News
Africa’s poverty not an act of God — Obasanjo
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that the widespread poverty in Africa is man-made and not an act of God.
Obasanjo made this statement on Monday at the opening ceremony of the FESTAC Africa Festival at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, Kenya.
The former head of state remarked that, given the continent’s abundant resources, there is no reason for its poverty.
He said, “Africa has no reason to be poor. Our poverty is not an act of God. We are steeped in poverty due to our poor mentality. We need to wake up because we have a wealth of resources.
“If you look back in history, you will see that whenever others needed to get work done, they came to Africa to transport black people to the so-called New World to make others rich. And that hasn’t stopped. The slave trade led to colonialism. We enrich others while remaining impoverished. We need to awaken.
“Structural adjustment was the idea of the World Bank. However, I disagreed because we lacked the structure. What exactly were we adjusting? They were simply deceiving us.”
Obasanjo also expressed nostalgia at the return of the Festival of Arts and Culture, whose second edition was held in Nigeria during his tenure as military head of state in 1977. The first edition of the widely acclaimed festival was held 11 years earlier in Dakar, Senegal, in 1966.
Recalling his experience when the festival was held in Nigeria 47 years ago, the former president said, “I am here to express my appreciation and thanks, first to the governor of Kisumu County, Anyang Nyong’o, for hosting FESTAC here and contributing to what I call a renaissance and rebirth of FESTAC. I feel a bit emotional because, as you heard, the first festival was held in Senegal in 1966, and there was no other for 11 years.
“Nigeria agreed to stage another edition of the festival in 1975. Despite preparations, a change of government led some people to suggest cancelling it. However, I insisted that we should proceed and successfully hosted it.”
He added that the event attracted black people from all over the world, including Papua New Guinea, Australia, and the United States, and was a success.
Obasanjo also acknowledged that the event was suspended for over four decades because “it was left entirely in the hands of the government.”
Returning as a democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007, Obasanjo commended Yinka Abioye, Chairman of FESTAC Africa International, for his tenacity and commitment.
He said, “At this juncture, I would like to commend Yinka (Abioye) for his efforts and determination in reviving FESTAC during my lifetime.”
At one point in his speech, Obasanjo called on former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga to join him on stage.
“My brother, come and join me on stage. You cannot bring me here and then abandon me,” he joked.
Calling for support for Odinga’s ambition to become Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Obasanjo said, “At FESTAC ’77, black people who were marginalised and exploited came together. Sadly, that marginalisation continues. I believe it will persist until we unite. The renaissance of FESTAC is part of the process of unification.
“Unless the AU as a continental organisation achieves success with the continental free trade agreement, we won’t progress. The AU itself needs reform. How can they develop programmes and wait for the European Union to provide funding? I was appointed as the AU’s High Representative for the Horn of Africa (a region in East Africa consisting of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia). When appointed, the AU had no funds for me to perform my role.
We waited for the US, EU, Germany, and other countries to provide money. Due to my connections, I approached the head of the African Development Bank, who provided some funds, enabling us to achieve progress in Ethiopia. Yet, the AU could not provide even that $500,000.
“We need individuals who understand Africa’s problems and the role the AU should play. I believe Raila Odinga is that person. He understands Africa’s issues because we have worked together on these problems before.”
He also stated that although Africa has achieved political liberation, it has not yet attained economic freedom.
“That’s why we need someone like Odinga to lead the AU and provide the reform and leadership necessary to achieve economic liberation for Africa,” he added.
Further, he advised African leaders to stop accepting Western ideas that do not work for the continent.
He said, “We have everything needed to create wealth. No one will do it for us. We must do it ourselves. If we don’t act, we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. Our youth are restless, unhappy, bitter, angry, unemployed, and dissatisfied.
“They cannot wait for a long-promised future. They want action now. If we fail to deliver, we will be in trouble. However, we can meet their needs because we have the capability.”
In a significant step towards enhancing investment opportunities in Taraba State, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas on Saturday inaugurated the Committee for the International Investment Summit at the Executive Chamber of the Government House in Jalingo.
Senator Manu Haruna, former deputy governor of Taraba State and a serving Senator, a seasoned administrator who chairs Taraba State Mobilization and development Investment Committee expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his visionary leadership in organizing an international summit aimed at attracting investment to the state.
He highlighted the potential this initiative holds for fostering economic growth and development in Taraba State.
Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumedu the Chairman of the Taraba State International Investment Summit Committee, emphasized that such summits are crucial for stimulating economic activities and creating opportunities..
According to him, the summit will play a vital role in showcasing Taraba’s investment potential, thereby attracting both local and international investors.
The committee is expected to work diligently to prepare for the summit, ensuring that it positions Taraba State as a favorable destination for investment and economic collaboration.
Governor Kefas remains committed to promoting policies that support economic diversification and sustainable 
development in the state.
This inauguration marks a positive development in Taraba’s ongoing efforts to enhance its economic landscape and improve the standard of living for its residents.
By Kennedy Atevure
Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.
Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.
Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.
The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.
The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.
Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.
Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.
News
Senate President moves to build capacity for Senate Clerk, other officials for efficient performance
In a deliberate bid to build capacity for the Senate Clerk and other officials of clerks-at-the-table, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has encouraged refresher courses for such officials to bolster their performance levels for efficiency and effectiveness.
The first to benefit from the initiative was the Clerk of the Senate, Mr Andrew Nwoba, who just rounded off his one-month refresher course on Thursday, April 10, 2025 and is due to resume at his desk in plenary when they reconvene, 29th April, 2025.
This positive development is contrary to media reports on Thursday, April 10, 2025, insinuating that the Senate President passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Nwoba’s capacity to properly guide the upper legislative chamber during the sittings.
An official of the National Assembly said that the President of the Senate, in his leadership consideration, magnanimity and support for top officials of the Senate and other staff members, approved a refresher course for the Clerk Senate, Andrew Nwoba.
The approval was to free him from his responsibilities in the chamber for a month. The Deputy Clerk (legislative) acted in his absence.
Reports said that having served creditably as Clerk of National Population and Gas committees, Secretary, Legislative Budget and currently, Clerk Senate, Mr Nwoba has garnered requisite experience to proactively guide and advise on adherence and compliance with the Standing Rules of the Senate.
Besides, staff members agree that Nwoba has efficiently and responsibly discharged his role as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Senate.
As Senate Clerk, Nwoba ensures smooth proceedings in line with procedural orders that are circumscribed in the Standing Rules of the Senate.
In addition to ensuring legislative due process through the eyes of the rules, he also discharges other administrative duties.
The Clerk Senate performs these overarching assignments with the assistance of two Deputy Senate Clerks, one in charge of legislative duties and the other in charge of administration.
An official explained that the refresher course could hold any time and would not disrupt the workings of the clerks-at-the-table since there are enough hands, particularly, Deputy Clerk (Legislative), to deploy in plenary to guide, direct and advise the presiding officer in his absence.
As learnt, Nwoba, has been doing this by allowing the Deputy Clerk (Legislative) to help guide, direct and advise the presiding officer, and the synergy has been adjudged to be “progressive and productive.”
Another official said in a chat that “It is most unfortunate, that some naysayers want to create bad blood between the President of the Senate and the Clerk of the Senate by making tenuous utterances and unfounded insinuations.
“The Clerk of Senate has been enjoying the support of the Senate President. He particularly received his unequivocal support during his elevation to the position by the National Assembly service Commission. The Clerk, in turn, has tremendous respect and regards for the President of the Senate, his leadership style, his listening ears, his simple nature, which are qualities that are rare in today’s political space.
“Out of his concern for the Senate Clerk, considering his zeal, determination, dedication and passion for the job, the Senate President respectfully asked him to go for a month refresher course to enhance top-notch performance and greater efficiency. This, for me, is the real vote of confidence in the Clerk Senate.”
-
News22 hours agoConstituents Drag Akpabio, Senate to Court Over Suspension of Natasha
-
News8 hours agoWe only had lunch with Buhari not 2027 politics -El-Rufai
-
News21 hours agoFCT minister, Wike gives land allotees 21 days to pay or lose offer
-
News8 hours agoSad! Explosion rocks Lagos
-
News8 hours agoParts of Abuja, Niger in total darkness -AEDC confirms
-
News23 hours agoNigeria-China Reaffirms Commitment To Strategic Partnership
-
News7 hours agoIbas gives reasons why Sole Administrators were appointed for Rivers councils
-
News22 hours agoOERAF Holds Memorial Lecture on the Benefits of Debate Competitions for Students in Ughelli