OLADAPO SOFOWORA

A Chinese Philosopher, Lao Tzu said in one of his popular quotes; “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step”, this has become the truism since the swearing-in of Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite as Nigeria’s Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last year. Dr. Uzoka-Anite immediately hit the ground running in her quest to further put Nigeria on the map as an investment destination of choice for foreign and local investors by also igniting seamless trade activities with policies to drive the ease of doing business in Nigeria and expunging all possible bottlenecks affecting trade activities.

With much gusto and seriousness, She has achieved a remarkable turnaround with just barely a year in charge of the ministry with impeccable deliverables that have sparked the economy to a blistering and boisterous level. As an avid team player, owning to her background as commissioner for Finance in Imo State and a seasoned banker with Zenith Bank, she maintained a purposeful symbiotic relationship and collaboration with the staff of the ministry by creating an atmosphere that is purpose-driven and also result-oriented in line with President Tinubu’s mandate of reviving the economy through trade, job creation and expunging all bottlenecks mitigating against the growth of the nation’s trade and investment sector. When she came into office; she understudies all modes of operation while she also spoke to the staff on the need to key into her vision and mission in line with President Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda where Trade, Industry and Investment play a pivotal role in its actualization. She started with the supervision and management of multilateral trade and investment negotiations that will help attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country to help create employment and also ensure more forex inflow with the establishment of a Trade Intelligence Unit in synergy with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the Nigerian Customs Services, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace and the Central Bank of Nigeria. The TIU is providing all trade-related data and information in Nigeria by integrating big data and artificial intelligence. The Unit will use accumulated information to predict local and global economic trends, which will help Nigerian traders with invaluable insights to navigate potential global economic shocks and provide strategic guidance to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth.

With her unwavering passion, she is helping Nigeria transit from the over-reliance on revenue from Oil and Gas to other sources of income through trade of other commodities via the export of finished products, talent export and a host of others. Dr. Uzoka-Anite has also initiated several plans to grow Nigeria’s economy via food production, processing and agricultural industrialization, food export business and improvement in the farming sector; enhancing self-sufficiency in feeding the nation with what it grows and also reducing the burden of importation of food and beverages, saving Nigeria billions of dollars annually.

While attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India last year, the Honorable Minister fostered a strategic partnership between Nigeria and India thereby strengthening the age-long trade relationship between both countries which saw the actualization of Nigeria’s quest to improve its technological strength and also understudy policies which saw Indian government elevate a vast majority of its population from the poverty line.

Uzoka-Anite has studied the need for a total overhaul, upgrade and change in the mentality of Nigeria to ensure purchasing power with less liquidity as it is done in developed economies across the world. She developed the much-talked-about Consumer Credit system. The goal is to increase consumer credit uptake to enable a sustainable credit system in line with global best practices and enhance supporting infrastructure to boost credit facilitation. Funds have been earmarked from the 2024 Appropriation bill to begin the process of establishing a viable Consumer Credit system for Nigeria.

Uzoka-Anite created another policy and framework that will further set the country on the path of greatness with the Nigerian Trade Facilitation Committee’s relaunch to enhance the efficiency of Trade Facilitation and Liberalization. She strategically designed the merger of the TFL with the already existing Nigerian Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) to be streamlined and relaunched as the NTFC. The relaunch of NTFC will be nimbler and more strategic in achieving the overall objective of improving trade facilitation in Nigeria.
While still being applauded for this initiative; She integrated the Presidential Grant, Loan Scheme and Palliative Programme targeted to provide financial assistance to individuals and businesses due to the biting and dwindling economy. The Bank of Industry (BOI) has been charged with the administration and effective deployment of these funds, under the
auspices of the Ministry which is currently being disbursed and Nigerians in their large numbers have thanked the administration for the funds.

To increase the chances of Artisans and the informal sector service providers in Nigeria; Uzoka-Anite disclosed that it is necessary to ensure Artisans are given the required certification which will not only avail them the opportunity in Nigeria it will also open doors of opportunity for talent exchange programmes with countries Nigeria is in partnership with. She berthed the idea of licensing and certification of Artisans under the Skill-UP Artisans (SUPA) initiative with the Industrial Training Funds ITF to improve artisan skills through licensing and certification to meet industry standards, boosting quality and consumer trust with the aim of 10 Million job creation, overall economic growth and talent export opportunities under the National Talent Exchange Programme (NATEP) which she launched in New York, United States of America alongside the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) during the 78th edition of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

To fetch more revenue and development into the country, she has paid rapt attention to the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) strategic stakeholder engagement with high-level players in the Oil $ Gas sector. The initiative has enabled the realization of infrastructural development, job creation and foreign exchange inflows with secured investment commitments from APM Terminals, amounting to $112 million for a state-of-the-art facility and an additional $500 million over the next four years. This commitment is projected to create employment for 900,000 skilled and unskilled workers in Nigeria. The Minister also commissioned an in-depth review of the Free Trade Zones in Nigeria, to identify areas of improvement by considering the incentives applicable, the applicable Laws and proposed policy reforms required to stimulate and catalyze the economic benefits of the Free Trade Zones and the Special Economic Zones for the benefit of local and foreign investors. She also charged the Corporate Affairs Commission to open a window for the registration of 2 million businesses to help revive the economy which will result in the creation of approximately 50 million jobs. This ongoing scheme will ensure financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, and economic empowerment which will help encourage the export of commodities to attract forex into the economy. She moved for the establishment of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Connect service unit of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council that is responsible for promoting non-oil export in Nigeria, the Council is charged with the strategic mandate to engage and connect exporters with solutions to their export challenges. The Unit is bridging the gap between the Council and non-oil exporters.

Knowing and acknowledging the commitment of diasporas to the economy, Uzoka Anite has also advocated for their inclusion in policymaking and also wooed them to ensure constant remittance that will help stimulate the growth of the Nigerian economy. To help achieve her plans, she created a Diaspora Fund scheme that will help increase forex inflow, leverage diaspora expertise and technology, and eliminate trade barriers to attract foreign investments. She also designed and developed the establishment of a Diaspora Fund which seeks to harness the skills and resources of the Nigerian diaspora for national advancement to unlock the economic potential of the Nigerian diasporas, fostering a conducive business environment and contributing to the country in collaboration with the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

To ensure industrialization in the country, she received a commitment from investors to Establish a State-Of-The-Art Lead Battery Recycling Plant by Til Group and Oztugrul. The investment plays a pivotal role in various industries, including automotive, telecommunications, and renewable energy. However, the proper disposal and recycling of lead batteries are crucial for environmental sustainability and public health.

To further strengthen partnerships with other countries to show that Nigeria is serious about opening its arm for more investment; Uzoka-Anite showed her negotiating power by leveraging on already established relationships by building new ones. She has attended Bilateral engagements that will in the long run be beneficial to Nigeria. Her Participation in the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit 2023 reiterates Nigeria’s commitment to encourage and expand trade with Her commonwealth partners and dismantle all barriers to trade and investments through substantial reforms. This platform also provided an opportunity for a productive bilateral meeting with the Secretary of State for the Department of Business and Trade – Honourable Kemi Badenoch, which accelerated concrete negotiations on the conclusion and execution of the Enhanced Trade in Partnership between both Nations. The Establishment of a Saudi – Nigeria Business Council, Proposed establishment of Abu Dhabi – Nigeria Economic Council, Proposed establishment of an Emirati – Nigeria Business Council, Advanced Stages of Partnership Discussions on Talent – Export Program with Germany, Preliminary Stages of Partnership Discussions on a Talent – Export Program with UAE, Revitalization of the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade and Investment (JMACITI), Technical Partnership with Bosch and the German Association of Automotive Industry and a host of others in the pipeline will favour Nigeria and help put us on a high pedestal as a nation fast developing through strategic partnership and massive industrialization.

To show solidarity with local manufacturers and stakeholders; Uzoka-Anite kick-started 2024 with a factory tour to identify and seek to address challenges facing local manufacturers in a bid to foster a stronger manufacturing economy. Following the successful factory tour to The Nigerian Bottling Company, Unilever, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Dangote Sugar Refinery, BUA Sugar Refinery, Foods and Golden Sugar Ltd, MRS, Flour Mill, Gerewa oil Mill and a host of others, there is general optimism about the Nigerian Industrial market: the manufacturers forecast continued growth of their businesses and have made investment plans to support this growth. This also led to the establishment of the quarterly Town Hall with Indigenous Private Equity and Asset Management Firms meeting which brings together reputable private equity and asset management firms in Nigeria to build a public-private partnership towards boosting investment in Nigeria, with a key focus on harnessing both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and local market opportunities. This also ignited the Saudi Business Round Table to foster a deeper understanding of Nigeria, assuring counterparts and investors of Nigeria’s readiness and support. Saudi Arabia has in turn pledged $10 billion in export finance to Africa by 2030 through the Saudi Exim Banks. An agreement between Saudi Exim Bank and Nexim Bank was also reached
to establish a fund promoting trade between the two countries. She also ensured a Trade Facilitation Stakeholder Engagement, Engagement on Consumer Credit, Engagement with the Creative Industry, Engagement on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Revival, Engagement on Commodities Exchange and a host of others.

Dr Uzoka’s open-door policy and also paying rapt attention to the plights of stakeholders by proffering solutions to the challenges faced by investors or prospective investors to help promote economic boom and poverty reduction has gathered her great applause. She is also a strong advocate for cross-ministry partnership among other sister ministries which will further create a more functional and robust partnership in bringing the renewed hope mandate into full realization. Despite achieving a lot within her short stay in office, she is still working assiduously round the clock to achieve a long-term goal by creating more jobs, giving all necessary paperwork and supervising all agencies that will set in motion all plans to rejig the country’s economy. As they say that; the reward for a job well done is more job, Uzoka-Anite is ready to put in more commitment and also work hard to assist the President in bringing the dividend of democracy to Nigerians.

By: Dr kayode OLAGUNJU, mni

I am not a regular visitor to the court. No, understandably, as I am not a lawyer and I have no criminal records and have no personal issues necessitating my being at the court, either as a plaintiff or witness. My memories of courts dated to the late ninety eighties as one of the pioneers of the Federal Road Safety Corps. We were made to prosecute some “stubborn” traffic offenders that drove dangerously or attacked our men. Then, we had very few lawyers in the system. Not a single one available in our command then. My first appearance as a witness was disappointing. I had appeared believing we had no issue with what we considered a straight case. We had arrested a lawyer on the Benin-Asaba road, for dangerous overtaking of another vehicle, approaching a hill top, also on a bend. I remember it was at Okhuae hill. The road was not dualized then. As a single carriageway and very narrow, dangerous overtaking could attract fatal consequences. In fact, in one particular case, at Issele-Uku, on the same road around the period, the families had to bring caskets to pack the mingled bodies of casualties when the two vehicles involved were completely wrecked and bodies mixed with metal scraps. They came with a priest to pray for the souls of the departed and decided immediate burials. We recorded the scenes and the video formed parts of our public enlightenment materials to shock road users and deter them from engaging in traffic infractions. That memory lingers.

The booked lawyer had no driver licence and vehicle papers, hence we had to impound his vehicle. He refused to pay his fines. He did not waive his right to court trial by conveniently paying his fines if he believed he was guilty. So we had to prosecute him. In fact, it was our very first case in Benin Zone then comprising of the then Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states), Ondo (now Ondo and Ekiti states) and Enugu State (now Enugu and Anambra states). I was like the face of the Corps in the Zone as the Head of Public Enlightenment Office and Spokesman. I had a weekly program on the state television where I educated the publics on road safety. I was a young officer, bubbling with confidence. However, that confidence departed me that my first day in the court.

We had series of rehearsals with our then head of operations Oga Fawole as the prosecutor under the guidance of our cerebral Zonal Commander, Engr. Adegboyega Coker. Then came the day. I was put in the witness box, lacking confidence but determined to say only the truth and nothing but the truth in line with the oath I had just taken. We did not even put the non possession of driver licence and vehicle documents on the charge sheet. Honestly, I can’t remember what led to the omission. We had only one count of dangerous overtaking attracting two hundred naira fines or maximum six months imprisonment or both as may be determined by the Magistrate, as prescribed by the Federal Road Safety Commission Establishment Decree 45 of 1988.

The lawyer surprisingly did not argue on the overtaking but that he was arrested not on a federal highway as restricted by our decree. I had gained a bit of confidence and shouted that but everybody knew that Benin -Asaba was a federal highway. I was cautioned by the Magistrate. The man claimed he was arrested on a side road and that even there was nothing to prove that the Benin -Asaba road was a federal road. I became annoyed and really angered. I shouted again, “which side road” to which the Magistrate gave me a last warning. Then the Magistrate ruled that we could not establish that the offender was arrested on a federal highway and directed unconditional release of the vehicle. That was a technical knock out. Haaaaa, haba ! I was so disappointed as I felt the Magistrate must have known the lawyer or he just decided the case like that because they were both in legal profession. My hate for the courts was cultivated immediately. I did not want to know whether we handled the case professionally or not or if lawyers serving as prosecutors would have known and act better. I just felt the Magistrate just told the whole world he saw red cloth when it was obvious we waived white, which was quite obvious and easy to  be seen by all. I now understand why people spend years to become lawyers. I really hated the Courts. That case was part of the reasons, apart from high incidences of crashes on the state roads, messing up our efforts on Federal roads, that the FRSC sought for the amendment of decree 45 to expressly permit the Corps to cover all public roads then. That was granted in Decree 35 of 1992. When the FRSC and the states designed the mobile court system where in many cases, the magistrates practically witnessed the infraction, I became more comfortable. However, since that day in the late eighties, until about three months ago, I did not enter any court room again. I only watched them doing their things on television.

In the last 3 months I had been at the FCT High Courts about four times to witness the court processes involving a mentor. I never felt comfortable each time I came to the court. It is always a case of free entry and departure and that you could bring in anything, especially concealed in bags. Unlike, in cases of some high profile individuals, as witnessed on television, where roads are cordoned off, with high presence of security operatives, fully armed and in fearful security gears, quizzing and searching everyone and everywhere, if you like add everything, it is a porous and insecure situation on regular days.

The only policeman in the court is the Judge orderly with just one pistol. He serves more as a file carrier than providing security. Sometimes, you see two or three officers of the Correctional services lightly armed escorting some accused from prisons. They have their eyes only on their principals. You sit down with someone you don’t know with a bag under your seat that you are not sure of the content. What if he has explosives in the bag that he put under you? You don’t know his mission. You don’t know what he is thinking. In front of you are scores of lawyers including some senior advocates with their wigs backing people they don’t know and not aware of the risks they bear.

The Judge is there sitting on a raised platform taking notes in long hand asking the witnesses to repeat the last statement or spell a name or word. He keeps repeating, slow down I am writing. I am not a computer. Yes, why not do it with computers or speech recorder which can immediately transcribe the speeches. Yes, tonation or dialects could affect transcribing, but editing could help sort out the problem later. You can imagine the time that goes into the judge putting down statements with lawyers spending hours to put their facts or whatever across. No wonder cases sometimes take years to determine. I thought we had gone beyond this. In the midst of this, people walk in and out of the courts bringing all sort of things without any screening.

I kept asking, what if someone who had served his term or an accomplice decide to take a revenge on the Judge and come to the court to strike? How will the nation react to the kidnap of a sitting Judge? Is it the orderly who is more interested in funny narrations of the events leading to a plaintiff or witness coming to court that will resist such a spontaneous or sporadic account? What will he be able to do with that his single pistol that may not be in a ready position? The arm may not even be on his body as complacency could have set in, as he had never had such an experience, so he has a positive perception of safety. Does he have adequate ammunition? Even if he does, what are the chances of a person with hand gun confronting assault rifle bearing assailants? What if the attackers decide to wipe out all of us in the court? Nigerians will say “God forbids”. You see, why I don’t ever get comfortable being in such an unsecured environment

I am sure if such unfortunate incident happens, the nation will mourn. There will be a statement from the Villa, condemning the action and directing security agencies to immediately fish out the killers. Government will set up different committees to unravel the causes and offer recommendations to prevent such in the future. Condemnation will be loud from the National Judicial Council, Body of Benchers, Nigeria Bar Association. The National Assembly will hold special sessions while those in charge of security will run helter skelter. There will be shedding of crocodile tears as the families and the nation mourn. After some time, we forget and move on, as a nation. Must we wait until that imagined but possible disasters happen? No.

Is it that there is nothing that can be done to protect our courts? So much can be done, starting with the deployment of technology. Learnt that most of our correctional centers do not have Close-circuit television camera, thus making jail break easy! So how can the CCTV be considered necessary in the courts or of any priority ? No scanners anywhere at the court. Even your vehicles parked in the court premises are at the owners risk. Some of the cars could be ladened with explosives. The “uniformed security men” in the court premises are only there to open gates and ensure you park well the vehicle. Nothing on security screening. No profiling! How can that be? We should be more serious as a nation. Scanners even if it is just hand held, should be at the gate. Simple mirror screening of the vehicles will definitely be of help. The security men should be trained and equipped enough to detect and wade off crimes at that level since we don’t have enough policemen to adequately protect all our courts. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps comes into mind here.

Devices should also be deployed to record and transcribe court proceedings . That will reduce time spent on taking notes in long hands as well as reduce the time spent in courts. It will enhance justice delivery without delays. There are so many gadgets and devices that could aid security in our courts. The security experts should come up with the road map and implementable agenda on securing our courts. The governments at Federal and State levels should approach the Assemblies to make adequate and proper budget provisions for securing our courts.

I will conclude this piece with a story of one of our oga, now late Dahiru Kano, then a Deputy Corps Marshal told me several years ago. He did not tell me the source and since I have not been able to link the story to any other source, I am ascribing it to this our highly intelligent, funny and charismatic senior officer. Dairu Kano revealed there was a Prime Minister who was visiting Ministries and Departments in his government. He got to the Ministry of Education and they came with all sort of requests. He told his Personal Assistant, to note the requests. He went to the Ministry of Agriculture, some requests again, the Honorable Prime Minister called for noting. He went to about ten other Ministries and he kept telling the PA and officials to note. When he got to the Prison service, they came with long lists of requests and the PM immediately approved all the requests and directed immediate release of funds. The PA and other officials were surprised . When they got back to the office, the PA approached the PM and asked him, “Your Excellency, you asked us to note all the requests from all the Ministries and Departments but getting to Prisons, you promptly approved all the requests. Why this sir?” The PM replied “I already have the formal education I required, I am too old to farm and don’t intend to do any new business and several other engagements, but you see that prison, we can go back there tomorrow morning”. Do I need to add any other thing here apart from calling on those who can make our courts and prisons safer and more comfortable to act now. Nobody knows who could be involved tomorrow. Remember every living person is a potential person living with disability, that is if we are lucky to be alive. We should not wait for any disaster to happen before we respond, then we will be reacting. Dangers may be looming. A stitch in time saves nine. I rest my case.

Dr Kayode OLAGUNJU, mni is a retired Deputy Corps Marshal

DCM Kayode OLAGUNJU, rtd, PhD, FCILT, FCAI, FISPON, mni

Deputy Corps Marshal, rtd

Mobile:08033069090, ‪08156009090‬

email:olufigaro2002@yahoo.com

Safer Roads Fuller Lives

By Bolaji Israel 

December is a month filled with joy, celebration, and reunions. It is a time when families come together, friends reconnect, and the spirit of giving and love is in the air. 
In Nigeria, December holds a special place in the hearts of its people, and FirstBank, the country’s
premier and leading financial institution, understands the significance of this festive season. With its annual campaign, December Issa Vybe," FirstBank aims to reinforce its relentless support for family fun time, creative industry, entertainment, and nation-building.

The annual; December Issa Vybe" program remains a remarkable and enduring testament to FirstBank, commitment to promoting family bonding, creative arts, entertainment, and the overall development of
Nigeria. It seeks to create an enthralling and memorable experience for customers in the Yuletide
season as they bond with family and friends, whilst connecting with their favourite superstars.
This campaign, which runs for about two to three months towards the end of the year, features the
bank's sponsorship of premium entertainment events such as shows, plays, operas, musicals, concerts, and dramas – all centred around the Yuletide season.
Through the annual FirstBankIssaVybe campaign, FirstBank sponsors an array of the hottest and coolest
entertainment platforms across music, fashion, and arts during December, with massive
ticket giveaways to premium events.
The campaign which started in 2018 is already generating ripples across the cities with Nigerians across
ages anticipating the new trick FirstBank will pull out from the hat this year.
One of the highlights of the annual campaign is the provision of free tickets to Nigerians, allowing them
to enjoy these high-profile events without any financial burden.
Nigerians who are affected by the dire impact of the harsh economic situation of the country can also
breathe a sigh of relief and blow some steam in December courtesy of FirstBank.
Over the years, FirstBank has consistently supported and sponsored annual festive period concerts
featuring Africa's biggest music super stars. Artists like Kizz Daniel, Davido, Burna Boy, Asake and
numerous others have graced these events, creating unforgettable experiences for music enthusiasts.

As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, FirstBank rewards its loyal customers by offering
them free premium tickets to these A-list entertainers' events. This gesture not only showcases the
bank's appreciation for its customers but also allows them to enjoy world-class entertainment alongside
their favourite artists.

The ‘December Issa Vybe’; campaign also embraces the theme of homecoming. Nigerians living in the
diaspora who take joy in visiting their home country during the festive season and spending quality time
with their families and friends are an integral part of this initiative.

Through the move, FirstBank approaching its 130th year aims to create opportunities for family reunions
and bonding, particularly for those returning from the diaspora. The bank recognizes the importance of
fostering strong family ties and believes that great entertainment plays a vital role in bringing families
together.
The financial giant recognises the emotional significance of homecoming and seeks to make it an
unforgettable experience for these individuals. Through various activities, events, and promotions, the
bank ensures that Nigerians in the diaspora feel connected to their roots and can create lasting
memories during their time in the country.

Looking ahead to the 2023 edition of ; December Issa Vybe," FirstBank promises an even more awesome
experience for everyone involved. The bank is committed to continually improving and exceeding
expectations, ensuring that Nigerians have something truly spectacular to look forward to.
From the foregoing, FirstBank’s December Issa Vybe" campaign remains a resounding testament to the
bank's unwavering support for family, entertainment, and nation-building. By sponsoring premium
entertainment events, providing free tickets, and embracing the homecoming theme, FirstBank aims
to create memorable experiences for Nigerians during the Yuletide season.
As Nigerians eagerly anticipate the 2023 edition, FirstBank commitment to delivering an extraordinary
experience signals a clear indication of dedication to enhancing the well-being and happiness of
customers. So, Nigerians should get ready for an unforgettable December filled with joy, entertainment,
and the spirit of togetherness powered by FirstBank.
In conclusion, more details about the upcoming campaign will soon emerge on social media, keeping the
public informed and engaged.

The FirstBank #DecemberIssaVybe and #FirstBankIssaVybe giveaway fest is again ready to reward old,
new and potential customers with tickets to premium events around Lagos.

And yes, to attend these events, just follow FirstBank on any of its social media pages – Facebook: First
Bank of Nigeria Limited, Instagram: @firstbanknigeria, and Twitter: @firstbankngr – lookout for the
posts announcing the giveaway and follow instructions to experience maximum party #vybes this
season.