Feature/OPED

Not Crowd But Decision To Vote Wisely

Published

2 years ago

17/02/2023

By Jerome-Mario Mario Utomi

As the nation Nigeria braces for the forthcoming February 25 and March 11 general elections, each time I look at the sea of heads that flood every political campaign and rallies put together by public office seekers at both state and federal levels, it reminds me of an event that happened back in the days. Though used in part a while ago in a similar intervention, I, however, believe that such an account has become even more relevant in the present threshold of our nation.

The referenced event was recorded one Sunday morning during the celebration of the holy mass in one of the Catholic churches in Delta State (please don’t ask me about the town).

For a better understanding of the piece, Holy Mass is the Catholic order of worship. One of the major high points of the mass is called the prayer of the faithful. This is when carefully and well-rehearsed lay faithful, usually about five in number, are invited before the altar to pray for different intentions on behalf of the entire people attending worship.

On this particular day, a man, who we later discovered to be a non-Catholic, emerged from the rest of us. He was neither selected nor part of those that rehearsed for the above function but, without recourse, made his way to the altar with a supersonic speed and assumed the first position.

Though strange as it were, the churchwarden was left with no other option than to allow him in order not to create a scene and just very slowly, the altar boy handed over the microphone to him for ‘his’ prayer of the faithful. And the man prayed, ‘father in heaven, in my effort to solve my legion of problems, I have but against my will visited “Babalawo, Dibia, as well as Ifa priests, all to no avail and I have decided to come back to you’. The rest of that episode, called prayer of the faithful, could best be imagined than seen as the entire congregation burst into uncontrolled laughter.

Even though the above took place some decades ago, it instructively represents what is playing out in today’s political topography called Nigeria. While the man in the church represents you and me, the church or the town represents our nation Nigeria.

Also, while the man was forced into visiting the places, he mentioned above by circumstance, the same way we as a people were forced into a cosmetic marriage called amalgamation in 1914 by our then colonial imperialists. And right from that moment, things have never been the same as the centre cannot hold.

But unlike the man in the church, we as a people, made up of different tribes, have for a long time bore pockets of reservations and misgivings against each other. But lacking in courage to voice out or express it, as demonstrated by this man.

These ‘national’ misgivings against one another had lingered since the nation’s independence in October 1960 and have been with us until recently when people started breaking their long-enjoyed silence. From all indications, that pregnancy we have been carrying as a nation has completed its gestation, hence, the rumbles occasioned by ‘labour’.

Regrettably, as it is interesting, the above situation calls for candid self-introspection and interrogation to summon the moral authority and legitimacy to challenge and possibly correct this asymmetrical and artificial way of living as a nation.

Call it restructuring or sovereign national conference, constitutional amendment or an outright rewriting of the constitution. One thing is crystal clear and that is the fact that the foundation of our nationhood is faulty, and all the amalgams have very visibly advertised their mutual suspicion or outright grudge against the other.

Laughable as it appears, the man in the church represents us in all areas but one, and that is our not being courageous. It is also instructive at this juncture for us to remind ourselves that ‘courage faces fear and masters it while cowardice represses fear and is thereby mastered by it.

Courageous men never lose their zest for living even though their life situation is restless, but cowardly men, overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life, lose the will to live.

I hope and pray that the man from the sleepy town will not be laughing at us just the way we did to him the day he demonstrated the man in him and declared his willingness to exit “the Paris Club of Bondage.”

Some of the reader’s minds will gravitate towards prayer, either seven days or one-month fasting and prayer just because I painted a picture of a challenge or problem. Let the truth be told, the problem bedevilling our nation calls for more action garnished with courage than prayer.

It calls for the speaking of undiluted truth, and it calls for a disciplined shift of mentality from feeling optimistic to becoming self-confident. Their difference could be spotted in their modus operandi as well as their end result. In optimism, we hope for the best but lack the courage to fight on, while in self-confidence, one prepares for the worst but summons that unalloyed willingness to fight.

This is the missing link. We have deliberately allowed the leadership value-addition role to elude us by failing to hold our leaders accountable, even in the face of misrule.

We punctuate their incivility and actions with our local palace ‘e go beta’ we forget completely as a people that ‘development is stimulated by asking why and how’. Truly, we have, through our actions and inactions, authenticated the saying that ‘the problem with us is that we are the problem.’

We are well aware of the counterpart relationship that exists between our leaders and us but has lost the moral force to implement it. Even as they are regrouping for the 2023 electioneering onslaught, we are feeling unconcerned. We have proved without measure that we lack strategy, and as a result, we are neither forward-looking nor able to figure out what comes next. This, I must say, is pathetic.

The ‘man in the church’ summoned the courage to confess his past escapades, we as a people should equally and very urgently summon the moral and political will to demand good and result-oriented governance.

Let’s make no mistake about it, this journey demands a struggle, a conscientious industry for us to achieve this anticipated good governance and symmetrical coexistence from our leaders. But the good news is that we can.

Yes, that is the interesting part of this conversation. It is my conviction that we have the capacity to enthrone a nation where we can coexist harmoniously, irrespective of tribal inclinations. I am full of hope that together, we can establish the egalitarian society that we have been deprived of.

But for us to achieve this as a nation, we must team up and fight our common enemy called bad leadership and its proponent. Let us also fight the deconstructionists masquerading as leaders by making sure that come 2023, we shall collectively reject the mentality of instant gratification by rejecting all the alluring inducements of our undemocratic and selfish politicians and go ahead to electing credible people as our leaders.

Let us, like ‘the man in the church,’ realize that waiting to be recognized by our leaders will translate to waiting till eternity. It is my opinion that we draw and apply the lessons learnt from ‘the man in the church’. Let his courage spur us to action so that we shall file out not for ‘prayer of the faithful’ but to ask our leaders questions and drive our corrupt leaders away from our political geography using legitimate and democratic means.

Achieving the above objective will not be anchored on gathering at campaign rallies, but it would require citizens to vote wisely in the forthcoming general election in the country.

Thus, as we work tirelessly, and hope faithfully for a great nation where peace, unity and justice shall reign, let us not just pray like ‘the man above’ but rather let us look up to God our maker and talk to him through our positive actions and join our faith with that of James Weldon Johnson, to say ‘Oh God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou hast brought us far on the way; Thou who by the might lead us into the light.

Keep us forever, in part, we pray. Lest our feet stray away from places, our God where we meet thee, lest our heart is drunk with the wine of the world, and we forget thee; Shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand true to our God, true to our native land’.

To this, I say a very big amen.

God bless Nigeria!!

Jerome-Mario Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Policy) at Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He can be reached via jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374

Feature/OPED

From Struggle to Stability: How FinTech is Helping Nigerian SMEs Overcome Cash Flow Challenges

Published

3 days ago

30/03/2025

Business Post Contributor

When Mrs Agbaje started her school in Ibadan twelve years ago, she didn’t envision a tech-enabled future. Her dream was simple—provide affordable, quality education to children in her community. For the most part, she made it work. But as the school grew, a new challenge took root. It wasn’t infrastructure. It wasn’t teacher retention. It was something far more basic: getting paid.

Each new term brings the same pattern. Parents promise to pay fees “by next week.” Some follow through. Many don’t. As the term wears on, Mrs Agbaje finds herself juggling spreadsheets, reminder texts, and awkward conversations in car parks or at school gates. Meanwhile, salaries must be paid, books restocked, diesel bought. More often than not, she dips into personal savings to keep things running.

Her story is common across Nigeria. Small businesses—whether they’re schools, salons, logistics firms, or cooperative groups—are constantly navigating the emotional and financial toll of delayed payments. And it’s not just a matter of inconvenience. A recent study by MacTay Consulting found that Nigerian SMEs wait between 60 to 120 days on average to receive payment for services or products already delivered. That kind of delay is more than a hiccup. It threatens livelihoods. It blocks growth. It’s a silent killer.

For Chuks, who runs a car hire service in Enugu, the issue is tied to his bigger corporate clients. They insist on “net 30” or “net 60” terms—industry-speak for “we’ll pay you in a month or two.” That might be manageable for a large fleet with strong cash reserves, but for someone like Chuks, every week matters. With fuel prices rising and maintenance bills stacking up, he’s often forced to park cars because he doesn’t have the cash to fix them—even when work is lined up.

What links these stories is the reality that small businesses operate in a system where money is constantly in motion but rarely on time. Customers often mean well, but their own financial instability creates a domino effect. And the existing tools to manage payments—handwritten ledgers, POS machines, WhatsApp reminders—were never designed for structure. They’re patched solutions to a systemic problem.

Even digital banking, for all its advancement in Nigeria, hasn’t solved this issue. Many SMEs still operate informally, managing finances through personal bank accounts or apps not tailored to business needs. The result is a messy web of follow-ups, reconciliations, and emotional strain. Business owners become debt collectors, chasing down what they’ve already earned, time and time again.

What’s often missed in conversations about entrepreneurship is just how deeply this problem cuts. Payment delays mean rent can’t be paid on time. It means holding off on hiring a new staff member, or letting go of a part-time assistant. It means saying no to growth opportunities, not because they’re not viable, but because the cash flow isn’t predictable enough to take the risk.

And when you zoom out, the implications are national. Small businesses make up over 90% of enterprises in Nigeria. They contribute nearly half of the country’s GDP and employ a significant portion of the workforce. Yet, their greatest enemy isn’t market competition—it’s irregular income. This is a structural inefficiency that deserves far more attention than it gets.

Slowly, however, change is beginning to show. A quiet revolution is underway—one where technology is stepping in not as a trend, but as a tool for financial stability. More SMEs are beginning to explore digital solutions that streamline payments and reduce friction between businesses and customers.

Among these solutions is PaywithAccount, a new tool launched by Nigerian fintech company OnePipe. Designed specifically for businesses with recurring payments—schools, cooperatives, service providers—it allows them to automate collections directly from customers’ bank accounts. With full consent and transparency, payments can be scheduled, reducing the need for repeated follow-ups or awkward reminders.

For Mrs Agbaje, this has made a significant difference. Parents receive structured payment plans, reminders go out automatically, and debits happen based on prior agreement. She now spends less time tracking who has paid and more time planning curriculum upgrades and engaging with teachers.

The benefit isn’t just financial—it’s emotional. When business owners don’t have to chase payments, they gain time, clarity, and confidence. They can plan ahead, restock inventory, or finally invest in that expansion they’ve put off for years. And for customers, the experience feels more professional, more trustworthy. Everyone wins.

Technology won’t solve every problem for Nigerian SMEs. But smart, well-designed financial tools are starting to remove some of the biggest roadblocks—quietly and effectively. And that’s the point. The best systems aren’t flashy. They work in the background, reducing stress, restoring dignity, and enabling business owners to focus on what truly matters.

For Ope Adeoye, founder of OnePipe, the issue is personal. “Every Nigerian knows someone who runs a business—a cousin, a friend, a neighbour. When they suffer from late payments, it affects whole families and communities. Fixing this isn’t just a business goal—it’s a social one.”

In a country as dynamic and entrepreneurial as Nigeria, the challenge is rarely about lack of ideas. It’s about systems that help those ideas survive. And one of the most overlooked systems is the way money flows—or fails to.

As more SMEs embrace tools that put payment on autopilot, a future of stability—rather than constant survival—starts to feel possible. And in a nation powered by small businesses, that kind of shift could move mountains.

Feature/OPED

How AI is Revolutionizing Sales and Business Development for Future Growth

Published

1 week ago

26/03/2025

Business Post Contributor

By Olubunmi Aina

Many experts have highlighted the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the financial industry, and I would like to share my perspective on a key functional area that typically drives business growth and profitability— sales and business development professionals and how AI is impacting their work.

Sales and business development professionals are often regarded as the engine room of an organization, thanks to their eye for business opportunities, ideation and conceptualization, market engagement and penetration expertise.

AI is enabling sales and business development professionals to automate tasks, take meeting notes, analyze data, and personalize customer experiences, all of which are embedded within CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems. A CRM with an AI tool is what forward-thinking businesses are leveraging to manage leads, customer data, customer interactions, notify and remind professionals to take action when due, drive growth and profitability.

This is why it is crucial for these professionals to invest heavily in AI knowledge to remain globally competitive. This can be achieved through self-study, attending industry events, or consulting with leading technology companies that have embraced AI, such as Interswitch Group, AI In Nigeria, and Revwit.

Most importantly, to maximize the potential of AI, sales and business development professionals must pay close attention to customer interactions. and ensure they collect high-quality data. Feeding the data repository or CRM Systems with valuable insights and data from real customer engagement is key to getting AI to produce near accurate insight for effective results.

AI will continue to be a key driver of business growth and decision-making in the years ahead. If you are yet to embrace it, now is the time. Keep learning!

Olubunmi Aina is the Vice President, Sales and Account Management at Interswitch Group

Feature/OPED

Mother’s Day: Bridging Dreams and Burdens With Global Marketplace Success

Published

1 week ago

25/03/2025

Business Post Contributor

Motherhood in Nigeria is a dynamic force fueled by strength, resilience, and unwavering love. As Mother’s Day approaches, we celebrate the women who carry the weight of their families and communities, often while nurturing their dreams. From bustling market traders to ambitious entrepreneurs, Nigerian mothers are a force to be reckoned with.

However, the reality is that balancing these roles can be incredibly challenging. The daily hustle, coupled with the rising cost of living, often leaves little time or resources for personal aspirations. This is where the digital marketplace and platforms like Temu are beginning to play a significant role, not just in Nigeria but globally.

For Stephanie, a Nigerian hair and beauty influencer navigating the demands of work and motherhood, the ease of online shopping became invaluable. She discovered that purchasing baby necessities, like baby high chairs from Temu, from the comfort of her home significantly simplified her life, granting her more time to dedicate to her family and professional pursuits.

Beyond convenience, digital platforms are also fueling entrepreneurial success for women. Caterina Tarantola, a mother of three, achieved the remarkable feat of opening her translation and interpretation office in just 15 days. Her secret weapon was also Temu. Initially skeptical of online shopping, she found it to be a personal advisor, providing everything from office furniture to decor, delivered swiftly and affordably. This kind of direct access is precisely what can empower many Nigerian mothers who strive to maximise their resources and time.

Similarly, Lourdes Betancourt, who left Venezuela to start a new life in Berlin, turned to Temu when launching her hair salon. By sourcing essential supplies directly from manufacturers, she avoided costly markups and secured the tools she needed to turn her vision into reality.

Since Temu entered the Nigerian market last November, more Nigerian mothers have embraced the platform to access quality, affordable products. By shopping online instead of spending hours at physical markets, they can reclaim valuable time for their businesses, families, and personal growth.

This shift reflects a global trend as consumers worldwide seek convenience and affordability. In response, Temu has rapidly grown into one of the most visited e-commerce sites and was recognized as a top Apple-recommended app of 2024.

The digital marketplace, while still developing in a place like Nigeria, presents a significant opportunity for empowerment. The progress made thus far highlights the tremendous potential for positive impact.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate Nigerian mothers’ strength and adaptability. Like Stephanie, Caterina, and Lourdes, they are turning challenges into opportunities—building brighter futures for themselves and their families with the support of innovative online platforms like Temu.