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The Kuriga miracle: Matters arising


By Ikechukwu Amaechi

I was over the moon on Monday watching the released, or is it rescued Kuriga schoolchildren in their resplendent attires at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, seat of Kaduna State Government, as their misfortune catapulted them to celebrities even if for a fleeting moment. The high and mighty doted on them and I said a quiet prayer for President Bola Tinubu and all those who facilitated their release.

It is not often that the dastardly act of kidnapping ends in praise and the payment of huge ransom does not guarantee safe return of the abductee(s). As someone who has had the misfortune of having my mother, a retired teacher, abducted and taken away for five days, I could easily relate with the overwhelming sense of relief felt by the parents of the schoolchildren on their safe return.

It is a harrowing experience that you cannot even wish your worst enemy. Here you are, utterly helpless and at the mercy of vicious, substance-abusing people who do not place any premium on human life and who know that there is little or no consequence for their nefarious actions in Nigeria.

When the news broke on March 7, 2024 that about 287 pupils of LEA primary school and students of Government Secondary School had been abducted in Kuriga, Chikun local government area of Kaduna State, my heart sank. A week earlier, on February 18, bandits had attacked the Gonin-Gora community, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis and abducted 16 residents. Then as Nigerians were bemoaning the Kuriga abductions, hoodlums laid siege on Tsangaya community in Sokoto State and went away with 16 students.

As if that was not traumatizing enough, the bandits impetuously demanded a N40 trillion ransom to release the Gonin-Gora 16. That was almost double the size of Nigeria’s N28.7 trillion 2024 budget. Then a week after carrying out their dastardly act, the Kuriga hoodlums added insult to injury when they demanded a N1 billion ransom with a 20-day ultimatum.

Jubril Aminu, who acted as a spokesman for the families of the hostages, said he received a call from the kidnappers. “They made a total of N1 billion ransom demand for all the pupils, students, and staff of the school. They gave an ultimatum to pay the ransom within 20 days, effective from the date of the kidnap. They said they would kill all the students and the staff if the ransom demand is not met.”

It was apparent at that point that nothing short of a miracle was going to bring the children back, particularly when President Tinubu said the government would not pay any ransom, because even if the terrorists had given a 20-year deadline, the entire Kuriga community couldn’t have raised such a colossal sum.

And, indeed, miracle happened. Instructively, that deadline would have elapsed on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, but the terrorists magnanimously, as the government would want us believe, decided to set their captives free on Sunday, three days earlier, unconditionally.

But were the schoolchildren released or rescued? The government is ambivalent in its response. Some people have asked what does it matter? And they have a point. What matters right now to those parents and guardians is that their children and wards are safely back. The negotiations that culminated in their freedom is none of their business.

The government which insisted that no ransom was paid seems to be comfortable with the idea of letting the sleeping dog lie. But as a sovereign nation, we should worry. Kidnapping is an act of terrorism and it is a heinous crime against the Nigerian state.

Assuming without conceding that, indeed, no ransom was paid, and the terrorists who abducted the school children simply had their own ‘road to Damascus’ experience as St Paul did in the Bible when he saw a blinding light and heard God’s voice and changed from being a persecutor and tormentor-in-chief of Christians to, perhaps, the greatest apostle, they must still account for their hideous acts.

But it doesn’t make any logical sense that a brood of vipers, which is what these bloodthirsty terrorists are, would successfully abduct hundreds of students and after almost three weeks, set their quarries free just because they saw the light.

So, while we are all euphoric and applaud the government for bringing back the schoolchildren, a lot of questions remain unanswered and it is important that they are answered.

Were the schoolchildren rescued or released? If they were released, on what conditions? What were the terms of the agreement? If ransom was not paid, what were the hoodlums given as a quid pro quo for being born again?

Another issue that this saga has thrown up is data. As a people we have no regards for facts and statistics either for purpose of reference or analysis. How many schoolchildren were abducted – the 287 that was announced by the school authorities or the 137 that were released according to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani? Where did the mix-up come from? Understandably, Governor Sani who announced on Sunday that “all of them have come back home safely,” was tetchy when pressed on the actual number of students involved.

“As the leader, I shouldn’t bother myself about figures. What is more important is the return of the children,” he said. Granted, he should be allowed to enjoy his day in the sun after all the sad stories of kidnappings and killings that have dogged his ten-month-old tenure as governor but the figures are as important as the safe return of the abductees and he should bother. Leadership is also about facts and figures and not conjectures. Has anyone been left behind? If yes, what will happen to such students now that national attention has shifted? Will they become like the over 100 Chibok girls abandoned by the Nigerian state since 2014 and forgotten?

But most importantly, how on earth were these schoolchildren, aged between nine and 15, taken from Kaduna where they were abducted to Zamfara where they were rescued, a distance of more than 200 kilometers (124 miles), as disclosed by the military spokesman Maj. Gen. Edward Buba?

Did they trek with their abductors from Kaduna to Zamfara without any casualties or were they transported? Ironically, the only person that reportedly died in this ordeal is the adult among them – the teacher. Granted, the military released pictures on Sunday showing the children looking worn out, covered in dust and still wearing their blue-white-and-brown uniforms while being transported, but those are not images of nine-year-old pupils that had trekked for 200 kilometres in the jungle for nearly three weeks.

Nigerians have a feeling that they are not being told the truth about this bourgeoning kidnapping industry which has become the most thriving business in the country.

And it is important they are assured that nobody is taking them for a ride. They deserve to know what is going on and who is behind these kidnappings on industrial scale and for what purpose.

Are the kidnappers in this all for the money or as their unofficial spokesman, Sheik Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, claims because they have a grouse against the Nigerian state and therefore the innocent schoolchildren must be collateral damage in their war of attrition?

It is important that there is clarity on this matter because at least 1,400 students have been kidnapped from Nigerian schools since 2014, when Boko Haram militants seized hundreds of schoolgirls from Borno State’s Chibok community. In a country with millions of out of school children, this is very bad signaling.

In January, civil society groups, under the aegis of the Civil Society Joint Action Group, said 17,469 Nigerians were abducted under the Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu administrations from 2019 to date. Though as to be expected, 90 per cent of the cases were recorded under Buhari’s watch, Tinubu seems determined not to be outdone by his predecessor. With what has happened since January, he is on course.

In a story in its March 23, 2024 edition titled, “Killing Fields: 6,931 people killed under Tinubu in 10 months,” Vanguard newspaper said as grim and scary as the figures are, they may well be conservative because some killings are under-reported or not reported at all.

Though the 6,931 is lower than the 8,356 folks lost to insecurity in Buhari’s first 10 months in office as recorded by the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), a project of the Council on Foreign Relations’ Africa programme, which documented and mapped violence in Nigeria motivated by political, economic or social grievances, it is way higher than what happened under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s first 10 months in office from May 2011 to March 2012, when insecurity claimed 2,059 lives.

While we applaud President Tinubu for the “Kuriga miracle,” it is not yet uhuru. In case no one has told him, many Nigerian children whose only crime is to be born into a country that is spectacularly failing in its primary duty to the citizens, are languishing in the dens of kidnappers all over the country, but most especially in the North, with little or no hope of being released either out of the benevolence of their captors or rescued through state might.

Almajiri, banditry and our insecurity

By Kassim Afegbua

Too many troubling occurrences have taken the stage in Nigeria lately, with heated commentaries on them dominating public discourse. Top on the list is the issue of the One Hundred and Thirty Seven School Children and some others that were abducted in Kuriga, Kaduna State, leaving fear, tears, anguish and trepidation in the land.

As if that was not enough, in Okuama Delta state, almost simultaneously, sixteen soldiers were slaughtered, their bodies dismembered in a gruesome manner, and dumped in a river; Some Nigerians have now been reduced to cannibals. The heads of these victims were chopped, and their hearts were ripped open. Mind you, no soon after, to add salt to injury, six policemen were reportedly killed in the same Delta State.

The conclusion is that insecurity is still rife across the country. Even security agents are now being attacked. They too now face the torturous threats and fears the civil populace have been grappling with for well over a decade. Are we now a helpless people? While the search for the one hundred  and thirty seven school children and co was on, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who appears to have assumed the unenviable role of  the Spokesman of the Colony of Bandits, had been speaking on the FG negotiating with the bandits.

He was prepared to lead the Federal Government to the hideouts of the bandits for the so-called negotiation. Quite akin to any other businessman, he made his proposal, with the hope of sealing  the deal.

Banditry has now morphed into a flourishing industry in Northern Nigeria, with kidnapping and abduction as integral parts of the industry. Sheikh Gumi with audacity, compares banditry with Niger-Delta militant activities, and is now asking for amnesty for bandits in the North. This just reminds me of the old saying, “ an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.” I am left wondering where else on earth that this happens.

Ordinarily, in my opinion, Sheikh Gumi should be a person of interest, who should be subjected to serious interrogation as he seems to have a very rich knowledge and understanding of the modus operandi of these inglorious people. He goes in and out of the bandits conclave, speaking assertively on the need to negotiate with them to put an end to this menace. Nigerians typically advise one another to flee from accident or crime scenes as almost invariably, they would be arrested and implicated if they are met by security agents on arrival, irrespective of their actual connection to the incident. But this Gumi’s case appears different. He goes closer instead.

President Tinubu was emphatic when he declared that the Federal Government will not bargain with any bandits, and that precipitate action would be taken to bring back the school children. Though the return of the school children and others a few days later was the best news that broke on Saturday, 23 March, murmurs that a lot of money was paid to secure the release of the abductees followed it.

 If this system is allowed to go on, the bandits will find the practise lucrative and money-spining; then, ending it would be a very difficult one. It is mind boggling to know that there was no report of bloodshed or loss of life, in trying to rescue the children and others; suggesting that our commandos  may yet be the best in the world. So we may soon be faced with a military men Japa syndrome following this rescue operation, that was one hundred percent casualty free. We thank God for the release of these ones.

Now talking seriously, considering  the negative economic impact of this menace called Banditry, if an amnesty program type solution is what is needed to resolve the issue, why not? It may sound odd, but a definitive end to banditry, insurgency and kidnapping will go a long way to improving our economic wellbeing and relaunch the country on the path of socio-economic growth. We have suffered for way too long in the hands of these bandits and kidnappers.

Their activities have distorted our path to economic greatness. We have lost a lot and the palpable fear of future loss is in itself a challenge. What we need now are time-tested solutions; solutions that have worked before. The reality on ground albeit, suggests that there is complicity and conspiracies around this illicit business. Whatever it be, we must bring it to an end. It does appear too that because government is spending so much on insecurity, the armed forces do not want an end to this carnage. That is how it seems. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.

Can we deepen the conversation and raise the cry for the FG to take a decisive action against this banditry and kidnapping issue? All we want now is to rid of this hydra-headed monster. The latest approach being deployed is not good enough. This thing is gradually wearing the garb of a political tool being used for bargaining; call it another form of coded corruption, where monies are shared amongst criminals in the name of bargain, or where the military are enjoying the fat budget occasioned by the fight against insurgency, armed banditry and kidnapping. Crass materialism is at the root of this evil. The whole essence of the negotiation which Sheikh Gumi is pushing for the bandits, is ostensibly for them to be rehabilitated through an Amnesty Program for them, just same way that the Niger-Delta militants were treated during Late President Umaru Yar’adua’s time. According to Gumi, an Amnesty Program will guarantee the integration of these bandits into the society where they would be provided with opportunities to undergo training in specialised skills which will then guarantee them decent means of livelihood; so that by those means, they can legally aquire all the wealth they desire in life.

The responsibility rests with President Tinubu now, to take a decisive decision to end this ugly trend. Even if he toes the line of Sheikh Gumi by setting up an institution for their rehabilitation, it will be better for us. What Nigerians want is peace and stability.

The negative impact of armed banditry is graveous; especially on the nation’s economy. Additionally, we must remember to create a special program to address the culture of almajiri, which provides a veritable ground for recruitment into banditry. Education in the North should be raised; it should attract some more serious attention to gradually de-radicalise those elements and create a civil society, where the citizens are abreast of their civic responsibility and can work meaningfully.

The almajiri institutions need to be dismantled and supplanted with western education that fits into the expectations of today’s world. The level of poverty and hunger that is prevalent in the country today is leading some of these almajiri children into the conclave of bandits. It is a new industry that is now so huge, with tentacles spread across different states of the Federation. We cannot look away from this for much longer. Those who have access to the bandits like Sheikh Gumi, should be engaged to come up with a framework that will address this issue once and for all.

While that is going on, the government should invest heavily in almajiri education and open up new frontiers to re-integrate these criminal elements/ bandits into the society. Whatever the method, programmes that will de-radicalise and de-mobilise them must be designed and deployed. They will be taught that there are alternatives to their nefarious activities; and upon teaching them, we can convince them to leave their forests of demons to embrace peace in the towns and villages.

Let the Islamic scholars who have gained the respect and confidence of the bandits go a step further in helping the nation; by  converting these criminal elements to patriotic citizens, and bring them back into the society. They need to help bring back our country from the challenges of: insecurity, unemployment, infrastructural atrophy, weak economy and a host of other challenges staring us in the face, on a daily basis.

We need to act fast to arrest this ugly trend and halt our descent to anarchy. Raiding our schools and denying school children the opportunity of learning is a dangerous precedence that cannot be allowed to recur. If left unchecked, posterity will blame us.

Discrimination! How KFC disgraced ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel’s Son at Lagos Airport for being on a wheelchair

“To be disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcome and unaccepted.”

Those were the exact words of Adebola Daniel, the son of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel and wheelchair user, while detailing the inhumane treatment he got at the Lagos branch of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), a fast food restaurant, on Wednesday.

Daniel, who took to X to share his experience, said that, because of his disability, he was made to feel “less than human, like a guard dog not allowed into the house”.

The KFC restaurant at Murtala Mohammed airport Lagos

“Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria,” he wrote on X.

“To be a disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcome and unaccepted. As I’ve said before, it’s a lonely, scary and isolated place. Never has this been more true than it has ever been today where I faced the worst sort of public humiliation that I have ever experienced. To think that this happened at an international brand, KFC at an international airport – Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos – is unthinkable,” he said.

https://twitter.com/DebolaDaniel/status/1772721116651344037?s=20

He explained that after all the necessary documentation had been concluded at the airport ahead of his Virgin Atlantic flight to London, he decided to pass the time, alongside his wife and siblings, at the KFC restaurant while waiting for the flight.

However, he was in for a shock, as the female manager at the restaurant humiliated him, saying wheelchairs and users were not permitted on the premises of the KFC. She also demanded that they leave immediately, according to Daniel.

He wrote: “Years ago, after all security and immigration formalities have been completed, I would normally go to the OASIS lounge to wait for my flight. For the past 3 years, the lift to the lounge has been out of service so I’ve often found solace in other establishments, sometimes lounges, sometimes restaurants such as KFC.

“Today I chose KFC – what a colossal mistake. I entered the restaurant with 4 other travel companions, consisting of my brothers and wife. The security personnel at KFC, Samuel, greeted me by name as I’ve been there multiple times. Just as we were about to sit, the lady at the till – who was apparently the manager – called out loudly, ‘No wheelchairs allowed’

“Our group paused in confusion, before my brother, Taiwo, asked what she meant. She refused to listen to reason and stood her ground that at the KFC, Murtala Muhammed branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted on the premises and we should leave immediately.“

Daniel said that despite efforts from other people at the restaurant to wade into the situation, the lady maintained that KFC was averse to wheelchairs on its premises.

“My siblings and wife became instantly irate and proceeded to debate her position with her, ultimately cumulating in raised voices and strong verbal protests. If there’s one thing I hate more than anything in this life is to create a scene. I detest it. I do not like to draw attention to myself and as such I began pleading with my people that we should just leave,” said Daniel.

“My wife took some video footage and my brothers took some pictures. There were at least 5 other witnesses at the scene, who tried to intervene as things unfolded. Eventually, our party departed to another lounge upset and quite frankly pissed off.

“Normally I would let these things slide but not today. When calmer heads prevailed, my wife and brother – Mayowa – went back and under the guise of buying some food and while audio recording, she questioned the lady again and the lady reiterated her position that the business does not allow wheelchairs into their premises.“

The manager, according to Daniel, mentioned that KFC was strict about its “no wheelchairs allowed” rule. For Daniel, this sort of prejudiced rule brings to bear similar discriminatory practices in history.

“She stated that although she recently just transferred to that branch, it is something that has been drummed into them. No wheelchairs allowed. It harkens back to dark periods in recent history. No wheelchairs allowed. No coloureds allowed. No blacks allowed,” he said.

“Today, I felt less than human, like a guard dog not allowed into the house. Lonely and isolated. I will continue to escalate this exponentially until I get a reasonable resolution and there is no stopping me. You cannot treat people this way. There are approximately 27 million Nigerians living with some form of disability. That’s over 13% of the country. 1 in 6 people on the planet are disabled. You must not treat people this way.

“So my question to KFC is simple. Does this represent your approach to disabled customers or will you be looking into this? Am I not human enough for KFC?”

FIJ emailed KFC Nigeria regarding the issue, but no response has been received. A message sent to the restaurant via Instagram is also yet to yield a response.

Culled from FIJ.ng

FIDA Abuja felicitates patron, A. S. Awomolo, SAN, on his emergence as Chair Body of Benchers

  • Celebrates Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo, SAN on her nomination as member of the Body

The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch on Thursday paid a curtsey visit to the newly appointed Chairman of Nigeria’s Body of Benchers (BoB), Asiwaju Adegbogyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN.

Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo, SAN, Asiwaju Awomolo, SAN, and FIDA Abuja EXCO members

Leading a delegation comprising of her Executive Committee members to the congratulatory visit, Chairperson of FIDA Abuja, Chibuzo M. Nwosu, conveyed the goodwill of the Branch and eulogized the 52nd BoB Chair.

According to a statement signed by Charity C. Ibezim, FIDA Abuja’s Assistant General Secretary, Ms. Nwosu “felicitated Asiwaju for his well-deserved achievement which is a true testament of his selfless service, years of hard work, diligence and enormous cognate experience as a dedicated legal practitioner.

Awomolo, SAN and Chair, FIDA Abuja

“She added that as a father of the Branch, who had consistently supported the Branch, there was no doubt that the Almighty will continue to guard, strengthen and equip him with wisdom and courage to lead well and accomplish greater strides for the legal profession.

Reading his congratulatory letter

“She expressed in Yoruba, Eku Orire, Oye Amori, Igba yin atu wa lara (meaning, congratulations, your reign shall be successful and bring us rest of mind).

“The Chairperson, on behalf of the Branch, presented a Congratulatory letter and card to Asiwaju as a reminder of this great achievement.

“In response, Asiwaju expressed immense gratitude to God for the position and appreciated FIDA for her kind gesture and prayers.

“In addition to the celebration, the Chairperson also congratulated the Branch’s very own Elegant Elder Chic Chief, Mrs. Victoria Olufumilayo Awomolo, SAN, for her appointment as a member of the Body of Benchers (a special elevation and celebration for FIDA Abuja as the first of its kind)

L-R: Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo, SAN, A.S. Awomolo, SAN, Chibuzo Nwosu, FIDA Abuja Chair

“The Chairperson and EXCOs congratulated her for the great feat and also prayed for God’s direction and guidance.”

FIDA Nigeria salutes the 52nd Body of Bencher’s Chair, A. S. Awomolo, SAN on his appointment

Press Release

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria congratulates Asiwaju Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, A firm supporter of FIDA Nigeria and all that we stand for, Founder and Principal Partner of the prestigious law firm A.S. Awomolo and Associates.

A beacon of excellence in both the legal profession. As a revered senior advocate and astute barman, he embodies true qualities of integrity, empathy, and inclusivity that define a great lawyer.

His unwavering support for FIDA Nigeria and its mission, coupled with his profound belief in the empowerment of female lawyers, exemplifies his commitment to justice and equality.

As the Founder and Principal Partner of the esteemed law firm A.S. Awomolo and Associates, Asiwaju Awomolo has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to his craft, earning him the admiration and respect of colleagues and clients alike. His role as the supportive husband to Chief Mrs. Victoria Olufumilayo, SAN, Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria at 60 Committee, underscores his commitment to advancing the cause of women in the legal profession.
With a remarkable history of leadership and service, Asiwaju Awomolo’s appointment as the 52nd Chairman of the Body of Benchers heralds a new era of progress and innovation.

FIDA Nigeria is confident that under his stewardship, the legal profession will experience unprecedented growth and development. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure filled with achievements that will leave a lasting impact on the legal landscape of Nigeria.

Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice/National President FIDA Nigeria

Breast Cancer Detector: Nigerian female engineer invents smart bra to track the ailment

Kemisola Bolarinwa, a Nigerian robotics and embedded systems engineer, has invented a smart bra that could be used to diagnose the early-stage of breast cancer even before symptoms develop.

Engr. Bolarinwa reportedly made the invention known to the world in February 2022 by designing the prototype of the smart bra.

The invention was spurred by the death of her loved one in 2017.

According to her, the death of her aunt made her pay more attention to breast cancer because it was just something she heard on the TV or radio before.

The founder and chief executive officer of Nextwear Technologies, the first wearable technology startup in Nigeria, said she was moved to invent the smart bra, after frequent visits to the hospital where her aunt was before she died.

She said seeing other women battling breast cancer was painful, and her efforts to intensify research into the invention were increased.

Bolarinwa disclosed that her invention was recognised by BBC Africa, adding that she spent a year and a half of intense research, before the smart bra came up in 2019.

● How the smart bra works

To detect lumps in the breast, the smart bra repurposes ultrasound technology into a small form factor, with the initiative to shrink down an ultrasound machine to a portable size where it becomes wearable.

According to Bolarinwa, this was possible with nanotechnology — a branch of science, technology, and engineering that deals with the manufacturing of tech in small sizes.

For more context, the smart bra uses an ultrasound system called the Doppler that bounces high-frequency sound waves off the body to detect blood clots, heart defects, and blocked arteries.

This works differently from ultrasound machines that use sound waves to generate images of the scanned area.

● More work on the smart bra

After years of research and developing a prototype, she revealed there is still a lot of work to be achieved on the smart bra before it can be commercialised.

Bolarinwa said the smart bra still needs further development and extensive clinical trials and gave a time frame between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023 for mass production.

Aside from being an inventor, Vanguard reports that Bolarinwa is also a strong advocate for getting more women interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), something she was passionate about growing up.

Bolarinwa called for more work on research for inventions to be effective in solving the problems they are designed for while lamenting there are not adequate research organisations to help.

She said, “In four months, a fintech platform will be built and be ready for the market. This is one of the reasons why few people play in the hardware or deep tech side of technology in Africa. There aren’t enough research institutes.”

● Who she is

Bolarinwa holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University).

She has more than 10 years of experience exceptional tech skills and strong problem-solving skills, and is passionate about solving complex problems and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies.

Bolarinwa is an inventor, innovator, entrepreneur, and president of the Women In ICT Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that focuses on providing technology education, leadership, and businesses for women and young girls to resolve problems of the under-representation of women in leadership, policy-making, and maths-intensive fields of science and technology.

Credits: Eagle Online

A woman’s place is in the boardroom

By Olufunke Baruwa

The phrase “a woman’s place is in the boardroom” emphasizes the importance of gender equality and women’s participation in leadership roles, particularly in corporate governance. Historically, corporate boardrooms have been predominantly male-dominated spaces, with women often underrepresented or excluded altogether. This saying advocates for the inclusion of women in decision-making positions within organizations, recognizing their capabilities, expertise, and contributions to business success.

Promoting gender diversity in the boardroom not only fosters a more inclusive and equitable work environment but also brings about various benefits. Research has shown that companies and countries with diverse boards tend to outperform those with less diverse ones, as diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making, innovation, and overall organizational performance.

Efforts to increase female representation in the boardroom include initiatives such as quotas, diversity training, mentorship programs, and advocacy for equal opportunities in career advancement. By challenging traditional gender roles and breaking down barriers to women’s advancement, societies and businesses can harness the full potential of their talent pool and achieve greater success and sustainability.

Thus, the recent media brouhaha over the announcement of Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji OON by Zenith Bank as its incoming Group Managing Director and CEO pending the CBN’s approval demands some objective reflection away from her appearance.

Culled from Leadership Newspaper

The rash of female bank MDs – musings from an Ant

By Duke of Shomolu

Yesterday, Maddtimes released a parody of all eleven Bank MDs in bikini and sashes with the names of their respective banks slung across their chests.

The caricature of the new Zenith Bank MD and that of Fidelity Bank were the most popular for various reasons adduced by respondents.

As expected, the caricatures created waves of protects like I care. They said I was demeaning womanhood and belittling the achievements of these obviously very brilliant professionals who have really worked very hard in achieving their present status on the pedestal

People are funny.. Maddtimes for sometime now have been caricaturing all and everybody. From Tinubu on a toilet seat to Akpabio in padded underwear and we have not been accused of demeaning manhood for whatever that means.

Coming to women, all of a sudden, ‘Edgar don’t you have daughters and is your mother not a woman?. I wave all these unintelligent babble away as I focus on the most important things.

One of the most important things on my mind right now, is the trend that is the rash of Female MDs in our banking institutions.

From the first appointment and the applause it generated, I started watching the thing very closely. You see our banking system even though driven by innovation and dynamism is actually a ‘follow follow’ train where once one institution drops an innovation before you realise it, the rest join.

See for example, the caricature cartoon character admonishing us to meet them on what’s app with funny names is a perfect example. Today we are being pushed by Leo, Adora and all sort of cartoon characters from almost all banks seeking our interest in their products and services.

So it was only a matter of time before the dam will break and Banks will start looking at their female population seeking the right candidates for positioning.

By the time the announcements had crossed the 50% mark of the figure we have today, the screaming and joy of empowerment had left my mind and the ugly reality of what was taking shape was beginning to evolve in my head.

In discussions with key elements in the sector, further strengthened my resolve that this was a deliberate strategy to regain control of the banks by the owner managed oligarchs that were taken out by Sanusi. Simple.

I will explain. The owner – manager MD was a new thing in the annals of the Banking industry. They had emerged from the reforms of the Obj administration who liberalisd the sector, deregulated TeleComms, reformed Pensions there by releasing the economy to the market and opening up a new middle class which invariably threw up a new class of wealthy bank owners.

These grouping who had learnt their trades from the older class of Oligarchs and the rest and who skewed corporate governance by holding firmly as Chairman/MD and who also turned the banks to family owned enterprises were in some case father would be chairman and son will be MD or in some laughable instances father will be Chairman and step mother is MD and her son is ED- were ready to emerge.

They became rock stars, dressed like Hollywood royalty and lived the life. They became lords of the manor and sat on top of financial behemoths and as expected abused the system to the point where there was no difference between depositors funds and the MDs personal accounts.

The CBN had to act and brought in the tenor limit policy which suddenly made these oligarchs very wealthy jobless people.

They immediately put in their cronies and ruled from the back. Some of them didn’t find it easy as some cronies rebelled, broke out, formed their own banks and competed. Others simply ignored oga and faced Board room squabbles while some others just remained meek and mild and operated behind the larger than life images of their principal.

Well today we now have 11 women fronting these banks and a cursory look at some of them, you will see very glaringly what has happened.

With background in HR, Business development and some Technology, capacity has been sacrificed for obedience. The Oligarch is now back in full control as we will begin to see an MD serving more as a confidential secretary rather than the main drivers of the institutions

It’s already happening where big customers simply ignore the MD and head to where decisions are taken and then get the MDs summoned for execution.

One of the 11 Banks lost 4 EDs in 15months. Any of these EDs were well qualified to be the MD but they had to give way for the anointed female who had climbed the ladder very quickly as a result of her BD prowess armed with funny credentials.

With no technical depth, she would be relying very heavily on the Oligarch and a weakened Board and management structure to run one of the biggest banking institutions in Africa.

Sadly, the NGx, SEC and even the CBN are either complicit or remain powerless to do anything cos on the face of it, these women really do have the qualifications although suspect in some cases.

We hve seen PhD certificates bandied from rogue schools and other such qualifications that cannot stand the critical scrutiny of a well thought out verification process.

In the end, the system suffers cause it throws up the key man risk into the whole equation. Even though the oligarch is shadowy, his powers are apparent and if anything happens to him we are faced with a decimated Board and management to scramble to run such huge enterprises.

This is like giving a huge Boeing jet to an Air hostess to fly simply because she has been on board for the last 30 years, we as passengers can only but pray for safe arrival.

Na prayer.

Duke of Shomolu

Joy Ezeilo, SAN at 58: Meet her unique seven birthday beneficiaries

Professor of law and one-time United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking persons, Joy Ezeilo, SAN has used the occasion of her 58th birthday to bring succor to seven Nigerians that have suffered abuse in various ways.

Taking to her X handle (former Twitter) the Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Women’s Rights Advocate whose birthday (27th March) fell within the International women’s Month, made no bones about being born in the women’s history month.

“At 58, I’m looking the world straight in the eyes and grateful for all the milestones. To God be the glory. I have a hectic work schedule today as I’m doing field surveys away from family, friends and colleagues, so there’s no special birthday celebration

“However, I’m in a very high reflective spirit. I’m also happy to have been born in March, ‘Women’s Month.’

“I understand that 27 March in history was when the first blood transfusion was made, and the Ford Maker was also born. To my birthday mates, I now know three Nigerians and two British who share the exact birth dates. Congratulations, too, and enjoy your big day.

“To celebrate my birthday, I will donate 25% of my monthly professor salary of 412K for the next seven months. Each of the seven nominees will receive 25% of my donation. Unveiling next!”

The Professor in a statement made available to Law & Society Magazine added:

Meet my birthday beneficiaries: I picked them from the pool of Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) and WACOL Tamar SARC clients and families who were offered free legal aid and assistance as part of our pro bono Services to the poor. Please note that the full names of minors and adults are not mentioned for their privacy and safety.

1.     An enterprising young lady, Ifeanyi, works hard to support herself despite her disability—being blind. She is currently a Postgraduate (MSC) student at the UNN. She is into the soap and perfume-making business.

2.     To Joy (my namesake), an auxiliary nurse whose little sister of six (6) living with her was defiled within the hospital where she works by the gateman. The culprit is being prosecuted. It is poverty that puts her in a situation where she has to be a caretaker of the younger sibling.

3.     Miss “XYZ”, a 14-year-old girl, was a victim of abduction and rape last year by a pastor of one of the Pentecostal Churches at Uzo Uwani, Enugu State. Through WACOL intervention, the suspect is facing prosecution. The parents are peasants and farmers and need every support to put food on the table.

4.     Miss “ ABC”, 14 and victim of defilement/ pregnancy in the hands of security personnel. She gave birth on 1st March 2024 in Enugu. She lives with her stepmom and the newborn in a small room, which they use as a kitchen and just one bed. The stepmom has health challenges as well. 

5.     Uchechi from Ebonyi state is a victim of spousal battery, pressed with a hot iron to her breast and pushed down from upstairs. She was also sheltered at the WACOL safe house in the heat of the crisis, where the perpetrator faces prosecution.

6.     Mr and Mrs Ominyi from Benue state, whose daughter of 8 years was raped to death. They still struggle to make ends meet and train their other two children. WACOL recently paid NECO fees for the son who missed registering for WAEC because of a lack of funds.

7.     Mrs Weputa is in dire need of welfare. A mother of two and victim of spousal physical and verbal abuse. Her children drink dirty and unclean ‘Well” water and starve sometimes because of no food to eat.

I want to let the seven and their families know that they are not alone. They are in my thoughts today and always as we fight to end inequalities and injustice in our society.

Aluta continua!

Jailed for Life: man defiles neighbours five-year-old, damages internal organs

“For the perpetrator, rape lasts just a matter of minutes. For the victim, it never stops.”
― Fredrik Backman

The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State, has sentenced a man, Ugochukwu Onuoha, to life imprisonment for defiling a five-year-old girl, his neighbour’s daughter.

The presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, in a judgement delivered on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, declared that the prosecution established beyond reasonable doubt, the charge of defilement against Onuoha.

Justice Oshodi said the survivor was a minor at the time of the incident.

He said the survivor’s mother’s evidence that Onuoha apologised and promised not to do it again was an admission which corroborated the prosecutrix’s evidence.

The judge said: “There is abundant evidence that the defendant committed the crime.

“I believed the prosecutrix when she testified before me as she was resolute that it was the defendant that penetrated her vagina with his penis.

“She maintained this during cross-examination and gave further details to embellish her evidence in chief.

“The evidence shows that the defendant had sexual intercourse with the victim, who, to his knowledge, was a child.”

The judge, thereafter, found Onuoha guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Justice Oshodi further held that the medical evidence showed short and long-term impacts on the victim as the sexual intercourse he had with the survivor could cause structural damage to the vagina, the uterus, and other surrounding organs.

He also ordered that the convict’s name be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.

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