Feature/OPED
Media Practice in Nigeria and Enebeli’s Quest for Professionalism
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
Like every new invention which comes with opportunities and challenges, there was a veiled agreement among participants at a recent gathering (annual lecture) in Asaba, the Delta State capital, that with strict adherence to the tripod of ethics, professionalism and quality service in the delivery of journalistic mandate as publishers and purveyors of authentic, credible and verifiable information, media professionals will continue to provide the needed sustainable partnership and collaboration in nation-building as well as support the fundamental needs of the country, and the positive purpose of the elected government if it will not in any way dent/obstruct the media’s primary responsibility to the masses in a democratic society.
The annual lecture, which had as a theme Niger Delta Economy; Building a New Face for the Region, was put together by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) and held on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the Banquet Hall of Orchid Hotels, Asaba, Delta State.
On that day, at that time and in that place, asides from listening to various speakers underline with enthusiasm the urgent need to build productive collaboration among public and private sectors (governments at all levels/private organisations) as well as civil society groups, geared towards finding lasting/sustainable development and solution to the Niger Delta region challenge, I paid rapt attention to the welcome address by the group’s President, Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli.
He was not only apt and emphatic in his speech but he used carefully selected words, properly framed arguments, vivid evidence and emotional match with the audience, to demonstrate that the online news platforms have great power to educate, create new ideas and promote human relations.
But just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countrysides and devastates crops, even so, uncontrolled use of the online platforms serves but to destroy.
From his submissions, it became clear to me just like the generality of the participants that what made the gathering crucial was not its focus on the need to develop a new face of Niger Delta but how well Enebeli’s new awareness could serve the society particularly the media professionals.
As empiricists believe that all our knowledge and understanding of facts must be based upon or derived ultimately from experience, I have likewise given some serious/critical thoughts to issues raised by Enebeli in his address and I have come to an objective conclusion that things had started to change.
More intrinsically, separate from hammering on the imperatives of media excellence/undiluted professionalism by members and the group’s mission and vision which he says simply centres on the tripod of ethics, professionalism and quality service in the delivery of journalistic mandate as publishers and purveyors of authentic, credible and verifiable information, the DOPF boss noted that since inception, the group has brought some professional sanity, especially among their membership where self-censorship has over time been carried out, in the often chaotic, unrestrained offerings of citizens-journalism obtainable in the social media space.
He also divulged the information about the group’s willingness, to, as the nation races towards the 2023 general elections, provide ‘signature practices’ to public office seekers-practice that are memorable, difficult for others to replicate and particularly well suited to their ‘business and political environment’.
The second is closely related to the first but concentrates more on the need for relevant authorities to partner with the media in developing effective, workable and achievable programs/policies that will usher in the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
To achieve this objective, Enebeli who is also the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, added that one of the group core values is knowing that members have a mission to better the society, and this has placed great scrutiny on their public and private conducts thus ensuring that they (the Group) are constantly conscious of the responsibility that whatever they do, go a long way towards impacting positively or negatively on the state and country.
To further demonstrate that as media professionals and watchdogs of the society, they are competent to carry out their duties as the fourth estate of the realm, that they are not the kinds of dogs with ropes tied around their necks, and so have no freedom of speech and expression, that the fact that they are watchdogs means they know what to do, where they are going, and how to discharge their duties as when due, that their decision and direction should not be dictated by any force or power whatsoever, Enebeli recalled with satisfaction that in their previous annual lectures, the group looked at how the social media and fake news has affected both the development of media practice in Nigeria and the nation as a whole. He told the bewildered gathering that experts were brought from within and outside the state, as resource persons and discussants to examine the theme and sub-topics which had been tailored on how the society has been affected by such practices and proffer the way forward.
This, according to him explains why the group today, looked for a more domestic and localized issue and ongoing debate on the Niger Delta and its development, which is a subject that ignites the nerves of everyone from the region.
He added that the body felt it was time to employ a different approach in addressing the attendant issues which have been identified with reliance on the black substance beneath our region and to look beyond the rhetoric of this substance and chart a new course of economic development for the region.
As to the way forward, he captures it this way; we are very conscious of the fact that oil is a finite and diminishing resource and we are desirous of a region which departs from what presently obtains where everything is centred on oil to one where the wealth is created and developed through other channels, region, where the waterfront will be turned into a clean environment and a source of income and job opportunities. It is also a region where its arable land and other minerals are exploited and processed into an exchangeable wealth.
Jerome-Mario Utomi, the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), wrote from Lagos. He could be reached via [email protected] or 08032725374.
By Luke Kyohere
The global payments landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. New technologies coupled with the rising demand for seamless, secure, and efficient transactions has spurred on an exciting new era of innovation and growth. With 2025 fast approaching, here are important trends that will shape the future of payments:
1. The rise of real-time payments
Until recently, real-time payments have been used in Africa for cross-border mobile money payments, but less so for traditional payments. We are seeing companies like Mastercard investing in this area, as well as central banks in Africa putting focus on this.
2. Cashless payments will increase
In 2025, we will see the continued acceleration of cashless payments across Africa. B2B payments in particular will also increase. Digital payments began between individuals but are now becoming commonplace for larger corporate transactions.
3. Digital currency will hit mainstream
In the cryptocurrency space, we will see an increase in the use of stablecoins like United States Digital Currency (USDC) and Tether (USDT) which are linked to US dollars. These will come to replace traditional cryptocurrencies as their price point is more stable. This year, many countries will begin preparing for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), government-backed digital currencies which use blockchain.
The increased uptake of digital currencies reflects the maturity of distributed ledger technology and improved API availability.
4. Increased government oversight
As adoption of digital currencies will increase, governments will also put more focus into monitoring these flows. In particular, this will centre on companies and banks rather than individuals. The goal of this will be to control and occasionally curb runaway foreign exchange (FX) rates.
5. Business leaders buy into AI technology
In 2025, we will see many business leaders buying into AI through respected providers relying on well-researched platforms and huge data sets. Most companies don’t have the budget to invest in their own research and development in AI, so many are now opting to ‘buy’ into the technology rather than ‘build’ it themselves. Moreover, many businesses are concerned about the risks associated with data ownership and accuracy so buying software is another way to avoid this risk.
6. Continued AI Adoption in Payments
In payments, the proliferation of AI will continue to improve user experience and increase security. To detect fraud, AI is used to track patterns and payment flows in real-time. If unusual activity is detected, the technology can be used to flag or even block payments which may be fraudulent.
When it comes to user experience, we will also see AI being used to improve the interface design of payment platforms. The technology will also increasingly be used for translation for international payment platforms.
7. Rise of Super Apps
To get more from their platforms, mobile network operators are building comprehensive service platforms, integrating multiple payment experiences into a single app. This reflects the shift of many users moving from text-based services to mobile apps. Rather than offering a single service, super apps are packing many other services into a single app. For example, apps which may have previously been used primarily for lending, now have options for saving and paying bills.
8. Business strategy shift
Recent major technological changes will force business leaders to focus on much shorter prediction and reaction cycles. Because the rate of change has been unprecedented in the past year, this will force decision-makers to adapt quickly, be decisive and nimble.
As the payments space evolves, businesses, banks, and governments must continually embrace innovation, collaboration, and prioritise customer needs. These efforts build a more inclusive, secure, and efficient payment system that supports local to global economic growth – enabling true financial inclusion across borders.
Luke Kyohere is the Group Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Onafriq
In a heartfelt statement released today, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has extended its warmest congratulations to Ghana’s President-Elect, emphasizing the importance of learning from Ghana’s recent electoral success as Nigeria gears up for its 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP highlighted the need for Nigeria to reclaim its status as a leader in democratic governance in Africa.
“The recent victory of Ghana’s President-Elect is a testament to the maturity and resilience of Ghana’s democracy,” the CNPP stated. “As we celebrate this achievement, we must reflect on the lessons that Nigeria can learn from our West African neighbour.”
The CNPP’s message underscored the significance of free, fair, and credible elections, a standard that Ghana has set and one that Nigeria has previously achieved under former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. “It is high time for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a beacon of democracy in Africa,” the CNPP asserted, calling for a renewed commitment to the electoral process.
Central to CNPP’s message is the insistence that “the will of the people must be supreme in Nigeria’s electoral processes.” The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria CNPP emphasized the necessity of an electoral system that genuinely reflects the wishes of the Nigerian populace. “We must strive to create an environment where elections are free from manipulation, violence, and intimidation,” the CNPP urged, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take decisive action to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
The CNPP also expressed concern over premature declarations regarding the 2027 elections, stating, “It is disheartening to note that some individuals are already announcing that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027. This kind of statement not only undermines the democratic principles that our nation holds dear but also distracts from the pressing need for the current administration to earn the trust of the electorate.”
The CNPP viewed the upcoming elections as a pivotal moment for Nigeria. “The 2027 general elections present a unique opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a leader in democratic governance in Africa,” it remarked. The body called on all stakeholders — including the executive, legislature, judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civil society organisations — to collaborate in ensuring that elections are transparent, credible, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.
As the most populous African country prepares for the 2027 elections, the CNPP urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to democratic principles. “We must work together to ensure that our elections are free from violence, intimidation, and manipulation,” the statement stated, reaffirming the CNPP’s commitment to promoting a peaceful and credible electoral process.
In conclusion, the CNPP congratulated the President-Elect of Ghana and the Ghanaian people on their remarkable achievements.
“We look forward to learning from their experience and working together to strengthen democracy in our region,” the CNPP concluded.
By Kenechukwu Aguolu
The proposed tax reform, involving four tax bills introduced by the Federal Government, has received significant criticism. Notably, it was rejected by the Governors’ Forum but was still forwarded to the National Assembly. Unlike the various bold economic decisions made by this government, concessions will likely need to be made on these tax reforms, which involve legislative amendments and therefore cannot be imposed by the executive. This article highlights the purposes of taxation, the qualities of a good tax system, and some of the implications of the proposed tax reforms.
One of the major purposes of taxation is to generate revenue for the government to finance its activities. A good tax system should raise sufficient revenue for the government to fund its operations, and support economic and infrastructural development. For any country to achieve meaningful progress, its tax-to-GDP ratio should be at least 15%. Currently, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio is less than 11%. The proposed tax reforms aim to increase this ratio to 18% within the next three years.
A good tax system should also promote income redistribution and equality by implementing progressive tax policies. In line with this, the proposed tax reforms favour low-income earners. For example, individuals earning less than one million naira annually are exempted from personal income tax. Additionally, essential goods and services such as food, accommodation, and transportation, which constitute a significant portion of household consumption for low- and middle-income groups, are to be exempted from VAT.
In addition to equality, a good tax system should ensure equity and fairness, a key area of contention surrounding the proposed reforms. If implemented, the amendments to the Value Added Tax could lead to a significant reduction in the federal allocation for some states; impairing their ability to finance government operations and development projects. The VAT amendments should be holistically revisited to promote fairness and national unity.
The establishment of a single agency to collect government taxes, the Nigeria Revenue Service, could reduce loopholes that have previously resulted in revenue losses, provided proper controls are put in place. It is logically easier to monitor revenue collection by one agency than by multiple agencies. However, this is not a magical solution. With automation, revenue collection can be seamless whether it is managed by one agency or several, as long as monitoring and accountability measures are implemented effectively.
The proposed tax reforms by the Federal Government are well-intentioned. However, all concerns raised by Nigerians should be looked into, and concessions should be made where necessary. Policies are more effective when they are adapted to suit the unique characteristics of a nation, rather than adopted wholesale. A good tax system should aim to raise sufficient revenue, ensure equitable income distribution, and promote equality, equity, and fairness.
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