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Anambra: Showing the way forward as Nigeria’s golden opportunity for heritage tourism

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As edited by Ayo Oyoze Baje,

 

 

According to Mr Don Onyenji, the honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Anambra state.heritage has become a powerful driver in the global tourism economy. From Kyoto in Japan, where centuries-old temples and geisha traditions continue to draw millions annually, to Fez in Morocco with its ancient medina, musical heritage and craftsmanship, destinations are leveraging their culture and investing in their historic sites and cultural resources as a competitive tool to attract visitors.

 

 

Heritage tourism accounts for nearly 40 per cent of all international tourism, according to the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism). A market analysis report by Grandview Research shared that the global heritage tourism market was valued at approximately US$605 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow by 4.5 per cent annually from 2025 to 2030.

 

 

What exactly is this new sense of appreciation for heritage tourism, one might ask? It stands to reason that in the evolution of the tourism industry, people start to ask for more from their destination. Beyond a nice hotel or resort, there is a timeless quest for meaning, identity and connection. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself,” the popular Hemingway quote says. Even as travelling helps us to connect more with others, it also contributes to helping us understand more about ourselves, as we begin to understand our perspective through the lens of seeing how others have navigated similar challenges and experiences. Travel provides a sense of wisdom that can only be gained through exploration.

 

 

Global tourism trends point to the tourist of the future seeking more meaningful experiences that are designed for reflection, interaction and provide a chance to connect with the local community. Well-established tourist destinations are investing heavily in heritage tourism, as a contributor to authentic experiences. This is particularly challenging for the more established destinations who have to reinvent themselves, and in some cases, like in Italy and Spain, have had to grapple with issues of overtourism and the commoditization of experiences.

 

 

Closer to home, Ghana’s “Year of Return” campaign in 2019, attracted over one million visitors and generated US$1.9 billion in tourism revenue. Across the West Africa region, there are comparable cultural resources that can be developed to boost the tourism economy. In Nigeria, our tourism potential remains underharnessed, and this presents an opportunity to take advantage of the global trend towards heritage tourism, which could not have come at a more opportune time. Our natural and cultural heritage remain our unique value proposition, providing experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We simply need to make these experiences visitor-ready, and with coordinated delivery and strong branding, we can be positioned within the US$605 billion global heritage tourism market.

 

 

Home to over 370 ethnic groups, Nigeria is one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world , each community carrying its own language, history, cuisine, customs, and cultural identity. From the ancient Benin Kingdom and Nok Civilization to the Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route and the Ifá Corpus of the Yoruba, our heritage wealth is vast and distinctive. For now, Nigeria remains underrepresented on the global map of thriving heritage destinations, but not for long.

 

 

Anambra State is leveraging its rich cultural assets to drive sustainable tourism development. Known for its deep Igbo heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and forward-looking development agenda, the state is positioning culture as a key pillar of its economic growth. Sites such as the Ogbunike Caves, Owerre-Ezukala Caves, and Agulu Lake, among others, have been shortlisted for development and investment as anchor projects for heritage tourism development.

 

 

The Anambra State Government is developing its Heritage Tourism Development Masterplan, working with Red Clay, a tourism advisory practice, to transform its cultural and natural heritage into meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike. The goal is to enhance Anambra’s tourism offerings through immersive experiences that balance innovation with respect for tradition, as a way This initiative is setting a new benchmark for heritage-driven economic development in Nigeria.

 

 

Heritage is uniquely place-based. It cannot be outsourced or replicated. It supports local artisans, historians, storytellers, musicians, local transport, fashion, food, tour guides, etc., building an entire ecosystem around community-based economic growth. The potential impact on employment and rural revitalization of this interconnected tourism ecosystem, at a conservative estimate will lead to the creation of about 5,000 direct jobs annually with a multiplier effect of up to tenfold in indirect employment that will emerge from tourism development of the shortlisted sites.

 

 

In Anambra State, the vision of the governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is to transform the state into a thriving mega city , a place to live, work, and play. A key part of this vision is positioning Anambra as a leading destination for tourism in Nigeria. The Governor has already completed and commissioned Solution Fun City, the largest fun centre in Nigeria, which is now operational. Building on this momentum, the State is preparing to launch its Heritage Tourism Masterplan as a living document to guide the sustainable development of heritage tourism and unlock the wider tourism economy. This initiative will establish Anambra as Nigeria’s preferred destination for heritage tourism, attract investment in essential infrastructure (including roads, signage, visitor information centres, and accommodation), and empower local communities, traditional leaders, custodians, and artisans as key partners in its implementation. Through heritage tourism, we aim to create interconnected tourism circuits linking sites across the state and the wider region, enhancing domestic and regional tourism.

 

 

As we continue to play our part in developing tourism in Nigeria, we are equally committed to helping reposition the country as a leading heritage tourism destination. Our stories, history, festivals, and traditions already hold immense value, they simply need to be organized, developed, and presented with the strategic intent they deserve.

 

 

Heritage tourism is a powerful development tool, for economic and social transformation and Anambra State is positioned to harness this a new frontier of growth, to create jobs and enhance the well-being of Anambrarians.

 

 

Mr Don Onyenji is the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Anambra State.

NIPSS: DIG Oyebade Calls for Emotionally Intelligent Leadership in Nigeria’s Security Sector

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  • Ex–Police Chief Delivers Strategic Lecture on Negotiation, Conflict Management, and Command Responsibility

Segun Atanda/

Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and Directing Staff at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), DIG Adeleye Oyebade, mni, has urged Nigerian security agencies to elevate their approach to leadership by integrating negotiation, conflict management, and emotional intelligence into command strategy.

Delivering a thought-provoking lecture at the Strategy Course for Command Responsibility, Cyber-Security, and Intelligence Management (SCCR 14), Oyebade emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s security architecture depends not only on tactical capability but on leaders who can “think, communicate, and influence as effectively as they can command and control.”

The session was convened at the invitation of the Acting Director of Studies, Barr. N. Salan Mann, mni, as part of NIPSS’ advanced capacity development programme for mid- and senior-level security and intelligence officers.

Oyebade argued that contemporary security challenges, ranging from insurgency and banditry to cybercrime and communal unrest, are rooted in human relationships and grievances rather than brute force.

Retired DIG Leye Oyebade (middle, front row) with participants at the Strategy Course for Command Responsibility, Cyber-Security, and Intelligence Management (SCCR 14), at NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State.

“Force may silence the gunfire temporarily,” he said, “but dialogue, understanding, and trust sustain peace.”

He explained that effective officers must be skilled negotiators capable of engaging community leaders, local politicians, and even non-state armed actors under pressure, with the goal of preventing escalation while maintaining institutional legitimacy.

Drawing from inter-agency experiences across the armed forces, police, and intelligence services, Oyebade described conflict management as “a critical command responsibility that determines operational success, force protection, and public confidence.”

He cited real-world examples, such as clashes between military and police units in Taraba State and coordination issues in multi-agency operations, to underscore the need for clear command structures, early communication, and institutional respect among security bodies.

“Recognizing mandates, demonstrating professionalism, and applying empathy,” he said, “can turn potential clashes into cooperation.”

Referencing Daniel Goleman’s model of Emotional Intelligence, Oyebade highlighted self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management as essential competencies for modern command.

He noted that emotionally intelligent officers can de-escalate tense encounters, interpret unspoken motivations, and maintain composure in crises.

“An officer who can not manage his emotions can not manage a team,” he said.

In the cyber and intelligence domains, he added that emotional intelligence enables collaboration across agencies such as the DSS, NITDA, and ONSA, especially when managing sensitive data and jurisdictional overlaps.

Oyebade called for the institutionalization of emotional intelligence and conflict management training across all security agencies, supported by counselling, stress management, and reflective leadership programmes.

He concluded that negotiation, empathy, and self-discipline are now as vital to Nigeria’s national security as operational strategy or weaponry.

“The leaders Nigeria needs today are those who can fight and plan, but also negotiate wisely, manage conflict constructively, and lead with emotional maturity,” he said.

The key recommendations by the retired DIG are:

  1. Incorporate emotional intelligence into all command and staff courses.
  2. Establish conflict resolution frameworks across security agencies.
  3. Institutionalize psychological and stress-management support for officers.
  4. Promote reflective and adaptive leadership at all operational levels.
  5. Strengthen inter-agency communication for coordinated national response.
 

Defence Headquarters Dismisses Rumoured Coup Plot Against Tinubu as ‘Nonsense’

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked claims by an online publication alleging that the cancellation of activities for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an attempted military coup.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military described the report as false, malicious, and deliberately crafted to create fear and distrust among Nigerians.

According to General Gusau, the referenced publication also misinterpreted a previous DHQ statement concerning the arrest of 16 officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct. He clarified that the investigation was a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

Read Also: President Tinubu Commends Olukoyede Over Impressive Asset Recovery, Conviction Records

“The decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade,” he explained, “was made to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad, and to allow military formations sustain focus on ongoing counterterrorism, anti-insurgency, and anti-banditry operations.”

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its loyalty to the Constitution and to President Tinubu, emphasizing that the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting democracy and national unity.

“The public is advised to disregard the baseless claims spread by mischief makers,” the statement read. “The AFN remains steadfast in its constitutional duty to defend the nation and support the democratic institutions of government.”

President Tinubu Commends Olukoyede Over Impressive Asset Recovery, Conviction Records

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for steering the agency to record-breaking successes in asset recovery and convictions since assuming office.

The President gave the commendation during the opening ceremony of the 7th EFCC–NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, held on Monday at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja. The workshop’s theme was “Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes.” Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the event.

Tinubu noted that his administration’s reforms to empower anti-corruption agencies have yielded impressive results, with the EFCC securing over 7,000 convictions and recovering more than ₦500 billion within two years. He said the recovered funds are being redirected to finance social intervention programmes such as the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit initiatives.

Calling for a stronger judiciary role in the anti-graft battle, Tinubu emphasized that transparency, accountability, and swift justice are key to defeating corruption. “A corruption-free Nigeria is possible if we all commit to doing what is right,” he stated.

In his address, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede lamented the prolonged court processes that stall corruption trials, particularly those involving politically exposed persons. He described such delays as a major obstacle to justice and urged the judiciary to help accelerate proceedings to restore public confidence.

Read Also: Protesters Storm PSC, Demands Probe Of Bribery Allegation Against AIG Aina, Asabe Waziri

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, lauded the EFCC–NJI collaboration, stressing that the judiciary must remain firm, fair, and adaptive to modern financial systems. She warned that economic crimes not only drain public resources but also widen inequality and hinder development.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), added that for the anti-corruption crusade to succeed, justice must be both swift and certain. He called for stronger synergy between investigators, prosecutors, and judges to strengthen the rule of law.

The event also featured goodwill messages from Senate President Godswill Akpabio (represented by Senator Munguno), Senator Udende Emmanuel, and Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, among others.

Protesters Storm PSC, Demands Probe Of Bribery Allegation Against AIG Aina, Asabe Waziri

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The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hashimu Argungu
has been asked to probe allegation of bribery against Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Emmanuel Aina.

In a petition to the PSC chairman by a group of protesters under the umbrella body of Centre for Human Rightss and Advocacy in Africa Network (CHRAAN), the group accused AIG Aina of abuse of office.

According to the group, the AIG, acting on behalf of one Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, is using his office to harass and intimidate innocent Nigerians.

They called on the PSC Chairmam to look into the activities of the AIG, particularly, his ha doing if the case involving Asabe Waziri and Victor Giwa amd Abeh Signatures.

In a, petition to the commission dated October 22 and signed by Fabian Opialu, the group said, “We wish to bring the attention of the Chairman of the Commission to the activities of AIG Aina Emmanuci, the new director legal, Nigeria Police force, Abuja.

“Sir, AIG Aina Emmanuel, has an history of abuse of office, intimidation of citizens and corrupt practices. Sometimes in 2024, One Asabe Waziri, a staff of NNPC, who was evicted by FCF High Court judgement, from two blocks of flats in a property in Maitama, Abuja was forcefully brought back to the flats at Gun point by AIG Aina Emmnauel using some officers like CSP Francis (FCID) .

“AIG Aina Emmanuel, inspite of his knowledge of a Court Order restraining the said Asabe Waziri from trespassing into the property and flats and Motion for stay of execution filled in respect of a Court of Appeal’s judgment against Asabe Waziri, in the Supreme Court.

“It’s our complaint that after AIG Aina haa received graft from Asabe Waziri, he vowed to return Asabe Waziri into the flats using intimidation of the counsel to the property owner, Giwa Victor Esq, a human right lawyer, whom he arrested and detained twice between June and July. 2024, in order to unlawfully gain access to the property at No. 1, Mekong close, Maitama, Abuja.

“Asabe Wazri and Abeh Signature Apartment, the owner of the property had dispute, which resulted to court action, that finally led to the property owner obtaining Judgement in its favour against Asabe Waziri. The judgement was finally enforced against Asabe Waziri and she was vacated from the property.

“Asabe appealed against the judgement to the court of appeal, her appeal succeeded in March 2024 and the property owner appealed against her judgment to the Supreme Court. A motion for stay of execution and Notice of Appeal to the Supreme Court was filled, all against Asabe’s Court of Appeal Judgement.

“Shockingly, AIG Aina knowing that this was a matter that was still subsisting in court, still went ahead to break into the flats forcefully and brought in Asabe Waziri into the flats. According to the AIG, he wanted Asabe to be in the property while the case 1s going on in the Supreme Court.

“Additionally, AIG Aina, illegally detained one Godwin Okey in lieu of Victor Giwa Esq in 2024 in his desperate move to take possession of the flats for Asabe Waziri.

“AIG Aina is now the errand officer of Asabe Waziri, through which Asabe now subvert the course of justice, through bribery of police officers and other officers in office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) who Asabe has use to file three different charges against the directors of Abeh Signature as tools of intimidating the directors from pursuing their cases against Asabe Waziri.

“AIG Aina is now in the hunt for Giwa Victor for having the courage to challenge their illegal and ignoble action.

“Recently, AIG Aina , who claimed to be executing a warrant of arrest against Giwa Victor ordered his arrest in Lagos on the 19th September, 2025. After the lawyer’s arrest the AIG refused to comply with the relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which requires that the arrested person be taken to court within Lagus; instead, AIG Aina otdered Giwa’s detention for over 10 days and refused taking him to Court.

“Asabe Waziri is now using AIG Aina and retired AIG Ekeinde Oyakhire to persecute the Lawyer. The activities of AIG Aina are totally unlawful, illegal, corrupt and a breach of the police Act and other relevant laws.

“We are praying for the following: Probe AIG Aina’s roles in breaking into the flats in Abey Signature Apartment and granting possession to Asabe while matter was pending in Supreme Court.

“AIG Aina’s ignoble role in the detention of Victor Giwa Esq from 19th September, to 29th September 2023 without taking him to court after his arrest.

“The AIG’s receipt of bribes in dollars from Asabe to carry out this infamous act.”

Police Chief Deployed To Lagos Mile 12 Market Assumed Office

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A shrewd police chief has been deployed to the popular Mile 12 market in Lagos in an attempt to reinvigorate the market security architecture .
The officer is DSP Endurance Ovwhigo. She is the new head of the Police Post, an Outstation under Ketu Police Divisional Headquarters.
The police chief will bring her wealth of experience to bare in addressing intelligence failure
within the market . She is also expected to find panacea to incessant ethnic clashes and rivalry at the market.
Ovwhigo, as an officer noted for hardwork and resilience, is expected to uphold high moral standards at the Police Post.

Read Also: Four-man Anambra phone-snatching gang nabbed, exhibits recovered

Over the years, she has served as Personal Assistant (P.A) to top cops in the Force, most recent is, as the P.A to the Edo State Commissioner of Police. After a brief stint in Edo state, she was redeployed to X-Squad department of Force Criminal Investigation Department ( FCID), Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos.
She has also served at Zone 2 Command in Lagos, State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba, Sango-Ota Police Area Command and Victoria Island Police Station

Four-man Anambra phone-snatching gang nabbed, exhibits recovered

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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a four-man tricycle and phone robbery gang operating in the Awka and Ifite areas of the state and specialising in robbing unsuspecting members of the public.

 

The spokesman for the state command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press statement on Tuesday, said the police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad carried out the arrest in the early hours of Monday.

 

Ikenga said exhibits recovered from the gang include nine brands of phones, including the victim’s iPhone, one laptop, two tricycles with registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four different tricycle plate numbers and a substance suspected to be a hard drug.

The statement read, “Anambra State Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, in the early hours of August 25, 2025, while on night patrol along the Agu Awka/Ifite Awka axis, intercepted a tricycle and arrested a four-man criminal syndicate specialising in robbing unsuspecting residents, particularly students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, of their phones and other valuables.

 

“The suspects include: Nnaji Chidera ‘m’ 19 years; Chijioke Mmaduabuchi ‘m’ 21 years; Wisdom Ogbonna ‘m’ 19 years, and Afamefuna Egbe ‘m’ 20 years. Exhibits recovered are nine brands of phones, including the victim’s iPhone, one laptop, two tricycles with registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four different tricycle plate numbers and a substance suspected to be a hard drug.

 

“The operatives, upon interrogation of the suspects, confessed to being part of a criminal syndicate that specialises in robbing students within the Awka axis.

 

“They further revealed that the multiple tricycle plate numbers found with them were usually used to disguise their operational vehicles whenever they embarked on armed robbery.”

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, while commending the operatives for their swift response and urging youths to desist from crime, warned that the Command will not relent in ensuring that criminals face the full weight of the law.

Army Deserter, 4 Others Arrested For Armed Robbery/Kidnapping In Anambra

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Operatives of Anambra State Police Command have arrested an army deserter and four others suspected to be members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate.

 

The suspects include: Dominic Oraz ‘M’ (38), who allegedly confessed to have deserted his formation in the Nigerian Army, Michael Nwobodo ‘M’ (30), Eze Friday ‘M’ (29), Uche Okolo ‘M’ (23) and Chinedu Gilbert ‘M’ (29).

 

They were arrested in a swift operation on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, following a report that a victim was abducted on his farmland at Isiagu, Awka, and later released after ransom was paid.

 

A statement on Thursday by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, stormed the hideout of the suspects at Notoko, Awka, which led to the arrest of the suspects.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include: 6 (six) automatic pump-action guns, 63 (sixty-three) rounds of live cartridges, one microscope, 5 (five) machetes, one military cap, 2 (two) police teargas canisters, Handcuffs, A robber’s rocket launcher, criminal charms, 3 (three) Motorola walkie-talkies, One jack knife, One power bank and Cash sum of ₦26,000.00 (Twenty-Six Thousand Naira) only.

 

“During interrogation, one of the suspects, Dominic Oraz, confessed to having deserted the Nigerian Army in November 2024,” Ikenga said.

 

He added that necessary enquiries have commenced with the authority to guide police action and prosecution of other suspects.

 

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the operatives for their gallantry.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to continue to report suspicious activities to the police for prompt action.

Our Children’s Anthem

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

Quote:

 

“We are the children of the poor

Born without our mothers’ consent

Tortured without a protest

Buried without a name”

 

-Ayo Oyoze Baje ( poem of the same title, published by the Nigerian Herald, July 1988 )

 

When we blame our youths for the escalating wave of sundry crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, rape and terrorism we hardly ask ourselves if we, as their parents, guardians and elders have been there for them, or playing our parts. Yet, the pertinent questions remain: Do the perpetrators of these heinous crimes appear from Planet Mars or Jupiter? Don’t they have parents, teachers, pastors or Imams as their guiding moral compass? Have the governments (local, state and federal) acted as the father-figure to provide for their welfare and protect them against social and food insecurity as aptly enshrined in Section 14,Sub section 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution,(as amended)? The answer is obvious.

 

 

These were similar questions yours truly raised through an article titled: ‘ What type of future are we leaving for our children?’ as severally published on October 12, 2017. But has the sordid situation improved as at this day? Not at all. It has worsened, as parents groan with the highest inflation ever characterized by soaring costs of food items, electricity tariff, rent, and school fees all triggered by the sudden removal of fuel subsidy back in May 2023. Yet, while some 133 million citizens grapple with the survival mode, the children of the rich political helmsmen live large; openly displaying their frivolous lifestyle to satisfy their epicurean taste as if they were elected along with their parents into office. As if that was not insulting enough, turning our democracy into oligarchy, recently the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC came out proposing to increase the pay packages of the Lord’s of the Manor by over 100%! Outrageous, is it not? Of course, it is like adding salt to the people’s injury.

 

 

In response, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has described it as “insensitive, unjust and inequitable”.On his part, renowned human rights advocate and lawyer, Femi Falana has raised alarm over it, warning that the economic situation is in dire straits and the RMAFC, which is making the proposal for the second time in two years ought to have considered giving a listening ear to the cries of the long-suffering, marginalized masses. In fact, methinks, this should be a moment for sober reflection.

What we need is leadership by example- a selfless service to the people. Now is the time for them to make the much needed sacrifice, instead of turning our democratic culture to that of plutocracy, which is a government of the rich, by the rich and to reward the supporters of the political pilots. Indeed, they should borrow a fresh leaf from some past political leaders of some other countries such as Italy and Uruguay, when their nations were faced with harsh economic situation as we currently battle with.

 

 

It would be recalled that between 2010 and 2015 when

President Jose Mujica ( now of blessed memory) piloted the affairs of Uruguay he shunned the luxurious house that the Uruguayan state provided for its leaders. He opted instead to stay at his wife’s farmhouse, off a dirt road outside the capital, Montevideo.

 

The president and his wife worked the land themselves, growing flowers. They had only two cars.This austere lifestyle – and the fact that Mujica donated about 90% of his monthly salary, equivalent to $12,000 (£7,500), to charity – led him to be labelled the “poorest president in the world”.

 

In a similar vein, it was reported in May 2021 that Italy’s Prime Minister known as ‘Super Mario’ waived his entire £100,000 salary to ‘show solidarity with his nation hit by recession’. Leadership by example was what the two men with the sweet milk of human kindness demonstrated, when their two countries were caught in the web of economic recession, not an obscene lifestyle.

 

 

It is the best of times for our own political leaders- from the local government chairmen, through the lawmakers at all levels to the state governors and the federal executive

to climb down from their high horses of ego tripping to wear the tattered shoes of the common man and do the needful. Lest we forget the World Bank, International Monetary Fund,IMF and the Economist Magazine published in the United Kingdom,UK warned

back in 2010 that the humongous salaries of our politicians in office ranked amongst the highest in the world then while the people stew in persisting, preventable poverty. Unfortunately, their words of admonition fell on stone – deaf ears.

 

 

Let us for a moment consider the mind-boggling and humungous sums of public funds serially siphoned to feather the nests of members of the political class ever since independence in 1960.Couldn’t that have facilitated in providing quality education, sustainable food security, sound healthcare delivery and the enabling infrastructural environment to provide mass employment for the youths?

 

 

Another source of serious concern is the inability of some state governments to pay the minimum wage, up till the moment, as agreed.

We should recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law on July 29, 2024, after meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.Yet, in spite of the monthly allocations from the Federation Account and their Internally Generated Revenue,IGR some civil servants and their dependants are left in misery.

 

 

Indeed, one’s increasing fear about the nature and texture of the future the current crop of Nigeria’s political leaders is bequeathing to our rudderless youths is predicated on the prevailing poverty and hunger in the land. Consider the scary scenario where instilling the Fear Factor on a hapless, hungry citizenry through well calculated punitive measures are meted out on the voices of courage and truth who dare criticize government’s policies? What do we make of the sudden swerve of defections, especially by some state governors who are afraid of being investigated for one case of corruption or the other all in the bid to hang on to political power come the next election? All these, in addition to the evils of vote trading- selling and buying -are antithetical to democratic norms

 

 

Our leaders should be worried about the moral lessons they are teaching our children, who have to grow up daily in hunger and misery, in a thorny, political jungle where might is right. What we need is the deployment of our best brains including eggheads on the economy to come up with pro-people policies with the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. We have abundant natural resources to get Nigerians out of the ignoble pit of poverty with the right leadership policies driving the economy. Not the time for the poor to tighten their belts to keep satisfying the insatiable political elite, as the RMAFC wants done with increased pay packages.

PSC TO MIGRATE TO PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (PMS) AS ARGUNGU DECLARES STAFF TRAINING OPEN, SAYS, APER IS OBSOLETE AND DEFECTIVE

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, today, Wednesday, 27th August 2025, declared open a two-day training programme for staff of the Commission on the newly introduced public service performance appraisal system.

 

This is on the heels of the Commission’s migration from the old system -Annual Performance Evaluation Reports, APER, to a more practical and efficient system -Performance Management System, PMC.

 

DIG Argungu said the previous evaluation system was obsolete and and grossly defective in the assessment of public servants. He noted that the new system will obviously eliminate these deficiencies which he said include deception in the assessment.

 

The PSC Chairman explained that the APER system of assessment in the Public Service is riddled with loopholes for manipulation which encourages favouritism and which he said had undermined competence and exelcellence in the Public Service.

 

He called on the PSC Staff attending the training programme to pay attention to details and ask questions where they need clarification adding that the Commission takes the training very serious and will not condone any report of laxity. He extended the Commission’s thanks to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for sending her staff to conduct the training programme.

 

DIG Argungu said the Commission will continue to strive to improve its work force and push for excellence in the day to day operations of its staff.

 

The Director, Human Resource Management of the Commission, Aminu Malumfashi in his welcome message said the old APER system of staff evaluation was limited in scope as it was majorly “focused on end of year reporting, paper based and had failed to capture the continuous contributions, challenges and Developmental needs of staff throughout the year “.

 

According to him ” the Performance Management System (PMS) on the other hand represents a transformational shift as it is not only an annual exercise but a continuous interactive process that engages supervisors and subordinates throughout the year.

 

Mr. Malumfashi said it emphasises a clear goal-setting, regular feedback, Performance tracking and documentation, capacity building and merit-based recognition and accountability”.

 

He said the purpose of the training is to equip the staff with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to understand and implement the Performance Management System in their daily work.

 

“PMS is not just a technical framework -it is a culture shift, it is about aligning individual Performance with organizational goals, ensuring fairness and transparency in evaluations and ultimately improving service delivery to the Nigerian people whom we serve” he explained.

 

Some of the topics for the programme are; Understanding MDAs Performance Management System (MPMS), Job Objectives Setting, Key Result Areas.(KRAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) and Dynamics of Cascading MDAs Deliverables to All levels of Accountability (Hands On).