police brutality, quickly snowballed into a mass movement against a country that has failed them.

“Many parents here can testify that our youths would rather migrate, even illegally, to greener pastures in other countries and, where migration isn’t possible, resort to anti-social behaviour inimical to the unity, peace and progress of the country,” he concluded.

Utomi Jerome-Mario is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), a Lagos-based non-governmental organization (NGO). He can be reached via [email protected]/08032725374 

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Unlocking Full Human Potential: Growth, Diversity, and Purpose

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In Nigeria’s diverse workforce, the conversation around diversity and inclusion (DEI) extends beyond gender to address tribal diversity, socioeconomic representation, and other cultural nuances. Policies that promote inclusivity are crucial for fostering collaboration in Nigeria’s multicultural corporate environment.

“An organisation is only as good as its people. Ensuring those people perform to their best is the role of human capital. Today, the field has a range of tools to ensure real-time engagement and agile interventions for optimal job satisfaction and performance”, – Catia Teixeira, MultiChoice Africa Holdings Group Executive Head of Human Capital.

In both our professional and personal lives, we all strive for growth and development. These opportunities are deeply rewarding, supporting the kind of self-actualisation that makes life most fulfilling. In the Nigerian workplace, where career growth often intertwines with societal expectations and the drive for self-improvement, human capital plays an even more significant role. Opportunities to grow are not just fulfilling but are deeply rooted in our collective ambition for a better future.

Employee engagement is a reflection of how actualised individuals feel in their roles. Engaged employees are more likely to perform at their peak and contribute positively to the workplace. In Nigeria, where the “hustle culture” is celebrated, organizations must create environments that not only nurture growth but also recognize and reward the efforts of their people.

When employees feel enriched and their work aligns with their aspirations, the results are transformative. Growth and development are not just personal milestones—they are the foundation of a thriving organization and, by extension, a more productive society.

Identifying Growth Opportunities

In every workplace, some employees stand out from the first day, while others take time to grow into their potential. Talent management processes must cater to both. For instance, a twice-yearly organizational talent review can help Nigerian companies identify where employees excel and where they need support.

Interactions within the workplace also play a crucial role. In Nigeria’s highly networked professional landscape, creating opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration can open new doors for employees. Systematic development plans, supported by tailored training, ensure that these opportunities translate into tangible growth.

Take the MultiChoice Academy, for example, which offers over 4,000 online courses spanning finance, HR, marketing, and other fields. This mirrors the Nigerian appetite for continuous learning, especially as industries rapidly embrace digital transformation. While face-to-face training remains valuable, customized e-learning platforms are pivotal in bridging knowledge gaps and preparing employees for the future of work.

For any training program, balance is key. Organizations must align employee development with business goals while ensuring individuals feel empowered to pursue their aspirations. In Nigeria, induction programs that connect new hires with company visions and purpose are critical to building this alignment.

One of the most rewarding aspects of human capital management is witnessing success stories unfold. In a country like Nigeria, where talent is abundant, but opportunities may be unevenly distributed, developing talent internally can make a significant impact. Long-term employees bring invaluable institutional knowledge, and nurturing their growth ensures they continue to drive organizational success.

At MultiChoice, we are deeply committed to equipping our workforce with the skills and confidence needed to excel. Whether it’s training young leaders, empowering women in leadership, or developing heads of departments, every investment in our people enhances their value – as individuals and as indispensable assets to the company.

What Diversity Means

At MultiChoice, gender equity remains a key focus. Women make up 46% of our workforce, and 46% of leadership roles are held by women—a significant achievement in a society where women often juggle professional aspirations with traditional family roles. Our promotions policy is designed to push these numbers to 50%, ensuring equity across all levels of the organization.

When entering new markets, MultiChoice intentionally applies its culture of inclusion, empowering women to excel in leadership positions. This commitment extends to addressing barriers unique to Nigeria, such as access to resources and mentorship for women in underrepresented fields.

Data Drives Change

To drive meaningful change, data is indispensable. Nigerian companies often face challenges like high employee turnover and workplace inefficiencies. By leveraging data, organizations can address these issues strategically.

MultiChoice uses platforms like Office Vibe to generate insights into employee engagement, satisfaction, and work-life balance. Weekly surveys and random polls provide actionable feedback, enabling quick interventions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

In Nigeria, where trust in leadership significantly influences workplace morale, data can also help bridge gaps between management and employees. Regular focus groups, coupled with robust analytics, ensure employees feel heard and supported. When organizations align employee needs with business goals, the result is a workforce driven by purpose and achievement.

The Collective Goal

In Nigeria, where community and collective growth are deeply valued, human capital strategies should emphasize the power of shared purpose. By investing in people, organizations contribute to a larger vision of national development.

At MultiChoice, every success story is a testament to this philosophy. From training young leaders to empowering women in leadership, the organization demonstrates that growth is a journey best undertaken together. For Nigeria, this represents a powerful blueprint for building a future where individuals and organizations thrive in harmony.

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Between Governor Bala and the Presidency

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Bala Mohammed Tinubu

Abba Dukawa

Although I’ve never met Governor Bala Muhammad in person, only seeing him on television, his recent outburst against the federal government’s economic policies resonates deeply with poor citizens’ view.

His concerns stem from empathy for the citizens’ going through unbearable hardships, which have worsened due to the economic situation where millions of citizens struggling with high cost of living, poverty and hardship, reflecting the reality on the ground where citizens face significant economic challenges.

His view resonated with the people in respect of political affiliations have praised Governor Bala for speaking truth to power, acknowledging that the economic policies aren’t working. But his outburst of the economic policies has sparked a heated response from presidency.

Even though President Bola Tinubu claims to have no regrets about his economic policies, aiming to strengthen the country’s economy, policies must be empathetic.

The Tax Reform Bills, in particular, have generated widespread concern, with experts warning of negative implications and advising the government to postpone the bill and engage in further consultations.

The National Economic Council, comprising 36 state governors and led by the Vice President, had expressed reservations about the bill, emphasizing the need for adequate consultation with stakeholders.

However, the Presidency swiftly rejected the NEC’s advice, stressing that the bill is crucial for supporting President Tinubu’s administration in bolstering the country’s fiscal institutions.

Governor Bala Muhammad’s expressed his concerns when hosting Sheikh Yahaya Jangir, a frontline campaigner for the Muslim-Muslim presidency, at the Bauchi Government House.

The governor urged President Tinubu to listen to Nigerians and correct his errors, stating that it’s his duty as a leader to tell the truth.

As Governor Mohammed noted, “I am sure you have heard that we are quarrelling with the president. Yes, it is true we are quarrelling because our people are suffering, and the president has refused to listen to us.”

His comments should not be seen as a critique of the president’s policies, not a personal attack. It’s essential for President Tinubu’s administration to understand the growing concern among Nigerians about the country’s economic direction and the need for effective strategies to address the current economic hardship.

The Presidency, through his Special Adviser, Sunday Dare, responded by urging Governor Mohammed to prioritize the welfare of Bauchi citizens instead of engaging in political posturing. Dare emphasized that the President’s administration is focused on national development and collaboration with state leaders.

It’s worth noting that Governor Mohammed has implemented various poverty alleviation programs, including the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme (KEEP), to reduce the state’s high poverty rate. He has also prioritized education, with a focus on reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.

Additionally, Governor Mohammed has taken steps to improve the state’s healthcare system,  His administration’s efforts to address these challenges echo the experiences of poor citizens in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.

Overall, Governor Mohammed’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues faced by his state and its citizens resonates deeply with the experiences of poor Nigerians..

Dukawa write it from Abuja can be reached at [email protected]

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Tinubu’s Titanic Wahala

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Letter to President Tinubu

By Tony  Ogunlowo

‘Titanic’ can mean something that is very big, gigantic or enormous and it was also the name of a ship that sank on its maiden voyage.

When the Titanic sank in 1912 it sank due to a number of avoidable factors: a ship deemed unsinkable that wasn’t fitted with watertight compartments, a ‘unprofessional’ seasoned captain who was apparently bullied into going at full speed through known ice-berg strewn waters, lack of common binoculars for the deck watch and the unavailability of enough life boats for all the passengers.

This all put together, as they say, was a recipe for disaster. Red flags were ignored.

Translating this to President Tinubu’s modern-day Nigeria, the avoidable factors that can sink the country are way too obvious.

Nigerians have long enjoyed the benefits of fuel subsidy. Costly as it is to maintain it’s enabled the economy to keep running by keeping the cost of things low. It’s removal, as can be seen, has created a domino effect, as the experts predicted, resulting in the prices of even the basic commodities skyrocketing as everyone passes on the additional costs.

With inflation currently at 32.7% and still rising, things are only going to keep on getting more and more expensive. As a result, the new minimum wage of N70,000 will have less purchasing power than the previous 2021 minimum wage of N30,000. If fuel subsidy removal was meant to boost the economy it has done the opposite and will stagnate any efforts to kickstart it.

The governments inability to control corruption or severely punish corrupt officials which is robbing the country’s coffers of billions and billions of Naira every year is a stumbling block for development.

If a corrupt government official who built 750 houses with stolen funds or an ex-governor accused of misappropriating N80 billion are allowed to walk around freely, supposedly on bail, without fear of eventual conviction it questions the message the government is sending out to future looters: if the culprits were in Russia or China the outcome will be totally different.

Even though an austerity economic policy may seem harsh like it was designed to rob Peter to pay Paul, it should be short, sharp hardship with green pastures in the foreseeable future – not ever! A good start will be to cut down on the number of foreign loans being obtained every year as their repayment can take a huge chunk out of the country’s annual income.

The new tax laws are long overdue and it should include that VAT earned in a state stays in that state: so, if your state doesn’t generate any VAT (- such as from the sale of alcohol products) you don’t get to share in what other states have collected.

Insecurity in the country is not something that started yesterday. Previous governments have blood on their hands for not nipping these insurrections in the bud before they grew to become monstrosities. You don’t pat yourself on the back, like the Nigerian Army likes to do believing you have the threat ‘under control’ – you eliminate the threat completely using what ever means necessary.

Unless the order (given by ‘Somebody’) is not to destroy them completely and to quote the late Sani Abacha,”…any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours, a government official has a hand in it..”, no wonder Boko Haram continues to flourish and bandits like Turji Bello continue to taut the government. When the armed robber Lawrence Anini did something similar in 1986 he was fished out within months, tried and executed.

As I’ve written before the Nigerian Police Force is long past its sell by date and considering the ever growing population of Nigeria with its associated acts of anti-social behaviour its time to seriously consider devolving the NPF into state-run outfits. The growing popularity of state-run security outfits, such as Amotekun, proves this is feasible and effective.

Considering the fact the country is going through severe economic hardship the President, himself, should curb frivolous spending where possible: no more new Presidential yachts or planes ( – that includes the new one for the VP), a cap on ridiculous-no-real-job SA and SSA appointments and most important of all a cap on ALL politicians salaries and perks (which is to say if politicians are patriotic enough they’ll agree to a pay cut, forgo some of their benefits and pay for their own jaunts abroad).

Implementing the Steve Oronsaye Report which recommends merging and closing of ministries etc that has been passed over by every President since President Goodluck commissioned it in 2011 will cut government operating costs even further. This should not just be at Presidential level but extended to all the states: this will not just streamline the bloated and largely inefficient civil service but will also weed out ghost workers and white elephant project.

The ‘japa’ movement which the government is trying to discourage should be allowed to continue. It’s morally wrong for a government that can’t provide suitable employment for its citizens to try and prevent them from seeking opportunities abroad : ‘japa’ is not just limited to Nigerians, it’s a worldwide phenomenon.

People, British, American, Filipinos, are migrating worldwide to where ever there are opportunities for them to prosper. That’s the way the world works now: nobody is going to stay in a ‘sh*t-hole’ country if there are no opportunities for them to grow. Scr3w patriotism! It’s every man for himself! So, if a country can’t provide adequate employment opportunities people will pack their bags and ‘japa’! And if you restrict them from leaving the country what are they going to do? Get up to mischief – 419, cultism, kidnapping!

These same people send money back to their home countries all the time: Nigerians in diaspora in 2023 alone sent home more than $19.5 Billion Dollars. This is a huge injection of foreign currency for a country that desperately needs it.

So, just like the Titanic the warning signs are there and the inevitable that will happen should they be ignored. The question is which way is President Tinubu going to go. This is what I call the ‘Titanic Wahala’, ignore the obvious and the proverbial will hit the fan, sooner or later.

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